Dados do Trabalho

Título

Evaluation from a B-cell epitope-based chimeric protein for the serodiagnosis of tegumentary and visceral leishmaniasis

Introdução

The diagnosis of leishmaniasis can be challenging due to the variable sensitivity and specificity of available tests. Additionally, patients may have high levels of anti-parasite antibodies even after treatment, which makes it difficult to accurately monitor their prognosis. As a result, there is a need to identify new candidates for the sensitive and specific diagnosis of the disease.

Objetivo (s)

In this study, four Leishmania proteins that were previously shown to be antigenic for tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) were evaluated. Using bioinformatic tools, their specific linear B-cell epitopes were predicted and used to create a new gene that codes for a chimeric protein, known as ChimB.

Material e Métodos

The recombinant version of this protein was then expressed, purified, and tested in an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) to diagnose both TL and visceral leishmaniasis (VL). A total of 220 human serum samples were used, and, when ChimB was used.

Resultados e Conclusão

Results showed sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 100% for the diagnosis of both diseases; however, when using peptides, the sensitivity values reached from 28.0% to 57.3% and specificity varied from 16.3% to 83.7%. A soluble Leishmania extract (SLA) showed sensitivity and specificity values of 30.7% and 45.9%, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) value for ChimB was 1.0, while for synthetic peptides, this value reached between 0.502 and 0.635, whereas for SLA, the value was of 0.589. Serological assays revealed decreased anti-ChimB antibody levels after treatment, indicating a potential prognostic role for this antigen. Preliminary data suggest that ChimB could be a promising candidate for the diagnosis and prognosis of leishmaniasis.

Palavras-chave

Leishmaniasis; Recombinant chimera; Serodiagnosis; B-Cell epitopes; Chimeric protein.

Agradecimentos

CNPq, FAPEMIG and CAPES.