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Abdolmohammadi Khiav L, Zahmatkesh A. Major pathogenic Clostridia in human and progress toward the clostridial vaccines. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2022; 25:1059-1068. [PMID: 36246067 PMCID: PMC9526890 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2022.65518.14417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The Clostridium genus is composed of a large spectrum of heterogeneous bacteria. They are Gram-positive, mostly mesophilic, and anaerobic spore-forming strains. Clostridia are widely distributed in oxygen-free habitats. They are found principally in the soil and intestines of ruminants as normal flora, but also are the cause of several infections in humans. The infections produced by important species in humans include botulism, tetanus, pseudomembranous colitis, antibiotics-associated diarrhea, and gas gangrene. Immunization with toxoid or bacterin-toxoid or genetically modified or other vaccines is a protective way against clostridial infection. Several experimental or commercial vaccines have been developed worldwide. Although conventional vaccines including toxoid vaccines are very important, the new generation of vaccines is an effective alternative to conventional vaccines. Recent advances have made it possible for new vaccines to increase immunogenicity. This review discusses briefly the important species of clostridia in humans, their toxins structure, and vaccine development and usage throughout the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lida Abdolmohammadi Khiav
- Department of Anaerobic Vaccine Research and Production, Specialized Clostridia Research Laboratory, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran,Corresponding author: Lida Abdolmohammadi Khiav. Department of Anaerobic Vaccine Research and Production, Specialized Clostridia Research Laboratory, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran. Tel: +98-2634570038; Fax: +98-2634552194;
| | - Azadeh Zahmatkesh
- Department of Anaerobic Vaccine Research and Production, Specialized Clostridia Research Laboratory, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran
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Kim NY, Son WR, Lee MH, Choi HS, Choi JY, Song YJ, Yu CH, Song DH, Hur GH, Jeong ST, Hong SY, Shin YK, Shin S. A multipathogen DNA vaccine elicits protective immune responses against two class A bioterrorism agents, anthrax and botulism. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:1531-1542. [PMID: 35141866 PMCID: PMC8979915 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-11812-6] [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: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The potential use of biological agents has become a major public health concern worldwide. According to the CDC classification, Bacillus anthracis and Clostridium botulinum, the bacterial pathogens that cause anthrax and botulism, respectively, are considered to be the most dangerous potential biological agents. Currently, there is no licensed vaccine that is well suited for mass immunization in the event of an anthrax or botulism epidemic. In the present study, we developed a dual-expression system-based multipathogen DNA vaccine that encodes the PA-D4 gene of B. anthracis and the HCt gene of C. botulinum. When the multipathogen DNA vaccine was administered to mice and guinea pigs, high level antibody responses were elicited against both PA-D4 and HCt. Analysis of the serum IgG subtype implied a combined Th1/Th2 response to both antigens, but one that was Th2 skewed. In addition, immunization with the multipathogen DNA vaccine induced effective neutralizing antibody activity against both PA-D4 and HCt. Finally, the protection efficiency of the multipathogen DNA vaccine was determined by sequential challenge with 10 LD50 of B. anthracis spores and 10 LD50 of botulinum toxin, or vice versa, and the multipathogen DNA vaccine provided higher than 50% protection against lethal challenge with both high-risk biothreat agents. Our studies suggest the strategy used for this anthrax-botulinum multipathogen DNA vaccine as a prospective approach for developing emergency vaccines that can be immediately distributed on a massive scale in response to a biothreat emergency or infectious disease outbreak.
Key points • A novel multipathogen DNA vaccine was constructed against anthrax and botulism. • Robust immune responses were induced following vaccination. • Suggests a potential vaccine development strategy against biothreat agents. |
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Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00253-022-11812-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Young Kim
- R&D Center, ABION Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Rak Son
- R&D Center, ABION Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Hoon Lee
- R&D Center, ABION Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | - Young Jo Song
- The 4th R&D Institute, Agency for Defense Development, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chi Ho Yu
- The 4th R&D Institute, Agency for Defense Development, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Song
- The 4th R&D Institute, Agency for Defense Development, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyeung Haeng Hur
- The 4th R&D Institute, Agency for Defense Development, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Tae Jeong
- The 4th R&D Institute, Agency for Defense Development, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Youl Hong
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Kee Shin
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungho Shin
- Bio-MAX/N-Bio, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Rasetti-Escargueil C, Popoff MR. Antibodies and Vaccines against Botulinum Toxins: Available Measures and Novel Approaches. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11090528. [PMID: 31547338 PMCID: PMC6783819 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11090528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is produced by the anaerobic, Gram-positive bacterium Clostridium botulinum. As one of the most poisonous toxins known and a potential bioterrosism agent, BoNT is characterized by a complex mode of action comprising: internalization, translocation and proteolytic cleavage of a substrate, which inhibits synaptic exocytotic transmitter release at neuro-muscular nerve endings leading to peripheral neuroparalysis of the skeletal and autonomic nervous systems. There are seven major serologically distinct toxinotypes (A-G) of BoNT which act on different substrates. Human botulism is generally caused by BoNT/A, B and E. Due to its extreme lethality and potential use as biological weapon, botulism remains a global public health concern. Vaccination against BoNT, although an effective strategy, remains undesirable due to the growing expectation around therapeutic use of BoNTs in various pathological conditions. This review focuses on the current approaches for botulism control by immunotherapy, highlighting the future challenges while the molecular underpinnings among subtypes variants and BoNT sequences found in non-clostridial species remain to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Rasetti-Escargueil
- Institut Pasteur, Département de Microbiologie, Unité des Toxines Bactériennes, 25 Rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France.
| | - Michel R Popoff
- Institut Pasteur, Département de Microbiologie, Unité des Toxines Bactériennes, 25 Rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris, France.
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Kim NY, Ahn HB, Yu CH, Song DH, Hur GH, Shin YK, Shin S. Intradermal immunization with botulinum neurotoxin serotype E DNA vaccine induces humoral and cellular immunity and protects against lethal toxin challenge. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2018; 15:412-419. [PMID: 30235058 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2018.1526554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) produced by the spore-forming, gram-positive, anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum are the most toxic substances known and cause botulism, flaccid paralysis, or death. Owing to their high lethality, BoNTs are classified as category A agents by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Currently, there are no vaccines available to protect against BoNTs, so the rapid development of a safe and effective vaccine is important. DNA-based vaccines have recently drawn great attention because they can be developed quickly and can be applied in mass vaccination strategies to prevent disease outbreaks. Here, we report on the immunogenic and protective efficacy of a DNA vaccine, encoding a 50-kDa carboxy-terminal fragment of the BoNT serotype E heavy chain, which is delivered via an intradermal route. This plasmid DNA vaccine induced robust humoral and cellular BoNT/E-specific immune responses and completely protected animals against lethal challenge with BoNT/E. These results not only indicate that DNA vaccines could be further developed as safe and effective candidates for vaccines against BoNTs but also suggest a possible approach for developing vaccines that protect against bio-threat toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hye Bin Ahn
- b Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology , Seoul National University , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Chi Ho Yu
- c Agency for Defense Development , Daejon , Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Song
- c Agency for Defense Development , Daejon , Republic of Korea
| | | | - Young Kee Shin
- d College of Pharmacy , Seoul National University , Seoul , Republic of Korea
| | - Sungho Shin
- e Bio-MAX/N-Bio , Seoul National University , Seoul , Republic of Korea
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Vaccines against Botulism. Toxins (Basel) 2017; 9:toxins9090268. [PMID: 28869493 PMCID: PMC5618201 DOI: 10.3390/toxins9090268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT) cause the flaccid paralysis of botulism by inhibiting the release of acetylcholine from motor neurons. There are seven serotypes of BoNT (A-G), with limited therapies, and no FDA approved vaccine for botulism. An investigational formalin-inactivated penta-serotype-BoNT/A-E toxoid vaccine was used to vaccinate people who are at high risk of contracting botulism. However, this formalin-inactivated penta-serotype-BoNT/A-E toxoid vaccine was losing potency and was discontinued. This article reviews the different vaccines being developed to replace the discontinued toxoid vaccine. These vaccines include DNA-based, viral vector-based, and recombinant protein-based vaccines. DNA-based vaccines include plasmids or viral vectors containing the gene encoding one of the BoNT heavy chain receptor binding domains (HC). Viral vectors reviewed are adenovirus, influenza virus, rabies virus, Semliki Forest virus, and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis virus. Among the potential recombinant protein vaccines reviewed are HC, light chain-heavy chain translocation domain, and chemically or genetically inactivated holotoxin.
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Chen BY, Zhou G, Li QL, Lu JS, Shi DY, Pang XB, Zhou XW, Yu YZ, Huang PT. Enhanced effects of DNA vaccine against botulinum neurotoxin serotype A by targeting antigen to dendritic cells. Immunol Lett 2017; 190:118-124. [PMID: 28802641 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2017.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
As dendritic cells (DCs) play a critical role in priming antigen-specific immune responses, the efficacy of DNA vaccines may be enhanced by targeting the encoded antigen proteins to DCs. In this study, we constructed a DC-targeted DNA vaccine encoding the Hc domain of botulinum neurotoxin serotype A (AHc) fused with scDEC, a single-chain Fv antibody (scFv) specific for the DC-restricted antigen-uptake receptor DEC205. Intramuscular injections of mice with the DC-targeted DNA vaccine (pVAX1-scDEC-AHc) stimulated more DCs to mature than the non-targeted DNA vaccine (pVAX1-SAHc) in the splenocytes. The DC-targeted DNA vaccine could induce more DCs maturation at the site of inoculation. The DC-targeted DNA vaccine induced stronger AHc-specific humoral immune responses, lymphocyte proliferative responses and protective potency against BoNT/A in mice than did pVAX1-SAHc. Moreover, the DC-targeting DNA vaccine provided effective protection after only two inoculations. In summary, these results showed that the DC-targeted fusion DNA vaccine could generate strong immunity, indicating that maturation of DCs induced by pVAX1-scDEC-AHc may be helpful for priming and boosting immune responses. Thus, we propose that the strategy of targeting antigen to DCs in vivo via DEC205 can enhance effectively the potency of DNA vaccines against BoNTs or other pathogens in an animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Yang Chen
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Guo Zhou
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Qing-Li Li
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China; Pharmaceutical College, Henan University, Kaifeng 475001, China
| | - Jian-Sheng Lu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Dan-Yang Shi
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Xiao-Bin Pang
- Pharmaceutical College, Henan University, Kaifeng 475001, China.
| | - Xiao-Wei Zhou
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China.
| | - Yun-Zhou Yu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China.
| | - Pei-Tang Huang
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
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Structural constraints-based evaluation of immunogenic avirulent toxins from Clostridium botulinum C2 and C3 toxins as subunit vaccines. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2016; 44:17-27. [PMID: 27320793 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Revised: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium botulinum (group-III) is an anaerobic bacterium producing C2 and C3 toxins in addition to botulinum neurotoxins in avian and mammalian cells. C2 and C3 toxins are members of bacterial ADP-ribosyltransferase superfamily, which modify the eukaryotic cell surface proteins by ADP-ribosylation reaction. Herein, the mutant proteins with lack of catalytic and pore forming function derived from C2 (C2I and C2II) and C3 toxins were computationally evaluated to understand their structure-function integrity. We have chosen many structural constraints including local structural environment, folding process, backbone conformation, conformational dynamic sub-space, NAD-binding specificity and antigenic determinants for screening of suitable avirulent toxins. A total of 20 avirulent mutants were identified out of 23 mutants, which were experimentally produced by site-directed mutagenesis. No changes in secondary structural elements in particular to α-helices and β-sheets and also in fold rate of all-β classes. Structural stability was maintained by reordered hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding patterns. Molecular dynamic studies suggested that coupled mutations may restrain the binding affinity to NAD(+) or protein substrate upon structural destabilization. Avirulent toxins of this study have stable energetic backbone conformation with a common blue print of folding process. Molecular docking studies revealed that avirulent mutants formed more favorable hydrogen bonding with the side-chain of amino acids near to conserved NAD-binding core, despite of restraining NAD-binding specificity. Thus, structural constraints in the avirulent toxins would determine their immunogenic nature for the prioritization of protein-based subunit vaccine/immunogens to avian and veterinary animals infected with C. botulinum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth E Ugen
- a University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine ; Tampa , FL USA
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