Sm-p80-based DNA vaccine made in a human use approved vector VR1020 protects against challenge infection with Schistosoma mansoni in mouse.

Although there is an effective drug (praziquantel) available for the treatment of schistosomiasis, yet the disease is still spreading unabated and is rampant in 76 countries. Control via praziquantel treatment has so far been insufficient in reducing the disease transmission. Therefore, a vaccine in addition to other strategies, for example, improving sanitation and introduction of new drugs are essential to successfully control and eventually eradicate schistosomiasis. To this effect, we have targeted a functionally important antigen, Sm-p80 as a vaccine candidate. In this study, full length cDNA of Sm-p80 was cloned in VR1020, a FDA approved vector for human use. The protective efficacy of this vaccine formulation was tested in a murine model. Sm-p80-VR1020 vaccine formulation was able to induce 47% reduction in worm burden. Serology on samples obtained from vaccinated animals revealed a strong antibody response which included IgG and all of its subtypes, IgM and IgA. Proliferating splenocytes in response to recombinant Sm-p80 produced a wide spectrum of cytokines representing Th1, Th2 and Th17 types, as ascertained via RT-PCR analysis. These findings further strengthen the importance of Sm-p80 molecule as a vaccine candidate for intestinal schistosomiasis.