Biochemical Characterization and Evaluation of a Brugia malayi Small Heat Shock Protein as a Vaccine against Lymphatic Filariasis

Filarial nematodes enjoy one of the longest life spans of any human pathogen due to effective immune evasion strategies developed by the parasite. Among the various immune evasion strategies exhibited by the parasite, Interleukin 10 (IL-10) productions and IL-10 mediated immune suppression has significant negative impact on the host immune system. Recently, we identified a small heat shock protein expressed by Brugia malayi (BmHsp12.6) that can bind to soluble human IL-10 receptor alpha (IL-10R) and activate IL-10 mediated effects in cell lines. In this study we show that the IL-10R binding region of BmHsp12.6 is localized to its N-terminal region. This region has significant sequence similarity to the receptor binding region of human IL-10. In vitro studies confirm that the N-terminal region of BmHsp12.6 (N-BmHsp12.6) has IL-10 like activity and the region containing the alpha crystalline domain and C-terminus of BmHsp12.6 (BmHsp12.6αc) has no IL-10 like activity. However, BmHsp12.6αc contains B cell, T cell and CTL epitopes. Members of the sHSP families are excellent vaccine candidates. Evaluation of sera samples from putatively immune endemic normal (EN) subjects showed IgG1 and IgG3 antibodies against BmHsp12.6αc and these antibodies were involved in the ADCC mediated protection. Subsequent vaccination trials with BmHsp12.6αc in a mouse model using a heterologous prime boost approach showed that 83% protection can be achieved against B. malayi L3 challenge. Results presented in this study thus show that the N-BmHsp12.6 subunit of BmHsp12.6 has immunoregulatory function, whereas, the BmHsp12.6αc subunit of BmHsp12.6 has significant vaccine potential

Synthesis and dyeing properties of new disazo disperse dyes for polyester and nylon fabrics

Diazotized aryl amines were coupled with two stenhouse salt namely, N-(5-phenylamino-penta-4-ol-2,4-diene-1-ylidene)anilines hydrochloride [S1 (RH) or S2 (ROH)] to furnish two series of disazo disperse dyes (S1D1–10 and S2D1–10). The structure of all the dyes was established by estimating number of azo groups, elemental analysis and spectral studies (IR, 1H-NMR, UV/Visible). The structure–property relationship was discussed by using electronic absorption spectra of the dyes. These dyes were applied to polyester and nylon fabrics as disperse dyes by using temperature exhaust dyeing method. The relevant dyeing characteristics, such as dyeability on fabrics, wash-fastness and light-fastness were evaluated. Fabrics dyed with these dyes furnished generally deep and bright intense hues ranging from light yellow to orange to reddish brown. The color fastness of the dyed fabric was assessed by determining wash-fastness and light-fastness properties