Leishmania histone-derived antigen HisAK70 (HisAK70)

Leishmania histone-derived antigen HisAK70 is a multi-antigenic DNA vaccine candidate designed to provide cross-species protection against various forms of leishmaniasis, including visceral and cutaneous types. The construct encodes seven highly conserved Leishmania proteins: four histones (H2A, H2B, H3, and H4), the amastigote-specific protein A2, the kinetoplastid membrane protein-11 (KMP11), and the heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). These components are selected for their essential roles in the parasite's life cycle, infectivity, and stress response, as well as their ability to elicit robust immune responses. Upon administration, HisAK70 promotes a Th1-type cellular immune response, leading to the production of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and the activation of macrophages to kill intracellular parasites. Research in murine and canine models has demonstrated its efficacy in reducing parasite loads and preventing disease progression, making it a promising tool for both prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination strategies against Leishmania infections.

Other names

HisAK70 DNA vaccinepVAX1-HisAK70Leishmania multi-antigenic vaccine candidatepCMV-HISA70m2A

Induction of a Th1-mediated cellular immune response, characterized by the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, which activate macrophages to eliminate intracellular Leishmania parasites.