Antigenicity studies in humans and immunogenicity studies in mice: an MSP1P subdomain as a candidate for malaria
Yang Cheng1, Eun-Hee Shin2, Feng Lu1
1Department of Medical Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 200-701, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
The newly identified GPI-anchored Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein 1 paralog (MSP1P) has a highly antigenic C-terminus that binds erythrocytes. To characterize the antigenicity and immunogenicity of two regions (PvMSP1P-19 and -33) of the highly conserved C-terminus of MSP1P relative to PvMSP1-19, 30 P. vivax malaria-infected patients and two groups of mice (immunized with PvMSP1P-19 or -33) were tested for IgG subclass antibodies against PvMSP1P-19 and -33 antigens. In the patients infected with P. vivax, IgG1 and IgG3 levels were significantly higher than those levels in healthy individuals, and were the predominant response to the two C-terminal fragments of PvMSP1P (p < 0.05). In mice immunized with PvMSP1P-19, IgG1 levels were the highest while IgG2b levels were similar to IgG1 levels. The levels of Th1 cytokines in mice immunized with PvMSP1P-19 or -33 were significantly higher than those in mice immunized with PvMSP1-19 (p < 0.05). Our results indicate that: (i) IgG1 and IgG3 (IgG2b in mice) are predominant IgG subclasses in both patients infected with P. vivax and mice immunized with PvMSP1P-19 or -33; (ii) the C-terminus of MSP1P induces a Th1-cytokine response. This immune profiling study provides evidence that MSP1P may be a potential candidate for vivax vaccine.
Insights
The Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein 1 paralog (MSP1P) C-terminus shows potential as a malaria vaccine candidate. It elicits strong IgG subclass and Th1 cytokine responses in patients and mice, indicating its immunogenicity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Plasmodium vivax malaria remains a significant global health challenge.
- The merozoite surface protein 1 paralog (MSP1P) is a newly identified GPI-anchored protein.
- The C-terminus of MSP1P is highly conserved and antigenic, binding to erythrocytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the antigenicity and immunogenicity of two C-terminal regions (PvMSP1P-19 and -33) of MSP1P.
- To compare the immune response to PvMSP1P fragments with the response to PvMSP1-19.
- To evaluate MSP1P as a potential vaccine candidate against P. vivax malaria.
Main Methods:
- Collected blood samples from 30 P. vivax infected patients and healthy individuals.
- Immunized mice with PvMSP1P-19 and PvMSP1P-33 antigens.
- Measured IgG subclass antibodies (IgG1, IgG3, IgG2b) against PvMSP1P fragments in patients and mice.
- Assessed Th1 cytokine levels in immunized mice.
Main Results:
- Patients infected with P. vivax showed significantly higher IgG1 and IgG3 levels against PvMSP1P fragments compared to healthy individuals.
- Mice immunized with PvMSP1P-19 exhibited high IgG1 and comparable IgG2b levels.
- Mice immunized with PvMSP1P fragments showed significantly higher Th1 cytokine levels than those immunized with PvMSP1-19.
Conclusions:
- IgG1 and IgG3 (or IgG2b in mice) are the predominant IgG subclasses induced by PvMSP1P C-terminal fragments in both P. vivax infected patients and immunized mice.
- The C-terminus of MSP1P effectively induces a Th1-cytokine response.
- MSP1P represents a promising candidate for developing a P. vivax malaria vaccine.
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