Research on inner membrane complex protein 1: a novel nanovaccines against Toxoplasma gondii

Research on inner membrane complex protein 1: a novel nanovaccines against Toxoplasma gondii

Abstract Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a globally prevalent zoonotic parasite causing severe health and economic impacts. Despite decades of research, no commercial vaccine provides comprehensive protection against both acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. DNA vaccines represent a promising strategy,...

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Main Authors: YunNan Fang, Pan Zhou, WeiYu Qi, YanLi Yu, XiaoJuan Wang, YuChen Jiang, Li Zhang, YouLi Yu, JianDong Wang, ZhengQing Yu, TingLi Liu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-08-01
Series:BMC Veterinary Research
Subjects:
Toxoplasma gondii
Inner membrane complex 1
Nanomaterial nanospheres
Immunoprotection
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-025-04961-z
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Summary:Abstract Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a globally prevalent zoonotic parasite causing severe health and economic impacts. Despite decades of research, no commercial vaccine provides comprehensive protection against both acute and chronic toxoplasmosis. DNA vaccines represent a promising strategy, but their application is hindered by low delivery efficiency and limited immunogenicity. Here, we developed and evaluated pVAX1-TgIMC1-loaded PLGA and chitosan (CS) nanospheres as potential vaccine candidates. Immunization studies in mice showed that pVAX1-TgIMC1/PLGA and pVAX1-TgIMC1/CS nanospheres induced robust humoral and cellular immune responses, significantly enhancing specific IgG levels and cytokine production IFN-γ and IL-17 compared to the naked DNA vaccine. Both nanospheres also promoted dendritic cell maturation and T-cell activation, resulting in reduced parasite burdens in cardiac tissues post-challenge. Notably, the PLGA nanospheres exhibited superior protection against acute toxoplasmosis, while CS nanospheres provided additional advantages in antigen stability and delivery. The nanospheres were non-toxic, as confirmed by biochemical markers and histopathological analysis. These findings highlight pVAX1-TgIMC1/PLGA and pVAX1-TgIMC1/CS nanospheres as promising candidates for T. gondii vaccine development, warranting further optimization and validation in broader animal models.
ISSN:1746-6148

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