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Models of Protective Immunity against Schistosomes: Implications for Vaccine Development
1Department of Biology and Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK.
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 27, 2023
Summary
Developing a schistosome vaccine remains challenging, as these parasites evade the immune system for years. Research explores immune responses in animal models to inform effective vaccine strategies against schistosomiasis.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Schistosome parasites evade host immune responses for decades within the bloodstream.
- Previous vaccine strategies targeting skin-stage cercariae have been unsuccessful.
- Immunity developed over time may involve IgE responses, unsuitable for vaccine development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review animal models demonstrating acquired immunity to schistosomes.
- To explore how these models can inform human vaccine strategies.
- To identify potential immune targets on schistosome larvae and adult worms.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of three distinct animal models with demonstrated acquired immunity.
- Investigation of humoral and cellular immune responses.
- Utilizing modern 'omics approaches to identify parasite antigens.
Main Results:
- Acquired immunity mechanisms vary across models, including T-cell responses in mice and IgG production in rhesus macaques.
- Parasite proteins and secretions are identified as potential targets for immune intervention.
- High-density peptide arrays reveal reactive regions on target proteins.
Conclusions:
- Different animal models offer distinct insights into potential schistosome vaccine strategies.
- Sustained humoral or cellular immune responses are crucial for long-term protection.
- Multi-epitope constructs targeting multiple antigens show promise for cost-effective immunization.
