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Combined TLR7/8 and TLR9 ligands potentiate the activity of a Schistosoma japonicum DNA vaccine.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands have been explored as vaccine adjuvants for tumor and virus immunotherapy, but few TLR ligands affecting schistosoma vaccines have been characterized. Previously, we developed a partially protective DNA vaccine encoding the 26-kDa glutathione S-transferase of Schistosoma japonicum (pVAX1-Sj26GST). METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In this study, we evaluated a TLR7/8 ligand (R848) and a TLR9 ligand (CpG oligodeoxynucleotides, or CpG) as adjuvants for pVAX1-Sj26GST and assessed their effects on the immune system and protection against S. japonicum. We show that combining CpG and R848 with pVAX1-Sj26GST immunization significantly increases splenocyte proliferation and IgG and IgG2a levels, decreases CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Treg) frequency in vivo, and enhances protection against S. japonicum. CpG and R848 inhibited Treg-mediated immunosuppression, upregulated the production of interferon (IFN)-?, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-?, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, IL-2, and IL-6, and decreased Foxp3 expression in vitro, which may contribute to prevent Treg suppression and conversion during vaccination and allow expansion of antigen-specific T cells against pathogens. CONCLUSIONS: Our data shows that selective TLR ligands can increase the protective efficacy of DNA vaccines against schistosomiasis, potentially through combined antagonism of Treg-mediated immunosuppression and conversion.

SUBMITTER: Wang X

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3617091 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Combined TLR7/8 and TLR9 ligands potentiate the activity of a Schistosoma japonicum DNA vaccine.

Wang Xuefeng X Dong Liyang L Ni Hongchang H Zhou Sha S Xu Zhipeng Z Hoellwarth Jason Shih JS Chen Xiaojun X Zhang Rongbo R Chen Qiaoyun Q Liu Feng F Wang Jun J Su Chuan C

PLoS neglected tropical diseases 20130404 4

<h4>Background</h4>Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands have been explored as vaccine adjuvants for tumor and virus immunotherapy, but few TLR ligands affecting schistosoma vaccines have been characterized. Previously, we developed a partially protective DNA vaccine encoding the 26-kDa glutathione S-transferase of Schistosoma japonicum (pVAX1-Sj26GST).<h4>Methodology/principal findings</h4>In this study, we evaluated a TLR7/8 ligand (R848) and a TLR9 ligand (CpG oligodeoxynucleotides, or CpG) as adj ...[more]

PMID: 23593527

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Project description:BACKGROUND:The development of a schistosome vaccine has proved challenging but we have suggested that characterisation of the self-cure mechanism in rhesus macaques might provide a route to an effective product. The schistosome esophagus is a complex structure where blood processing is initiated by secretions from anterior and posterior glands, achieved by a mixture of ~40 unique proteins. The mechanism of self-cure in macaques involves cessation of feeding, after which worms slowly starve to death. Antibody coats the esophagus lumen and disrupts the secretory processes from the glands, potentially making their secretions ideal vaccine targets. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:We have designed three peptide arrays comprising overlapping 15-mer peptides encompassing 32 esophageal gland proteins, and screened them for reactivity against 22-week infection serum from macaques versus permissive rabbit and mouse hosts. There was considerable intra- and inter-species variation in response and no obvious unique target was associated with self-cure status, which suggests that self-cure is achieved by antibodies reacting with multiple targets. Some immuno-dominant sequences/regions were evident across species, notably including: MEGs 4.1C, 4.2, and 11 (Array 1); MEG-12 and Aspartyl protease (Array 2); a Tetraspanin 1 loop and MEG-n2 (Array 3). Responses to MEGs 8.1C and 8.2C were largely confined to macaques. As proof of principle, three synthetic genes were designed, comprising several key targets from each array. One of these was expressed as a recombinant protein and used to vaccinate rabbits. Higher antibody titres were obtained to the majority of reactive regions than those elicited after prolonged infection. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE:It is feasible to test simultaneously the additive potential of multiple esophageal proteins to induce protection by combining their most reactive regions in artificial constructs that can be used to vaccinate suitable hosts. The efficacy of the approach to disrupt esophageal function now needs to be tested by a parasite challenge.

Dataset Information

Combined TLR7/8 and TLR9 ligands potentiate the activity of a Schistosoma japonicum DNA vaccine.

Publications

Combined TLR7/8 and TLR9 ligands potentiate the activity of a Schistosoma japonicum DNA vaccine.

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