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Kruglova M, Nikitin N, Evtushenko E, Matveeva I, Mazurov A, Pavlenko I, Popova V, Bogomolova O, Vasilyev S, Markova E, Fedorov Y. Inactivated Flagellin-Containing Vaccine Efficacy against Ovine Enzootic Abortion. Pathogens 2024; 13:277. [PMID: 38668231 PMCID: PMC11053442 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040277] [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: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia abortus is the etiological agent of abortion and fetal loss in sheep, goats and bovine cattle in many countries. Even though commercially available vaccines can reduce the incidence in sheep, the development of new, safe, and effective vaccines remains high on the agenda. In this study, an evaluation was made of the efficacy of a vaccine candidate, an inactivated antigen based on the extract of outer membrane proteins of a C. abortus strain known as Chlamydia VNITIBP-21, in combination with recombinant flagellin as an adjuvant. Pregnant sheep (n = 43) were divided into three groups: an experimental vaccinated group, a control infected group and a control non-infected group. The sheep were vaccinated twice, with an interval of 3 weeks, then infected with the homologous virulent strain of Chlamydia abortus on pregnancy day 75. The vaccine candidate reduced C. abortus shedding in vaginal swabs considerably, in comparison with the control group. In addition, ewes in the experimental group experienced no abortions, while those in the control group experienced instances of abortion, as well as births of weak and nonviable lambs. The findings show that the vaccine candidate proved itself to be promising in combatting the agent of ovine abortion and fetal loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kruglova
- All-Russian Scientific Research and Technological Institute of Biological Industry, Biocombinat, 141142 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nikolai Nikitin
- Department of Virology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Evtushenko
- Department of Virology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina Matveeva
- All-Russian Scientific Research and Technological Institute of Biological Industry, Biocombinat, 141142 Moscow, Russia
| | - Aleksandr Mazurov
- All-Russian Scientific Research and Technological Institute of Biological Industry, Biocombinat, 141142 Moscow, Russia
| | - Igor Pavlenko
- All-Russian Scientific Research and Technological Institute of Biological Industry, Biocombinat, 141142 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vera Popova
- All-Russian Scientific Research and Technological Institute of Biological Industry, Biocombinat, 141142 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olesya Bogomolova
- All-Russian Scientific Research and Technological Institute of Biological Industry, Biocombinat, 141142 Moscow, Russia
| | - Stepan Vasilyev
- All-Russian Scientific Research and Technological Institute of Biological Industry, Biocombinat, 141142 Moscow, Russia
| | - Evgeniya Markova
- All-Russian Scientific Research and Technological Institute of Biological Industry, Biocombinat, 141142 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yuri Fedorov
- All-Russian Scientific Research and Technological Institute of Biological Industry, Biocombinat, 141142 Moscow, Russia
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Rodrigues R, Marques L, Vieira-Baptista P, Sousa C, Vale N. Therapeutic Options for Chlamydia trachomatis Infection: Present and Future. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:1634. [PMID: 36421278 PMCID: PMC9686482 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11111634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) infection, have serious consequences for sexual and reproductive health worldwide. Ct is one of the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infections in the world, with approximately 129 million new cases per year. C. trachomatis is an obligate intracellular Gram-negative bacterium. The infection is usually asymptomatic, notwithstanding, it could also be associated with severe sequels and complications, such as chronic pain, infertility, and gynecologic cancers, and thus there is an urgent need to adequately treat these cases in a timely manner. Consequently, beyond its individual effects, the infection also impacts the economy of the countries where it is prevalent, generating a need to consider the hypothesis of implementing Chlamydia Screening Programs, a decision that, although it is expensive to execute, is a necessary investment that unequivocally will bring financial and social long-term advantages worldwide. To detect Ct infection, there are different methodologies available. Nucleic acid amplification tests, with their high sensitivity and specificity, are currently the first-line tests for the detection of Ct. When replaced by other detection methods, there are more false negative tests, leading to underreported cases and a subsequent underestimation of Ct infection's prevalence. Ct treatment is based on antibiotic prescription, which is highly associated with drug resistance. Therefore, currently, there have been efforts in line with the development of alternative strategies to effectively treat this infection, using a drug repurposing method, as well as a natural treatment approach. In addition, researchers have also made some progress in the Ct vaccine development over the years, despite the fact that it also necessitates more studies in order to finally establish a vaccination plan. In this review, we have focused on the therapeutic options for treating Ct infection, expert recommendations, and major difficulties, while also exploring the possible avenues through which to face this issue, with novel approaches beyond those proposed by the guidelines of Health Organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Rodrigues
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Unilabs Portugal, Centro Empresarial Lionesa Porto, Rua Lionesa, 446 C24, 4465-671 Leça do Balio, Portugal
| | - Lara Marques
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Vieira-Baptista
- Hospital Lusíadas Porto, Avenida da Boavista, 171, 4050-115 Porto, Portugal
- Lower Genital Tract Unit, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carlos Sousa
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory, Unilabs Portugal, Centro Empresarial Lionesa Porto, Rua Lionesa, 446 C24, 4465-671 Leça do Balio, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Community Medicine, Health Information and Decision (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
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Borges ÁH, Follmann F, Dietrich J. Chlamydia trachomatis vaccine development - a view on the current challenges and how to move forward. Expert Rev Vaccines 2022; 21:1555-1567. [PMID: 36004386 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2022.2117694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial pathogen in the world. A licensed vaccine is not yet available, but the first vaccines have entered clinical trials. AREAS COVERED : We describe the progress that has been made in our understanding of the type of immunity that a protective vaccine should induce, and the challenges that vaccine developers face. We also focus on the clinical development of a chlamydia vaccine. The first chlamydia vaccine candidate has now been tested in a clinical phase-I trial, and another phase-I trial is currently running. We discuss what it will take to continue this development and what future trial setups could look like. EXPERT OPINION The chlamydia field is coming of age and the first phase I clinical trial of a C. trachomatis vaccine has been successfully completed. We expect and hope that this will motivate various stakeholders to support further development of chlamydia vaccines in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro H Borges
- Statens Serum Institut, Department of Infectious Diseases Immunology, Kobenhavn, 2300 Denmark
| | | | - Jes Dietrich
- Statens Serum Institut, Department of Infectious Diseases Immunology, Kobenhavn, 2300 Denmark
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Turin L, Surini S, Wheelhouse N, Rocchi MS. Recent advances and public health implications for environmental exposure to Chlamydia abortus: from enzootic to zoonotic disease. Vet Res 2022; 53:37. [PMID: 35642008 PMCID: PMC9152823 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-022-01052-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental transmission of Chlamydia abortus as a result of enzootic disease or disease outbreaks and the threats posed by this pathogen has been previously reported, however a state-of-the-science review of these reports and the identification of future research priorities in this area is still lacking. This study provides an overview of the current knowledge of host–pathogen–environment interactions, addressing public health risks and identifying critical questions and research gaps. We performed a systematic PubMed and Web of Science search for publications related to Chlamydia abortus in the past four decades, and we reviewed and combined the evidence critically discussing and commenting the results. A total of 182 studies, 5 chapters of specific books and the “OIE terrestrial manual” were included in this review. There were substantial variations between the studies in topic addressed and experimental design. Overall, the literature largely supports the crucial role played by environmental exposure on the acquisition of zoonotic disease caused by Chlamydia abortus. We also identify the paucity of information related to interspecies transmission and pathogen adaptation in relation to environmental dissemination and zoonotic risk. This analysis further highlights the need for additional research given that environmental transmission represents a serious risk not only to susceptible patients (pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals), but also for other species including wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauretta Turin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Sara Surini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Nick Wheelhouse
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Court, Edinburgh, EH11 4BN, UK
| | - Mara Silvia Rocchi
- Moredun Research Institute, Bush Loan, Pentlands Science Park, Penicuik, EH26 0PZ, Scotland, UK
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Epitope-Based Vaccines against the Chlamydia trachomatis Major Outer Membrane Protein Variable Domain 4 Elicit Protection in Mice. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10060875. [PMID: 35746483 PMCID: PMC9227494 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10060875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) is the most common bacterial sexual transmitted pathogen, yet a vaccine is not currently available. Here, we used the immunogenic bacteriophage MS2 virus-like particle (VLP) technology to engineer vaccines against the Ct major outer membrane protein variable domain 4 (MOMP-VD4), which contains a conserved neutralizing epitope (TTLNPTIAG). A previously described monoclonal antibody to the MOMP-VD4 (E4 mAb) is capable of neutralizing all urogenital Ct serovars and binds this core epitope, as well as several non-contiguous amino acids. This suggests that this core epitope may require conformational context in order to elicit neutralizing antibodies to Ct. In order to identify immunogens that could elicit neutralizing antibodies to the TTLNPTIAG epitope, we used two approaches. First, we used affinity selection with a bacteriophage MS2-VLP library displaying random peptides in a constrained, surface-exposed loop to identify potential E4 mAb mimotopes. After four rounds of affinity selection, we identified a VLP-displayed peptide (HMVGSTKWTN) that could bind to the E4 mAb and elicited serum IgG that bound weakly to Ct elementary bodies by ELISA. Second, two versions of the core conserved TTLNPTIAG epitope (TTLNPTIAG and TTLNPTIAGA) were recombinantly expressed on the coat protein of the MS2 VLP in a constrained, surface-exposed loop. Mouse immune sera IgG bound to Ct elementary bodies by ELISA. Immunization with these MS2 VLPs provided protection from vaginal Chlamydia infection in a murine challenge model. These data suggest that short peptide epitopes targeting the MOMP-VD4 could be appropriate for Ct vaccine design when displayed on an immunogenic bacteriophage VLP vaccine platform.
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6
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Fatima F, Kumar S, Das A. Vaccines against sexually transmitted infections: an update. Clin Exp Dermatol 2022; 47:1454-1463. [DOI: 10.1111/ced.15223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Farhat Fatima
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy; Medical College & Hospital Kolkata India
| | - Satarupa Kumar
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy; Medical College & Hospital Kolkata India
| | - Anupam Das
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy; KPC Medical College & Hospital Kolkata India
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Livingstone M, Wattegedera SR, Palarea-Albaladejo J, Aitchison K, Corbett C, Sait M, Wilson K, Chianini F, Rocchi MS, Wheelhouse N, Entrican G, Longbottom D. Efficacy of Two Chlamydia abortus Subcellular Vaccines in a Pregnant Ewe Challenge Model for Ovine Enzootic Abortion. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9080898. [PMID: 34452023 PMCID: PMC8402522 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9080898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia abortus, the aetiological agent of enzootic abortion of ewes, is a major cause of reproductive loss in small ruminants worldwide, accounting for significant economic losses to the farming industry. Disease can be managed through the use of commercial inactivated or live whole organism-based vaccines, although both have limitations particularly in terms of efficacy, safety and disease-associated outbreaks. Here we report a comparison of two experimental vaccines (chlamydial outer membrane complex (COMC) and octyl glucoside (OG)-COMC) based on detergent extracted outer membrane preparations of C. abortus and delivered as prime-boost immunisations, with the commercial live vaccine Cevac® Chlamydia in a pregnant sheep challenge model. No abortions occurred in either experimental vaccine group, while a single abortion occurred in the commercial vaccine group. Bacterial shedding, as a measure of potential risk of transmission of infection to naïve animals, was lowest in the COMC vaccinated group, with reductions of 87.5%, 86.4% and 74% observed for the COMC, OG-COMC and live commercial vaccine groups, respectively, compared to the unvaccinated challenge control group. The results show that the COMC vaccine performed the best and is a safer efficacious alternative to the commercial vaccines. However, to improve commercial viability, future studies should optimise the antigen dose and number of inoculations required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morag Livingstone
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
| | - Sean Ranjan Wattegedera
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
| | | | - Kevin Aitchison
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
| | - Cecilia Corbett
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
| | - Michelle Sait
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
| | - Kim Wilson
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
| | - Francesca Chianini
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
| | - Mara Silvia Rocchi
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
| | - Nicholas Wheelhouse
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
| | - Gary Entrican
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
| | - David Longbottom
- Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands Science Park, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK; (M.L.); (S.R.W.); (K.A.); (C.C.); (M.S.); (K.W.); (F.C.); (M.S.R.); (N.W.); (G.E.)
- Correspondence:
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8
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Murray SM, McKay PF. Chlamydia trachomatis: Cell biology, immunology and vaccination. Vaccine 2021; 39:2965-2975. [PMID: 33771390 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.03.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis is the causative agent of a highly prevalent sexually transmitted bacterial disease and is associated with a number of severe disease complications. Current therapy options are successful at treating disease, but patients are left without protective immunity and do not benefit the majority asymptomatic patients who do not seek treatment. As such, there is a clear need for a broad acting, protective vaccine that can prevent transmission and protect against symptomatic disease presentation. There are three key elements that underlie successful vaccine development: 1) Chlamydia biology and immune-evasion adaptations, 2) the correlates of protection that prevent disease in natural and experimental infection, 3) reflection upon the evidence provided by previous vaccine attempts. In this review, we give an overview of the unique intra-cellular biology of C. trachomatis and give insight into the dynamic combination of adaptations that allow Chlamydia to subvert host immunity and survive within the cell. We explore the current understanding of chlamydial immunity in animal models and in humans and characterise the key immune correlates of protection against infection. We discuss in detail the specific immune interactions involved in protection, with relevance placed on the CD4+ T lymphocyte and B lymphocyte responses that are key to pathogen clearance. Finally, we provide a timeline of C. trachomatis vaccine research to date and evaluate the successes and failures in development so far. With insight from these three key elements of research, we suggest potential solutions for chlamydial vaccine development and promising avenues for further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam M Murray
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK.
| | - Paul F McKay
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK.
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Comparison of Chlamydia outer membrane complex to recombinant outer membrane proteins as vaccine. Vaccine 2020; 38:3280-3291. [PMID: 32151463 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.02.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The Chlamydial outer membrane complex (COMC) from the elementary body (EB) is a protein rich insoluble outer membrane shell from which cytosolic proteins have been extracted with detergent. In this study we conducted mass spectrometry experiments to detect proteins in the COMC prepared from C. muridarum EB. Proteomic analysis showed that the COMC contained 75 proteins that included 10 outer membrane proteins (OMPs) such as the major outer membrane protein (MOMP) and polymorphic membrane proteins (Pmps) that were previously identified as CD4 T cell vaccine candidates. We tested the vaccine efficacy of COMC in comparison to individual or combination of recombinant OMPs formulated with Th1 polarizing adjuvant DDA/MPL in two murine genital tract models (C. muridarum and C. trachomatis) by measuring organismal shedding, tubal pathology and immune responses including neutralizing antibodies. In the C. muridarum model, the COMC vaccine generated broadly reactive immune responses against multiple outer membrane proteins, high levels of EB binding and neutralizing antibody and exhibited superior protection against genital infection and pathology when compared to the recombinant PmpG vaccine. Denaturing the COMC by boiling significantly reduced protection. In the C. trachomatis model, the COMC vaccine also conferred greater protection compared to individual or multiple recombinant outer membrane proteins. Immunization with multiple COMCs from C. trachomatis serovars D, F and J generated neutralizing antibodies against multiple C. trachomatis serovars. We conclude that broader immunogenicity and generation of neutralizing antibody may explain the superior efficacy of COMC vaccine. The study suggests that conformationally intact proteins will be necessary for a successful recombinant OMP vaccine.
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Boddicker MA, Kaufhold RM, Cox KS, Lucas BJ, Xie J, Nahas DD, Touch S, Espeseth AS, Vora KA, Skinner JM. A Novel LNP-Based <i>Chlamydia</i> Subunit Vaccine Formulation That Induces Th1 Responses without Upregulating IL-17 Provides Equivalent Protection in Mice as Formulations That Induced IL-17 and Th1 Cytokines. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.4236/wjv.2020.104005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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11
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Hepler RW, Nahas DD, Lucas B, Kaufhold R, Flynn JA, Galli JD, Swoyer R, Wagner JM, Espeseth AS, Joyce JG, Cook JC, Durr E. Spectroscopic analysis of chlamydial major outer membrane protein in support of structure elucidation. Protein Sci 2019; 27:1923-1941. [PMID: 30144190 PMCID: PMC6201732 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydial major outer membrane protein (MOMP) is the major protein constituent of the bacterial pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia trachomatis Serovars D–K are the leading cause of genital tract infections which can lead to infertility or ectopic pregnancies. A vaccine against Chlamydia is highly desirable but currently not available. MOMP accounts for ~ 60% of the chlamydial protein mass and is considered to be one of the lead vaccine candidates against C. trachomatis. We report on the spectroscopic analysis of C. trachomatis native MOMP Serovars D, E, F, and J as well as C. muridarum MOMP by size exclusion chromatography multi angle light scattering (SEC MALS), circular dichroism (CD) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR). MOMP was purified from the native bacterium grown in either adherent HeLa cells or in different suspension cell lines. Our results confirm that MOMP forms homo‐trimers in detergent micelles. The secondary structure composition of C. trachomatis MOMP was conserved across serovars, but different from composition of C. muridarum MOMP with a 13% (CD) to 18% (ATR‐FTIR) reduction in β‐sheet conformation for C. trachomatis MOMP. When Serovar E MOMP was isolated from suspension cell lines the α‐helix content increased by 7% (CD) to 13% (ATIR‐FTIR). Maintenance of a native‐like tertiary and quaternary structure in subunit vaccines is important for the generation of protective antibodies. This biophysical characterization of MOMP presented here serves, in the absence of functional assays, as a method for monitoring the structural integrity of MOMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Hepler
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery, MRL, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey
| | - Debbie D Nahas
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery, MRL, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey
| | - Bob Lucas
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery, MRL, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey
| | - Robin Kaufhold
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery, MRL, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey
| | - Jessica A Flynn
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery, MRL, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey
| | - Jennifer D Galli
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery, MRL, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey
| | - Ryan Swoyer
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery, MRL, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey
| | - James M Wagner
- Vaccine Process Development, MRL, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey
| | - Amy S Espeseth
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery, MRL, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey
| | - Joseph G Joyce
- Vaccine Process Development, MRL, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey
| | - James C Cook
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery, MRL, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey
| | - Eberhard Durr
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery, MRL, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey
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12
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Proteomic characterisation of the Chlamydia abortus outer membrane complex (COMC) using combined rapid monolithic column liquid chromatography and fast MS/MS scanning. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224070. [PMID: 31647835 PMCID: PMC6812762 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Data are presented on the identification and partial characterisation of proteins comprising the chlamydial outer membrane complex (COMC) fraction of Chlamydia abortus (C. abortus)—the aetiological agent of ovine enzootic abortion. Inoculation with the COMC fraction is known to be highly effective in protecting sheep against experimental challenge and its constituent proteins are therefore of interest as potential vaccine candidates. Sodium N-lauroylsarcosine (sarkosyl) insoluble COMC proteins resolved by SDS-PAGE were interrogated by mass spectrometry using combined rapid monolithic column liquid chromatography and fast MS/MS scanning. Downstream database mining of processed tandem MS data revealed the presence of 67 proteins in total, including putative membrane associated proteins (n = 36), such as porins, polymorphic membrane proteins (Pmps), chaperonins and hypothetical membrane proteins, in addition to others (n = 22) that appear more likely to have originated from other subcellular compartments. Electrophoretic mobility data combined with detailed amino acid sequence information derived from secondary fragmentation spectra for 8 Pmps enabled peptides originating from protein cleavage fragments to be mapped to corresponding regions of parent precursor molecules yielding preliminary evidence in support of endogenous post-translational processing of outer membrane proteins in C. abortus. The data presented here will facilitate a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of C. abortus infection and represent an important step towards the elucidation of the mechanisms of immunoprotection against C. abortus infection and the identification of potential target vaccine candidate antigens.
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Phillips S, Quigley BL, Timms P. Seventy Years of Chlamydia Vaccine Research - Limitations of the Past and Directions for the Future. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:70. [PMID: 30766521 PMCID: PMC6365973 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia is a major bacterial pathogen that infects humans, as well as a wide range of animals, including marsupials, birds, cats, pigs, cattle, and sheep. Antibiotics are the only treatment currently available, however, with high rates of re-infection, there is mounting pressure to develop Chlamydia vaccines. In this review, we analyzed how Chlamydia vaccine trials have developed over the past 70 years and identified where future trials need to be focused. There has been a strong bias toward studies targeting C. muridarum and C. trachomatis within mice and a lack of studies matching chlamydial species to their end target host. Even though a large number of specific antigenic targets have been studied, the results from whole-cell vaccine targets show slightly more promising results overall. There has also been a strong bias toward systemic vaccine delivery systems, despite the finding that mucosal delivery systems have shown more promising outcomes. However, the only successful vaccines with matched chlamydial species/infecting host are based on systemic vaccine delivery methods. We highlight the extensive work done with mouse model trials and indicate that whole cell antigenic targets are capable of inducing an effective response, protecting from disease and reducing shedding rates. However, replication of these results using antigen preparations more conducive to commercial vaccine production has proven difficult. To date, the Major Outer Membrane Protein (MOMP) has emerged as the most suitable substitute for whole cell targets and its delivery as a combined systemic and mucosal vaccine is most effective. Finally, although mouse model trials are useful, differences between hosts and infecting chlamydial strains are preventing vaccine formulations from mouse models to be translated into larger animals or intended hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Phillips
- Genecology Research Centre, The University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
| | - Bonnie L Quigley
- Genecology Research Centre, The University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter Timms
- Genecology Research Centre, The University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, QLD, Australia
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Verma R, Sahu R, Dixit S, Duncan SA, Giambartolomei GH, Singh SR, Dennis VA. The Chlamydia M278 Major Outer Membrane Peptide Encapsulated in the Poly(lactic acid)-Poly(ethylene glycol) Nanoparticulate Self-Adjuvanting Delivery System Protects Mice Against a Chlamydia muridarum Genital Tract Challenge by Stimulating Robust Systemic and Local Mucosal Immune Responses. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2369. [PMID: 30374357 PMCID: PMC6196261 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, we reported that our PPM chlamydial nanovaccine [a biodegradable co-polymeric PLA-PEG (poly(lactic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol))-encapsulated M278 peptide (derived from the major outer membrane protein (MOMP) of Chlamydia)] exploits the caveolin-mediated endocytosis pathway for endosomal processing and MHC class II presentation to immune-potentiate Chlamydia-specific CD4+ T-cell immune effector responses. In the present study, we employed the Chlamydia muridarum mouse infection model to evaluate the protective efficacy of PPM against a genital tract challenge. Our results show that mice immunized with PPM were significantly protected against a homologous genital tract challenge evidently by reduced vaginal bacterial loads. Protection of mice correlated with enhanced Chlamydia-specific adaptive immune responses predominated by IFN-γ along with CD4+ T-cells proliferation and their differentiation to CD4+ memory (CD44high CD62Lhigh) and effector (CD44high CD62Llow) T-cell phenotypes. We observed the elevation of M278- and MOMP-specific serum antibodies with high avidity in the ascending order IgG1 > IgG2b > IgG2a. A key finding was the elevated mucosal IgG1 and IgA antibody titers followed by an increase in MOMP-specific IgA after the challenge. The Th1/Th2 antibody titer ratios (IgG2a/IgG1 and IgG2b/IgG1) revealed that PPM evoked a Th2-directed response, which skewed to a Th1-dominated antibody response after the bacterial challenge of mice. In addition, PPM immune sera neutralized the infectivity of C. muridarum in McCoy cells, suggesting the triggering of functional neutralizing antibodies. Herein, we reveal for the first time that subcutaneous immunization with the self-adjuvanting biodegradable co-polymeric PPM nanovaccine immune-potentiated robust CD4+ T cell-mediated immune effector responses; a mixed Th1 and Th2 antibody response and local mucosal IgA to protect mice against a chlamydial genital tract challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Verma
- Center for NanoBiotechnology Research, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
| | - Rajnish Sahu
- Center for NanoBiotechnology Research, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
| | - Saurabh Dixit
- Center for NanoBiotechnology Research, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
| | - Skyla A Duncan
- Center for NanoBiotechnology Research, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
| | - Guillermo H Giambartolomei
- Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo (INIGEM), CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Shree R Singh
- Center for NanoBiotechnology Research, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
| | - Vida A Dennis
- Center for NanoBiotechnology Research, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
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15
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Wang X, Teng D, Guan Q, Mao R, Hao Y, Wang X, Yao J, Wang J. Escherichia coli outer membrane protein F (OmpF): an immunogenic protein induces cross-reactive antibodies against Escherichia coli and Shigella. AMB Express 2017; 7:155. [PMID: 28728309 PMCID: PMC5517391 DOI: 10.1186/s13568-017-0452-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Diarrhea caused by pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the most serious infectious diseases in humans and animals. Due to antibiotics resistance and the lack of efficient vaccine, more attention should be paid to find potential versatile vaccine candidates to prevent diseases. In this study, the sequence homology analysis indicated that OmpF from E. coli CVCC 1515 shares a high identity (90−100%) with about half of the E. coli (46.7%) and Shigella (52.8%) strains. Then the recombinant OmpF was supposed to be developed as a versatile vaccine to prevent E. coli infection. OmpF was expressed in E. coli BL21 (DE3) using the auto-induction method. The recombinant OmpF (rOmpF) protein had an average molecular weight of 40 kDa with the purity of 90%. Immunological analysis indicated that the titers of anti-rOmpF sera against rOmpF and whole cells were 1:240,000 and 1:27,000, respectively. The opsonophagocytosis result showed that 72.21 ± 11.39 and 11.04 ± 3.90% of bacteria were killed in the rOmpF immunization and control groups, respectively. The survival ratio of mice immunized with rOmpF ranged between 40 and 60% as observed within 36 h after challenge, indicating mice were partially protected from E. coli CVCC 1515 infection. The expressed rOmpF protein induced an effective immune response, but only provide a weak protection against pathogenic E. coli CVCC 1515 and a small reduction in E. coli CICC 21530 (O157:H7) excretion in a mouse infection model. Native forms of the OmpF antigen may be studied for immunogenicity and potential protective efficacy.
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16
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He W, Felderman M, Evans AC, Geng J, Homan D, Bourguet F, Fischer NO, Li Y, Lam KS, Noy A, Xing L, Cheng RH, Rasley A, Blanchette CD, Kamrud K, Wang N, Gouvis H, Peterson TC, Hubby B, Coleman MA. Cell-free production of a functional oligomeric form of a Chlamydia major outer-membrane protein (MOMP) for vaccine development. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:15121-15132. [PMID: 28739800 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.784561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia is a prevalent sexually transmitted disease that infects more than 100 million people worldwide. Although most individuals infected with Chlamydia trachomatis are initially asymptomatic, symptoms can arise if left undiagnosed. Long-term infection can result in debilitating conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and blindness. Chlamydia infection, therefore, constitutes a significant public health threat, underscoring the need for a Chlamydia-specific vaccine. Chlamydia strains express a major outer-membrane protein (MOMP) that has been shown to be an effective vaccine antigen. However, approaches to produce a functional recombinant MOMP protein for vaccine development are limited by poor solubility, low yield, and protein misfolding. Here, we used an Escherichia coli-based cell-free system to express a MOMP protein from the mouse-specific species Chlamydia muridarum (MoPn-MOMP or mMOMP). The codon-optimized mMOMP gene was co-translated with Δ49apolipoprotein A1 (Δ49ApoA1), a truncated version of mouse ApoA1 in which the N-terminal 49 amino acids were removed. This co-translation process produced mMOMP supported within a telodendrimer nanolipoprotein particle (mMOMP-tNLP). The cell-free expressed mMOMP-tNLPs contain mMOMP multimers similar to the native MOMP protein. This cell-free process produced on average 1.5 mg of purified, water-soluble mMOMP-tNLP complex in a 1-ml cell-free reaction. The mMOMP-tNLP particle also accommodated the co-localization of CpG oligodeoxynucleotide 1826, a single-stranded synthetic DNA adjuvant, eliciting an enhanced humoral immune response in vaccinated mice. Using our mMOMP-tNLP formulation, we demonstrate a unique approach to solubilizing and administering membrane-bound proteins for future vaccine development. This method can be applied to other previously difficult-to-obtain antigens while maintaining full functionality and immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei He
- From the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550
| | | | - Angela C Evans
- From the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550
| | - Jia Geng
- From the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550.,School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, California 95343
| | - David Homan
- From the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550
| | - Feliza Bourguet
- From the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550
| | - Nicholas O Fischer
- From the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550
| | - Yuanpei Li
- the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine and
| | - Kit S Lam
- the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine and
| | - Aleksandr Noy
- From the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550.,School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, California 95343
| | - Li Xing
- the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, California 95618
| | - R Holland Cheng
- the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, California 95618
| | - Amy Rasley
- From the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550
| | - Craig D Blanchette
- From the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550
| | - Kurt Kamrud
- Synthetic Genomics Vaccine Inc., La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Nathaniel Wang
- Synthetic Genomics Vaccine Inc., La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Heather Gouvis
- Synthetic Genomics Vaccine Inc., La Jolla, California 92037
| | | | - Bolyn Hubby
- Synthetic Genomics Vaccine Inc., La Jolla, California 92037
| | - Matthew A Coleman
- From the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550, .,Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California 95817, and
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17
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Update on Chlamydia trachomatis Vaccinology. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2017; 24:CVI.00543-16. [PMID: 28228394 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00543-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Attempts to produce a vaccine to protect against Chlamydia trachomatis-induced trachoma were initiated more than 100 years ago and continued for several decades. Using whole organisms, protective responses were obtained. However, upon exposure to C. trachomatis, disease exacerbation developed in some immunized individuals, precluding the implementation of the vaccine. Evidence of the role of C. trachomatis as a sexually transmitted pathogen started to emerge in the 1960s, and it soon became evident that it can cause acute infections and long-term sequelae in women, men, and newborns. The main focus of this minireview is to summarize recent findings and discuss formulations, including antigens, adjuvants, routes, and delivery systems for immunization, primarily explored in the female mouse model, with the goal of implementing a vaccine against C. trachomatis genital infections.
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18
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Wen Z, Boddicker MA, Kaufhold RM, Khandelwal P, Durr E, Qiu P, Lucas BJ, Nahas DD, Cook JC, Touch S, Skinner JM, Espeseth AS, Przysiecki CT, Zhang L. Recombinant expression of Chlamydia trachomatis major outer membrane protein in E. Coli outer membrane as a substrate for vaccine research. BMC Microbiol 2016; 16:165. [PMID: 27464881 PMCID: PMC4963994 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-016-0787-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chlamydia trachomatis is a human pathogen which causes a number of pathologies, including genital tract infections in women that can result in tubal infertility. Prevention of infection and disease control might be achieved through vaccination; however, a safe, efficacious and cost-effective vaccine against C. trachomatis infection remains an unmet medical need. C. trachomatis major outer membrane protein (MOMP), a β-barrel integral outer membrane protein, is the most abundant antigen in the outer membrane of the bacterium and has been evaluated as a subunit vaccine candidate. Recombinant MOMP (rMOMP) expressed in E. coli cytoplasm forms inclusion bodies and rMOMP extracted from inclusion bodies results in a reduced level of protection compared to the native MOMP in a mouse challenge model. Results We sought to target the recombinant expression of MOMP to the E. coli outer membrane (OM). Successful surface expression was achieved with codon harmonization, utilization of low copy number vectors and promoters with moderate strength, suitable leader sequences and optimization of cell culture conditions. rMOMP was extracted from E. coli outer membrane, purified, and characterized biophysically. The OM expressed and purified rMOMP is immunogenic in mice and elicits antibodies that react to the native antigen, Chlamydia elementary body (EB). Conclusions C. trachomatis MOMP was functionally expressed on the surface of E. coli outer membrane. The OM expressed and purified rMOMP elicits antibodies that react to the native antigen, Chlamydia EB, in a mouse immunogenicity model. Surface expression of MOMP could provide useful reagents for vaccine research, and the methodology could serve as a platform to produce other outer membrane proteins recombinantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyun Wen
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery (West Point, PA), MRL, Merck & Co., Inc, Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Melissa A Boddicker
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery (West Point, PA), MRL, Merck & Co., Inc, Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Robin M Kaufhold
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery (West Point, PA), MRL, Merck & Co., Inc, Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Puneet Khandelwal
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery (West Point, PA), MRL, Merck & Co., Inc, Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Eberhard Durr
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery (West Point, PA), MRL, Merck & Co., Inc, Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Ping Qiu
- Translational Molecular Biomarkers (Rahway, NJ), MRL, Merck & Co., Inc, Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Bob J Lucas
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery (West Point, PA), MRL, Merck & Co., Inc, Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Debbie D Nahas
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery (West Point, PA), MRL, Merck & Co., Inc, Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - James C Cook
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery (West Point, PA), MRL, Merck & Co., Inc, Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Sinoeun Touch
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery (West Point, PA), MRL, Merck & Co., Inc, Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Julie M Skinner
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery (West Point, PA), MRL, Merck & Co., Inc, Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Amy S Espeseth
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery (West Point, PA), MRL, Merck & Co., Inc, Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Craig T Przysiecki
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery (West Point, PA), MRL, Merck & Co., Inc, Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Lan Zhang
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery (West Point, PA), MRL, Merck & Co., Inc, Kenilworth, NJ, USA.
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19
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Genital Chlamydia trachomatis: understanding the roles of innate and adaptive immunity in vaccine research. Clin Microbiol Rev 2016; 27:346-70. [PMID: 24696438 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00105-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis is the leading cause of bacterial sexually transmitted disease worldwide, and despite significant advances in chlamydial research, a prophylactic vaccine has yet to be developed. This Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium, which often causes asymptomatic infection, may cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ectopic pregnancies, scarring of the fallopian tubes, miscarriage, and infertility when left untreated. In the genital tract, Chlamydia trachomatis infects primarily epithelial cells and requires Th1 immunity for optimal clearance. This review first focuses on the immune cells important in a chlamydial infection. Second, we summarize the research and challenges associated with developing a chlamydial vaccine that elicits a protective Th1-mediated immune response without inducing adverse immunopathologies.
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20
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Kumar P, Bhakuni DS, Rastogi S. Do IgA antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis have protective role in humoral immunity: a study in reactive arthritis patients. Microbes Infect 2015; 17:806-10. [PMID: 26482506 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2015.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Revised: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis-induced genitourinary Reactive Arthritis (ReA) can serve as good model for host-pathogen interaction. However, due to poor antigen presentation, cell-mediated immunity does not contribute as anticipated. Present study aims to evaluate protective role of anti-C. trachomatis antibodies vis-a-vis inflammatory chlamydial Major Outer Membrane Protein (MOMP). Prospective study was undertaken in 30 patients with genitourinary ReA. 30 Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and 30 osteoarthritis patients constituted controls. Subjects found to be PCR-positive for C. trachomatis were investigated for presence of MOMP in Synovial Fluid (SF) by fluorescence assay while anti-C. trachomatis IgA/IgM antibodies were estimated in SF/venous blood by ELISA. C. trachomatis MOMP was evident by the presence of elementary bodies in SF of 9 ReA PCR-positive patients (30%; p < 0.05 versus controls). Local secretory IgA antibodies were detected in 12 (40%) patients with ReA (p < 0.0001 versus controls); among 12 patients with anti-chlamydial IgA antibodies, 9 showed the presence of both MOMP and IgA antibodies in SF. 58.3% ReA patients (7/12) with secretory IgA antibodies were also positive for circulatory IgA antibodies (p < 0.01 versus controls). Serum IgM antibodies were present in 4 ReA (13.3%) and in 1 RA (3.3%) patient, respectively. In conclusion, the present study suggests that in ReA patients with chronic, persistent C. trachomatis infection in synovium, the chlamydial MOMP is triggering factor for generating a protective immune response by inducing anti-C. trachomatis IgA antibodies in the SF of large number of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Kumar
- Microbiology Laboratory, National Institute of Pathology (ICMR), Sriramachari Bhawan, Post Box No. 4909, Safdarjung Hospital Campus, Ring Road, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Darshan Singh Bhakuni
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Army Hospital (Research & Referral), Dhaula Kuan, Delhi Cantt 110010, India
| | - Sangita Rastogi
- Microbiology Laboratory, National Institute of Pathology (ICMR), Sriramachari Bhawan, Post Box No. 4909, Safdarjung Hospital Campus, Ring Road, New Delhi 110029, India.
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21
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Pal S, Tatarenkova OV, de la Maza LM. A vaccine formulated with the major outer membrane protein can protect C3H/HeN, a highly susceptible strain of mice, from a Chlamydia muridarum genital challenge. Immunology 2015; 146:432-43. [PMID: 26423798 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2015] [Revised: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
C3H/HeN female mice were vaccinated with native Chlamydia muridarum major outer membrane protein (MOMP), using Montanide+CpG or Alum+CpG as adjuvants. Negative control groups were immunized with ovalbumin (OVA) and the same adjuvants. As positive control, mice were inoculated intranasally with live Chlamydia. Mice were challenged in the ovarian bursa with 10(5) C. muridarum inclusion forming units. Six weeks after the genital challenge the animals were caged with male mice and monitored for pregnancy. Mice vaccinated with MOMP+Montanide+CpG developed high levels of C. muridarum-specific antibodies, with a high IgG2a/IgG1 ratio and neutralizing titres. Animals immunized using Alum+CpG had low antibody levels. Cellular immune responses were significantly higher in mice vaccinated with MOMP and Montanide+CpG, but not with Alum+CpG, when compared with negative controls. Following the genital challenge, only 20% (4/20) of mice vaccinated with MOMP+CpG+Montanide had positive vaginal cultures whereas 100% (9/9) of mice immunized with MOMP+CpG+Alum had positive cultures. Of the positive control animals inoculated with live Chlamydia only 15% (3/20) had positive vaginal cultures. In contrast, 100% (20/20) of mice immunized with OVA+CpG+Montanide, or minimal essential medium, had positive cultures. Following mating, 80% (16/20) of mice vaccinated with MOMP+CpG+Montanide, and 85% (17/20) of animals inoculated intranasally with live C. muridarum carried embryos in both uterine horns. No protection against infertility was observed in mice immunized with MOMP and CpG+Alum or OVA. In conclusion, this is the first time that a subunit vaccine has been shown to elicit a protective immune response in the highly susceptible C3H/HeN strain of mice against an upper genital challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukumar Pal
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical Sciences I, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Olga V Tatarenkova
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical Sciences I, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Luis M de la Maza
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical Sciences I, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
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22
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Li LX, McSorley SJ. A re-evaluation of the role of B cells in protective immunity to Chlamydia infection. Immunol Lett 2015; 164:88-93. [PMID: 25704502 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2015.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Revised: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis is the etiological agent of the most commonly reported bacterial sexual transmitted infection (STI) in North America and Europe. The control of Chlamydia infection is hindered by the asymptomatic nature of initial infection but the consequence of untreated infection seriously threatens the reproductive health of young women. Unfortunately, there is no licensed vaccine for Chlamydia vaccine, in part due to our incomplete understanding of the immune response to Chlamydia urogenital infection. It has been well established that T cell-mediated immunity plays a dominant role in protective immunity against Chlamydia and thus the importance of B cells is somewhat underappreciated. Here, we summarize recent progress on understanding the role of B cells during Chlamydia genital tract infections and discuss how B cells and humoral immunity make an effective contribution to host defense against important intracellular pathogens, including Chlamydia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Xi Li
- Center for Comparative Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States.
| | - Stephen J McSorley
- Center for Comparative Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, United States
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23
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Sharma M, Dixit A. Identification and immunogenic potential of B cell epitopes of outer membrane protein OmpF of Aeromonas hydrophila in translational fusion with a carrier protein. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2015; 99:6277-91. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-015-6398-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Revised: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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24
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Bednarz-Misa I, Serek P, Dudek B, Pawlak A, Bugla-Płoskońska G, Gamian A. Application of zwitterionic detergent to the solubilization of Klebsiella pneumoniae outer membrane proteins for two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. J Microbiol Methods 2014; 107:74-9. [PMID: 25261774 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2014.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Revised: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a frequent cause of nosocomial respiratory, urinary and gastrointestinal tract infections and septicemia with the multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae being a major public health concern. Outer membrane proteins (OMPs) are important virulence factors responsible for the appropriate adaptation to the host environment. They constitute of the antigens being the first in contact with infected organism. However, K. pneumoniae strains are heavily capsulated and it is important to establish the OMPs isolation procedure prior to proteomics extensive studies. In this study we used Zwittergent Z 3-14® as a detergent to isolate the OMPs from K. pneumoniae cells and resolve them using two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE). As a result we identified 134 protein spots. The OMPs identified in this study are possible candidates for the development of a protein-based vaccine against K. pneumoniae infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Bednarz-Misa
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, Chałubińskiego 10, 50-368 Wrocalaw, Poland.
| | - P Serek
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, Chałubińskiego 10, 50-368 Wrocalaw, Poland
| | - B Dudek
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wroclaw, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - A Pawlak
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wroclaw, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - G Bugla-Płoskońska
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Wroclaw, Przybyszewskiego 63/77, 51-148 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - A Gamian
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, Chałubińskiego 10, 50-368 Wrocalaw, Poland; Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Weigla 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland
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25
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Long-term stability of a vaccine formulated with the amphipol-trapped major outer membrane protein from Chlamydia trachomatis. J Membr Biol 2014; 247:1053-65. [PMID: 24942817 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-014-9693-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis is a major bacterial pathogen throughout the world. Although antibiotic therapy can be implemented in the case of early detection, a majority of the infections are asymptomatic, requiring the development of preventive measures. Efforts have focused on the production of a vaccine using the C. trachomatis major outer membrane protein (MOMP). MOMP is purified in its native (n) trimeric form using the zwitterionic detergent Z3-14, but its stability in detergent solutions is limited. Amphipols (APols) are synthetic polymers that can stabilize membrane proteins (MPs) in detergent-free aqueous solutions. Preservation of protein structure and optimization of exposure of the most effective antigenic regions can avoid vaccination with misfolded, poorly protective protein. Previously, we showed that APols maintain nMOMP secondary structure and that nMOMP/APol vaccine formulations elicit better protection than formulations using either recombinant or nMOMP solubilized in Z3-14. To achieve a greater understanding of the structural behavior and stability of nMOMP in APols, we have used several spectroscopic techniques to characterize its secondary structure (circular dichroism), tertiary and quaternary structures (immunochemistry and gel electrophoresis) and aggregation state (light scattering) as a function of temperature and time. We have also recorded NMR spectra of (15)N-labeled nMOMP and find that the exposed loops are detectable in APols but not in detergent. Our analyses show that APols protect nMOMP much better than Z3-14 against denaturation due to continuous heating, repeated freeze/thaw cycles, or extended storage at room temperature. These results indicate that APols can help improve MP-based vaccine formulations.
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Tifrea DF, Pal S, Popot JL, Cocco MJ, de la Maza LM. Increased immunoaccessibility of MOMP epitopes in a vaccine formulated with amphipols may account for the very robust protection elicited against a vaginal challenge with Chlamydia muridarum. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 192:5201-13. [PMID: 24778450 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1303392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
There is a need to implement a vaccine to protect against Chlamydia trachomatis infections. To test a new vaccine, mice were immunized with the Chlamydia muridarum native major outer membrane protein (nMOMP) solubilized with either amphipol A8-35 or the detergent Z3-14. OVA was used as a negative control, and mice were inoculated intranasally with C. muridarum as positive controls. Animals vaccinated with nMOMP mounted strong Chlamydia-specific humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. Mice vaccinated with nMOMP/A8-35 had a higher ratio of Abs to denatured elementary bodies (EB) over live EB, recognized more synthetic MOMP peptides and had higher neutralizing titers than sera from mice immunized with nMOMP/Z3-14. T cell lymphoproliferative responses and levels of IFN-γ were also higher in mice vaccinated with nMOMP/A8-35 than with nMOMP/Z3-14. Following immunization, animals were challenged intravaginally with C. muridarum. On the basis of the number of mice with positive vaginal cultures, length of vaginal shedding, total number of positive vaginal cultures, and number of Chlamydia inclusion forming units recovered, nMOMP/A8-35 elicited a more robust protection than nMOMP/Z3-14. By depleting T cells with Abs, we determined that CD4(+) and not CD8(+) T cells mediated the protection elicited by nMOMP/A8-35. Mice were subsequently mated, and based on the number of pregnant mice and number of embryos, animals that were vaccinated with nMOMP/A8-35 or nMOMP/Z3-14 had fertility rates equivalent to the positive control group immunized with live EB and the fertility controls. In conclusion, increased accessibility of epitopes in the nMOMP/A8-35 preparation may account for the very robust protection against infection and disease elicited by this vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia F Tifrea
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical Sciences I, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Sukumar Pal
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical Sciences I, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Jean-Luc Popot
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Université Paris-7 Unité Mixte de Recherche 7099, Institut de Biologie Physico-Chimique, F-75005 Paris, France; and
| | - Melanie J Cocco
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Luis M de la Maza
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical Sciences I, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697;
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Li W, Murthy AK, Lanka GK, Chetty SL, Yu JJ, Chambers JP, Zhong G, Forsthuber TG, Guentzel MN, Arulanandam BP. A T cell epitope-based vaccine protects against chlamydial infection in HLA-DR4 transgenic mice. Vaccine 2013; 31:5722-8. [PMID: 24096029 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Revised: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 09/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Vaccination with recombinant chlamydial protease-like activity factor (rCPAF) has been shown to provide robust protection against genital Chlamydia infection. Adoptive transfer of IFN-γ competent CPAF-specific CD4⁺ T cells was sufficient to induce early resolution of chlamydial infection and reduction of subsequent pathology in recipient IFN-γ-deficient mice indicating the importance of IFN-γ secreting CD4⁺ T cells in host defense against Chlamydia. In this study, we identify CD4⁺ T cell reactive CPAF epitopes and characterize the activation of epitope-specific CD4⁺ T cells following antigen immunization or Chlamydia challenge. Using the HLA-DR4 (HLA-DRB1*0401) transgenic mouse for screening overlapping peptides that induced T cell IFN-γ production, we identified at least 5 CPAF T cell epitopes presented by the HLA-DR4 complex. Immunization of HLA-DR4 transgenic mice with a rCPAFep fusion protein containing these 5 epitopes induced a robust cell-mediated immune response and significantly accelerated the resolution of genital and pulmonary Chlamydia infection. rCPAFep vaccination induced CPAF-specific CD4⁺ T cells in the spleen were detected using HLA-DR4/CPAF-epitope tetramers. Additionally, CPAF-specific CD4⁺ clones could be detected in the mouse spleen following Chlamydia muridarum and a human Chlamydia trachomatis strain challenge using these novel tetramers. These results provide the first direct evidence that a novel CPAF epitope vaccine can provide protection and that HLA-DR4/CPAF-epitope tetramers can detect CPAF epitope-specific CD4⁺ T cells in HLA-DR4 mice following C. muridarum or C. trachomatis infection. Such tetramers could be a useful tool for monitoring CD4⁺ T cells in immunity to Chlamydia infection and in developing epitope-based human vaccines using the murine model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidang Li
- South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases and Center for Excellence in Infection Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, United States; Department of Pathology and Department of Dental Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, United States
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Confer AW, Ayalew S. The OmpA family of proteins: Roles in bacterial pathogenesis and immunity. Vet Microbiol 2013; 163:207-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2012.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2012] [Accepted: 08/23/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Brunham RC, Rappuoli R. Chlamydia trachomatis control requires a vaccine. Vaccine 2013; 31:1892-7. [PMID: 23375977 PMCID: PMC4148049 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2012] [Revised: 01/09/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
As the most common reported communicable disease in North America and Europe, Chlamydia trachomatis is the focus of concerted public health control efforts based on screening and treatment. Unexpectedly control efforts are accompanied by rising reinfection rates attributed in part to arresting the development of herd immunity. Shortening the duration of infection through the testing and treatment program is the root cause behind the arrested immunity hypothesis and because of this a vaccine will be essential to control efforts. Advances in Chlamydia vaccinomics have revealed the C. trachomatis antigens that can be used to constitute a subunit vaccine and a vaccine solution appears to be scientifically achievable. We propose that an accelerated C. trachomatis vaccine effort requires coordinated partnership among academic, public health and private sector players together with a commitment to C. trachomatis vaccine control as a global public health priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert C Brunham
- University of British Columbia and the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, Canada.
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Aistleitner K, Heinz C, Hörmann A, Heinz E, Montanaro J, Schulz F, Maier E, Pichler P, Benz R, Horn M. Identification and characterization of a novel porin family highlights a major difference in the outer membrane of chlamydial symbionts and pathogens. PLoS One 2013; 8:e55010. [PMID: 23383036 PMCID: PMC3561449 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2012] [Accepted: 12/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Chlamydiae constitute an evolutionary well separated group of intracellular bacteria comprising important pathogens of humans as well as symbionts of protozoa. The amoeba symbiont Protochlamydia amoebophila lacks a homologue of the most abundant outer membrane protein of the Chlamydiaceae, the major outer membrane protein MOMP, highlighting a major difference between environmental chlamydiae and their pathogenic counterparts. We recently identified a novel family of putative porins encoded in the genome of P. amoebophila by in silico analysis. Two of these Protochlamydiaouter membrane proteins, PomS (pc1489) and PomT (pc1077), are highly abundant in outer membrane preparations of this organism. Here we show that all four members of this putative porin family are toxic when expressed in the heterologous host Escherichia coli. Immunofluorescence analysis using antibodies against heterologously expressed PomT and PomS purified directly from elementary bodies, respectively, demonstrated the location of both proteins in the outer membrane of P. amoebophila. The location of the most abundant protein PomS was further confirmed by immuno-transmission electron microscopy. We could show that pomS is transcribed, and the corresponding protein is present in the outer membrane throughout the complete developmental cycle, suggesting an essential role for P. amoebophila. Lipid bilayer measurements demonstrated that PomS functions as a porin with anion-selectivity and a pore size similar to the Chlamydiaceae MOMP. Taken together, our results suggest that PomS, possibly in concert with PomT and other members of this porin family, is the functional equivalent of MOMP in P. amoebophila. This work contributes to our understanding of the adaptations of symbiotic and pathogenic chlamydiae to their different eukaryotic hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Aistleitner
- Department of Microbial Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Heinz
- Department of Microbial Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexandra Hörmann
- Department of Microbial Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva Heinz
- Department of Microbial Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Frederik Schulz
- Department of Microbial Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elke Maier
- Rudolf-Virchow-Center, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft - Research Center for Experimental Biomedicine, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Peter Pichler
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Mass Spectrometry, Vienna, Austria
| | - Roland Benz
- Rudolf-Virchow-Center, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft - Research Center for Experimental Biomedicine, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- School of Engineering and Science, Jacobs University Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Matthias Horn
- Department of Microbial Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail:
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Taha MA, Singh SR, Dennis VA. Biodegradable PLGA85/15 nanoparticles as a delivery vehicle for Chlamydia trachomatis recombinant MOMP-187 peptide. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2012; 23:325101. [PMID: 22824940 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/23/32/325101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Development of a Chlamydia trachomatis vaccine has been a formidable task partly because of an ineffective delivery system. Our laboratory has generated a recombinant peptide of C. trachomatis major outer membrane protein (MOMP) (rMOMP-187) and demonstrated that it induced at 20 μg ml(-1) maximal interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-12p40 Th1 cytokines in mouse J774 macrophages. In a continuous pursuit of a C. trachomatis effective vaccine-delivery system, we encapsulated rMOMP-187 in poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA, 85:15 PLA/PGA ratio) to serve as a nanovaccine candidate. Physiochemical characterizations were assessed by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, Zetasizer, Zeta potential, transmission electron microcopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The encapsulated rMOMP-187 was small (∼200 nm) with an apparently smooth uniform oval structure, thermally stable (54 °C), negatively charged ( - 27.00 mV) and exhibited minimal toxicity at concentrations <250 μg ml (-1) to eukaryotic cells (>95% viable cells) over a 24-72 h period. We achieved a high encapsulation efficiency of rMOMP-187 (∼98%) in PLGA, a loading peptide capacity of 2.7% and a slow release of the encapsulated peptide. Stimulation of J774 macrophages with a concentration as low as 1 μg ml (-1) of encapsulated rMOMP-187 evoked high production levels of the Th1 cytokines IL-6 (874 pg ml(-1)) and IL-12p40 (674 pg ml(-1)) as well as nitric oxide (8 μM) at 24 h post-stimulation, and in a dose-response and time-kinetics manner. Our data indicate the successful encapsulation and characterization of rMOMP-187 in PLGA and, more importantly, that PLGA enhanced the capacity of the peptide to induce Th1 cytokines and NO in vitro. These findings make this nanovaccine an attractive candidate in pursuit of an efficacious vaccine against C. trachomatis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murtada A Taha
- Center for NanoBiotechnology and Life Science Research (CNBR), Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL 36104, USA
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Igietseme JU, Eko FO, Black CM. Chlamydia vaccines: recent developments and the role of adjuvants in future formulations. Expert Rev Vaccines 2012; 10:1585-96. [PMID: 22043957 DOI: 10.1586/erv.11.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria of the genus Chlamydia cause a plethora of ocular, genital and respiratory diseases that continue to pose a considerable public health challenge worldwide. The major diseases are conjunctivitis and blinding trachoma, non-gonococcal urethritis, cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, tubal factor infertility and interstitial pneumonia. The rampart asymptomatic infections prevent timely and effective antibiotic treatments, and quite often clinical presentation of sequelae is the first evidence of an infection. Besides, significant broad coverage in population screening and treatment is economically and logistically impractical, and mass education for public awareness has been ineffective. The current medical opinion is that an efficacious prophylactic vaccine is the best approach to protect humans from chlamydial infections. Unfortunately, a human vaccine has yet to be realized despite successful veterinary vaccines. Fortunately, recent advances in chlamydial immunobiology, cell biology, molecular pathogenesis, genomics, antigen discovery and animal models of infections are hastening progress toward an efficacious vaccine. Thus, it is established that Chlamydia immunity is mediated by T cells and a complementary antibody response, and several potential vaccine candidates have been identified. However, further advances are needed in effective vaccine delivery systems and safe potent adjuvants to boost and sustain immune responses for long-lasting protective immunity. This article focuses on the current status of human chlamydial vaccine research, specifically how application of new delivery systems and human compatible adjuvants could lead to a timely achievement of efficacious Chlamydia vaccines. The ranking of the candidate vaccine antigens for human vaccine development will await the availability of results from studies in which the antigens are tested by comparable experimental standards, such as antigen-adjuvant combination, route of delivery and possible toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph U Igietseme
- National Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, MailStop G-36, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
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Slepenkin A, Chu H, Elofsson M, Keyser P, Peterson EM. Protection of mice from a Chlamydia trachomatis vaginal infection using a Salicylidene acylhydrazide, a potential microbicide. J Infect Dis 2011; 204:1313-20. [PMID: 21933873 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jir552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The salicylidene acylhydrazide INP0341 inhibits growth of Chlamydia in HeLa cells, has negligible cell toxicity, and does not inhibit the growth of lactobacilli. The antichlamydial activity of INP0341 was retained when tested in vaginal and semen simulants. Vaginal tissue from INP0341-treated mice appeared similar to control sham-treated mice. To determine whether INP0341 can protect mice from a vaginal challenge, C3H/HeJ mice were either sham or INP0341 treated intravaginally pre- and postinoculation with 5 × 10(2) inclusion-forming units (IFUs) of Chlamydia trachomatis serovar D. Vaginal cultures taken over a month-long period showed a significant difference in the number of control mice that were culture positive versus the number in the INP0341-treated group, 100% (25/25) and 31% (8/26), respectively (P < .05). The quantity of IFUs shed and antibody titers to Chlamydia were significantly higher for the control group (P < .05). In summary, INP0341 is a promising compound to be considered for formulation as a vaginal microbicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anatoly Slepenkin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-4800, USA
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Chlamydia trachomatis vaccine research through the years. Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol 2011; 2011:963513. [PMID: 21747646 PMCID: PMC3124257 DOI: 10.1155/2011/963513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2011] [Revised: 04/13/2011] [Accepted: 05/02/2011] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis is a Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium. It is the leading cause of bacterial sexual transmitted infections (STIs). World Health Organization figures estimated that over 90 million new cases of genital C. trachomatis infections occur worldwide each year. A vaccination program is considered to be the best approach to reduce the prevalence of C. trachomatis infections, as it would be much cheaper and have a greater impact on controlling C. trachomatis infections worldwide rather than a screening program or treating infections with antibiotics. Currently, there are no vaccines available which effectively protect against a C. trachomatis genital infection despite the many efforts that have been made throughout the years. In this paper, the many attempts to develop a protective vaccine against a genital C. trachomatis infection will be reviewed.
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Tifrea DF, Sun G, Pal S, Zardeneta G, Cocco MJ, Popot JL, de la Maza LM. Amphipols stabilize the Chlamydia major outer membrane protein and enhance its protective ability as a vaccine. Vaccine 2011; 29:4623-31. [PMID: 21550371 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.04.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2010] [Revised: 04/12/2011] [Accepted: 04/17/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The native major outer membrane protein (nMOMP) from Chlamydia was purified in its trimeric form using the zwitterionic detergent Z3-14. In aliquots from this preparation, Z3-14 was exchanged for amphipol (APol) A8-35. CD analysis showed that trapping with A8-35 improved the thermostability of nMOMP without affecting its secondary structure. Recombinant MOMP (rMOMP) was also formulated with Z3-14 or A8-35. Four groups of mice were vaccinated with nMOMP/Z3-14, nMOMP/A8-35, rMOMP/Z3-14 or rMOMP/A8-35 using CpG and Montanide as adjuvants. A positive control group was inoculated intranasally with live Chlamydia and a negative control group with culture medium. Mice were challenged intranasally with live Chlamydia and protection was assessed based on changes in body weight, the weight of the lungs and the number of chlamydial inclusion forming units recovered from the lungs 10 days after the challenge. Overall, vaccines formulated with nMOMP elicited better protection than those using rMOMP. Furthermore, the protection afforded by nMOMP/A8-35 was more robust than that achieved with nMOMP/Z3-14. In contrast, no differences in protection were observed between rMOMP/Z3-14 and rMOMP/A8-35 preparations. These findings suggest that the higher protection conferred by nMOMP/A8-35 complexes most likely results from a better preservation of the native structure of MOMP and/or from a more efficient presentation of the antigen to the immune system, rather than from an adjuvant effect of the amphipol. Thus, amphipols can be used in vaccine formulations to stabilize a membrane-protein component and enhance its immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delia F Tifrea
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical Sciences I, Room D440, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4800, USA
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Vaccination against Chlamydia genital infection utilizing the murine C. muridarum model. Infect Immun 2010; 79:986-96. [PMID: 21078844 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00881-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis genital infection is a worldwide public health problem, and considerable effort has been expended on developing an efficacious vaccine. The murine model of C. muridarum genital infection has been extremely useful for identification of protective immune responses and in vaccine development. Although a number of immunogenic antigens have been assessed for their ability to induce protection, the majority of studies have utilized the whole organism, the major outer membrane protein (MOMP), or the chlamydial protease-like activity factor (CPAF). These antigens, alone and in combination with a variety of immunostimulatory adjuvants, have induced various levels of protection against infectious challenge, ranging from minimal to nearly sterilizing immunity. Understanding of the mechanisms of natural infection-based immunity and advances in adjuvant biology have resulted in studies that are increasingly successful, but a vaccine licensed for use in humans has not yet been brought to fruition. Here we review immunity to chlamydial genital infection and vaccine development using the C. muridarum model.
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Identification of immunodominant antigens by probing a whole Chlamydia trachomatis open reading frame proteome microarray using sera from immunized mice. Infect Immun 2010; 79:246-57. [PMID: 20956570 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00626-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis infections can lead to severe chronic complications, including trachoma, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. The only effective approach to disease control is vaccination. The goal of this work was to identify new potential vaccine candidates through a proteomics approach. We constructed a protein chip array (Antigen Discovery, Inc.) by expressing the open reading frames (ORFs) from C. trachomatis mouse pneumonitis (MoPn) genomic and plasmid DNA and tested it with serum samples from MoPn-immunized mice. Two groups of BALB/c female mice were immunized either intranasally or intravaginally with live elementary bodies (EB). Another two groups were immunized by a combination of the intramuscular and subcutaneous routes with UV-treated EB (UV-EB), using either CpG and Montanide as adjuvants to favor a Th1 response or alum to elicit a Th2 response. Serum samples collected at regular intervals postimmunization were tested in the proteome array. The microarray included the expression products of 909 proteins from a total of 921 ORFs of the Chlamydia MoPn genome and plasmid. A total of 185 immunodominant proteins elicited an early and sustained antibody response in the mice immunized with live EB, and of these, 71 were also recognized by the sera from mice immunized with UV-EB. The reactive antigens included some proteins that were previously described as immunogenic, such as the major outer membrane protein, OmpB, Hsp60, and IncA and proteins from the type III secretion system. In addition, we identified in mice several new immunogens, including 75 hypothetical proteins. In summary, we have identified a new group of immunodominant chlamydial proteins that can be tested for their ability to induce protection.
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Igietseme JU, He Q, Joseph K, Eko FO, Lyn D, Ananaba G, Campbell A, Bandea C, Black CM. Role of T lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of Chlamydia disease. J Infect Dis 2009; 200:926-34. [PMID: 19656067 DOI: 10.1086/605411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines are needed to prevent the oculogenital diseases of Chlamydia trachomatis. Infected hosts develop immunity, although temporary, and experimental vaccines have yielded significant protective immunity in animal models, fueling the impetus for a vaccine. Because infections cause sequelae, the functional relationship between infection- and vaccine-induced immunity is unclear. We hypothesized that infection- and vaccine-induced immunity are functionally distinct, particularly in the ability to prevent sequelae. Chlamydia-immune mice, with immunity generated by either a previous infection or vaccination, exhibited a significant degree of protective immunity, marked by a lower-intensity, abbreviated course of infection. However, vaccinated mice were protected from infertility, whereas preinfected mice were not. Thus, infection-induced immunity does not prevent the pathologic process leading to infertility. Furthermore, T cell subsets, especially CD8 T cells, play a major role in Chlamydia-induced infertility. The results have important implications for the immunopathogenesis of chlamydial disease and new vaccine strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph U Igietseme
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
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Kari L, Whitmire WM, Crane DD, Reveneau N, Carlson JH, Goheen MM, Peterson EM, Pal S, de la Maza LM, Caldwell HD. Chlamydia trachomatis native major outer membrane protein induces partial protection in nonhuman primates: implication for a trachoma transmission-blocking vaccine. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2009; 182:8063-70. [PMID: 19494332 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0804375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A vaccine is likely the most effective strategy for controlling human chlamydial infections. Recent studies have shown immunization with Chlamydia muridarum major outer membrane protein (MOMP) can induce significant protection against infection and disease in mice if its native trimeric structure is preserved (nMOMP). The objective of this study was to investigate the immunogenicity and vaccine efficacy of Chlamydia trachomatis nMOMP in a nonhuman primate trachoma model. Cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) were immunized systemically with nMOMP, and monkeys were challenged ocularly. Immunization induced high serum IgG and IgA ELISA Ab titers, with Abs displaying high strain-specific neutralizing activity. The PBMCs of immunized monkeys produced a broadly cross-reactive, Ag-specific IFN-gamma response equivalent to that induced by experimental infection. Immunized monkeys exhibited a significant decrease in infectious burden during the early peak shedding periods (days 3-14). However, at later time points, they exhibited no difference from control animals in either burden or duration of infection. Immunization had no effect on the progression of ocular disease. These results show that systemically administered nMOMP is highly immunogenic in nonhuman primates and elicits partially protective immunity against ocular chlamydial challenge. This is the first time a subunit vaccine has shown a significant reduction in ocular shedding in nonhuman primates. A partially protective vaccine, particularly one that reduces infectious burden after primary infection of children, could interrupt the natural trachoma reinfection cycle. This would have a beneficial effect on the transmission between children and sensitized adults which drives blinding inflammatory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laszlo Kari
- Laboratory of Intracellular Parasites, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
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40
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Agger EM, Rosenkrands I, Hansen J, Brahimi K, Vandahl BS, Aagaard C, Werninghaus K, Kirschning C, Lang R, Christensen D, Theisen M, Follmann F, Andersen P. Cationic liposomes formulated with synthetic mycobacterial cordfactor (CAF01): a versatile adjuvant for vaccines with different immunological requirements. PLoS One 2008; 3:e3116. [PMID: 18776936 PMCID: PMC2525815 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0003116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2008] [Accepted: 08/11/2008] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is now emerging that for vaccines against a range of diseases including influenza, malaria and HIV, the induction of a humoral response is insufficient and a substantial complementary cell-mediated immune response is necessary for adequate protection. Furthermore, for some diseases such as tuberculosis, a cellular response seems to be the sole effector mechanism required for protection. The development of new adjuvants capable of inducing highly complex immune responses with strong antigen-specific T-cell responses in addition to antibodies is therefore urgently needed. METHODS AND FINDINGS Herein, we describe a cationic adjuvant formulation (CAF01) consisting of DDA as a delivery vehicle and synthetic mycobacterial cordfactor as immunomodulator. CAF01 primes strong and complex immune responses and using ovalbumin as a model vaccine antigen in mice, antigen specific cell-mediated- and humoral responses were obtained at a level clearly above a range of currently used adjuvants (Aluminium, monophosphoryl lipid A, CFA/IFA, Montanide). This response occurs through Toll-like receptor 2, 3, 4 and 7-independent pathways whereas the response is partly reduced in MyD88-deficient mice. In three animal models of diseases with markedly different immunological requirement; Mycobacterium tuberculosis (cell-mediated), Chlamydia trachomatis (cell-mediated/humoral) and malaria (humoral) immunization with CAF01-based vaccines elicited significant protective immunity against challenge. CONCLUSION CAF01 is potentially a suitable adjuvant for a wide range of diseases including targets requiring both CMI and humoral immune responses for protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Else Marie Agger
- Adjuvant Research, Department of Infectious Disease Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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41
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Hansen J, Jensen K, Follmann F, Agger E, Theisen M, Andersen P. Liposome Delivery ofChlamydia muridarumMajor Outer Membrane Protein Primes a Th1 Response That Protects against Genital Chlamydial Infection in a Mouse Model1. J Infect Dis 2008; 198:758-67. [DOI: 10.1086/590670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis causes genital tract infections that affect men, women, and children on a global scale. This review focuses on innate and adaptive immune responses in the female reproductive tract (FRT) to genital tract infections with C. trachomatis. It covers C. trachomatis infections and highlights our current knowledge of genital tract infections, serovar distribution, infectious load, and clinical manifestations of these infections in women. The unique features of the immune system of the FRT will be discussed and will include a review of our current knowledge of innate and adaptive immunity to chlamydial infections at this mucosal site. The use of animal models to study the pathogenesis of, and immunity to, Chlamydia infection of the female genital tract will also be discussed and a review of recent immunization and challenge experiments in the murine model of chlamydial FRT infection will be presented.
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43
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Physical linkage of naturally complexed bacterial outer membrane proteins enhances immunogenicity. Infect Immun 2007; 76:1223-9. [PMID: 18086812 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01356-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The outer membrane proteins (OMPs) of bacterial pathogens are essential for their growth and survival and especially for attachment and invasion of host cells. Since the outer membrane is the interface between the bacterium and the host cell, outer membranes and individual OMPs are targeted for development of vaccines against many bacterial diseases. Whole outer membrane fractions often protect against disease, and this protection cannot be fully reproduced by using individual OMPs. Exactly how the interactions among individual OMPs influence immunity is not well understood. We hypothesized that one OMP rich in T-cell epitopes can act as a carrier for an associated OMP which is poor in T-cell epitopes to generate T-dependent antibody responses, similar to the hapten-carrier effect. Major surface protein 1a (MSP1a) and MSP1b1 occur as naturally complexed OMPs in the Anaplasma marginale outer membrane. Previous studies demonstrated that immunization with the native MSP1 heteromer induced strong immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses to both proteins, but only MSP1a stimulated strong CD4+ T-cell responses. Therefore, to test our hypothesis, constructs of CD4+ T-cell epitopes from MSP1a linked to MSP1b1 were compared with individually administered MSP1a and MSP1b1 for induction of MSP1b-specific IgG. By linking the T-cell epitopes from MSP1a to MSP1b1, significantly higher IgG titers against MSP1b1 were induced. Understanding how the naturally occurring intermolecular interactions between OMPs influence the immune response may lead to more effective vaccine design.
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Abstract
The best way to control chlamydial diseases is with an effective vaccine. Although previous studies suggest that a vaccine is an achievable goal, progress has been limited even though many vaccination strategies have been tested. A clearer understanding of the immunobiological basis of chlamydial protection and pathology will be critical for future research in chlamydial vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Yang
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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45
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Neff L, Daher S, Muzzin P, Spenato U, Gülaçar F, Gabay C, Bas S. Molecular characterization and subcellular localization of macrophage infectivity potentiator, a Chlamydia trachomatis lipoprotein. J Bacteriol 2007; 189:4739-48. [PMID: 17449608 PMCID: PMC1913453 DOI: 10.1128/jb.01889-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophage infectivity potentiator (MIP) was originally reported to be a chlamydial lipoprotein from experiments showing incorporation of radiolabeled palmitic acid into native and recombinant MIP; inhibition of posttranslational processing of recombinant MIP by globomycin, known to inhibit signal peptidase II; and solubility of native MIP in Triton X-114. However, the detailed structural characterization of the lipid moiety on MIP has never been fully elucidated. In this study, bioinformatics and mass spectrometry analysis, as well as radiolabeling and immunochemical experiments, were conducted to further characterize MIP structure and subcellular localization. In silico analysis showed that the amino acid sequence of MIP is conserved across chlamydial species. A potential signal sequence with a contained lipobox was identified, and a recombinant C20A variant was prepared by replacing the probable lipobox cysteine with an alanine. Both incorporation of U-(14)C-esterified glycerol and [U-(14)C]palmitic acid and posttranslational processing that was inhibitable by globomycin were observed for recombinant wild-type MIP but not for the recombinant C20A MIP variant. The fatty acid contents of native and recombinant MIP were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and the presence of amide-linked fatty acids in recombinant MIP was investigated by alkaline methanolysis. These results demonstrated a lipid modification in MIP similar to that of other prokaryotic lipoproteins. In addition, MIP was detected in an outer membrane preparation of Chlamydia trachomatis elementary bodies and was shown to be present at the surfaces of elementary bodies by surface biotinylation and surface immunoprecipitation experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Neff
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland
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Zanna L, Haeuw JF. Separation and quantitative analysis of alkyl sulfobetaine-type detergents by high-performance liquid chromatography and light-scattering detection. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2007; 846:368-73. [PMID: 16978932 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2006.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2006] [Revised: 08/18/2006] [Accepted: 08/22/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
An improved high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the separation of zwitterionic detergents is described. It is based on a reversed-phase liquid chromatography with evaporative light-scattering detection (ELSD). The method was shown to be highly specific, allowing the separation of three detergents of the alkyl sulfobetaine family: 3-(N-dodecyl-N,N-dimethyl-ammonio)-propane-1-sulfonate (SB12), 3-(N-tetradecyl-N,N-dimethyl-ammonio)-propane-1-sulfonate (SB14) and 3-(N-hexadecyl-N,N-dimethyl-ammonio)-propane-1-sulfonate (SB16). It was further used to develop a quantitation method for SB14, which was validated for linearity, precision, robustness, limits of detection and quantitation, specificity and accuracy. Linearity was found in the range of 50-500 microg/ml with a correlation coefficient of 0.9938+/-0.0029. The mean value of slope and intercept were 1.567+/-0.06 and 0.1541+/-0.0271, respectively. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) were 2 and 10 microg/ml, respectively. The validated method was used to determine the concentration of SB14 in different biological samples, specially in bulks of a recombinant membrane protein, the Klebsiella pneumoniae outer membrane protein A, which is produced at the pilot scale for human clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Zanna
- Centre d'Immunologie Pierre Fabre, 5 Avenue Napoléon III, BP 497, 74160 Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, France
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Murthy AK, Chambers JP, Meier PA, Zhong G, Arulanandam BP. Intranasal vaccination with a secreted chlamydial protein enhances resolution of genital Chlamydia muridarum infection, protects against oviduct pathology, and is highly dependent upon endogenous gamma interferon production. Infect Immun 2006; 75:666-76. [PMID: 17118987 PMCID: PMC1828486 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01280-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
There is currently no licensed vaccine against Chlamydia trachomatis, the leading cause of sexually transmitted bacterial disease worldwide. Conventional vaccination attempts using surface-exposed chlamydial antigens have achieved only partial success. We have employed a novel vaccination strategy using a secreted protein, chlamydial protease-like activity factor (CPAF), which has been shown to degrade host major histocompatibility complex transcription factors and keratin-8 and therefore may allow immune evasion and establishment of a productive infection. Intranasal immunization using recombinant CPAF (rCPAF) plus interleukin-12 (IL-12) (rCPAF+IL-12 immunization) was used to assess the protective immunity against genital Chlamydia muridarum infection in BALB/c mice. rCPAF+IL-12 immunization induced robust gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) production and minimal IL-4 production by splenocytes upon in vitro recall with rCPAF. The total and immunoglobulin G2a (IgG2a) anti-rCPAF antibody levels in serum were significantly elevated after rCPAF+IL-12 vaccination, as were the total antibody, IgG2a, and IgA levels in bronchoalveolar lavage and vaginal fluids when the animals were compared to animals that received rCPAF alone. rCPAF+IL-12-vaccinated mice displayed significantly reduced bacterial shedding upon chlamydial challenge and accelerated resolution of infection compared to mock-immunized (phosphate-buffered saline) animals. Moreover, rCPAF+IL-12-immunized animals exhibited protection against pathological consequences of chlamydial infection, including the development of hydrosalpinx and oviduct dilatation. This vaccination regimen also reduced the development of fibrosis and the influx of neutrophils into the upper genital tract when the animals were compared to mock-immunized (phosphate-buffered saline) animals after bacterial challenge. rCPAF+IL-12-mediated resolution of the bacterial infection and protection against Chlamydia-induced inflammatory disease were highly dependent on endogenous IFN-gamma production. Together, these results demonstrate that secreted chlamydial antigens may be novel vaccine candidates to induce protective immunity.
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MESH Headings
- Adjuvants, Immunologic
- Administration, Intranasal
- Animals
- Antibodies, Bacterial/analysis
- Antibodies, Bacterial/blood
- Antigens, Bacterial/administration & dosage
- Antigens, Bacterial/immunology
- Bacterial Proteins/administration & dosage
- Bacterial Proteins/immunology
- Bacterial Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Bacterial Vaccines/immunology
- Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid/immunology
- Chlamydia Infections/immunology
- Chlamydia Infections/pathology
- Chlamydia muridarum/immunology
- Chlamydia muridarum/isolation & purification
- Colony Count, Microbial
- Fallopian Tubes/pathology
- Female
- Genital Diseases, Female/immunology
- Genital Diseases, Female/microbiology
- Genital Diseases, Female/pathology
- Genital Diseases, Female/therapy
- Immunity, Mucosal
- Interferon-gamma/biosynthesis
- Interferon-gamma/immunology
- Interleukin-12/administration & dosage
- Interleukin-12/immunology
- Interleukin-4/biosynthesis
- Lymphocytes/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Recombinant Proteins/administration & dosage
- Recombinant Proteins/immunology
- Vaccination
- Vaccines, Subunit/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, Subunit/immunology
- Vagina/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlesh K Murthy
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, 6900N Loop 1604W, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
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48
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Crane DD, Carlson JH, Fischer ER, Bavoil P, Hsia RC, Tan C, Kuo CC, Caldwell HD. Chlamydia trachomatis polymorphic membrane protein D is a species-common pan-neutralizing antigen. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:1894-9. [PMID: 16446444 PMCID: PMC1413641 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0508983103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections caused by the obligate intracellular pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis have a marked impact on human health. C. trachomatis serovariants are the leading cause of bacterial sexually transmitted disease and infectious preventable blindness. Despite decades of effort, there is no practical vaccine against C. trachomatis diseases. Here we report that all C. trachomatis reference serotypes responsible for sexually transmitted disease and blinding trachoma synthesize a highly conserved surface-exposed antigen termed polymorphic membrane protein D (PmpD). We show that Ab specific to PmpD are neutralizing in vitro. We also present evidence that Ab against serovariable-neutralizing targets, such as the major outer membrane protein, block PmpD neutralization. This finding suggests that a decoy-like immune evasion strategy may be active in vivo whereby immunodominant type-specific surface antigens block the neutralizing ability of species-common PmpD Ab. Collectively, these results show that PmpD is a previously uncharacterized C. trachomatis species-common pan-neutralizing target. Moreover, a vaccine protocol using recombinant PmpD to elicit neutralizing Ab in the absence of immunodominant type-specific Ab might be highly efficacious and surpass the level of protection achieved through natural immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elizabeth R. Fischer
- Research Technology Branch, Rocky Mountain Laboratory, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840
| | - Patrik Bavoil
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201; and
| | - Ru-ching Hsia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201; and
| | - Chun Tan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201; and
| | - Cho-chou Kuo
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195
| | - Harlan D. Caldwell
- *Laboratory of Intracellular Parasites and
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
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Pal S, Peterson EM, de la Maza LM. Vaccination with the Chlamydia trachomatis major outer membrane protein can elicit an immune response as protective as that resulting from inoculation with live bacteria. Infect Immun 2006; 73:8153-60. [PMID: 16299310 PMCID: PMC1307068 DOI: 10.1128/iai.73.12.8153-8160.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BALB/c mice were vaccinated by the intramuscular (i.m.) and subcutaneous (s.c.) routes with a native preparation of the Chlamydia trachomatis mouse pneumonitis (MoPn) major outer membrane protein (MOMP), using Montanide ISA 720 and CpG-1826 as adjuvants. A negative control group was immunized with ovalbumin and the two adjuvants, and a positive control group was immunized intranasally (i.n.) with 10(4) inclusion-forming units (IFU) of C. trachomatis. Four weeks after the last i.m.-plus-s.c. immunization, mice were challenged in the ovarian bursa with 10(5) IFU of C. trachomatis MoPn. Six weeks after the genital challenge, animals were mated, and the pregnancies were monitored. After vaccination with MOMP, the mice developed strong Chlamydia-specific humoral and cellular immune responses. Following the genital challenge, of the mice vaccinated with the MOMP, only 15% (3/20) had positive vaginal cultures, while 85% (17/20) of the animals immunized with ovalbumin had positive cultures over the 6 weeks of observation (P < 0.05). Also, only 14% (3/21) of the animals inoculated i.n. with Chlamydia had positive vaginal cultures. After mating, 75% (15/20) of the mice vaccinated with MOMP carried embryos in both uterine horns. Of the animals vaccinated i.n. with the Chlamydia, 81% (17/21) had embryos in both uterine horns (P > 0.05). In contrast, only 10% (2/20) of the mice immunized with ovalbumin had embryos in both uterine horns (P < 0.05). In conclusion, immunization with a purified preparation of the MOMP is as effective as vaccination with viable C. trachomatis in eliciting a protective immune response against a genital challenge in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukumar Pal
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical Sciences I, Room D440, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4800, USA
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50
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Igietseme J, Eko F, He Q, Bandea C, Lubitz W, Garcia-Sastre A, Black C. Delivery of Chlamydia vaccines. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2005; 2:549-62. [PMID: 16296774 DOI: 10.1517/17425247.2.3.549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The plethora of ocular, genital and respiratory diseases of Chlamydia, including nongonococcal urethritis, cervicitis pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, tubal factor infertility, conjunctivitis, blinding trachoma and interstitial pneumonia, and chronic diseases that may include atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, adult onset asthma and Alzheimer's disease, still pose a considerable public health challenge to many nations. Although antibiotics are effective against Chlamydia when effectively diagnosed, asymptomatic infections are rampart, making clinical presentation of complications often the first evidence of an infection. Consequently, the current medical opinion is that an effective prophylactic vaccine would constitute the best approach to protect the human population from the most severe consequences of these infections. Clinical and experimental studies have demonstration that Chlamydia immunity in animals and humans is mediated by T cells and a complementary antibody response, and the completion of the genome sequencing of several isolates of Chlamydia is broadening our knowledge of the immunogenic antigens with potential vaccine value. Thus, major advances have been made in defining the essential elements of a potentially effective subunit vaccine design and parameters for evaluation. However, the challenge to develop effective delivery systems and human compatible adjuvants that would boost the immune response to achieve long-lasting protective immunity remains an elusive objective in chlamydial vaccine research. In response to evolving molecular and cellular technologies and novel vaccinology approaches, considerable progress is being made in the construction of novel delivery systems, such as DNA and plasmid expression systems, viral vectors, living and nonliving bacterial delivery systems, the use of chemical adjuvants, lipoprotein constructs and the codelivery of vaccines and specific immuno-modulatory biological agonists targeting receptors for chemokines, Toll-like receptors, and costimulatory molecules. The application of these novel delivery strategies to Chlamydia vaccine design could culminate in timely achievement of an efficacious vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Igietseme
- National Center for Infectious Disease/CDC, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
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