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Nithya Shree J, Premika T, Sharlin S, Annie Aglin A. Diverse approaches to express recombinant spike protein: A comprehensive review. Protein Expr Purif 2024; 223:106556. [PMID: 39009199 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2024.106556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
The spike protein of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for infecting host cells. It has two segments, S1 and S2. The S1 segment has a receptor-binding domain (RBD) that attaches to the host receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The S2 segment helps in the fusion of the viral cell membrane by creating a six-helical bundle through the two-heptad repeat domain. To develop effective vaccines and therapeutics against COVID-19, it is critical to express and purify the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. Extensive studies have been conducted on expression of a complete recombinant spike protein or its fragments. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the different expression systems employed for spike protein expression, along with their advantages and disadvantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jk Nithya Shree
- Department of Biotechnology, Mepco Schlenk Engineering College, Sivakasi, 626005, Tamilnadu, India
| | - T Premika
- Department of Biotechnology, Mepco Schlenk Engineering College, Sivakasi, 626005, Tamilnadu, India
| | - S Sharlin
- Department of Biotechnology, Mepco Schlenk Engineering College, Sivakasi, 626005, Tamilnadu, India
| | - A Annie Aglin
- Department of Biotechnology, Mepco Schlenk Engineering College, Sivakasi, 626005, Tamilnadu, India.
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2
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Suwanchaikasem P, Rattanapisit K, Strasser R, Phoolcharoen W. Quality control in SARS-CoV-2 RBD-Fc vaccine production using LC-MS to confirm strain selection and detect contaminations from other strains. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9629. [PMID: 38671013 PMCID: PMC11053075 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59860-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is an ongoing outbreak, disrupting human life worldwide. Vaccine development was prioritized to obtain a biological substance for combating the viral pathogen and lessening disease severity. In vaccine production, biological origin and relevant materials must be carefully examined for potential contaminants in conformity with good manufacturing practice. Due to fast mutation, several SARS-CoV-2 variants and sublineages have been identified. Currently, most of COVID-19 vaccines are developed based on the protein sequence of the Wuhan wild type strain. New vaccines specific for emerging SARS-CoV-2 strains are continuously needed to tackle the incessant evolution of the virus. Therefore, in vaccine development and production, a reliable method to identify the nature of subunit vaccines is required to avoid cross-contamination. In this study, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry using quadrupole-time of flight along with tryptic digestion was developed for distinguishing protein materials derived from different SARS-CoV-2 strains. After analyzing the recombinantly produced receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, nine characteristic peptides were identified with acceptable limits of detection. They can be used together to distinguish 14 SARS-CoV-2 strains, except Kappa and Epsilon. Plant-produced RBD-Fc protein derived from Omicron strains can be easily distinguished from the others with 4-5 unique peptides. Eventually, a peptide key was developed based on the nine peptides, offering a prompt and precise flowchart to facilitate SARS-CoV-2 strain identification in COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Richard Strasser
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1180, Vienna, Austria
| | - Waranyoo Phoolcharoen
- Center of Excellence in Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
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3
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Coria LM, Rodriguez JM, Demaria A, Bruno LA, Medrano MR, Castro CP, Castro EF, Del Priore SA, Hernando Insua AC, Kaufmann IG, Saposnik LM, Stone WB, Prado L, Notaro US, Amweg AN, Diaz PU, Avaro M, Ortega H, Ceballos A, Krum V, Zurvarra FM, Sidabra JE, Drehe I, Baqué JA, Li Causi M, De Nichilo AV, Payes CJ, Southard T, Vega JC, Auguste AJ, Álvarez DE, Flo JM, Pasquevich KA, Cassataro J. A Gamma-adapted subunit vaccine induces broadly neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants and protects mice from infection. Nat Commun 2024; 15:997. [PMID: 38307851 PMCID: PMC10837449 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45180-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In the context of continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs), one strategy to prevent the severe outcomes of COVID-19 is developing safe and effective broad-spectrum vaccines. Here, we present preclinical studies of a RBD vaccine derived from the Gamma SARS-CoV-2 variant adjuvanted with Alum. The Gamma-adapted RBD vaccine is more immunogenic than the Ancestral RBD vaccine in terms of inducing broader neutralizing antibodies. The Gamma RBD presents more immunogenic B-cell restricted epitopes and induces a higher proportion of specific-B cells and plasmablasts than the Ancestral RBD version. The Gamma-adapted vaccine induces antigen specific T cell immune responses and confers protection against Ancestral and Omicron BA.5 SARS-CoV-2 challenge in mice. Moreover, the Gamma RBD vaccine induces higher and broader neutralizing antibody activity than homologous booster vaccination in mice previously primed with different SARS-CoV-2 vaccine platforms. Our study indicates that the adjuvanted Gamma RBD vaccine is highly immunogenic and a broad-spectrum vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena M Coria
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), San Martín (1650), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (EByN), Universidad Nacional de San Martín, San Martín (1650), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Juan Manuel Rodriguez
- Laboratorio Pablo Cassará, Unidad de I+D de Biofármacos, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1440FFX, Argentina
- Fundación Pablo Cassará, Unidad de I+D de Biofármacos, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1440FFX, Argentina
| | - Agostina Demaria
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), San Martín (1650), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (EByN), Universidad Nacional de San Martín, San Martín (1650), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura A Bruno
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), San Martín (1650), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (EByN), Universidad Nacional de San Martín, San Martín (1650), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mayra Rios Medrano
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), San Martín (1650), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (EByN), Universidad Nacional de San Martín, San Martín (1650), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Celeste Pueblas Castro
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), San Martín (1650), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (EByN), Universidad Nacional de San Martín, San Martín (1650), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eliana F Castro
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), San Martín (1650), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (EByN), Universidad Nacional de San Martín, San Martín (1650), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sabrina A Del Priore
- Laboratorio Pablo Cassará, Unidad de I+D de Biofármacos, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1440FFX, Argentina
| | - Andres C Hernando Insua
- Laboratorio Pablo Cassará, Unidad de I+D de Biofármacos, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1440FFX, Argentina
- Fundación Pablo Cassará, Unidad de I+D de Biofármacos, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1440FFX, Argentina
| | - Ingrid G Kaufmann
- Laboratorio Pablo Cassará, Unidad de I+D de Biofármacos, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1440FFX, Argentina
| | - Lucas M Saposnik
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), San Martín (1650), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (EByN), Universidad Nacional de San Martín, San Martín (1650), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - William B Stone
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Lineia Prado
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), San Martín (1650), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (EByN), Universidad Nacional de San Martín, San Martín (1650), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ulises S Notaro
- Centro de Medicina Comparada, ICiVet-Litoral, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET; Esperanza, Santa Fe, 3080, Argentina
| | - Ayelen N Amweg
- Centro de Medicina Comparada, ICiVet-Litoral, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET; Esperanza, Santa Fe, 3080, Argentina
| | - Pablo U Diaz
- Centro de Medicina Comparada, ICiVet-Litoral, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET; Esperanza, Santa Fe, 3080, Argentina
| | - Martin Avaro
- Servicio Virosis Respiratorias, Laboratorio de Referencia de Influenza, SARS-CoV-2 y otros Virus Respiratorios, Centro Nacional de Influenza de OPS/OMS, Departamento de Virología, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas - ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán". Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1282AFF, Argentina
| | - Hugo Ortega
- Centro de Medicina Comparada, ICiVet-Litoral, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET; Esperanza, Santa Fe, 3080, Argentina
| | - Ana Ceballos
- Facultad de Medicina UBA, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA, INBIRS-CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valeria Krum
- Laboratorio Pablo Cassará, Unidad de I+D de Biofármacos, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1440FFX, Argentina
| | - Francisco M Zurvarra
- Laboratorio Pablo Cassará, Unidad de I+D de Biofármacos, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1440FFX, Argentina
- Fundación Pablo Cassará, Unidad de I+D de Biofármacos, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1440FFX, Argentina
| | - Johanna E Sidabra
- Laboratorio Pablo Cassará, Unidad de I+D de Biofármacos, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1440FFX, Argentina
| | - Ignacio Drehe
- Laboratorio Pablo Cassará, Unidad de I+D de Biofármacos, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1440FFX, Argentina
| | - Jonathan A Baqué
- Laboratorio Pablo Cassará, Unidad de I+D de Biofármacos, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1440FFX, Argentina
| | - Mariana Li Causi
- Laboratorio Pablo Cassará, Unidad de I+D de Biofármacos, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1440FFX, Argentina
| | - Analia V De Nichilo
- Laboratorio Pablo Cassará, Unidad de I+D de Biofármacos, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1440FFX, Argentina
- Fundación Pablo Cassará, Unidad de I+D de Biofármacos, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1440FFX, Argentina
| | - Cristian J Payes
- Laboratorio Pablo Cassará, Unidad de I+D de Biofármacos, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1440FFX, Argentina
| | - Teresa Southard
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Julio C Vega
- Laboratorio Pablo Cassará - I+D+i, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1408GBV, Argentina
| | - Albert J Auguste
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Diego E Álvarez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), San Martín (1650), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (EByN), Universidad Nacional de San Martín, San Martín (1650), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan M Flo
- Laboratorio Pablo Cassará, Unidad de I+D de Biofármacos, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, C1440FFX, Argentina
| | - Karina A Pasquevich
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), San Martín (1650), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (EByN), Universidad Nacional de San Martín, San Martín (1650), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juliana Cassataro
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas, Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), San Martín (1650), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Escuela de Bio y Nanotecnologías (EByN), Universidad Nacional de San Martín, San Martín (1650), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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4
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Santoni M, Gutierrez-Valdes N, Pivotto D, Zanichelli E, Rosa A, Sobrino-Mengual G, Balieu J, Lerouge P, Bardor M, Cecchetto R, Compri M, Mazzariol A, Ritala A, Avesani L. Performance of plant-produced RBDs as SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic reagents: a tale of two plant platforms. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 14:1325162. [PMID: 38239207 PMCID: PMC10794598 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1325162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for rapid and cost-effective diagnostic tools. Serological tests, particularly those measuring antibodies targeting the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the virus, play a pivotal role in tracking infection dynamics and vaccine effectiveness. In this study, we aimed to develop a simple enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for measuring RBD-specific antibodies, comparing two plant-based platforms for diagnostic reagent production. We chose to retain RBD in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to prevent potential immunoreactivity issues associated with plant-specific glycans. We produced ER-retained RBD in two plant systems: a stable transformation of BY-2 plant cell culture (BY2-RBD) and a transient transformation in Nicotiana benthamiana using the MagnICON system (NB-RBD). Both systems demonstrated their suitability, with varying yields and production timelines. The plant-made proteins revealed unexpected differences in N-glycan profiles, with BY2-RBD displaying oligo-mannosidic N-glycans and NB-RBD exhibiting a more complex glycan profile. This difference may be attributed to higher recombinant protein synthesis in the N. benthamiana system, potentially overloading the ER retention signal, causing some proteins to traffic to the Golgi apparatus. When used as diagnostic reagents in ELISA, BY2-RBD outperformed NB-RBD in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and correlation with a commercial kit. This discrepancy may be due to the distinct glycan profiles, as complex glycans on NB-RBD may impact immunoreactivity. In conclusion, our study highlights the potential of plant-based systems for rapid diagnostic reagent production during emergencies. However, transient expression systems, while offering shorter timelines, introduce higher heterogeneity in recombinant protein forms, necessitating careful consideration in serological test development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Denise Pivotto
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Elena Zanichelli
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Guillermo Sobrino-Mengual
- Université de Rouen Normandie, Normandie Univ, GlycoMEV UR 4358, SFR Normandie Végétal FED 4277, Innovation Chimie Carnot, IRIB, GDR CNRS Chemobiologie, RMT BESTIM, Rouen, France
- Applied Plant Biotechnology Group, Department of Plant Production and Forestry Science, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio CERCA Center, Lleida, Spain
| | - Juliette Balieu
- Université de Rouen Normandie, Normandie Univ, GlycoMEV UR 4358, SFR Normandie Végétal FED 4277, Innovation Chimie Carnot, IRIB, GDR CNRS Chemobiologie, RMT BESTIM, Rouen, France
| | - Patrice Lerouge
- Université de Rouen Normandie, Normandie Univ, GlycoMEV UR 4358, SFR Normandie Végétal FED 4277, Innovation Chimie Carnot, IRIB, GDR CNRS Chemobiologie, RMT BESTIM, Rouen, France
| | - Muriel Bardor
- Université de Rouen Normandie, Normandie Univ, GlycoMEV UR 4358, SFR Normandie Végétal FED 4277, Innovation Chimie Carnot, IRIB, GDR CNRS Chemobiologie, RMT BESTIM, Rouen, France
| | - Riccardo Cecchetto
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Microbiology Section, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Monica Compri
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, UOC Microbiologia e Virologia, Verona, Italy
| | - Annarita Mazzariol
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Microbiology Section, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Anneli Ritala
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Espoo, Finland
| | - Linda Avesani
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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5
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Imsuwansri T, Jongthitinon T, Pojdoung N, Meesiripan N, Sakarin S, Boonkrai C, Wongtangprasert T, Phakham T, Audomsun T, Attakitbancha C, Saelao P, Muanwien P, Tian MT, Tongchusak S, Sangruji B, Wannigama DL, Sawangmake C, Rodprasert W, Le QD, Purbantoro SD, Vasuntrarak K, Nantavisai S, Sirilak S, Uppapong B, Sapsutthipas S, Trisiriwanich S, Somporn T, Usoo A, Mingngamsup N, Phumiamorn S, Aumklad P, Arunprasert K, Patrojanasophon P, Opanasopit P, Pesirikan N, Nitisaporn L, Pitchayakorn J, Narkthong T, Mahong B, Chaiyo K, Srisutthisamphan K, Viriyakitkosol R, Aeumjaturapat S, Jongkaewwattana A, Bunnag S, Pisitkun T. Assessment of safety and intranasal neutralizing antibodies of HPMC-based human anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG1 nasal spray in healthy volunteers. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15648. [PMID: 37730833 PMCID: PMC10511465 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42539-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
An HPMC-based nasal spray solution containing human IgG1 antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 (nasal antibody spray or NAS) was developed to strengthen COVID-19 management. NAS exhibited potent broadly neutralizing activities against SARS-CoV-2 with PVNT50 values ranging from 0.0035 to 3.1997 μg/ml for the following variants of concern (ranked from lowest to highest): Alpha, Beta, Gamma, ancestral, Delta, Omicron BA.1, BA.2, BA.4/5, and BA.2.75. Biocompatibility assessment showed no potential biological risks. Intranasal NAS administration in rats showed no circulatory presence of human IgG1 anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies within 120 h. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (NCT05358873) was conducted on 36 healthy volunteers who received either NAS or a normal saline nasal spray. Safety of the thrice-daily intranasal administration for 7 days was assessed using nasal sinuscopy, adverse event recording, and self-reporting questionnaires. NAS was well tolerated, with no significant adverse effects during the 14 days of the study. The SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies were detected based on the signal inhibition percent (SIP) in nasal fluids pre- and post-administration using a SARS-CoV-2 surrogate virus neutralization test. SIP values in nasal fluids collected immediately or 6 h after NAS application were significantly increased from baseline for all three variants tested, including ancestral, Delta, and Omicron BA.2. In conclusion, NAS was safe for intranasal use in humans to increase neutralizing antibodies in nasal fluids that lasted at least 6 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanarath Imsuwansri
- Department of Medical Services, National Cancer Institute, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Thitinan Jongthitinon
- Department of Medical Services, National Cancer Institute, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Niramon Pojdoung
- Department of Medical Services, National Cancer Institute, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nuntana Meesiripan
- Department of Medical Services, National Cancer Institute, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Siriwan Sakarin
- Department of Medical Services, National Cancer Institute, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chatikorn Boonkrai
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tossapon Wongtangprasert
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- The Excellence Chulalongkorn Comprehensive Cancer Center, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tanapati Phakham
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thittaya Audomsun
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chadaporn Attakitbancha
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pijitra Saelao
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Phijitra Muanwien
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Maoxin Tim Tian
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Songsak Tongchusak
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Bhrus Sangruji
- School of Arts and Sciences, Tufts University, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dhammika Leshan Wannigama
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Chenphop Sawangmake
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Innovation Center (VSCBIC), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Watchareewan Rodprasert
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Innovation Center (VSCBIC), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Quynh Dang Le
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Innovation Center (VSCBIC), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Steven Dwi Purbantoro
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Innovation Center (VSCBIC), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kananuch Vasuntrarak
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sirirat Nantavisai
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Innovation Center (VSCBIC), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Veterinary Stem Cell and Bioengineering Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Academic Affairs, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Supakit Sirilak
- Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Ballang Uppapong
- Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Sompong Sapsutthipas
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biological Products, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Sakalin Trisiriwanich
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biological Products, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Thitiporn Somporn
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biological Products, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Asmah Usoo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biological Products, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Natthakarn Mingngamsup
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biological Products, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Supaporn Phumiamorn
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biological Products, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Porawan Aumklad
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Thana Narkthong
- The Government Pharmaceutical Organization, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Bancha Mahong
- The Government Pharmaceutical Organization, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kumchol Chaiyo
- The Government Pharmaceutical Organization, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kanjana Srisutthisamphan
- Virology and Cell Technology Research Team, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Ratchanont Viriyakitkosol
- Virology and Cell Technology Research Team, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathumthani, Thailand
| | | | - Anan Jongkaewwattana
- Virology and Cell Technology Research Team, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Sakarn Bunnag
- Department of Medical Services, National Cancer Institute, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Trairak Pisitkun
- Faculty of Medicine, Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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6
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Bulaon CJI, Khorattanakulchai N, Rattanapisit K, Sun H, Pisuttinusart N, Strasser R, Tanaka S, Soon-Shiong P, Phoolcharoen W. Antitumor effect of plant-produced anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody in a murine model of colon cancer. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1149455. [PMID: 37711295 PMCID: PMC10497774 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1149455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) is an immune checkpoint regulator exclusively expressed on T cells that obstructs the cell's effector functions. Ipilimumab (Yervoy®), a CTLA-4 blocking antibody, emerged as a notable breakthrough in modern cancer treatment, showing upfront clinical benefits in multiple carcinomas. However, the exhilarating cost of checkpoint blockade therapy is discouraging and even utmost prominent in developing countries. Thereby, affordability of cancer care has become a point of emphasis in drug development pipelines. Plant expression system blossomed as a cutting-edge platform for rapid, facile to scale-up, and economical production of recombinant therapeutics. Here, we describe the production of an anti-CTLA-4 2C8 antibody in Nicotiana benthamiana. ELISA and bio-layer interferometry were used to analyze antigen binding and binding kinetics. Anticancer responses in vivo were evaluated using knocked-in mice implanted with syngeneic colon tumor. At 4 days post-infiltration, the antibody was transiently expressed in plants with yields of up to 39.65 ± 8.42 μg/g fresh weight. Plant-produced 2C8 binds to both human and murine CTLA-4, and the plant-produced IgG1 also binds to human FcγRIIIa (V158). In addition, the plant-produced 2C8 monoclonal antibody is as effective as Yervoy® in inhibiting tumor growth in vivo. In conclusion, our study underlines the applicability of plant platform to produce functional therapeutic antibodies with promising potential in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Joy I. Bulaon
- Center of Excellence in Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Graduate Program of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | | | - Nuttapat Pisuttinusart
- Center of Excellence in Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Graduate Program of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Richard Strasser
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Shiho Tanaka
- ImmunityBio, Inc., Culver City, CA, United States
| | | | - Waranyoo Phoolcharoen
- Center of Excellence in Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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7
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Phoolcharoen W, Shanmugaraj B, Khorattanakulchai N, Sunyakumthorn P, Pichyangkul S, Taepavarapruk P, Praserthsee W, Malaivijitnond S, Manopwisedjaroen S, Thitithanyanont A, Srisutthisamphan K, Jongkaewwattana A, Tomai M, Fox CB, Taychakhoonavudh S. Preclinical evaluation of immunogenicity, efficacy and safety of a recombinant plant-based SARS-CoV-2 RBD vaccine formulated with 3M-052-Alum adjuvant. Vaccine 2023; 41:2781-2792. [PMID: 36963999 PMCID: PMC10027959 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Cost-effective, and accessible vaccines are needed for mass immunization to control the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).A plant-based vaccine is an attractive technology platform since the recombinant proteins can be easily produced at large scale and low cost. For the recombinant subunit-based vaccines, effective adjuvants are crucial to enhance the magnitude and breadth of immune responses elicited by the vaccine. In this study, we report a preclinical evaluation of the immunogenicity, efficacy and safety of a recombinant plant-based SARS-CoV-2 RBD vaccine formulated with 3M-052 (TLR7/8 agonist)-Alum adjuvant. This vaccine formulation, named Baiya SARS-CoV-2 Vax 2, induced significant levels of RBD-specific IgG and neutralizing antibody responses in mice. A viral challenge study using humanized K18-hACE2 mice has shown that animals vaccinated with two doses of Baiya SARS-CoV-2 Vax 2 established immune protection against SARS-CoV-2. A study in nonhuman primates (cynomolgus monkeys) indicated that immunization with two doses of Baiya SARS-CoV-2 Vax 2 was safe, well tolerated, and induced neutralizing antibodies against the prototype virus and other viral variants (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron subvariants). The toxicity of Baiya SARS-CoV-2 Vax 2 was further investigated in Jcl:SD rats, which demonstrated that a single dose and repeated doses of Baiya SARS-CoV-2 Vax 2 were well tolerated and no mortality or unanticipated findings were observed. Overall, these preclinical findings support further clinical development of Baiya SARS-CoV-2 Vax 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waranyoo Phoolcharoen
- Center of Excellence in Plant-produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
| | | | - Narach Khorattanakulchai
- Center of Excellence in Plant-produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | | | - Sathit Pichyangkul
- US Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Pornnarin Taepavarapruk
- Center for Animal Research and Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Pitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | | | - Suchinda Malaivijitnond
- National Primate Research Center of Thailand-Chulalongkorn University, Saraburi 18110, Thailand
| | | | - Arunee Thitithanyanont
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Kanjana Srisutthisamphan
- Virology and Cell Technology Laboratory, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Anan Jongkaewwattana
- Virology and Cell Technology Laboratory, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Mark Tomai
- 3M Healthcare, 3M Center, Bldg 270-4N-04, St. Paul, MN 55144-1000, USA
| | - Christopher B Fox
- Access to Advanced Health Institute (AAHI), 1616 Eastlake Ave E, Ste 400, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Suthira Taychakhoonavudh
- Department of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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8
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England C, TrejoMartinez J, PerezSanchez P, Karki U, Xu J. Plants as Biofactories for Therapeutic Proteins and Antiviral Compounds to Combat COVID-19. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:617. [PMID: 36983772 PMCID: PMC10054913 DOI: 10.3390/life13030617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) had a profound impact on the world's health and economy. Although the end of the pandemic may come in 2023, it is generally believed that the virus will not be completely eradicated. Most likely, the disease will become an endemicity. The rapid development of vaccines of different types (mRNA, subunit protein, inactivated virus, etc.) and some other antiviral drugs (Remdesivir, Olumiant, Paxlovid, etc.) has provided effectiveness in reducing COVID-19's impact worldwide. However, the circulating SARS-CoV-2 virus has been constantly mutating with the emergence of multiple variants, which makes control of COVID-19 difficult. There is still a pressing need for developing more effective antiviral drugs to fight against the disease. Plants have provided a promising production platform for both bioactive chemical compounds (small molecules) and recombinant therapeutics (big molecules). Plants naturally produce a diverse range of bioactive compounds as secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, terpenoids/terpenes and polyphenols, which are a rich source of countless antiviral compounds. Plants can also be genetically engineered to produce valuable recombinant therapeutics. This molecular farming in plants has an unprecedented opportunity for developing vaccines, antibodies, and other biologics for pandemic diseases because of its potential advantages, such as low cost, safety, and high production volume. This review summarizes the latest advancements in plant-derived drugs used to combat COVID-19 and discusses the prospects and challenges of the plant-based production platform for antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corbin England
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
- Molecular Biosciences Program, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | | | - Paula PerezSanchez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | - Uddhab Karki
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
- Molecular Biosciences Program, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | - Jianfeng Xu
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
- College of Agriculture, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
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9
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Rebelo BA, Folgado A, Ferreira AC, Abranches R. Production of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein and its Receptor Binding Domain in plant cell suspension cultures. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:995429. [PMID: 36340353 PMCID: PMC9634662 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.995429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the worldwide spread of SARS-CoV-2, has prompted the scientific community to rapidly develop efficient and specific diagnostics and therapeutics. A number of avenues have been explored, including the manufacture of COVID-related proteins to be used as reagents for diagnostics or treatment. The production of RBD and Spike proteins was previously achieved in eukaryotic cells, mainly mammalian cell cultures, while the production in microbial systems has been unsuccessful until now. Here we report the effective production of SARS-CoV-2 proteins in two plant model systems. We established transgenic tobacco BY-2 and Medicago truncatula A17 cell suspension cultures stably producing the full-length Spike and RBD recombinant proteins. For both proteins, various glycoforms were obtained, with higher yields in Medicago cultures than BY-2. This work highlights that RBD and Spike can be secreted into the culture medium, which will impact subsequent purification and downstream processing costs. Analysis of the culture media indicated the presence of the high molecular weight Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Although the production yields still need improvement to compete with mammalian systems, this is the first report showing that plant cell suspension cultures are able to produce the high molecular weight Spike protein. This finding strengthens the potential of plant cell cultures as production platforms for large complex proteins.
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