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Michalik M, Djahanschiri B, Leo JC, Linke D. An Update on "Reverse Vaccinology": The Pathway from Genomes and Epitope Predictions to Tailored, Recombinant Vaccines. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2022; 2412:45-71. [PMID: 34918241 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1892-9_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
In this chapter, we review the computational approaches that have led to a new generation of vaccines in recent years. There are many alternative routes to develop vaccines based on the concept of reverse vaccinology. They all follow the same basic principles-mining available genome and proteome information for antigen candidates, and recombinantly expressing them for vaccine production. Some of the same principles have been used successfully for cancer therapy approaches. In this review, we focus on infectious diseases, describing the general workflow from bioinformatic predictions of antigens and epitopes down to examples where such predictions have been used successfully for vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bardya Djahanschiri
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jack C Leo
- Department of Biosciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Dirk Linke
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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2
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Reedy M, Jonnalagadda S, Palle K. Case Report: Intra-Tumoral Vaccinations of Quadrivalent HPV-L1 Peptide Vaccine With Topical TLR-7 Agonist Following Recurrence: Complete Resolution of HPV-HR-Associated Gynecologic Squamous Cell Carcinomas in Two Patients. Pathol Oncol Res 2021; 27:1609922. [PMID: 34987310 PMCID: PMC8720759 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2021.1609922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The human papilloma virus (HPV) high-risk variants (HPV-HR) such as HPV16 and HPV18 are responsible for most HPV related cancers, including anogenital and head and neck cancers. Here, we present two patients with HPV-HR-associated gynecological malignancies who, after failing radiation therapy, were treated with experimental salvage immunotherapy regimen resulting in complete, durable responses in both patients. Each patient was diagnosed with recurrent, radiation-refractory, HPV-HR positive, squamous cell carcinoma of the lower genital tract. Patient A was a 90-year-old, African American, with metastatic vulvar cancer to the right inguinal-femoral triangle and pulmonary metastases. Patient B was a 41-year-old, Caucasian, with a central-recurrence of cervix cancer. Each patient received at least two intratumoral quadrivalent HPV-L1 vaccine (Gardasil™) injections and daily topical TLR-7 agonist (imiquimod) to the tumor surface 2 weeks apart. This combination of intratumoral vaccinations and topical TLR-7 agonist produced unexpected complete resolution of disease in both patients. The importance of radiation therapy, despite being considered a treatment failure by current definitions, cannot be understated. Radiation therapy appears to have offered a therapeutic immune advantage by modifying the tumor microenvironment. This immune protocol has potential to help patients with advanced HPV-HR-related malignancies previously considered incurable.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged, 80 and over
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/therapy
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/virology
- Female
- Genital Neoplasms, Female/pathology
- Genital Neoplasms, Female/therapy
- Genital Neoplasms, Female/virology
- Human Papillomavirus Recombinant Vaccine Quadrivalent, Types 6, 11, 16, 18/therapeutic use
- Humans
- Imiquimod/therapeutic use
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/therapy
- Papillomavirus Infections/complications
- Papillomavirus Infections/therapy
- Salvage Therapy/methods
- Toll-Like Receptor 7/agonists
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Reedy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Mark Reedy,
| | - Shirisha Jonnalagadda
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Komaraiah Palle
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
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3
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Wang Y, Wang J, Liu C, Li M. Silent Information Regulator 1 Promotes Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion of Cervical Cancer Cells and Is Upregulated by Human Papillomavirus 16 E7 Oncoprotein. Gynecol Obstet Invest 2021; 87:22-29. [PMID: 34808628 DOI: 10.1159/000520642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), an NAD+-dependent III class histone deacetylase, plays crucial roles in cell proliferation, apoptosis, senescence, metabolism, and stress responses. Nevertheless, the role of SIRT1 in tumorigenesis remains unclear. METHODS In the present study, we measured expression levels of SIRT1 and HPV16 E7 protein in cervical cancer (CC) tissue and calculated their correlations. We measured the effect of silencing SIRT1 on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis in human CC SiHa cells. RESULTS Immunohistochemistry results revealed that the expression of SIRT1 was upregulated with progression from CIN II-III to CC, but was not expressed in normal cervical tissues and CIN I. There was a positive correlation between SIRT1 expression and HPV16 E7 expression in CC tissues, and silencing of HPV16 E7 downregulated the expression of SIRT1. Depletion of SIRT1 downregulated SIRT1 expression, and inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of SiHa cells, inducing apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, the data suggest that SIRT1 promotes CC carcinogenesis. SIRT1 inhibition is a potential treatment strategy for CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujing Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, China,
| | - Jing Wang
- Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Chunmei Liu
- Qingdao Research and Development Center of Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
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4
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Nanotechnology-based products for cancer immunotherapy. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 49:1389-1412. [PMID: 34716502 PMCID: PMC8555726 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06876-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Currently, nanoscale materials and scaffolds carrying antitumor agents to the tumor target site are practical approaches for cancer treatment. Immunotherapy is a modern approach to cancer treatment in which the body’s immune system adjusts to deal with cancer cells. Immuno-engineering is a new branch of regenerative medicine-based therapies that uses engineering principles by using biological tools to stimulate the immune system. Therefore, this branch’s final aim is to regulate distribution, release, and simultaneous placement of several immune factors at the tumor site, so then upgrade the current treatment methods and subsequently improve the immune system’s handling. In this paper, recent research and prospects of nanotechnology-based cancer immunotherapy have been presented and discussed. Furthermore, different encouraging nanotechnology-based plans for targeting various innate and adaptive immune systems will also be discussed. Due to novel views in nanotechnology strategies, this field can address some biological obstacles, although studies are ongoing. Graphic abstract ![]()
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Venkataraman S, Hefferon K, Makhzoum A, Abouhaidar M. Combating Human Viral Diseases: Will Plant-Based Vaccines Be the Answer? Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9070761. [PMID: 34358177 PMCID: PMC8310141 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9070761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular pharming or the technology of application of plants and plant cell culture to manufacture high-value recombinant proteins has progressed a long way over the last three decades. Whether generated in transgenic plants by stable expression or in plant virus-based transient expression systems, biopharmaceuticals have been produced to combat several human viral diseases that have impacted the world in pandemic proportions. Plants have been variously employed in expressing a host of viral antigens as well as monoclonal antibodies. Many of these biopharmaceuticals have shown great promise in animal models and several of them have performed successfully in clinical trials. The current review elaborates the strategies and successes achieved in generating plant-derived vaccines to target several virus-induced health concerns including highly communicable infectious viral diseases. Importantly, plant-made biopharmaceuticals against hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), the cancer-causing virus human papillomavirus (HPV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), influenza virus, zika virus, and the emerging respiratory virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been discussed. The use of plant virus-derived nanoparticles (VNPs) and virus-like particles (VLPs) in generating plant-based vaccines are extensively addressed. The review closes with a critical look at the caveats of plant-based molecular pharming and future prospects towards further advancements in this technology. The use of biopharmed viral vaccines in human medicine and as part of emergency response vaccines and therapeutics in humans looks promising for the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srividhya Venkataraman
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada; (K.H.); (M.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Kathleen Hefferon
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada; (K.H.); (M.A.)
| | - Abdullah Makhzoum
- Department of Biological Sciences & Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science & Technology, Palapye, Botswana;
| | - Mounir Abouhaidar
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada; (K.H.); (M.A.)
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6
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The patent buyout price for human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine and the ratio of R&D costs to the patent value. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0244722. [PMID: 33428667 PMCID: PMC7799842 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for almost all of the 570,000 new cases of cervical cancer and approximately 311,000 deaths per year. HPV vaccination is an integral component of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global strategy to fight the disease. However, high vaccine prices enforced through patent protection are limiting vaccine expansion, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. By limiting market power, patent buyouts could reduce vaccine prices and raise HPV vaccination rates while keeping innovation incentives. We estimate the global patent buyout price as the present discounted value (PDV) of the future profit stream over the remaining patent length for Merck’s HPV vaccines (Gardasil-4 and 9), which hold 87% of the global HPV vaccine market, in the range of US$ 15.6–27.7 billion (in 2018 US$). The estimated PDV of the profit stream since market introduction amounts to US$ 17.8–42.8 billion and the estimated R&D cost to US$ 1.05–1.21 billion. Thus, we arrive at a ratio of R&D costs to the patent value of the order of 2.5–6.8%. We relate this figure to typical estimates of the probability of success (POS) for clinical trials of vaccines to discuss if patent protection provides Merck with extraordinarily strong price setting power.
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Naupu PN, van Zyl AR, Rybicki EP, Hitzeroth II. Immunogenicity of Plant-Produced Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Virus-Like Particles (VLPs). Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8040740. [PMID: 33291259 PMCID: PMC7762164 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8040740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is ranked fourth among the top cancers in women and is the second most common cancer in low- and middle-income regions, with ~570,000 new cases reported in 2018, which attributed to 84% of worldwide cervical cancer cases. Three commercially available prophylactic Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are effective at preventing HPV infections. However, these vaccines are expensive due to their complex production systems, therefore limiting their use in developing countries. Recently, the use of plants to produce vaccines has emerged as a cost-effective alternative to conventionally used expression systems. Here, L1 proteins of eight high-risk (HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 45, 52, and 58) and two low risk (HPV 6 and 34) HPV types were successfully expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed the presence of VLPs and/or capsomeres. Immunogenicity studies were conducted in mice utilizing HPV 35, 52, and 58 and showed that type-specific L1-specific antibodies were produced which were able to successfully neutralize homologous HPV pseudovirions in pseudovirion-based neutralization assays (PBNAs). This work demonstrated the potential for using plant-based transient expression systems to produce affordable and immunogenic HPV vaccines, particularly for developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina N. Naupu
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; (P.N.N.); (E.P.R.); (I.I.H.)
| | - Albertha R. van Zyl
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; (P.N.N.); (E.P.R.); (I.I.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +27-21-650-5232
| | - Edward P. Rybicki
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; (P.N.N.); (E.P.R.); (I.I.H.)
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Inga I. Hitzeroth
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; (P.N.N.); (E.P.R.); (I.I.H.)
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Chen YP, Liu YW, Lee D, Qiu JT, Lee TY, Liu SJ. Biodegradable andrographolide-eluting nanofibrous membranes for the treatment of cervical cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2019; 14:421-429. [PMID: 30666104 PMCID: PMC6331077 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s186714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study, we developed biodegradable andrographolide (AG)-eluting nanofibrous mats and evaluated their efficacy in treating cervical cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS Membranes of two different poly[(d,l)-lactide-co-glycolide] (PLGA)-to-AG ratios (6:1 and 3:1) were prepared via electrospinning technology. The liberation behavior of AG was evaluated. A cervical cancer model with C57BL/6J mice was created and employed for an in vivo efficacy assessment of the drug-eluting nanofibers. Twelve mice with cervical cancer were stochastically divided into three different groups (four animals per group): group A received no treatment as the control, group B was treated with pure PLGA mats, and group C was treated with AG-loaded nanofibrous membranes. The changes in tumor sizes were recorded. RESULTS All membranes eluted high concentrations of AG at the target area for three weeks, while the systemic drug concentration in the blood remained low. Histological analysis showed no obvious tissue inflammation. Compared with the mice in groups A and B, the tumor size of the mice in group C decreased with time until day 25, when the daily drug concentration reduced to 3 µg/mL. CONCLUSION Biodegradable nanofibers with a sustainable release of AG exhibit adequate efficacy and durability for the treatment of mice with cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Pin Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Wei Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan,
| | - Demei Lee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan,
| | - Jiantai Timothy Qiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Tzung-Yan Lee
- Graduate Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jung Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan,
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan,
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9
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Tan X, Liu N, Legge FS, Yang M, Zeng J. Computational identification of antibody epitopes of human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) L1 proteins. JOURNAL OF THEORETICAL & COMPUTATIONAL CHEMISTRY 2018. [DOI: 10.1142/s0219633618500177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Previously, we developed a method to predict epitopes on a protein recognized by specific antibodies. In this study, we have applied this method to identify the epitopes of the human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) L1 capsomer that is bound by monoclonal antibodies U4, AE3 and AG7. Initially, the method was validated by the identification of epitopes of HPV16 L1 capsomer that bind to antibody U4. Our predicted epitopes were in agreement with the cryto-electron microscopy (cryto-EM) structure of the complex. The method was then used to predict the epitopes of HPV16 L1 binding of antibodies AE3 and AG7. Our calculations indicated that antibody AE3 binds to the HPV16 L1 capsomer at two different regions. Firstly, the region recognized by antibody U4 and secondly, the region recognized by antibody V5, which have been shown in the cryto-EM structure of the V5 and HPV16 L1 complex. In comparison, the antibody AG7 binds to the capsomer only at the epitopes bound by antibody U4. Therefore, antibody AE3 is predicted to have higher affinity than antibody AG7 and could be used for developing highly efficient anti-HPV monoclonal antibodies in the clinical treatment of HPV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related, Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University Ministry of Education, Chengdu 610041, P. R. China
| | - Na Liu
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, National Center for Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Fiona S. Legge
- MedChemSoft Solutions Wheelers Hill, VIC 3150, Australia
| | - Minghui Yang
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, National Center for Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, P. R. China
| | - Jun Zeng
- MedChemSoft Solutions Wheelers Hill, VIC 3150, Australia
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10
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Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) can be used as antiviral vaccines as they mimic the structure of virus particles, with preserved conformation and immunogenicity characteristics. L1, the major capsid protein of papillomaviruses (PV) can self-assemble into VLPs currently used as highly effective vaccines. VLPs can be produced in heterologous systems, including plants. Here, a method for the expression of the L1 protein of human papillomavirus 16 (HPV 16) and the production of highly purified preparations of HPV 16 L1 VLPs is described. The method relies on the transient expression of HPV 16 L1 in Nicotiana benthamiana plants using a nonreplicating vector and on the purification of VLPs by different centrifugation steps followed by a cesium sulfate gradient. Such a procedure has also been successfully applied to other HPVs and to bovine papillomavirus 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Noris
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council of Italy (IPSP-CNR), Torino, Italy.
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11
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Wong-Arce A, González-Ortega O, Rosales-Mendoza S. Plant-Made Vaccines in the Fight Against Cancer. Trends Biotechnol 2017; 35:241-256. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2016.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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12
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Guan J, Bywaters SM, Brendle SA, Ashley RE, Makhov AM, Conway JF, Christensen ND, Hafenstein S. Cryoelectron Microscopy Maps of Human Papillomavirus 16 Reveal L2 Densities and Heparin Binding Site. Structure 2017; 25:253-263. [PMID: 28065506 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2016.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant health burden and leading cause of virus-induced cancers. The current commercial vaccines are genotype specific and provide little therapeutic benefit to patients with existing HPV infections. Host entry mechanisms represent an excellent target for alternative therapeutics, but HPV receptor use, the details of cell attachment, and host entry are inadequately understood. Here we present near-atomic resolution structures of the HPV16 capsid and HPV16 in complex with heparin, both determined from cryoelectron micrographs collected with direct electron detection technology. The structures clarify details of capsid architecture for the first time, including variation in L1 major capsid protein conformation and putative location of L2 minor protein. Heparin binds specifically around the capsid icosahedral vertices and may recapitulate the earliest stage of infection, providing a framework for continuing biochemical, genetic, and biophysical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Guan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Mail Code H036, 500 University Drive, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA 17033-0850, USA
| | - Stephanie M Bywaters
- Department of Pathology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Sarah A Brendle
- Department of Pathology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Robert E Ashley
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Mail Code H036, 500 University Drive, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA 17033-0850, USA
| | - Alexander M Makhov
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3501 5th Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - James F Conway
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3501 5th Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Neil D Christensen
- Department of Pathology, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Susan Hafenstein
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Penn State College of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Mail Code H036, 500 University Drive, P.O. Box 850, Hershey, PA 17033-0850, USA.
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13
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Farjam M, Bahrami H, Bahramali E, Jamshidi J, Askari A, Zakeri H, Homayounfar R, Poustchi H, Malekzadeh R. A cohort study protocol to analyze the predisposing factors to common chronic non-communicable diseases in rural areas: Fasa Cohort Study. BMC Public Health 2016; 16:1090. [PMID: 27756262 PMCID: PMC5069851 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-016-3760-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become the main causes of morbidity and mortality even in rural areas of many developing countries, including Iran. In view of this increased risk, Fasa Cohort Study (FACS) has been established to assess the risk factors for NCDs with the ultimate goal of providing optimal risk calculators for Iranian population and finding grounds for interventions at the population level. Methods In a population-based cohort, at least 10,000 people within the age range of 35 to 70 years old from Sheshdeh, the suburb of Fasa city and its 24 satellite villages are being recruited. A detailed demographic, socioeconomic, anthropometric, nutrition, and medical history is obtained for each individual besides limited physical examinations and determination of physical activity and sleep patterns supplemented by body composition and electrocardiographic records. Routine laboratory assessments are done and a comprehensive biobank is compiled for future biological investigations. All data are stored online using a dedicated software. Discussion FACS enrolls the individuals from rural and little township areas to evaluate the health conditions and analyze the risk factors pertinent to major NCDs. This study will provide an evidence-based background for further national and international policies in preventive medicine. Yearly follow ups are designed to assess the health events in the participating population. It is believed that the results would construct a contemporary knowledge of Iranian high risk health characteristics and behaviors as well as the platform for further interventions of risk reduction in a typical Iranian population. Constantly probing for future advances in NCDs prevention and management, the accumulated database and biobank serves as a potential for state of the art research and international collaborations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojtaba Farjam
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran.,Department of Medical Pharmacology, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Hossein Bahrami
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA.,Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Ehsan Bahramali
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran. .,Cardiology Department, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran.
| | - Javad Jamshidi
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran.,Department of Medical Genetics, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Alireza Askari
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Habibollah Zakeri
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran.,Anesthesiology Department, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Reza Homayounfar
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Hossein Poustchi
- Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Malekzadeh
- Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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14
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Choi YJ, Park JS. Clinical significance of human papillomavirus genotyping. J Gynecol Oncol 2016; 27:e21. [PMID: 26768784 PMCID: PMC4717226 DOI: 10.3802/jgo.2016.27.e21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2015] [Revised: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, and the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main causative agent for its development. HPV is a heterogeneous virus, and a persistent infection with a high-risk HPV contributes to the development of cancer. In recent decades, great advances have been made in understanding the molecular biology of HPV, and HPV’s significance in cervical cancer prevention and management has received increased attention. In this review, we discuss the role of HPV genotyping in cervical cancer by addressing: clinically important issues in HPV virology; the current application of HPV genotyping in clinical medicine; and potential future uses for HPV genotyping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youn Jin Choi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Sup Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
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15
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Chen Y, Liu Y, Zhang G, Wang A, Dong Z, Qi Y, Wang J, Zhao B, Li N, Jiang M. Human papillomavirus L1 protein expressed in Escherichia coli self-assembles into virus-like particles that are highly immunogenic. Virus Res 2016; 220:97-103. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2016.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 04/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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16
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Ewald PW, Swain Ewald HA. Infection and cancer in multicellular organisms. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2016; 370:rstb.2014.0224. [PMID: 26056368 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2014.0224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Evolutionary considerations suggest that oncogenic infections should be pervasive among animal species. Infection-associated cancers are well documented in humans and domestic animals, less commonly reported in undomesticated captive animals, and rarely documented in nature. In this paper, we review the literature associating infectious agents with cancer to evaluate the reasons for this pattern. Non-malignant infectious neoplasms occur pervasively in multicellular life, but oncogenic progression to malignancy is often uncertain. Evidence from humans and domestic animals shows that non-malignant infectious neoplasms can develop into cancer, although generally with low frequency. Malignant neoplasms could be difficult to find in nature because of a low frequency of oncogenic transformation, short survival after malignancy and reduced survival prior to malignancy. Moreover, the evaluation of malignancy can be ambiguous in nature, because criteria for malignancy may be difficult to apply consistently across species. The information available in the literature therefore does not allow for a definitive assessment of the pervasiveness of infectious cancers in nature, but the presence of infectious neoplasias and knowledge about the progression of benign neoplasias to cancer is consistent with a widespread but largely undetected occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul W Ewald
- Department of Biology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
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17
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López-Toledo G, Schädlich L, Alonso-Castro ÁJ, Monroy-García A, García-Rocha R, Guido MC, Gissmann L, García-Carrancá A. Immunization with Human Papillomavirus 16 L1+E2 Chimeric Capsomers Elicits Cellular Immune Response and Antitumor Activity in a Mouse Model. Viral Immunol 2016; 29:276-87. [PMID: 27058179 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2015.0080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of cervical cancer is associated with persistent infections by high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). Although current HPV L1-based prophylactic vaccines prevent infection, they do not help to eliminate prevalent infections or lesions. Our aims were (i) to generate a vaccine combining prophylactic and therapeutic properties by producing chimeric capsomers after fusion of the L1 protein to different fragments of E2 from HPV 16, and (ii) to evaluate their capacity to generate an antitumoral cellular response, while conserving L1 neutralizing epitopes. Chimeric proteins were produced in Escherichia coli and purified by glutathione S-transferase (GST)-affinity chromatography. Their structure was characterized using size exclusion chromatography, sucrose gradient centrifugation, electron microscopy, and anti-L1 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All chimeric proteins form capsomers and heterogeneous aggregates. One, containing part of the carboxy-terminal domain of E2 and its hinge region (L1Δ+E2H/NC, aa 206-307), conserved the neutralizing epitope H16.V5. We then evaluated the capacity of this chimeric protein to induce a cytotoxic T-cell response against HPV 16 E2. In (51)Cr release cytotoxicity assays, splenocytes from C57BL/6 immunized mice recognized and lysed TC-1/E2 cells, which express and present endogenously processed E2 peptides. Moreover, this E2-specific cytotoxic response inhibited the growth of tumors of TC-1/E2 cells in mice. Finally, we identified an epitope (aa 292-301) of E2 involved in this cytotoxic response. We conclude that the L1Δ+E2H/NC chimeric protein produced in bacteria can be an effective and economically interesting candidate for a combined prophylactic and therapeutic vaccine that could help eliminating HPV16-positive low-grade cervical lesions and persistent viral infections, thus preventing the development of lesions and, at the same time, the establishment of new infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela López-Toledo
- 1 Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , Mexico City, Mexico .,2 Laboratory of Virus and Cancer, Division of Basic Research, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-SS , Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Lysann Schädlich
- 3 Division of Genome Modifications and Carcinogenesis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) , Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ángel Josabad Alonso-Castro
- 2 Laboratory of Virus and Cancer, Division of Basic Research, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-SS , Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alberto Monroy-García
- 4 Laboratory of Immunobiology, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza , Unidad de Investigación en Diferenciación Celular y Cáncer, UMIEZ, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico .,5 Laboratory of Immunology and Cancer, Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Oncológicas , CMN SXXI, IMSS, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rosario García-Rocha
- 5 Laboratory of Immunology and Cancer, Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Oncológicas , CMN SXXI, IMSS, Mexico City, Mexico .,6 Department of Immunology, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas , IPN, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Miriam C Guido
- 1 Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , Mexico City, Mexico .,2 Laboratory of Virus and Cancer, Division of Basic Research, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-SS , Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Lutz Gissmann
- 3 Division of Genome Modifications and Carcinogenesis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) , Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alejandro García-Carrancá
- 1 Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , Mexico City, Mexico .,2 Laboratory of Virus and Cancer, Division of Basic Research, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-SS , Mexico City, Mexico
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18
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Zamarin D, Jazaeri AA. Leveraging immunotherapy for the treatment of gynecologic cancers in the era of precision medicine. Gynecol Oncol 2016; 141:86-94. [PMID: 27016233 PMCID: PMC5007873 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2015.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Revised: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
During the past decade significant progress in the understanding of stimulatory and inhibitory signaling pathways in immune cells has reinvigorated the field of immuno-oncology. In this review we outline the current immunotherapy based approaches for the treatment of gynecological cancers, and focus on the emerging clinical data on immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell therapies, and vaccines. It is anticipated that in the coming years biomarker-guided clinical trials, will provide for a better understanding of the mechanisms of response and resistance to immunotherapy, and guide combination treatment strategies that will extend the benefit from immunotherapy to patients with gynecologic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitriy Zamarin
- Department of Medicine, Gynecologic Medical Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, United States
| | - Amir A Jazaeri
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, United States.
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19
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Chen J, Zhao KN. HPV-p53-miR-34a axis in HPV-associated cancers. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2016; 3:331. [PMID: 26734641 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2305-5839.2015.09.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are known to cause many cancers by altering multiple signalling pathways through their oncogene integration into host genome and expression. Studies have shown that many microRNAs (miRs) may function as oncogenes (called as oncomiRs) to promote an oncogenic effect. MiR-34a among the reported oncomiRs is a key player in the carcinogenesis caused by infection with HPVs. In this mini-review, we summarise the roles of miR-34a in HPV-caused cancers. MiR-34a is transcriptionally regulated by tumour suppressor p53. HPV oncogene E6 inhibits expression of p53 to decrease the levels of miR-34a, leading to the increased expression of multiple genes which are targeted by miR-34a. The upregulation of these genes increases cancer cell proliferation, survival and migration in HPV-associated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiezhong Chen
- 1 School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia ; 2 Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China ; 3 Centre for Kidney Disease Research-Venomics Research, School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Kong-Nan Zhao
- 1 School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia ; 2 Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China ; 3 Centre for Kidney Disease Research-Venomics Research, School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
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20
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Chen J. MicroRNAs, signaling pathways and diseases. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2016; 3:329. [PMID: 26734639 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2305-5839.2015.12.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jiezhong Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, the University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
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21
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Chen J, Xu T, Chen C. The critical roles of miR-21 in anti-cancer effects of curcumin. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2016; 3:330. [PMID: 26734640 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2305-5839.2015.09.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Curcumin is a well-known phytochemical that has various anti-cancer effects. Although it has been demonstrated that curcumin can inhibit multiple signalling pathways, the exact mechanisms for its demonstrated anti-cancer effects are not fully understood. Recent studies have revealed that curcumin may affect cancer initiation and progression through regulating microRNAs (miRs). In this review, we focus on the roles of microRNA-21 (miR-21) in the anti-cancer effects of curcumin and regulatory mechanisms for the effects of curcumin on miR-21. MiR-21 mediates various effects of curcumin on cancer cells including proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis and anti-cancer drug resistance. Several downstream pathways of miR-21 have been identified including phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)/phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), programmed cell death protein 4 (PDCD4) and NF-κB pathways. Curcumin decreases miR-21 levels through both increasing miR-21 exosome exclusion from the cells and inhibiting the transcription of the miR-21 gene in the cells by binding to its promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiezhong Chen
- 1 School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD4072, Australia ; 2 Cancer Institute of Hainan Medical College, Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Haikou 570102, China
| | - Tiefeng Xu
- 1 School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD4072, Australia ; 2 Cancer Institute of Hainan Medical College, Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Haikou 570102, China
| | - Chen Chen
- 1 School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD4072, Australia ; 2 Cancer Institute of Hainan Medical College, Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Haikou 570102, China
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22
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Michalik M, Djahanshiri B, Leo JC, Linke D. Reverse Vaccinology: The Pathway from Genomes and Epitope Predictions to Tailored Recombinant Vaccines. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1403:87-106. [PMID: 27076126 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3387-7_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In this chapter, we review the computational approaches that have led to a new generation of vaccines in recent years. There are many alternative routes to develop vaccines based on the technology of reverse vaccinology. We focus here on bacterial infectious diseases, describing the general workflow from bioinformatic predictions of antigens and epitopes down to examples where such predictions have been used successfully for vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Michalik
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, 0371, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Protein Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bardya Djahanshiri
- Department of Protein Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,Department for Applied Bioinformatics, Goethe-University, 60438, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jack C Leo
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, 0371, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dirk Linke
- Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, 0371, Oslo, Norway. .,Department of Protein Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
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23
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El-Zein M, Richardson L, Franco EL. Cervical cancer screening of HPV vaccinated populations: Cytology, molecular testing, both or none. J Clin Virol 2015; 76 Suppl 1:S62-S68. [PMID: 26631958 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2015.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cervical cancer control includes primary prevention through vaccination to prevent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and secondary prevention through screening to detect and treat cervical precancerous lesions. This review summarizes the evidence for the population impact of vaccines against oncogenic HPV types in reducing the prevalence of cervical precancerous lesions. We examine the gradual shift in screening technology from cervical cytology alone to cytology and HPV cotesting, and finally to the recognition that HPV testing can serve alone as the new screening paradigm, particularly in the initial post-vaccination era. We should expect an impact on screening performance and practices, as cohorts of HPV-vaccinated girls and adolescents reach cervical cancer screening age. In preparation for changes in the screening paradigm for the vaccination era, we propose that policymaking on cervical cancer screening should mirror current practices with other cancers as benchmarks. Cervical precancerous lesions will become a very rare condition following the widespread implementation of HPV vaccines with broader coverage in the number of preventable oncogenic types. Irrespective of screening technology, the false positive results will far outnumber the true positive ones, a tipping point that will herald a new period when the harms from cervical cancer screening will outweigh its benefits. We present a conceptual framework to guide decision making when we reach this point within 25-30 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam El-Zein
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lyndsay Richardson
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Eduardo L Franco
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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24
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The application of virus-like particles as vaccines and biological vehicles. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2015; 99:10415-32. [PMID: 26454868 PMCID: PMC7080154 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-015-7000-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) can be spontaneously self-assembled by viral structural proteins under appropriate conditions in vitro while excluding the genetic material and potential replication probability. In addition, VLPs possess several features including can be rapidly produced in large quantities through existing expression systems, highly resembling native viruses in terms of conformation and appearance, and displaying repeated cluster of epitopes. Their capsids can be modified via genetic insertion or chemical conjugation which facilitating the multivalent display of a homologous or heterogeneous epitope antigen. Therefore, VLPs are considered as a safe and effective candidate of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines. VLPs, with a diameter of approximately 20 to 150 nm, also have the characteristics of nanometer materials, such as large surface area, surface-accessible amino acids with reactive moieties (e.g., lysine and glutamic acid residues), inerratic spatial structure, and good biocompatibility. Therefore, assembled VLPs have great potential as a delivery system for specifically carrying a variety of materials. This review summarized recent researches on VLP development as vaccines and biological vehicles, which demonstrated the advantages and potential of VLPs in disease control and prevention and diagnosis. Then, the prospect of VLP biology application in the future is discussed as well.
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25
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The U4 Antibody Epitope on Human Papillomavirus 16 Identified by Cryo-electron Microscopy. J Virol 2015; 89:12108-17. [PMID: 26401038 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02020-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED The human papillomavirus (HPV) major structural protein L1 composes capsomers that are linked together through interactions mediated by the L1 C terminus to constitute a T=7 icosahedral capsid. H16.U4 is a type-specific monoclonal antibody recognizing a conformation-dependent neutralizing epitope of HPV thought to include the L1 protein C terminus. The structure of human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) complexed with H16.U4 fragments of antibody (Fab) was solved by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) image reconstruction. Atomic structures of virus and Fab were fitted into the corresponding cryo-EM densities to identify the antigenic epitope. The antibody footprint mapped predominately to the L1 C-terminal arm with an additional contact point on the side of the capsomer. This footprint describes an epitope that is presented capsid-wide. However, although the H16.U4 epitope suggests the presence of 360 potential binding sites exposed in the capsid valley between each capsomer, H16.U4 Fab bound only to epitopes located around the icosahedral five-fold vertex of the capsid. Thus, the binding characteristics of H16.U4 defined in this study showed a distinctive selectivity for local conformation-dependent interactions with specific L1 invading arms between five-fold related capsomers. IMPORTANCE Human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) is the most prevalent oncogenic genotype in HPV-associated anogenital and oral cancers. Here we use cryo-EM reconstruction techniques to solve the structures of the HPV16 capsid complexes using H16.U4 fragment of antibody (Fab). Different from most other antibodies directed against surface loops, H16.U4 monoclonal antibody is unique in targeting the C-terminal arm of the L1 protein. This monoclonal antibody (MAb) is used throughout the HPV research community in HPV serological and vaccine development and to define mechanisms of HPV uptake. The unique binding mode of H16.U4 defined here shows important conformation-dependent interactions within the HPV16 capsid. By targeting an important structural and conformational epitope, H16.U4 may identify subtle conformational changes in different maturation stages of the HPV capsid and provide a key probe to analyze the mechanisms of HPV uptake during the early stages of virus infection. Our analyses precisely define important conformational epitopes on HPV16 capsids that are key targets for successful HPV prophylactic vaccines.
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26
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Abstract
When HPV vaccines were registered in 2006/2007, it was unclear whether these new and type-specific prophylactic vaccines would be accepted by the community for cancer prevention. With an optimal vaccination age of early adolescence, three vaccine doses required, HPV a sexually transmitted infection, and secondary prevention already available in the form of cervical screening, considerable potential challenges were faced. At the time of licensing, vaccine efficacy in males and duration of immunity were not yet unknown. Almost a decade later, with over 230 million doses of the vaccines distributed worldwide and national HPV vaccination programs in place in many countries, it is timely to reflect on current knowledge about the vaccines and some of the lessons learned during implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia ML Brotherton
- National HPV Vaccination Program Register, VCS Registries, PO Box 310, East Melbourne, Victoria 8002, Australia
- Honorary Principal Fellow, School of Population & Global Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
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