The mucosal immune system plays a pivotal role in the control of infections, as it represents the first line of defense against most pathogens, from respiratory viruses to intestinal parasites. Mucosal vaccination is thus regarded as a promising strategy to protect animals, including humans, from infections that are acquired by ingestion, inhalation or through the urogenital system. In addition, antigens delivered at the mucosal level can also elicit systemic immune responses. Therefore, mucosal vaccination is potentially effective also against systemic infections acquired through non-mucosal routes, for example, through the bite of hematophagous insects, as in the case of leishmaniasis, a widespread disease that affects humans and dogs. Here, we explored the potential of antigen rectal administration for the generation of anti-Leishmania immunity. Mice were immunized through rectal administration of whole cells of the model parasite Leishmania tarentolae (using a clone engineered to express the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus generated in a previous study). A specific anti-Leishmania IgG antibody response was detected. In addition, the recorded IgG2a/IgG1 ratio was higher than that of animals injected subcutaneously; therefore, suggesting a shift to a Th1-biased immune response. Considering the importance of a Th1 polarization as a protective response against Leishmania infections, we suggest that further investigation should be focused on the development of novel types of vaccines against these parasites based on rectal immunization.

Rectal Administration of Leishmania Cells Elicits a Specific, Th1-Associated IgG2a Response in Mice: New Perspectives for Mucosal Vaccination against Leishmaniasis, after the Repurposing of a Study on an Anti-Viral Vaccine Candidate / I. Varotto-Boccazzi, S. Epis, G.M. Cattaneo, N. Guerrini, A. Manenti, D. Rubolini, P. Gabrieli, D. Otranto, G. Zuccotti, E. Montomoli, C. Bandi. - In: TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE. - ISSN 2414-6366. - 8:8(2023 Aug 09), pp. 406.1-406.9. [10.3390/tropicalmed8080406]

Rectal Administration of Leishmania Cells Elicits a Specific, Th1-Associated IgG2a Response in Mice: New Perspectives for Mucosal Vaccination against Leishmaniasis, after the Repurposing of a Study on an Anti-Viral Vaccine Candidate

I. Varotto-Boccazzi
Primo
;
S. Epis
Secondo
;
G.M. Cattaneo;D. Rubolini;P. Gabrieli;G. Zuccotti;C. Bandi
Ultimo
2023

Abstract

The mucosal immune system plays a pivotal role in the control of infections, as it represents the first line of defense against most pathogens, from respiratory viruses to intestinal parasites. Mucosal vaccination is thus regarded as a promising strategy to protect animals, including humans, from infections that are acquired by ingestion, inhalation or through the urogenital system. In addition, antigens delivered at the mucosal level can also elicit systemic immune responses. Therefore, mucosal vaccination is potentially effective also against systemic infections acquired through non-mucosal routes, for example, through the bite of hematophagous insects, as in the case of leishmaniasis, a widespread disease that affects humans and dogs. Here, we explored the potential of antigen rectal administration for the generation of anti-Leishmania immunity. Mice were immunized through rectal administration of whole cells of the model parasite Leishmania tarentolae (using a clone engineered to express the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus generated in a previous study). A specific anti-Leishmania IgG antibody response was detected. In addition, the recorded IgG2a/IgG1 ratio was higher than that of animals injected subcutaneously; therefore, suggesting a shift to a Th1-biased immune response. Considering the importance of a Th1 polarization as a protective response against Leishmania infections, we suggest that further investigation should be focused on the development of novel types of vaccines against these parasites based on rectal immunization.
LeCoVax-2; Leishmania vaccine; Th1/Th2 immune polarization; canine leishmaniasis; mucosal immunity; sera repurposing;
Settore VET/06 - Parassitologia e Malattie Parassitarie degli Animali
Settore BIO/19 - Microbiologia Generale
   One Health Basic and Translational Research Actions addressing Unmet Need on Emerging Infectious Diseases (INF-ACT)
   INF-ACT
   MINISTERO DELL'UNIVERSITA' E DELLA RICERCA
   PE00000007
9-ago-2023
Article (author)
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2434/999350
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