1
|
García-López L, Zamora-Vélez A, Vargas-Montes M, Sanchez-Arcila JC, Fasquelle F, Betbeder D, Gómez-Marín JE. Human T-cell activation with Toxoplasma gondii antigens loaded in maltodextrin nanoparticles. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302486. [PMID: 38724195 PMCID: PMC11082450 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is the most prevalent parasitic zoonosis worldwide, causing ocular and neurological diseases. No vaccine has been approved for human use. We evaluated the response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to a novel construct of Toxoplasma gondii total antigen in maltodextrin nanoparticles (NP/TE) in individuals with varying infectious statuses (uninfected, chronic asymptomatic, or ocular toxoplasmosis). We analyzed the concentration of IFN-γ after NP/TE ex vivo stimulation using ELISA and the immunophenotypes of CD4+ and CD8+ cell populations using flow cytometry. In addition, serotyping of individuals with toxoplasmosis was performed by ELISA using GRA6-derived polypeptides. Low doses of NP/TE stimulation (0.9 μg NP/0.3 μg TE) achieved IFN-γ-specific production in previously exposed human PBMCs without significant differences in the infecting serotype. Increased IFN-γ expression in CD4+ effector memory cell subsets was found in patients with ocular toxoplasmosis with NP/TE but not with TE alone. This is the first study to show how T-cell subsets respond to ex vivo stimulation with a vaccine candidate for human toxoplasmosis, providing crucial insights for future clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura García-López
- https://ror.org/01358s213 GEPAMOL Group, Center for Biomedical Research CIBM, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Merced, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Alejandro Zamora-Vélez
- https://ror.org/01358s213 GEPAMOL Group, Center for Biomedical Research CIBM, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - Mónica Vargas-Montes
- https://ror.org/01358s213 GEPAMOL Group, Center for Biomedical Research CIBM, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | | | | | | | - Jorge Enrique Gómez-Marín
- https://ror.org/01358s213 GEPAMOL Group, Center for Biomedical Research CIBM, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hasan T, Shimoda N, Nakamura S, Fox BA, Bzik DJ, Ushio-Watanabe N, Nishikawa Y. Protective efficacy of recombinant Toxoplasma gondii dense granule protein 15 against toxoplasmosis in C57BL/6 mice. Vaccine 2024; 42:2299-2309. [PMID: 38429153 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.02.062] [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: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a pervasive protozoan parasite that is responsible for significant zoonoses. A wide array of vaccines using different effector molecules of T. gondii have been studied worldwide to control toxoplasmosis. None of the existing vaccines are sufficiently effective to confer protective immunity. Among the different Toxoplasma-derived effector molecules, T. gondii dense granule protein 15 from the type II strain (GRA15 (II)) was recently characterized as an immunomodulatory molecule that induced host immunity via NF-κB. Therefore, we assessed the immunostimulatory and protective efficacy of recombinant GRA15 (II) (rGRA15) against T. gondii infection in a C57BL/6 mouse model. We observed that rGRA15 treatment increased the production of IL-12p40 from mouse peritoneal macrophages in vitro. Immunization of mice with rGRA15 induced the production of anti-TgGRA15-specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2c antibodies. The rGRA15-sensitized spleen cells from mice inoculated with the same antigen strongly promoted spleen cell proliferation and IFN-γ production. Immunization with rGRA15 significantly enhanced the survival rate of mice and dramatically decreased parasite burden in mice challenged with the Pru (type II) strain. These results suggested that rGRA15 triggered humoral and cellular immune responses to control infection. However, all of the immunized mice died when challenged with the GRA15-deficient Pru strain or the RH (type I) strain. These results suggest that GRA15 (II)-dependent immunity plays a crucial role in protection against challenge infection with the type II strain of T. gondii. This study is the first report to show GRA15 (II) as a recombinant vaccine antigen against Toxoplasma infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanjila Hasan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; Department of Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Khulshi 4225, Chattogram, Bangladesh.
| | - Naomi Shimoda
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
| | - Shu Nakamura
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Barbara A Fox
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA.
| | - David J Bzik
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA.
| | - Nanako Ushio-Watanabe
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Imhof D, Hänggeli KPA, De Sousa MCF, Vigneswaran A, Hofmann L, Amdouni Y, Boubaker G, Müller J, Hemphill A. Working towards the development of vaccines and chemotherapeutics against neosporosis-With all of its ups and downs-Looking ahead. ADVANCES IN PARASITOLOGY 2024; 124:91-154. [PMID: 38754928 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apar.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan and obligatory intracellular parasite, which is the leading cause of reproductive failure in cattle and affects other farm and domestic animals, but also induces neuromuscular disease in dogs of all ages. In cattle, neosporosis is an important health problem, and has a considerable economic impact. To date there is no protective vaccine or chemotherapeutic treatment on the market. Immuno-prophylaxis has long been considered as the best control measure. Proteins involved in host cell interaction and invasion, as well as antigens mediating inflammatory responses have been the most frequently assessed vaccine targets. However, despite considerable efforts no effective vaccine has been introduced to the market to date. The development of effective compounds to limit the effects of vertical transmission of N. caninum tachyzoites has emerged as an alternative or addition to vaccination, provided suitable targets and safe and efficacious drugs can be identified. Additionally, the combination of both treatment strategies might be interesting to further increase protectivity against N. caninum infections and to decrease the duration of treatment and the risk of potential drug resistance. Well-established and standardized animal infection models are key factors for the evaluation of promising vaccine and compound candidates. The vast majority of experimental animal experiments concerning neosporosis have been performed in mice, although in recent years the numbers of experimental studies in cattle and sheep have increased. In this review, we discuss the recent findings concerning the progress in drug and vaccine development against N. caninum infections in mice and ruminants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Imhof
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Kai Pascal Alexander Hänggeli
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Maria Cristina Ferreira De Sousa
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anitha Vigneswaran
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Larissa Hofmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yosra Amdouni
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ghalia Boubaker
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Joachim Müller
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew Hemphill
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang HS, Cao H, Li CX, Zhang ZW, Wang M, Zhu XQ, Zheng XN. Immunization with Live-Attenuated RHΔ had2a Strain Confers Partial Protective Immunity against Acute and Chronic Infection of Toxoplasma gondii in Mice. Pathogens 2024; 13:121. [PMID: 38392859 PMCID: PMC10892008 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13020121] [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: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonosis of human and animal health significance. Current chemical therapeutics have side effects, and no commercially available vaccine is licensed for the prevention of toxoplasmosis in humans and most animals. Developing a safe and effective vaccine with long-term protection against T. gondii infection is necessary to control toxoplasmosis. HAD2a is a key member of the haloacid dehalogenase (HAD) phosphatase family, which is essential for T. gondii daughter budding. However, the role of HAD2a in T. gondii virulence remains unknown. In this study, we successfully constructed the had2a gene knockout strain in the T. gondii-type I RH strain (RHΔhad2a) and determined its role in virulence and vaccination. These results demonstrate that HAD2a played an important role in parasite daughter budding and in vitro replication. Knockout of the had2a gene attenuated the virulence of the T. gondii-type I RH strain. Vaccination with RHΔhad2a tachyzoites induced a Th1-biased immune response, provided partial protection against acute T. gondii infection in mice by highly virulent tachyzoites of RH and PYS (ToxoDB#9, Chinese I) strains, and conferred strong protection against challenge infection by cysts and oocysts of the less virulent type II Pru strain. These results demonstrate that T. gondii had2a is important for its in vitro proliferation and virulence in mice and that RHΔhad2a may be used as a candidate strain to generate a multiple gene knockout live-attenuated strain or be collaboratively applied with other live-attenuated strains to confer more effective protection against T. gondii infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Sheng Zhang
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (H.-S.Z.); (H.C.); (C.-X.L.)
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China; (Z.-W.Z.); (M.W.)
| | - Hui Cao
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (H.-S.Z.); (H.C.); (C.-X.L.)
| | - Chen-Xu Li
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (H.-S.Z.); (H.C.); (C.-X.L.)
| | - Zhi-Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China; (Z.-W.Z.); (M.W.)
| | - Meng Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China; (Z.-W.Z.); (M.W.)
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (H.-S.Z.); (H.C.); (C.-X.L.)
| | - Xiao-Nan Zheng
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030801, China; (H.-S.Z.); (H.C.); (C.-X.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang Y, Li S, Chu H, Li J, Lu S, Zheng B. A novel mRNA vaccine, TGGT1_278620 mRNA-LNP, prolongs the survival time in BALB/c mice with acute toxoplasmosis. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0286623. [PMID: 38038457 PMCID: PMC10783036 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02866-23] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular eukaryotic parasite, can infect about one-third of the world's population. One vaccine, Toxovax, has been developed and licensed commercially; however, it is only used in the sheep industry to reduce the losses caused by congenital toxoplasmosis. Various other vaccine approaches have been explored, including excretory secretion antigen vaccines, subunit vaccines, epitope vaccines, and DNA vaccines. However, current research has not yet developed a safe and effective vaccine for T. gondii. Here, we generated an mRNA vaccine candidate against T. gondii. We investigated the efficacy of vaccination with a novel identified candidate, TGGT1_278620, in a mouse infection model. We screened T. gondii-derived protective antigens at the genome-wide level, combined them with mRNA-lipid nanoparticle vaccine technology against T. gondii, and investigated immune-related factors and mechanisms. Our findings might contribute to developing vaccines for immunizing humans and animals against T. gondii.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yizhuo Zhang
- Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shiyu Li
- Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongkun Chu
- Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Li
- Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shaohong Lu
- Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bin Zheng
- Laboratory of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tawfeek GM, Abou-El-Naga IF, Hassan EME, Sabry D, Meselhey RA, Younis SS. Protective efficacy of Toxoplasma gondii infected cells-derived exosomes against chronic murine toxoplasmosis. Acta Trop 2023; 248:107041. [PMID: 37858877 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107041] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Exosomes were isolated from T. gondii infected human hepatoblastoma cells using the exosome isolation kit and characterized by electron microscopy and Western blotting. Exosomes adsorbed to alum adjuvant were evaluated as a potential immunizing agent against murine chronic toxoplasmosis compared to excretory secretory antigens (ESA)-alum. Mice were immunized at days 1, 15 and 29. The levels of IgG, IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were determined using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (sandwich ELISA) at days 14, 28 and 56 of the experiment. Then mice were infected orally with 10 cysts of T. gondii. The protective efficacy of the antigens were evaluated by counting the brain cysts and measuring the aforementioned humoral and cellular parameters 60 days post infection. The results showed that alum increased the protective efficacy of the exosomes. Immunization with exosome-alum induced both humoral and mixed Th1/Th2 cellular immune responses. Exosome-alum gave higher levels of the humoral and cellular parameters, compared to ESA-alum. After challenge infection, exosome-alum significantly reduced the brain cyst burden by 75 % while ESA-alum gave 42 % reduction and evoked higher humoral and cellular immune responses. Therefore, the possibility of using T. gondii infected cells-derived exosome-alum as a vaccine is a new perspective in toxoplasmosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gihan M Tawfeek
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Iman F Abou-El-Naga
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | | | - Dina Sabry
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Badr University in Cairo, Egypt; Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | | | - Salwa Sami Younis
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Li X, Yuan W, He T, Guo R, Du X, He Y, Li X, El-Ashram S, Al-Olayan EM, Yang N, Sang X. Boosting Mouse Defense against Lethal Toxoplasma gondii Infection with Full-Length and Soluble SAG1 Recombinant Protein. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1678. [PMID: 38006011 PMCID: PMC10675489 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11111678] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a major worldwide protozoan zoonosis. The surface antigen 1 (SAG1) of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) has always been recognized as an ideal vaccine candidate antigen. However, the intact and soluble SAG1 protein is usually difficult to acquire in vitro, which is unfavorable for employing the recombinant protein as a vaccine candidate antigen. In the present study, we obtained the full-length SAG1 recombinant protein in soluble form by Escherichia coli Transetta (DE3) cells under optimized expression conditions. The immunogenicity and protective ability of this recombinant protein against T. gondii acute infection were evaluated in a mouse model. Monitoring changes in serum antibody levels and types, the presence of cytokines, and the rate of lymphocyte proliferation in vaccinated mice were used to assess humoral and cellular immune responses. Additional assessments were performed to determine the protective potency of the recombinant protein in combating T. gondii RH tachyzoites. It was found that the titers of both IgG2a and IgG2b were considerably greater in the immunized mice compared to the titers of IgG1 and IgG3. The levels of Th1-type cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-12p70, IL-2, and TNF-α) and Th2-type cytokines (IL-10) significantly increased when splenocytes from immunological group mice were treated with T. gondii lysate antigen. Compared to the control group, a recombinant protein substantially increased the longevity of infected mice, with an average death time prolonged by 14.50 ± 0.34 days (p < 0.0001). These findings suggest that the full-length and soluble SAG1 recombinant protein produced potent immune responses in mice and could be a preferred subunit vaccine candidate for T. gondii, offering a feasible option for vaccination against acute toxoplasmosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Shenyang Agricultural University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110866, China; (X.L.); (W.Y.); (T.H.); (R.G.); (X.D.); (Y.H.); (X.L.)
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Shenyang Agricultural University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110866, China; (X.L.); (W.Y.); (T.H.); (R.G.); (X.D.); (Y.H.); (X.L.)
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Ting He
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Shenyang Agricultural University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110866, China; (X.L.); (W.Y.); (T.H.); (R.G.); (X.D.); (Y.H.); (X.L.)
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Ruiying Guo
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Shenyang Agricultural University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110866, China; (X.L.); (W.Y.); (T.H.); (R.G.); (X.D.); (Y.H.); (X.L.)
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Xiuxian Du
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Shenyang Agricultural University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110866, China; (X.L.); (W.Y.); (T.H.); (R.G.); (X.D.); (Y.H.); (X.L.)
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Yanhong He
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Shenyang Agricultural University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110866, China; (X.L.); (W.Y.); (T.H.); (R.G.); (X.D.); (Y.H.); (X.L.)
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Xuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Shenyang Agricultural University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110866, China; (X.L.); (W.Y.); (T.H.); (R.G.); (X.D.); (Y.H.); (X.L.)
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Saeed El-Ashram
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh 33516, Egypt;
| | - Ebtesam M. Al-Olayan
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Na Yang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Shenyang Agricultural University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110866, China; (X.L.); (W.Y.); (T.H.); (R.G.); (X.D.); (Y.H.); (X.L.)
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| | - Xiaoyu Sang
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Infectious Diseases, Shenyang Agricultural University, Ministry of Education, Shenyang 110866, China; (X.L.); (W.Y.); (T.H.); (R.G.); (X.D.); (Y.H.); (X.L.)
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Shi Y, Li J, Yang W, Chen J. Protective immunity induced by DNA vaccine containing Tg GRA35, Tg GRA42, and Tg GRA43 against Toxoplasma gondii infection in Kunming mice. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1236130. [PMID: 38029261 PMCID: PMC10644269 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1236130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii can cause congenital infection and abortion in humans and warm-blooded animals. T. gondii dense granule proteins, GRA35, GRA42, and GRA43, play a critical role in the establishment of chronic infection. However, their potential to induce protective immunity against T. gondii infection remains unexplored. Objective This study aimed to test the efficacy of a DNA vaccine encompassing GRA35, GRA42, and GRA43 in inducing protective immunity against the highly virulent T. gondii RH strain (type I) and the brain cyst-forming PRU strain (type II). Methods The eukaryotic plasmids pVAX-GRA35, pVAX-GRA42, and pVAX-GRA43 were constructed and formulated into two- or three-gene cocktail DNA vaccines. The indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) was used to analyze their expression and immunogenicity. Mice were immunized with a single-gene, two-genes, or multicomponent eukaryotic plasmid, intramuscularly. We assessed antibody levels, cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) responses, cytokines, and lymphocyte surface markers by using flow cytometry. Additionally, mouse survival and cyst numbers in the brain of mice challenged 1 to 2 months postvaccination were determined. Results Specific humoral and cellular immune responses were elicited in mice immunized with single-, two-, or three-gene cocktail DNA vaccine, as indicated by significant increases in serum antibody concentrations of total IgG, IgG2a/IgG1 ratio, cytokine levels (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12, IL-4, and IL-10), lymphocyte proliferation, lymphocyte populations (CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes), CTL activities, and survival, as well as decreased brain cysts, in comparison with control mice. Moreover, compared with pVAX-GRA35 + pVAX-GRA42, pVAX-GRA42 + pVAX-GRA43, or pVAX-GRA35 + pVAX-GRA43, multicomponent DNA vaccine with three genes (pVAX-GRA35 + pVAX-GRA42 + pVAX-GRA43) induced the higher humoral and cellular immune responses, including serum antibody concentrations, cytokine levels, lymphocyte proliferation, lymphocyte populations, CTL activities and survival, resulting in prolonged survival time and reduced brain cyst loads. Furthermore, mice immunized with pVAX-GRA35 + pVAX-GRA42, pVAX-GRA42 + pVAX-GRA43, or pVAX-GRA35 + pVAX-GRA43 showed greater Th1 immune responses and protective efficacy than the single-gene-vaccinated groups. Conclusion These results demonstrate that TgGRA35, TgGRA42, or TgGRA43 are vaccine candidates against T. gondii infection, and the three-gene DNA vaccine cocktail conferred the strongest protection against T. gondii infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youbo Shi
- The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Jianbing Li
- The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Weili Yang
- The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Jia Chen
- The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
de Couvreur LA, Cobo MJ, Kennedy PJ, Ellis JT. Bibliometric analysis of parasite vaccine research from 1990 to 2019. Vaccine 2023; 41:6468-6477. [PMID: 37777454 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.09.035] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Bibliometric and bibliographic analyses are popular tools for investigating publication metrics and thematic transitions in an expanding codex of biomedical literature. Bibliometric techniques have been employed in parasitology and vaccinology, with only a few malaria-specific literature analyses being reported specifically on parasite vaccines. The pursuit of parasite prophylactics is an important, global endeavour both medically and economically. As such, a comprehensive understanding of the research topics would be a valuable tool in assessing the current status and future directions of parasite vaccine development. Consequently, this study investigated parasite vaccinology from 1990 to 2019 by analysing literature exported from the Web of Science and Dimensions databases using two, commonly used, bibliometric programs: SciMAT and VOSviewer. The results of this study show the common, emerging, and transient themes within the discipline, and where the future lies as vaccine development moves further into the age of omics and informatics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L A de Couvreur
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW, Australia.
| | - M J Cobo
- Department of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, Andalusian Research Institute in Data Science and Computational Intelligence (DaSCI), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - P J Kennedy
- School of Software, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology and the Australian Artificial Intelligence Institute, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW, Australia
| | - J T Ellis
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Guo Q, Guo X, Ji N, Shen B, Zhong X, Xiao L, Feng Y, Xia N. Role of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase enzyme 1 in growth and virulence of Toxoplasma gondii and development of attenuated live vaccine. Microb Biotechnol 2023; 16:1957-1970. [PMID: 37556171 PMCID: PMC10527188 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous pathogen that infects all warm-blooded animals, including humans, causing substantial socioeconomic and healthcare burdens. However, there is no ideal vaccine for toxoplasmosis. As metabolism is important in the growth and virulence of Toxoplasma, some key pathways are promising antiparasitic targets. Here, we identified 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase 1 (Tg6PGDH1) in the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway as a cytoplasmic protein that is dispensable for tachyzoite growth of T. gondii in vitro but critical for virulence and cyst formation in vivo. The depletion of Tg6PGDH1 causes decreased gene transcription involved in signal transduction, transcriptional regulation and virulence. Furthermore, we analysed the protective effect of the ME49Δ6pgdh1 mutant as an attenuated vaccine and found that ME49Δ6pgdh1 immunization stimulated strong protective immunity against lethal challenges and blocked cyst formation caused by reinfection. Furthermore, we showed that ME49Δ6pgdh1 immunization stimulated increased levels of interferon-gamma, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and Toxoplasma-specific IgG antibodies. These data highlight the role of Tg6PGDH1 in the growth and virulence of T. gondii and its potential as a target for the development of a live-attenuated vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinghong Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xuefang Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Nuo Ji
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Bang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary MedicineHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Xinhua Zhong
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, College of Materials and EnergySouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Lihua Xiao
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yaoyu Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Ningbo Xia
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and PreventionSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Vanagas L, Muñoz D, Cristaldi C, Ganuza A, Nájera R, Bonardi MC, Turowski VR, Guzman F, Deng B, Kim K, Sullivan WJ, Angel SO. Histone variant H2B.Z acetylation is necessary for maintenance of Toxoplasma gondii biological fitness. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2023; 1866:194943. [PMID: 37217032 PMCID: PMC10524646 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2023.194943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Through regulation of DNA packaging, histone proteins are fundamental to a wide array of biological processes. A variety of post-translational modifications (PTMs), including acetylation, constitute a proposed histone code that is interpreted by "reader" proteins to modulate chromatin structure. Canonical histones can be replaced with variant versions that add an additional layer of regulatory complexity. The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is unique among eukaryotes in possessing a novel variant of H2B designated H2B.Z. The combination of PTMs and the use of histone variants are important for gene regulation in T. gondii, offering new targets for drug development. In this work, T. gondii parasites were generated in which the 5 N-terminal acetylatable lysines in H2B.Z were mutated to either alanine (c-Myc-A) or arginine (c-Myc-R). The c-Myc-A mutant displayed no phenotype over than a mild defect in its ability to kill mice. The c-Myc-R mutant presented an impaired ability to grow and an increase in differentiation to latent bradyzoites. The c-Myc-R mutant was also more sensitive to DNA damage, displayed no virulence in mice, and provided protective immunity against future infection. While nucleosome composition was unaltered, key genes were abnormally expressed during in vitro bradyzoite differentiation. Our results show that regulation of the N-terminal positive charge patch of H2B.Z is important for these processes. We also show that acetylated N-terminal H2B.Z interacts with some unique proteins compared to its unacetylated counterpart; the acetylated peptide pulled down proteins associated with chromosome maintenance/segregation and cell cycle, suggesting a link between H2B.Z acetylation status and mitosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Vanagas
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, INTECH, CONICET-UNSAM, Av. Intendente Marino Km. 8.2, C.C 164, B7130IIWA, Chascomús, Prov. Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Daniela Muñoz
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, INTECH, CONICET-UNSAM, Av. Intendente Marino Km. 8.2, C.C 164, B7130IIWA, Chascomús, Prov. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Constanza Cristaldi
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, INTECH, CONICET-UNSAM, Av. Intendente Marino Km. 8.2, C.C 164, B7130IIWA, Chascomús, Prov. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustina Ganuza
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, INTECH, CONICET-UNSAM, Av. Intendente Marino Km. 8.2, C.C 164, B7130IIWA, Chascomús, Prov. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rosario Nájera
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, INTECH, CONICET-UNSAM, Av. Intendente Marino Km. 8.2, C.C 164, B7130IIWA, Chascomús, Prov. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mabel C Bonardi
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, INTECH, CONICET-UNSAM, Av. Intendente Marino Km. 8.2, C.C 164, B7130IIWA, Chascomús, Prov. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valeria R Turowski
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica y Biología Celular de Parásitos, INTECH, CONICET-UNSAM, Av. Intendente Marino Km. 8.2, C.C 164, B7130IIWA Chascomús, Prov. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fanny Guzman
- Núcleo de Biotecnología Curauma, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaiso, Av. Universidad 330 Curauma, Valparaiso, Chile
| | - Bin Deng
- Department of Biology and VBRN, University of Vermont, VT, USA
| | - Kami Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - William J Sullivan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Sergio O Angel
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, INTECH, CONICET-UNSAM, Av. Intendente Marino Km. 8.2, C.C 164, B7130IIWA, Chascomús, Prov. Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ronizi RR, Namavari M, Moazamian E. Evaluation of the protective immune response of an attenuated strain of Toxoplasma gondii with long-term passages on the Gecko cell line. Vet Parasitol 2023; 320:109969. [PMID: 37301090 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2023.109969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that causes the zoonoses disease, named toxoplasmosis, with global prevalence. Until now, no cost-effective treatment method has been found to deal with toxoplasma, and vaccination is the best way to deal with the infection. In the case of pathogenic protozoa, mainly live vaccines have had successful results compared to other vaccine platforms. This study evaluated the efficacy of a live experimental vaccine through long-term passages on the Gecko cell line (Z1) in inducing a protective immune response in BALB/c mice. Thirty mice were divided into three equal groups; G1: the immunized/challenged group (injection of attenuated strain), G2: the immunized/unchallenged group (injection of attenuated strain), and G3: the control group (injection of culture medium).One month after immunization, the studied mice were challenged with 1ₓ103 live tachyzoites of Toxoplasma acute RH strain. We performed Serological investigations, including evaluating antibodies, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and interleukins 2, 4, 10, and 12 (IL-2,4,10,12). At the study's end, a molecular test was performed on brain and liver tissues in the immunized groups to check the presence of parasites. The results from the serological tests for the evaluation of antibodies, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and interleukins 10 and 12 (IL-10, 12) show a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the vaccinated group and the control group, which are essential indicators of protective immunity against toxoplasma infection. Thus, in the vaccinated group, the survival rate of mice against the challenge was 70%. Also, in group two (G2), the attenuated strain of Toxoplasma gondii had no pathogenicity, and all mice survived until the end of the study period. Molecular results also showed the absence of parasites in the brain and liver tissues in this immunized group and the parasite was found in only one case of liver tissue in G1. Therefore, the attenuated strain has caused significant and protective humoral and cellular immune responses in vaccinated groups. This study showed that with the long-term passage of the acute strain on the Gecko cell line, it is possible to quickly obtain a non-diseased attenuated strain with the ability to induce protective immunity. This successful finding can introduce further research to achieve a promising vaccine in the target animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roghayeh Ramezanpoor Ronizi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Agriculture and Modern Technology, Shiraz branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Namavari
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute; Agricultural Research, Agricultural and Extension Organization, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Elham Moazamian
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, Agriculture and Modern Technology, Shiraz branch, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sun HC, Deng PM, Fu Y, Deng JH, Xie RH, Huang J, Qi M, Shi TY. Protective efficacy of Toxoplasma gondii GRA12 or GRA7 recombinant proteins encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles against acute Toxoplasma gondii infection in mice. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1209755. [PMID: 37502604 PMCID: PMC10368986 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1209755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan parasite that affects the health of humans and livestock, and an effective vaccine is urgently required. Nanoparticles can modulate and improve cellular and humoral immune responses. Methods In the current study, poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles were used as a delivery system for the T. gondii dense granule antigens GRA12 and GRA7. BALB/c mice were injected with the vaccines and protective efficacy was evaluated. Results Mice immunized with PLGA+GRA12 exhibited significantly higher IgG, and a noticeable predominance of IgG2a over IgG1 was also observed. There was a 1.5-fold higher level of lymphocyte proliferation in PLGA+GRA12-injected mice compared to Alum+GRA12-immunized mice. Higher levels of IFN-g and IL-10 and a lower level of IL-4 were detected, indicating that Th1 and Th2 immune responses were induced but the predominant response was Th1. There were no significant differences between Alum+GRA7-immunized and PLGA+GRA7-immunized groups. Immunization with these four vaccines resulted in significantly reduced parasite loads, but they were lowest in PLGA+GRA12-immunized mice. The survival times of mice immunized with PLGA+GRA12 were also significantly longer than those of mice in the other vaccinated groups. Conclusion The current study indicated that T. gondii GRA12 recombinant protein encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles is a promising vaccine against acute toxoplasmosis, but PLGA is almost useless for enhancing the immune response induced by T. gondii GRA7 recombinant protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong-chao Sun
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Parasitology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pu-ming Deng
- Institute of Animal Science and Technology, Department of Animal Diseases Diagnosis and Control of Xinjiang Production & Construction Corps, Tarim University, Alar, China
| | - Yuan Fu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Parasitology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jin-hua Deng
- Institute of Animal Science and Technology, Department of Animal Diseases Diagnosis and Control of Xinjiang Production & Construction Corps, Tarim University, Alar, China
| | - Rong-hui Xie
- Department of Animal Epidemic Surveillance, Zhejiang Provincial Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Animal Epidemic Surveillance, Zhejiang Provincial Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meng Qi
- Institute of Animal Science and Technology, Department of Animal Diseases Diagnosis and Control of Xinjiang Production & Construction Corps, Tarim University, Alar, China
| | - Tuan-yuan Shi
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Department of Animal Parasitology, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Shen Y, Zheng B, Sun H, Wu S, Fan J, Ding J, Gao M, Kong Q, Lou D, Ding H, Zhuo X, Lu S. A live attenuated RHΔompdcΔuprt mutant of Toxoplasma gondii induces strong protective immunity against toxoplasmosis in mice and cats. Infect Dis Poverty 2023; 12:60. [PMID: 37322556 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01109-9] [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: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasite and is responsible for zoonotic toxoplasmosis. It is essential to develop an effective anti-T. gondii vaccine for the control of toxoplasmosis, and this study is to explore the immunoprotective effects of a live attenuated vaccine in mice and cats. METHODS First, the ompdc and uprt genes of T. gondii were deleted through the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Then, the intracellular proliferation and virulence of this mutant strain were evaluated. Subsequently, the immune responses induced by this mutant in mice and cats were detected, including antibody titers, cytokine levels, and subsets of T lymphocytes. Finally, the immunoprotective effects were evaluated by challenge with tachyzoites of different strains in mice or cysts of the ME49 strain in cats. Furthermore, to discover the effective immune element against toxoplasmosis, passive immunizations were carried out. GraphPad Prism software was used to conduct the log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test, Student's t test and one-way ANOVA. RESULTS The RHΔompdcΔuprt were constructed by the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Compared with the wild-type strain, the mutant notably reduced proliferation (P < 0.05). In addition, the mutant exhibited virulence attenuation in both murine (BALB/c and BALB/c-nu) and cat models. Notably, limited pathological changes were found in tissues from RHΔompdcΔuprt-injected mice. Furthermore, compared with nonimmunized group, high levels of IgG (IgG1 and IgG2a) antibodies and cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, IL-2 and IL-12) in mice were detected by the mutant (P < 0.05). Remarkably, all RHΔompdcΔuprt-vaccinated mice survived a lethal challenge with RHΔku80 and ME49 and WH6 strains. The immunized sera and splenocytes, especially CD8+ T cells, could significantly extend (P < 0.05) the survival time of mice challenged with the RHΔku80 strain compared with naïve mice. In addition, compared with nonimmunized cats, cats immunized with the mutant produced high levels of antibodies and cytokines (P < 0.05), and notably decreased the shedding numbers of oocysts in feces (95.3%). CONCLUSIONS The avirulent RHΔompdcΔuprt strain can provide strong anti-T. gondii immune responses, and is a promising candidate for developing a safe and effective live attenuated vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Shen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bin Zheng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hao Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Songrui Wu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiyuan Fan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianzu Ding
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meng Gao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qingming Kong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Di Lou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haojie Ding
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xunhui Zhuo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Shaohong Lu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Finkensieper J, Mayerle F, Rentería-Solís Z, Fertey J, Makert GR, Lange F, Besecke J, Schopf S, Poremba A, König U, Standfest B, Thoma M, Daugschies A, Ulbert S. Apicomplexan parasites are attenuated by low-energy electron irradiation in an automated microfluidic system and protect against infection with Toxoplasma gondii. Parasitol Res 2023:10.1007/s00436-023-07880-w. [PMID: 37233817 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07880-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Radiation-attenuated intracellular parasites are promising immunization strategies. The irradiated parasites are able to invade host cells but fail to fully replicate, which allows for the generation of an efficient immune response. Available radiation technologies such as gamma rays require complex shielding constructions and are difficult to be integrated into pharmaceutical production processes. In this study, we evaluated for the first time low-energy electron irradiation (LEEI) as a method to generate replication-deficient Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium parvum. Similar to other radiation technologies, LEEI mainly damages nucleic acids; however, it is applicable in standard laboratories. By using a novel, continuous, and microfluidic-based LEEI process, tachyzoites of T. gondii and oocysts of C. parvum were irradiated and subsequently analyzed in vitro. The LEEI-treated parasites invaded host cells but were arrested in intracellular replication. Antibody-based analysis of surface proteins revealed no significant structural damage due to LEEI. Similarly, excystation rates of sporozoites from irradiated C. parvum oocysts were similar to those from untreated controls. Upon immunization of mice, LEEI-attenuated T. gondii tachyzoites induced high levels of antibodies and protected the animals from acute infection. These results suggest that LEEI is a useful technology for the generation of attenuated Apicomplexan parasites and has potential for the development of anti-parasitic vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Finkensieper
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, Perlickstrasse 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Florian Mayerle
- Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, Nobelstrasse 12, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Zaida Rentería-Solís
- Institute of Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 35, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- Albrecht-Daniel-Thaer Institute, Rudolf-Breitscheid-Str. 35, 04463 Großpösna, Germany
| | - Jasmin Fertey
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, Perlickstrasse 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gustavo R Makert
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, Perlickstrasse 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Franziska Lange
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, Perlickstrasse 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Joana Besecke
- Fraunhofer Institute for Organic Electronics, Electron Beam and Plasma Technology FEP, Winterbergstrasse 28, 01277, Dresden, Germany
| | - Simone Schopf
- Fraunhofer Institute for Organic Electronics, Electron Beam and Plasma Technology FEP, Winterbergstrasse 28, 01277, Dresden, Germany
| | - Andre Poremba
- Fraunhofer Institute for Organic Electronics, Electron Beam and Plasma Technology FEP, Winterbergstrasse 28, 01277, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ulla König
- Fraunhofer Institute for Organic Electronics, Electron Beam and Plasma Technology FEP, Winterbergstrasse 28, 01277, Dresden, Germany
| | - Bastian Standfest
- Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, Nobelstrasse 12, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Martin Thoma
- Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, Nobelstrasse 12, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Arwid Daugschies
- Institute of Parasitology, Centre for Infection Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 35, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sebastian Ulbert
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI, Perlickstrasse 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Colos-Arango A, Largo-de la Torre A, Calero-Bernal R, Miguel Ortega-Mora L, Regidor-Cerrillo J. Short-term culture adaptation of Toxoplasma gondii archetypal II and III field isolates affects cystogenic capabilities and modifies virulence in mice. Int J Parasitol 2023:S0020-7519(23)00074-7. [PMID: 37059167 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Most Toxoplasma gondii research has been carried out using strains maintained in the laboratory for long periods of time. Long-term passage in mice or cell culture influences T. gondii phenotypic traits such as the capability to produce oocysts in cats and virulence in mice. In this work, we investigated the effect of cell culture adaptation in the short term for recently obtained type II (TgShSp1 (Genotype ToxoDB#3), TgShSp2 (#1), TgShSp3 (#3) and TgShSp16 (#3)) and type III (#2) isolates (TgShSp24 and TgPigSp1). With this purpose, spontaneous and alkaline stress-induced cyst formation in Vero cells during 40 passages, from passage 10 (p10) to 50 (p50), and isolate virulence at p10 versus p50 were studied using a harmonized bioassay method in Swiss/CD1 mice. Toxoplasma gondii cell culture maintenance showed a drastic loss of spontaneous and induced production of mature cysts after ≈ 25-30 passages. The TgShSp1, TgShSp16 and TgShSp24 isolates failed to generate spontaneously formed mature cysts at p50. Limited cyst formation was associated with an increase in parasite growth and a shorter lytic cycle. In vitro maintenance also modified T. gondii virulence in mice at p50 with events of exacerbation, increasing cumulative morbidity for TgShSp2 and TgShSp3 isolates and mortality for TgShSp24 and TgPigSp1 isolates, or attenuation, with absence of mortality and severe clinical signs for TgShSp16, and better control of the infection with the lowest parasite and cyst burdens in lungs and brain for the TgShSp1 isolate. The present findings show deep changes in relevant phenotypic traits in laboratory-adapted T. gondii isolates and open new discussion about their use for inferring keys to parasite biology and virulence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Colos-Arango
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea Largo-de la Torre
- SALUVET-Innova S.L., Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Calero-Bernal
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora
- SALUVET, Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Regidor-Cerrillo
- SALUVET-Innova S.L., Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Ciudad Universitaria s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Li H, Liang X, Sun W, Zhuang B, Cao Y, Zhang J, Shen J, Wang Y, Yu L. Immunological evaluation of a recombinant vaccine delivered with an analogous hyaluronic acid chitosan nanoparticle-hydrogel against Toxoplasma gondii in mice. Microb Pathog 2023; 179:106092. [PMID: 37003502 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is not only a threat to the public health but it also poses adverse impacts on the livestock industry. This study aimed to develop a recombinant vaccine composed of T. gondii microneme protein 6 (TgMIC6) and T. gondii rhoptry protein 18 (TgROP18).The vaccine was delivered with a novel vector, named analogous hyaluronic acid chitosan nanoparticle-hydrogel (AHACNP-HG) and its immune protection was evaluated. METHODS The recombinant MIC6 and ROP18 proteins were obtained by affinity chromatography and loaded onto AHACNP-HG by magnetic stirring. The characterizations of AHACNP-HG were investigated, including its structure, rheological property, nanoparticle size and zeta potential, its ability to release protein in vitro and toxicology in vivo. The immunological and anti-infection effects of AHACNP-HG/rMIC6/rROP18 were examined in the mice model. RESULTS AHACNP-HG presented a characteristic of composite system and possessed biosecurity with excellent protein control-release property. AHACNP-HG/rMIC6/rROP18 vaccine enhanced a mixed Th1/Th2 cellular immune response accompanied by an increased level of the cytokines, IFN-γ and IL-10. It also provoked a stronger humoral immune response. Additionally, after challenge with T. gondii tachyzoite, AHACNP-HG/rMIC6/rROP18 inoculation prolonged the survival time of mice. CONCLUSION Our data indicated that mixed rMIC6 and rROP18 induced strong immune response and played a certain protective role in controlling T. gondii infection, and the novel adjuvant AHACNP-HG improved modestly some immunogenicity properties in mouse model, which indicated that it can be used as a novel delivery system in vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hu Li
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Taihe People's Hospital, Fuyang, 236600, China.
| | - Xiao Liang
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Human Microenvironment and Precision Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Wenze Sun
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Baocan Zhuang
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Cao
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Junling Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Jilong Shen
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Yongzhong Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Human Microenvironment and Precision Medicine of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Anhui University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology, The Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ducournau C, Cantin P, Alerte V, Quintard B, Popelin-Wedlarski F, Wedlarski R, Ollivet-Courtois F, Ferri-Pisani Maltot J, Herkt C, Fasquelle F, Sannier M, Berthet M, Fretay V, Aubert D, Villena I, Betbeder D, Moiré N, Dimier-Poisson I. Vaccination of squirrel monkeys (Saimiri spp.) with nanoparticle based-Toxoplasma gondii antigens: new hope for captive susceptible species. Int J Parasitol 2023; 53:333-346. [PMID: 36997082 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Squirrel monkeys (Saimiri spp.), new world primates from South America, are very susceptible to toxoplasmosis. Numerous outbreaks of fatal toxoplasmosis in zoos have been identified around the world, resulting in acute respiratory distress and sudden death. To date, preventive hygiene measures or available treatments are not able to significantly reduce this mortality in zoos. Therefore, vaccination seems to be the best long-term solution to control acute toxoplasmosis. Recently, we developed a nasal vaccine composed of total extract of soluble proteins of Toxoplasma gondii associated with muco-adhesive maltodextrin-nanoparticles. The vaccine, which generated specific cellular immune responses, demonstrated efficacy against toxoplasmosis in murine and ovine experimental models. In collaboration with six French zoos, our vaccine was used as a last resort in 48 squirrel monkeys to prevent toxoplasmosis. The full protocol of vaccination includes two intranasal sprays followed by combined intranasal and s.c. administration. No local or systemic side-effects were observed irrespective of the route of administration. Blood samples were collected to study systemic humoral and cellular immune responses up to 1 year after the last vaccination. Vaccination induced a strong and lasting systemic cellular immune response mediated by specific IFN-γ secretion by peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Since the introduction of vaccination, no deaths of squirrel monkeys due to T. gondii has been observed for more than 4 years suggesting the promising usage of our vaccine. Moreover, to explain the high susceptibility of naive squirrel monkeys to toxoplasmosis, their innate immune sensors were investigated. It was observed that Toll-like and Nod-like receptors appear to be functional following T. gondii recognition suggesting that the extreme susceptibility to toxoplasmosis may not be linked to innate detection of the parasite.
Collapse
|
19
|
Vanagas L, Muñoz D, Cristaldi C, Ganuza A, Nájera R, Bonardi MC, Turowski VR, Guzman F, Deng B, Kim K, Sullivan WJ, Angel SO. Histone variant H2B.Z acetylation is necessary for maintenance of Toxoplasma gondii biological fitness. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.14.528480. [PMID: 36824796 PMCID: PMC9949044 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.14.528480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Through regulation of DNA packaging, histone proteins are fundamental to a wide array of biological processes. A variety of post-translational modifications (PTMs), including acetylation, constitute a proposed histone code that is interpreted by "reader" proteins to modulate chromatin structure. Canonical histones can be replaced with variant versions that add an additional layer of regulatory complexity. The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is unique among eukaryotes in possessing a novel variant of H2B designated H2B.Z. The combination of PTMs and the use of histone variants is important for gene regulation in T. gondii, offering new targets for drug development. In this work, T. gondii parasites were generated in which the 5 N-terminal acetylatable lysines in H2B.Z were mutated to either alanine (c-Myc-A) or arginine (c-Myc-R). c-Myc-A mutant only displayed a mild effect in its ability to kill mice. c-Myc-R mutant presented an impaired ability to grow and an increase in differentiation to latent bradyzoites. This mutant line was also more sensitive to DNA damage, displayed no virulence in mice, and provided protective immunity against future infection. While nucleosome composition was unaltered, key genes were abnormally expressed during in vitro bradyzoite differentiation. Our results show that the N-terminal positive charge patch of H2B.Z is important for these procceses. Pull down assays with acetylated N-terminal H2B.Z peptide and unacetylated one retrieved common and differential interactors. Acetylated peptide pulled down proteins associated with chromosome maintenance/segregation and cell cycle, opening the question of a possible link between H2B.Z acetylation status and mitosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Vanagas
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, INTECH, CONICET-UNSAM, Av. Intendente Marino Km. 8.2, C.C 164, (B7130IIWA), Chascomús, Prov. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniela Muñoz
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, INTECH, CONICET-UNSAM, Av. Intendente Marino Km. 8.2, C.C 164, (B7130IIWA), Chascomús, Prov. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Constanza Cristaldi
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, INTECH, CONICET-UNSAM, Av. Intendente Marino Km. 8.2, C.C 164, (B7130IIWA), Chascomús, Prov. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustina Ganuza
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, INTECH, CONICET-UNSAM, Av. Intendente Marino Km. 8.2, C.C 164, (B7130IIWA), Chascomús, Prov. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rosario Nájera
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, INTECH, CONICET-UNSAM, Av. Intendente Marino Km. 8.2, C.C 164, (B7130IIWA), Chascomús, Prov. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mabel C. Bonardi
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, INTECH, CONICET-UNSAM, Av. Intendente Marino Km. 8.2, C.C 164, (B7130IIWA), Chascomús, Prov. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valeria R. Turowski
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica y Biología Celular de Parásitos, INTECH, CONICET-UNSAM, Av. Intendente Marino Km. 8.2, C.C 164, (B7130IIWA), Chascomús, Prov. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fanny Guzman
- Núcleo de Biotecnología Curauma, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaiso. Av. Universidad 330 Curauma, Valparaiso
| | - Bin Deng
- Department of Biology and VBRN, University of Vermont, Vermont, USA
| | - Kami Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - William J. Sullivan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA
| | - Sergio O. Angel
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, INTECH, CONICET-UNSAM, Av. Intendente Marino Km. 8.2, C.C 164, (B7130IIWA), Chascomús, Prov. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Recent Advances in the Development of Adenovirus-Vectored Vaccines for Parasitic Infections. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030334. [PMID: 36986434 PMCID: PMC10058461 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccines against parasites have lagged centuries behind those against viral and bacterial infections, despite the devastating morbidity and widespread effects of parasitic diseases across the globe. One of the greatest hurdles to parasite vaccine development has been the lack of vaccine strategies able to elicit the complex and multifaceted immune responses needed to abrogate parasitic persistence. Viral vectors, especially adenovirus (AdV) vectors, have emerged as a potential solution for complex disease targets, including HIV, tuberculosis, and parasitic diseases, to name a few. AdVs are highly immunogenic and are uniquely able to drive CD8+ T cell responses, which are known to be correlates of immunity in infections with most protozoan and some helminthic parasites. This review presents recent developments in AdV-vectored vaccines targeting five major human parasitic diseases: malaria, Chagas disease, schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, and toxoplasmosis. Many AdV-vectored vaccines have been developed for these diseases, utilizing a wide variety of vectors, antigens, and modes of delivery. AdV-vectored vaccines are a promising approach for the historically challenging target of human parasitic diseases.
Collapse
|
21
|
Zhang Y, Li D, Shen Y, Li S, Lu S, Zheng B. Immunization with a novel mRNA vaccine, TGGT1_216200 mRNA-LNP, prolongs survival time in BALB/c mice against acute toxoplasmosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1161507. [PMID: 37122740 PMCID: PMC10140528 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1161507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, a specialized intracellular parasite, causes a widespread zoonotic disease and is a severe threat to social and economic development. There is a lack of effective drugs and vaccines against T. gondii infection. Recently, mRNA vaccines have been rapidly developed, and their packaging materials and technologies are well established. In this study, TGGT1_216200 (TG_200), a novel molecule from T. gondii, was identified using bioinformatic screening analysis. TG_200 was purified and encapsulated with a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) to produce the TG_200 mRNA-LNP vaccine. The immune protection provided by the new vaccine and its mechanisms after immunizing BABL/C mice via intramuscular injection were investigated. There was a strong immune response when mice were vaccinated with TG_200 mRNA-LNP. Elevated levels of anti-T. gondii-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG), and a higher IgG2a-to-IgG1 ratio was observed. The levels of interleukin-12 (IL-12), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-4, and IL-10 were also elevated. The result showed that the vaccine induced a mixture of Th1 and Th2 cells, and Th1-dominated humoral immune response. Significantly increased antigen-specific splenocyte proliferation was induced by TG_200 mRNA-LNP immunization. The vaccine could also induce T. gondii-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). The expression levels of interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8), T-Box 21 (T-bet), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were significantly elevated after TG_200 mRNA-LNP immunization. The levels of CD83, CD86, MHC-I, MHC-II, CD8, and CD4 molecules were also higher. The results indicated that TG_200 mRNA-LNP produced specific cellular and humoral immune responses. Most importantly, TG_200 mRNA-LNP immunized mice survived significantly longer (19.27 ± 3.438 days) than the control mice, which died within eight days after T. gondii challenge (P< 0.001). The protective effect of adoptive transfer was also assessed, and mice receiving serum and splenocytes from mice immunized with TG_200 mRNA-LNP showed improved survival rates of 9.70 ± 1.64 days and, 13.40 ± 2.32 days, respectively (P< 0.001). The results suggested that TG_200 mRNA-LNP is a safe and promising vaccine against T. gondii infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yizhuo Zhang
- Institute of Parasitic Diseases, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dan Li
- Institute of Parasitic Diseases, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu Shen
- Institute of Parasitic Diseases, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shiyu Li
- Institute of Parasitic Diseases, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shaohong Lu
- Institute of Parasitic Diseases, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Shaohong Lu, ; Bin Zheng,
| | - Bin Zheng
- Institute of Parasitic Diseases, School of Basic Medicine and Forensics, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Engineering Research Center of Novel Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-tech Vaccine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Shaohong Lu, ; Bin Zheng,
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Milne GC, Webster JP, Walker M. Is the incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis declining? Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:26-37. [PMID: 36400672 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii can cause congenital toxoplasmosis (CT), an often fatal or lifelong-disabling condition. Several studies of human populations have reported temporal decreases in seroprevalence, suggesting declining CT incidence. However, the consistency of this trend among diverse populations remains unclear, as does its implication for prenatal screening programmes, the major intervention against CT. Using temporally resolved data on the seroprevalence of T. gondii in various countries, we discuss how the parasite's changing epidemiology may affect trends in CT incidence in varying and counterintuitive ways. We argue that parasite stage-specific serology could be helpful for understanding underlying causes of secular changes in seroprevalence. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of updating cost-effectiveness estimates of screening programmes, accounting for neuropsychiatric sequelae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Colin Milne
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK; London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London Faculty of Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Joanne P Webster
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK; London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London Faculty of Medicine, London, UK
| | - Martin Walker
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK; London Centre for Neglected Tropical Disease Research, Imperial College London Faculty of Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Zhang X, Yuan H, Mahmmod YS, Yang Z, Zhao M, Song Y, Luo S, Zhang XX, Yuan ZG. Insight into the current Toxoplasma gondii DNA vaccine: a review article. Expert Rev Vaccines 2023; 22:66-89. [PMID: 36508550 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2023.2157818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxoplasma gondii (T.gondii) is a widespread protozoan with significant economic losses and public health importance. But so far, the protective effect of reported DNA-based vaccines fluctuates widely, and no study has demonstrated complete protection. AREAS COVERED This review provides an inclusive summary of T. gondii DNA vaccine antigens, adjuvants, and some other parameters. A total of 140 articles from 2000 to 2021 were collected from five databases. By contrasting the outcomes of acute and chronic challenges, we aimed to investigate and identify viable immunological strategies for optimum protection. Furthermore, we evaluated and discussed the impact of several parameters on challenge outcomes in the hopes of developing some recommendations to assist better future horizontal comparisons among research. EXPERT OPINION In the coming five years of research, the exploration of vaccine cocktails combining invasion antigens and metabolic antigens with genetic adjuvants or novel DNA delivery methods may offer us desirable protection against this multiple stage of life parasite. In addition to finding a better immune strategy, developing better in silico prediction methods, solving problems posed by variables in practical applications, and gaining a more profound knowledge of T.gondii-host molecular interaction is also crucial towards a successful vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xirui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Hao Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yasser S Mahmmod
- Veterinary Sciences Division, Faculty of Health Sciences, Higher Colleges of Technology, 17155, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zipeng Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Mengpo Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yining Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Shengjun Luo
- Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Xiu-Xiang Zhang
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Zi-Guo Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Parmaksız S, Gül A, Erkunt Alak S, Karakavuk M, Can H, Gül C, Karakavuk T, López-Macías C, Puralı N, Döşkaya M, Şenel S. Development of multistage recombinant protein vaccine formulations against toxoplasmosis using a new chitosan and porin based adjuvant system. Int J Pharm 2022; 626:122199. [PMID: 36115468 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122199] [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: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a global health problem affecting both human and animal populations. The lack of effective treatment makes the development of a vaccine against toxoplasmosis one of the main goals in the management of this disease. In our study, vaccine formulations containing the multistage recombinant antigens, rBAG1 + rGRA1 were developed with a combined adjuvant system consisting of chitosan and Salmonella Typhi porins in micro (MicroAS) and nanoparticulate (NanoAS) forms. BALB/c mice were immunized intraperitoneally with vaccine formulations two times at three-week intervals. Three weeks after the second vaccination, mice were challenged with 7-8 live tissue cysts of the virulent T. gondii PRU strain by oral gavage. Higher cellular uptake by macrophages and enhanced cellular (IFN-γ and I-4 in stimulated spleen cells) and humoral (IgG, IgG1, IgG2a) responses were obtained with the adjuvanted formulation, higher with microsystem when compared to that of nanosystem. Microsystem was found to stimulate Th1-polarized immune responses, whereasnon-adjuvanted antigens stimulated Th2-polarized immune response. The highest survival rate and reduction in cysts numbers and T. gondii DNA were obtained with the adjuvanted antigens.Our study showed that adjuvanted multistage recombinant vaccine systems increase theimmune response with strong protection againstT. gondii, more profoundly in microparticulate form.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Selin Parmaksız
- Hacettepe University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Aytül Gül
- Ege University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, Bornova, Izmir 35040, Turkey; Ege University Vaccine Development, Application and Research Center, Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Sedef Erkunt Alak
- Ege University Vaccine Development, Application and Research Center, Izmir 35100, Turkey; Ege University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Molecular Biology Section, Bornova, Izmir 35040, Turkey
| | - Muhammet Karakavuk
- Ege University Vaccine Development, Application and Research Center, Izmir 35100, Turkey; Ege University, Vocational School, Odemis, Izmir 35750, Turkey
| | - Hüseyin Can
- Ege University Vaccine Development, Application and Research Center, Izmir 35100, Turkey; Ege University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Molecular Biology Section, Bornova, Izmir 35040, Turkey
| | - Ceren Gül
- Ege University Vaccine Development, Application and Research Center, Izmir 35100, Turkey; Ege University Institute of Science, Department of Biotechnology, Bornova, Izmir 35040, Turkey
| | - Tuğba Karakavuk
- Ege University Vaccine Development, Application and Research Center, Izmir 35100, Turkey; Ege University Institute of Science, Department of Biotechnology, Bornova, Izmir 35040, Turkey
| | - Constantino López-Macías
- Medical Research Unit on Immunochemistry, Specialties Hospital of the National Medical Centre ''Siglo XXI'', Mexican Institute for Social Security, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nuhan Puralı
- Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biophysics,06100 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mert Döşkaya
- Ege University Vaccine Development, Application and Research Center, Izmir 35100, Turkey; Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Bornova, Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Sevda Şenel
- Hacettepe University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Ankara 06100, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Li XW, Zhang N, Li ZL, Dibo N, Ma ZR, Lu B, Huang YH, Chang YF, Chen HZ, Wu X. Epitope vaccine design for Toxoplasma gondii based on a genome-wide database of membrane proteins. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:364. [PMID: 36224608 PMCID: PMC9555269 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05497-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is presently no effective and safe vaccine for Toxoplasma gondii for humans. The study described here was designed to search for a novel group of optimal B cell and T cell epitopes from Toxoplasma membrane proteins using genome-wide comprehensive screening. Methods The amino acid sequences of membrane proteins of T. gondii were obtained from the UniProt database. The ABCPred and BepiPred servers were employed to predict the linear B cell epitopes. The Immune Epitope Database (IEDB) online service was utilized to forecast T cell epitopes within T. gondii membrane proteins that bind to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I (HLA-I) or HLA-II molecules. Results From the 314 membrane proteins of T. gondii, a total of 14 linear B cell epitopes embedded in 12 membrane proteins were identified. Eight epitopes for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I (MHC-I) molecules and 18 epitopes for MHC-II molecules were ultimately selected, for which world population coverage percentiles were 71.94% and 99.76%, respectively. The top rated combinations of linear B cell epitopes and T cell epitopes covering both BALB/c mice and a majority of the human population were identified for the development of a protective vaccine. Conclusions The ultimate vaccine construct described here, which comprises B cells, MHC-I and MHC-II epitopes, might protect individuals against T. gondii infection by inducing humoral and cellular immune responses. Graphic abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material and is available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05497-z.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuan-Wu Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Disease, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ni Zhang
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhuo-Lin Li
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Nouhoum Dibo
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhen-Rong Ma
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bin Lu
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ye-Hong Huang
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yun-Feng Chang
- Department of Forensic Medicine Science, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong-Zhi Chen
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Disease, Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Xiang Wu
- Department of Parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China. .,Hunan Provincial Key Lab of Immunology and Transmission Control on Schistosomiasis, Changsha, China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Hu XH, Xie SC, Liang QL, Sun LX, Li Z, Yang JF, Zhu XQ, Zou FC, He JJ. Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infection in black goats in Yunnan Province, Southwestern China. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:975238. [PMID: 36304411 PMCID: PMC9592755 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.975238] [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: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are two obligate intracellular protozoan parasites that can cause reproductive failure and production losses. To date, there is no data of T. gondii and N. caninum seroprevalence in black goats in Yunnan Province, southwestern China. In the present study, a total of 734 serum samples were collected from black goats in four different counties of Yunnan Province. 734 and 590 serum samples were examined for antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum by using MAT and indirect ELISA, respectively. A total of 123 and 76 samples were T. gondii-positive and N. caninum-positive, respectively. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii in black goats was 16.76% (123/734, 95% CI: 14.06-19.46) with the titer ranged from 1:25 to 1:3200. The seroprevalence of N. caninum was 12.88% (76/590, 95% CI: 10.18-15.58). There was significant difference in seroprevalence of N. caninum in different regions (P < 0.01, χ2 = 30.63) and age groups (P < 0.05, χ2 = 11.85). Significant differences in seroprevalence of T. gondii were observed in different regions (P < 0.05, χ2 = 9.21) and different gender groups (P < 0.01, χ2 = 12.29). Results of seroprevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum indicated that T. gondii and N. caninum were prevalent parasites in black goats in Yunnan Province. This is the first report of seroprevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum in black goats in Yunnan Province. The results of this study indicated that some measures should be taken to control these two parasites and to reduce economic losses to the livestock industry in Yunnan Province.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Hui Hu
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China,College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China,State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shi-Chen Xie
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China,Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Qin-Li Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Li-Xiu Sun
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan and Center for Life Science, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Jian-Fa Yang
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China,College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China
| | - Feng-Cai Zou
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China,*Correspondence: Feng-Cai Zou
| | - Jun-Jun He
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health of Yunnan, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China,Jun-Jun He
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Tian X, Yang Z, Wan G, Xie T, Wang M, Sun H, Mei X, Zhang Z, Li X, Wang S. Vaccination with recombinant Toxoplasma gondii bradyzoite-formation deficient 1 (rTgBFD1) antigen provides partial protective immunity against chronic T. gondii infection. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:957479. [PMID: 36172608 PMCID: PMC9510678 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.957479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As an apicomplexan pathogen, Toxoplasma gondii still remains a major threat to public health and requires special attention. In fact, positive attempts to identify more effective antigens to provide protection are important to control toxoplasmosis. Latest scientific advances in T. gondii study hint at the probability of the T. gondii bradyzoite-formation deficient 1 (TgBFD1) as an ideal vaccine candidate, since this molecule plays a critical role in regulating the chronic infection of T. gondii. Thus, BALB/c mouse models of acute and chronic T. gondii infections were used to evaluate the TgBFD1 protection efficacy in this study. Before conducting animal trials, antigen analysis of TgBFD1 was performed using DNAstar software and Western blots. The preliminary results suggested that TgBFD1 should be a potent immunogen. Then, this conclusion is confirmed by ELISA assays. After immunization with rTgBFD1, high levels of specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, and cytokines (Interferon γ and interleukin 10) were observed, indicating that TgBFD1 could induce strong protective antibody responses. While TgBFD1-specific IgG antibodies were measurable in vaccinated mice, no protection was observed in the acute T. gondii infection (RH strain) assay. However, a noticeable decrease in brain cysts counts of immunized mice compared with negative controls in the latent T. gondii infection (PRU strain) assay was observed. Taken together, these results indicated that rTgBFD1 had the remarkable ability to elicit both humoral and cellular immune responses and could provide partial protective immunity against chronic T. gondii infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Tian
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Zhenke Yang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Guangmin Wan
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Tong Xie
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Hanqi Sun
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Xuefang Mei
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Zhenchao Zhang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Xiangrui Li
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiangrui Li
| | - Shuai Wang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Shuai Wang
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hasan T, Nishikawa Y. Advances in vaccine development and the immune response against toxoplasmosis in sheep and goats. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:951584. [PMID: 36090161 PMCID: PMC9453163 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.951584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic, parasitic infection caused by the intracellular, apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which infects all homeothermic animals including humans. The parasite has a major economic impact on the livestock industry. This is especially true for small ruminants (sheep, goats) as it is one of the most likely reasons for reproductive disorders in these animals. Primary infection in sheep and goats can result in a fetus that is mummified or macerated, fetal embryonic death, abortion, stillbirth, or the postnatal death of neonates, all of which threaten sheep and goat rearing globally. Humans can also become infected by ingesting bradyzoite-containing chevon or mutton, or the contaminated milk of sheep or goats, highlighting the zoonotic significance of this parasite. This article reviews the advances in vaccine development over recent decades and our current understanding of the immune response to toxoplasmosis in small ruminants (sheep, and goats).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanjila Hasan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Yoshifumi Nishikawa
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
- *Correspondence: Yoshifumi Nishikawa
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Live-attenuated ME49Δcdpk3 strain of Toxoplasma gondii protects against acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. NPJ Vaccines 2022; 7:98. [PMID: 35986017 PMCID: PMC9391373 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-022-00518-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, a common parasitic disease, is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which infects approximately 30% of the world’s population. This obligate intracellular protozoan causes significant economic losses and poses serious public health challenges worldwide. However, the development of an effective toxoplasmosis vaccine in humans remains a challenge to date. In this study, we observed that the knockout of calcium-dependent protein kinase 3 (CDPK3) in the type II ME49 strain greatly attenuated virulence in mice and significantly reduced cyst formation. Hence, we evaluated the protective immunity of ME49Δcdpk3 as a live attenuated vaccine against toxoplasmosis. Our results showed that ME49Δcdpk3 vaccination triggered a strong immune response marked by significantly elevated proinflammatory cytokine levels, such as IFN-γ, IL-12, and TNF-α, and increased the percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes. The high level of Toxoplasma-specific IgG was maintained, with mixed IgG1/IgG2a levels. Mice vaccinated with ME49Δcdpk3 were efficiently protected against the tachyzoites of a variety of wild-type strains, including type I RH, type II ME49, Chinese 1 WH3 and Chinese 1 WH6, as well as the cysts of wild-type strains ME49 and WH6. These data demonstrated that ME49Δcdpk3 inoculation induced effective cellular and humoral immune responses against acute and chronic Toxoplasma infections with various strains and was a potential candidate to develop a vaccine against toxoplasmosis.
Collapse
|
30
|
Tian X, Wang M, Xie T, Wan G, Sun H, Mei X, Zhang Z, Li X, Wang S. A recombinant protein vaccine encoding Toxoplasma gondii Cyst wall 2 (dense granule protein 47) provides partial protection against acute and chronic T. gondii infection in BALB/c mice. Acta Trop 2022; 232:106514. [PMID: 35580637 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii poses a major threat to economies and public health, and there are still no available vaccines for human against T. gondii infection. T. gondii cyst wall 2 (TgCST2, also known as dense granule protein-47) is a critical molecule in the establishment of chronic infection, making it a potential vaccine candidate. In this research, the recombinant TgCST2 (rTgCST2) was employed to evaluate the protective efficacy of TgCST2 antigen using BALB/c mice model against T. gondii infections via active immunization trials. First, the strong immunogenicity of TgCST2 was indicated by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence, which mean that TgCST2 might elicit robust immune responses in the organism. Then, after triply subcutaneous immunization with rTgCST2/ISA 201 emulsion, high levels of Toxoplasma-specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2a and cytokines (Interferon γ and interleukin 10) further suggested that TgCST2 was a promising immunogenic antigen. More importantly, this antigen could prolong survival in RH strain infected mice and resulted in the lower brain cysts size and number of PRU strain infected mice. These preliminary results demonstrated the immunoprophylactic effects of TgCST2 antigen and will inform new studies in developing subunit recombinant vaccines against T. gondii.
Collapse
|
31
|
Arranz-Solís D, Saeij JPJ. New Avenues to Design Toxoplasma Vaccines Based on Oocysts and Cysts. Front Immunol 2022; 13:910961. [PMID: 35734184 PMCID: PMC9207213 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.910961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide disease affecting all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Vaccination strategies aimed at inducing an efficient immune response while preventing transmission have been attempted in the past. While many different approaches can partially protect immunized animals against subsequent infections, full and lasting protection is rarely attained and only with live-attenuated vaccines. In addition, vaccines based on mutant strains that are deficient in forming the chronic phase of the parasite (such as Toxovax™) cannot be extensively used due to their zoonotic potential and the possibility of reversion to virulent phenotypes. An increasing number of studies using emerging genetic-engineering tools have been conducted to design novel vaccines based on recombinant proteins, DNA or delivery systems such as nanoparticles. However, these are usually less efficient due to their antigenic simplicity. In this perspective article we discuss potential target genes and novel strategies to generate live-attenuated long-lasting vaccines based on tissue cysts and oocysts, which are the environmentally resistant chronic forms of Toxoplasma. By selectively disrupting genes important for parasite dissemination, cyst formation and/or sporozoite invasion, alone or in combination, a vaccine based on a live-attenuated strain that elicits a protective immune response while preventing the transmission of Toxoplasma could be created. Finally, further improvements of protocols to generate Toxoplasma sexual stages in vitro might lead to the production of oocysts from such a strain without the need for using mice or cats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeroen P. J. Saeij
- Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology department, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Yu Z, He K, Cao W, Aleem MT, Yan R, Xu L, Song X, Li X. Nano vaccines for T. gondii Ribosomal P2 Protein With Nanomaterials as a Promising DNA Vaccine Against Toxoplasmosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:839489. [PMID: 35265084 PMCID: PMC8899214 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.839489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Caused by Toxoplasma gondii, toxoplasmosis has aroused great threats to public health around the world. So far, no effective vaccine or drug is commercially available, and the demands for a safe and effective therapeutic strategy have become more and more urgent. In the current study, we constructed a DNA vaccine encoding T. gondii ribosomal P2 protein (TgP2) and denoted as TgP2-pVAX1 plasmid. To improve the immunoprotection, nanomaterial poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) and chitosan were used as the delivery vehicle to construct TgP2-pVAX1/PLGA and TgP2-pVAX1/CS nanospheres. Before vaccinations in BALB/c mice, TgP2-pVAX1 plasmids were transiently transfected into Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) 293-T cells, and the expression of the eukaryotic plasmids was detected by laser confocal microscopy and Western blotting. Then the immunoprotection of naked DNA plasmids and their two nano-encapsulations were evaluated in the laboratory animal model. According to the investigations of antibody, cytokine, dendritic cell (DC) maturation, molecule expression, splenocyte proliferation, and T lymphocyte proportion, TgP2-pVAX1 plasmid delivered by two types of nanospheres could elicit a mixed Th1/Th2 immune response and Th1 immunity as the dominant. In addition, TgP2-pVAX1/PLGA and TgP2-pVAX1/CS nanospheres have great advantages in enhancing immunity against a lethal dose of T. gondii RH strain challenge. All these results suggested that TgP2-pVAX1 plasmids delivered by PLGA or chitosan nanomaterial could be promising vaccines in resisting toxoplasmosis and deserve further investigations and applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- ZhengQing Yu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ke He
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - WanDi Cao
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Muhammad Tahir Aleem
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - RuoFeng Yan
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - LiXin Xu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - XiaoKai Song
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - XiangRui Li
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Clune T, Lockwood A, Hancock S, Thompson AN, Bruce M, Beetson S, Campbell AJ, Glanville E, Brookes D, Trengove C, O’Handley R, Jacobson C. Toxoplasma gondii is not an important contributor to poor reproductive performance of primiparous ewes from southern Australia: a prospective cohort study. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:109. [PMID: 35305646 PMCID: PMC8933891 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03211-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii causes reproductive losses in sheep worldwide, including Australia. The reproductive performance of primiparous ewes is typically lower than for mature, multiparous ewes, and younger ewes are more likely to be immunologically naïve and therefore more susceptible to reproductive disease if T. gondii infection occurs during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of infection with T. gondii on the reproductive performance of primiparous ewes in southern Australia using a prospective cohort study. This will inform the need for targeted control strategies for T. gondii in Australian sheep. Results Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity using indirect ELISA was detected at 16/28 farms located across southern Australia. Apparent seropositivity to T. gondii was lower in primiparous ewes (1.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.6, 1.8) compared to mature, multiparous ewes (8.1, 95% CI 6.0, 10.5; P < 0.001). Toxoplasma gondii seroconversion during the gestation and lambing period was confirmed for 11/1097 (1.0, 95% CI 0.5, 1.7) of pregnant primiparous ewes that failed to raise a lamb, and 1/161 (0.6, 95% CI 0.1, 2.9) primiparous ewes with confirmed mid-pregnancy abortion. Conclusions Low frequency of detection of T. gondii seroconversion during gestation and low frequency of seropositivity to T. gondii suggests that toxoplasmosis was not an important contributor to reproductive losses in primiparous ewes on farms located over a wide geographical area in southern Australia. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-022-03211-w.
Collapse
|
34
|
Tian X, Sun H, Wang M, Wan G, Xie T, Mei X, Zhang Z, Li X, Wang S. A Novel Vaccine Candidate: Recombinant Toxoplasma gondii Perforin-Like Protein 2 Stimulates Partial Protective Immunity Against Toxoplasmosis. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:802250. [PMID: 35252413 PMCID: PMC8890382 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.802250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan pathogen infecting 2 billion people and numerous livestock, causing a major threat to economies and human health. Passive-active immunoprophylaxis is an efficient approach to provide protection against toxoplasmosis. T. gondii perforin-like protein 2 (TgPLP2) contains a membrane attack complex/perforin (MACPF) domain, making it a potential vaccine candidate. Here, we aimed to assess the protection efficacy of TgPLP2 using Bagg albino/c (BALB/c) mice model. The Escherichia coli system was used to obtain the recombinant TgPLP2 (rTgPLP2). Mice challenged by anti-rTgPLP2 polyclonal antibodies (PcAb) pretreated tachyzoites showed obviously increased survival outcomes. In addition, mice that passively received anti-rTgPLP2 PcAb following a lethal dose of tachyzoites infection had longer survival time compared with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) controls. Furthermore, we demonstrated that immunization with rTgPLP2 could prolong survival in RH strain infected mice and resulted in the lowest brain cysts size and number of Prugniaud (PRU) genotype II strain infected mice. High levels of Toxoplasma-specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, and cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-10) were produced after two immunizations with rTgPLP2. Together these results indicated that TgPLP2 can induce both humoral and cellular immune responses to protect host against infection and thus is a potential candidate for T. gondii vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Tian
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Hanqi Sun
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Guangmin Wan
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Tong Xie
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Xuefang Mei
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Zhenchao Zhang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Xiangrui Li
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiangrui Li
| | - Shuai Wang
- Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Biology, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Shuai Wang
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Liu F, Wu M, Wang J, Wen H, An R, Cai H, Yu L, Shen J, Chen L, Du J. Protective Effect Against Toxoplasmosis in BALB/c Mice Vaccinated With Recombinant Toxoplasma gondii MIF, CDPK3, and 14-3-3 Protein Cocktail Vaccine. Front Immunol 2021; 12:755792. [PMID: 35003067 PMCID: PMC8727341 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.755792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii can infect almost all endotherm organisms including humans and cause life-threatening toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised individuals, which leads to serious public health problems. Developing an excellent vaccine against this disease is impending. In present study, we formulated a cocktail protein vaccine including the TgMIF, TgCDPK3, and Tg14-3-3 proteins, which play critical roles in T. gondii infection. The recombinant protein vaccines were constructed and assessed by vaccination in BALB/c mice. We organized the mice in various protein combination groups of vaccines, and all mice were immunized with corresponding proteins at 0, 2, and 4 weeks. The specific protective effects of the vaccines on mice against T. gondii were analyzed by the mensuration of cytokines, serum antibodies, splenocyte proliferation assay, survival time, and parasite cyst burden of mice after the challenge. The study indicated that mice immunized with all three multicomponent proteins vaccine triggered a strong immune response with highest levels of IFN-γ production and IgG antibody compared with the other two protein combinations and controls. Moreover, there was an increase in IL-4 production and antigen-specific lymphocyte proliferation. The parasite cysts were significantly reduced (resulting in an 82.7% reduction), and survival time was longer in immunized mice with three multicomponent proteins compared with the other groups of mice. The enhanced humoral and cell-mediated immunity indicated that the protein cocktail vaccine containing three antigens provided effective protection for mice. These results indicated that recombinant TgMIF, TgCDPK3, and Tg14-3-3 multicomponent proteins were potential candidates for vaccine against toxoplasmosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Research Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions of Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Minmin Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Research Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions of Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Research Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions of Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hongyang Wen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Research Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions of Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ran An
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Research Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions of Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Haijian Cai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Research Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions of Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Li Yu
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions of Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jilong Shen
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions of Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lijian Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Lijian Chen, ; Jian Du, ;
| | - Jian Du
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Research Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions of Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Lijian Chen, ; Jian Du, ;
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Daher D, Shaghlil A, Sobh E, Hamie M, Hassan ME, Moumneh MB, Itani S, El Hajj R, Tawk L, El Sabban M, El Hajj H. Comprehensive Overview of Toxoplasma gondii-Induced and Associated Diseases. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111351. [PMID: 34832507 PMCID: PMC8625914 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a prevalent protozoan parasite of medical and veterinary significance. It is the etiologic agent of toxoplasmosis, a neglected disease in which incidence and symptoms differ between patients and regions. In immunocompetent patients, toxoplasmosis manifests as acute and chronic forms. Acute toxoplasmosis presents as mild or asymptomatic disease that evolves, under the host immune response, into a persistent chronic disease in healthy individuals. Chronic toxoplasmosis establishes as latent tissue cysts in the brain and skeletal muscles. In immunocompromised patients, chronic toxoplasmosis may reactivate, leading to a potentially life-threatening condition. Recently, the association between toxoplasmosis and various diseases has been shown. These span primary neuropathies, behavioral and psychiatric disorders, and different types of cancer. Currently, a direct pre-clinical or clinical molecular connotation between toxoplasmosis and most of its associated diseases remains poorly understood. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview on Toxoplasma-induced and associated diseases with a focus on available knowledge of the molecular players dictating these associations. We will also abridge the existing therapeutic options of toxoplasmosis and highlight the current gaps to explore the implications of toxoplasmosis on its associated diseases to advance treatment modalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darine Daher
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (D.D.); (M.H.); (M.E.H.); (M.B.M.); (S.I.)
| | - Ahmad Shaghlil
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, R. Hariri Campus, Lebanese University, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (A.S.); (E.S.)
| | - Eyad Sobh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, R. Hariri Campus, Lebanese University, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (A.S.); (E.S.)
| | - Maguy Hamie
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (D.D.); (M.H.); (M.E.H.); (M.B.M.); (S.I.)
| | - Malika Elhage Hassan
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (D.D.); (M.H.); (M.E.H.); (M.B.M.); (S.I.)
| | - Mohamad Bahij Moumneh
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (D.D.); (M.H.); (M.E.H.); (M.B.M.); (S.I.)
| | - Shaymaa Itani
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (D.D.); (M.H.); (M.E.H.); (M.B.M.); (S.I.)
| | - Rana El Hajj
- Department of Biological Sciences, Beirut Arab University, Beirut 1107 2809, Lebanon;
| | - Lina Tawk
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut 1100 2807, Lebanon;
| | - Marwan El Sabban
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon;
| | - Hiba El Hajj
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon; (D.D.); (M.H.); (M.E.H.); (M.B.M.); (S.I.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +961–1-350000 (ext. 4897)
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Nano DNA Vaccine Encoding Toxoplasma gondii Histone Deacetylase SIR2 Enhanced Protective Immunity in Mice. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13101582. [PMID: 34683874 PMCID: PMC8538992 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13101582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogen of toxoplasmosis, Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), is a zoonotic protozoon that can affect the health of warm-blooded animals including humans. Up to now, an effective vaccine with completely protection is still inaccessible. In this study, the DNA vaccine encoding T. gondii histone deacetylase SIR2 (pVAX1-SIR2) was constructed. To enhance the efficacy, chitosan and poly (d, l-lactic-co-glycolic)-acid (PLGA) were employed to design nanospheres loaded with the DNA vaccine, denoted as pVAX1-SIR2/CS and pVAX1-SIR2/PLGA nanospheres. The pVAX1-SIR2 plasmids were transfected into HEK 293-T cells, and the expression was evaluated by a laser scanning confocal microscopy. Then, the immune protections of pVAX1-SIR2 plasmid, pVAX1-SIR2/CS nanospheres, and pVAX1-SIR2/PLGA nanospheres were evaluated in a laboratory animal model. The in vivo findings indicated that pVAX1-SIR2/CS and pVAX1-SIR2/PLGA nanospheres could generate a mixed Th1/Th2 immune response, as indicated by the regulated production of antibodies and cytokines, the enhanced maturation and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) expression of dendritic cells (DCs), the induced splenocyte proliferation, and the increased percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. Furthermore, this enhanced immunity could obviously reduce the parasite burden in immunized animals through a lethal dose of T. gondii RH strain challenge. All these results propose that pVAX1-SIR2 plasmids entrapped in chitosan or PLGA nanospheres could be the promising vaccines against acute T. gondii infections and deserve further investigations.
Collapse
|
38
|
Papatsiros VG, Athanasiou LV, Kostoulas P, Giannakopoulos A, Tzika E, Billinis C. Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Swine: Implications for Public Health. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2021; 18:823-840. [PMID: 34491108 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2021.0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, due to Toxoplasma gondii, is a parasitic disease with global importance. Among livestock, chronic T. gondii infection has been reported in higher rates in pigs and small ruminants, but with subclinical infections in case commonly encountered in pigs. Seroprevalence in the global pig population ranges according to the age or species of pigs, geographical distribution, production programs, and systems. Generally, T. gondii infections are noticed in low prevalence rates in conventional pig farms with high hygiene standards. In contrast, higher prevalence is common on free-ranging farms, outdoor or backyard small pig fams, as well as in farmed or hunted wild boars. The T. gondii average worldwide seroprevalence in pigs is reported to be 13% in Europe, 21% in Africa, 25% in North America, 21% in Asia, and 23% in South America. Human toxoplasmosis outbreaks have been correlated with the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, especially from infected pigs or wild boars, as well as of contaminated drinking water. The risk of infection in processed pork products is lower compared with fresh pork, as meat processing can reduce or inactivate T. gondii tissue cysts. Hence, the prevalence of T. gondii in the pig population may be a useful indicator of the risk of human toxoplasmosis associated with the consumption of pork products. The lack of obligatory screening methods at farm level for the detection of antibodies in farmed animals or the viable T. gondii in carcasses at slaughterhouse level increases the risk of contaminated pork or meat products. For this reason, the application of biosecurity and surveillance programs at farm level is very important to prevent a T. gondii infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios G Papatsiros
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Labrini V Athanasiou
- Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Polychronis Kostoulas
- Laboratory of Epidemiology & Artificial Intelligence, Faculty of Public Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Alexios Giannakopoulos
- Department of Microbiology & Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| | - Eleni Tzika
- Farm Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Charalambos Billinis
- Department of Microbiology & Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Yu Z, Cao W, Gao X, Aleem MT, Liu J, Luo J, Yan R, Xu L, Song X, Li X. With Chitosan and PLGA as the Delivery Vehicle, Toxoplasma gondii Oxidoreductase-Based DNA Vaccines Decrease Parasite Burdens in Mice. Front Immunol 2021; 12:726615. [PMID: 34512659 PMCID: PMC8430031 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.726615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an intracellular parasitic protozoan that can cause serious public health problems. However, there is no effectively preventive or therapeutic strategy available for human and animals. In the present study, we developed a DNA vaccine encoding T. gondii oxidoreductase from short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase family (TgSDRO-pVAX1) and then entrapped in chitosan and poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) to improve the efficacy. When encapsulated in chitosan (TgSDRO-pVAX1/CS nanospheres) and PLGA (TgSDRO-pVAX1/PLGA nanospheres), adequate plasmids were loaded and released stably. Before animal immunizations, the DNA vaccine was transfected into HEK 293-T cells and examined by western blotting and laser confocal microscopy. Th1/Th2 cellular and humoral immunity was induced in immunized mice, accompanied by modulated secretion of antibodies and cytokines, promoted the maturation and MHC expression of dendritic cells, and enhanced the percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. Immunization with TgSDRO-pVAX1/CS and TgSDRO-pVAX1/PLGA nanospheres conferred significant immunity with lower parasite burden in the mice model of acute toxoplasmosis. Furthermore, our results also lent credit to the idea that TgSDRO-pVAX1/CS and TgSDRO-pVAX1/PLGA nanospheres are substitutes for each other. In general, the current study proposed that TgSDRO-pVAX1 with chitosan or PLGA as the delivery vehicle is a promising vaccine candidate against acute toxoplasmosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengqing Yu
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wandi Cao
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuchen Gao
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Muhammad Tahir Aleem
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Junlong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianxun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ruofeng Yan
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lixin Xu
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaokai Song
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangrui Li
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Biochemical Studies of Mitochondrial Malate: Quinone Oxidoreductase from Toxoplasma gondii. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157830. [PMID: 34360597 PMCID: PMC8345934 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that causes toxoplasmosis and infects almost one-third of the global human population. A lack of effective drugs and vaccines and the emergence of drug resistant parasites highlight the need for the development of new drugs. The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is an essential pathway for energy metabolism and the survival of T. gondii. In apicomplexan parasites, malate:quinone oxidoreductase (MQO) is a monotopic membrane protein belonging to the ETC and a key member of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and has recently been suggested to play a role in the fumarate cycle, which is required for the cytosolic purine salvage pathway. In T. gondii, a putative MQO (TgMQO) is expressed in tachyzoite and bradyzoite stages and is considered to be a potential drug target since its orthologue is not conserved in mammalian hosts. As a first step towards the evaluation of TgMQO as a drug target candidate, in this study, we developed a new expression system for TgMQO in FN102(DE3)TAO, a strain deficient in respiratory cytochromes and dependent on an alternative oxidase. This system allowed, for the first time, the expression and purification of a mitochondrial MQO family enzyme, which was used for steady-state kinetics and substrate specificity analyses. Ferulenol, the only known MQO inhibitor, also inhibited TgMQO at IC50 of 0.822 μM, and displayed different inhibition kinetics compared to Plasmodium falciparum MQO. Furthermore, our analysis indicated the presence of a third binding site for ferulenol that is distinct from the ubiquinone and malate sites.
Collapse
|
41
|
Karakavuk M, Can H, Gül A, Döşkaya AD, Alak SE, Ün C, Gürüz AY, Döşkaya M. GRA8 DNA vaccine formulations protect against chronic toxoplasmosis. Microb Pathog 2021; 158:105016. [PMID: 34098019 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.105016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii has a very wide host range and infects all warm-blooded animals including humans. The disease causes great economic losses both in animals and humans. Vaccination is the most effective approach to fight against toxoplasmosis however an effective vaccine has not been developed yet. In the present study, GRA8 protein of T. gondii that showed high immunogenicity in our previous microarray screening study was used to develop a DNA vaccine using pcDNA 3.3 vector for the first time. In order to increase the potency of the DNA vaccine, 10 times lower amount of GRA8 DNA vaccine was combined with molecular adjuvant CpG and formulated into a commercial liposome (pcDNA3.3-GRA8+CpG+Escort). Mice were vaccinated intramuscularly two times at three-week intervals and challenged orally with the T. gondii PRU strain tissue cysts. The humoral immune response was determined by Western Blot and ELISA. The cellular immune response was analyzed by flow cytometry, cytokine ELISA and MTT assay. Among the vaccine groups, pcDNA3.3-GRA8 and pcDNA3.3-GRA8+CpG+Escort induced strong IgG response compared to controls (P < 0.001). The IgG1 and IgG2a responses showed a balanced Th1-Th2 polarization. The ratio of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes secreting IFN-γ increased, and significantly higher extracellular IFN-γ secretion was achieved compared to the controls (P < 0.01). The amount of tissue cysts in the group of mice vaccinated with pcDNA3.3-GRA8 decreased significantly compared to control groups (P < 0.0001). In the group vaccinated with pcDNA3.3-GRA8+CpG+Escort, the amount of tissue cysts also decreased significantly compared to PBS (P = 0.0086) and Empty plasmid+CpG+Escort (P = 0.0007) groups. This study showed for the first time that pcDNA 3.3. vector encoding GRA8 with or without CpG and Liposome can induce strong cellular and humoral immune responses and confer strong protection against mouse model of chronic toxoplasmosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammet Karakavuk
- Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey; Ege University, Ege University Ödemiş Vocational School, İzmir, Turkey; Ege University, Vaccine Development, Application and Research Center, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Hüseyin Can
- Ege University, Vaccine Development, Application and Research Center, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey; Ege University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Molecular Biology Section, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Aytül Gül
- Ege University, Vaccine Development, Application and Research Center, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey; Ege University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Aysu Değirmenci Döşkaya
- Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey; Ege University, Vaccine Development, Application and Research Center, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Sedef Erkunt Alak
- Ege University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Molecular Biology Section, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Cemal Ün
- Ege University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Molecular Biology Section, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Adnan Yüksel Gürüz
- Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey; Ege University, Vaccine Development, Application and Research Center, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Mert Döşkaya
- Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Parasitology, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey; Ege University, Vaccine Development, Application and Research Center, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Yu Z, Ding W, Aleem MT, Su J, Liu J, Luo J, Yan R, Xu L, Song X, Li X. Toxoplasma gondii Proteasome Subunit Alpha Type 1 with Chitosan: A Promising Alternative to Traditional Adjuvant. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13050752. [PMID: 34069589 PMCID: PMC8161231 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13050752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
As an important zoonotic protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) has spread around the world, leading to infections in one-third of the population. There is still no effective vaccine or medicine against T. gondii, and recombinant antigens entrapped within nanospheres have benefits over traditional vaccines. In the present study, we first expressed and purified T. gondii proteasome subunit alpha type 1 (TgPSA1), then encapsulated the recombinant TgPSA1 (rTgPSA1) in chitosan nanospheres (CS nanospheres, rTgPSA1/CS nanospheres) and incomplete Freund’s adjuvant (IFA, rTgPSA1/IFA emulsion). Antigens entrapped in CS nanospheres reached an encapsulation efficiency of 67.39%, and rTgPSA1/CS nanospheres showed a more stable release profile compared to rTgPSA1/IFA emulsion in vitro. In vivo, Th1-biased cellular and humoral immune responses were induced in mice and chickens immunized with rTgPSA1/CS nanospheres and rTgPSA1/IFA emulsion, accompanied by promoted production of antibodies, IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-17, and modulated production of IL-10. Immunization with rTgPSA1/CS nanospheres and rTgPSA1/IFA emulsion conferred significant protection, with prolonged survival time in mice and significantly decreased parasite burden in chickens. Furthermore, our results also indicate that rTgPSA1/CS nanospheres could be used as a substitute for rTgPSA1/IFA emulsion, with the optimal administration route being intramuscular in mass vaccination. Collectively, the results of this study indicate that rTgPSA1/CS nanospheres represent a promising vaccine to protect animals against acute toxoplasmosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengqing Yu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210000, China; (Z.Y.); (W.D.); (M.T.A.); (J.S.); (R.Y.); (L.X.); (X.S.)
| | - Wenxi Ding
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210000, China; (Z.Y.); (W.D.); (M.T.A.); (J.S.); (R.Y.); (L.X.); (X.S.)
| | - Muhammad Tahir Aleem
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210000, China; (Z.Y.); (W.D.); (M.T.A.); (J.S.); (R.Y.); (L.X.); (X.S.)
| | - Junzhi Su
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210000, China; (Z.Y.); (W.D.); (M.T.A.); (J.S.); (R.Y.); (L.X.); (X.S.)
| | - Junlong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China; (J.L.); (J.L.)
| | - Jianxun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China; (J.L.); (J.L.)
| | - Ruofeng Yan
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210000, China; (Z.Y.); (W.D.); (M.T.A.); (J.S.); (R.Y.); (L.X.); (X.S.)
| | - Lixin Xu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210000, China; (Z.Y.); (W.D.); (M.T.A.); (J.S.); (R.Y.); (L.X.); (X.S.)
| | - Xiaokai Song
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210000, China; (Z.Y.); (W.D.); (M.T.A.); (J.S.); (R.Y.); (L.X.); (X.S.)
| | - Xiangrui Li
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210000, China; (Z.Y.); (W.D.); (M.T.A.); (J.S.); (R.Y.); (L.X.); (X.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-025-84399000
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Recombinant Toxoplasma gondii Ribosomal Protein P2 Modulates the Functions of Murine Macrophages In Vitro and Provides Immunity against Acute Toxoplasmosis In Vivo. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9040357. [PMID: 33917244 PMCID: PMC8068005 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9040357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Almost every warm-blooded animal can be an intermediate host for Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii); there is still no efficient vaccine and medicine available for T. gondii infections. Detected on the surface of free tachyzoites of T. gondii, T. gondii ribosomal protein P2 (TgRPP2) has been identified as a target for protection against toxoplasmosis. In the present study, TgRPP2 was firstly expressed in a prokaryotic expression system, and the purified recombinant TgRPP2 (rTgRPP2) was characterized by its modulation effects on murine macrophages. Then, the purified rTgRPP2 was injected into mice to evaluate the immune protection of rTgRPP2. The results indicated that rTgRPP2 could bind to murine Ana-1 cells and showed good reactogenicity. After incubation with purified rTgRPP2, the proliferation, apoptosis, phagocytosis, nitric oxide (NO) production, and cytokines secreted by murine macrophages were modulated. Furthermore, the in vivo experiments indicated that animals immunized with rTgRPP2 could generate a significantly high level of antibodies, cytokines, and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, leading to a prolonged survival time. All of the results indicated that murine macrophages could be regulated by rTgRPP2 and are essential for the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Immunization with rTgRPP2 triggered significant protection, with prolonged survival time in a mice model of acute toxoplasmosis. Our results lend credibility to the idea that rTgRPP2 could be a potential target for drug design and vaccine development.
Collapse
|
44
|
Yu Z, Chen S, Aleem M, He S, Yang Y, Zhou T, Liu J, Luo J, Yan R, Xu L, Song X, Li X. Histone deacetylase SIR2 in Toxoplasma gondii modulates functions of murine macrophages in vitro and protects mice against acute toxoplasmosis in vivo. Microb Pathog 2021; 154:104835. [PMID: 33731306 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.104835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Silent information regulator 2 (SIR2) in histone deacetylase (HDAC) is particularly conserved and widely expressed in all eukaryotic cells. HDAC is a crucial post-translational modification protein regulating gene expression. In the present study, a Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) silent information regulator 2 (TgSIR2) gene in HDAC was cloned and the modulation effects of recombinant TgSIR2 (rTgSIR2) on murine Ana-1 macrophages were characterized in vitro. The results indicated that rTgSIR2 had a good capacity to eliminate T. gondii by promoting proliferation, apoptosis, and phagocytosis, and modulating the secretion of nitric oxide (NO), pro-inflammatory cytokines, and anti-inflammatory cytokines. In in vivo experiments, animals were immunized with recombinant TgSIR2, followed by a lethal dose of T. gondii RH strain challenge 14 days after the second immunization. As compared to the blank and control group, the animals immunized with rTgSIR2 could generate specific humoral responses, as demonstrated by the significantly high titers of total IgG and subclasses IgG1 and IgG2a. Significant increases of IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-10 were seen, while no significant changes were detected in IL-17. The percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes in animals immunized with rTgSIR2 significantly increased. A significantly long survival time was also observed in animals vaccinated with rTgSIR2 14 days after the last immunization. All these results clearly indicate that rTgSIR2 played an essential role in modulating host macrophages and offered the potential to develop a therapeutic strategy against T. gondii.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- ZhengQing Yu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - SiYing Chen
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - MuhammadTahir Aleem
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - SuHui He
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Yang Yang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - TianYuan Zhou
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - JunLong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, PR China.
| | - JianXun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, PR China.
| | - RuoFeng Yan
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - LiXin Xu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - XiaoKai Song
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - XiangRui Li
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Pagheh AS, Daryani A, Alizadeh P, Hassannia H, Rodrigues Oliveira SM, Kazemi T, Rezaei F, Pereira MDL, Ahmadpour E. Protective effect of a DNA vaccine cocktail encoding ROP13 and GRA14 with Alum nano-adjuvant against Toxoplasma gondii infection in mice. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2021; 132:105920. [PMID: 33421633 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2021.105920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that can cause serious public health problems. The development of a safe and effective vaccine against T. gondii is urgently needed to prevent and control the spread of toxoplasmosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immune responses induced by a pcGRA14 + pcROP13 vaccine cocktail in BALB/c mice. All groups were immunized intramuscularly three times at two-week intervals. The production of anti-Toxoplasma gondii lysate antigen (TLA) antibodies, lymphocyte proliferation, serum levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 cytokines and the survival time were monitored after vaccination and challenged with the virulent RH strain of T. gondii. The results showed that immunization with the pcGRA14 + pcROP13 DNA vaccine significantly increased the production of specific IgG antibodies and cytokines against toxoplasmosis. Interestingly, high levels of IgG2a and IFN-γ were found in animals vaccinated with DNA vaccine cocktail. Furthermore, immunized mice challenged with the RH strain of T. gondii showed prolonged survival time when compared to control groups (P <0.05). The present study demonstrates the potential of a DNA cocktail vaccine expressing pcGRA14 and pcROP13 in developing specific immune responses and providing effective protection against T. gondii infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abdol Sattar Pagheh
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Ahmad Daryani
- Toxoplasmosis Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Paria Alizadeh
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hadi Hassannia
- Amol Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | | | - Tohid Kazemi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Maria de Lourdes Pereira
- CICECO - Aveiro Institute of Materials, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ehsan Ahmadpour
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Ghaffari AD, Dalimi A, Ghaffarifar F, Pirestani M, Majidiani H. Immunoinformatic analysis of immunogenic B- and T-cell epitopes of MIC4 protein to designing a vaccine candidate against Toxoplasma gondii through an in-silico approach. Clin Exp Vaccine Res 2021; 10:59-77. [PMID: 33628756 PMCID: PMC7892946 DOI: 10.7774/cevr.2021.10.1.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Toxoplasmosis, transmitted by Toxoplasma gondii, is a worldwide parasitic disease that affects approximately one-third of the world's inhabitants. Today, there are no appropriate drugs to deter tissue cysts from developing in infected hosts. So, developing an effective vaccine would be valuable to avoid from toxoplasmosis. Considering the role of microneme antigens such as microneme protein 4 (MIC4) in T. gondii pathogenesis, it can be used as potential candidates for vaccine against T. gondii. Materials and Methods In this study several bioinformatics methods were used to assess the different aspects of MIC4 protein such as secondary and tertiary structure, physicochemical characteristics, the transmembrane domains, subcellular localization, B-cell, helper-T lymphocyte, cytotoxic-T lymphocyte epitopes, and other notable characteristic of this protein design a suitable vaccine against T. gondii. Results The studies revealed that MIC4 protein includes 59 potential post-translational modification sites without any transmembrane domains. Moreover, several probable epitopes of B- and T-cells were detected for MIC4. The secondary structure comprised 55.69% random coil, 5.86% beta-turn, 19.31% extended strand, and 19.14% alpha helix. According to the Ramachandran plot results, 87.42% of the amino acid residues were located in the favored, 9.44% in allowed, and 3.14% in outlier regions. The protein allergenicity and antigenicity revealed that it was non-allergenic and antigenic. Conclusion This study gives vital basic on MIC4 protein for further research and also established an effective vaccine with different techniques against acute and chronic toxoplasmosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Dalir Ghaffari
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdolhossein Dalimi
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Pirestani
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Majidiani
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Smith NC, Goulart C, Hayward JA, Kupz A, Miller CM, van Dooren GG. Control of human toxoplasmosis. Int J Parasitol 2020; 51:95-121. [PMID: 33347832 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, an apicomplexan parasite that is able to infect any nucleated cell in any warm-blooded animal. Toxoplasma gondii infects around 2 billion people and, whilst only a small percentage of infected people will suffer serious disease, the prevalence of the parasite makes it one of the most damaging zoonotic diseases in the world. Toxoplasmosis is a disease with multiple manifestations: it can cause a fatal encephalitis in immunosuppressed people; if first contracted during pregnancy, it can cause miscarriage or congenital defects in the neonate; and it can cause serious ocular disease, even in immunocompetent people. The disease has a complex epidemiology, being transmitted by ingestion of oocysts that are shed in the faeces of definitive feline hosts and contaminate water, soil and crops, or by consumption of intracellular cysts in undercooked meat from intermediate hosts. In this review we examine current and future approaches to control toxoplasmosis, which encompass a variety of measures that target different components of the life cycle of T. gondii. These include: education programs about the parasite and avoidance of contact with infectious stages; biosecurity and sanitation to ensure food and water safety; chemo- and immunotherapeutics to control active infections and disease; prophylactic options to prevent acquisition of infection by livestock and cyst formation in meat; and vaccines to prevent shedding of oocysts by definitive feline hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas C Smith
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.
| | - Cibelly Goulart
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - Jenni A Hayward
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - Andreas Kupz
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Catherine M Miller
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Science, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia
| | - Giel G van Dooren
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
The Immunogenic and Immunoprotective Activities of Recombinant Chimeric T. gondii Proteins Containing AMA1 Antigen Fragments. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8040724. [PMID: 33276579 PMCID: PMC7761622 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8040724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, one of the most common parasitoses worldwide, is potentially dangerous for individuals with a weakened immune system, but specific immunoprophylaxis intended for humans is still lacking. Thus, efforts have been made to create an efficient universal vaccine for both animals and humans to overcome the shortcomings of currently used treatment methods and protect all hosts against toxoplasmosis. The current work represents a relatively new approach to vaccine development based on recombinant chimeric Toxoplasma gondii antigens. In the present research, three tetravalent chimeric proteins containing different portions of the parasite’s AMA1 antigen—AMA1domainI-SAG2-GRA1-ROP1L (ANSGR), AMA1domainsII,III-SAG2-GRA1-ROP1L (ACSGR) and AMA1fullprotein-SAG2-GRA1-ROP1L (AFSGR)—were tested for their immunogenic and immunoprotective capacities. All tested proteins were immunogenic, as evidenced by the triggering of specific humoral and cellular immune responses in vaccinated C3H/HeOuJ mice, defined by the production of specific IgG (IgG1/IgG2a) antibodies in vivo and synthesis of key Th1/Th2 cytokines by Toxoplasma lysate antigen-stimulated splenocytes in vitro. Although all tested preparations provided partial protection against chronic toxoplasmosis in immunized and T. gondii-challenged mice, the intensity of the generated immunoprotection depended on the fragment of the AMA1 antigen incorporated into the chimeric antigen’s structure.
Collapse
|
49
|
Meixner N, Sommer MF, Scuda N, Matiasek K, Müller M. Comparative aspects of laboratory testing for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii and its differentiation from Neospora caninum as the etiologic agent of ovine abortion. J Vet Diagn Invest 2020; 32:898-907. [PMID: 33025842 DOI: 10.1177/1040638720962110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Histologic examination of aborted material is an essential component in the diagnosis of ovine toxoplasmosis. However, the detection of Toxoplasma gondii in histologic sections, and its differentiation from the closely related protozoan Neospora caninum, is challenging. We developed a chromogenic in situ hybridization (ISH) assay for the identification of T. gondii in paraffin-embedded tissue samples. We examined retrospectively the archived placental tissue of 200 sheep abortion submissions for the presence of T. gondii by immunohistochemistry (IHC), ISH, and real-time PCR (rtPCR). All placental samples that tested positive for T. gondii by rtPCR (9 of 200) were also positive by IHC, with inconclusive IHC staining in an additional 7 rtPCR-negative cases. Further testing for N. caninum of all 200 placentas by rtPCR revealed 7 Neospora-positive cases. T. gondii ISH was positive in 4 of 9 IHC-positive samples and 1 of the 7 N. caninum rtPCR-positive samples. Real-time PCR was used as the reference standard for specificity and sensitivity calculations regarding placenta samples. Specificity of ISH and IHC was 99% and 96-100%, respectively. The sensitivity of ISH (44%) was quite low compared to IHC (100%). The exclusive use of ISH for the detection of T. gondii, and thus for the diagnosis of ovine toxoplasmosis, was not acceptable. However, combined with rtPCR, both ISH and IHC can be useful detection methods to improve histologic evaluation by visualizing the parasite within tissue sections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Meixner
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marie F Sommer
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nelly Scuda
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kaspar Matiasek
- Section of Clinical and Comparative Neuropathology, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Müller
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Ducournau C, Moiré N, Carpentier R, Cantin P, Herkt C, Lantier I, Betbeder D, Dimier-Poisson I. Effective Nanoparticle-Based Nasal Vaccine Against Latent and Congenital Toxoplasmosis in Sheep. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2183. [PMID: 33013917 PMCID: PMC7509486 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a parasitic protozoan of worldwide distribution, able to infect all warm-blooded animals, but particularly sheep. Primary infection in pregnant sheep leads to millions of abortions and significant economic losses for the livestock industry. Moreover, infected animals constitute the main parasitic reservoir for humans. Therefore, the development of a One-health vaccine seems the best prevention strategy. Following earlier work, a vaccine constituted of total extract of Toxoplasma gondii proteins (TE) associated with maltodextrin nanoparticles (DGNP) was developed in rodents. In this study we evaluated the ability of this vaccine candidate to protect against latent and congenital toxoplasmosis in sheep. After two immunizations by either intranasal or intradermal route, DGNP/TE vaccine generated specific Th1-cellular immune response, mediated by APC-secretion of IFN-γ and IL-12. Secretion of IL-10 appeared to regulate this Th1 response for intradermally vaccinated sheep but was absent in intranasally-vaccinated animals. Finally, protection against latent toxoplasmosis and transplacental transmission were explored. Intranasal vaccination led to a marked decrease of brain cysts compared with the non-vaccinated group. This DGNP/TE vaccine administered intranasally conferred a high level of protection against latent toxoplasmosis and its transplacental transmission in sheep, highlighting the potential for development of such a vaccine for studies in other species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rodolphe Carpentier
- INFINITE, Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, University of Lille, Inserm, Lille, France
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|