Leptospiral LigA-C mRNA-based immunization protects against Leptospira interrogans Serovar Australis infection
Year: 2025
Type: preprint
Abstract: Leptospirosis, caused by the pathogenicLeptospira species, is one of the most prevalent zoonotic infections worldwide. Developing effective diagnostics and vaccines remains a critical challenge in combating this disease. Traditional bacterin-based vaccines have notable limitations, including short-lived immunity and serovar specificity. This study evaluated the leptospiral immunoglobulin-like protein A (LigA-C) as a vaccine candidate, focusing on its ability to elicit protective immune responses against leptospirosis. Using a hamster model, we demonstrated the protective efficacy of LigA-C mRNA immunization and explored the underlying immune mechanisms.LigA-C/mRNA immunization induced a robust antibody response, with significant increases observed following booster doses. Cytokine profiling revealed that elevated levels of IL-4, TNF-α, and IFN-γ were positively correlated with survival in immunized hamsters, while IL-10 levels were inversely correlated with protection. Immunized groups achieved 100% survival and exhibited minimal histopathological lesions in the kidneys and lungs. In contrast, control animals succumbed to infection within 11–15 days post-challenge with Leptospira interrogans serovar Australis strain Ballico.These findings indicate that LigA-C mRNA immunization confers protection through both humoral and cellular immune responses. The high survival rate and reduced pathology highlight the potential of LigA-C mRNA as a promising vaccine candidate for the prevention of leptospirosis.
Source: Research Square
Institutions: Bharathidasan University, Rowan University
Language: English
Subfield: Parasitology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
Award: G314647397
OpenAlex ID: W4411367133