Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

rMELEISH:A Novel Recombinant Multiepitope-Based Protein Applied to The Serodiagnosis of Both Canine and Human Visceral Leishmaniasis

Version 1 : Received: 12 December 2022 / Approved: 13 December 2022 / Online: 13 December 2022 (02:38:38 CET)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Dias, D.S.; Machado, J.M.; Ribeiro, P.A.F.; Machado, A.S.; Ramos, F.F.; Nogueira, L.M.; Gonçalves, A.A.M.; Ramos, L.S.; Gandra, I.B.; Coutinho, F.S.; Santos, M.D.; Silva, J.O.; Chávez-Fumagalli, M.A.; Teixeira-Neto, R.G.; Chaves, A.T.; Campos-da-Paz, M.; Souza, A.A.; Giunchetti, R.C.; Freitas, S.M.; Lyon, S.; de Magalhães-Soares, D.F.; Silveira, J.A.G.; Silva, E.S.; Coelho, E.A.F.; Galdino, A.S. rMELEISH: A Novel Recombinant Multiepitope-Based Protein Applied to the Serodiagnosis of Both Canine and Human Visceral Leishmaniasis. Pathogens 2023, 12, 302. Dias, D.S.; Machado, J.M.; Ribeiro, P.A.F.; Machado, A.S.; Ramos, F.F.; Nogueira, L.M.; Gonçalves, A.A.M.; Ramos, L.S.; Gandra, I.B.; Coutinho, F.S.; Santos, M.D.; Silva, J.O.; Chávez-Fumagalli, M.A.; Teixeira-Neto, R.G.; Chaves, A.T.; Campos-da-Paz, M.; Souza, A.A.; Giunchetti, R.C.; Freitas, S.M.; Lyon, S.; de Magalhães-Soares, D.F.; Silveira, J.A.G.; Silva, E.S.; Coelho, E.A.F.; Galdino, A.S. rMELEISH: A Novel Recombinant Multiepitope-Based Protein Applied to the Serodiagnosis of Both Canine and Human Visceral Leishmaniasis. Pathogens 2023, 12, 302.

Abstract

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is s critical public health problem in over ninety countries. The control measures adopted in Brazil have been insufficient when it comes to preventing the spread of this neglected disease. In this context, a precise diagnosis of VL in dogs and humans could help to reduce the number of cases of this disease. Distinct studies for the diagnosis of VL have used single recombinant proteins in serological assays; however, results have been variable, mainly in the sensitivity of the antigens. The development of multiepitope-based proteins could be relevant in solving such a problem. Methods: A chimeric protein (rMELEISH) was constructed based on amino acid sequences from kinesin 39 (k39), alpha-tubulin, and heat shock proteins HSP70 and HSP 83.1, and tested in ELISA for the detection of L. infantum infection in humans and dogs. Results: rMELEISH was able to discriminate between VL cases and cross-reactive diseases and healthy samples, with sensitivity and specificity values of 100% as compared to the use of a soluble Leishmania antigenic extract (SLA). Conclusions: Preliminary data suggest that the rMELEISH protein presents a potential to be tested in future studies against a larger serological panel for the diagnosis of canine and human VL.

Keywords

Leishmaniasis; recombinant chimeric protein; serodiagnosis; visceral leishmaniasis; humans; dogs

Subject

Biology and Life Sciences, Biology and Biotechnology

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