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Analysis of the immunogenic properties of protein 3α and 3β of the merozoite surface of Plasmodium vivax

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Author(s):
Amanda Romagnoli Bitencourt
Total Authors: 1
Document type: Master's Dissertation
Press: São Paulo.
Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Conjunto das Químicas (IQ e FCF) (CQ/DBDCQ)
Defense date:
Examining board members:
Irene da Silva Soares; Joseli de Oliveira Ferreira; Marco Antonio Stephano
Advisor: Irene da Silva Soares
Abstract

The advance in the development of a vaccine against Plasmodium vivax requires the identification of immunodominant antigens able to induce a protective immune response against malaria. The present study evaluates the potential of the Merozoite Surface Protein 3 of P. vivax (PvMSP-3) as vaccine candidate. Recombinant proteins representing the C-terminal region of MSP-3α and different regions of MSP-3β (N and C-terminal and full-length protein) of P. vivax were used as antigen. The immunogenicity of these recombinants was evaluated in BALB/c mice using as adjuvant TLR agonists (FliC flagellin of Salmonella Typhimurium and CpG motif-containing DNA) or conventional adjuvants such as Aluminum hidroxide, Saponins, TiterMax Gold and Incomplete Freund\'s Adjuvant. The IgG antibodies were determined by ELISA in sera from mice two weeks after each immunizing dose. Our results demonstrated that MSP-3α and MSP-3β were able to induce high antibody titres in mice in the presence of different adjuvants, including TLR agonists. Among the tested formulations, the adjuvants CPG ODN 1826, Quil A, TiterMax and Incomplete Freund\'s Adjuvant were more immunogenic, therefore more promising for pre-clinical trials in non-human primates. Using TLR-4 KO mice, we demonstrated that the MSP-3β protein has an intrinsic adjuvant property that is independent of TLR4 and that contaminating LPS in the purified protein did not play any role in our system. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 09/06718-5 - Evaluation of the immmunogenic properties of Merozoite Surface Protein 3alpha and 3beta of Plasmodium vivax
Grantee:Amanda Romagnoli Bitencourt
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master