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Hildt E. [Platform technologies in vaccine development]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2025:10.1007/s00103-025-04024-6. [PMID: 40035793 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-025-04024-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2025] [Indexed: 03/06/2025]
Abstract
Platform technologies in the narrower sense refer to approaches to vaccine development in which the vaccine is always based on a consistently identical framework and differs only in terms of the antigen. One advantage of platform technologies is their rapid adaptability for the development of a vaccine against novel pathogens or variants. Currently approved vaccines in the EU use viral vectors and mRNA as platforms. Recombinant adenoviruses (Ad), vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), and modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) serve as viral vectors. The application of mRNA-based vaccines is carried out in the form of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). The function of the LNPs is to protect the mRNA from degradation, promote the uptake of the mRNA into the cells, and provide an adjuvant effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eberhard Hildt
- Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 51-59, 63225, Langen (Hessen), Deutschland.
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2
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Ferro-Gallego P, Vila-Sanjurjo A, Valderrama Pereira AK, Porres Pérez G, Domínguez-Gerpe L. Circular PCR as an efficient and precise umbrella of methods for the generation of circular dsDNA with staggered nicks: Mechanism and types. Biol Methods Protoc 2024; 9:bpae051. [PMID: 39139995 PMCID: PMC11319657 DOI: 10.1093/biomethods/bpae051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Here, we introduce the highly versatile circular polymerase chain reaction (CiPCR) technique, propose a mechanism of action, and describe a number of examples demonstrating the versatility of this technique. CiPCR takes place between two fragments of dsDNA with two homologous regions, as long as one of the fragments carries said regions at its 3'- and 5'-ends. Upon hybridization, elongation by a polymerase occurs from all 3'-ends continuously until a 5'-end is reached, leading to stable circular dsDNA with staggered nicks. When both dsDNA fragments carry the homology at their 3'- and 5'-ends (Type I CiPCR), all four 3'-ends effectively prime amplification of the intervening region and CiPCR products can function as template during the reaction. In contrast, when only one of the two dsDNA fragments carries the homologous regions at its 3'- and 5'-ends and the other carries such regions internally (Type II CiPCR), only two 3'-ends can be amplified and CiPCR products possess no template activity. We demonstrate the applicability of both CiPCR types via well-illustrated experimental examples. CiPCR is well adapted to the quick resolution of most of the molecular cloning challenges faced by the biology/biomedicine laboratory, including the generation of insertions, deletions, and mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Ferro-Gallego
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain
- Present Address: IBIMA, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica y Plataforma en Nanomedicina, BIONAND, Málaga, 29590, Spain
| | - Antón Vila-Sanjurjo
- Grupo GIBE, Biology Department of the School of Sciences & Interdisciplinary Center for Chemistry and Biology (CICA), Universidade da Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain
| | - Andrea Katherine Valderrama Pereira
- Chemistry Department of the School of Sciences & Interdisciplinary Center for Chemistry and Biology (CICA), Universidade da Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Porres Pérez
- Grupo GIBE, Biology Department of the School of Sciences & Interdisciplinary Center for Chemistry and Biology (CICA), Universidade da Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain
| | - Lourdes Domínguez-Gerpe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain
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Shankar R, Schmeer M, Schleef M. Producing Plasmid DNA Template for Clinical Grade RNA Vaccine Manufacture. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2786:303-319. [PMID: 38814401 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3770-8_14] [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] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
A plasmid production process has been established to manufacture plasmid DNA at a large scale in High-Quality grade. This is used as a starting material to produce mRNA vaccines for clinical trials. Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released regulatory guidelines related to the quality, safety, and efficacy for DNA- as well as for mRNA-based vaccines. Following an extraordinary year of scientific, regulatory, and manufacturing developments, the scientific community today stands considerably better equipped to deal with urgent production requirements in large scale for nucleic acid-based vaccinations and therapies. Going forward, work needs to be done in better coordinating the supply and logistics of essential raw materials for biological manufacturing, especially under emergency conditions.
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Ye Z, Harmon J, Ni W, Li Y, Wich D, Xu Q. The mRNA Vaccine Revolution: COVID-19 Has Launched the Future of Vaccinology. ACS NANO 2023; 17:15231-15253. [PMID: 37535899 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c12584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, mRNA (mRNA) vaccines emerged as leading vaccine candidates in a record time. Nonreplicating mRNA (NRM) and self-amplifying mRNA (SAM) technologies have been developed into high-performing and clinically viable vaccines against a range of infectious agents, notably SARS-CoV-2. mRNA vaccines demonstrate efficient in vivo delivery, long-lasting stability, and nonexistent risk of infection. The stability and translational efficiency of in vitro transcription (IVT)-mRNA can be further increased by modulating its structural elements. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the recent advances, key applications, and future challenges in the field of mRNA-based vaccinology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongfeng Ye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Joseph Harmon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Wei Ni
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Yamin Li
- Department of Pharmacology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York 13210, United States
| | - Douglas Wich
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Qiaobing Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
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Cagigi A, Douradinha B. Have mRNA vaccines sentenced DNA vaccines to death? Expert Rev Vaccines 2023; 22:1154-1167. [PMID: 37941101 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2023.2282065] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION After receiving emergency approval during the COVID-19 pandemic, mRNA vaccines have taken center stage in the quest to enhance future vaccination strategies for both infectious diseases and cancer. Indeed, they have significantly overshadowed another facet of genetic vaccination, specifically DNA vaccines. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that both types of genetic vaccines have distinct advantages and disadvantages that set them apart from each other. AREAS COVERED In this work, we delve extensively into the history of genetic vaccines, their mechanisms of action, their strengths, and limitations, and ultimately highlight ongoing research in key areas for potential enhancement of both DNA and mRNA vaccines. EXPERT OPINION Here, we assess the significance of the primary benefits and drawbacks associated with DNA and mRNA vaccination. We challenge the current lines of thought by highlighting that the existing drawbacks of DNA vaccination could potentially be more straightforward to address compared to those linked with mRNA vaccination. In our view, this suggests that DNA vaccines should remain viable contenders in the pursuit of the future of vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Cagigi
- Nykode Therapeutics ASA, Oslo Science Park, Oslo, Norway
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Sarangi MK, Padhi S, Rath G, Nanda SS, Yi DK. Success of nano-vaccines against COVID-19: a transformation in nanomedicine. Expert Rev Vaccines 2022; 21:1739-1761. [PMID: 36384360 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2022.2148659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The vaccines being used against COVID-19 are composed of either non-viral or viral nanoparticles (NPs). Nanotechnology-based vaccine technology was studied for its potentially transformative advancement of medicine. AREAS COVERED NPs protect the encapsulated mRNA in vaccines, thereby enhancing the stability of the ribonucleic acids and facilitating their intact delivery to their specific targets. Compared to liposomes, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are unique and, through their rigid morphology and better cellular penetrability, render enhanced cargo stability. To explore nanotechnology-mediated vaccine delivery and its potential in future pandemics, we assessed articles from various databases, such as PubMed, Embase, and Scopus, including editorial/research notes, expert opinions, and collections of data from several clinical research trials. In the current review, we focus on the nanoparticulate approach of the different SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and explore their success against the pandemic. EXPERT OPINION The mRNA-based vaccines, with their tremendous efficacy of ~95% (under phase III-IV clinical trials) and distinct nanocarriers (LNPs), represent a new medical front alongside DNA and siRNA-based vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Kumar Sarangi
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sardar Bhagwan Singh University, Dehradun, India
| | - Sasmita Padhi
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sardar Bhagwan Singh University, Dehradun, India
| | - Gautam Rath
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, India
| | | | - Dong Kee Yi
- Department of Chemistry, Myongji University, Yongin, South Korea
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Gurumoorthy N, Nordin F, Tye GJ, Wan Kamarul Zaman WS, Ng MH. Non-Integrating Lentiviral Vectors in Clinical Applications: A Glance Through. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10010107. [PMID: 35052787 PMCID: PMC8773317 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors (LVs) play an important role in gene therapy and have proven successful in clinical trials. LVs are capable of integrating specific genetic materials into the target cells and allow for long-term expression of the cDNA of interest. The use of non-integrating LVs (NILVs) reduces insertional mutagenesis and the risk of malignant cell transformation over integrating lentiviral vectors. NILVs enable transient expression or sustained episomal expression, especially in non-dividing cells. Important modifications have been made to the basic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) structures to improve the safety and efficacy of LVs. NILV-aided transient expression has led to more pre-clinical studies on primary immunodeficiencies, cytotoxic cancer therapies, and hemoglobinopathies. Recently, the third generation of self-inactivating LVs was applied in clinical trials for recombinant protein production, vaccines, gene therapy, cell imaging, and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) generation. This review discusses the basic lentiviral biology and the four systems used for generating NILV designs. Mutations or modifications in LVs and their safety are addressed with reference to pre-clinical studies. The detailed application of NILVs in promising pre-clinical studies is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narmatha Gurumoorthy
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; (N.G.); (M.H.N.)
| | - Fazlina Nordin
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; (N.G.); (M.H.N.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Gee Jun Tye
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), 11800 Gelugor, Malaysia;
| | | | - Min Hwei Ng
- Centre for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (CTERM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC), 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; (N.G.); (M.H.N.)
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Prommersberger S, Monjezi R, Shankar R, Schmeer M, Hudecek M, Ivics Z, Schleef M. Minicircles for CAR T Cell Production by Sleeping Beauty Transposition: A Technological Overview. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2521:25-39. [PMID: 35732991 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2441-8_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Development and application of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has led to a breakthrough in the treatment of hematologic malignancies. In 2017, the FDA approved the first commercialized CD19-specific CAR T cell products for treatment of patients with B-cell malignancies. This success increased the desire to broaden the availability of CAR T cells to a larger patient cohort with hematological but also solid tumors. A critical factor of CAR T cell production is the stable and efficient delivery of the CAR transgene into T cells. This gene transfer is conventionally achieved by viral vectors. However, viral gene transfer is not conducive to affordable, scalable, and timely manufacturing of CAR T cell products. Thus, there is a necessity for developing alternative nonviral engineering platforms, which are more cost-effective, less complex to handle and which provide the scalability requirement for a globally available therapy.One alternative method for engineering of T cells is the nonviral gene transfer by Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposition. Electroporation with two nucleic acids is sufficient to achieve stable CAR transfer into T cells. One of these vectors has to encode the gene of interest, which is the CAR , the second one a recombinase called SB transposase, the enzyme that catalyzes integration of the transgene into the host cell genome. As nucleic acids are easy to produce and handle SB gene transfer has the potential to provide scalability, cost-effectiveness, and feasibility for widespread use of CAR T cell therapies.Nevertheless, the electroporation of two large-size plasmid vectors into T cells leads to high T cell toxicity and low gene transfer rates and has hindered the prevalent clinical application of the SB system. To circumvent these limitations, conventional plasmid vectors can be replaced by minimal-size vectors called minicircles (MC ). MCs are DNA vectors that lack the plasmid backbone, which is relevant for propagation in bacteria, but has no function in a human cell. Thus, their size is drastically reduced compared to conventional plasmids. It has been demonstrated that MC-mediated SB CAR transposition into T cells enhances their viability and gene transfer rate enabling the production of therapeutic doses of CAR T cells. These improvements make CAR SB transposition from MC vectors a promising alternative for engineering of clinical grade CAR T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Razieh Monjezi
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ram Shankar
- PlasmidFactory GmbH & Co. KG, Bielefeld, Germany
| | | | - Michael Hudecek
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Zoltán Ivics
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
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Sa-nguanmoo N, Namdee K, Khongkow M, Ruktanonchai U, Zhao Y, Liang XJ. Review: Development of SARS-CoV-2 immuno-enhanced COVID-19 vaccines with nano-platform. NANO RESEARCH 2021; 15:2196-2225. [PMID: 34659650 PMCID: PMC8501370 DOI: 10.1007/s12274-021-3832-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Vaccine development approaches consist of viral vector vaccines, DNA vaccine, RNA vaccine, live attenuated virus, and recombinant proteins, which elicit a specific immune response. The use of nanoparticles displaying antigen is one of the alternative approaches to conventional vaccines. This is due to the fact that nano-based vaccines are stable, able to target, form images, and offer an opportunity to enhance the immune responses. The diameters of ultrafine nanoparticles are in the range of 1-100 nm. The application of nanotechnology on vaccine design provides precise fabrication of nanomaterials with desirable properties and ability to eliminate undesirable features. To be successful, nanomaterials must be uptaken into the cell, especially into the target and able to modulate cellular functions at the subcellular levels. The advantages of nano-based vaccines are the ability to protect a cargo such as RNA, DNA, protein, or synthesis substance and have enhanced stability in a broad range of pH, ambient temperatures, and humidity for long-term storage. Moreover, nano-based vaccines can be engineered to overcome biological barriers such as nonspecific distribution in order to elicit functions in antigen presenting cells. In this review, we will summarize on the developing COVID-19 vaccine strategies and how the nanotechnology can enhance antigen presentation and strong immunogenicity using advanced technology in nanocarrier to deliver antigens. The discussion about their safe, effective, and affordable vaccines to immunize against COVID-19 will be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawamin Sa-nguanmoo
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing, 100190 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Katawut Namdee
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, 12120 Thailand
| | - Mattaka Khongkow
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, 12120 Thailand
| | - Uracha Ruktanonchai
- National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, 12120 Thailand
| | - YongXiang Zhao
- National Center for International Research of Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumour Theranostics and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021 China
| | - Xing-Jie Liang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing, 100190 China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
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Chaudhari N, Rickard AM, Roy S, Dröge P, Makhija H. A non-viral genome editing platform for site-specific insertion of large transgenes. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:380. [PMID: 32883366 PMCID: PMC7650303 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-01890-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The precise, functional and safe insertion of large DNA payloads into host genomes offers versatility in downstream genetic engineering-associated applications, spanning cell and gene therapies, therapeutic protein production, high-throughput cell-based drug screening and reporter cell lines amongst others. Employing viral- and non-viral-based genome engineering tools to achieve specific insertion of large DNA-despite being successful in E. coli and animal models-still pose challenges in the human system. In this study, we demonstrate the applicability of our lambda integrase-based genome insertion tool for human cell and gene therapy applications that require insertions of large functional genes, as exemplified by the integration of a functional copy of the F8 gene and a Double Homeobox Protein 4 (DUX4)-based reporter cassette for potential hemophilia A gene therapy and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD)-based high-throughput drug screening purposes, respectively. Thus, we present a non-viral genome insertion tool for safe and functional delivery of large seamless DNA cargo into the human genome that can enable novel designer cell-based therapies. METHODS Previously, we have demonstrated the utility of our phage λ-integrase platform to generate seamless vectors and subsequently achieve functional integration of large-sized DNA payloads at defined loci in the human genome. To further explore this tool for therapeutic applications, we used pluripotent human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) to integrate large seamless vectors comprising a 'gene of interest'. Clonal cell populations were screened for the correct integration events and further characterized by southern blotting, gene expression and protein activity assays. In the case of our hemophilia A-related study, clones were differentiated to confirm that the targeted locus is active after differentiation and actively express and secrete Factor VIII. RESULTS The two independent approaches demonstrated specific and functional insertions of a full-length blood clotting F8 expression cassette of ~ 10 kb and of a DUX4 reporter cassette of ~ 7 kb in hESCs. CONCLUSION We present a versatile tool for site-specific human genome engineering with large transgenes for cell/gene therapies and other synthetic biology and biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namrata Chaudhari
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Republic of Singapore
| | - Amanda M Rickard
- Genea Biocells, 11099 North Torrey Pines Road, Suite 210, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Suki Roy
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Republic of Singapore
| | - Peter Dröge
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Republic of Singapore.
| | - Harshyaa Makhija
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Republic of Singapore.
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Viefhues M. Analytics in Microfluidic Systems. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 179:191-209. [DOI: 10.1007/10_2020_131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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A Novel Cre Recombinase-Mediated In Vivo Minicircle DNA (CRIM) Vaccine Provides Partial Protection against Newcastle Disease Virus. Appl Environ Microbiol 2019; 85:AEM.00407-19. [PMID: 31053588 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00407-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Minicircle DNA (mcDNA), which contains only the necessary components for eukaryotic expression and is thus smaller than traditional plasmids, has been designed for application in genetic manipulation. In this study, we constructed a novel plasmid containing both the Cre recombinase under the phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) promoter and recombinant lox66 and lox71 sites located outside the cytomegalovirus (CMV) expression cassette. The strictly controlled synthesis of Cre recombinase in vivo maintained the complete form of the plasmid in vitro, whereas the in vivo production of Cre transformed the parental plasmid to mcDNA after transfection. The newly designed Cre recombinase-mediated in vivo mcDNA platform, named CRIM, significantly increased the nuclear entry of mcDNA, followed by increased production of mRNA and protein, using enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) as a model. Similar results were also observed in chickens when the vaccine was delivered by the regulated-delayed-lysis Salmonella strain χ11218, where significantly increased production of EGFP was observed in chicken livers. Then, we used the HN gene of genotype VII Newcastle disease virus as an antigen model to construct the traditional plasmid pYL43 and the novel mcDNA plasmid pYL47. After immunization, our CRIM vaccine provided significantly increased protection against challenge compared with that of the traditional plasmid, providing us with a novel mcDNA vaccine platform.IMPORTANCE Minicircle DNA (mcDNA) has been considered an attractive alternative to DNA vaccines; however, the relatively high cost and complicated process of purifying mcDNA dramatically restricts the application of mcDNA in the veterinary field. We designed a novel in vivo mcDNA platform in which the complete plasmid could spontaneously transform into mcDNA in vivo In combination with the regulated-delayed-lysis Salmonella strain, the newly designed mcDNA vaccine provides us with an elegant platform for veterinary vaccine development.
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Stenler S, Lundin KE, Hansen L, Petkov S, Mozafari N, Isaguliants M, Blomberg P, Smith CIE, Goldenberg DM, Chang CH, Ljungberg K, Hinkula J, Wahren B. Immunization with HIV-1 envelope T20-encoding DNA vaccines elicits cross-clade neutralizing antibody responses. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2017; 13:2849-2858. [PMID: 28696158 PMCID: PMC5718786 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2017.1338546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Genetic immunization is expected to induce the expression of antigens in a native form. The encoded peptide epitopes are presented on endogenous MHC molecules, mimicking antigen presentation during a viral infection. We have explored the potential of enfuvirtide (T20), a short HIV peptide with antiviral properties, to enhance immune response to HIV antigens. To generate an expression vector, the T20 sequence was cloned into a conventional plasmid, the novel minicircle construct, and a replicon plasmid. In addition, 3 conventional plasmids that express the envelope of HIV-1 subtypes A, B and C and contain T20 in their gp41 sequences were also tested. Results: All combinations induced HIV-specific antibodies and cellular responses. The addition of T20 as a peptide and as an expression cassette in the 3 DNA vectors enhanced antibody responses. The highest anti-HIV-1 Env titers were obtained by the replicon T20 construct. This demonstrates that besides its known antiviral activity, T20 promotes immune responses. We also confirm that the combination of slightly divergent antigens improves immune responses. Conclusions: The antiretroviral T20 HIV-1 sequence can be used as an immunogen to elicit binding and neutralizing antibodies against HIV-1. These, or similarly modified gp41 genes/peptides, can be used as priming or boosting components for induction of broadly neutralizing anti-HIV antibodies. Future comparative studies will reveal the optimal mode of T20 administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Stenler
- a Karolinska Cell Therapy Center , Karolinska University Hospital , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - K E Lundin
- b Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center , Karolinska Institutet , Huddinge , Sweden
| | - L Hansen
- c Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - S Petkov
- c Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - N Mozafari
- b Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center , Karolinska Institutet , Huddinge , Sweden
| | - M Isaguliants
- c Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - P Blomberg
- a Karolinska Cell Therapy Center , Karolinska University Hospital , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - C I E Smith
- b Department of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Research Center , Karolinska Institutet , Huddinge , Sweden
| | - D M Goldenberg
- d Immunomedics, Inc., Morris Plains , NJ , USA.,e IBC Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Morris Plains , NJ , USA
| | - C-H Chang
- d Immunomedics, Inc., Morris Plains , NJ , USA.,e IBC Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Morris Plains , NJ , USA
| | - K Ljungberg
- c Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - J Hinkula
- f Department of Molecular Virology , Linköping University , Linköping , Sweden
| | - B Wahren
- c Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology , Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
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Hardee CL, Arévalo-Soliz LM, Hornstein BD, Zechiedrich L. Advances in Non-Viral DNA Vectors for Gene Therapy. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:E65. [PMID: 28208635 PMCID: PMC5333054 DOI: 10.3390/genes8020065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 235] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Uses of viral vectors have thus far eclipsed uses of non-viral vectors for gene therapy delivery in the clinic. Viral vectors, however, have certain issues involving genome integration, the inability to be delivered repeatedly, and possible host rejection. Fortunately, development of non-viral DNA vectors has progressed steadily, especially in plasmid vector length reduction, now allowing these tools to fill in specifically where viral or other non-viral vectors may not be the best options. In this review, we examine the improvements made to non-viral DNA gene therapy vectors, highlight opportunities for their further development, address therapeutic needs for which their use is the logical choice, and discuss their future expansion into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinnamon L. Hardee
- Interdepartmental Program in Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (L.M.A.-S.); (B.D.H.)
| | - Lirio Milenka Arévalo-Soliz
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (L.M.A.-S.); (B.D.H.)
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Benjamin D. Hornstein
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (L.M.A.-S.); (B.D.H.)
| | - Lynn Zechiedrich
- Interdepartmental Program in Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (L.M.A.-S.); (B.D.H.)
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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15
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Täuber S, Kunze L, Grauberger O, Grundmann A, Viefhues M. Reaching for the limits in continuous-flow dielectrophoretic DNA analysis. Analyst 2017; 142:4670-4677. [DOI: 10.1039/c7an00977a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the limits of continuous-flow dielectrophoretic analysis of DNA with regards on the topological conformation and size resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Täuber
- Experimental Biophysics and Applied Nanoscience
- Faculty of Physics
- Bielefeld University
- 33615 Bielefeld
- Germany
| | - Lena Kunze
- Experimental Biophysics and Applied Nanoscience
- Faculty of Physics
- Bielefeld University
- 33615 Bielefeld
- Germany
| | - Oleg Grauberger
- Experimental Biophysics and Applied Nanoscience
- Faculty of Physics
- Bielefeld University
- 33615 Bielefeld
- Germany
| | - Armin Grundmann
- Experimental Biophysics and Applied Nanoscience
- Faculty of Physics
- Bielefeld University
- 33615 Bielefeld
- Germany
| | - Martina Viefhues
- Experimental Biophysics and Applied Nanoscience
- Faculty of Physics
- Bielefeld University
- 33615 Bielefeld
- Germany
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16
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Abstract
Plasmid DNA is being used as a pharmaceutical agent in vaccination, as well as a basic substance and starting material in gene and cell therapy, and viral vector production. Since the uncontrolled expression of backbone sequences present in such plasmids and the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes may have profound detrimental effects, an important goal in vector development was to produce supercoiled DNA lacking bacterial backbone sequences: Minicircle (MC) DNA. The Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system is a non-viral gene delivery platform enabling a close-to-random profile of genomic integration. In combination, the MC platform greatly enhances SB transposition and transgene integration resulting in higher numbers of stably modified target cells. We have recently developed a strategy for MC-based SB transposition of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) transgenes that enable improved transposition rates compared to conventional plasmids and rapid manufacturing of therapeutic CAR T cell doses (Monjezi et al. 2016). This advance enables manufacturing CAR T cells in a virus-free process that relies on SB-mediated transposition from MC DNA to accomplish gene-transfer. Advantages of this approach include a strong safety profile due to the nature of the MC itself and the genomic insertion pattern of MC-derived CAR transposons. In addition, stable transposition and high-level CAR transgene expression, as well as easy and reproducible handling, make MCs a preferred vector source for gene-transfer in advanced cellular and gene therapy. In this chapter, we will review our experience in MC-based CAR T cell engineering and discuss our recent advances in MC manufacturing to accelerate both pre-clinical and clinical implementation.
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