Protective and antifecundity effects of Sm-p80-based DNA vaccine formulation against Schistosoma mansoni in a nonhuman primate model

Schistosomiasis is an important parasitic disease for which there is no available vaccine. We have focused on a functionally important antigen of Schistosoma mansoni, Sm-p80, as a vaccine candidate because of its consistent immunogenicity, protective potential and antifecundity effect observed in murine models; and for its pivotal role in the immune evasion process. In the present study we report that an Sm-p80-based DNA vaccine formulation confers 38% reduction in worm burden in a nonhuman primate model, the baboon ( Papio anubis ). Animals immunized with Sm-p80–pcDNA3 exhibited a decrease in egg production by 32%. Sm-p80 DNA elicited specific immune responses that include IgG; its subtypes IgG1 and IgG2; and IgM in vaccinated animals. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from immunized animals when stimulated in vitro with Sm-p80 produced appreciably more Th1 response enhancing cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ) than Th2 response enhancing cytokines (IL-4, IL-10). PBMCs produced appreciably more spot-forming units for INF-γ than for IL-4 in enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISPOT) assays. Overall it appears that even though a mixed (Th1/Th2) type of humoral antibody response was generated following immunization with Sm-p80; the dominant protective immune response is Th1 type. These data reinforce the potential of Sm-p80 as an excellent vaccine candidate for schistosomiasis.