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Sun X, Lian Y, Tian T, Cui Z. Advancements in Functional Nanomaterials Inspired by Viral Particles. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2402980. [PMID: 39058214 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202402980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are nanostructures composed of one or more structural proteins, exhibiting stable and symmetrical structures. Their precise compositions and dimensions provide versatile opportunities for modifications, enhancing their functionality. Consequently, VLP-based nanomaterials have gained widespread adoption across diverse domains. This review focuses on three key aspects: the mechanisms of viral capsid protein self-assembly into VLPs, design methods for constructing multifunctional VLPs, and strategies for synthesizing multidimensional nanomaterials using VLPs. It provides a comprehensive overview of the advancements in virus-inspired functional nanomaterials, encompassing VLP assembly, functionalization, and the synthesis of multidimensional nanomaterials. Additionally, this review explores future directions, opportunities, and challenges in the field of VLP-based nanomaterials, aiming to shed light on potential advancements and prospects in this exciting area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianxun Sun
- College of Life Science, Jiang Han University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Yindong Lian
- College of Life Science, Jiang Han University, Wuhan, 430056, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Tao Tian
- College of Life Science, Jiang Han University, Wuhan, 430056, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zongqiang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
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Mardanova ES, Vasyagin EA, Kotova KG, Zahmanova GG, Ravin NV. Plant-Produced Chimeric Hepatitis E Virus-like Particles as Carriers for Antigen Presentation. Viruses 2024; 16:1093. [PMID: 39066255 PMCID: PMC11281382 DOI: 10.3390/v16071093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A wide range of virus-like particles (VLPs) is extensively employed as carriers to display various antigens for vaccine development to fight against different infections. The plant-produced truncated variant of the hepatitis E virus (HEV) coat protein is capable of forming VLPs. In this study, we demonstrated that recombinant fusion proteins comprising truncated HEV coat protein with green fluorescent protein (GFP) or four tandem copies of the extracellular domain of matrix protein 2 (M2e) of influenza A virus inserted at the Tyr485 position could be efficiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana plants using self-replicating vector based on the potato virus X genome. The plant-produced fusion proteins in vivo formed VLPs displaying GFP and 4M2e. Therefore, HEV coat protein can be used as a VLP carrier platform for the presentation of relatively large antigens comprising dozens to hundreds of amino acids. Furthermore, plant-produced HEV particles could be useful research tools for the development of recombinant vaccines against influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia S. Mardanova
- Institute of Bioengineering, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 119071 Moscow, Russia; (E.S.M.)
| | - Egor A. Vasyagin
- Institute of Bioengineering, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 119071 Moscow, Russia; (E.S.M.)
| | - Kira G. Kotova
- Institute of Bioengineering, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 119071 Moscow, Russia; (E.S.M.)
| | - Gergana G. Zahmanova
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Department of Technology Transfer and IP Management, Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Nikolai V. Ravin
- Institute of Bioengineering, Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 119071 Moscow, Russia; (E.S.M.)
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Travassos R, Martins SA, Fernandes A, Correia JDG, Melo R. Tailored Viral-like Particles as Drivers of Medical Breakthroughs. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6699. [PMID: 38928403 PMCID: PMC11204272 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the recognized potential of nanoparticles, only a few formulations have progressed to clinical trials, and an even smaller number have been approved by the regulatory authorities and marketed. Virus-like particles (VLPs) have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional nanoparticles due to their safety, biocompatibility, immunogenicity, structural stability, scalability, and versatility. Furthermore, VLPs can be surface-functionalized with small molecules to improve circulation half-life and target specificity. Through the functionalization and coating of VLPs, it is possible to optimize the response properties to a given stimulus, such as heat, pH, an alternating magnetic field, or even enzymes. Surface functionalization can also modulate other properties, such as biocompatibility, stability, and specificity, deeming VLPs as potential vaccine candidates or delivery systems. This review aims to address the different types of surface functionalization of VLPs, highlighting the more recent cutting-edge technologies that have been explored for the design of tailored VLPs, their importance, and their consequent applicability in the medical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Travassos
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; (R.T.); (S.A.M.); (A.F.)
| | - Sofia A. Martins
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; (R.T.); (S.A.M.); (A.F.)
| | - Ana Fernandes
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; (R.T.); (S.A.M.); (A.F.)
| | - João D. G. Correia
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; (R.T.); (S.A.M.); (A.F.)
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal
| | - Rita Melo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; (R.T.); (S.A.M.); (A.F.)
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Kim HS, Moon HJ, Choi JB, Han BK, Woo SD. Efficient Production of Enterovirus 71 (EV71) Virus-like Particles by Controlling Promoter Strength in Insect Cells. Viruses 2024; 16:834. [PMID: 38932128 PMCID: PMC11209064 DOI: 10.3390/v16060834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to efficiently produce virus-like particles (VLPs) of enterovirus 71 (EV71), a causative virus of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). The expression level of the P1 precursor, a structural protein of EV71, was modified to increase VLP production, and the optimal expression level and duration of the 3CD protein for P1 cleavage were determined. The expression level and duration of 3CD were controlled by the p10 promoter, which was weakened by repeated burst sequence (BS) applications, as well as the OpIE2 promoter, which was weakened by the insertion of random untranslated region sequences of various lengths. The cleavage and production efficiency of the P1 precursor were compared based on the expression time and level of 3CD, revealing that the p10-BS5 promoter with four repeated BSs was the most effective. When P1 and 3CD were expressed using the hyperexpression vector and the p10-BS5 promoter, high levels of structural protein production and normal HFMD-VLP formation were observed, respectively. This study suggests that the production efficiency of HFMD-VLPs can be significantly enhanced by increasing the expression of the P1 precursor and controlling the amount and duration of 3CD expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Soo Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biology, College of Agriculture, Life & Environment Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea; (H.-S.K.); (H.-J.M.)
| | - Hyuk-Jin Moon
- Department of Agricultural Biology, College of Agriculture, Life & Environment Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea; (H.-S.K.); (H.-J.M.)
| | - Jae-Bang Choi
- Optipharm Inc., Osong 28158, Republic of Korea; (J.-B.C.); (B.-K.H.)
| | - Beom-Ku Han
- Optipharm Inc., Osong 28158, Republic of Korea; (J.-B.C.); (B.-K.H.)
| | - Soo Dong Woo
- Department of Agricultural Biology, College of Agriculture, Life & Environment Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea; (H.-S.K.); (H.-J.M.)
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Arul SS, Balakrishnan B, Handanahal SS, Venkataraman S. Viral nanoparticles: Current advances in design and development. Biochimie 2024; 219:33-50. [PMID: 37573018 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Viral nanoparticles (VNPs) are self-assembling, adaptable delivery systems for vaccines and other therapeutic agents used in a variety of biomedical applications. The potential of viruses to invade and infect various hosts and cells renders them suitable as potential nanocarriers, possessing distinct functional characteristics, immunogenic properties, and improved biocompatibility and biodegradability. VNPs are frequently produced through precise genetic or chemical engineering, which involves adding diverse sequences or functional payloads to the capsid protein (CP). Several spherical and helical plant viruses, bacteriophages, and animal viruses are currently being used as VNPs, or non-infectious virus-like particles (VLPs). In addition to their broad use in cancer therapy, vaccine technology, diagnostics, and molecular imaging, VNPs have made important strides in the realms of tissue engineering, biosensing, and antimicrobial prophylaxis. They are also being used in energy storage cells due to their binding and piezoelectric properties. The large-scale production of VNPs for research, preclinical testing, and clinical use is fraught with difficulties, such as those relating to cost-effectiveness, scalability, and purity. Consequently, many plants- and microorganism-based platforms are being developed, and newer viruses are being explored. The goal of the current review is to provide an overview of these advances.
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Firdaus MER, Mustopa AZ, Ekawati N, Chairunnisa S, Arifah RK, Hertati A, Irawan S, Prastyowati A, Kusumawati A, Nurfatwa M. Optimization, characterization, comparison of self-assembly VLP of capsid protein L1 in yeast and reverse vaccinology design against human papillomavirus type 52. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2023; 21:68. [PMID: 37222880 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-023-00514-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccination is the one of the agendas of many countries to reduce cervical cancer caused by the Human papillomavirus. Currently, VLP-based vaccine is the most potent vaccine against HPV, which could be produced by a variety of expression systems. Our study focuses on a comparison of recombinant protein expression L1 HPV52 using two common yeasts, Pichia pastoris and Hansenula polymorpha that have been used for vaccine production on an industrial scale. We also applied bioinformatics approach using reverse vaccinology to design alternative multi-epitope vaccines in recombinant protein and mRNA types. RESULTS Our study found that P. pastoris relatively provided higher level of L1 protein expression and production efficiency compared to H. polymorpha in a batch system. However, both hosts showed self-assembly VLP formation and stable integration during protein induction. The vaccine we have designed exhibited high immune activation and safe in computational prediction. It is also potentially suitable for production in a variety of expression systems. CONCLUSION By monitoring the overall optimization parameter assessment, this study can be used as the basis reference for large-scale production of the HPV52 vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moh Egy Rahman Firdaus
- Research Center for Genetic Engineering, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
- Current Address: Laboratory of Structural Virology, The International Institute of Molecular Mechanisms and Machines (IMOL), Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Apon Zaenal Mustopa
- Research Center for Genetic Engineering, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16911, Indonesia.
| | - Nurlaili Ekawati
- Research Center for Genetic Engineering, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
| | - Sheila Chairunnisa
- Research Center for Genetic Engineering, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
| | - Rosyida Khusniatul Arifah
- Research Center for Genetic Engineering, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
| | - Ai Hertati
- Research Center for Genetic Engineering, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
| | - Shasmita Irawan
- Research Center for Genetic Engineering, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
| | - Anika Prastyowati
- Research Center for Genetic Engineering, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
| | - Arizah Kusumawati
- Directorate of Laboratory Management Research Facilities, Science and Technology Park, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16911, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Maritsa Nurfatwa
- Research Center for Genetic Engineering, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Bogor, 16911, Indonesia
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Liu Y, Han X, Qiao Y, Wang T, Yao L. Porcine Deltacoronavirus-like Particles Produced by a Single Recombinant Baculovirus Elicit Virus-Specific Immune Responses in Mice. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051095. [PMID: 37243181 DOI: 10.3390/v15051095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) causes diarrhea and vomiting in neonatal piglets worldwide and has the potential for cross-species transmission. Therefore, virus-like particles (VLPs) are promising vaccine candidates because of their safety and strong immunogenicity. To the best of our knowledge, the present study reported for the first time the generation of PDCoV VLPs using a baculovirus expression vector system, and electron micrograph analyses revealed that PDCoV VLPs appeared as spherical particles with a diameter similar to that of the native virions. Furthermore, PDCoV VLPs effectively induced mice to produce PDCoV-specific IgG and neutralizing antibodies. In addition, VLPs could stimulate mouse splenocytes to produce high levels of cytokines IL-4 and IFN-γ. Moreover, the combination of PDCoV VLPs and Freund's adjuvant could improve the level of the immune response. Together, these data showed that PDCoV VLPs could effectively elicit humoral and cellular immunity in mice, laying a solid foundation for developing VLP-based vaccines to prevent PDCoV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangkun Liu
- Henan Provincial Engineering and Technology Center of Health Products for Livestock and Poultry, School of Life Science and Agricultural Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang 473061, China
| | - Xueying Han
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang 712100, China
| | - Yaqi Qiao
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Engineering, Nanyang Vocational College of Agriculture, Nanyang 473061, China
| | - Tiejun Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Engineering, Nanyang Vocational College of Agriculture, Nanyang 473061, China
| | - Lunguang Yao
- Henan Provincial Engineering and Technology Center of Health Products for Livestock and Poultry, School of Life Science and Agricultural Engineering, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang 473061, China
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de Pinho Favaro MT, Atienza-Garriga J, Martínez-Torró C, Parladé E, Vázquez E, Corchero JL, Ferrer-Miralles N, Villaverde A. Recombinant vaccines in 2022: a perspective from the cell factory. Microb Cell Fact 2022; 21:203. [PMID: 36199085 PMCID: PMC9532831 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-022-01929-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The last big outbreaks of Ebola fever in Africa, the thousands of avian influenza outbreaks across Europe, Asia, North America and Africa, the emergence of monkeypox virus in Europe and specially the COVID-19 pandemics have globally stressed the need for efficient, cost-effective vaccines against infectious diseases. Ideally, they should be based on transversal technologies of wide applicability. In this context, and pushed by the above-mentioned epidemiological needs, new and highly sophisticated DNA-or RNA-based vaccination strategies have been recently developed and applied at large-scale. Being very promising and effective, they still need to be assessed regarding the level of conferred long-term protection. Despite these fast-developing approaches, subunit vaccines, based on recombinant proteins obtained by conventional genetic engineering, still show a wide spectrum of interesting potentialities and an important margin for further development. In the 80's, the first vaccination attempts with recombinant vaccines consisted in single structural proteins from viral pathogens, administered as soluble plain versions. In contrast, more complex formulations of recombinant antigens with particular geometries are progressively generated and explored in an attempt to mimic the multifaceted set of stimuli offered to the immune system by replicating pathogens. The diversity of recombinant antimicrobial vaccines and vaccine prototypes is revised here considering the cell factory types, through relevant examples of prototypes under development as well as already approved products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Teixeira de Pinho Favaro
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jan Atienza-Garriga
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Martínez-Torró
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eloi Parladé
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Vázquez
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - José Luis Corchero
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Neus Ferrer-Miralles
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Antonio Villaverde
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, 08193, Barcelona, Spain.
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Tariq H, Batool S, Asif S, Ali M, Abbasi BH. Virus-Like Particles: Revolutionary Platforms for Developing Vaccines Against Emerging Infectious Diseases. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:790121. [PMID: 35046918 PMCID: PMC8761975 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.790121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are nanostructures that possess diverse applications in therapeutics, immunization, and diagnostics. With the recent advancements in biomedical engineering technologies, commercially available VLP-based vaccines are being extensively used to combat infectious diseases, whereas many more are in different stages of development in clinical studies. Because of their desired characteristics in terms of efficacy, safety, and diversity, VLP-based approaches might become more recurrent in the years to come. However, some production and fabrication challenges must be addressed before VLP-based approaches can be widely used in therapeutics. This review offers insight into the recent VLP-based vaccines development, with an emphasis on their characteristics, expression systems, and potential applicability as ideal candidates to combat emerging virulent pathogens. Finally, the potential of VLP-based vaccine as viable and efficient immunizing agents to induce immunity against virulent infectious agents, including, SARS-CoV-2 and protein nanoparticle-based vaccines has been elaborated. Thus, VLP vaccines may serve as an effective alternative to conventional vaccine strategies in combating emerging infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasnat Tariq
- Department of Biotechnology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sannia Batool
- Department of Biotechnology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Saaim Asif
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mohammad Ali
- Center for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Swat, Pakistan
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Current view on novel vaccine technologies to combat human infectious diseases. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:25-56. [PMID: 34889981 PMCID: PMC8661323 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11713-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Inactivated and live attenuated vaccines have improved human life and significantly reduced morbidity and mortality of several human infectious diseases. However, these vaccines have faults, such as reactivity or suboptimal efficacy and expensive and time-consuming development and production. Additionally, despite the enormous efforts to develop vaccines against some infectious diseases, the traditional technologies have not been successful in achieving this. At the same time, the concerns about emerging and re-emerging diseases urge the need to develop technologies that can be rapidly applied to combat the new challenges. Within the last two decades, the research of vaccine technologies has taken several directions to achieve safe, efficient, and economic platforms or technologies for novel vaccines. This review will give a brief overview of the current state of the novel vaccine technologies, new vaccine candidates in clinical trial phases 1-3 (listed by European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA)), and vaccines based on the novel technologies which have already been commercially available (approved by EMA and FDA) with the special reference to pandemic COVID-19 vaccines. KEY POINTS: • Vaccines of the new generation follow the minimalist strategy. • Some infectious diseases remain a challenge for the vaccine development. • The number of new vaccine candidates in the late phase clinical trials remains low.
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Swevers L, Kontogiannatos D, Kolliopoulou A, Ren F, Feng M, Sun J. Mechanisms of Cell Entry by dsRNA Viruses: Insights for Efficient Delivery of dsRNA and Tools for Improved RNAi-Based Pest Control. Front Physiol 2021; 12:749387. [PMID: 34858204 PMCID: PMC8632066 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.749387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
While RNAi is often heralded as a promising new strategy for insect pest control, a major obstacle that still remains is the efficient delivery of dsRNA molecules within the cells of the targeted insects. However, it seems overlooked that dsRNA viruses already have developed efficient strategies for transport of dsRNA molecules across tissue barriers and cellular membranes. Besides protecting their dsRNA genomes in a protective shell, dsRNA viruses also display outer capsid layers that incorporate sophisticated mechanisms to disrupt the plasma membrane layer and to translocate core particles (with linear dsRNA genome fragments) within the cytoplasm. Because of the perceived efficiency of the translocation mechanism, it is well worth analyzing in detail the molecular processes that are used to achieve this feat. In this review, the mechanism of cell entry by dsRNA viruses belonging to the Reoviridae family is discussed in detail. Because of the large amount of progress in mammalian versus insect models, the mechanism of infections of reoviruses in mammals (orthoreoviruses, rotaviruses, orbiviruses) will be treated as a point of reference against which infections of reoviruses in insects (orbiviruses in midges, plant viruses in hemipterans, insect-specific cypoviruses in lepidopterans) will be compared. The goal of this discussion is to uncover the basic principles by which dsRNA viruses cross tissue barriers and translocate their cargo to the cellular cytoplasm; such knowledge subsequently can be incorporated into the design of dsRNA virus-based viral-like particles for optimal delivery of RNAi triggers in targeted insect pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luc Swevers
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Kontogiannatos
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Kolliopoulou
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece
| | - Feifei Ren
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingchen Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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12
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Zhang P, Sun Y, Tan C, Ling M, Li X, Wang W, Cong Y. Preparation and evaluation of virus-like particle vaccine against H3N8 subtype equine influenza. Microb Pathog 2021; 157:104885. [PMID: 33991641 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.104885] [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: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
To prevent and control H3N8 subtype equine influenza, we prepared virus-like particles (VLPs) comprising the HA, NA and M1 proteins of H3N8 equine influenza virus (EIV) through the insect cell-baculovirus expression system. The results of Western blot and hemagglutination analyses demonstrated that the constructed VLPs comprising HA, NA and M1 proteins have good hemagglutination activity. Immunoelectron microscope revealed that the VLPs share similar morphology and structure with natural virus particles. The hyperimmune serum from horses immunized with the VLPs were injected into mice by means of artificial passive immunization and then challenge, or challenge following by injecting hyperimmune serum. The results showed that the equine hyperimmune serum has good preventive and therapeutic efficacy against the infection of H3N8 EIV. The study provides a technical foundation for the development of H3N8 EIV VLP vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengju Zhang
- Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130033, China
| | - Yixue Sun
- Jilin Research & Development Center of Biomedical Engineering, Changchun University, Changchun, 130022, China
| | - Chengcheng Tan
- Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130033, China
| | - Mengmeng Ling
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Xintao Li
- Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130033, China
| | - Weixia Wang
- Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130033, China.
| | - Yanlong Cong
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.
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13
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Identification of Novel Adjuvants for Ebola Virus-Like Particle Vaccine. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8020215. [PMID: 32397625 PMCID: PMC7349346 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8020215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ebola virus disease is a severe disease, often fatal, with a mortality rate of up to 90%. Presently, effective treatment and safe prevention options for Ebola virus disease are not available. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop control measures to prevent or limit future Ebola virus outbreaks. Ebola virus protein-based virus-like particle (VLP) and inactivated whole virion vaccines have demonstrated efficacy in animal models, and the addition of appropriate adjuvants may provide additional benefits to these vaccines, including enhanced immune responses. In this study, we screened 24 compounds from injectable excipients approved for human use in Japan and identified six compounds that significantly enhanced the humoral response to Ebola VLP vaccine in a murine model. Our novel adjuvant candidates for Ebola VLP vaccine have already been demonstrated to be safe when administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously, and therefore, they are closer to clinical trials than adjuvants whose safety profiles are unknown.
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14
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Jeong KH, Kim HJ, Kim HJ. Current status and future directions of fish vaccines employing virus-like particles. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 100:49-57. [PMID: 32130976 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2020.02.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
In most breeding schemes, fish are cultured in enclosed spaces, which greatly increases the risk of outbreaks where the onset of infectious diseases can cause massive mortality and enormous economic losses. Vaccination is the most effective and long-term measure for improving the basic make-up of a fish farm. As the relationship between antibody and antigen is similar to that between screw and nut, similarity in the shape or nature of the vaccine antigen to the original pathogen is important for achieving a satisfactory/good/excellent antibody response with a vaccine. Virus-like particles (VLPs) best fulfil this requirement as their tertiary structure mimics that of the native virus. For this reason, VLPs have been attracting attention as next-generation vaccines for humans and animals, and the effects of various types of VLP vaccines on humans and livestock have been examined. Recent studies of VLP-based fish vaccines indicate that these vaccines are promising, and raise hopes of extending their use in the near future. In this review, the structural properties and immunogenicity of VLP-based vaccines against fish viruses such as infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV), salmonid alphavirus (SAV), nervous necrosis virus (NNV) and iridovirus are introduced/summarized. The NNV VLP vaccine is the most-studied VLP-based vaccine against fish viruses. Therefore, the current status of NNV VLP research is highlighted in this review, which deals with the advantages of using VLPs as vaccines, and the expression systems for producing them. Moreover, the need for lyophilized VLPs and oral VLP delivery is discussed. Finally, future directions for the development of VLP vaccines in the fish vaccine field are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Ho Jeong
- Laboratory of Virology, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-Ro, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul, 06974, South Korea
| | - Hyoung Jin Kim
- Laboratory of Virology, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-Ro, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul, 06974, South Korea
| | - Hong-Jin Kim
- Laboratory of Virology, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-Ro, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul, 06974, South Korea.
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15
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianxun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of VirologyWuhan Institute of VirologyCenter for Biosafety Mega‐ScienceChinese Academy of Sciences Wuhan 430071 China
- College of Life ScienceJiang Han University Wuhan 430056 China
| | - Zongqiang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of VirologyWuhan Institute of VirologyCenter for Biosafety Mega‐ScienceChinese Academy of Sciences Wuhan 430071 China
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16
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Li Y, Han L, Zhao Y, Zheng X, Wang H, Gai W, Jin H, Li G, Wang Q, Feng N, Gao Y, Yang S, Xia X. Immunogenicity Assessment of Rift Valley Fever Virus Virus-Like Particles in BALB/c Mice. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:62. [PMID: 32118075 PMCID: PMC7031255 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an acute, febrile zoonotic disease that is caused by the RVF virus (RVFV) and is spread by arthropod vectors. Virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines, which have the advantages of strong immunogenicity and safety, play an important role in the prevention of this disease. VLPs for RVFV were successfully prepared by our research group using a baculovirus-insect cell expression system. To study the immunogenicity of these RVFV VLPs, a correct 3rd or 4th generation recombinant baculovirus, rBac-N-G, was identified and used to infect Sf9 cells, which were cultured in suspension at a large scale. Subsequently, cell debris was removed by centrifugation, and the VLPs were concentrated by ultracentrifugation and purified using a sucrose gradient, after which they were used to immunize BALB/c mice by intramuscular injection. The results showed that the RVFV VLPs prepared by our research group could effectively induce mice to produce RVFV neutralizing antibodies and that the prepared VLPs could stimulate mouse spleen cells to produce high levels of the cytokines IL-4 and IFN-γ. Moreover, the proportion of lymphocytes producing IL-4 and IFN-γ in the spleen of mice immunized with RVFV VLPs was significantly increased. Therefore, the RVFV VLPs prepared in this study had strong immunogenicity and could effectively activate humoral and cellular immunity in mice. This study lays a solid foundation for the development of RVFV VLP vaccine candidates and promotes the healthy development of animal husbandry and human public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuetao Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, China.,Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Science, Changchun, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Li Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Yongkun Zhao
- Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Science, Changchun, China
| | - Xuexing Zheng
- Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Science, Changchun, China.,School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hualei Wang
- Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Science, Changchun, China.,Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Weiwei Gai
- Nano Innovation Institute, Inner Mongolia University for the Nationalities, Tongliao, China
| | - Hongli Jin
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guohua Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Qi Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Na Feng
- Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Science, Changchun, China
| | - Yuwei Gao
- Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Science, Changchun, China
| | - Songtao Yang
- Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Science, Changchun, China
| | - Xianzhu Xia
- Institute of Military Veterinary Medicine, Academy of Military Medical Science, Changchun, China
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