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Publications

Journal Article Ppublish

PubMed: 40532477 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2025.127400

Development of an efficacious oral peptide vaccine against infection with the carcinogenic liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini.

Vaccine 61:127400

Authors: Wuttipong Phumrattanaprapin, Ahmed O Shalash, Mariusz Skwarczynski, Michael J Smout, Thewarach Laha, Istvan Toth, Alex Loukas

Affiliations

  • Princess Srisavangavadhana Faculty of Medicine, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Bangkok 10210, Thailand.
  • School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
  • Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia.
  • Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES

Chronic Opisthorchis viverrini infection is a major contributor to cholangiocarcinoma in Southeast Asia, necessitating effective vaccine development. This study aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of peptide-based oral vaccines targeting O. viverrini in a hamster model.

METHODS

Five protein fragments from the vaccine candidate antigen Ov-TSP-2 were synthesized, with LEL4 and SEL peptides identified as the most immunogenic. These peptides were conjugated to polymethylacrylate (PMA) for nanoparticle self-assembly and mucosal immunization. Hamsters received four oral immunizations and were challenged with O. viverrini metacercariae to assess immune response and protection.

RESULTS

LEL4-immunized hamsters demonstrated elevated antigen-specific serum IgG, mucosal IgG, and IgA titers. This immune response correlated with significantly reduced egg counts and worm burdens. Recovered worms from vaccinated hamsters exhibited stunted growth, indicating impaired parasite development.

CONCLUSIONS

This study establishes the potential of LEL4 as a peptide-based oral vaccine against O. viverrini. By inducing mucosal and systemic immunity, the vaccine offers a promising strategy for combating opisthorchiasis and its associated cancer risk, marking a significant advancement in liver fluke control.

MeSH

Immunization, Vaccines, Liver, Opisthorchiasis, Immunity, Cancer Vaccines, Infections, Protein Subunit Vaccines