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Rhesus macaques self-curing from a schistosome infection can display complete immunity to challenge
Murilo Sena Amaral1, Daisy Woellner Santos1,2, Adriana S A Pereira1,2
1Laboratório de Parasitologia, Instituto Butantan, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Nature Communications
|October 27, 2021
Summary
Rhesus macaques develop acquired immunity against Schistosoma mansoni, clearing infections and resisting reinfection. This immunity is mediated by antibodies targeting developing parasite larvae, paving the way for vaccine development.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Schistosomiasis affects over 200 million people globally.
- Rhesus macaques serve as a valuable model for studying acquired immunity to schistosomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms of naturally acquired immunity against Schistosoma mansoni in rhesus macaques.
- To identify antigens involved in protective immunity and their role in parasite clearance.
Main Methods:
- Monitoring parasite-gut-derived antigen levels in blood.
- Assessing resistance to reinfection after initial infection.
- Analyzing antibody profiles and their correlation with protection.
- Evaluating the effect of rhesus plasma on cultured schistosomula.
- Examining gene expression and epigenetic modifications in schistosomula.
Main Results:
- Established Schistosoma mansoni infections were cleared exponentially from week 10 onwards.
- Secondary challenge demonstrated strong, and in some cases complete, protection against reinfection.
- Antibody responses against developing schistosomula antigens were identified as key mediators of protection.
- Cultured schistosomula were killed by rhesus plasma, with enhanced efficacy using post-challenge plasma.
- Schistosomula showed altered gene expression and epigenetic marks, including decreased expression of lysosomal and autophagy-related genes.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced antibody responses against migrating larvae drive naturally acquired protective immunity in rhesus macaques.
- The findings provide insights into the development of an effective schistosomiasis vaccine.
