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Clinical and Experimental Vaccine... Oct 2023Due to the many problems with commercially available vaccines, the production of effective vaccines against brucellosis is a necessity. The aim of this study was to...
PURPOSE
Due to the many problems with commercially available vaccines, the production of effective vaccines against brucellosis is a necessity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immune responses caused by the chimeric protein consisting of trigger factor, Bp26, and Omp31 (TBO) along with aluminum hydroxide (AH/TBO) and selenium (Se/TBO) nanoparticles (NPs) as adjuvants in mouse model.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Recombinant antigen expression was induced in BL21 (DE3) bacteria using IPTG (isopropyl-d-1-thiogalactopyranoside). Purification and characterization of recombinant protein was conducted through NiFeO NPs, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and Western blot. NP characteristics, including morphology and particle size, were measured . The recombinant TBO was loaded on to AH and Se NPs and were administered subcutaneously. After mice immunization, measurement of antibody titter and protection assay was performed.
RESULTS
The average sizes of AH and Se NPs were about 60 nm and 150 nm, respectively. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results showed that the serum of mice immunized by subcutaneous injection with both nanovaccines produced significant immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses against the chimeric antigen. The results of TBO-specific IgG isotype (IgG2a/IgG1) analysis showed that both AH and Se NPs induced a type to T-helper immune response. In addition, the results of the challenge with the pathogenic strain of 16M showed that vaccinated mice with AH/TBO NPs indicated a higher reduction of bacterial culture than immunized mice with Se/TBO NPs and TBO alone.
CONCLUSION
The results showed that AH NPs carrying chimeric antigen can be a promising vaccine candidate against brucellosis by producing protective immunity.
PubMed: 38025913
DOI: 10.7774/cevr.2023.12.4.304 -
Chemosphere Oct 2023Sulfur dioxide (SO) gas at trace levels challenges the consumption of fuel gases and cleaning of flue gases originating from diverse anthropogenic sources. We have...
Sulfur dioxide (SO) gas at trace levels challenges the consumption of fuel gases and cleaning of flue gases originating from diverse anthropogenic sources. We have demonstrated Zn-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) and layered double oxide (LDO) as low-cost and effective adsorbents in removing lowly concentrated SO gas at room temperature. Water in the adsorbent bed significantly improved the performance, where the maximum adsorption capacity of 38.0 mg g was achieved for LDO. Based on the spectroscopic findings, the adsorbed gas molecules were oxidized to surface-bound sulfate/bisulfate species, showing complete mineralization of SO molecules. By employing an inexpensive NaOH-HO solution-based regeneration strategy, we successfully regenerated the spent LDO, significantly restoring its gas uptake capacity. The regenerated oxide exhibited an increased gas uptake capacity ranging from 38.0 to 98.5 mg g, highlighting the practicality and economic feasibility of our approach. LDH/LDO materials are promising regenerable adsorbents for removing low concentrations of SO gas in ambient conditions.
Topics: Sulfur Dioxide; Aluminum; Oxides; Aluminum Hydroxide; Zinc; Temperature; Hydrogen Peroxide; Hydroxides; Acids; Adsorption
PubMed: 37453522
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139503 -
Journal of Medical Virology Aug 2023Protein subunit vaccines have been used as prophylactic vaccines for a long time. The well-established properties of these vaccines make them the first choice for the...
Protein subunit vaccines have been used as prophylactic vaccines for a long time. The well-established properties of these vaccines make them the first choice for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. However, it is not easy to develop a protein vaccine that induces cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses and requires a longer time for manufacturing, which limits the usage of this vaccine type. Here, we report the combination of a recombinant spike (S)-trimer protein with a DNA vaccine-encoded S protein as a novel COVID-19 vaccine. The recombinant S protein was formulated with different adjuvants and mixed with the DNA plasmid before injection. We found that the recombinant S protein formulated with the adjuvant aluminum hydroxide and mixed with the DNA plasmid could enhance antigen-specific antibody titers, neutralizing antibody titers. We further evaluated the IgG2a/IgG1 isotype and cytokine profiles of the specific boosted T-cell response, which indicated that the combined vaccine induced a T-helper 1 cell-biased immune response. Immunized hamsters were challenged with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and the body weight of the hamsters that received the recombinant S protein with aluminum hydroxide and/or the DNA plasmid was not reduced. Alternatively, those that received control or only the DNA plasmid immunization were reduced. Interestingly, after the third day of the viral load in the lungs, the viral challenge could not be detected in hamsters immunized with the recombinant S protein in aluminum hydroxide mixed with DNA (tissue culture infectious dose < 10). The viral load in the lungs was 10 , 10 , and 10 for the phosphate-buffered saline, protein in aluminum hydroxide, and DNA-only immunizations, respectively. These results indicated that antiviral mechanisms neutralizing antibodies play important roles. Furthermore, we found that the combination of protein and DNA vaccination could induce relatively strong CD8 T-cell responses. In summary, the protein subunit vaccine combined with a DNA vaccine could induce strong CD8 T-cell responses to increase antiviral immunity for disease control.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Cricetinae; SARS-CoV-2; Aluminum Hydroxide; Vaccines, DNA; COVID-19 Vaccines; Protein Subunits; COVID-19; DNA; Immunity, Cellular; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Adjuvants, Pharmaceutic; Antiviral Agents
PubMed: 37635380
DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29040 -
Heliyon Aug 2023Aluminum salts are by far the most widely used adjuvants for human vaccines, showing acceptable safety and efficacy. Previous studies have shown that each aluminum...
Aluminum salts are by far the most widely used adjuvants for human vaccines, showing acceptable safety and efficacy. Previous studies have shown that each aluminum adjuvant have different charges and morphologies, but whether the manufacturing and production processes affects the physicochemical properties of aluminum adjuvant has not yet been reported. In this study, we explored the physical and chemical properties of different aluminum adjuvants and Hib, sIPV antigens through particle size, zeta potential and morphological characteristics. The adsorption rate and efficacy were also investigated. The results showed that the preparation process had an impact on the physical and chemical properties of aluminum adjuvants, including differences in the particle size,zeta potential and morphological structure. Hib vaccine had larger particle size than sIPV vaccine with different aluminum adjuvants in the process of vaccine preparation. In addition, by measuring the adsorption rate, increasing the concentration of phosphate or Aluminum phosphate (AP) can improve the adsorption rate of Hib, but Aluminium hydroxide (AH) and amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate (AAHS) adjuvants are not affected. result showed that increasing the adsorption rate of Hib could enhance the Hib-IgG antibody titers. In conclusion, this study provides a reference for the application of adjuvants in vaccines by studying the physicochemical properties and adsorption conditions of different aluminum adjuvants and antigens.
PubMed: 37560692
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18800 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Type I hypersensitivity, or so-called type I allergy, is caused by Th2-mediated immune responses directed against otherwise harmless environmental antigens. Currently,... (Review)
Review
Type I hypersensitivity, or so-called type I allergy, is caused by Th2-mediated immune responses directed against otherwise harmless environmental antigens. Currently, allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only disease-modifying treatment with the potential to re-establish clinical tolerance towards the corresponding allergen(s). However, conventional AIT has certain drawbacks, including long treatment durations, the risk of inducing allergic side effects, and the fact that allergens by themselves have a rather low immunogenicity. To improve AIT, adjuvants can be a powerful tool not only to increase the immunogenicity of co-applied allergens but also to induce the desired immune activation, such as promoting allergen-specific Th1- or regulatory responses. This review summarizes the knowledge on adjuvants currently approved for use in human AIT: aluminum hydroxide, calcium phosphate, microcrystalline tyrosine, and MPLA, as well as novel adjuvants that have been studied in recent years: oil-in-water emulsions, virus-like particles, viral components, carbohydrate-based adjuvants (QS-21, glucans, and mannan) and TLR-ligands (flagellin and CpG-ODN). The investigated adjuvants show distinct properties, such as prolonging allergen release at the injection site, inducing allergen-specific IgG production while also reducing IgE levels, as well as promoting differentiation and activation of different immune cells. In the future, better understanding of the immunological mechanisms underlying the effects of these adjuvants in clinical settings may help us to improve AIT.
Topics: Humans; Desensitization, Immunologic; Hypersensitivity; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Allergens; Aluminum Hydroxide; Adjuvants, Pharmaceutic
PubMed: 38464539
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1348305 -
Scientific Reports Dec 2023The removal of trivalent iron and aluminum was studied from synthetic Li-ion battery leach solution by phosphate and hydroxide precipitation (pH 2.5-4.25, t = 3 h,...
The removal of trivalent iron and aluminum was studied from synthetic Li-ion battery leach solution by phosphate and hydroxide precipitation (pH 2.5-4.25, t = 3 h, T = 60 °C). Phosphate precipitation exhibited both crystal nucleation initiation (pH 2 vs. pH 3) as well as complete (~ 99%) Fe and Al removal at lower pH compared to hydroxide precipitation (pH 3 vs. 3.5). The precipitation time of phosphate was shorter (40 min) than that of hydroxide precipitation (80 min). At pH 4 the loss of valuable metals (Li, Ni, Co) in the precipitate was negligible in the phosphate cake, whereas in the hydroxide process the co-precipitation was 4-5% for Li, Ni and Co. The filtration rate of phosphate precipitate was shown to be significantly faster. The presence of fluoride did not have any notable effect on phosphate precipitation, whereas in hydroxide precipitation, it potentially had a negative effect on aluminum extraction.
PubMed: 38052892
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48247-6 -
Clinical Oral Investigations Sep 2023To compare and evaluate the clinical and radiographic performance, post-operative pain, and anti-inflammatory intake after partial pulpotomy (PP) with calcium hydroxide... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
AIM
To compare and evaluate the clinical and radiographic performance, post-operative pain, and anti-inflammatory intake after partial pulpotomy (PP) with calcium hydroxide (CH), mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Biodentine (BD), and Emdogain (EMD) as pulp capping agents in mature permanent molars with definitive diagnosis of reversible pulpitis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
As part of this prospective, randomized clinical trial with four parallel arms (CTRI Registration No.: CTRI/2020/11/029329 dated 24/11/2020), hundred and ten permanent molars with a clinical diagnosis of reversible pulpitis and normal apical tissues, from patients between the ages of 15 and 45 years, were recruited and randomly assigned to four groups-CH, MTA, BD, and EMD. Operative procedure was performed under local anesthesia and dental dam isolation. After carious pulpal exposure, 2 mm of superficially inflamed coronal pulp tissue was amputated and either of the four pulp capping materials was placed. The outcome assessment was carried out at 1, 3, 6, and 12 month(s) and was categorized as success (asymptomatic patients with PAI score = 1) or failure (symptomatic patients or PAI score > 1).
RESULTS
There was a significant difference in post-operative pain and anti-inflammatory medication intake after partial pulpotomy with Emdogain vis-à-vis other three capping agents. No difference in both clinical and radiographic performances was observed among the four capping agents.
CONCLUSION
Partial pulpotomy when performed following evidence-based guidelines results in high success rates regardless of capping agent employed. EMD can be considered a valid and suitable pulp capping agent in PP.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Meticulous examination and removal of superficially inflamed pulp under magnification and complete asepsis lead to successful pulpal healing regardless of capping agent employed.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Young Adult; Adult; Middle Aged; Pulpotomy; Pulpitis; Prospective Studies; Oxides; Calcium Compounds; Treatment Outcome; Calcium Hydroxide; Pulp Capping and Pulpectomy Agents; Silicates; Aluminum Compounds; Drug Combinations; Pain, Postoperative
PubMed: 37460903
DOI: 10.1007/s00784-023-05136-6 -
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical... Apr 2024Alpha-gal (Galα1-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc) is a carbohydrate with the potential to elicit fatal allergic reactions to mammalian meat and drugs of mammalian origin. This type of...
BACKGROUND
Alpha-gal (Galα1-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc) is a carbohydrate with the potential to elicit fatal allergic reactions to mammalian meat and drugs of mammalian origin. This type of allergy is induced by tick bites, and therapeutic options for this skin-driven food allergy are limited to the avoidance of the allergen and treatment of symptoms. Thus, a better understanding of the immune mechanisms resulting in sensitization through the skin is crucial, especially in the case of a carbohydrate allergen for which underlying immune responses are poorly understood.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to establish a mouse model of alpha-gal allergy for in-depth immunologic analyses.
METHODS
Alpha-galactosyltransferase 1-deficient mice devoid of alpha-gal glycosylations were sensitized with the alpha-gal-carrying self-protein mouse serum albumin by repetitive intracutaneous injections in combination with the adjuvant aluminum hydroxide. The role of basophils and IL-4 in sensitization was investigated by antibody-mediated depletion.
RESULTS
Alpha-gal-sensitized mice displayed increased levels of alpha-gal-specific IgE and IgG and developed systemic anaphylaxis on challenge with both alpha-gal-containing glycoproteins and glycolipids. In accordance with alpha-gal-allergic patients, we detected elevated numbers of basophils at the site of sensitization as well as increased numbers of alpha-gal-specific B cells, germinal center B cells, and B cells of IgE and IgG isotypes in skin-draining lymph nodes. By depleting IL-4 during sensitization, we demonstrated for the first time that sensitization and elicitation of allergy to alpha-gal and correspondingly to a carbohydrate allergen is dependent on IL-4.
CONCLUSION
These findings establish IL-4 as a potential target to interfere with alpha-gal allergy elicited by tick bites.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Mice; Allergens; Anaphylaxis; Food Hypersensitivity; Immunoglobulin E; Immunoglobulin G; Interleukin-4; Mammals; Tick Bites
PubMed: 38135009
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.12.003 -
Vaccines Oct 2023(1) Background: We previously reported the development of a recombinant protein SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, consisting of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2...
(1) Background: We previously reported the development of a recombinant protein SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, consisting of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, adjuvanted with aluminum hydroxide (alum) and CpG oligonucleotides. In mice and non-human primates, our wild-type (WT) RBD vaccine induced high neutralizing antibody titers against the WT isolate of the virus, and, with partners in India and Indonesia, it was later developed into two closely resembling human vaccines, Corbevax and Indovac. Here, we describe the development and characterization of a next-generation vaccine adapted to the recently emerging XBB variants of SARS-CoV-2. (2) Methods: We conducted preclinical studies in mice using a novel yeast-produced SARS-CoV-2 XBB.1.5 RBD subunit vaccine candidate formulated with alum and CpG. We examined the neutralization profile of sera obtained from mice vaccinated twice intramuscularly at a 21-day interval with the XBB.1.5-based RBD vaccine, against WT, Beta, Delta, BA.4, BQ.1.1, BA.2.75.2, XBB.1.16, XBB.1.5, and EG.5.1 SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses. (3) Results: The XBB.1.5 RBD/CpG/alum vaccine elicited a robust antibody response in mice. Furthermore, the serum from vaccinated mice demonstrated potent neutralization against the XBB.1.5 pseudovirus as well as several other Omicron pseudoviruses. However, regardless of the high antibody cross-reactivity with ELISA, the anti-XBB.1.5 RBD antigen serum showed low neutralizing titers against the WT and Delta virus variants. (4) Conclusions: Whereas we observed modest cross-neutralization against Omicron subvariants with the sera from mice vaccinated with the WT RBD/CpG/Alum vaccine or with the BA.4/5-based vaccine, the sera raised against the XBB.1.5 RBD showed robust cross-neutralization. These findings underscore the imminent opportunity for an updated vaccine formulation utilizing the XBB.1.5 RBD antigen.
PubMed: 37896960
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11101557 -
The Science of the Total Environment Nov 2023Coagulation-flocculation-sedimentation (CFS) system has been identified as one of the favored treatment technique in water/wastewater treatment systems and hence, it is... (Review)
Review
Coagulation-flocculation-sedimentation (CFS) system has been identified as one of the favored treatment technique in water/wastewater treatment systems and hence, it is crucial to comprehend the efficacy of different coagulants used in removing microplastics (MPs) from aqueous matrices. Henceforth, this study critically reviews the recent progress and efficacy of different coagulants used to date for MPs removal. This includes laboratory and field-scale studies on inorganic and organic coagulants, as well as laboratory-scale studies on natural coagulants. Inorganic and organic coagulants have varying MPs removal efficiencies such as: Fe/Al-salts (30 %-95 %), alum (99 %), and poly aluminum chloride (13 %-97 %), magnesium hydroxide (84 %), polyamine (99 %), organosilanes (>95 %), and polyacrylamide (85 %-98 %). Moreover, studies have highlighted the use of natural coagulants, such as chitosan, protein amyloid fibrils, and starch has shown promising results in MPs removal with sevral advantages over traditional coagulants. These natural coagulants have demonstrated high MPs removal efficiencies with chitosan-tannic acid (95 %), protein amyloid fibrils (98 %), and starch (>90 %). Moreover, the MPs removal efficiencies of natural coagulants are compared and their predominant removal mechanisms are determined. Plant-based natural coagulants can potentially remove MPs through mechanisms such as polymer bridging and charge neutralization. Further, a systematic analysis on the effect of operational parameters highlights that the pH affects particle surface charge and coagulation efficiency, while mixing speed affects particle aggregation and sedimentation. Also, the optimal mixing speed for effective MPs removal depends on coagulant type and concentration, water composition, and MPs characteristics. Moreover, this work highlights the advantages and limitations of using different coagulants for MPs removal and discusses the challenges and future prospects in scaling up these laboratory studies for real-time applications.
Topics: Microplastics; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Plastics; Chitosan; Amyloid; Flocculation; Water Purification; Water
PubMed: 37482362
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165723