Article
Parasitology
Wenyan Gao, Yue Qiu, Liying Zhu, Xinxin Yu, Fan Yang, Muyan Chen, Gang He, Yinjie Liu, Liwang Cui, Fei Liu, Xiaotong Zhu, Yaming Cao
Summary: Dual-antigen malaria vaccines that target both pre- and post-fertilization antigens can provide a promising higher transmission-reducing activity compared to single antigens.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Marija Zaric, Arianna Marini, Carolyn M. Nielsen, Gaurav Gupta, David Mekhaiel, Thao P. Pham, Sean C. Elias, Iona J. Taylor, Hans de Graaf, Ruth O. Payne, Yuanyuan Li, Sarah E. Silk, Chris Williams, Adrian V. S. Hill, Carole A. Long, Kazutoyo Miura, Sumi Biswas
Summary: The study explains why a malaria transmission-blocking vaccine targeting the Pfs25 antigen has failed to induce robust antibody responses in humans, in contrast to mice. The key factor for the poor antibody formation in humans was found to be the lack of recognition of CD4(+) T cells for Pfs25-IMX313 derived peptide epitopes. These findings can guide the development of next-generation Pfs25-based vaccines for effective blocking of malaria transmission.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Shasha Yu, Jing Wang, Xue Luo, Hong Zheng, Luhan Wang, Xuesen Yang, Ying Wang
Summary: Malaria remains a widespread parasitic disease and poses a threat to underdeveloped areas. New control methods targeting the mosquito phase and direct killing of mosquitoes, as well as utilizing microorganisms like Wolbachia and gut flora, show potential in blocking malaria transmission.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Gregory P. Howard, Nicole G. Bender, Prachi Khare, Borja Lopez-Gutierrez, Vincent Nyasembe, William J. Weiss, Jerry W. Simecka, Timothy Hamerly, Hai-Quan Mao, Rhoel R. Dinglasan
Summary: This study developed a nanoparticle-based malaria transmission blocking vaccine that successfully induced an immune response blocking parasite transmission by co-delivering UF6b and CpG oligodeoxynucleotide immunostimulatory sequence 1018. This nanovaccine platform allows for antigen dose-sparing and achieves immunopotentiation of AnAPN1 through direct lymph node targeting.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
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
Kazutoyo Miura, Thao P. Pham, Shwu-Maan Lee, Jordan Plieskatt, Ababacar Diouf, Issaka Sagara, Camila H. Coelho, Patrick E. Duffy, Yimin Wu, Carole A. Long
Summary: Monitoring the integrity of recombinant proteins is critical during the development of subunit vaccines. This study developed a sandwich ELISA-based in vitro potency assay, called the Antigen Integrity Assay (AIA), to monitor the potency of Pfs230 protein. The AIA demonstrated excellent precision, sensitivity, and high throughput, making it a useful tool for future subunit vaccine development.
Article
Parasitology
Fan Yang, Fei Liu, Xinxin Yu, Wenqi Zheng, Yudi Wu, Yue Qiu, Ying Jin, Liwang Cui, Yaming Cao
Summary: Mixing or fusing antigens targeting different stages of sexual development, such as Pbg37 and PSOP25, can lead to stronger transmission-blocking activities and no immunological interference between the antigens. The bivalent vaccines show significantly enhanced transmission-reducing activities in vitro and in vivo, providing a theoretical basis for the development of combination TBVs targeting different sexual stages.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
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.
Article
Parasitology
Pornpawee Sookpongthai, Korawich Utayopas, Thassanai Sitthiyotha, Theerakamol Pengsakul, Morakot Kaewthamasorn, Kittikhun Wangkanont, Pongchai Harnyuttanakorn, Surasak Chunsrivirot, Sittiporn Pattaradilokrat
Summary: This study investigated the global diversity of Pfs25 in P. falciparum populations, identifying 11 unique haplotypes, with H1 and H2 as the major haplotypes. The distribution patterns of these haplotypes varied across different geographical populations, with limited polymorphism likely due to negative selection.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
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
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yannic C. Bartsch, Stephanie Fischinger, Sameed M. Siddiqui, Zhilin Chen, Jingyou Yu, Makda Gebre, Caroline Atyeo, Matthew J. Gorman, Alex Lee Zhu, Jaewon Kang, John S. Burke, Matthew Slein, Matthew J. Gluck, Samuel Beger, Yiyuan Hu, Justin Rhee, Eric Petersen, Benjamin Mormann, Michael de St Aubin, Mohammad A. Hasdianda, Guruprasad Jambaulikar, Edward W. Boyer, Pardis C. Sabeti, Dan H. Barouch, Boris D. Julg, Elon R. Musk, Anil S. Menon, Douglas A. Lauffenburger, Eric J. Nilles, Galit Alter
Summary: The study reveals significant heterogeneity in antibody responses following SARS-CoV-2 infection, with limited decay of antibody titers over time. Observing neutralization, Fc-function, and SARS-CoV-2 specific T cell responses requires reaching a certain threshold of receptor-binding domain (RBD)-specific antibody titers, indicating a switch-like relationship between antibody titer and function.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Carla S. Walti, Andrea N. Loes, Kiel Shuey, Elizabeth M. Krantz, Jim Boonyaratanakornkit, Jacob Keane-Candib, Tillie Loeffelholz, Caitlin R. Wolf, Justin J. Taylor, Rebecca A. Gardner, Damian J. Green, Andrew J. Cowan, David G. Maloney, Cameron J. Turtle, Steven A. Pergam, Helen Y. Chu, Jesse D. Bloom, Joshua A. Hill
Summary: CAR-T cell therapy recipients for B cell malignancies have impaired humoral vaccine immunogenicity compared to non-immunocompromised adults, with seroprotection less frequent. However, even individuals with low immunoglobulin and cellular immunodeficiencies show evidence of immunogenicity to vaccination. Additional infection-prevention strategies may be needed for this population.
JOURNAL FOR IMMUNOTHERAPY OF CANCER
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Katherine O'Flaherty, Jo-Anne Chan, Julia C. Cutts, Sophie G. Zaloumis, Elizabeth A. Ashley, Aung Pyae Phyo, Damien R. Drew, Arjen M. Dondorp, Nicholas P. Day, Mehul Dhorda, Rick M. Fairhurst, Pharath Lim, Chanaki Amaratunga, Sasithon Pukrittayakamee, Tran Tinh Hien, Ye Htut, Mayfong Mayxay, M. Abul Faiz, Olugbenga A. Mokuolu, Marie A. Onyamboko, Caterina Fanello, Eizo Takashima, Takafumi Tsuboi, Michael Theisen, Francois Nosten, James G. Beeson, Julie A. Simpson, Nicholas J. White, Freya J. Fowkes
Summary: The study found that Pfs230 and Pfs48/45 antibodies are associated with patent gametocytemia and increasing gametocyte density across multiple malaria endemic settings, including regions with emerging artemisinin-resistant P. falciparum.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
K. C. Natasha, L. W. Preston Church, Pouria Riyahi, Sumana Chakravarty, Robert A. Seder, Judith E. Epstein, Kirsten E. Lyke, Benjamin Mordmueller, Peter G. Kremsner, Mahamadou S. Sissoko, Sarah Healy, Patrick E. Duffy, Said A. Jongo, Vicente Urbano Nsue Ndong Nchama, Salim Abdulla, Maxmillian Mpina, Sodiomon B. Sirima, Matthew B. Laurens, Laura C. Steinhardt, Martina Oneko, MingLin Li, Tooba Murshedkar, Peter F. Billingsley, B. Kim Lee Sim, Thomas L. Richie, Stephen L. Hoffman
Summary: Females aged 11 and above produced significantly higher levels of antibodies after receiving malaria vaccine compared to males, but this did not result in better protection for females. Protection levels after vaccination were equivalent between males and females.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Frankie M. T. Lyons, Mikha Gabriela, Wai-Hong Tham, Melanie H. Dietrich
Summary: This review summarizes the crucial roles of the 6-cysteine protein family in parasite development, transmission, evasion of host immune response, and host cell invasion in the Plasmodium falciparum life cycle. It also provides an overview of the current approaches for recombinant expression, monoclonal antibody production, and crystal structure analysis of the 6-cysteine proteins.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Vincent Odhiambo Nyasembe, David Poumo Tchouassi, Martha Njeri Muturi, Christian W. W. Pirk, Catherine L. Sole, Baldwyn Torto
Summary: This study investigated the effects of three plants on the survival, fecundity, and egg viability of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti. Results showed that different plant diets had varying impacts on the reproductive fitness of the mosquitoes, influencing their disease transmission potential.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marie-Laure Fogeron, Lauriane Lecoq, Laura Cole, Matthias Harbers, Anja Bockmann
Summary: CFPS systems are versatile tools for basic research and product development, with WG-CFPS offering high yields for synthesizing complex eukaryotic proteins. The separation of translation reactions from cellular processes provides flexibility to adapt to protein needs. These systems have the potential to become widely used tools for recombinantly preparing challenging eukaryotic proteins.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Abhai K. Tripathi, Miranda S. Oakley, Nitin Verma, Godfree Mlambo, Hong Zheng, Scott M. Meredith, Edward Essuman, Ankit Puri, Richard A. Skelton, Kazuyo Takeda, Victoria Majam, Isabella A. Quakyi, Emily Locke, Merribeth Morin, Kazutoyo Miura, Carole A. Long, Sanjai Kumar
Summary: The study identified Pf77 and PfMDV-1 as potential P. falciparum TBV antigens due to their ability to reduce oocyst counts in Anopheles mosquito midguts and induce natural antibodies in Ghanaian adults.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Sadudee Chotirat, Narimane Nekkab, Chalermpon Kumpitak, Jenni Hietanen, Michael T. White, Kirakorn Kiattibutr, Patiwat Sa-angchai, Jessica Brewster, Kael Schoffer, Eizo Takashima, Takafumi Tsuboi, Matthias Harbers, Chetan E. Chitnis, Julie Healer, Wai-Hong Tham, Wang Nguitragool, Ivo Mueller, Jetsumon Sattabongkot, Rhea J. Longley
Summary: The study aimed to assess the ability of P. vivax serological exposure markers to detect residual transmission hot-spots in Western Thailand. Results showed that serological markers can serve as evidence of recent exposure and aid in identifying geographical areas with asymptomatic infection burdens.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Brian B. Tarimo, Vincent O. Nyasembe, Billy Ngasala, Christopher Basham, Isaack J. Rutagi, Meredith Muller, Srijana B. Chhetri, Rebecca Rubinstein, Jonathan J. Juliano, Mwajabu Loya, Rhoel R. Dinglasan, Jessica T. Lin, Derrick K. Mathias
Summary: This study discovered that Plasmodium ovale has a prevalence of 4-15% among asymptomatic individuals in coastal Tanzania, making it difficult to detect using field diagnostics. P. ovale has a different seasonal peak compared to co-endemic P. falciparum, the ability to relapse, and efficient transmission to Anopheles vectors, which contribute to its persistence amid control efforts focused on P. falciparum.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Yi Cao, Clifford T. H. Hayashi, Fidel Zavala, Abhai K. Tripathi, Hayk Simonyan, Colin N. Young, Leor C. Clark, Yukari Usuda, Jacob M. Van Parys, Nirbhay Kumar
Summary: The study demonstrates that the delivery of a combination vaccine containing PfCSP and Pfs25 DNA through electroporation does not compromise immunogenicity, infection protection, and transmission reduction in mice. This provides support for further evaluation of this vaccine approach in larger animals and clinical trials.
Article
Immunology
Clifford T. H. Hayashi, Yi Cao, Leor C. C. Clark, Abhai K. K. Tripathi, Fidel Zavala, Garima Dwivedi, James Knox, Mohamad-Gabriel Alameh, Paulo J. C. Lin, Ying K. K. Tam, Drew Weissman, Nirbhay Kumar
Summary: Malaria is a deadly disease and developing vaccines focused on malaria elimination is crucial. Two mRNA-LNP vaccines, Pfs25 and PfCSP, showed highly potent immune responses and potential for reducing malaria transmission in mice.
Article
Biology
Vincent O. Nyasembe, Timothy Hamerly, Borja Lopez-Gutierrez, Alexandra M. Leyte-Vidal, Heather Coatsworth, Rhoel R. Dinglasan
Summary: Plasmodium falciparum infection activates adipokinetic hormone signaling and lipid mobilization in the Anopheles gambiae mosquito vector to promote sporogony. It was found that P. falciparum infection significantly up-regulates the AKH pathway and lipid mobilization in An. gambiae, which is crucial for the growth and maturation of sporozoites.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Victoria A. Balta, Deborah Stiffler, Abeer Sayeed, Abhai K. Tripathi, Rubayet Elahi, Godfree Mlambo, Rahul P. Bakshi, Amanda G. Dziedzic, Anne E. Jedlicka, Elizabeth Nenortas, Keyla Romero-Rodriguez, Matthew A. Canonizado, Alexis Mann, Andrew Owen, David J. Sullivan, Sean T. Prigge, Photini Sinnis, Theresa A. Shapiro
Summary: Atovaquone-resistant parasites show multiple defects in mosquitoes, reducing the likelihood of transmission in the field.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Correction
Immunology
Clifford T. H. Hayashi, Yi Cao, Leor C. C. Clark, Abhai K. K. Tripathi, Fidel Zavala, Garima Dwivedi, James Knox, Mohamad-Gabriel Alameh, Paulo J. C. Lin, Ying K. K. Tam, Drew Weissman, Nirbhay Kumar