title: The future for vaccine development against Entamoeba histolytica.
abstract: Entamoeba histolytica is the causative agent of amebiasis, one of the top three parasitic causes of mortality worldwide. In the majority of infected individuals, E. histolytica asymptomatically colonizes the large intestine, while in others, the parasite breaches the mucosal epithelial barrier to cause amebic colitis and can disseminate to soft organs to cause abscesses. Vaccinations using native and recombinant forms of the parasite Gal-lectin have been successful in protecting animals against intestinal amebiasis and amebic liver abscess. Protection against amebic liver abscesses has also been reported by targeting other E. histolytica components including the serine-rich protein and the 29-kDa-reductase antigen. To date, vaccines against the Gal-lectin hold the most promise but clinical trials will be required to validate its efficacy in humans. Here, we review the current strategies and future perspectives involved in the development of a vaccine against E. histolytica.
authors: Faculty of Medicine; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases; Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases; Gastrointestinal Research Group; University of Calgary; Calgary, AB Canada.
authors: Jeanie
authors: J
authors: Quach
authors: Faculty of Medicine; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases; Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases; Gastrointestinal Research Group; University of Calgary; Calgary, AB Canada.
authors: Joëlle
authors: J
authors: St-Pierre
authors: Faculty of Medicine; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases; Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases; Gastrointestinal Research Group; University of Calgary; Calgary, AB Canada.
authors: Kris
authors: K
authors: Chadee
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D055808:Drug Discovery / Q000639:trends; D004748:Entamoeba histolytica / Q000276:immunology*; D004749:Entamoebiasis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D016052:Protozoan Vaccines / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*
chemical_list: D016052:Protozoan Vaccines
keywords: DNA vaccine; Entamoeba histolytica; amebiasis; amebic colitis; amebic liver abscess; cell-mediated immunity; dysentery; immune response; immunopathogenesis; mucosal immune response