Mineralization Reduces the Toxicity and Improves Stability and Protective Immune Response Induced by <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i>

Vaccination is an ideal strategy for the control and prevention of toxoplasmosis. However, the thermostability and effectiveness of vaccines limit their application. Here, calcium mineralization was used to fabricate <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> tachyzoites as immunogenic core–shell particle...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Ling Li, Yong-Chao Guan, Shao-Yuan Bai, Qi-Wang Jin, Jian-Ping Tao, Guo-Ding Zhu, Si-Yang Huang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-12-01
Series:Vaccines
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-393X/12/1/35
Description
Summary:Vaccination is an ideal strategy for the control and prevention of toxoplasmosis. However, the thermostability and effectiveness of vaccines limit their application. Here, calcium mineralization was used to fabricate <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> tachyzoites as immunogenic core–shell particles with improved immune response and thermostability. In the current study, <i>T. gondii</i> RH particles coated with mineralized shells were fabricated by calcium mineralization. The mineralized shells could maintain the <i>T. gondii</i> tachyzoites structural integrity for at least 12 months and weaken the virulence. Immunization of mice with mineralized tachyzoites induced high levels of <i>T. gondii-specific</i> antibodies and cytokines. The immunized mice were protected with a 100% survival rate in acute and chronic infection, and brain cyst burdens were significantly reduced. This study reported for the first time the strategy of calcium mineralization on <i>T. gondii</i> and proved that mineralized tachyzoites could play an immune protective role, thus expanding the application of biomineralization in <i>T. gondii</i> vaccine delivery.
ISSN:2076-393X