| Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasite that infects a broad range of animal species and humans. As the
main surface antigen of the tachyzoite, SAG1 is involved in the process of recognition, adhesion and invasion of
host cells. The aim of the current systematic review study is to clarify the latest status of studies in the literature
regarding SAG1-associated recombinant proteins or SAG1-associated recombinant DNAs as potential vaccines
against toxoplasmosis. Data were systematically collected from six databases including PubMed, Science Direct,
Web of Science, Google Scholar, EBSCO and Scopus, up to 1st of January 2019. A total of 87 articles were eligible
for inclusion criteria in the current systematic review. The most common antigens used for experimental cocktail
vaccines together with SAG1 were ROP2 and SAG2. In addition, the most parasite strains used were RH and
ME49. Freund’s adjuvant and cholera toxin have been predominantly utilized. Furthermore, regarding the animal
models, route and dose of vaccination, challenge methods, measurement of immune responses and cyst
burden have been discussed in the text. Most of these experimental vaccines induce immune responses and have
a high degree of protection against parasite infections, increase survival rates and duration and reduce cyst
burdens. The data demonstrated that SAG1 antigen has a high potential for use as a vaccine and provided a
promising approach for protecting humans and animals against toxoplasmosis.
1. Introduction
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite belonging to the
phylum Apicomplexa with an exceptionally broad host range such as most
species of domestic animals, birds and humans in most parts of the world
[1]. It is estimated that up to 1 billion people worldwide are infected with
this parasite. T. gondii is the etiologic agent of toxoplasmosis and is usually
asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals. However, T. gondii may
cause serious diseases or death in individuals with compromised immune
response such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), cancer,
and organ transplant recipients, or during pregnancy, if not treated, it can
cause serious adverse effects for the fetus and the newborn. It can lead to
maternal-fetal vertical transmission and result in chorioretinitis,
miscarriage, stillbirth, congenital |