Article
Immunology
Adriano P. Araujo, Maria Leonor S. Oliveira, Eliane N. Miyaji
Summary: Streptococcus pneumoniae colonizes the human nasopharynx asymptomatically, but can cause various diseases. This study demonstrates the important role of PspA and PspC in nasopharyngeal colonization, although their significance may vary between different strains.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Masamitsu Kono, Takuro Iyo, Daichi Murakami, Hideki Sakatani, Denisa Nanushaj, Muneki Hotomi
Summary: This study aimed to achieve immunity against Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) in infants through maternal immunization with pneumococcal common antigen, pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA). The results showed that offspring born to immunized mothers had more anti-PspA antibody producing cells in the spleen and higher levels of anti-PspA IgG in their sera. These induced specific antibodies demonstrated protective efficacy against systemic pneumococcal infection. Maternal immunization is suggested to provide sustained immune memory to offspring, making this study a milestone in the development of a universal pneumococcal vaccine through maternal immunization.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Jessica R. Lane, Muralidhar Tata, David E. Briles, Carlos J. Orihuela
Summary: Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) is an opportunistic pathogen that colonizes the upper airway. Pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) is a key component that helps the bacteria evade the immune system and enhance virulence. Understanding the molecular aspects of PspA is crucial in understanding pneumococcal pathogenesis and utilizing it as a target for treating or preventing pneumococcal pneumonia.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Thiago Rojas Converso, Cibelly Goulart, Dunia Rodriguez, Maria Eduarda Souza Guerra, Michelle Darrieux, Luciana C. C. Leite
Summary: The hybrid protein rPotD-PdT can induce stronger immune responses, but is not sufficient to provide full protection against highly virulent pneumococcal strains. Therefore, combination with other antigens may be necessary for sufficient protection.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tanila Wood dos Santos, Pedro Almeida Goncalves, Dunia Rodriguez, Jose Aires Pereira, Carlos Augusto Real Martinez, Luciana C. C. Leite, Lucio F. C. Ferraz, Thiago Rojas Converso, Michelle Darrieux
Summary: This study found that the rPspA-PlD1 fusion protein provides protection against pneumococcal pneumonia in mice, and the protection is correlated with an early and controlled local inflammatory response.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Tiantian Sun, Shiyan Mai, Hongzhao Mao, Huiting Li, Yunyao Duan, Shuai Meng, Jiaolin Bao, Ning Ding, Chengli Zong
Summary: Around 100 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumonia (Spn) have been discovered, with 90% of severe diseases in children caused by 13 serotypes. The burden of pneumococcal disease has been significantly reduced with the success of pneumococcal bacterial polysaccharide conjugate vaccines (PCVs). The non-vaccine serotype 31 has increased in prevalence. The revised structure of the serotype 31 polysaccharide (s-31-ps) has been reported, and a conjugate vaccine has been prepared using organic solvent instead of water.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Jessica R. Lane, Muralidhar Tata, Rahena Yasmin, Hansol Im, David E. Briles, Carlos J. Orihuela
Summary: The virulence factor PspA plays a critical role in the aggregation and protection of Streptococcus pneumoniae during colonization, while lactoferrin counters this effect. PspA forms protein complexes with mGAPDH and lactoferrin on the surface of the bacteria, and changes in the levels of these proteins may have important implications on the colonization, survival on fomites, and transmission of S. pneumoniae.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Heather Platt, Tosin Omole, Jose Cardona, Neil J. Fraser, Richard A. Mularski, Charles Andrews, Nizar Daboul, Nancy Gallagher, Aditi Sapre, Jianing Li, Adam Polis, Doreen Fernsler, Gretchen Tamms, Weifeng Xu, Rocio Murphy, Julie Skinner, Joseph Joyce, Luwy Musey
Summary: This study evaluated an investigational 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (V116) specifically targeting serotypes associated with residual disease burden in adults. The results showed that V116 had a similar safety and immunogenicity profile compared to PPSV23, and was superior to PPSV23 for nine unique serotypes. These findings support the use of V116 for prevention of pneumococcal disease in adults.
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Feroze A. Ganaie, Jamil S. Saad, Stephanie W. Lo, Lesley McGee, Stephen D. Bentley, Andries J. van Tonder, Paulina Hawkins, Jeremy D. Keenan, Juan J. Calix, Moon H. Nahm
Summary: Streptococcus pneumoniae produces diverse capsule types, posing a threat to vaccines targeting pneumococcal polysaccharide capsule. Many capsule types remain uncharacterized. Identifying functional determinants of capsule synthesis is important for improving typing methods and discovering novel variants.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Hanfang Jiang, Qing Meng, Xiaorong Liu, Hongyu Chen, Chunqing Zhu, Yunsheng Chen
Summary: This study characterizes the molecular epidemiology of invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae in Shenzhen. The coverage of PCV13 was 88.9%, and nonvaccine serotypes included 15b, 16F, and 20. The multidrug resistance rate was 91.3%, with nonmeningitis isolates showing no resistance to penicillin and 98.8% of all isolates being resistant to erythromycin. Continued surveillance is needed to monitor antibiotic-resistant nonvaccine serotypes and highly virulent serotypes.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Matthew Cravens, Akhil S. Alugupalli, Vijay K. Sandilya, Stephen J. McGeady, Kishore R. Alugupalli
Summary: The study found that anti-PPS IgM alone is sufficient to confer protective immunity to Streptococcus pneumoniae, demonstrating that IgM response is adequate to generate an immune response.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Luciano Zane, Stefanie Kraschowetz, Monalisa Martins Trentini, Vitor dos Santos Alves, Sergio Carneiro Araujo, Cibelly Goulart, Luciana Cezar de Cerqueira Leite, Viviane Maimoni Goncalves
Summary: By genetically fusing pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) and detoxified pneumolysin (PdT), with flexible and rigid molecular linkers inserted between the antigens, a more stable hybrid protein was produced, offering higher cross-protection and showing the importance of protein structure on product stability for successful bioprocess development.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Elnaz Afshari, Reza Ahangari Cohan, Fattah Sotoodehnejadnematalahi, Seyed Fazlollah Mousavi
Summary: This study designed and tested a novel PspA-based vaccine candidate with high antigenicity, non-toxicity, solubility, and the ability to stimulate both humoral and cellular immune responses. The vaccine showed strong cross-reactivity and effective bioactivity for pneumococcal clearance.
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Eunbyeol Ko, Soyoung Jeong, Min Yong Jwa, A. Reum Kim, Ye-Eun Ha, Sun Kyung Kim, Sungho Jeong, Ki Bum Ahn, Ho Seong Seo, Cheol-Heui Yun, Seung Hyun Han
Summary: The study showed that compared to h-SP or f-SP vaccine, r-SP vaccine can provide higher protection against S. pneumoniae, enhance specific antibody levels, and promote follicular helper T cell activation.
Article
Immunology
Giovanna Brito Carneiro, Julia Tavares Castro, Marilyne Davi, Eliane Namie Miyaji, Daniel Ladant, Maria Leonor Sarno Oliveira
Summary: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common pathogen causing important human diseases. Current vaccines have limited efficacy and can only protect against specific serotypes. Pneumococcal Surface Protein A (PspA) is an important vaccine candidate due to its role in evading the host immune system. Researchers have tested a delivery system based on the Bordetella pertussis adenylate cyclase toxin to induce immune responses against PspA in mice.
Article
Immunology
Lazara Elena Santiesteban-Lores, Joaquin Cabrera-Crespo, Eneas Carvalho
Summary: The study explores the use of pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) as carrier proteins for pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide serotype 6B (Ps6B). Chemical modifications improved Ps6B antigenicity and partially restored PspA secondary structure content after conjugation. Immunization of Ps6B-PspA conjugates induced specific antibodies in mice with functional activity against different pneumococcal strains.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mayra M. F. Barbosa, Alex I. Kanno, Violeta Pancakova, Viviane M. Goncalves, Richard Malley, Leonardo P. Faria, Luciana C. C. Leite
Summary: Schistosomiasis causes significant morbidity and mortality. Efforts to increase the immunogenicity of Schistosoma antigens through fusion with rhizavidin have shown promising results, providing a basis for further immunological research.
MOLECULAR BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Esther Rajendran, Morgan Clark, Cibelly Goulart, Birte Steinhofel, Erick T. Tjhin, Simon Gross, Nicholas C. Smith, Kiaran Kirk, Giel G. van Dooren
Summary: This study reveals the regulation mechanism by which the apicomplexan parasite senses and responds to changes in arginine availability, showing that the expression of TgApiAT1 is modulated by the arginine concentration in the environment. The regulation is post-transcriptional and mediated by an upstream open reading frame (uORF) encoded peptide, highlighting the parasite's ability to adapt to different nutrient environments through modulating arginine uptake.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Valdemir M. Cardoso, Sheyla A. H. Paredes, Gilson Campani, Viviane M. Goncalves, Teresa C. Zangirolami
Summary: This study investigates the production of PspA4Pro using the endotoxin-free recombinant strain ClearColi (R) BL21(DE3) with different media, temperatures, and inducers. The results show that complex medium formulations can significantly improve the yield of PspA4Pro and the growth rate of ClearColi, while induction with isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside and lactose in a defined medium can lead to a high yield of PspA4Pro.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Paulo A. Schueroff, Fabia A. Salvador, Cecilia M. Abe, Haleluya T. Wami, Eneas Carvalho, Rodrigo T. Hernandes, Ulrich Dobrindt, Tania A. T. Gomes, Waldir P. Elias
Summary: The study revealed a hybrid strain UPEC-46 with characteristics of both EAEC and UPEC, with a significant role of AFP adhesin in adherence to colorectal and bladder cell lines.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Hajer Aounallah, Melissa Regina Fessel, Mauricio Barbugiani Goldfeder, Eneas Carvalho, Chaima Bensaoud, Ana Marisa Chudzinski-Tavassi, Ali Bouattour, Youmna M'ghirbi, Fernanda Faria
Summary: The recombinant serpin Dromaserpin from the tick saliva showed promising anticoagulant activity and inhibition of thrombin-induced platelet aggregation, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic candidate for disorders related to blood clotting and platelet aggregation. Further research is warranted to explore its application in the development of new treatments for cardiovascular diseases and other related illnesses.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Bianca C. Zychar, Patricia B. Clissa, Eneas Carvalho, Adilson S. Alves, Cristiani Baldo, Eliana L. Faquim-Mauro, Luis Roberto C. Goncalves
Summary: In this study, different domains of SVMPs were found to induce expression of adhesion molecules similarly, promoting leukocyte recruitment. Despite differences in hemorrhagic activities and domain composition, SVMPs behaved similarly in this aspect.
Review
Immunology
Giovana C. Barazzone, Aline F. Teixeira, Bruna O. P. Azevedo, Deborah K. Damiano, Marcos P. Oliveira, Ana L. T. O. Nascimento, Alexandre P. Y. Lopes
Summary: Despite extensive research and testing of vaccine candidates, human vaccination against leptospirosis has been relatively unsuccessful in clinical applications. This review discusses various strategies for developing a vaccine against the disease and provides guidance for scientists in selecting potential antigens and formulations.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Natalha T. Waz, Sheila Oliveira, Raquel Girardello, Nilton Lincopan, Giovana Barazzone, Thais Parisotto, Anders P. Hakansson, Thiago Rojas Converso, Michelle Darrieux
Summary: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a globally prevalent pathogen with a highly immunogenic polysaccharide capsule. Indolicidin, an antimicrobial peptide, has bactericidal effects against this pathogen, but the capsule variability may influence its susceptibility.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Douglas Borges de Figueiredo, Kan Kaneko, Tasson da Costa Rodrigues, Ronan MacLoughlin, Eliane Namie Miyaji, Imran Saleem, Viviane Maimoni Goncalves
Summary: Pneumococcal disease is a global burden, and the current vaccines are becoming less effective due to serotype replacement. This study investigated the use of polymeric nanoparticles to deliver PspA, a candidate for new pneumococcal vaccines, and found that PGA-co-PDL/HCl-CS or PLGA/HCl-CS nanoparticles with encapsulated or adsorbed PspA provided serotype-independent protection.
Article
Microbiology
Danielle D. Munhoz, Jessika C. A. Silva, Natalia C. Freitas, Leo K. Iwai, Karina A. Aires, Christiane Y. Ozaki, Cristiane S. Souza, Leticia B. Rocha, Miriam A. Silva, Izabella M. Henrique, Waldir P. Elias, Eneas Carvalho, Ligia Morganti, Rosa M. Chura-Chambi, Roxane M. F. Piazza
Summary: The aim of this study was to generate a recombinant PilS protein with native-like structure and corresponding antisera for further investigations on the regulation of Pil and its role in pathogenic E. coli infections. The results showed that the recombinant PilS protein had a native-like structure, and the generated antisera efficiently recognized proteins from atypical enteropathogenic E. coli strains.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tanila Wood dos Santos, Pedro Almeida Goncalves, Dunia Rodriguez, Jose Aires Pereira, Carlos Augusto Real Martinez, Luciana C. C. Leite, Lucio F. C. Ferraz, Thiago Rojas Converso, Michelle Darrieux
Summary: This study found that the rPspA-PlD1 fusion protein provides protection against pneumococcal pneumonia in mice, and the protection is correlated with an early and controlled local inflammatory response.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Leandro J. Benedini, Felipe F. Furlan, Douglas Figueiredo, Joaquin Cabrera-Crespo, Marcelo P. A. Ribeiro, Gilson Campani, Viviane M. Gonsalves, Teresa C. Zangirolami
Summary: This study develops a robust approach to model and simulate the purification of untagged heterologous proteins using ion exchange chromatography. The method combines experimental and computational procedures to identify improved conditions for the purification process. The results show that a reduced ionic strength improves the recovery and purity of the target protein, PspA4Pro.
PROTEIN EXPRESSION AND PURIFICATION
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Luciano Zane, Stefanie Kraschowetz, Monalisa Martins Trentini, Vitor dos Santos Alves, Sergio Carneiro Araujo, Cibelly Goulart, Luciana Cezar de Cerqueira Leite, Viviane Maimoni Goncalves
Summary: By genetically fusing pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) and detoxified pneumolysin (PdT), with flexible and rigid molecular linkers inserted between the antigens, a more stable hybrid protein was produced, offering higher cross-protection and showing the importance of protein structure on product stability for successful bioprocess development.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alex Kanno, Mayra M. F. Barbosa, Luana Moraes, Luciana C. C. Leite
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to coordinated efforts in the scientific community for vaccine development, focusing on modifying existing virus vaccine technologies. Various strategies are currently being investigated, but established correlates of protection are still lacking.
GENETICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)