Immunomic approaches for antigen discovery of human parasites

Abstract

Genetics combined with proteomics allows for a better understanding of parasite-host interactions and host immune responses. Immunomics elucidates that antigens are targets of induced or naturally acquired immunity (NAI), a promising solution to the challenge of eradicating human infections. High-throughput protein microarrays enhance rapid antigen discovery for the development of serodiagnostic tests/vaccines. Areas covered: This review systematically analyzes the emergence of protein microarrays as a powerful technology for parasite antigen discovery and subsequently summarizes some of the attributes and disadvantages of these approaches. Major insights on novel/validated serological biomarkers or vaccine candidates against malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are highlighted. We conclude with a brief description of the processes involved in immunomic protein microarrays. Expert commentary: Interesting discoveries have been made using protein microarrays. However, there is a need to evaluate targets that elicit strong immunogenicity and correlates of protective efficacy to aid prioritization and guide further clinical development. The goal of parasitic disease elimination will be best achieved through an integrated strategy that will incorporate and implement the different control components.

Immunogenicity analysis of conserved fragments in Plasmodium ovale species merozoite surface protein 4

“…In summary, anti-rPoMSP4 sera cross-reacted against rPocAMA1 or rPowAMA1, and rPowMSP1 proteins; by contrast, they showed low reactivity with rPocMSP1 proteins. This result suggested that rPoMSP4 antigens were able to generate antibodies with broad immune responses against such important proteins (known to be associated with red blood cell invasion [15]), making them attractive candidates to induce a polyclonal immune response.…”

“…Hosts respond to malaria parasites by generating antibodies against parasite-derived antigens, and naturally acquired immunity is developed after repeated exposure to infections [13]. Notably, antibodies against merozoite antigens play a significant role in conferring immunity against malaria [14,15]. Asexual-stage antigens located on apical organelles or on the surfaces of merozoites offer considerable potential as components of vaccines against malaria.…”

“…Blood-stage vaccines point to target the subsequent disease-causing stage of the Plasmodium life cycle and may provide protection against disease severity, reducing blood stage asexual parasitaemia and transmission [17]. Merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1) and apical membrane antigen (AMA1) are leading bloodstage malaria antigens and considered important vaccine candidates [15], especially due to their association with protection in pre-clinical studies of mice and nonhuman primates [18][19][20]. Protection is associated with the induction of high-titre antibodies.…”

Immunogenicity analysis of conserved fragments in Plasmodium ovale species merozoite surface protein 4

“…Blood-stage vaccines point to target the subsequent disease-causing stage of the Plasmodium life cycle and may provide protection against disease severity, reducing blood stage asexual parasitaemia and transmission [17]. Merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1) and apical membrane antigen (AMA1) are leading blood-stage malaria antigens and considered important vaccine candidates [15] , especially due to their association with protection in pre-clinical studies of mice and non-human primates [18][19][20] . Protection is associated with the induction of high-titre antibodies.…”

Immunogenicity analysis of conserved fragments in Plasmodium ovale species merozoite surface protein 4

“…Hosts respond to malaria parasites by generating antibodies against parasite-derived antigens, and naturally acquired immunity is developed after repeated exposure to infections [14]. Notably, antibodies against merozoite antigens play a significant role in conferring immunity against malaria [15,16]. Asexual-stage antigens located on apical organelles or on the surfaces of merozoites offer considerable potential as components of vaccines against malaria.…”