Schistosoma mansoni antigen Sm-p80: Prophylactic efficacy of a vaccine formulated in human approved plasmid vector and adjuvant (VR 1020 and alum)

Schistosomiasis is an important parasitic disease. Consensus is developing now that ideal control methods of the disease should be based on an integrated approach incorporating drug treatment, sanitation improvement, education, and an effective vaccine. With regards to the vaccine development, Sm-p80 has been shown to be a promising and strong immunogenic vaccine candidate. In the present study, Sm-p80-based vaccine formulated in alum was tested for its prophylactic efficacy in a mouse model. It was observed that vaccination using heterologous prime boost (DNA prime followed by boost with protein formulated in alum) and homologous prime boost (both prime and boost with protein formulated in alum) approaches, resulted in 61% and 55% reduction in worm burden, respectively. The protection was directly correlated with the induction of high titers of antibody responses that mainly included IgG, its isotypes, and IgM. In addition, both of the immunization approaches triggered a mixed Th1 and Th2 type response. Some involvement of Th17 specific immune response was also detected as indicated by the up-regulation of relevant cytokines. These results reinforce the potential of Sm-p80 as a viable vaccine candidate.