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Antibodies response induced by recombinant virus-like particles from Triatoma virus and chimeric antigens from
Aline Maria Vasconcelos Queiroz1, Yulia Aleksandrovna Yanshina2, Emily Thays da Silva Rodrigues3
1Postgraduate Programme in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua Gen, Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, 384, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil; Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Rua Gen, Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, 384, 59012-570 Natal, Brazil.
Background:
The infection caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi affects humans and is called as Chagas disease. Currently, the main measures available to reduce the incidence of this disease are drug treatment and vector control. Traditionally, the development of vaccines occurs mainly through the use of antigenic candidates of the etiologic agent in the form of a vaccine preparation. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are structures analogous to viral capsids composed essentially of structural proteins and are widely used in vaccination protocols because of their immunostimulatory properties. In this context, the objective of this study was to use strategies in a murine immunization model to characterize the immunostimulatory capacity of VLPs from Triatoma virus (TrV-VLPs), analysed in the presence or absence of the aluminium vaccine adjuvant. In parallel, to characterize the immunogenic behaviour of four T. cruzi chimeric recombinant proteins (mix-IBMP) associated with TrV-VLPs or aluminium vaccine adjuvant.
Method:
We immunized BALB/c mice once or twice, depending on the strategy, and collected serum samples at 15, 30 and 45 days after the immunization. Subsequently, serum samples from animals immunized with TrV-VLPs were used to determine total IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b and IgG3 anti-TrV-VLPs by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results:
Data obtained demonstrate the ability of TrV-VLPs to preferably induce IgG2b and IgG3 type antibodies in the absence of aluminium adjuvant. In fact, the use of aluminium did not interfere with the total IgG profile of anti-TrV-VLPs. Interestingly, mix-IBMP had a better profile of total IgG, IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses when mixed with TrV-VLPs.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, these results suggest the potential of TrV-VLPs as a vaccine adjuvant and the use of T. cruzi chimeric antigens as a rational strategy for the development of vaccines against the experimental model of Chagas disease.
Insights
Virus-like particles (VLPs) from Triatoma virus show potential as a vaccine adjuvant for Chagas disease. Combining these VLPs with Trypanosoma cruzi antigens enhanced immune responses in a mouse model.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, remains a significant health concern with limited treatment options.
- Current control strategies include drug treatment and vector control.
- Vaccine development traditionally relies on antigenic candidates of the causative agent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the immunostimulatory capacity of Triatoma virus virus-like particles (TrV-VLPs) as a potential vaccine adjuvant.
- To assess the immunogenicity of T. cruzi chimeric recombinant proteins (mix-IBMP) in combination with TrV-VLPs or aluminium adjuvant.
- To investigate the impact of aluminium adjuvant on TrV-VLPs' immunostimulatory properties.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice were immunized with TrV-VLPs, with or without aluminium adjuvant, and with mix-IBMP associated with TrV-VLPs or aluminium adjuvant.
- Serum samples were collected at 15, 30, and 45 days post-immunization.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine total IgG and its subclasses (IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b, IgG3) against TrV-VLPs and mix-IBMP.
Main Results:
- TrV-VLPs alone preferentially induced IgG2b and IgG3 antibodies in the absence of aluminium adjuvant.
- Aluminium adjuvant did not alter the total IgG profile against TrV-VLPs.
- The combination of mix-IBMP with TrV-VLPs resulted in a superior profile of total IgG, IgG1, and IgG3 subclasses.
Conclusions:
- TrV-VLPs demonstrate potential as a vaccine adjuvant for Chagas disease.
- T. cruzi chimeric antigens combined with TrV-VLPs represent a promising strategy for developing Chagas disease vaccines.
- This study provides a rational approach for experimental vaccine development against Chagas disease.
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