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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Recombinant micro-exon gene 3 (MEG-3) antigens from Schistosoma mansoni failed to induce protection against infection but show potential for serological diagnosis

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Author(s):
Mambelli, F. S. [1] ; Figueiredo, B. C. [2] ; Morais, S. B. [3] ; Assis, N. R. G. [3] ; Fonseca, C. T. [4] ; Oliveira, S. C. [3, 1, 5]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Minas Gerais, Inst Ciencias Biol, Dept Genet Ecol & Evolucao, BR-31270901 Belo Horizonte, MG - Brazil
[2] Univ Fed Bahia, Dept Bioquim & Biofis, BR-40110100 Salvador, MG - Brazil
[3] Univ Fed Minas Gerais, Inst Ciencias Biol, Dept Bioquim & Imunol, BR-31270901 Belo Horizonte, MG - Brazil
[4] Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Inst Rene Rachou, Lab Biol & Imunol Doencas Infeciosas & Parasitari, BR-30190002 Belo Horizonte, MG - Brazil
[5] Minist Ciencia Tecnol & Inovacao, Conselho Nacl Desenvolvimento Cient & Tecnol, INCT DT, Salvador, BA - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: Acta Tropica; v. 204, APR 2020.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Sequence databases on Schistosoma mansoni have revealed micro-exon gene (MEGs) families. Many of these genes are highly expressed in parasite life cycle stages associated with the mammalian host infection and appear to be involved in immune evasion by schistosomes. So, we believe that MEG-coding proteins would make potential candidates for vaccine development or diagnosis for schistosomiasis. Here, we study MEG-3.2 and MEG-3.4, members of the MEG-3 family. Recombinant (r) proteins were produced and formulated with Freund's adjuvant for vaccination of mice. Immunization with recombinant MEG-3.2 or MEG-3.4 formulation generated high levels of IgG1 antibodies. Additionally, vaccination also induced a mixed Th1/Th2/Th17-type of response, since IFN-gamma, IL-5 and IL-17 cytokines were detected in the supernatant of spleen cell cultures; however it failed to induce reduction in parasitic worm burden. Finally, the recombinant proteins were evaluated in a serological assay using human samples. Schistosome-infected individuals showed higher levels of both IgG and IgM against rMEG-3.2 compared to non-infected individuals, while only IgM anti-rMEG-3.4 antibodies were elevated in infected patients. Therefore, between both studied molecules, MEG-3.2 protein is the antigen that shows potential to compose a serological diagnosis test for schistosomiasis. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 17/24832-6 - Development of vaccines based on recombinant BCG: Tuberculosis, Pertussis, Pneumococcus and Schistosoma
Grantee:Luciana Cezar de Cerqueira Leite
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants