Article
Immunology
Amanda Fabra-Garcia, Sophia Hailemariam, Roos M. de Jong, Kirsten Janssen, Karina Teelen, Marga van de Vegte-Bolmer, Geert-Jan van Gemert, Danton Ivanochko, Anthony Semesi, Brandon McLeod, Martijn W. Vos, Marloes H. C. de Bruijni, Judith M. Bolscher, Marta Szabat, Stefanie Vogt, Lucas Kraft, Sherie Duncan, Moses R. Kamya, Margaret E. Feeney, Prasanna Jagannathan, Bryan Greenhouse, Koen J. Dechering, Robert W. Sauerwein, C. Richter King, Randall S. MacGill, Teun Bousema, Jean-Philippe Julien, Matthijs M. Jore
Summary: Malaria transmission-blocking vaccines aim to induce antibodies that interrupt parasite development in mosquitoes, providing a tool for malaria control. We isolated and characterized 81 human monoclonal antibodies specific to the Pfs48/45 protein, a leading vaccine candidate. Potent antibodies targeting specific domains achieved high transmission-reducing activity. Co-crystal structures identified protective epitopes, providing insight for refined vaccine design.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Isaac Kyei-Barffour, Samuel Akwetey Addo, Enoch Aninagyei, George Ghartey-Kwansah, Desmond Omane Acheampong
Summary: The rapid development and approval of COVID-19 vaccines offered a swift solution to prevent the collapse of global healthcare system, but more research is needed to determine if these vaccines can induce sterilizing immunity. Variants of SARS-CoV-2 may impact the effectiveness of current vaccines, and data on vaccines that can confer sterilizing immunity is still lacking.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Muyideen Kolapo Tijani, Allan Lugaajju, Kristina E. M. Persson
Summary: Antibodies play a central role in acquired immunity against malaria, particularly in regions where a vaccine is not readily available. While naturally acquired antibodies provide some protection against Plasmodium falciparum, they do not confer sterile immunity and their mechanisms of action are still not fully understood. Studies have shown both beneficial and potentially harmful roles of naturally acquired antibodies, as well as the challenges of combining different antibodies in acquired immunity against malaria.
Article
Immunology
Nadege Nziza, Tuan M. Tran, Elizabeth A. DeRiso, Sepideh Dolatshahi, Jonathan D. Herman, Luna de Lacerda, Caroline Junqueira, Judy Lieberman, Aissata Ongoiba, Safiatou Doumbo, Kassoum Kayentao, Boubacar Traore, Peter D. Crompton, Galit Alter
Summary: This study demonstrates the evolution of functional humoral immunity to Plasmodium falciparum with age, and identifies specific antibody Fc-effector profiles associated with the control of malaria in children.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Sataporn Thongpoon, Wanlapa Roobsoong, Wang Nguitragool, Sadudee Chotirat, Takafumi Tsuboi, Eizo Takashima, Liwang Cui, Tomoko Ishino, Mayumi Tachibana, Kazutoyo Miura, Jetsumon Sattabongkot
Summary: This study aimed to investigate naturally acquired transmission-blocking immunity against Plasmodium vivax. The findings suggest that transmission-blocking immunity is primarily mediated by antibodies, with varying effectiveness against different parasite strains. These findings have implications for vaccine development.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Michael J. McConnell, Antonio J. Martin-Galiano
Summary: This study utilized proteomic and computational data to identify a larger number of potentially immunogenic proteins in the Acinetobacter baumannii panproteome. The study found that certain antigens showed potential cross-reactivity with human proteins and were associated with different infection types. The integration of multi-omic data and knowledge of drug-resistant bacteria can aid in the development of effective multi-antigen vaccines against challenging infections.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Stephen J. Goodswen, Paul J. Kennedy, John T. Ellis
Summary: Reverse vaccinology is a computational approach to predict vaccine candidates by starting from the pathogen's genomic sequence and ending with a list of potential proteins or peptides. This process has evolved over the years and now involves multiple steps and numerous bioinformatics tools. It can be challenging for new practitioners to determine the appropriate workflow steps and tools. This review provides an overview of the current understanding and usage of reverse vaccinology, serving as a valuable guideline for researchers in the field.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Katherine O'Flaherty, Merryn Roe, Freya J. Fowkes
Summary: Undetected subclinical Plasmodium spp. infections pose a significant obstacle to malaria elimination. Antimalarial antibodies acquired naturally in malaria-endemic regions have protective effects against clinical symptoms, but their role in subclinical infection is not well defined. Understanding the development and function of antimalarial antibody responses during subclinical Plasmodium spp. infection is crucial for the development of interventions such as vaccines and immunological biomarkers for malaria surveillance and elimination.
JOURNAL OF LEUKOCYTE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Kayoko Shioda, Yangping Chen, Matthew H. Collins, Benjamin A. Lopman
Summary: Vaccination with the primary series was strongly associated with reduction in COVID-19 mortality at state level in the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron wave. This effect did not vary by the state-level seroprevalence or estimated proportion of the population ever infected.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Michelle K. Muthui, Eizo Takashima, Brian R. Omondi, Christine Kinya, William I. Muasya, Hikaru Nagaoka, Kennedy W. Mwai, Benedict Orindi, Juliana Wambua, Teun Bousema, Chris Drakeley, Andrew M. Blagborough, Kevin Marsh, Philip Bejon, Melissa C. Kapulu
Summary: Naturally acquired immunity to gametocyte antigens plays a crucial role in interrupting transmission, influenced by age and concurrent parasitaemia. Novel candidates for evaluating transmission-blocking activity have been identified in this study.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Kanwal Khalid, Chit Laa Poh
Summary: The clinical use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of multi-drug resistant bacteria, resulting in the current antibiotic resistance crisis. To address this issue, next-generation vaccines are being developed to prevent antimicrobial resistance caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria. Traditional vaccine platforms, such as inactivated vaccines and live attenuated vaccines, have shown reduced efficacy against emerging antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including multi-drug resistant M. tuberculosis.
Article
Immunology
Sylvester Dassah, Bright Adu, Regis W. Tiendrebeogo, Susheel K. Singh, Fareed K. N. Arthur, Sodiomon B. Sirima, Michael Theisen
Summary: In a study conducted in Banfora, Burkina Faso, the antibody responses and naturally acquired immunity associated with malaria incidence were evaluated for the malaria vaccine candidate GMZ2. The study found that the efficacy of GMZ2 vaccine varied by age group, with higher efficacy in children aged 36-60 months. The analysis also identified other antigens that may be associated with reduced incidence of malaria.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Fisheries
Haimanti Mondal, John Thomas
Summary: Aquaculture industry globally faces economic problems due to infectious diseases. Vaccines play a vital role in prevention, especially when antibiotics become less effective. Recent advances in molecular techniques have led to the development of effective vaccines for treating disease causing pathogens in aquatic organisms.
AQUACULTURE INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Surafel K. Tebeje, Wakweya Chali, Elifaged Hailemeskel, Jordache Ramjith, Abrham Gashaw, Temesgen Ashine, Desalegn Nebret, Endashaw Esayas, Tadele Emiru, Tizita Tsegaye, Karina Teelen, Kjerstin Lanke, Eizo Takashima, Takafumi Tsuboi, Nichole D. Salinas, Niraj H. Tolia, David Narum, Chris Drakeley, Benoit Witkowski, Amelie Vantaux, Matthijs M. Jore, William J. R. Stone, Ivo S. Hansen, Fitsum G. Tadesse, Teun Bousema
Summary: This study investigated the association between antibody prevalence and the infectivity of Plasmodium vivax to mosquitoes. The results showed that antibodies against Pvs47, Pvs230, and Pvs25 were significantly associated with a reduction in mosquito infection rates. Further research can help establish causality and contribute to our understanding of P. vivax transmission and vaccine development.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Magda Melissa Florez, Rocio Rodriguez, Jose Antonio Cabrera, Sara M. Robledo, Gabriela Delgado
Summary: Reverse vaccinology strategies provide tools to rationally select potential candidates on a large scale before in vitro and in vivo evaluations.
This study identified natural Leishmania epitopes in humans, and found that STI41 and STI46 peptides may induce a cellular immune response directed at controlling the parasite's replication.
Results showed that STI41 and STI46 peptides induced a similar behavior to L. panamensis lysate antigens in lymphocytes and moDCs of resistant volunteers.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Hikaru Nagaoka, Bernard N. Kanoi, Masayuki Morita, Takahiro Nakata, Nirianne M. Q. Palacpac, Thomas G. Egwang, Toshihiro Horii, Takafumi Tsuboi, Eizo Takashima
Summary: The study characterized a member of the PHISTc protein family, PF3D7_0801000, as a potential vaccine target for Plasmodium falciparum. The N-terminal region of PF3D7_0801000 was found to localize in merozoites and antibodies against it inhibited parasite growth in vitro. The antibody profiles in a malaria-exposed population in Uganda showed an increase in immunoreactivity with age, indicating the potential utility of PF3D7_0801000N as a candidate antigen for asexual blood-stage vaccine.
PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Miwa Sasai, Ji Su Ma, Masaaki Okamoto, Kohei Nishino, Hikaru Nagaoka, Eizo Takashima, Ariel Pradipta, Youngae Lee, Hidetaka Kosako, Pann-Ghill Suh, Masahiro Yamamoto
Summary: The TCR signaling in CD8(+) T cells is qualitatively different from that in CD4(+) T cells due to the involvement of PLC beta 4. PLC beta 4 plays a crucial role in activating CD8(+) T cells and promoting adaptive immunity, while deficiency of PLC beta 4 leads to impaired immune responses in CD8(+) T cells.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Bernard N. Kanoi, Thomas G. Egwang
Summary: Sex differences exist in HMGB1 concentrations and pigmented monocyte numbers in infants and young children with malaria, indicating that female patients may be at higher risk for specific morbidity.
PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Takaaki Yuguchi, Bernard N. Kanoi, Hikaru Nagaoka, Toyokazu Miura, Daisuke Ito, Hiroyuki Takeda, Takafumi Tsuboi, Eizo Takashima, Hitoshi Otsuki
Summary: Erythrocyte recognition and invasion play a critical role in the intra-erythrocytic development of Plasmodium spp. parasites, with EBL proteins involved in tight junction formation. PyEBL was found to specifically interact with basigin, shedding light on its role in modulating the virulence of P. yoelii. This discovery offers new insights into the mechanisms of malaria infection and potential interventions.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Eizo Takashima, Mayumi Tachibana, Masayuki Morita, Hikaru Nagaoka, Bernard N. Kanoi, Takafumi Tsuboi
Summary: Efforts to control malaria have seen success in the past two decades, but have been complicated by the emergence of COVID-19. Developing more effective malaria vaccines, especially transmission-blocking vaccines, is vital for the goal of malaria elimination. Challenges in TBV development highlight the need for novel approaches and accelerated candidate discovery.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Masayuki Morita, Bernard N. Kanoi, Naoaki Shinzawa, Rie Kubota, Hiroyuki Takeda, Tatsuya Sawasaki, Takafumi Tsuboi, Eizo Takashima
Summary: The study developed a novel system using AGIA tag and anti-AGIA monoclonal antibody, successfully localizing proteins in blood-stage malaria parasites, which could potentially be a useful tool for elucidating the subcellular localization of new and understudied proteins.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Eizo Takashima, Bernard N. Kanoi, Hikaru Nagaoka, Masayuki Morita, Ifra Hassan, Nirianne M. Q. Palacpac, Thomas G. Egwang, Toshihiro Horii, Jesse Gitaka, Takafumi Tsuboi
Summary: Concerted efforts to fight malaria have led to significant reductions in global malaria cases and mortality. Sustaining these efforts is crucial to prevent a rebound and outbreaks of seasonal malaria. Identifying predictive attributes that define clinical malaria will be essential in developing second-generation tools to combat malaria.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Josiah O. Kuja, Bernard N. Kanoi, Renzo F. Balboa, Clement Shiluli, Michael Maina, Harrison Waweru, Kimita Gathii, Mary Mungai, Moses Masika, Omu Anzala, Matilu Mwau, Taane G. Clark, John Waitumbi, Jesse Gitaka
Summary: Genomic surveillance is crucial for understanding the diversity and lineages of SARS-CoV-2. A study in Kenya revealed that B.1.1.7 and B.1 were predominant lineages, with multiple introductions from different countries.
Article
Immunology
Nobuko Arisue, Nirianne Marie Q. Palacpac, Edward H. Ntege, Adoke Yeka, Betty Balikagala, Bernard N. Kanoi, Edith Christiane Bougouma, Alfred B. Tiono, Issa Nebie, Amidou Diarra, Sophie Houard, Flavia D'Alessio, Odile Leroy, Sodiomon B. Sirima, Thomas G. Egwang, Toshihiro Horii
Summary: Sequence analysis of strains from Africa showed that polymorphisms in the sera5 gene were mainly confined to repeat regions, which could compromise the efficacy of the BK-SE36 vaccine. However, there was no significant difference in the haplotype diversity of sera5 between vaccinated and control participants, indicating that BK-SE36 does not elicit an allele-specific immune response.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Ramin Mazhari, Eizo Takashima, Rhea J. Longley, Shazia Ruybal-Pesantez, Michael T. White, Bernard N. Kanoi, Hikaru Nagaoka, Benson Kiniboro, Peter Siba, Takafumi Tsuboi, Ivo Mueller
Summary: As progress is made towards eliminating malaria, the challenge of Plasmodium vivax becomes more apparent. In regions where both P. vivax and Plasmodium falciparum are co-endemic, the proportion of P. vivax cases has increased as transmission declines. The lack of advanced vaccines for P. vivax and limited potential candidates highlight the need for novel tools for accelerated elimination. In this study, researchers aimed to identify promising P. vivax proteins for a subunit vaccination approach by screening protein constructs and confirming previous results, as well as discovering four novel candidates with predicted protective efficacy.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Sara Baptista, Sanushka Naidoo, Sara Suliman, Emmanuel Nepolo, Bernard N. Kanoi, Jesse Gitaka, Oyedemi Mbaebie Blessing, Shymaa Enany
Summary: Africa continues to struggle in terms of COVID-19 vaccine distribution and faces challenges in vaccine development, deployment, and sustainability for other major infectious diseases. To address the ongoing vaccine shortage, Africa needs to diversify investments, improve vaccine acquisition capacity, and increase awareness about vaccines.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Kate Obaayaa Sagoe, Mutinda Cleophas Kyama, Naomi Maina, Moses Kamita, Muturi Njokah, Kelvin Thiong'o, Bernard N. Kanoi, Ernest Apondi Wandera, Davies Ndegwa, Dickson Mwenda Kinyua, Jesse Gitaka
Summary: This study presents a proof of concept for using hybridization chain reaction (HCR) and clustered regularly interspaces short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas12a complex to detect SARS-CoV-2. The results show the comparative efficiency of HCR to RT-PCR, indicating that HCR and CRISPR are viable alternatives for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 in samples.
Article
Parasitology
Kiswendsida Thierry Guiguemde, Patindoilba Marcel Sawadogo, Adama Zida, Apollinaire Kima, Roland Windtare Bougma, Mamadou Serme, Ibrahim Sangare, Clarisse Bougouma, Sanata Bamba
Summary: This study assessed the transmission of onchocerciasis in the Cascades region of Burkina Faso and found that the resumption of ivermectin treatment has significantly reduced the prevalence of the disease since 2011.
PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2024)
Article
Parasitology
K. D. Steffen, M. L. Gos, J. M. Unzaga, M. C. Venturini, R. O. Ariasc, G. More
Summary: The dynamics of anti-T. gondii antibodies and seroconversion in naturally infected goats from the last third of pregnancy to 100 days of lactation were evaluated, and their relationship with hematological and dehydration parameters was examined. The results showed that seroconversion occurred in goats of different physiological states and ages, and it was not related to hydration status.
PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2024)
Article
Parasitology
Maho Kotake, Yuho Watanabe, Naoki Itoh, Tomoyoshi Yoshinaga
Summary: This study examined the effects of light exposure on the theront excystment circadian rhythm in Cryptocaryon irritans. The results showed that light reception is essential for circadian rhythm entrainment and both light duration and temperature have an impact on the entrainment of circadian rhythm.
PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2024)
Review
Parasitology
Olivier Ndogo Eteme, Ernestine Nkwengoua Zondegoumba, Yasmin Saegusa Tadayozzi, Jessica Aparecida Serafim, Wendell Queiroz Leite, Mariane de Freitas Genari Severino, Eduardo Festozo Vicente
Summary: The high mortality rate caused by parasitic worms on their hosts is a major concern. Current drugs on the market are often toxic with numerous side effects, necessitating the search for new, more potent molecules. Medicinal plants have been found to contain a wide range of novel molecules that can effectively combat different types of helminths. This review provides an overview of the methods, activities, and mechanisms of action of cyclic peptides, specifically cyclotides, for treating helminthic infections.
PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2024)
Article
Parasitology
Lucas de Assis Silva Andrade, Carlos Nei Ortuzar-Ferreira, Mariana de Souza Oliveira, Sergian Vianna Cardozo, Viviane Moreira de Lima, Bruno Pereira Berto
Summary: A new species of Isospora Schneider, 1881 has been identified from V. chivi in Southeastern Brazil. Morphological and molecular analyses confirmed the identity of this new species.
PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2024)