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Published on: February 28, 2019
Recombinant Phage Elicits Protective Immune Response against Systemic S. globosa Infection in Mouse Model
Feng Chen1, Rihua Jiang1, Yicun Wang2
1Dermatology Department, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 126Xiantai Street, Changchun, Jilin Province 130033, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Sporothrix globosa is a type of fungus that typically infects immunocompromised patients. Its prevention continues to pose a challenge. A 70-KDa glycoprotein (Gp70) of Sporothrix has been previously reported to protect host against infection from this fungus. Here, we displayed an epitope peptide (kpvqhalltplgldr) of Gp70 on the major coat protein (pIII), and investigated its efficiency as a vaccine for preventing S. globosa infection. The recombinant phage and the heat-killed S. globosa were used to immunize mice separately. In this study, we evaluated the humoral and cellular immune responses in the mice and demonstrated that recombinant phage could induce mice to produce a stronger immune response and generate antibodies to inhibit S. globosa infection. Furthermore, immunization with recombinant phage could increase the survival rate of S. globosa infection in mice. All these results together indicated that recombinant phages displaying kpvqhalltplgldr are a potential vaccine candidate against S. globosa infection.
Insights
This study explored a novel vaccine strategy for Sporothrix globosa infections. Displaying a key fungal protein epitope on recombinant phages effectively stimulated immune responses and improved survival rates in mice.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Vaccine Development
Background:
- Sporothrix globosa infections pose a significant challenge, particularly for immunocompromised individuals.
- A 70-KDa glycoprotein (Gp70) from Sporothrix has shown protective potential against fungal infections.
- Developing effective preventative measures for Sporothrix globosa remains a critical need.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of a recombinant phage displaying a Gp70 epitope as a vaccine candidate against Sporothrix globosa.
- To evaluate the humoral and cellular immune responses induced by the recombinant phage vaccine.
- To assess the protective effect of the recombinant phage vaccine in a mouse model of Sporothrix globosa infection.
Main Methods:
- An epitope peptide (kpvqhalltplgldr) from Gp70 was displayed on the major coat protein (pIII) of a recombinant phage.
- Mice were immunized with either the recombinant phage or heat-killed Sporothrix globosa.
- Humoral and cellular immune responses were assessed, and survival rates after infection were determined.
Main Results:
- Immunization with the recombinant phage induced a significantly stronger immune response compared to heat-killed fungus.
- The recombinant phage vaccine generated antibodies capable of inhibiting Sporothrix globosa growth in vitro.
- Mice immunized with the recombinant phage exhibited increased survival rates following Sporothrix globosa challenge.
Conclusions:
- Recombinant phages displaying the Gp70 epitope are a promising vaccine candidate for preventing Sporothrix globosa infections.
- This phage display approach offers a novel strategy for developing vaccines against fungal pathogens.
- Further research is warranted to explore the full potential of this vaccine platform.
