Long-term antibody response and protective effect induced by attenuated scorpion toxins: Involvement of memory plasma cells.

Abstract

In Algeria, Androctonus australis hector scorpion envenomation remains a major problem of public health because of non-efficient therapy. The development of safe vaccine against scorpion venom could be one key strategy for the envenomation prevention. The irradiation of venom by γ-rays develops suitable immunogens which produced effective antivenom and safe vaccine. In this study, we investigated the ability of the irradiated toxic fraction (γ-FtoxG50) to induce long-term memory humoral response in immunized animals (mice and rabbits), by involving the long-lived plasma cells to prevent efficiently the lethality of scorpion envenomation. For this purpose, an appropriate immunization schedule was established in mice and rabbits using three (3) similar doses of γ-FtoxG50 associated with Alum adjuvant. Obtained results indicate that the long-term immunogenicity of γ-FtoxG50 is able to induce the long-term memory humoral response with a high level of specific antibodies. The long-term persistence of antibody levels could depend on bone marrow memory plasma cells. These cells produce continuously antibodies without antigen stimulus. Furthermore, an enhanced memory response was obtained post-repeated envenomation with toxic native venom that leads to improved protection of animals. Together, pre-existing protective antibodies and the activation of memory B-cells could induce a rapid neutralization of scorpion toxins and long-term protection against scorpion envenomation.

• Authors: Lila Boussag-Abib, Fatima Laraba-Djebari
• Journal: Immunobiology (Immunobiology) Vol. 226 Issue 4 Pg. 152108 (07 2021) ISSN: 1878-3279 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 34247017 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2021 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Adjuvants, Vaccine
• Alum Compounds
• Antigens
• Immunoglobulin G
• Neurotoxins
• Scorpion Venoms
• Vaccines
• aluminum sulfate

Topics

• Adjuvants, Vaccine (administration & dosage)
• Alum Compounds (administration & dosage)
• Animals
• Antigens (administration & dosage, radiation effects)
• Bone Marrow (immunology)
• Female
• Gamma Rays
• Immunoglobulin G (immunology)
• Immunologic Memory
• Mice
• Neurotoxins (administration & dosage, radiation effects)
• Plasma Cells (immunology)
• Rabbits
• Scorpion Venoms (administration & dosage, radiation effects)
• Spleen (immunology)
• Vaccines (administration & dosage)