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Vaccines
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Parasitic Infections: Therapy for Host Immunity and Vaccination
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Parasitic Infections: Therapy for Host Immunity and Vaccination

A special issue of Vaccines (ISSN 2076-393X). This special issue belongs to the section "Vaccines against Tropical and other Infectious Diseases".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2025) | Viewed by 9975

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. José Manuel Molina Caballero

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Guest Editor
Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, Spain
Interests: immunology, treatment and control of coccidiosis and gastrointestinal nematodes in small ruminants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Antonio Ruiz Reyes

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Animal Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, Spain
Interests: immunology, treatment and control of coccidiosis and gastrointestinal nematodes in small ruminants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over the last few decades, there has been extensive research into pharmaceutical alternatives to deal with adverse effects caused by parasites in humans and animals. This is mainly due to the development of resistance to antiparasitic drugs and the ecological problems associated with pharmacological residues in the environment and animal products for human consumption. However, there are still very few tools available to address more complex parasitic groups, such as helminths and arthropods. Many alternative strategies focus on enhancing the immune response of hosts to reduce parasite development. However, the results have not always been as expected, possibly due to the complexity of host–parasite interactions and environmental involvement.

We welcome original manuscripts, reviews, brief communications, meta-analyses, and other types of articles reporting vaccination and therapy trials against parasites for a Special Issue in Vaccines. We encourage the analysis of immune mechanisms against parasites and the relationship between protection and antiparasitic control strategies.

Prof. Dr. José Manuel Molina Caballero
Dr. Antonio Ruiz Reyes
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Vaccines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • immune response
  • parasites
  • helminths
  • arthropods
  • protozoa
  • therapy
  • vaccination

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 2191 KB  
Article
Evaluation of Quillaja brasiliensis Saponin-Based Nanoparticles Combined with Leucine Aminopeptidases for Immunoprotection of Sheep Against Fasciola hepatica
by Jackeline Checa, Antonella Goyeche, Renzo Vettorazzi, Pablo Alonzo, Oscar Correa, Walter Norbis, Estela Castillo, Martin Cancela, Andrea Rossi, Fernando Silveira and Gabriela Maggioli
Vaccines 2025, 13(10), 1008; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13101008 - 26 Sep 2025
Viewed by 416
Abstract
Background: Fasciola hepatica causes important economic losses in ruminants with only pharmacological treatments currently available, which produces several secondary problems. Because of this, vaccines have become an interesting alternative. Leucine aminopeptidases (LAPs) are attractive vaccine targets against fasciolosis since they play essential [...] Read more.
Background: Fasciola hepatica causes important economic losses in ruminants with only pharmacological treatments currently available, which produces several secondary problems. Because of this, vaccines have become an interesting alternative. Leucine aminopeptidases (LAPs) are attractive vaccine targets against fasciolosis since they play essential roles in the parasite such as host invasion and nutrient acquisition. To characterize immune responses, we produced two recombinant F. hepatica LAPs (FhLAP1 and FhLAP2), formulated with ISCOM-matrices (IMXs) nanoparticles from Quillaja brasiliensis saponins. Methods: Forty female Corriedale sheep were assigned to four groups (n = 10): FhLAP1/IMX, FhLAP1/FhLAP2/IMX, IMX (control), and FhLAP1/Adj50 (Adjuvac 50). Animals received two subcutaneous immunizations at weeks 0 and 4 and were challenged orally with 200 metacercariae at week 6. Results: FhLAP1 and FhLAP1/FhLAP2 induced specific IgG responses, with the predominance of the IgG1 response. However, these responses were lower than those generated by FhLAP1 formulated with Adj50. A qPCR analysis revealed that FhLAP1/IMX stimulated a Th1-type response profile before the challenge, but this profile was not sustained after infection. The post-infection profile of FhLAP1/FhLAP2/IMX was more congruent with expected values despite not achieving a robust IFN-γ expression. No significant differences in the fluke burden were observed. Conclusions: Further research on the optimal antigen/adjuvant combination in ruminants is encouraged. For instance, a higher concentration of adjuvant in the formulation used in this work may enhance the strength and duration of the inflammatory response and improve protective immunity against fasciolosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Infections: Therapy for Host Immunity and Vaccination)
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25 pages, 2815 KB  
Article
CXCR5 Signals Fine-Tune Dendritic Cell Transcription and Regulate TH2 Development
by Miranda L. Curtiss, Natalia Ballesteros Benavides, Alexander F. Rosenberg, Christopher D. Scharer, Beatriz León and Frances E. Lund
Vaccines 2025, 13(9), 943; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13090943 - 3 Sep 2025
Viewed by 596
Abstract
Background/Objectives: We previously demonstrated that dendritic cell (DC) expression of CXCR5 is required for TH2 priming in mice infected with the helminth Heligmosomoides polygyrus (Hp). In this manuscript we examined how CXCR5 controls DC mediated CD4 T helper 2 cell [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: We previously demonstrated that dendritic cell (DC) expression of CXCR5 is required for TH2 priming in mice infected with the helminth Heligmosomoides polygyrus (Hp). In this manuscript we examined how CXCR5 controls DC mediated CD4 T helper 2 cell (TH2) development. Methods: We used in vitro TH2 priming assays, RNA-seq analyses and in vivo Hp infection mouse models to identify roles for the CXCR5-expressing DCs in TH2 development. Results: We showed that migratory conventional type 2 dendritic cells (cDC2) express CXCR5 and that deletion of Cxcr5 prevents migratory DC priming of TH2 cells in vitro while overexpression of CXCR5 enhances migratory DC priming of TH2 cells in vitro. To understand how CXCR5 facilitates the TH2 priming capabilities of migratory cDC2 cells, we performed RNAseq analysis on wildtype and Cxcr5−/− DC subsets isolated from msLN of Hp-infected mice. We observed that CXCR5 expression specifically by the migratory cDC2 subset promoted a pro-proliferative transcriptional program in cDC2 cells and was required for cDC2 cell accumulation in the msLN following Hp infection. We demonstrated that CXCR5 expression specifically by cDC2 cells was necessary for upregulation of Chitinase 3-like-1 (Chi3l1), which encodes a secreted protein (Chi3l1) that regulates allergic TH2 responses. We showed that addition of recombinant Chi3l1 protein to in vitro TH2 priming cultures enhanced TH2 development and that deletion of Chi3l1 specifically in DCs resulted in fewer cDC2 cells and decreased TH2 development in vivo following Hp infection. Conclusions: CXCR5 expressed by cDC2 cells is required for induction of Chi3l1, which in turn promotes the TH2 priming capacity of these DCs. These findings provide insight into the actions of CXCR5 and Chi3l1 in helminth infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Infections: Therapy for Host Immunity and Vaccination)
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14 pages, 2746 KB  
Article
Immunomodulation of Patients with Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis at Different Stages: A 12-Month Follow-Up Study Using LaSap
by Kelvinson Fernandes Viana, Adrieli Barboza de Souza, Sara Torres, Maria Camila Escobar Garcia, Açucena Veleh Rivas, Alex Sander Rodrigues Cangussu, Francisca Hildemagna Guedes da Silva and Rodolfo Cordeiro Giunchetti
Vaccines 2025, 13(9), 933; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines13090933 - 1 Sep 2025
Viewed by 935
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is one of the main neglected protozoan diseases in the world. Dogs play a fundamental role in the maintenance of Leishmania infantum in the Americas, and we have already encountered resistance problems with drugs currently used in [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is one of the main neglected protozoan diseases in the world. Dogs play a fundamental role in the maintenance of Leishmania infantum in the Americas, and we have already encountered resistance problems with drugs currently used in these animals. Methods: In view of this, two new immunotherapeutic protocols were tested in 48 dogs, using L. amazonensis antigens plus saponin (LaSap) and only L. amazonensis antigens (La) as a control group. Dogs naturally infected with L. infantum were divided into four groups, according to clinical staging. A total of 24 dogs (stages 1 and 2) received a four-dose protocol, and another 24 dogs (stages 3 to 5) received six doses. All animals received a booster dose every three months until they were one year old. Results: Our results showed that dogs in the early stages of the disease respond better and are able to remain stable for longer, maintaining baseline laboratory biomarkers, in addition to having a lower parasite load. Conclusions: On the other hand, dogs in more advanced stages have a poor response, with stage 3 being a key point in clinical progression or regression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Infections: Therapy for Host Immunity and Vaccination)
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23 pages, 3742 KB  
Article
A Head-to-Head Comparative Study of the Replication-Competent Vaccinia Virus and AAV1-Based Malaria Vaccine versus RTS,S/AS01 in Murine Models
by Kartika Hardianti Zainal, Ammar Abdurrahman Hasyim, Yutaro Yamamoto, Tetsushi Mizuno, Yuna Sato, Sani Hadiyan Rasyid, Mamoru Niikura, Yu-ichi Abe, Mitsuhiro Iyori, Hiroaki Mizukami, Hisatoshi Shida and Shigeto Yoshida
Vaccines 2024, 12(10), 1155; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12101155 - 10 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2351
Abstract
Background/Objectives: We developed a multistage Plasmodium falciparum vaccine using a heterologous prime-boost immunization strategy. This involved priming with a highly attenuated, replication-competent vaccinia virus strain LC16m8Δ (m8Δ) and boosting with adeno-associated virus type 1 (AAV1). This approach demonstrated 100% efficacy in both [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: We developed a multistage Plasmodium falciparum vaccine using a heterologous prime-boost immunization strategy. This involved priming with a highly attenuated, replication-competent vaccinia virus strain LC16m8Δ (m8Δ) and boosting with adeno-associated virus type 1 (AAV1). This approach demonstrated 100% efficacy in both protection and transmission-blocking in a murine model. In this study, we compared our LC16m8∆/AAV1 vaccine, which harbors a gene encoding Pfs25-PfCSP fusion protein, to RTS,S/AS01 (RTS,S) in terms of immune responses, protective efficacy, and transmission-blocking activity (TBA) in murine models. Methods: Mice were immunized following prime-boost vaccine regimens m8∆/AAV1 or RTS,S and challenged with transgenic Plasmodium berghei parasites. Immune responses were assessed via ELISA, and TB efficacy was evaluated using direct feeding assays. Results: m8∆/AAV1 provided complete protection (100%) in BALB/c mice and moderate (40%) protection in C57BL/6 mice, similar to RTS,S. Unlike RTS,S’s narrow focus (repeat region), m8∆/AAV1 triggered antibodies for all PfCSP regions (N-terminus, repeat, and C-terminus) with balanced Th1/Th2 ratios. Regarding transmission blockade, serum from m8∆/AAV1-vaccinated BALB/c mice achieved substantial transmission-reducing activity (TRA = 83.02%) and TB activity (TBA = 38.98%)—attributes not observed with RTS,S. Furthermore, m8∆/AAV1 demonstrated durable TB efficacy (94.31% TRA and 63.79% TBA) 100 days post-immunization. Conclusions: These results highlight m8∆/AAV1′s dual action in preventing sporozoite invasion and onward transmission, a significant advantage over RTS,S. Consequently, m8∆/AAV1 represents an alternative and a promising vaccine candidate that can enhance malaria control and elimination strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Infections: Therapy for Host Immunity and Vaccination)
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25 pages, 5587 KB  
Article
Protective Efficacy of the Epitope-Conjugated Antigen N-Tc52/TSkb20 in Mitigating Trypanosoma cruzi Infection through CD8+ T-Cells and IFNγ Responses
by María Elisa Vázquez, Brenda A. Zabala, Andrea C. Mesías, Lucia Biscari, Cintia D. Kaufman, Andrés Alloatti, Francesco Siano, Gianluca Picariello, Natalia S. Corbalán, Bladimiro A. Lenis, Marta A. Toscano, Cecilia M. Parodi, Cecilia M. Pérez Brandán and Leonardo Acuña
Vaccines 2024, 12(6), 621; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12060621 - 4 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2280
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, remains a major public health challenge affecting millions in Latin America and worldwide. Although significant progress has been made in vector control, no vaccine exists to prevent infection or mitigate disease pathogenesis. We developed [...] Read more.
Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, remains a major public health challenge affecting millions in Latin America and worldwide. Although significant progress has been made in vector control, no vaccine exists to prevent infection or mitigate disease pathogenesis. We developed a rationally designed chimeric protein vaccine, N-Tc52/TSkb20, incorporating immunodominant epitopes from two T. cruzi antigens, the amino-terminal portion of Tc52 and the TSkb20 epitope derived from trans-sialidase. The objectives of this study were to construct and characterize the antigen and evaluate its protective potential in an immunoprophylactic murine model of T. cruzi infection. The N-Tc52/TSkb20 protein was recombinantly expressed in E. coli and its identity was confirmed using mass spectrometry and Western blotting. Immunization with the chimeric protein significantly controlled parasitemia and reduced the heart, colon, and skeletal muscle parasite burdens compared to non-vaccinated mice. Protection was superior to vaccination with the individual parental antigen components. Mechanistically, the vaccine induced potent CD8+ T-cell and IFNγ responses against the incorporated epitopes and a protective IgG antibody profile. A relatively low IL-10 response favored early parasite control. These results validate the promising multi-epitope approach and support the continued development of this type of rational vaccine design strategy against Chagas disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Infections: Therapy for Host Immunity and Vaccination)
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15 pages, 2259 KB  
Article
Analysis of Protection and Immune Response against Teladorsagia circumcincta in Goats Immunised with Thiol-Binding Proteins from Adult Worms
by Leire Ortega, Jessica Quesada, Antonio Ruiz, Magnolia María Conde-Felipe, Otilia Ferrer, María del Carmen Muñoz, José Adrián Molina, Francisco Rodríguez and José Manuel Molina
Vaccines 2024, 12(4), 437; https://doi.org/10.3390/vaccines12040437 - 18 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2404
Abstract
In view of the increasing occurrence of anthelmintic-resistant strains of gastrointestinal nematodes in ruminants, various alternative control strategies have been investigated, such as those based on the induction of protective immune responses by immunisation with parasite antigens. In this study, the protective activity [...] Read more.
In view of the increasing occurrence of anthelmintic-resistant strains of gastrointestinal nematodes in ruminants, various alternative control strategies have been investigated, such as those based on the induction of protective immune responses by immunisation with parasite antigens. In this study, the protective activity of somatic antigens from adult worms of Teladorsagia circumcincta purified by affinity chromatography on thiol-sepharose was analysed in goats. After challenge, the enriched products induced a slight reduction in the cumulative faecal egg counts (21%) and in the number of worms (23.3%), with a greater effect on female worms, which also showed a reduction in parameters related to their fertility. These parasitological findings were associated with a Th2 immune response, with a prominent local humoral response and an eosinophilic infiltrate in the gastric mucosa (negatively associated with the fertility of female worms and the number of worms, respectively), as well as an infiltration of MCHII+, CD4+, IgG+ and IgA+ cells. However, several analyses showed an increase in CD8+ cells in the mucosa, as well as IL-2 expression in the gastric lymph nodes, which may have been associated with inhibition of protective responses or with the development of mixed Th1/Th2 responses, a finding that should be analysed in future studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Infections: Therapy for Host Immunity and Vaccination)
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