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Papain-Based Vaccination Modulates Schistosoma mansoni Infection-Induced Cytokine Signals
N Abdel Aziz1, H Tallima2, E A Hafez1
1Chemistry Department, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
Scandinavian Journal of Immunology
|November 26, 2015
Summary
Papain-based vaccines induce a type 2 immune response, offering significant protection against Schistosoma mansoni infection. This approach modulates early cytokine signals, enhancing resistance to the parasite.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Previous studies demonstrated cysteine peptidase vaccines elicit type 2 immunity and protect against Schistosoma mansoni.
- The molecular mechanisms underlying papain-induced resistance in C57BL/6 mice remain to be fully elucidated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the molecular basis of Schistosoma mansoni resistance in mice treated with papain.
- To evaluate early immune responses, specifically cytokine profiles, following papain administration or vaccination.
Main Methods:
- Assessed cytokine profiles from epidermal, dermal, and lymph node cells in mice.
- Compared naïve, S. mansoni-infected, papain-pretreated, and papain-vaccinated groups.
- Analyzed immune responses including humoral immunity and cytokine signaling.
Main Results:
- Schistosoma mansoni infection induced a mixed early cytokine response (Type 1, 2, and 17).
- Papain pretreatment or vaccination suppressed early Type 1, 17, and some Type 2 cytokines, except thymic stromal lymphopoietin.
- A polarized Type 2 immune environment was established, correlating with significant resistance to S. mansoni.
Conclusions:
- Papain-based interventions reprogram the immune system towards a protective Type 2 bias.
- This strategy offers a promising avenue for developing effective vaccines against Schistosoma mansoni.
