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Biomedical subjects

J D Chulay

Publications and source records attributed to J D Chulay.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Rapid diagnosis of malaria by acridine orange staining of centrifuged parasites.

A rapid diagnostic test for malaria based on acridine orange staining of centrifuged parasites in a microhaematocrit tube ('QBC' tube) was compared with the thick blood smear in 12 volunteers experimentally infected with Plasmodium falciparum, 408 residents of a malaria endemic area, and 180 hospital patients with suspected malaria. In the experimentally infected volunteers, the QBC tube test and the thick blood smear were comparable and the QBC tube could detect as few as 4 parasites/microliter blood. When used for mass screening in the field study, the test had a sensitivity of 70% for the diagnosis of malaria compared with 92% for a single thick blood smear. However, when used to diagnose malaria in hospital patients, the test detected as few as 3 parasites/microliter in 91 of 92 patients with asexual parasitaemia. For the three studies, the QBC tube was highly specific (98.4%), indicating malaria in only 8 of 487 subjects with negative blood films. The species of parasite was correctly identified in 77% of species. Processing the QBC tube was easier and much more rapid than was processing a thick blood smear, taking only 5 min for centrifugation and 5 min for examination. The QBC tube is not a substitute for the blood smear, but its speed and ease of use make it an important new tool for the diagnosis of malaria.

Acridine Orange↗

Development of sporozoite vaccines for malaria.

Various candidate sporozoite vaccines have been produced and tested. These have been produced by genetic engineering techniques and by polypeptide synthesis. The immunity produced by these synthetic vaccines is mediated by antibody and weak. The antibody levels achieved in human volunteer tests were similar to those resulting form natural infection. Immunity resulting from immunization with irradiated sporozoites is multifactorial. It includes reaction to malaria antigens on infected hepatocytes and it has cell-mediated components; the synthetic vaccines do not induce such reactions. Genetic restriction of cell-mediated immune responses may also limit the utility of synthetic vaccines. Development of an effective vaccine to prevent malaria will not be accomplished easily.

Animals↗

Specificities of antibodies that inhibit merozoite dispersal from malaria-infected erythrocytes.

When malaria schizont-infected erythrocytes are cultured with immune serum, antibodies prevent dispersal of merozoites, resulting in the formation of immune clusters of merozoites (ICM) and inhibition of parasite growth. Antigens recognized by these antibodies were identified by probing two dimensional immunoblots of Plasmodium falciparum antigens with antibodies dissociated from immune complexes present at the surface of merozoites in ICM. Total immune serum recognized 88 of the 135 protein spots detected by colloidal gold staining, but antibodies dissociated from immune complexes recognized only 15 protein spots attributable to no more than eight distinct antigens. Antigens recognized by antibodies that inhibit merozoite dispersal include the precursor to the major merozoite surface antigens (gp195), a 126-kDa serine-repeat antigen (SERA), the 130-kDa protein that appears to bind to glycophorin (GBP130), and the approx. 45-kDa merozoite surface antigen. One other antigen (230/215-kDa doublet) was identified by using antibodies affinity purified from recombinant expression proteins. The identities of the other three antigens (150 kDa, 127 kDa and less than 30 kDa) were not determined. This approach provides a strategy for identifying epitopes accessible at the merozoite surface which may be important components of a multivalent vaccine against blood stages of P. falciparum.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Immunogenicity of liposomal malaria sporozoite antigen in monkeys: adjuvant effects of aluminium hydroxide and non-pyrogenic liposomal lipid A.

The immunogenicity of a recombinant protein (R32tet32) containing sequences from the tetrapeptide repeat region of the circumsporozoite protein of Plasmodium falciparum was enhanced by encapsulation in liposomes containing lipid A and adsorption of the liposomes with alum. The toxicities and efficacies of preparations containing different types and doses of lipid A were assessed by studying pyrogenicity in rabbits and adjuvanticity in monkeys. In each case liposomal lipid A was 25-fold to 200-fold less pyrogenic than free lipid A. Monophosphoryl lipid A, whether free or in liposomes, was the least pyrogenic of the three lipid A preparations tested. High antibody levels were obtained after immunization of rhesus monkeys with a formulation consisting of alum-adsorbed liposomes in which the liposomes contained R32tet32 and a strongly pyrogenic dose of native lipid A. Excellent antibody levels were also observed in monkeys immunized with a combination of R32tet32 encapsulated in alum-adsorbed liposomes containing non-pyrogenic doses of monophosphoryl lipid A and alum. The adjuvant effect was related to the dose of the lipid A in the liposomes, and the adjuvant effect was still strongly expressed despite suppression of the pyrogenic effect of lipid A. Antibody levels were considerably lower in monkeys immunized with liposomes lacking lipid A. It was concluded that a non-pyrogenic formulation of alum-adsorbed liposomes, in which the liposomes contained both lipid A and an encapsulated synthetic sporozoite antigen, shows considerable promise for inducing high titres of antibodies to sporozoites.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗

Activation of monocytes and platelets by monoclonal antibodies or malaria-infected erythrocytes binding to the CD36 surface receptor in vitro.

The CD36 leukocyte differentiation antigen, recognized by MAbs OKM5 and OKM8 and found on human monocytes and endothelial cells, has been implicated as a sequestration receptor for erythrocytes infected with the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum (IRBC). CD36 is also expressed on platelets and appears to be identical to platelet glycoprotein IV. We investigated receptor activation of monocytes and platelets by anti-CD36 MAbs and by IRBC. Incubation of human monocytes with anti-CD36 MAbs or IRBC resulted in stimulation of the respiratory burst as measured by reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium and generation of chemiluminescence. Incubation of human platelets with anti-CD36 MAbs resulted in platelet activation as measured by aggregation or ATP secretion. Activation of monocytes and platelets required appropriate intracellular transmembrane signaling and was inhibited by calcium antagonists or by specific inhibitors of protein kinase C or guanine nucleotide binding proteins. Soluble CD36 inhibited binding of IRBC to both monocytes and platelets, suggesting that these interactions are mediated by the CD36 receptor. Using a cytochemical electron microscopic technique, the presence of reactive oxygen intermediates was identified at the interface between human monocytes and IRBC. These data provide support for the hypothesis that reactive oxygen intermediates produced by monocytes when IRBC ligands interact with cell surface receptors may play a role in the pathophysiology of falciparum malaria.

Animals↗

Comparison of thick films, in vitro culture and DNA hybridization probes for detecting Plasmodium falciparum malaria.

Using blood from volunteers with sporozoite induced malaria, a comparison was made of the sensitivity and specificity of Giemsa stained thick film examination, in vitro culture, and 4 different DNA probes for detecting parasitemia. Between 9 and 13 days after sporozoite inoculation, patent parasitemia (4-550 parasites/microliters) was detected by thick film examination of 0.5 microliters blood in 7 volunteers. Cultures of 1 ml blood obtained 7 days after sporozoite inoculation were positive in all volunteers who eventually developed patent parasitemia. The DNA hybridization probes detected parasites in only 5-28% of smear- or culture-positive samples.

Animals↗

Immunization of Saimiri sciureus boliviensis with recombinant vaccines based on the circumsporozoite protein of Plasmodium vivax.

We report a trial in squirrel monkeys of 2 recombinant Plasmodium vivax malaria vaccine candidates based on the circumsporozoite (CS) protein. One recombinant (NSl81V20), produced in Escherichia coli, contains the repeat region of the CS protein. The other (VIVAX-1) recombinant is yeast-derived and contains the entire repeat domain and part of the surrounding N-terminal and C-terminal regions. Both antigens were administered with alum and muramyl tripeptide as adjuvants. No formulations caused toxic side effects. Both antigens, when administered with alum, induced high levels of sporozoite antibodies in all animals. Another group of animals was immunized with irradiated sporozoites alone. Upon challenge, a few immunized animals did not develop detectable parasitemia and others developed parasitemia only after a prolonged prepatent period. Monkeys immunized with irradiated sporozoites had higher levels of antibody but no increased protection. There was no correlation between protection and either antibody level or the in vitro proliferation of lymphocytes in response to the antigens. This is the first time P. vivax sporozoite vaccines have been tested in monkeys with a subsequent sporozoite challenge.

Animals↗

Long-term cultured human vascular endothelial cells (EC-FP5) bind Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes.

We have established an endothelial cell line, EC-FP5, that binds Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes after several passages in culture and multiple cryopreservations. Binding by the EC-FP5 cells, measured as the percentage that bound infected erythrocytes and the average number of infected erythrocytes bound per endothelial cell, was similar in cells cryopreserved 1, 2, or 3 times. The parasite strain of the infected erythrocytes and culture conditions, including parasitemia and pH of the erythrocyte suspension, significantly affected binding. The capability of the EC-FP5 cells to be cultured in large amounts and cryopreserved in several aliquots will provide flexibility, reduce experimental variation, and enhance the utility of the endothelial cell-dependent cytoadherence assay.

Animals↗

Primary structure of a Plasmodium falciparum malaria antigen located at the merozoite surface and within the parasitophorous vacuole.

DNA encoding an antigen of 101,000 apparent molecular weight from the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum was cloned and sequenced. Genomic DNA from the Camp strain covering the complete coding region along with cDNA from the FCR3 strain covering 81% of the coding region were obtained. The cloned DNA specified a full-length protein of 743 amino acids which included two tandemly repeated regions, one near the amino terminus containing eight hexapeptide repeats of sequence TVNDEDED, and the second near the carboxyl terminus containing primarily KE and KEE repeats. The latter repeated region is encoded by a 174-base stretch of mRNA containing only a single pyrimidine. Except for a putative leader sequence located at the amino terminus of the protein, the protein is hydrophilic and highly charged with a calculated isoelectric point of 5.6. Sequences from the Camp and FCR3 strains are very close and are also nearly identical to the partial cDNA sequence of the acidic basic repeated antigen (ABRA) protein from the FC27 strain (Stahl, H.D., Bianco, A.E., Crewther, R.F., Anders, R.F., Kyne, A.P., Coppel, R. L., Mitchell, G.F., Kemp, D.J., and Brown, G.V. (1986) Mol. Biol. Med. 3, 351-368). ABRA was previously shown to be located at the merozoite surface and in the parasitophorous vacuole. Because of its location and because it becomes complexed to merozoites when schizonts rupture in the presence of immune serum, ABRA is a candidate component of a malaria vaccine.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Pharmacokinetics of antimony during treatment of visceral leishmaniasis with sodium stibogluconate or meglumine antimoniate.

5 patients with visceral leishmaniasis were treated with sodium stibogluconate (2 patients) or meglumine antimoniate (3 patients) given intramuscularly at a dose of 10 mg antimony (Sb) per kg body weight daily for 30 d. Blood samples were obtained at intervals during treatment and blood Sb concentrations measured by anodic stripping voltametry. The pharmacokinetics of both drugs were remarkably similar, with peak concentrations of approximately 10 mg/litre occurring 2 h after the initial dose. Most of the Sb was eliminated rapidly, but nadir Sb concentrations increased gradually during treatment from 0.04-0.08 mg/litre 24 h after the first dose to 0.19-0.33 mg/litre 24 h after the 30th dose. For both drugs, the data were best described by a two compartment, three term pharmacokinetic model representing an initial absorption phase with a mean half-life of 0.85 h, a rapid elimination phase with a mean half-life of 2.02 h, and a slow elimination phase with a mean half-life of 76 h. The slow terminal elimination phase may be related to in vivo conversion of pentavalent Sb to trivalent Sb, which could contribute to the toxicity associated with long-term high dose therapy.

Antimony↗

Monoclonal antibody characterization of Plasmodium falciparum antigens in immune complexes formed when schizonts rupture in the presence of immune serum.

When Plasmodium falciparum parasites are cultured with some immune sera, merozoites are agglutinated by antibodies to form immune clusters of merozoites and prevent their invasion into erythrocytes. Within these immune clusters of merozoites, several antigens that are normally found in the soluble fraction after detergent extraction accumulate in relatively insoluble immune complexes. From mice immunized with these immune complexes, we obtained hybridomas secreting monoclonal antibodies (mAb) that react with various immune clusters of merozoites antigens, including mAb 3D5, which recognizes a 101-kDa antigen (p101) and mAb, 5E3, which recognizes a 113-kDa antigen (p113). Both mAb reacted with antigens at the surface of schizonts, in the vacuolar space, and at the surface of merozoites before their release from schizont-infected cells. Both p101 and p113 were synthesized by mature trophozoites and young schizonts. In pulse-chase experiments, p113 was processed to 100-, 70-, 55-, and 50-kDa products. Both p101 and p113 appeared in the culture medium when schizont rupture occurred in normal culture medium but were found in immune complexes when schizont rupture occurred in the presence of immune serum. Antibodies in immune complexes, when dissociated with acid and used to probe immunoblots, reacted with affinity-purified p101 and p113. Antigens such as these, which are accessible at the parasite surface and react with antibodies present in immune serum that inhibits parasite invasion, are logical candidates to study in the search for a vaccine against the erythrocytic stages of malaria.

Animals↗

Naturally acquired antibodies to sporozoites do not prevent malaria: vaccine development implications.

The first human vaccines against the malaria parasite have been designed to elicit antibodies to the circumsporozoite protein of Plasmodium falciparum. However, it is not known whether any level of naturally acquired antibodies to the circumsporozoite protein can predict resistance to Plasmodium falciparum malaria. In this study, 83 adults in a malaria-endemic region of Kenya were tested for circumsporozoite antibodies and then treated for malaria. They were monitored for the development of new malaria infections for 98 days. Antibody levels, as determined by four assays in vitro, were indistinguishable between the 60 individuals who did and the 23 who did not develop parasitemia during follow-up, and there was no apparent relation between day of onset of parasitemia and level of antibodies to circumsporozoite protein. Unless immunization with sporozoite vaccines induces antibodies that are quantitatively or qualitatively superior to the circumsporozoite antibodies in these adults, it is unlikely that such antibodies will prevent infection in areas with as intense malaria transmission as western Kenya.

Adult↗

Safety and efficacy of high-dose sodium stibogluconate therapy of American cutaneous leishmaniasis.

40 patients with American cutaneous leishmaniasis caused primarily by Leishmania braziliensis panamensis were treated with sodium stibogluconate in a double-blind, randomised controlled trial. Nine weeks after starting treatment, all 19 patients treated with 20 mg Sb/kg per day for twenty days were cured but 5 of 21 patients treated with 10 mg Sb/kg per day for twenty days had persistent active disease (p less than 0.05). Both treatment regimens were well tolerated and they were associated with a similar incidence of reversible toxic effects. Existing recommendations for therapy of American cutaneous leishmaniasis with sodium stibogluconate are inadequate for some patients, and higher doses are both safe and efficacious.

Adolescent↗

Invasion of mouse erythrocytes by the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum.

Plasmodium falciparum malaria merozoites require erythrocyte sialic acid for optimal invasion of human erythrocytes. Since mouse erythrocytes have the form of sialic acid found on human erythrocytes (N-acetyl neuraminic acid), mouse erythrocytes were tested for invasion in vitro. The Camp and 7G8 strains of P. falciparum invaded mouse erythrocytes at 17-45% of the invasion rate of human erythrocytes. Newly invaded mouse erythrocytes morphologically resembled parasitized human erythrocytes as shown on Giemsa-stained blood films and by electron microscopy. The rim of parasitized mouse erythrocytes contained the P. falciparum 155-kD protein, which is on the rim of ring-infected human erythrocytes. Camp but not 7G8 invaded rat erythrocytes, indicating receptor heterogeneity. These data suggest that it may be possible to adapt the asexual erythrocytic stage of P. falciparum to rodents. The development of a rodent model of P. falciparum malaria could facilitate vaccine development.

Animals↗