Altering the intracellular trafficking of Necator americanus GST-1 antigen yields novel hookworm mRNA vaccine candidates.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The antigen Na-GST-1, expressed by the hookworm Necator americanus, plays crucial biochemical roles in parasite survival. This study explores the development of mRNA vaccine candidates based on Na-GST-1, building on the success of recombinant Na-GST-1 (rNa-GST-1) protein, currently assessed as a subunit vaccine candidate, which has shown promise in preclinical and clinical studies.

Methodology/findings

By leveraging the flexible design of RNA vaccines and protein intracellular trafficking signal sequences, we developed three variants of Na-GST-1 as native (cytosolic), secretory, and plasma membrane-anchored (PM) antigens. After one immunization in mice, mRNA vaccines induced an earlier onset of antigen-specific antibodies compared to rNa-GST-1. Following two immun

SUBMITTER: De Oliveira AS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11756802 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature