Immunogenicity of HLA‐DR1 and HLA‐A2 peptides derived from Leishmania major Gp63 in golden hamsters

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity and humoral and cellular immune response of three heterologous vaccines against Leishmania infantum, yet containing synthetic peptides from Leishmania major in the experimental model in hamsters. Methods and Results: Through bioinformatics analyses, two Leishmania major Gp63 peptides were predicted and selected for vaccine formulations. Hamsters were divided into four groups, with each group receiving doses of three vaccine formulations containing HLA-DR1 or HLA-A2 peptides plus Montanide TM or both associated with the adjuvant. The animals received three vaccine doses and were evaluated for toxicity after each dose, in addition to being analysed for the production of antibodies and lymphoproliferation on day 211 after the last vaccine dose. Peptides predicted in association with oily adjuvant induced a humoral response and strong lymphoproliferation to Leishmania infantum antigen-specific stimulation.

Host–Pathogen Interaction in Leishmaniasis: Immune Response and Vaccination Strategies

“…HLA-A2 restricted peptide derived from L. mexican or L. major gp63, and HLA-DR1 restricted peptide derived from L. major gp63, showed immunogenicity when tested in HHD-II mice (HLA-A0201 transgenic mice containing human HLA-A0201 gene and mouse H2-K b gene, for MHC Class I in BALB/c mice) and FVB/N-DR1 mice (transgenic mice having HLA-DR1 gene inserted) for MHC Class II, respectively [262,263]. Another vaccine formulation containing HLA-DR1 or HLA-AA2 peptides derived from L. major gp63 with an oily adjuvant (Montanide TM ), or both the peptides associated with adjuvant, were able to generate a strong IgG response against L. infantum and cellular response for up to 211 days after the last vaccination for VL without presenting any toxicity in immunized animals [264].…”

Synthetic biology for combating leishmaniasis

“…VLPs are self-assembling structures that mimic viruses in structure and function but lack infectious properties. Notable antigens in this generation include gp63, Leishmania Homolog for Receptors of Activated C Kinase (LACK), Kinetoplastid Membrane Protein-11 (KMP-11), Fucose Mannose Ligand (FML), and Monophosphoryl Lipid A (MPL-A) ( Silva et al, 2020 ). Effective spatio-temporal expression of these proteins may induce long-term memory, serving as a preventive therapy.…”