{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Vaccine efficacy induced by virus-like particles containing Leishmania donovani surface glycoprotein GP63.
{Author}: Yoon KW;Chu KB;Eom GD;Mao J;Quan FS;
{Journal}: PLoS Negl Trop Dis
{Volume}: 18
{Issue}: 6
{Year}: 2024 Jun
暂无{DOI}: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012229
{Abstract}: Leishmania donovani surface glycoprotein 63 (GP63) is a major virulence factor involved in parasite escape and immune evasion. In this study, we generated virus-like particles (VLPs) expressing L. donovani GP63 using the baculovirus expression system. Mice were intramuscularly immunized with GP63-VLPs and challenged with L. donovani promastigotes. GP63-VLP immunization elicited higher levels of L. donovani antigen-specific serum antibodies and enhanced splenic B cell, germinal center B cell, CD4+, and CD8+ T cell responses compared to unimmunized controls. GP63-VLPs inhibited the influx of pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ and IL-6 in the livers, as well as thwarting the development of splenomegaly in immunized mice. Upon L. donovani challenge infection, a drastic reduction in splenic parasite burden was observed in VLP-immunized mice. These results indicate that GP63-VLPs immunization conferred protection against L. donovani challenge infection by inducing humoral and cellular immunity in mice.