The irradiated cercariae vaccine model: looking on the bright side of radiation
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Published on: February 17, 2019
D Richter1, D A Harn, F R Matuschka
1Department of Tropical Public Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA. RICHTERD@ZEDAT.FU-BERLIN.DE
Abstract:
Schistosomes infect between 200 and 300 million people at any one time. A major strategy to reduce the impact of schistosomiasis on human health is the development of a defined antigen vaccine. Protective immunity induced in mice by irradiated cercariae may serve as a model for the development of a vaccine. In such vaccinated mice, worm burdens resulting from challenge infection can be reduced by more than 90% compared to non-vaccinated mice. During the past three decades, the irradiated-carcariae vaccine model has been dissected in the detail in order to determine factors that may be relevant to vaccination, such as the participating immune compartments, the site and kinetics of the immune response, and the antigens recognized. In this review, Dania Richter, Donald A. Harn and Franz-Rainer Matuschka highlight the research on the vaccine model, focusing on the murine model using gamma-irradiated cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni.
Insights
Developing a vaccine for schistosomiasis is crucial. Irradiated cercariae in mice offer a promising vaccine model, reducing worm burdens by over 90% and guiding future schistosomiasis vaccine development.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Vaccinology
- Immunology
Background:
- Schistosomiasis affects 200-300 million people globally.
- A defined antigen vaccine is a key strategy to combat schistosomiasis.
- The irradiated cercariae vaccine model in mice provides insights into protective immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review research on the irradiated cercariae vaccine model for schistosomiasis.
- To highlight factors relevant to vaccine development, including immune responses and antigens.
- To focus on the murine model using gamma-irradiated Schistosoma mansoni cercariae.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a murine model vaccinated with gamma-irradiated Schistosoma mansoni cercariae.
- Analyzing protective immunity and reduced worm burdens post-challenge infection.
- Reviewing decades of research dissecting the vaccine model's immune mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Vaccination with irradiated cercariae significantly reduces worm burdens (>90%) in mice.
- The model allows detailed study of immune compartments, response kinetics, and antigen recognition.
- Research has elucidated key factors contributing to vaccine-induced protection.
Conclusions:
- The irradiated cercariae vaccine model is a valuable tool for understanding schistosomiasis immunity.
- This model informs the development of effective schistosomiasis vaccines.
- Further research into specific antigens and immune responses is essential for vaccine advancement.
