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Zhang X, Yuan H, Mahmmod YS, Yang Z, Zhao M, Song Y, Luo S, Zhang XX, Yuan ZG. Insight into the current Toxoplasma gondii DNA vaccine: a review article. Expert Rev Vaccines 2023; 22:66-89. [PMID: 36508550 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2023.2157818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Toxoplasma gondii (T.gondii) is a widespread protozoan with significant economic losses and public health importance. But so far, the protective effect of reported DNA-based vaccines fluctuates widely, and no study has demonstrated complete protection. AREAS COVERED This review provides an inclusive summary of T. gondii DNA vaccine antigens, adjuvants, and some other parameters. A total of 140 articles from 2000 to 2021 were collected from five databases. By contrasting the outcomes of acute and chronic challenges, we aimed to investigate and identify viable immunological strategies for optimum protection. Furthermore, we evaluated and discussed the impact of several parameters on challenge outcomes in the hopes of developing some recommendations to assist better future horizontal comparisons among research. EXPERT OPINION In the coming five years of research, the exploration of vaccine cocktails combining invasion antigens and metabolic antigens with genetic adjuvants or novel DNA delivery methods may offer us desirable protection against this multiple stage of life parasite. In addition to finding a better immune strategy, developing better in silico prediction methods, solving problems posed by variables in practical applications, and gaining a more profound knowledge of T.gondii-host molecular interaction is also crucial towards a successful vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xirui Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Hao Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yasser S Mahmmod
- Veterinary Sciences Division, Faculty of Health Sciences, Higher Colleges of Technology, 17155, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zipeng Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Mengpo Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Yining Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Shengjun Luo
- Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Xiu-Xiang Zhang
- College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Zi-Guo Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, 510642, Guangzhou, PR China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, PR China
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Warner RC, Chapman RC, Davis BN, Davis PH. REVIEW OF DNA VACCINE APPROACHES AGAINST THE PARASITE TOXOPLASMA GONDII. J Parasitol 2021; 107:882-903. [PMID: 34852176 DOI: 10.1645/20-157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan parasite that affects both humans and livestock. Transmitted to humans through ingestion, it is the second-leading cause of foodborne illness-related death. Currently, there exists no approved vaccine for humans or most livestock against the parasite. DNA vaccines, a type of subunit vaccine which uses segments of the pathogen's DNA to generate immunity, have shown varying degrees of experimental efficacy against infection caused by the parasite. This review compiles DNA vaccine efforts against Toxoplasma gondii, segmenting the analysis by parasite antigen, as well as a review of concomitant adjuvant usage. No single antigenic group was consistently more effective within in vivo trials relative to others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalie C Warner
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, 68182
| | - Ryan C Chapman
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, 68182
| | - Brianna N Davis
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, 68182
| | - Paul H Davis
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, 68182
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Yu Z, Cao W, Gao X, Aleem MT, Liu J, Luo J, Yan R, Xu L, Song X, Li X. With Chitosan and PLGA as the Delivery Vehicle, Toxoplasma gondii Oxidoreductase-Based DNA Vaccines Decrease Parasite Burdens in Mice. Front Immunol 2021; 12:726615. [PMID: 34512659 PMCID: PMC8430031 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.726615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an intracellular parasitic protozoan that can cause serious public health problems. However, there is no effectively preventive or therapeutic strategy available for human and animals. In the present study, we developed a DNA vaccine encoding T. gondii oxidoreductase from short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase family (TgSDRO-pVAX1) and then entrapped in chitosan and poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) to improve the efficacy. When encapsulated in chitosan (TgSDRO-pVAX1/CS nanospheres) and PLGA (TgSDRO-pVAX1/PLGA nanospheres), adequate plasmids were loaded and released stably. Before animal immunizations, the DNA vaccine was transfected into HEK 293-T cells and examined by western blotting and laser confocal microscopy. Th1/Th2 cellular and humoral immunity was induced in immunized mice, accompanied by modulated secretion of antibodies and cytokines, promoted the maturation and MHC expression of dendritic cells, and enhanced the percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. Immunization with TgSDRO-pVAX1/CS and TgSDRO-pVAX1/PLGA nanospheres conferred significant immunity with lower parasite burden in the mice model of acute toxoplasmosis. Furthermore, our results also lent credit to the idea that TgSDRO-pVAX1/CS and TgSDRO-pVAX1/PLGA nanospheres are substitutes for each other. In general, the current study proposed that TgSDRO-pVAX1 with chitosan or PLGA as the delivery vehicle is a promising vaccine candidate against acute toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengqing Yu
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wandi Cao
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuchen Gao
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Muhammad Tahir Aleem
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Junlong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianxun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ruofeng Yan
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lixin Xu
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaokai Song
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangrui Li
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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Shivam S, El-Matbouli M, Kumar G. Development of Fish Parasite Vaccines in the OMICs Era: Progress and Opportunities. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:179. [PMID: 33672552 PMCID: PMC7923790 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9020179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, parasites are increasingly being recognized as catastrophic agents in both aquaculture sector and in the wild aquatic habitats leading to an estimated annual loss between 1.05 billion and 9.58 billion USD. The currently available therapeutic and control measures are accompanied by many limitations. Hence, vaccines are recommended as the "only green and effective solution" to address these concerns and protect fish from pathogens. However, vaccine development warrants a better understanding of host-parasite interaction and parasite biology. Currently, only one commercial parasite vaccine is available against the ectoparasite sea lice. Additionally, only a few trials have reported potential vaccine candidates against endoparasites. Transcriptome, genome, and proteomic data at present are available only for a limited number of aquatic parasites. Omics-based interventions can be significant in the identification of suitable vaccine candidates, finally leading to the development of multivalent vaccines for significant protection against parasitic infections in fish. The present review highlights the progress in the immunobiology of pathogenic parasites and the prospects of vaccine development. Finally, an approach for developing a multivalent vaccine for parasitic diseases is presented. Data sources to prepare this review included Pubmed, google scholar, official reports, and websites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saloni Shivam
- Clinical Division of Fish Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.S.); (M.E.-M.)
- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Karwar 581301, India
| | - Mansour El-Matbouli
- Clinical Division of Fish Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.S.); (M.E.-M.)
| | - Gokhlesh Kumar
- Clinical Division of Fish Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.S.); (M.E.-M.)
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Xu J, Yue WW, Xu YXY, Hao HN, Liu RD, Long SR, Wang ZQ, Cui J. Molecular characterization of a novel aspartyl protease-1 from Trichinella spiralis. Res Vet Sci 2020; 134:1-11. [PMID: 33276221 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to characterize the biological properties of a novel aspartic protease-1 from Trichinella spiralis (TsASP1) and evaluate its potential in inducing immune response. TsASP1 gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). On Western blotting analysis with anti-rTsASP1 serum, native TsASP1 was detected in various T. spiralis phases other than newborn larvae (NBL). qPCR results showed that TsASP1 transcription was the highest in intestinal infective larvae (IIL) and the lowest in the NBL stage. Immunofluorescence test result shows that native TsASP1 was principally localized in stichosome, muscle cells of muscle larvae (ML) and IIL, and surrounded intrauterine embryos in female adult worms (AW). After silencing TsASP1 gene of the ML by siRNA, the worm development was significantly inhibited, showed by shorter AW and more wrinkles and longitudinal crack on epicuticle of AW on scanning electron microscopy; the AW and ML burdens were reduced by 41.82 and 56.36% respectively, compared with the control siRNA or PBS group (P < 0.001). Immunization of mice with rTsASP1 elicited an evident antibody response (serum IgG, IgG1/IgG2a and enteral sIgA), and systemic (spleen) and intestinal local mucosal (mesenteric lymph node) cellular immune response, demonstrated by a prominent elevation of IFN-γ and IL-4. The results suggested TsASP1 participated in T. spiralis development and survival in host, and immunization of mice with rTsASP1 induced systemic/intestinal local mucosal humoral and cellular immune response against Trichinella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Xu
- Department of Parasitology, Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, PR China
| | - Wen Wen Yue
- Department of Parasitology, Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, PR China
| | - Yang Xiu Yue Xu
- Department of Parasitology, Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, PR China
| | - Hui Nan Hao
- Department of Parasitology, Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, PR China
| | - Ruo Dan Liu
- Department of Parasitology, Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, PR China
| | - Shao Rong Long
- Department of Parasitology, Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, PR China
| | - Zhong Quan Wang
- Department of Parasitology, Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, PR China.
| | - Jing Cui
- Department of Parasitology, Medical College, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, PR China.
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In vivo immunoprotective comparison between recombinant protein and DNA vaccine of Eimeria tenella surface antigen 4. Vet Parasitol 2020; 278:109032. [PMID: 31981858 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Eimeria tenella, belonging to protozoon, is the causative agent of cecal coccidiosis in chicken and causes enormous impacts for poultry industry. The surface antigens of apicomplexan parasites function as attachment and invasion in host-parasite interaction. Meanwhile, host immune response is triggered as a result of parasitic invasion. Immunogenicity and potency as a vaccinal candidate antigen of E. tenella surface antigen 4 (EtSAG4) have been unknown. Therefore, a gene segment of E. tenella EtSAG4 was amplified and transplanted to pET28a prokaryotic vector for recombinant protein expression. Similarly, pEGFP-N1 eukaryotic vectors with EtSAG4 gene segment (pEGFP-N1-EtSAG4) amplified in 293 T cells as DNA vaccines. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay and western blot analysis were used to demonstrate successful expressions of EtSAG4 in Escherichia coli or 293 T cells. Subsequently, animal experiments (72 cobb broilers) were performed to evaluate immunoprotective between recombinant protein and DNA vaccine of E. tenella EtSAG4 using different immunizing doses (50 or 100 μg), respectively. Serum from chickens infected with E. tenella identified recombinant EtSAG4 (rEtSAG4) protein. Chickens vaccinated with either rEtSAG4 protein or pEGFP-N1-EtSAG4 plasmids both shown a significant increase in concentration of IFN-γ (p < 0.05) compared with control groups indicating production of cell-mediated immunity. Besides, pEGFP-N1-EtSAG4 plasmids motivated more intense immune responses for immunoglobulin Y (IgY) and interleukin 17 (IL-17) (p < 0.05) contrast to control groups. However, there was no increase in concentration of interleukin 10 (IL-10) and interleukin 4 (IL-4) for both rEtSAG4 protein and pEGFP-N1-EtSAG4 plasmids. Chickens vaccinated with rEtSAG4 protein or pEGFP-N1-EtSAG4 plasmids both show higher weight, lower oocyst output and mean lesion scores compared with infection control groups. The highest anticoccidial index (ACI) value of immunized groups was 168.24 from EGFP-N1-EtSAG4 plasmids (100 μg) group. Generally, EGFP-N1-EtSAG4 plasmids as DNA vaccines provided a more effective immunoprotective for chickens against E. tenalla than that of rEtSAG4 protein as subunit vaccines. EtSAG4 is a promising candidate antigen gene for development of coccidiosis vaccine.
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Maraghi S, Ghadiri AA, Tavalla M, Shojaee S, Abdizadeh R. Evaluation of immunogenicity and protective effect of DNA vaccine encoding surface antigen1 (SAG1) of Toxoplasma gondii and TLR-5 ligand as a genetic adjuvant against acute toxoplasmosis in BALB/c mice. Biologicals 2019; 62:39-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biologicals.2019.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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Zhou J, Wang W, Song P, Wang L, Han Y, Guo J, Hao Z, Zhu X, Zhou Q, Du X, Lu G, He S, Luo Y. Structural predication and antigenic analysis of Toxoplasma gondii ROP20. Acta Parasitol 2018; 63:244-251. [PMID: 29654679 DOI: 10.1515/ap-2018-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infects almost all the warm-blooded animals. ROP20 protein is expressed in the rhoptry of Toxoplasma gondii. In this study, the secondary structure of ROP20 was analyzed using SMART software. We constructed and analyzed the 3D model of ROP20 protein using SWISS-MODEL online procedure and Visual Molecular Dynamics (VMD) software. The structure analysis fully indicated that ROP20 protein is an important member of the ROP family. Furthermore, We used DNASTAR software and Epitope Database online service to analyze liner-B cell epitopes and T-cell epitopes of ROP20 protein. All the analysis results of ROP20 protein can provide positive information on treatment and vaccine for toxoplasmosis. Moreover, ROP20 gene was obtained from PCR, and a recombinant eukaryotic expression vector (pEGFP-C1-ROP20) was constructed in the following study. After restriction enzyme digestion, the constructed plasmid was transfected into HEK 293-T cells. The RT-PCR result indicated that the recombinant plasmid could transcribe successfully in HEK 293-T cell. The results of western blotting indicated the expressed proteins can be recognized by anti-STAg mouse sera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, People's Republic of China
- Department of Sports Medicine Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008 People's Republic of China
| | - Wanchun Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengxia Song
- Department of Medicine, Quzhou College of Technology, Quzhou, Zhejiang 324000, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Electroneurophysiology, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250022, People's Republic of China
| | - Yali Han
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Guo
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Hao
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Zhu
- Department of Lymphoma and Hematology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, Hunan 410000, People's Republic of China
- University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiong Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, The Fourth Hospital of Changsha, Changsha, Hunan 410006, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiadong Du
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Lu
- Department of Pathology, Taishan Medical College, Taian, Shandong 271000, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenyi He
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingquan Luo
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, People's Republic of China
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Foroutan M, Ghaffarifar F. Calcium-dependent protein kinases are potential targets for Toxoplasma gondii vaccine. Clin Exp Vaccine Res 2018; 7:24-36. [PMID: 29399577 PMCID: PMC5795042 DOI: 10.7774/cevr.2018.7.1.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii belongs to the Apicomplexa phylum that caused a widespread zoonotic infection in wide range of intermediate hosts. Over one-third of the world's population are latently infected with T. gondii and carry it. The complex life cycle of T. gondii indicates the presence of a plurality of antigenic epitopes. During the recent years, continuous efforts of scientists have made precious advances to elucidate the different aspects of the cell and molecular biology of T. gondii. Despite of great progresses, the development of vaccine candidates for preventing of T. gondii infection in men and animals is still remains a challenge. The calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) belongs to the superfamily of kinases, which restricted to the apicomplexans, ciliates, and plants. It has been documented that they contribute several functions in the life cycle of T. gondii such as gliding motility, cell invasion, and egress as well as some other critical developmental processes. In current paper, we reviewed the recent progress concerning the development of CDPK-based vaccines against acute and chronic T. gondii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Foroutan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaffarifar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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HAJISSA K, ZAKARIA R, SUPPIAN R, MOHAMED Z. Immunogenicity of Multiepitope Vaccine Candidate against Toxoplasma gondii Infection in BALB/c Mice. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2018; 13:215-224. [PMID: 30069205 PMCID: PMC6068360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is a widely prevalent intracellular protozoan parasite which causes serious clinical and veterinary problems. Development of an effective vaccine for controlling toxoplasmosis is an extremely important aim. In the present study, the protective efficacy of recombinant multiepitope antigen (USM.TOXO1) expressing nine potential epitopes identified from SAG1, GRA2, and GRA7 of Toxoplasma gondii was evaluated in BALB/c mice. METHODS Mice were immunized subcutaneously with three doses of USM.TOXO1 antigen (10 μg/ml). Following the immunization, the IgG antibody, IgG subclass, IFN-γ and IL-4 production were evaluated using ELISA, the study was conducted at Animal Research and Service Center (ARASC), USM Health Campus in 2016. RESULTS Mice immunized with USM.TOXO1 significantly induced a mixed Th1/Th2 response polarized toward the IgG1 antibody isotype. While the cytokine analysis revealed a significant release of IFN-γ cytokines. CONCLUSION USM.TOXO1 is a potential vaccine candidate that elicits strong immunity in BALB/c mice. The proven immunogenicity of the generated antigen can serve as a premise for further use of epitope-based vaccine in the immunoprevention of human and animal toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid HAJISSA
- Dept. of Zoology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Omdurman Islamic University, Omdurman, Sudan, Dept. of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Ku-bang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Robaiza ZAKARIA
- Dept. of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Ku-bang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Rapeah SUPPIAN
- Biomedicine Program, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kuban Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Zeehaida MOHAMED
- Dept. of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Ku-bang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia,Correspondence
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Han Y, Zhou A, Lu G, Zhao G, Sha W, Wang L, Guo J, Zhou J, Zhou H, Cong H, He S. DNA Vaccines Encoding Toxoplasma gondii Cathepsin C 1 Induce Protection against Toxoplasmosis in Mice. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2017; 55:505-512. [PMID: 29103265 PMCID: PMC5678475 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2017.55.5.505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii cathepsin C proteases (TgCPC1, 2, and 3) are important for the growth and survival of T. gondii. In the present study, B-cell and T-cell epitopes of TgCPC1 were predicted using DNAstar and the Immune Epitope Database. A TgCPC1 DNA vaccine was constructed, and its ability to induce protective immune responses against toxoplasmosis in BALB/c mice was evaluated in the presence or absence of the adjuvant α-GalCer. As results, TgCPC1 DNA vaccine with or without adjuvant α-GalCer showed higher levels of IgG and IgG2a in the serum, as well as IL-2 and IFN-γ in the spleen compared to controls (PBS, pEGFP-C1, and α-Galcer). Upon challenge infection with tachyzoites of T. gondii (RH), pCPC1/α-Galcer immunized mice showed the longest survival among all the groups. Mice vaccinated with DNA vaccine without adjuvant (pCPC1) showed better protective immunity compared to other controls (PBS, pEGFP-C1, and α-Galcer). These results indicate that a DNA vaccine encoding TgCPC1 is a potential vaccine candidate against toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Han
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Aihua Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, P. R. China
| | - Gang Lu
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Guanghui Zhao
- Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266035, P. R. China
| | - Wenchao Sha
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, 250022, P. R. China
| | - Jingjing Guo
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Huaiyu Zhou
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Hua Cong
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Shenyi He
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
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Pan M, Lyu C, Zhao J, Shen B. Sixty Years (1957-2017) of Research on Toxoplasmosis in China-An Overview. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1825. [PMID: 28993763 PMCID: PMC5622193 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous zoonotic pathogen belonging to apicomplexan parasites. Infection in humans and animals may cause abortion and other severe symptoms under certain circumstances, leading to great economical losses and public health problems. T. gondii was first discovered in China in 1955 and the corresponding work was published in 1957. Since then, a lot of work has been done on this parasite and the diseases it causes. This review summarizes the major progress made by Chinese scientists over the last 60 years, and gives our perspectives on what should be done in the near future. A wide variety of diagnostic approaches were designed, including the ones to detect T. gondii specific antibodies in host sera, and T. gondii specific antigens or DNA in tissue and environmental samples. Further work will be needed to translate some of the laboratory assays into reliable products for clinic uses. Epidemiological studies were extensively done in China and the sero-prevalence in humans increased over the years, but is still below the world average, likely due to the unique eating and cooking habits. Infection rates were shown to be fairly high in meat producing animals such as, pigs, sheep, and chickens, as well as in the definitive host cats. Numerous subunit vaccines in the form of recombinant proteins or DNA vaccines were developed, but none of them is satisfactory in the current form. Live attenuated parasites using genetically modified strains may be a better option for vaccine design. The strains isolated from China are dominated by the ToxoDB #9 genotype, but it likely contains multiple subtypes since different ToxoDB #9 strains exhibited phenotypic differences. Further studies are needed to understand the general biology, as well as the unique features of strains prevalent in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
| | - Congcong Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
| | - Junlong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine in Hubei ProvinceWuhan, China
- Hubei Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig ProductionWuhan, China
| | - Bang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine in Hubei ProvinceWuhan, China
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Zhao G, Song X, Kong X, Zhang N, Qu S, Zhu W, Yang Y, Wang Q. Immunization with Toxoplasma gondii aspartic protease 3 increases survival time of infected mice. Acta Trop 2017; 171:17-23. [PMID: 28238685 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Aspartic proteases in the Toxoplasma gondii, called TgASP1, 2, 3, and 5, play essential roles in the life cycle. In a previous study, we have demonstrated that TgASP1 is an antigen that prolongs survival time of infected mice. As an in-depth study, we have investigated the protective immunity of TgSAP3. A bioinformatic analysis was used to predict the linear B-cell epitopes and potential Th-cell epitopes on TgASP3, the results suggested that it has a large number of excellent epitopes. Mice were inoculated with a recombinant eukaryotic expression vector to evaluate the immune protection against an infection with the virulent RH strain of T. gondii. The enhanced immune response and increased survival time (up to 18days) were observed for vaccinated mice, showing that the TgASP3 antigen can provides partial protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghui Zhao
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China.
| | - Xiaojie Song
- Department of Respiratory, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong Province 255036, China.
| | - Xiangnan Kong
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China.
| | - Ning Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China.
| | - Shaoling Qu
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China.
| | - Wei Zhu
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China.
| | - Yanyan Yang
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China.
| | - Qian Wang
- Clinical Laboratory Medicine Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250012, China.
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Han Y, Zhou A, Lu G, Zhao G, Wang L, Guo J, Song P, Zhou J, Zhou H, Cong H, He S. Protection via a ROM4 DNA vaccine and peptide against Toxoplasma gondii in BALB/c mice. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:59. [PMID: 28077075 PMCID: PMC5225637 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-2104-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite with a broad host range including most warm-blooded animals, including humans. T. gondii surface antigen 1 (SAG1) is a well-characterized T. gondii antigen. T. gondii expresses five nonmitochondrial rhomboid intramembrane proteases, TgROM1-5. TgROM4 is uniformly distributed on the surface of T. gondii and involved in regulating MIC2, MIC3, MIC6, and AMA1 during T. gondii invasion of host cells. Bioinformatics have predicted ROM4 B-cell and T-cell epitopes. Immunization strategy is also a key factor in determining the effectiveness of the immune response and has gained increasing attention in T. gondii vaccine research. In this study, we used a DNA prime-peptide boost vaccination regimen to assess the protective efficacy of various vaccination strategies using TgROM4. Methods We identified a polypeptide (YALLGALIPYCVEYWKSIPR) using a bioinformatics approach, and immunized mice using a DNA-prime and polypeptide-boost regimen. BALB/c mice were randomly divided into six groups, including three experimental groups (peptide, pROM4 and pROM4/peptide) and three control groups (PBS, pEGFP-C1 and pSAG1). Mice were then immunized intramuscularly four times. After immunization, IgG and cytokine productions were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The survival time of mice was evaluated after challenge with tachyzoites of T. gondii RH strain. Additionally, the number of cysts in the brain was determined after intragastric challenge with cysts of T. gondii PRU strain. Results Mice vaccinated with different immunization regimens (peptide, pROM4 and pROM4/peptide) elicited specific humoral and cellular responses, with high levels of IgG, IgG2a, and interferon (IFN)-γ. Moreover, IgG, IgG2a and IFN-γ levels were highest in the pROM4/peptide group. Immunized mice, especially those in the pROM4/peptide group, had prolonged survival times after challenge with tachyzoites and reduced numbers of brain cysts after infection compared with negative controls. Conclusion A DNA prime-peptide boost regimen based on ROM4 elicited the highest level of humoral and cellular immune responses among immunization regimens, and may be a promising approach to increase the efficacy of DNA immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Han
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Aihua Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong University School of Medicine, 250021, Jinan, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Lu
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanghui Zhao
- Qilu Hospital of shandong University, Qingdao, 266035, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Ji Nan Children's Hospital, 250022, Jinan, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Guo
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengxia Song
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Huaiyu Zhou
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Cong
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenyi He
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, People's Republic of China.
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Song P, He S, Zhou A, Lv G, Guo J, Zhou J, Han Y, Zhou H, Hao Z, Cong H. Vaccination with toxofilin DNA in combination with an alum-monophosphoryl lipid A mixed adjuvant induces significant protective immunity against Toxoplasma gondii. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:19. [PMID: 28056837 PMCID: PMC5217305 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-2147-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A widely prevalent disease, toxoplasmosis poses serious health threats to both humans and animals; therefore, development of an ideal DNA vaccine against Toxoplasma gondii is needed eagerly. The purpose of the present study is to assess the protective efficacy of a DNA vaccine encoding the T. gondii toxofilin gene (pEGFP-toxofilin). In addition, toxofilin DNA vaccine combined with the individual adjuvants, alum or monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA), or a mixture of alum-MPLA adjuvant were screened for their ability to enhance antibody responses. METHODS Using bioinformatics, we analyzed the gene and amino acid sequences of the toxofilin protein, recognizing and identifying several potential linear B and T helper (Th)-1 cell epitopes. BALB/c mice were immunized three times with either toxofilin DNA vaccine alone or in combination with the adjuvants such as alum, MPLA or an alum-MPLA mixture. The systemic immune response was evaluated by cytokine, the percentage of CD4 (+) and CD8 (+) T cells and specific antibody measurement. Two weeks after the last immunization, protective efficacy was evaluated by challenging intraperitoneally with 1 × 104 tachyzoites of T. gondii or intragastrically with 20 cysts of T. gondii PRU strain. RESULTS All experimentally immunized mice developed strong humoral and cellular immune responses compared with the control groups. Moreover, by comparison with the non-adjuvant toxofilin DNA vaccine group, adding alum adjuvant to toxofilin DNA vaccine resulted in an increase in humoral response and a skewed Th2 response. However, the MPLA adjuvant with toxofilin DNA vaccine induced significantly enhanced humoral and Th1-biased immune responses. Importantly, the co-administration of alum-MPLA adjuvant in combination with the toxofilin DNA vaccine shifted the Th2 immune response to a Th1 response compared with the alum-toxofilin group, and elicited the strongest humoral and Th1 responses among all the groups. At the same time, a longer survival time and less cyst amounts against T. gondii infection were also observed in the alum-MPLA-toxofilin group in comparison with single or no adjuvant groups. CONCLUSIONS Toxoplasma gondii toxofilin is a promising vaccine candidate that warrants further development. Co-administration of the alum-MPLA adjuvant mixture with DNA vaccine could effectively enhance immunogenicity and strongly skew the cellular immune response towards a Th1 phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengxia Song
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenyi He
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, People's Republic of China.
| | - Aihua Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong University School of Medicine, 250021, Jinan, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Lv
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Guo
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Shandong University School of Medicine, 250021, Jinan, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yali Han
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Huaiyu Zhou
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Hao
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Cong
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong Province, 250012, People's Republic of China
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Aw MS, Paniwnyk L. Overcoming T. gondii infection and intracellular protein nanocapsules as biomaterials for ultrasonically controlled drug release. Biomater Sci 2017; 5:1944-1961. [DOI: 10.1039/c7bm00425g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
One of the pivotal matters of concern in intracellular drug delivery is the preparation of biomaterials containing drugs that are compatible with the host target.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. S. Aw
- School of Life Sciences
- Biomolecular and Sports Science
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
- Coventry University
- Coventry
| | - L. Paniwnyk
- School of Life Sciences
- Biomolecular and Sports Science
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
- Coventry University
- Coventry
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Sojka D, Hartmann D, Bartošová-Sojková P, Dvořák J. Parasite Cathepsin D-Like Peptidases and Their Relevance as Therapeutic Targets. Trends Parasitol 2016; 32:708-723. [PMID: 27344362 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2016.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of aspartic cathepsin D-like peptidases (APDs) has been often discussed as an antiparasite intervention strategy. APDs have been considered as virulence factors of Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp., and have been demonstrated to have important roles in protein trafficking mechanisms of apicomplexan parasites. APDs also initiate blood digestion as components of multienzyme proteolytic complexes in malaria, platyhelminths, nematodes, and ticks. Increasing DNA and RNA sequencing data indicate that parasites express multiple APD isoenzymes of various functions that can now be specifically evaluated using new functional-genomic and biochemical tools, from which we can further assess the potential of APDs as targets for novel effective intervention strategies against parasitic diseases that still pose an alarming threat to mankind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sojka
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice 370 05, Czech Republic.
| | - David Hartmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Bartošová-Sojková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Dvořák
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 14220, Czech Republic; Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 16610, Czech Republic; School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
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Zhou J, Wang L, Lu G, Zhou A, Zhu M, Li Q, Wang Z, Arken M, Wang A, He S. Epitope analysis and protection by a ROP19 DNA vaccine against Toxoplasma gondii. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 23:17. [PMID: 27055564 PMCID: PMC4824872 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2016017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
We used bioinformatics approaches to identify B-cell and T-cell epitopes on the ROP19 protein of Toxoplasma gondii. Then, we constructed plasmids with ROP19 (pEGFP-C1-ROP19) and injected them into BALB/c mice to test the immunoprotection induced by this vaccine candidate. The results showed that immunization with pEGFP-C1-ROP19 induced effective cellular and humoral immune responses in mice; specifically, high serum levels of T. gondii-specific IgG and increased interferon-gamma production by splenocytes. Furthermore, the mice vaccinated with pROP19 had significantly fewer brain cysts (583 ± 160) than the mice injected with phosphate-buffered saline (1350 ± 243) or with the control plasmid, pEGFP-C1 (1300 ± 167). Compared with PBS-treated mice, those immunized with pROP19 had only 43% of the number of brain cysts. These results suggest that the DNA vaccine encoding ROP19 induced a significant immune response and provided protection against a challenge with T. gondii strain PRU cysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhou
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine,250012 Jinan, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Ji Nan Children's Hospital, 250022 Jinan, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Gang Lu
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine,250012 Jinan, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Aihua Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong University School of Medicine, 250021 Jinan, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Meiyan Zhu
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine,250012 Jinan, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Qihang Li
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine,250012 Jinan, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Zhilin Wang
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine,250012 Jinan, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Miradel Arken
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine,250012 Jinan, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Ao Wang
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine,250012 Jinan, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Shenyi He
- Department of Parasitology, Shandong University School of Medicine,250012 Jinan, Shandong Province, PR China
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Gedik Y, Gülçe İz S, Can H, Değirmenci Döşkaya A, İsmet Deliloğlu Gürhan S, Gürüz Y, Döşkaya M. Immunogenic multistage recombinant protein vaccine confers partial protection against experimental toxoplasmosis mimicking natural infection in murine model. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trivac.2015.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Protective immunity against acute toxoplasmosis in BALB/c mice induced by a DNA vaccine encoding Toxoplasma gondii elongation factor 1-alpha. BMC Infect Dis 2015; 15:448. [PMID: 26497908 PMCID: PMC4619988 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-1220-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii can infect almost all warm-blood animals including human beings. The high incidence and severe damage that can be caused by T. gondii infection clearly indicates the need for the development of a vaccine. T. gondii elongation factor 1-alpha (TgEF-1α) plays an important role in pathogenesis and host cell invasion for this parasite. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immune protective efficacy of a DNA vaccine encoding TgEF-1α gene against acute T. gondii infection in mice. METHODS A DNA vaccine (pVAX-EF-1α) encoding T. gondii EF-1a (TgEF-1α) gene was constructed and its immune response and protective efficacy against lethal challenge in BALB/c mice were evaluated. RESULTS Mice inoculated with the pVAX-EF-1α vaccine had a high level of specific anti-T. gondii antibodies and produced high levels of IFN-gamma, interleukin (IL)-4, and IL-17. The expression levels of MHC-I and MHC-II molecules as well as the percentages of both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in mice vaccinated with pVAX-EF-1α were significantly increased (p < 0.05), compared with those in all the mice from control groups (blank control, PBS, and pVAXI). Immunization with pVAX-EF-1α significantly (p < 0.05) prolonged mouse survival time to 14.1 ± 1.7 days after challenge infection with the virulent T. gondii RH strain, compared with mice in the control groups which died within 8 days. CONCLUSIONS DNA vaccination with pVAX-EF-1α triggered strong humoral and cellular responses and induced effective protection in mice against acute T. gondii infection, indicating that TgEF-1α is a promising vaccine candidate against acute toxoplasmosis.
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Zhang NZ, Wang M, Xu Y, Petersen E, Zhu XQ. Recent advances in developing vaccines against Toxoplasma gondii: an update. Expert Rev Vaccines 2015; 14:1609-21. [PMID: 26467840 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2015.1098539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii, a significant public health risk, is able to infect almost all warm-blooded animals including humans, and it results in economic losses in production animals. In the last three years, a large number of vaccination experiments have been performed to control T. gondii infection, with the target of limiting the acute infection and reducing or eliminating tissue cysts in the intermediate hosts. In this paper, we summarize the latest results of the veterinary vaccines against T. gondii infection since 2013. Immunization with live-attenuated whole organisms of non-reverting mutants has been shown to induce remarkably potent immune responses associated with control of acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. The non-cyst-forming mutants are promising new tools for the development of veterinary vaccines against T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian-Zhang Zhang
- a State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute , Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Lanzhou , PR China
| | - Meng Wang
- a State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute , Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Lanzhou , PR China
| | - Ying Xu
- a State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute , Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Lanzhou , PR China.,b Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology and Zoonosis, Ministry of Agriculture, National Animal Protozoa Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine , China Agricultural University , Beijing , PR China
| | - Eskild Petersen
- c Department of Infectious Diseases, Clinical Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences , Aarhus University , Aarhus , Denmark
| | - Xing-Quan Zhu
- a State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute , Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences , Lanzhou , PR China
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22
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Lu G, Wang L, Zhou A, Han Y, Guo J, Song P, Zhou H, Cong H, Zhao Q, He S. Epitope analysis, expression and protection of SAG5A vaccine against Toxoplasma gondii. Acta Trop 2015; 146:66-72. [PMID: 25792417 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Revised: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Bioinformatics approaches were used to identify B-cell epitopes and T-cell epitopes on SAG5A protein. Compared to SAG1, SAG5A with good B-cell epitopes and T-cell epitopes had a potentiality to become a more successful vaccine against Toxoplasma gondii. Thereafter, SAG5A DNA vaccine was constructed successfully and was injected into mice with peptide to evaluate the immunoprotection. Compared to the control groups, the vaccine (DNA/peptide) could induce more effective cellular and humoral immune responses in immunized mice. Furthermore, a significant reduction of brain cyst was detected in the mice vaccinated with peptide (732±160), pSAG5A (815±197), or pSAG5A/peptide (436±174) compared by the mice injected by PBS (1260±241) or pEGFP-C1 (1350±268). The number of cysts in brains was 35% reduced in the mice immunized with DNA/peptide than in the control mice treated by PBS. The results indicated that the DNA vaccine encoding SAG5A significantly induced immune responses and enhanced protection against cysts of PRU strain, especially with the help of peptide.
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Pearson MS, Jariwala AR, Abbenante G, Plieskatt J, Wilson D, Bottazzi ME, Hotez PJ, Keegan B, Bethony JM, Loukas A. New tools for NTD vaccines: A case study of quality control assays for product development of the human hookworm vaccine Na-APR-1M74. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2015; 11:1251-7. [PMID: 26018444 PMCID: PMC4514234 DOI: 10.4161/21645515.2014.980199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Revised: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Na-APR-1(M74) is an aspartic protease that is rendered enzymatically inactive by site-directed mutagenesis and is a candidate antigen component in the Human Hookworm Vaccine. The mutant protease exerts vaccine efficacy by inducing antibodies that neutralize the enzymatic activity of wild type enzyme (Na-APR-1wt) in the gut of the hookworm, thereby depriving the worm of its ability to digest its blood meal. Previously, canines immunized with Na-APR-1(M74) and challenged with Ancylostoma caninum were partially protected against hookworm challenge infection, especially from the loss in hemoglobin observed in control canines and canine immunoglobulin (Ig) G raised against Na-APR-1 was shown to inhibit the enzymatic activity of Na-APR-1 wt in vitro, thereby providing proof of concept of Na-APR-1(M74) as a vaccine antigen. The mutated version, Na-APR-1(M74), was then expressed at the cGMP level using a Nicotiana benthamiana expression system (Fraunhofer, CMB, Delaware, MD), formulated with Alhydrogel®, and used to immunize mice in a dose-ranging study to explore the enzyme-neutralizing capacity of the resulting anti- Na-APR-1(M74) IgG. As little as 0.99 μg of recombinant Na-APR-1(M74) could induce anti Na-APR-1(M74) IgG in mice that were capable of inhibiting Na-APR-1w t-mediated digestion of a peptide substrate by 89%. In the absence of enzymatic activity of Na-APR-1(M74) as a surrogate marker of protein functionality, we developed an assay based on the binding of a quenched fluorescence-labeled inhibitor of aspartic proteases, BODIPY-FL pepstatin A (BDP). Binding of BDP in the active site of Na-APR-1 wt was demonstrated by inhibition of enzymatic activity, and competitive binding with unlabelled pepstatin A. BDP also bound to Na-APR-1(M74) which was assessed by fluorescence polarization, but with an ∼ 50-fold reduction in the dissociation constant. Taken together, these assays comprise a "toolbox" that could be useful for the analyses of Na-APR-1(M74) as it proceeds through the clinical development as part of the Human Hookworm Vaccine pipeline.
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MESH Headings
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/administration & dosage
- Aluminum Hydroxide/administration & dosage
- Ancylostoma/enzymology
- Ancylostoma/immunology
- Ancylostomiasis/prevention & control
- Animals
- Antibodies, Helminth/blood
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/blood
- Antigens, Helminth/genetics
- Antigens, Helminth/immunology
- Aspartic Acid Proteases/genetics
- Aspartic Acid Proteases/immunology
- Drug Discovery/methods
- Female
- Hookworm Infections/prevention & control
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mutant Proteins/genetics
- Mutant Proteins/immunology
- Plants, Genetically Modified/genetics
- Plants, Genetically Modified/metabolism
- Quality Control
- Recombinant Proteins/genetics
- Recombinant Proteins/immunology
- Nicotiana/genetics
- Nicotiana/metabolism
- Vaccines, Synthetic/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, Synthetic/genetics
- Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark S Pearson
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics; Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine; James Cook University; Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Amar R Jariwala
- Department of Microbiology; Immunology and Tropical Medicine; George Washington University; Washington, DC USA
| | | | - Jordan Plieskatt
- Department of Microbiology; Immunology and Tropical Medicine; George Washington University; Washington, DC USA
| | - David Wilson
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics; Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine; James Cook University; Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Sabin Vaccine Institute and Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development; Baylor College of Medicine; Houston, TX USA
| | - Peter J Hotez
- Sabin Vaccine Institute and Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development; Baylor College of Medicine; Houston, TX USA
| | - Brian Keegan
- Sabin Vaccine Institute and Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development; Baylor College of Medicine; Houston, TX USA
| | - Jeffrey M Bethony
- Department of Microbiology; Immunology and Tropical Medicine; George Washington University; Washington, DC USA
- These authors equally contributed to this work.
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Biodiscovery and Molecular Development of Therapeutics; Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine; James Cook University; Cairns, Queensland, Australia
- These authors equally contributed to this work.
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24
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de Matos Guedes HL, da Silva Costa BL, Chaves SP, de Oliveira Gomes DC, Nosanchuk JD, De Simone SG, Rossi-Bergmann B. Intranasal vaccination with extracellular serine proteases of Leishmania amazonensis confers protective immunity to BALB/c mice against infection. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:448. [PMID: 25239157 PMCID: PMC4261548 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previously, we demonstrated that unlike subcutaneous or intramuscular vaccination, intranasal vaccination of BALB/c mice with whole Leishmania amazonensis antigens leads to protection against cutaneous leishmaniasis. Here, the role of parasite serine proteases in the protective immunity was investigated. Findings Serine Proteases were partially purified from both soluble (LaSP-Sol) and extracellular (LaSP-Ex) Leishmania amazonensis promastigote extracts by aprotinin-agarose chromatography. BALB/c mice were intranasally immunized with LaSP-Sol and LaSP-Ex prior to infection with L. amazonensis. LaSP-Ex but not LaSP-Sol vaccination led to significantly smaller lesions and parasite burdens as compared with non-vaccinated controls. Protection was accompanied by systemic Th1 polarization with increased IFN-γ and decreased IL-4 and IL-10 splenic production. Likewise, increased production of IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-4 concomitant with decreased TGF-β and TNF-α was locally observed in the infected footpad. Conclusion This study indicates that extracellular serine proteases of L. amazonensis are strong candidates for a more defined intranasal vaccine against cutaneous leishmaniasis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1756-3305-7-448) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herbert Leonel de Matos Guedes
- Laboratório de Imunofarmacologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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25
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El Temsahy MM, El Kerdany EDH, Eissa MM, Shalaby TI, Talaat IM, Mogahed NMFH. The effect of chitosan nanospheres on the immunogenicity of Toxoplasma lysate vaccine in mice. J Parasit Dis 2014; 40:611-26. [PMID: 27605755 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-014-0546-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2014] [Accepted: 08/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic parasitic disease, is a huge challenge for which there is no effective vaccine up till now. In this study, chitosan nanospheres encapsulated with Toxoplasma lysate vaccine was evaluated for its ability to protect mice against both acute and chronic toxoplasmosis models of infection. Results showed that chitosan nanospheres were equally effective to Freund's incomplete adjuvant (FIA) in enhancing the efficacy of Toxoplasma lysate vaccine. The effectiveness was demonstrated by the delayed death of vaccinated mice following challenge either with virulent RH or avirulent Me49 strains, the significant decrease in parasite density in different organs, significant increase in the humoral and cellular immune response (IgG and IFN γ) with a marked reduction of pathological changes in the different organs. However chitosan nanospheres were superior to FIA due to their cost effective preparation and much less necrotic changes induced in the studied organs. The success of chitosan polymer as an alternative to commonly used adjuvants paves the way for the use of other newly developed polymers to be used in the field of vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona M El Temsahy
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Eman D H El Kerdany
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Maha M Eissa
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Thanaa I Shalaby
- Department of Biophysics and Biomedics, Medical Research Institute, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Iman M Talaat
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nermine M F H Mogahed
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
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26
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Intranasal immunisation of the recombinant Toxoplasma gondii receptor for activated C kinase 1 partly protects mice against T. gondii infection. Acta Trop 2014; 137:58-66. [PMID: 24813415 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2014.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Revised: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Nasal vaccination is an effective therapeutic regimen for preventing certain infectious diseases. The mucosal immune response is important for resistance to Toxoplasma gondii infection. In this study, we evaluated the immune responses elicited in BALB/c mice by nasal immunisation with recombinant T. gondii receptor for activated C kinase 1 (rTgRACK1) and their protective efficacy against T. gondii RH strain during both chronic and lethal infections. Nasal vaccination with rTgRACK1 increased the level of secretory IgA in nasal, intestinal and vesical washes, and the level of IFN-γ and IL-2 in intestinal washes, indicating that rTgRACK1 vaccination promotes mucosal immune responses. The mice immunised with rTgRACK1 also displayed increased levels of rTgRACK1-specific IgA, total IgG, IgG1 and in particular IgG2a in their blood sera, increased production of IFN-γ, IL-2 and IL-4 but not IL-10 from their isolated spleen cells, and enhanced splenocyte proliferation in vitro. rTgRACK1-vaccinated mice were effectively protected against infection with T. gondii RH strain, showing over 50% reduction of tachyzoite burdens in their liver and brain tissues during a chronic infection, and also a 45% increase in their survivals during a lethal challenge. These results indicate that rTgRACK1 might represent an intriguing immunogen for developing a mucosal vaccine against toxoplasmosis.
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27
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Yang Z, Ahn HJ, Nam HW. High expression of water-soluble recombinant antigenic domains of Toxoplasma gondii secretory organelles. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2014; 52:367-76. [PMID: 25246715 PMCID: PMC4170032 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2014.52.4.367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Revised: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant antigenic proteins of Toxoplasma gondii are alternative source of antigens which are easily obtainable for serodiagnosis of toxoplasmosis. In this study, highly antigenic secretory organellar proteins, dense granular GRA2 and GRA3, rhoptrial ROP2, and micronemal MIC2, were analyzed by bioinformatics approach to express as water-soluble forms of antigenic domains. The transmembrane region and disorder tendency of 4 secretory proteins were predicted to clone the genes into pGEX-4T-1 vector. Recombinant plasmids were transformed into BL21 (DE3) pLysS E. coli, and GST fusion proteins were expressed with IPTG. As a result, GST fusion proteins with GRA225-105, GRA339-138, ROP2324-561, and MIC21-284 domains had respectively higher value of IgG avidity. The rGST-GRA225-105 and rGST-GRA339-138 were soluble, while rGST-ROP2324-561 and rGST-MIC21-284 were not. GRA231-71, intrinsically unstructured domain (IUD) of GRA2, was used as a linker to enhance the solubility. The rGST-GRA231-71-ROP2324-561, a chimeric protein, appeared to be soluble. Moreover, rGST-GRA231-71-MIC21-284 was also soluble and had higher IgG avidity comparing to rGST-MIC21-284. These 4 highly expressed and water-soluble recombinant antigenic proteins may be promising candidates to improve the serodiagnosis of toxoplasmosis in addition to the major surface antigen of SAG1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoshou Yang
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Korea
| | - Hye-Jin Ahn
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Korea
| | - Ho-Woo Nam
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 137-701, Korea
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28
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Choi HJ, Lee JH, Yeo SJ, Kaewintajuk K, Yi KY, Kim S, Song HO, Park H. Evaluation of anti-coccidial effects of 1-[4-(4-nitrophenoxy)phenyl]propane-1-one and identification of its potential target proteins in Toxoplasma gondii. Arch Pharm Res 2014; 38:752-60. [PMID: 24824336 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-014-0400-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Coccidiosis affects many vertebrates worldwide, but treatment with known anti-coccidial drugs causes several adverse side effects. There is a critical need for the development and evaluation of new drugs. The anti-coccidial effect of 1-[4-(4-nitrophenoxy)phenyl]propane-1-one (NPPP), a synthetic compound, was studied in vitro and in vivo. Treatment with NPPP showed anti-Toxoplasma activity in vitro with a lower EC50 value than pyrimethamine. In ICR mice infected with Toxoplasma gondii, oral administration of NPPP for 4 days showed statistically significant anti-Toxoplasma activity with lower numbers of tachyzoite than those of the negative control (p < 0.01). NPPP also exhibited strong anti-Eimeria activity in Eimeria tenella-infected chickens when treated for 4 days with orally administered NPPP at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Potential target proteins of NPPP were analyzed by proteomic profiles of T. gondii tachyzoites. Two hypothetical proteins were identified as possible targets of NPPP, a putative ortholog of vacuolar ATP synthase subunit C and a class I S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferase. Our data show that the NPPP might be an anti-coccidial drug candidate for clinical application against coccidial infections. Future investigations will focus on identifying the function of proteins regulated by NPPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwa-Jung Choi
- Department of Infection Biology, Zoonosis Research Center, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, 460 Iksandae-ro, Iksan, 570-749, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea
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29
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Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a cosmopolitan protozoan parasite that infects a wide range of mammal and bird species. Common infection leads to high economic (e.g., abortions in sheep) and human (e.g., congenital toxoplasmosis or neurotoxoplasmosis in humans) losses. With one exception (Toxovax for sheep), there are no vaccines to prevent human or animal toxoplasmosis. The paper presents the current state and challenges in the development of a vaccine against toxoplasmosis, designed for farm animals either bred for consumption or commonly kept on farms and involved in parasite transmission. So far, the trials have mostly revolved around conventional vaccines and, compared with the research using laboratory animals (mainly mice), they have not been very numerous. However, the results obtained are promising and could be a good starting point for developing an effective vaccine to prevent toxoplasmosis.
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30
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Research progress on surface antigen 1 (SAG1) of Toxoplasma gondii. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:180. [PMID: 24726014 PMCID: PMC3989796 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasitic protozoan that has a wide host range and causes a zoonotic parasitosis called toxoplasmosis. This infection causes significant morbidity, costs for care and loss of productivity and suffering. The most effective measures to minimize this parasite’s harm to patients are prompt diagnosis and treatment and preventing infection. A parasite surface antigen, SAG1, is considered an important antigen for the development of effective diagnostic tests or subunit vaccines. This review covers several aspects of this antigen, including its gene structure, contribution to host invasion, mechanisms of the immune responses and its applications for diagnosis and vaccine development. This significant progress on this antigen provides foundations for further development of more effective and precise approaches to diagnose toxoplasmosis in the clinic, and also have important implications for exploring novel measures to control toxoplasmosis in the near future.
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31
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Cong H, Yuan Q, Zhao Q, Zhao L, Yin H, Zhou H, He S, Wang Z. Comparative efficacy of a multi-epitope DNA vaccine via intranasal, peroral, and intramuscular delivery against lethal Toxoplasma gondii infection in mice. Parasit Vectors 2014; 7:145. [PMID: 24685150 PMCID: PMC4229990 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-7-145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2013] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Toxoplasmosis is an important zoonosis, being a cause of congenital disease and abortion in animals and humans. DNA vaccination as a promising vaccine remains a challenge for an improved delivery system. Methods In this study, attenuated Salmonella typhimurium BRD509 was used to deliver a DNA vaccine encoding several epitopes, derived from the tachyzoite proteins SAG1, GRA1, ROP2, GRA4 and bradyzoite proteins SAG2C, SAG2X of Toxoplasma gondii and A2/B subunit of cholera toxin. The recombinant plasmids were electroporated into attenuated Salmonella typhimurium. Humoral and cellular immune responses were evaluated for BALB/c mice administered with this attenuated recombinant Salmonella vaccine via the oral and nasal route or by intramuscular injection with DNA plasmid directly. Results High IgG levels were present in the mice immunized intramuscularly, while IgA levels were higher in the oral and nasal immunization groups. Furthermore, cellular immunity was activated in oral immunization groups with 60% survival rate following challenge with high virulent RH strain. Conclusions The results from this study indicate that a DNA vaccine encoding multi-epitopes of T. gondii delivered by attenuated Salmonella is promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Cong
- Department of human parasitology, Medical school, Shandong University, No,44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, Shandong 250012, P, R, China.
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32
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Purification and characterization of an aspartic protease from the Rhizopus oryzae protease extract, Peptidase R. ELECTRON J BIOTECHN 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejbt.2014.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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33
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Gülçe İz S, Döşkaya M, Caner A, Döşkaya AD, Rodriguez F, Gürüz Y, Gürhan SİD. A novel dual promoter DNA vaccine induces CD8+ response against Toxoplasma gondii sporozoite specific surface protein “SporoSAG” through non-apoptotic cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trivac.2014.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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34
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Yin LT, Hao HX, Wang HL, Zhang JH, Meng XL, Yin GR. Intranasal immunisation with recombinant Toxoplasma gondii actin partly protects mice against toxoplasmosis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82765. [PMID: 24386114 PMCID: PMC3873923 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082765] [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: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous protozoan intracellular parasite, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, and a worldwide zoonosis for which an effective vaccine is needed. Actin is a highly conserved microfilament protein that plays an important role in the invasion of host cells by T. gondii. This study investigated the immune responses elicited by BALB/c mice after nasal immunisation with a recombinant T. gondii actin (rTgACT) and the subsequent protection against chronic and lethal T. gondii infections. We evaluated the systemic response by proliferation, cytokine and antibody measurements, and we assessed the mucosal response by examining the levels of TgACT-specific secretory IgA (SIgA) in nasal, vaginal and intestinal washes. Parasite load was assessed in the liver and brain, and the survival of mice challenged with a virulent strain was determined. The results showed that the mice immunised with rTgACT developed high levels of specific anti-rTgACT IgG titres and a mixed IgG1/IgG2a response with a predominance of IgG2a. The systemic immune response was associated with increased production of Th1 (IFN-γ and IL-2), Th2 (IL-4) and Treg (IL-10) cytokines, indicating that not only Th1-type response was induced, but also Th2- and Treg-types responses were induced, and the splenocyte stimulation index (SI) was increased in the mice immunised with rTgACT. Nasal immunisation with rTgACT led to strong mucosal immune responses, as seen by the increased secretion of SIgA in nasal, vaginal and intestinal washes. The vaccinated mice displayed significant protection against lethal infection with the virulent RH strain (survival increased by 50%), while the mice chronically infected with RH exhibited lower liver and brain parasite loads (60.05% and 49.75%, respectively) than the controls. Our data demonstrate, for the first time, that actin triggers a strong systemic and mucosal response against T. gondii. Therefore, actin may be a promising vaccine candidate against toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Tian Yin
- Department of physiology, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology Co-constructed by Province and Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Hai-Xia Hao
- Research Institute of Medical Parasitology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
- General Hospital of the Datong Coal Mine Co. Ltd., Datong, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Hai-Long Wang
- Research Institute of Medical Parasitology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Jian-Hong Zhang
- Research Institute of Medical Parasitology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Xiao-Li Meng
- Research Institute of Medical Parasitology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Guo-Rong Yin
- Research Institute of Medical Parasitology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, PR China
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