51
|
Ramamurthy D, Nundalall T, Cingo S, Mungra N, Karaan M, Naran K, Barth S. Recent advances in immunotherapies against infectious diseases. IMMUNOTHERAPY ADVANCES 2021; 1:ltaa007. [PMID: 38626281 PMCID: PMC7717302 DOI: 10.1093/immadv/ltaa007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies are disease management strategies that target or manipulate components of the immune system. Infectious diseases pose a significant threat to human health as evidenced by countries continuing to grapple with several emerging and re-emerging diseases, the most recent global health threat being the SARS-CoV2 pandemic. As such, various immunotherapeutic approaches are increasingly being investigated as alternative therapies for infectious diseases, resulting in significant advances towards the uncovering of pathogen-host immunity interactions. Novel and innovative therapeutic strategies are necessary to overcome the challenges typically faced by existing infectious disease prevention and control methods such as lack of adequate efficacy, drug toxicity, and the emergence of drug resistance. As evidenced by recent developments and success of pharmaceuticals such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), immunotherapies already show abundant promise to overcome such limitations while also advancing the frontiers of medicine. In this review, we summarize some of the most notable inroads made to combat infectious disease, over mainly the last 5 years, through the use of immunotherapies such as vaccines, mAb-based therapies, T-cell-based therapies, manipulation of cytokine levels, and checkpoint inhibition. While its most general applications are founded in cancer treatment, advances made towards the curative treatment of human immunodeficiency virus, tuberculosis, malaria, zika virus and, most recently COVID-19, reinforce the role of immunotherapeutic strategies in the broader field of disease control. Ultimately, the comprehensive specificity, safety, and cost of immunotherapeutics will impact its widespread implementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dharanidharan Ramamurthy
- Medical Biotechnology and Immunotherapy Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Trishana Nundalall
- Medical Biotechnology and Immunotherapy Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sanele Cingo
- Medical Biotechnology and Immunotherapy Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Neelakshi Mungra
- Medical Biotechnology and Immunotherapy Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Maryam Karaan
- Medical Biotechnology and Immunotherapy Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Krupa Naran
- Medical Biotechnology and Immunotherapy Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Stefan Barth
- Medical Biotechnology and Immunotherapy Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Cancer Biotechnology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
52
|
Pourseif MM, Parvizpour S, Jafari B, Dehghani J, Naghili B, Omidi Y. A domain-based vaccine construct against SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19 pandemic: development of self-amplifying mRNA and peptide vaccines. BIOIMPACTS : BI 2020; 11:65-84. [PMID: 33469510 PMCID: PMC7803919 DOI: 10.34172/bi.2021.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is undoubtedly the most challenging pandemic in the current century with more than 293,241 deaths worldwide since its emergence in late 2019 (updated May 13, 2020). COVID-19 is caused by a novel emerged coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Today, the world needs crucially to develop a prophylactic vaccine scheme for such emerged and emerging infectious pathogens. Methods: In this study, we have targeted spike (S) glycoprotein, as an important surface antigen to identify its B- and T-cell immunodominant regions. We have conducted a multi-method B-cell epitope (BCE) prediction approach using different predictor algorithms to discover the most potential BCEs. Besides, we sought among a pool of MHC class I and II-associated peptide binders provided by the IEDB server through the strict cut-off values. To design a broad-coverage vaccine, we carried out a population coverage analysis for a set of candidate T-cell epitopes and based on the HLA allele frequency in the top most-affected countries by COVID-19 (update 02 April 2020). Results: The final determined B- and T-cell epitopes were mapped on the S glycoprotein sequence, and three potential hub regions covering the largest number of overlapping epitopes were identified for the vaccine designing (I531-N711; T717-C877; and V883-E973). Here, we have designed two domain-based constructs to be produced and delivered through the recombinant protein- and gene-based approaches, including (i) an adjuvanted domain-based protein vaccine construct (DPVC), and (ii) a self-amplifying mRNA vaccine (SAMV) construct. The safety, stability, and immunogenicity of the DPVC were validated using the integrated sequential (i.e. allergenicity, autoimmunity, and physicochemical features) and structural (i.e. molecular docking between the vaccine and human Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 4 and 5) analysis. The stability of the docked complexes was evaluated using the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Conclusion: These rigorous in silico validations supported the potential of the DPVC and SAMV to promote both innate and specific immune responses in preclinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mostafa Pourseif
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sepideh Parvizpour
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Jafari
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Jaber Dehghani
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behrouz Naghili
- Research Center for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yadollah Omidi
- Nova Southeastern University, College of Pharmacy, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
53
|
Dammes N, Peer D. Paving the Road for RNA Therapeutics. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2020; 41:755-775. [PMID: 32893005 PMCID: PMC7470715 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic RNA molecules possess high potential for treating medical conditions if they can successfully reach the target cell upon administration. However, unmodified RNA molecules are rapidly degraded and cleared from the circulation. In addition, their large size and negative charge complicates their passing through the cell membrane. The difficulty of RNA therapy, therefore, lies in the efficient intracellular delivery of intact RNA molecules to the tissue of interest without inducing adverse effects. Here, we outline the recent developments in therapeutic RNA delivery and discuss the wide potential in manipulating the function of cells with RNAs. The focus is not only on the variety of delivery strategies but also on the versatile nature of RNA and its wide applicability. This wide applicability is especially interesting when considering the modular nature of nucleic acids. An optimal delivery vehicle, therefore, can facilitate numerous clinical applications of RNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niels Dammes
- Laboratory of Precision NanoMedicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel,School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel,Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel,Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, and Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel,Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Dan Peer
- Laboratory of Precision NanoMedicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; School of Molecular Cell Biology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, and Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
54
|
Brown S, Brown T, Cederna PS, Rohrich RJ. The Race for a COVID-19 Vaccine: Current Trials, Novel Technologies, and Future Directions. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2020; 8:e3206. [PMID: 33173705 PMCID: PMC7647601 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000003206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has presented a major threat to public health worldwide alongside unprecedented global economic and social implications. In the absence of a "gold standard" treatment, the rapid development of a safe and effective vaccine is considered the most promising way to control the pandemic. In recent years, traditional vaccine technologies have seemed insufficient to provide global protection against the rapid spread of emerging pandemics. Therefore, the establishment of novel approaches that are independent of whole pathogen cultivation, cost-effective, and able to be rapidly developed and produced on a large scale are of paramount importance for global health. This article summarizes the current efforts to develop a COVID-19 vaccine, including the ongoing and future anticipated clinical trials. We also provide plastic and reconstructive surgeons with insight into the novel technologies currently utilized for COVID-19 vaccine development, focusing on the very promising viral-vector-based and gene-based vaccine technologies. Each platform has its own advantages and disadvantages related to its efficacy and ability to induce certain immune responses, manufacturing capacity, and safety for human use. Once the fundamental key challenges have been addressed for viral-vector-based and gene-based vaccines, these novel technologies may become helpful in winning the fight against COVID-19 and transforming the future of health care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stav Brown
- From the Sackler School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Tal Brown
- From the Sackler School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Paul S. Cederna
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich
- Section of Plastic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich
| | | |
Collapse
|
55
|
Recent Progress in the Development of Liver Fluke and Blood Fluke Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8030553. [PMID: 32971734 PMCID: PMC7564142 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver flukes (Fasciola spp., Opisthorchis spp., Clonorchis sinensis) and blood flukes (Schistosoma spp.) are parasitic helminths causing neglected tropical diseases that result in substantial morbidity afflicting millions globally. Affecting the world’s poorest people, fasciolosis, opisthorchiasis, clonorchiasis and schistosomiasis cause severe disability; hinder growth, productivity and cognitive development; and can end in death. Children are often disproportionately affected. F. hepatica and F. gigantica are also the most important trematode flukes parasitising ruminants and cause substantial economic losses annually. Mass drug administration (MDA) programs for the control of these liver and blood fluke infections are in place in a number of countries but treatment coverage is often low, re-infection rates are high and drug compliance and effectiveness can vary. Furthermore, the spectre of drug resistance is ever-present, so MDA is not effective or sustainable long term. Vaccination would provide an invaluable tool to achieve lasting control leading to elimination. This review summarises the status currently of vaccine development, identifies some of the major scientific targets for progression and briefly discusses future innovations that may provide effective protective immunity against these helminth parasites and the diseases they cause.
Collapse
|
56
|
Okay S, Özge Özcan Ö, Karahan M. Nanoparticle-based delivery platforms for mRNA vaccine development. AIMS BIOPHYSICS 2020. [DOI: 10.3934/biophy.2020023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
|
57
|
Kalyanasundaram R, Khatri V, Chauhan N. Advances in Vaccine Development for Human Lymphatic Filariasis. Trends Parasitol 2019; 36:195-205. [PMID: 31864894 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, over 880 million people are currently at risk of acquiring lymphatic filariasis (LF) in over 52 countries worldwide. Current approaches to control LF by 2020 are short of the anticipated goal. Several studies suggest the existence of protective immunity against LF in humans. Thus, it is possible to develop a prophylactic vaccine against LF in humans. Several potential vaccine candidates were identified and tested for their potential against LF. To date, preclinical studies suggest that it is possible to develop a prophylactic vaccine against LF. Much work needs to be done, but it is clear that a prophylactic vaccine, combined with targeted chemotherapy, is critically required for eliminating LF worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramaswamy Kalyanasundaram
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, 1601 Parkview Avenue, Rockford, IL 61107, USA.
| | - Vishal Khatri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, 1601 Parkview Avenue, Rockford, IL 61107, USA
| | - Nikhil Chauhan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Illinois, 1601 Parkview Avenue, Rockford, IL 61107, USA
| |
Collapse
|
58
|
Poveda C, Biter AB, Bottazzi ME, Strych U. Establishing Preferred Product Characterization for the Evaluation of RNA Vaccine Antigens. Vaccines (Basel) 2019; 7:vaccines7040131. [PMID: 31569760 PMCID: PMC6963847 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines7040131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The preferred product characteristics (for chemistry, control, and manufacture), in addition to safety and efficacy, are quintessential requirements for any successful therapeutic. Messenger RNA vaccines constitute a relatively new alternative to traditional vaccine development platforms, and thus there is less clarity regarding the criteria needed to ensure regulatory compliance and acceptance. Generally, to identify the ideal product characteristics, a series of assays needs to be developed, qualified and ultimately validated to determine the integrity, purity, stability, and reproducibility of a vaccine target. Here, using the available literature, we provide a summary of the array of biophysical and biochemical assays currently used in the field to characterize mRNA vaccine antigen candidates. Moreover, we review various in vitro functional cell-based assays that have been employed to facilitate the early assessment of the biological activity of these molecules, including the predictive immune response triggered in the host cell. Messenger RNA vaccines can be produced rapidly and at large scale, and thus will particularly benefit from well-defined and well-characterized assays ultimately to be used for in-process, release and stability-indications, which will allow equally rapid screening of immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety without the need to conduct often lengthy and costly in vivo experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Poveda
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, BCM113 Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, 1102 Bates Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Amadeo B Biter
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, BCM113 Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, 1102 Bates Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, 1102 Bates Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, BCM113 Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA.
| | - Ulrich Strych
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, BCM113 Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, 1102 Bates Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|