Cryptococcal meningitis, due to the encapsulated yeast C. neoformans (Cn), is estimated to kill over 600,000 people annually. Most victims have compromised CD4+ T cell function. A closely related species, C. gattii (Cg), causes endemic disease in persons who generally have mild or no immunocompromise. Development of a vaccine to protect against cryptococcosis is a global health priority. The goal of this project is the preclinical development of candidate vaccines to protect at risk populations from cryptococcosis. We hypothesize such a vaccine will have a subunit formulation and consist of cryptococcal antigens (Ags) delivered with adjuvant(s) that stimulate strong and durable T cell and antibody (Ab) responses.
Aim 1 is to synthesize candidate cryptococcal vaccine Ags and test the Ags for immunoreactivity. In preliminary studies, we have obtained 100% protection against lethal cryptococcosis by vaccinating mice with glucan particles (GPs) containing alkaline extracts derived from Cn. The proteome of the protective extract has been defined; however, it is not known which Ags are responsible for protection.
In Aim 1 A, Ags in the extracts will be recombinantly expressed and tested for their capacity to stimulate ex vivo CD4-biased T cell responses using cells from vaccinated mice and cryptococcosis patients. It is recognized that vaccine-mediated protection can involve arm(s) of the immune system that do not have a predominant role in natural infection.
In Aim 1 B, GXM, the major capsular component of Cn, will be conjugated to diphtheria toxoid. This is predicted to convert the glycan into a potent immunogen capable of eliciting protective Ab responses.
Aim 2 is to formulate candidate cryptococcal vaccines and perform preclinical testing. By the end of Aim 1, we anticipate we will have identified ~10 Cn Ags that stimulate T cell responses and we will have made conjugate vaccines that stimulate Ab responses against GXM.
In Aim 2 A, we will determine which of these candidate Ags stimulate protective responses in models of cryptococcosis.
In Aim 2 B, we will optimize Ag combinations and vaccine formulations, including testing GPs and CpG alone and in combination. The durability of protection will be explored.
In Aim 2 C, we will explore the immune mechanisms of vaccine-induced protection.
In Aim 2 D, recognizing that AIDS is the major risk factor for cryptococcosis, the effect of CD4-depletion on CD8+ and Ab vaccine responses will be defined. Finally, in Aim 2E, we will test whether vaccine-mediated protection can be achieved against Cg infections. We anticipate that at the end of the funding period, we will have created candidate vaccines capable of eliciting robust and durable Ag-specific Ab and Th1-biased responses that protect mice against challenge with Cn and Cg. The studies address an NIH-identified need for development of cryptococcal vaccines and should establish proofs of principle applicable to other vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly those for which T cell defenses are paramount.
The estimated global incidence of cryptococcosis is over one million cases per year, with a 60% mortality rate. This competing renewal application is focused on the development of novel vaccines that would protect at risk populations from infections with Cryptococcus. The proposed vaccine formulations are designed to elicit protective T cell responses to protein antigens and antibody responses to carbohydrate components of the fungus.
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