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Peer reviewedOpen accessToxoplasmosis

Design and synthesis of RNA vaccines encoding SAG1 antigen of toxoplasma gondii and evaluation of immunogenicity and its protective efficacy against acute toxoplasmosis in BALB/c mice

Vaccine·

Leila Zaki, Fatemeh Ghaffarifar, Zohreh Sharifi, John Horton

DOI
10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128785
PMID
42275801
PMCID
OpenAlex
W7164149992
Study type
Journal article
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Article type
journal-article
Integrity
current

Why this research matters now

The data suggest that cytoplasmic-restricted genetic platforms may present a viable pathway for developing safer prophylactic interventions against a globally distributed parasitic disease.

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Structured evidence summary

Research question

The study investigates whether an experimental messenger RNA construct targeting the SAG1 protein can generate protective immunity against acute toxoplasmosis in a murine model.

Study design

This preclinical trial utilized intramuscular injections of an engineered RNA vaccine in BALB/c mice, incorporating in vitro protein expression verification and comparative analysis against a DNA-based immunization strategy.

Population and setting

Research was conducted using a standardized laboratory mouse strain designated as an experimental host for parasitic infection studies.

Main findings

Immunized subjects developed heightened antibody production with a specific IgG subclass dominance alongside increased levels of several inflammatory cytokines. These immunological shifts correlated with decreased pathogen counts and improved survival outcomes relative to the DNA comparator group. Liver tissue examinations revealed no detectable structural abnormalities post-vaccination.

Public-health relevance

The data suggest that cytoplasmic-restricted genetic platforms may present a viable pathway for developing safer prophylactic interventions against a globally distributed parasitic disease.

Important limitations

The investigation relies solely on a murine model without addressing human translational feasibility. The provided summary omits critical methodological parameters such as sample size determination and randomization protocols.

GIDS interpretation

This record documents early-stage laboratory evaluations of a candidate immunization strategy for a specific infectious agent. The findings establish baseline biological activity within a controlled setting and do not reflect ongoing population-level monitoring or real-time disease tracking.

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Related GIDS surveillance

Literature context does not validate, explain, or change a surveillance signal. Exact and contextual relationships are shown separately.

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Evidence relationships

This article has 6 auditable classifier relationships to diseases, places, topics, and study design.

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