VLP-Based Vaccines as a Suitable Technology to Target Trypanosomatid Diseases.

Aline Maria Vasconcelos Queiroz,Cláudia Jassica Moreno,Diego M A Guérin,Johny Wysllas De Freitas Oliveira,Marcelo Sousa Silva

doi:10.3390/vaccines9030220

Abstract

Research on vaccines against trypanosomatids, a family of protozoa that cause neglected tropical diseases, such as Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and sleeping sickness, is a current need. Today, according to modern vaccinology, virus-like particle (VLP) technology is involved in many vaccines, including those undergoing studies related to COVID-19. The potential use of VLPs as vaccine adjuvants opens an opportunity for the use of protozoan antigens for the development of vaccines against diseases caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania spp., and Trypanosoma brucei. In this context, it is important to consider the evasion mechanisms of these protozoa in the host and the antigens involved in the mechanisms of the parasite–host interaction. Thus, the immunostimulatory properties of VLPs can be part of an important strategy for the development and evaluation of new vaccines. This work aims to highlight the potential of VLPs as vaccine adjuvants for the development of immunity in complex diseases, specifically in the context of tropical diseases caused by trypanosomatids.

Highlights

Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei, and Leishmania spp. are flagellate parasites that belong to the Trypanosomatidae family and have a complex life cycle between invertebrate and mammalian hosts, where they cause Chagas disease, African trypanosomiasis, and leishmaniasis, respectively (Figure 1)
In the context of malaria, caused by a protozoan of the genus Plasmodium, the presence of lasting immunity is observed when different vaccine prototypes are produced using antigens associated with virus-like particle (VLP) [27,28,29]
For the development of vaccines against these trypanosomatids of medical importance, VLPs are presented as alternatives to induce immunity in a polarized way, since the mechanisms of resistance and susceptibilities of these infections are related to the immune response polarization that occurs during a natural infection

Summary

Introduction

Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei, and Leishmania spp. are flagellate parasites that belong to the Trypanosomatidae family and have a complex life cycle between invertebrate and mammalian hosts, where they cause Chagas disease, African trypanosomiasis, and leishmaniasis, respectively (Figure 1) These diseases mainly affect economically vulnerable populations, leading to thousands of annual deaths and major public health problems [1]. To ensure survival during infection, these protozoa have developed sophisticated evasion mechanisms to circumvent the immune system and virulence factors that facilitate the maintenance of the parasite–host interaction Their invasion and embedment in various tissues lead to the establishment of the chronicity of these diseases. Manipulation) the objective of this work is to reflect on the use of VLPs as vaccine adjuvants in the context represent an interesting biomedical application for the development of state-of-the-art of infections bythe trypanosomatids of medical importance. Objective of this work is to reflect on the use of VLPs as vaccine adjuvants in the context of infections by trypanosomatids of medical importance

Application of theconformation

Vaccines to Control Diseases Caused by Trypanosomatids

Development of Vaccines Based on VLPs: A Checklist

Final Considerations and Conclusions