Sleep deficit in COVID-19 health-care workers may increase the infection risk.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had negative effects on health-care workers. The rapid growth of the disease has led to overwhelmed health-care systems, overcrowded hospitals, an insufficient number of health-care professionals and shortages of medical equipment. The potential exposure of front-line health-care workers during the COVID-19 outbreak has led to self-isolation and the appearance of adverse feelings such as stress, anxiety and fear. All these factors, combined with an increased workload and extra and changed shifts, are determinants of a sleep-loss process that may result in insomnia. The exacerbated pro-inflammatory milieu caused by insomnia and sleep deprivation present in health professionals may therefore make them more prone to developing severe COVID-19 if infected and/or aggravate the symptoms of the disease. Keeping these professionals healthy and doing everything possible to prevent them from being infected with COVID-19 should be a top priority. As part of this effort, we must be aware of the important effects of insomnia on the immune systems of these professionals and take all possible measures to counter these effects.

Invariant Natural Killer T cells resilience to paradoxical sleep deprivation-associated stress.

Although several studies demonstrate that stressful situations, such as sleep disturbances, negatively impact the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system, their influence on invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells remains unclear. iNKT cells are CD1d-restricted innate T cells that recognize glycolipid antigens and rapidly produce polarizing cytokines being key players in several immune responses, and a potential target for immunotherapy. iNKT cells differ in several aspects from conventional T lymphocytes, including a unique dependence on CD1d-expressing double-positive (DP) thymocytes for intrathymic maturation. As a consequence of stress, DP thymocytes undergo glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis, which might compromise iNKT developmental pathway. Therefore, we used a paradoxical sleep deprivation (SD) model to determine the impact of sleep disturbance on iNKT cell biology. After 72 h of SD, C57Bl/6 mice exhibited a significant increase in systemic glucocorticoid levels and thymus atrophy. Despite marked decrease in the number of DP thymocytes, the ratio CD1d+/CD1d- was higher in SD mice, and the number of thymic iNKT cells remained unaltered, suggesting that SD did not compromise the iNKT developmental pathway. In contrast, SD reduced hepatic IFN-γ, but not, IL-4-producing iNKT cells, without further effect in the spleen. Despite this fact, SD did not affect stimulation of IFN-γ production by iNKT cells, or cytokine release, in response to α-galactosylceramide, a specific antigen. Furthermore, although SD impaired splenic NK cells activity against tumor cells, it did not affect iNKT cell-specific cytotoxicity. Thus, our study shows that SD-induced stress did not impair the iNKT cells' responses to a cognate antigen.

Sleep deprivation predisposes allergic mice to neutrophilic lung inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Although different studies associated sleep deprivation (SD) with systemic inflammatory changes, the effect of sleep duration on the pathology of allergic chronic diseases is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the influence of SD on allergen-induced pulmonary inflammation. METHODS: Ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized C57BL/6 mice were exposed to a first set of intranasal OVA challenge under SD or healthy sleep (HS) conditions, followed by a second OVA challenge, 1 week apart. Some groups were subjected to corticosteroid treatment with dexamethasone. RESULTS: OVA-sensitized mice with SD had more severe airway inflammation than the allergic group with HS. Analysis of lung parenchyma revealed that the inflammation in allergic mice with SD was marked by an influx of neutrophils (mainly) and eosinophils and secretion of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-17 in contrast to the eosinophilic inflammation and IL-4 production observed in allergic mice with HS. The same cytokine profile was observed in ex vivo culture of cervical lymph node cells and splenocytes, indicating that in allergic mice SD favors immune responses toward a proinflammatory TH17 profile. This idea is supported by the fact that disruption of IL-17 signaling (IL-17 receptor A-/-) prevented airway neutrophilia in allergic mice with SD. Furthermore, allergic mice with SD became refractory to corticosteroid treatment in contrast to the allergic group with HS. CONCLUSION: Collectively, our data show that sleep quality participates in the progression of allergen-induced eosinophilic lung inflammation to corticosteroid-refractory neutrophilic manifestation.

Development and characterization of a multimeric recombinant protein using the spike protein receptor binding domain as an antigen to induce SARS-CoV-2 neutralization.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV2 virus, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, has four structural proteins and 16 nonstructural proteins. S-protein is one of the structural proteins exposed on the virus surface and is the main target for producing neutralizing antibodies and vaccines. The S-protein forms a trimer that can bind the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) through its receptor binding domain (RBD) for cell entry. AIMS: The goal of this study was to express in HEK293 cells a new RBD recombinant protein in a constitutive and stable manner in order to use it as an alternative immunogen and diagnostic tool for COVID-19. MATERIALS & METHODS: The protein was designed to contain an immunoglobulin signal sequence, an explanded C-terminal section of the RBD, a region responsible for the bacteriophage T4 trimerization inducer, and six histidines in the pCDNA-3.1 plasmid. Following transformation, the cells were selected with geneticin-G418 and purified from serum-fre culture supernatants using Ni2+-agarand size exclusion chromatography. The protein was structurally identified by cross-linking and circular dichroism experiments, and utilized to immunize mice in conjuction with AS03 or alum adjuvants. The mice sera were examined for antibody recognition, receptor-binding inhibition, and virus neutralization, while spleens were evaluated for γ-interferon production in the presence of RBD. RESULTS: The protein released in the culture supernatant of cells, and exhibited a molecular mass of 135 kDa with a secondary structure like the monomeric and trimeric RBD. After purification, it formed a multimeric structure comprising trimers and hexamers, which were able to bind the ACE2 receptor. It generated high antibody titers in mice when combined with AS03 adjuvant (up to 1:50,000). The sera were capable of inhibiting binding of biotin-labeled ACE2 to the virus S1 subunit and could neutralize the entry of the Wuhan virus strain into cells at dilutions up to 1:2000. It produced specific IFN-γ producing cells in immunized mouse splenocytes. DISCUSSION: Our data describe a new RBD containing protein, forming trimers and hexamers, which are able to induce a protective humoral and cellular response against SARS-CoV2. CONCLUSION: These results add a new arsenal to combat COVID-19, as an alternative immunogen or antigen for diagnosis.

Sensitive Zika biomarker detection assisted by quantum dot-modified electrochemical immunosensing platform.

We report the development of a new nanostructured electrochemical immunosensing platform for the detection of the Zika virus envelope protein (EP-ZIKV). For this, quantum dots (QDs) were explored in combination with screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) functionalized with a conductor polymeric film, formed from 2-(1H-pyrrol-1-yl)ethanamine (Pyam), and anti-EP DIII ZIKV antibodies. Carboxylated CdTe QDs were synthesized, characterized by optical and structural techniques, and covalently immobilized onto the SPCE/PPyam surface. Then, anti-EP ZIKV antibodies were also covalently conjugated to QDs. All stages of platform assembly were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The detection of EP-ZIKV was performed by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Results indicated that QDs were efficiently immobilized, and did not show oxidation, under the conditions evaluated, for at least 7 months. Anti-EP ZIKV antibodies were effectively immobilized on the PPyam/QDs surface, even after 2 months of electrode storage. The platform enabled the detection of EP-ZIKV with high sensitivity using minimal sample volumes (LOD = 0.1 ng mL-1 and LOQ = 0.4 ng mL-1). The platform was also able to detect EP-ZIKV in spiked serum samples. Moreover, the platform showed specificity, not detecting the EP-DENV 3 nor a mixture of four DENV serotypes antigens. Thus, the proposed combination favored the development of a sensitive immunosensing platform, promising for the detection of Zika in the viremic phase, which also holds potential for transposition to other arboviruses.

COVID-19: A Challenge to the Safety of Assisted Reproduction.

There is an increased risk of becoming pregnant through fertility treatments using assisted reproductive technology (ART) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this review is to gather comprehensive data from the existing literature on the potential risks of fertility management during the pandemic period, and outline strategies to mitigate them, with a focus on the hormonal and surgical procedures of ART. A comprehensive search of the scientific literature on COVID-19 in relation to fertility was conducted in the PubMed database using the keywords "coronavirus," "COVID-19," "SARS-CoV-2" and "pregnancy," "fertility," "urogenital system," "vertical transmission," "assisted human reproduction," "controlled ovarian stimulation," "oocyte retrieval," "in vitro fertilization," "hormones," "surgical procedures," "embryos," "oocytes," "sperm," "semen," "ovary," "testis," "ACE-2 receptor," "immunology," "cytokine storm," and "coagulation," from January 2020-July 2022. Published data on pregnancy and COVID-19, and the interaction of the urogenital system and SARS-CoV-2 is reported. The immunologic and prothrombotic profiles of patients with COVID-19, and their increased risks from controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) and ART surgeries, and how these procedures could facilitate COVID-19 and/or contribute to the severity of the disease by enhancing the cytokine storm are summarized. Strategies to prevent complications during COS that could increase the risks of the disease in pre-symptomatic patients are considered. The impact of SARS-CoV-2 on pre-symptomatic infertile patients presents a challenge to find ways to avoid the increased hormonal, immunologic, and prothrombotic risks presented by the use of COS in ART protocols during the COVID-19 outbreak. Safe ART procedures and recommendations are highlighted.

Reduced T Cell and Antibody Responses to Inactivated Coronavirus Vaccine Among Individuals Above 55 Years Old.

CoronaVac is an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine that has been rolled out in several low and middle-income countries including Brazil, where it was the mainstay of the first wave of immunization of healthcare workers and the elderly population. We aimed to assess the T cell and antibody responses of vaccinated individuals as compared to convalescent patients. We detected IgG against SARS-CoV-2 antigens, neutralizing antibodies against the reference Wuhan SARS-CoV-2 strain and used SARS-CoV-2 peptides to detect IFN-g and IL-2 specific T cell responses in a group of CoronaVac vaccinated individuals (N = 101) and convalescent (N = 72) individuals. The frequency among vaccinated individuals, of whom 96% displayed T cell and/or antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2, is comparable to 98.5% responses of convalescent individuals. We observed that among vaccinated individuals, men and individuals 55 years or older developed significantly lower anti-RBD, anti-NP and neutralization titers against the Wuhan strain and antigen-induced IL-2 production by T cells. Neutralizing antibody responses for Gamma variant were even lower than for the Wuhan strain. Even though some studies indicated CoronaVac helped reduce mortality among elderly people, considering the appearance of novel variants of concern, CoronaVac vaccinated individuals above 55 years old are likely to benefit from a heterologous third dose/booster vaccine to increase immune response and likely protection.

Recurrence of COVID-19 associated with reduced T-cell responses in a monozygotic twin pair.

Recurrence of COVID-19 in recovered patients has been increasingly reported. However, the immune mechanisms behind the recurrence have not been thoroughly investigated. The presence of neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) in recurrence/reinfection cases suggests that other types of immune response are involved in protection against recurrence. Here, we investigated the innate type I/III interferon (IFN) response, binding and nAb assays and T-cell responses to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with IFN gamma (IFNγ) enzyme-linked spot assay (ELISPOT) in three pairs of young adult monozygotic (MZ) twins with previous confirmed COVID-19, one of them presenting a severe recurrence four months after the initial infection. Twin studies have been of paramount importance to comprehend the immunogenetics of infectious diseases. Each MZ twin pair was previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2, as seen by clinical reports. The six individuals presented similar overall recovered immune responses except for the recurrence case, who presented a drastically reduced number of recognized SARS-CoV-2 T-cell epitopes on ELISPOT as compared to her twin sister and the other twin pairs. Our results suggest that the lack of a broad T-cell response to initial infection may have led to recurrence, emphasizing that an effective SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cell immune response is key for complete viral control and avoidance of clinical recurrence of COVID-19.

Invariant Natural Killer T Cells as Key Players in Host Resistance against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.

Invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells are key players in the immunity to several pathogens; however, their involvement in the resistance to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis infection remains unknown. Using splenocytes from CD1d (CD1d-/-) and iNKT-deficient (Jα18-/-) mice, we found that iNKT cells are the innate source of IFN-γ after P. brasiliensis infection and are required to potentiate macrophage oxidative burst and control fungal growth. To determine whether iNKT cells contribute in vivo to host resistance against P. brasiliensis infection, we infected intratracheally wild-type and Jα18-/- C57BL/6 mouse strains with the virulent Pb18 isolate. iNKT cell deficiency impaired the airway acute inflammatory response, resulting in decreased airway neutrophilia and reduced IFN-γ, KC, and nitric oxide (NO) production. The deficient innate immune response of Jα18-/- mice to Pb18 infection resulted in increased fungal burden in the lungs and spleen. Besides, the activation of iNKT cells in vivo by administration of the exogenous iNKT ligand α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) improved host resistance to P. brasiliensis infection. Although the mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon remain to be clarified, α-GalCer treatment boosted the local inflammatory response and reduced pulmonary fungal burden. In conclusion, our study is the first evidence that iNKT cells are important for the protective immunity to P. brasiliensis infection and their activation by an exogenous ligand is sufficient to improve the host resistance to this fungal infection.

Night shift work and immune response to the meningococcal conjugate vaccine in healthy workers: a proof of concept study.

BACKGROUND: It is well-established that sleep regulates immune functions. Immunological functions are dependent on circadian rhythms and regular sleep as both have an impact on the magnitude of immune responses following antigenic challenge (eg, in vaccination). Here we investigated whether nocturnal shift work can influence post-vaccination response. METHODS: Thirty-four healthy workers (23 females) working either nocturnal or diurnal shifts (17 in each group) received the meningococcal C meningitis vaccine. Sleep was recorded polysomnographically (PSG) and with actigraphy. Humoral and cellular responses were assessed after vaccination. RESULTS: Night workers showed decreased N3 stage and REM sleep duration, increased inflammatory mediators (TNF-α and IL-6 levels), and a weak specific humoral response to vaccination associated with reduced CD4 T lymphocytes, reduced plasmacytoid dendritic cells, reduced prolactin levels, increased TReg and increased IL-10 levels. In addition, the decrease in total sleep time and circadian rhythm alterations were associated with a reduced humoral response post-vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide novel evidence concerning immune alterations of shift work on workers' health based on real-life circumstances. In association with circadian components, sufficient sleep time and rhythm synchronization were important for the development of the Ag-specific immune response, suggesting that the humoral response to vaccination may be impaired in individuals with chronic sleep restriction and circadian misalignment.

An Approach for a Synthetic CTL Vaccine Design against Zika Flavivirus Using Class I and Class II Epitopes Identified by Computer Modeling.

The threat posed by severe congenital abnormalities related to Zika virus (ZKV) infection during pregnancy has turned development of a ZKV vaccine into an emergency. Recent work suggests that the cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response to infection is an important defense mechanism in response to ZKV. Here, we develop the rationale and strategy for a new approach to developing cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) vaccines for ZKV flavivirus infection. The proposed approach is based on recent studies using a protein structure computer model for HIV epitope selection designed to select epitopes for CTL attack optimized for viruses that exhibit antigenic drift. Because naturally processed and presented human ZKV T cell epitopes have not yet been described, we identified predicted class I peptide sequences on ZKV matching previously identified DNV (Dengue) class I epitopes and by using a Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) binding prediction tool. A subset of those met the criteria for optimal CD8+ attack based on physical chemistry parameters determined by analysis of the ZKV protein structure encoded in open source Protein Data File (PDB) format files. We also identified candidate ZKV epitopes predicted to bind promiscuously to multiple HLA class II molecules that could provide help to the CTL responses. This work suggests that a CTL vaccine for ZKV may be possible even if ZKV exhibits significant antigenic drift. We have previously described a microsphere-based CTL vaccine platform capable of eliciting an immune response for class I epitopes in mice and are currently working toward in vivo testing of class I and class II epitope delivery directed against ZKV epitopes using the same microsphere-based vaccine.

Herpes Simplex Virus Glycoprotein D Targets a Specific Dendritic Cell Subset and Improves the Performance of Vaccines to Human Papillomavirus-Associated Tumors.

Cervical cancer is a major public health problem and one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in women. Virtually all cases of cervical cancer, as well as a growing share of anal and head/neck tumors, are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Despite the effectiveness, the available prophylactic vaccines do not benefit women with cervical lesions or cancer. Therefore, the search of new immunotherapeutic approaches to treat HPV-induced tumors is still a priority. The present study characterizes a therapeutic antitumor vaccine based on the genetic fusion of the Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) glycoprotein D (gD) with the E7 oncoprotein from HPV-16 (gDE7). Two subcutaneous doses of gDE7, admixed with poly (I:C), conferred complete and long-lasting therapeutic antitumor protection on mice previously challenged with tumor cells expressing the HPV-16 oncoproteins. The vaccine induced multifunctional E7-specific CD8+ T cells with cytotoxic activity and effector memory phenotype (CD44+ CD62Llow). In addition, gDE7 admixed with poly (I:C) vaccination controlled the expansion of tumor-induced regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. More importantly, gDE7 activated mouse CD11c+ CD8α+ and human BDCA3+ dendritic cells (DC), specialized in antigen cross-presentation to CD8+ T cells, under in vitro conditions. These results indicated that the activation of a specific DC population, mediated by gD, improved the antigen-specific immune responses and the therapeutic performance induced by antitumor vaccines. These results open perspectives for the clinical testing of gDE7-based vaccines under the concept of active immunization as a tool for the therapeutic control of cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(9); 1922-33. ©2017 AACR.

Immunogenicity of a recombinant protein containing the Plasmodium vivax vaccine candidate MSP1(19) and two human CD4+ T-cell epitopes administered to non-human primates (Callithrix jacchus jacchus).

One of the most promising vaccine candidates against the erythrocytic forms of malaria is the 19 kDa C-terminal region of the merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1(19)). As part of our studies aimed at the development of a Plasmodium vivax malaria vaccine, we characterized the immunogenic properties of a new bacterial recombinant protein containing the P. vivax MSP1(19) and two helper T-cell epitopes, the synthetic universal pan allelic DR epitope (PADRE) and a new internal MSP1 P. vivax epitope (DYDVVYLKPLAGMYK). We found that the recognition of His6MSP1(19)-DYDVVYLKPLAGMYK-PADRE was as good as the recognition of His6MSP1(19) indicating that the presence of the T-cell epitopes PADRE and DYDVVYLKPLAGMYK did not modify the MSP1(19) epitopes recognized by human IgG. The recombinant protein His6MSP1(19)-DYDVVYLKPLAGMYK-PADRE proved to be highly immunogenic in marmosets (Callithrix jacchus jacchus) when administered in incomplete Freund's adjuvant. However, when administered in other adjuvant formulations such as Quil A, CpG ODN 2006 or MPL/TDM, antibody titers to MSP1(19) were significantly lower. Among these three adjuvants, Quil A proved to be the most efficient one generating antibody titers significantly higher than the others. These results indicated that under the circumstances evaluated, adjuvants were key for the immunogenicity of the recombinant protein His6MSP1(19)-DYDVVYLKPLAGMYK-PADRE.

Plasma cytokine profile in tropical endomyocardial fibrosis: predominance of TNF-a, IL-4 and IL-10.

BACKGROUND: The participation of immune/inflammatory mechanisms in the pathogenesis of tropical endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF) has been suggested by the finding of early blood and myocardial eosinophilia. However, the inflammatory activation status of late-stage EMF patients is still unknown. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We evaluated pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels in plasma samples from late stage EMF patients. Cytokine levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α, Interferon (IFN)-γ, Interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 were assayed in plasma samples from 27 EMF patients and compared with those of healthy control subjects. All EMF patients displayed detectable plasma levels of at least one of the cytokines tested. We found that TNF-α, IL-6, IL-4, and IL-10 were each detected in at least 74% of tested sera, and plasma levels of IL-10, IL-4, and TNF-α were significantly higher than those of controls. Plasma levels of such cytokines positively correlated with each other. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The mixed pro- and anti-inflammatory/Th2circulating cytokine profile in EMF is consistent with the presence of a persistent inflammatory stimulus. On the other hand, the detection of increased levels of TNF-α may be secondary to the cardiovascular involvement observed in these patients, whereas IL-4 and IL-10 may have been upregulated as a homeostatic mechanism to buffer both production and deleterious cardiovascular effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Further studies might establish whether these findings play a role in disease pathogenesis.

Quiescin sulfhydryl oxidase (QSOX) is expressed in the human atheroma core: possible role in apoptosis.

Quiescin sulfhydryl oxidases (QSOXs) catalyze the formation of disulfide bonds in peptides and proteins, and in vertebrates comprise two proteins: QSOX1 and QSOX2. QSOX1, the most extensively studied type, has been implicated in protein folding, production of extracellular matrix, redox regulation, protection from apoptosis, angiogenesis, and cell differentiation. Atherosclerosis is an immunopathological condition in which redox processes, apoptosis, cell differentiation, and matrix secretion/maturation have critical roles. Considering these data, we hypothesized that QSOX1 could be involved in this disease, possibly reducing apoptosis and angiogenesis inside the plaque. QSOX1 labeling in normal human carotid vessels showed predominant expression by endothelium, subendothelium, and adventitia. In atherosclerotic plaques, however, QSOX1 was highly expressed in macrophages at the lipid core. QSOX1 expression was also studied in terms of mRNA and protein in cell types present in plaques under apoptotic or activating stimuli, emulating conditions found in the atherosclerotic process. QSOX1 mRNA increased in endothelial cells and macrophages after the induction of apoptosis. At the protein level, the correlation between apoptosis and QSOX1 expression was not evident in all cell types, possibly because of a rapid secretion of QSOX1. Our results propose for the first time possible roles for QSOX1 in atherosclerosis, being upregulated in endothelial cells and macrophages by apoptosis and cell activation, and possibly controlling these processes, as well as angiogenesis. The quantitative differences in QSOX1 induction may depend on the cell type and also on local factors.

New malaria vaccine candidates based on the Plasmodium vivax Merozoite Surface Protein-1 and the TLR-5 agonist Salmonella Typhimurium FliC flagellin.

The present study evaluated the immunogenicity of new malaria vaccine formulations based on the 19kDa C-terminal fragment of Plasmodium vivax Merozoite Surface Protein-1 (MSP1(19)) and the Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium flagellin (FliC), a Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) agonist. FliC was used as an adjuvant either admixed or genetically linked to the P. vivax MSP1(19) and administered to C57BL/6 mice via parenteral (s.c.) or mucosal (i.n.) routes. The recombinant fusion protein preserved MSP1(19) epitopes recognized by sera collected from P. vivax infected humans and TLR5 agonist activity. Mice parenterally immunized with recombinant P. vivax MSP1(19) in the presence of FliC, either admixed or genetically linked, elicited strong and long-lasting MSP1(19)-specific systemic antibody responses with a prevailing IgG1 subclass response. Incorporation of another TLR agonist, CpG ODN 1826, resulted in a more balanced response, as evaluated by the IgG1/IgG2c ratio, and higher cell-mediated immune response measured by interferon-gamma secretion. Finally, we show that MSP1(19)-specific antibodies recognized the native protein expressed on the surface of P. vivax parasites harvested from infected humans. The present report proposes a new class of malaria vaccine formulation based on the use of malarial antigens and the innate immunity agonist FliC. It contains intrinsic adjuvant properties and enhanced ability to induce specific humoral and cellular immune responses when administered alone or in combination with other adjuvants.

Adjuvant requirement for successful immunization with recombinant derivatives of Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein-1 delivered via the intranasal route.

Recently, we generated two bacterial recombinant proteins expressing 89 amino acids of the C-terminal domain of the Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein-1 and the hexa-histidine tag (His6MSP1(19)). One of these recombinant proteins contained also the amino acid sequence of the universal pan allelic T-cell epitope (His6MSP1(19)-PADRE). In the present study, we evaluated the immunogenic properties of these antigens when administered via the intra-nasal route in the presence of distinct adjuvant formulations. We found that C57BL/6 mice immunized with either recombinant proteins in the presence of the adjuvants cholera toxin (CT) or the Escherichia coli heat labile toxin (LT) developed high and long lasting titers of specific serum antibodies. The induced immune responses reached maximum levels after three immunizing doses with a prevailing IgG1 subclass response. In contrast, mice immunized by intranasal route with His6MSP1(19)-PADRE in the presence of the synthetic oligonucleotides adjuvant CpG ODN 1826 developed lower antibody titers but when combined to CT, CpG addition resulted in enhanced IgG responses characterized by lower IgG1 levels. Considering the limitations of antigens formulations that can be used in humans, mucosal adjuvants can be a reliable alternative for the development of new strategies of immunization using recombinant proteins of P. vivax.

Adjuvant requirement for successful immunization with recombinant derivatives of Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein-1 delivered via the intranasal route

Recently, we generated two bacterial recombinant proteins expressing 89 amino acids of the C-terminal domain of the Plasmodium vivax merozoite surface protein-1 and the hexa-histidine tag (His6MSP1(19)). One of these recombinant proteins contained also the amino acid sequence of the universal pan allelic T-cell epitope (His6MSP1(19)-PADRE). In the present study, we evaluated the immunogenic properties of these antigens when administered via the intra-nasal route in the presence of distinct adjuvant formulations. We found that C57BL/6 mice immunized with either recombinant proteins in the presence of the adjuvants cholera toxin (CT) or the Escherichia coli heat labile toxin (LT) developed high and long lasting titers of specific serum antibodies. The induced immune responses reached maximum levels after three immunizing doses with a prevailing IgG1 subclass response. In contrast, mice immunized by intranasal route with His6MSP1(19)-PADRE in the presence of the synthetic oligonucleotides adjuvant CpG ODN 1826 developed lower antibody titers but when combined to CT, CpG addition resulted in enhanced IgG responses characterized by lower IgG1 levels. Considering the limitations of antigens formulations that can be used in humans, mucosal adjuvants can be a reliable alternative for the development of new strategies of immunization using recombinant proteins of P. vivax.

Serodiagnosis of chronic Chagas infection by using EIE-Recombinant-Chagas-Biomanguinhos kit

A kit based on an enzyme immunoassay, EIE-Recombinant-Chagas-Biomanguinhos, developed by the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, was evaluated for the serodiagnosis of chronic Chagas disease. Evaluation was performed with 368 serum samples collected from individuals living in an endemic area for Chagas disease: 131 patients in the chronic phase with confirmed clinical, epidemiological, and serological diagnosis (indirect immunofluorescence, indirect hemagglutination or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and 237 nonchagasic seronegative individuals were considered negative control. The EIE-Recombinant-Chagas-Biomanguinhos kit showed high sensitivity, 100 percent (CI 95 percent: 96.4-100 percent) and high specificity, 100 percent (CI 95 percent: 98-100 percent). The data obtained were in full agreement with clinical and conventional serology data. In addition, no cross-reaction was observed with sera from patients with cutaneous (n=14) and visceral (n=3) leishmaniasis. However, when these sera were tested by conventional serological assays for Chagas disease, cross-reactions were detected in 14.3 percent and 33.3 percent of the patients with cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis, respectively. No cross-reactions were observed when sera from nonchagasic seronegative patients bearing other infectious disease (syphilis, n=8; HTLV, n=8; HCV, n=7 and HBV, n=12) were tested. In addition, sera of patients with inconclusive results for Chagas disease by conventional serology showed results in agreement with clinical evaluation, when tested by the kit. These results are relevant and indicate that the refered kit provides a safe immunodiagnosis of Chagas disease and could be used in blood bank screening