https://doi.org/10.5812/iji-121894

Review of Molecular Approaches in Leishmaniasis Vaccines: Implications and Restrictions

authors:

avatar Ail Fattahi Bafghi 1 , avatar Elham Rezaee 2 , avatar Somayeh Ahmadi 3 , avatar Mostafa Gholamrezaei 3 , * , avatar Nima Firouzeh ORCID 4 , **

Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Infectious Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences,Yazd, Iran
Parasitology Department, Paramedical School, Gerash University of Medical Sciences, Gerash, Iran
Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
Vector-Borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
Corresponding Authors:
International Journal of Infection: Vol.9, issue 2; e121894
published online: May 22, 2022
article type: Review Article
received: January 2, 2022
revised: March 14, 2022
accepted: April 16, 2022

how to cite: Fattahi Bafghi A , Rezaee E , Ahmadi S , Gholamrezaei M, Firouzeh N. Review of Molecular Approaches in Leishmaniasis Vaccines: Implications and Restrictions. Int J Infect. 2022;9(2):e121894. https://doi.org/10.5812/iji-121894.

Abstract

Leishmaniasis, a cosmopolitan parasitic infection, is a sandfly-borne parasitic disease caused by different species of Leishmania. Many attempts have been made to discover effective and safe vaccines against leishmaniasis, but most of them are not accompanied by promising results. During the last decade, the characterization of new antigens for potential vaccine candidates based on classical and molecular protocols has been a hot research topic in immunological science. The present review focuses on the development and the status of various vaccines and potential vaccine candidates against leishmaniasis. Here, molecular approaches to leishmaniasis vaccine development are described. Also, implications and restrictions are discussed.

1. Context

Leishmaniasis is a series of chronic zoonotic infectious diseases characterized by broad-spectrum clinical manifestations ranging from simple cutaneous ulcers to severe forms such as multiple visceral organ involvement (1). Generally, infected hosts, like humans, experience three primary clinical forms: (1) visceral leishmaniasis (VL), (2) cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), and (3) mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) (2, 3). Pentavalent antimonials, oral miltefosine, amphotericin B, liposomal amphotericin B, and paromomycin are most commonly used for chemotherapy, although they are not always effective and may exert various adverse side effects and drug resistance (4). Therefore, leishmaniasis vaccination and community immunization could be a more reasonable way to control or prevent Leishmania infection than current chemotherapy approaches (5). Most human patients with leishmaniasis will recover and become immune. Moreover, an ancient practical method, namely "leishmanization," provided further proof for leishmaniasis vaccine development (6).

Based on evidence regarding the historical path for vaccine development (Figure 1), the leishmaniasis vaccine can be universally categorized as first and second generations (7, 8). The initial vaccines containing unprocessed antigens from the body of the killed parasite have been administered with/without adjuvants such as BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin). Although these vaccines are available, cost-effective, and easy to prepare, the standardization process limits their clinical use (9). Despite several clinical trials performed with these vaccines, their efficacy is still unknown (10). The second-generation candidates are based on chemically defined antigens. This classification includes recombinant proteins, DNA, and genetically engineered organisms. They tend to be more standardizable. Although some first-generation candidate vaccines, such as Leishvacin®, are safe (11) and immunogenic (12), their efficacy has not been fully elucidated (13). This study examines vaccine progressions and defects for finding effective solutions against leishmaniasis.

Historical path of vaccine development adapted from Delany et al., 2014 (7).
Historical path of vaccine development adapted from Delany et al., 2014 (7).
Figure 1.

Historical path of vaccine development adapted from Delany et al., 2014 (7).

2. Leishmaniasis Vaccine Challenges

The development of a leishmaniasis vaccine remains a significant challenge (14). One restriction is the animal model, e.g., L. major murine model. Another significant restriction is the immune response adaptation (15). Although all the available effective vaccines against non-intracellular pathogens protect hosts via neutralizing antibodies, the designed vaccines for intracellular pathogens like Leishmania spp. are either not accessible or not completely successful (16). On the other hand, the lack of a decent interaction of immune protection is evident in leishmaniasis (14).

3. Vaccine Targets

Murine T helper (Th) cell clones are categorized into two main groups (Th1 and Th2) by different cytokine profiles (17). In the mouse model of L. major infection, these T helper cell subsets play critical roles in initiating and developing the pathological process. Sensitive mice develop Th1 and Th2 responses after infection, which leads to disease breakthrough and death (18). In this in-vivo model, the crucial role is played by IFN-γ and Th1 cells (18, 19). However, the same pattern is not observed in the Leishmania donovani, L. mexicana complexes, and other Leishmania species (20). Understanding leishmaniasis immunopathology and selecting candidate antigens are the most challenging matters in vaccine development (21).

During convolution, parasites have adapted to restrain or pervert the host's immune responses for their own favor (22). Specific Leishmania molecules play critical roles in this successful adaptation. The infectivity and survival of this parasite tie in the level of these molecules' expression. Virulence factors are studied as probable drug targets and vaccine candidates (23). Leishmania-activated C-kinase (LACK) is an antigen that induces a pro-inflammatory cytokine response of mononuclear cells in peripheral blood, significantly increasing IFN-γ and IL-10 (24). Antigens that induce regulatory responses may be suitable for further investigations (25).

New virulence factors identification can be accomplished at a vast, systemic scale by new tools such as bioinformatics software (Figure 2) (26). The vaccine advancement and immunotherapy strategies are intriguing. Recently, a DNA vaccine candidate could enhance the efficacy of liposomal Amphotericin B in L. donovani (27). This DNA vaccine was implicated in a combination of five minimalistic immunologically defined gene expression T helper cell 1 (MIDGE-Th1) vectors encoding different leishmanial antigens, including Kinotoplastida membrane protein-11 (KMP-11) and Cysteine proteinase type II (CPA) and type I (CPB) (28, 29).

Discovery of new virulence factors by applying both new experimental techniques (in vitro and in vivo study) and bioinformatics software (in silico study) adapted from Furman and Davis, 2015 (26).
Discovery of new virulence factors by applying both new experimental techniques (in vitro and in vivo study) and bioinformatics software (in silico study) adapted from Furman and Davis, 2015 (26).
Figure 2.

Discovery of new virulence factors by applying both new experimental techniques (in vitro and in vivo study) and bioinformatics software (in silico study) adapted from Furman and Davis, 2015 (26).

It is worth noting that all Leishmania spp. parasites can evade and even suppress the host's immune responses. These strategies restrict the vaccine's design and performance. Therefore, the parasite persists and establishes chronic infection. It was proven that cell-mediated immunity is the most important mechanism for establishing the protective and permanent immune response to leishmaniasis. The immune responses of Th1 and Th2 are associated with resistance and susceptibility to infection, respectively (30). Genetic variations of the host and parasite and other factors such as the location, inoculum size, and the number of infected bites received by the host are other factors influencing immune responses to leishmaniasis (31).

On the other hand, macrophages and/or dendritic cells (DCs) play critical roles as two dominant antigen-presenting cells (APCs), intervening in the resistance and susceptibility. These cells' performance could determine the initiation, development, and maintenance of protective immunity. It was proven that internalized amastigote forms in macrophages employ several mechanisms to alter cell-signaling pathways, finally suppressing inflammatory cytokine production (32). Protective immunity established by Th1 response and promoting early natural killer (NK) cell activities subsequent of IL-12 production by DCs (33). Nonetheless, the precise mechanisms of naive CD4+T cell differentiation are still unclear. The activity of granulocytes and other immune cells is increased during human VL (Figure 3) (34).

Immunological pathways against leishmaniasis adapted from Elshafie et al. 2011 (34).
Immunological pathways against leishmaniasis adapted from Elshafie et al. 2011 (34).
Figure 3.

Immunological pathways against leishmaniasis adapted from Elshafie et al. 2011 (34).

3.1. Approach 1: Recombinant Vaccines

Although there are different approaches to designing vaccines against leishmaniasis (Figure 4) (35), molecular approaches are investigated in this review. Recombinant protein vaccines are produced by genetically engineered cells (36). Numerous proteins have been evaluated as potential candidates. The first one is LEISH-F1, a protein conserved among several species of Leishmania, such as L. donovani and L. infantum/L. chagasi (4).

Different vaccines against leishmaniasis adapted from Srivastava et al. 2016 (35).
Different vaccines against leishmaniasis adapted from Srivastava et al. 2016 (35).
Figure 4.

Different vaccines against leishmaniasis adapted from Srivastava et al. 2016 (35).

KMP-11 is another candidate that T cell anergy with IL-2 production has been found together with severe specific anti-KMP-11 (37). Recombinant Hydrophilic Acylated Surface Protein B1 (HASPB1) has demonstrated good protection in the animal model of VL (38). A notable (70%) delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to Leishmania antigen was revealed in vaccines compared to controls (39). Recent vaccines against leishmaniasis are listed in Table 1.

Table 1.

The List of Leishmaniasis Vaccines

NamesInfectionsType of VaccineTest ModelsMode of Protection
ProteinDNAPartialComplete
KMP 11Leishmania mexicana+Rodent+
Leish F1L. donovani+Clinical trial+
Leish 111fL. donovani+Rodent+
HASPB1L. donovani+Rodent+
Leish-f1+MPL-SEL. infantum+Clinical trial+
rSMTL. donovani+Rodent+
A2L. infantum+Rodent+
Leish-110fL. infantum+Rodent+
LD91+LD72+ LD51+LD31L. donovani+Rodent+
(P-8 PGLC)L. pifanoi+Dog+
rCDV-LACK, rCDV-TSA, and rCDV-LmSTI1L. Mexicana+Dog+
Gp63L. donovani+Rodent+
TRYPL. infantum+Dog+
NH36L. donovani+Rodent+
Proteophosphoglycans (PPGs)L. donovani+Rodent+
ORFFL. donovani+Rodent+
LPG 3L. infantum+Rodent+
LEISHDNAVAXL. infantum+Rodent+

Cysteine proteinase type III (CPC) is another target applied using a prime-boost strategy in susceptible mice (40). A clinical trial has evaluated Leish-111F. Three molecules are fused to form Leish-111F polyprotein, including L. major stress-inducible protein-1 (LmSTI1), L. braziliensis elongation and initiation factor (LeIF), and L. major homolog of eukaryotic thiol-specific antioxidant (TSA) (41). The high immunogenicity and promising protective efficacy of Leish-111F against L. infantum have been proven recently (42). In clinical trials, the Leish-111F vaccine is known as LeishF1 and has been evaluated in combination with MPL-SE adjuvant.

Leish-F1-MPL-SE was well-tolerated by volunteers with or without previous VL exposure, with no side effects (4). The acceptable protectivity effects of induction of Leish-111F formulated with special emulsion, provided infrastructure for designing clinical trials with Leish-111F/MPL-SE usage (Leish-111F-MPL-SE) (4). Up to 99.6% reduction in the parasite load in in-vivo models of immunized hamsters and mice approved that Leish-111F-MPL-SE induces appropriate immune response and protection against L. infantum infection.

The protective and immunostimulatory effects of prime-boost pORT-LACK/MVA-LACK have been proven. The recombinant L. major H2B protein and its amino- and carboxyl-terminal regions are two important candidates (43). BALB/c mice were vaccinated against L. infantum infection by a recombinant L. tarentolae that expressed L. donovani-specific A2 protein (44). Leishmania infantum sterol 24-c-methyltransferase (rSMT) has been introduced as an effective vaccine in an experimental model of VL (45).

Several unique antigenic proteins (S4, S6, L3, and L5) have been detected in the Leishmania ribosome, and the first study was performed in the cutaneous leishmaniasis in-vivo. The administration of L. major ribosomal proteins L3 (LmL3) or LmL5 combined with CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODN) could protect BALB/c mice (46). Phlebotomus papatasi salivary protein 15 (PpSP15) is a vaccine candidate against L. major infection. Modality confers strong protection against L. major infection (47). Another in-vivo effort has recently been made to examine the efficacy of Leish-Tec®, an A2-based vaccine against visceral leishmaniasis (48).

3.2. Approach 2: Antigen Cocktail Vaccines

Entrapped leishmanial antigens, such as LD91 (91-kDa), LD72 (72-kDa), LD51 (51-kDa), and LD31 (31-kDa) in a cationic liposome as the adjuvant, were used as vaccines against leishmaniasis (49). The P-8 proteoglycolipid complex (P-8 PGLC), an amastigote antigen of L. pifanoi, could induce protection (50). Sterol 24-c-methyltransferase (SMT), cysteine proteinase B (CPB), KMP11, hydrophilic acylated surface protein B (K26/HASPB), A2, and nucleoside hydrolyses (NH) are suitable antigens for antigen cocktail vaccines. These antigens produce a Th1-type immune response (51). Also, the cocktail of rCDV-TSA, rCDV-LmSTI1, and rCDV-LACK has been investigated in the main reservoir (52). Recently, immunogenicity and protection effects of cationic liposomes containing imiquimod adjuvant have been assessed (53-55).

3.3. Approach 3: DNA and Chimerical DNA Vaccines

Due to their protein structure and antigenicity, DNA vaccines may be more effective against Leishmania than live-attenuated or killed vaccines (4). Although DNA vaccines lead to an immune response and protection against the antigen, their delivery is a significant concern (56). DNA vaccines have attracted researchers' attention as remarkable innovations in the immunization field due to their unique features (57). LACK is the most studied DNA vaccine against leishmaniasis. Heterogonous prime-boost with glycoprotein 63 (GP63) antigen provided durable protection against L. donovani correlated with intracellular immunity (58). GP63 is a major surface protein found in both forms (amastigote and promastigote) of parasites and is a good candidate for DNA vaccines (59).

The intramuscular DNA vaccine containing 10 antigens of Leishmania is a suitable DNA vaccine (60). One of the safe and immunogenic vaccines in outbred dogs is a prime/boost DNA/modified vaccinia virus Ankara vaccine, expressing recombinant Leishmania DNA encoding tryparedoxin peroxidase (TRYP) (61). Vaccination by nucleoside hydrolase-DNA vaccines against L. donovani has shown promising results as a novel approach for disease treatment and control (62).

The FMLSAP vaccine against L. donovani NH36 gene, induces a significant cross-protective response. For the prevention and control of infectious disease, the polytope approach of gene immunization is a valuable method to deliver T cell epitopes (63). The DNA encoding proteophosphoglycans (PPGs) gene was studied as a vaccine candidate. Leishmania antigens in cationic liposomes with non-coding pDNA-bearing immune-stimulatory lead to suitable protection against L. major (64). The open reading frame F (ORFF) protein, which is presented in both promastigote and amastigote forms, is another candidate for DNA vaccines (65).

Ubiquity conjugation of ORFF DNA leads to immune response (65). Lipophosphoglycan (LPG) is a parasite virulence factor with high immunogenicity (66). Recently, DNA vaccine performance has been assessed in L. amazonensis-infected animal models (67). The immunogenic effect of the multi-antigen T-cell epitope-enriched DNA vaccine, LEISHDNAVAX, has been demonstrated in the Leishmania-infected experimental model. DNA vaccination with LPG3 of L. infantum induces parasite-specific protective Th1 responses (66).

The L. donovani kinesis motor domain region is a possible vaccine candidate against VL (68). Intracellular transport of diverse cargoes and cell division is crucial in this system. Nearly 20% of VL patients will experience tuberculosis. A novel chimerical DNA vaccine candidate comprising the esat-6 gene of M. tuberculosis and the kinesis motor domain gene of L. donovani are attractive chimerical vaccines (69). As both M.tuberculosis and L. donovani are intracellular pathogens, the chimerical DNA construct leads to a cellular immune response. The novel chimerical DNA vaccine could be a potential immunoprotective candidate for conquering leishmaniasis (Figure 5) (69).

A novel chimeric DNA vaccine comprising the esat-6 gene of M. tuberculosis. B, The kinesin motor domain gene of Leishmania donovani adapted from Dey et al., 2009 (69).
A novel chimeric DNA vaccine comprising the esat-6 gene of M. tuberculosis. B, The kinesin motor domain gene of Leishmania donovani adapted from Dey et al., 2009 (69).
Figure 5.

A novel chimeric DNA vaccine comprising the esat-6 gene of M. tuberculosis. B, The kinesin motor domain gene of Leishmania donovani adapted from Dey et al., 2009 (69).

4. Conclusions

4.1. Future of Vaccines, Implications, and Restrictions

The primary step in vaccine advancement against diseases is shifting from laboratory testing to field studies. This process has various concerns, including safety and benefits in clinical usage. These constraints increase sophisticated human ethical concerns in the survey for appropriate vaccines. Moreover, vast knowledge of immunoprophylaxis and immunological memory maintenance is required to design scientific vaccine trials.

Acknowledgements

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