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Zhao Q, He K, Zhang X, Xu M, Zhang X, Li H. Production and immunogenicity of different prophylactic vaccines for hepatitis C virus (Review). Exp Ther Med 2022; 24:474. [PMID: 35761816 PMCID: PMC9214603 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health challenge, and prophylactic vaccines are the most effective way to eliminate the infection. To date, numerous forms of preventive vaccines have entered the clinical trial stage, including the virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine, recombinant subunit vaccine, peptide vaccine and nucleic acid vaccine. The rational design makes it easier to obtain specific vaccine structures with a broad spectrum and strong immunogenicity. Different vaccine antigens can evoke different immune responses, including humoral and T-cell immune responses, and can be produced using different expression systems, such as bacteria, yeast, mammals, plants, insects or parasites. Intracellular and insoluble production and a narrow immune spectrum are two difficulties that limit the application of vaccines. The present study summarizes the immunogenicity of different preventive vaccines, evaluates the characteristics of different expression systems used for vaccine production, and analyzes the strategies to enhance the secretion and immune spectrum of vaccine proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Zhao
- Microbiology Department, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Kun He
- Microbiology Department, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Xiuhua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biological Drugs, Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Science, Jinan, Shandong 250101, P.R. China
| | - Mingjie Xu
- Microbiology Department, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Xiuping Zhang
- Microbiology Department, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Huanjie Li
- Medical Research and Laboratory Diagnostic Center, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
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Protective cellular immune response against hepatitis C virus elicited by chimeric protein formulations in BALB/c mice. Arch Virol 2020; 165:593-607. [PMID: 32016547 PMCID: PMC7224087 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-019-04464-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a public health priority. Despite the efficiency of treatment with direct-acting antivirals, the high cost of the therapy and the lack of accurate data about the HCV-infected population worldwide constitute important factors hampering this task. Hence, an affordable preventive vaccine is still necessary for reducing transmission and the future disease burden globally. In this work, chimeric proteins (EnvCNS3 and NS3EnvCo) encompassing conserved and immunogenic epitopes from the HCV core, E1, E2 and NS3 proteins were produced in Escherichia coli, and their immunogenicity was evaluated in BALB/c mice. The impact of recombinant HCV E2.680 protein and oligodeoxynucleotide 39M (ODN39M) on the immune response to chimeric proteins was also assessed. Immunization with chimeric proteins mixed with E2.680 enhanced the antibody and cellular response against HCV antigens and chimeric proteins. Interestingly, the combination of NS3EnvCo with E2.680 and ODN39M as adjuvant elicited a potent antibody response characterized by an increase in antibodies of the IgG2a subclass against E2.680, NS3 and chimeric proteins, suggesting the induction of a Th1-type response. Moreover, a cytotoxic T lymphocyte response and a broad response of IFN-γ-secreting cells against HCV antigens were induced with this formulation as well. This T cell response was able to protect vaccinated mice against challenge with a surrogate model based on HCV recombinant vaccinia virus. Overall, the vaccine candidate NS3EnvCo/E2.680/ODN39M might constitute an effective immunogen against HCV with potential for reducing the likelihood of viral persistence.
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Protective T Cell and Antibody Immune Responses against Hepatitis C Virus Achieved Using a Biopolyester-Bead-Based Vaccine Delivery System. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2016; 23:370-8. [PMID: 26888185 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00687-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major worldwide problem. Chronic hepatitis C is recognized as one of the major causes of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver failure. Although new, directly acting antiviral therapies are suggested to overcome the low efficacy and adverse effects observed for the current standard of treatment, an effective vaccine would be the only way to certainly eradicate HCV infection. Recently, polyhydroxybutyrate beads produced by engineered Escherichia coli showed efficacy as a vaccine delivery system. Here, an endotoxin-free E. coli strain (ClearColi) was engineered to produce polyhydroxybutyrate beads displaying the core antigen on their surface (Beads-Core) and their immunogenicity was evaluated in BALB/c mice. Immunization with Beads-Core induced gamma interferon (IFN-γ) secretion and a functional T cell immune response against the HCV Core protein. With the aim to target broad T and B cell determinants described for HCV, Beads-Core mixed with HCV E1, E2, and NS3 recombinant proteins was also evaluated in BALB/c mice. Remarkably, only three immunization with Beads-Core+CoE1E2NS3/Alum (a mixture of 0.1 μg Co.120, 16.7 μg E1.340, 16.7 μg E2.680, and 10 μg NS3 adjuvanted in aluminum hydroxide [Alum]) induced a potent antibody response against E1 and E2 and a broad IFN-γ secretion and T cell response against Core and all coadministered antigens. This immunological response mediated protective immunity to viremia as assessed in a viral surrogate challenge model. Overall, it was shown that engineered biopolyester beads displaying foreign antigens are immunogenic and might present a particulate delivery system suitable for vaccination against HCV.
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Fazlalipour M, Keyvani H, Monavari SHR, Mollaie HR. Expression, Purification and Immunogenic Description of a Hepatitis C Virus Recombinant CoreE1E2 Protein Expressed by Yeast Pichia pastoris. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2015; 8:e17157. [PMID: 26034544 PMCID: PMC4449863 DOI: 10.5812/jjm.8(4)2015.17157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2013] [Revised: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Gradual development of a useful vaccine can be the main point in the control and eradication of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Hepatitis C Virus envelope glycoproteins are considered as the main HCV vaccine candidate. Objectives: In this study, the Pichia pastoris expression system was used to express a recombinant HCV CoreE1E2 protein, which consists of Core (269 nt-841nt) E1 (842 nt-1417nt) and E2 (1418 nt-2506nt). Materials and Methods: By a codon optimization technique based on the P. pastoris expression system, we could increase the rate of recombinant proteins. Moreover, the purified protein can efficiently induce anti-CoreE1E2 antibodies in rabbits, and also by developing a homemade Enzyme-Linked ELISA kit we can detect antibody of HCV Iranian patients with genotype 1a. Results: In our study, the virus-like particle of rCoreE1E2 with 70 nm size, was shown by Electron microscopy and proved the self-assembly in vitro in a yeast expression system. Conclusions: These findings of the present study indicate that the recombinant CoreE1E2 glycoprotein is effective in inducing neutralizing antibodies, and is an influential HCV vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Fazlalipour
- Department of Medical Virology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Hossein Keyvani
- Department of Medical Virology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding author: Hossein Keyvani, Department of Medical Virology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel/Fax: +98-9126222938, E-mail:
| | | | - Hamid Reza Mollaie
- Department of Medical Virology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
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Al Olaby RR, Cocquerel L, Zemla A, Saas L, Dubuisson J, Vielmetter J, Marcotrigiano J, Khan AG, Catalan FV, Perryman AL, Freundlich JS, Forli S, Levy S, Balhorn R, Azzazy HM. Identification of a novel drug lead that inhibits HCV infection and cell-to-cell transmission by targeting the HCV E2 glycoprotein. PLoS One 2014; 9:e111333. [PMID: 25357246 PMCID: PMC4214736 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0111333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infects 200 million individuals worldwide. Although several FDA approved drugs targeting the HCV serine protease and polymerase have shown promising results, there is a need for better drugs that are effective in treating a broader range of HCV genotypes and subtypes without being used in combination with interferon and/or ribavirin. Recently, two crystal structures of the core of the HCV E2 protein (E2c) have been determined, providing structural information that can now be used to target the E2 protein and develop drugs that disrupt the early stages of HCV infection by blocking E2’s interaction with different host factors. Using the E2c structure as a template, we have created a structural model of the E2 protein core (residues 421–645) that contains the three amino acid segments that are not present in either structure. Computational docking of a diverse library of 1,715 small molecules to this model led to the identification of a set of 34 ligands predicted to bind near conserved amino acid residues involved in the HCV E2: CD81 interaction. Surface plasmon resonance detection was used to screen the ligand set for binding to recombinant E2 protein, and the best binders were subsequently tested to identify compounds that inhibit the infection of Huh-7 cells by HCV. One compound, 281816, blocked E2 binding to CD81 and inhibited HCV infection in a genotype-independent manner with IC50’s ranging from 2.2 µM to 4.6 µM. 281816 blocked the early and late steps of cell-free HCV entry and also abrogated the cell-to-cell transmission of HCV. Collectively the results obtained with this new structural model of E2c suggest the development of small molecule inhibitors such as 281816 that target E2 and disrupt its interaction with CD81 may provide a new paradigm for HCV treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem R. Al Olaby
- Department of Chemistry, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
| | - Laurence Cocquerel
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, CNRS-UMR8204/Inserm-U1019, Pasteur Institute of Lille, University of Lille North of France, Lille, France
| | - Adam Zemla
- Pathogen Bioinformatics, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, United States of America
| | - Laure Saas
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, CNRS-UMR8204/Inserm-U1019, Pasteur Institute of Lille, University of Lille North of France, Lille, France
| | - Jean Dubuisson
- Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, CNRS-UMR8204/Inserm-U1019, Pasteur Institute of Lille, University of Lille North of France, Lille, France
| | - Jost Vielmetter
- Protein Expression Center, Beckman Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, United States of America
| | - Joseph Marcotrigiano
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States of America
| | - Abdul Ghafoor Khan
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States of America
| | - Felipe Vences Catalan
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Alexander L. Perryman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Center for Emerging & Re-emerging Pathogens, Rutgers University-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States of America
| | - Joel S. Freundlich
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Center for Emerging & Re-emerging Pathogens, Rutgers University-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States of America
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Rutgers University-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, United States of America
| | - Stefano Forli
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Shoshana Levy
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Rod Balhorn
- Department of Applied Science, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Hassan M. Azzazy
- Department of Chemistry, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo, Egypt
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Aguilar-Noriega D, Alvarez-Lajonchere L, Brown E, Santana FL, Dubuisson J, Wychowski C, Guerra I, Martínez-Donato G, Pérez A, Amador-Cañizares Y, Dueñas-Carrera S. A chimeric protein encompassing hepatitis C virus epitopes is able to elicit both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in mice. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2014; 61:627-36. [PMID: 24575938 DOI: 10.1002/bab.1223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a worldwide health problem. Vaccines against this pathogen are not available and advances in this field are limited because of the high genetic variability of the virus, inaccessibility of animal models, and incomplete definition of immunological correlates of protection. In the present work, a chimeric protein, Eq1, encompassing HCV amino acid regions from structural antigens, was generated. Eq1 was expressed in GC-366 bacterial cells. After cell disruption, Eq1 was purified from the insoluble fraction by sequential steps of differential solubilization and metal chelating affinity chromatography. Eq1 was specifically recognized by anti-HCV positive human sera. Moreover, immunization of BALB/c mice with different doses of Eq1 formulated either in Alum or Freund's incomplete adjuvant elicited both humoral- and cellular-specific immune responses. Doses of 20 µg of Eq1 induced the strongest cell-mediated immune responses and only the formulation of this dose in Alum elicited a neutralizing antibody response against heterologous cell culture HCV. All these data together indicate that Eq1 is immunogenic in mice and might be an interesting component of vaccine candidates against HCV infection.
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Martinez-Donato G, Amador-Cañizares Y, Alvarez-Lajonchere L, Guerra I, Pérez A, Dubuisson J, Wychowsk C, Musacchio A, Aguilar D, Dueñas-Carrera S. Neutralizing antibodies and broad, functional T cell immune response following immunization with hepatitis C virus proteins-based vaccine formulation. Vaccine 2014; 32:1720-6. [PMID: 24486345 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2014.01.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Revised: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
HCV is a worldwide health problem despite the recent advances in the development of more effective therapies. No preventive vaccine is available against this pathogen. However, non-sterilizing immunity has been demonstrated and supports the potential success of HCV vaccines. Induction of cross-neutralizing antibodies and T cell responses targeting several conserved epitopes, have been related to hepatitis C virus (HCV) clearance. Therefore, in this work, the immunogenicity of a preparation (MixprotHC) based on protein variants of HCV Core, E1, E2 and NS3 was evaluated in mice and monkeys. IgG from MixprotHC immunized mice and monkeys neutralized the infectivity of heterologous HCVcc. Moreover, strong CD4+ and CD8+ T cells proliferative and IFN-γ secretion responses were elicited against HCV proteins. Remarkably, immunization with MixprotHC induced control of viremia in a surrogate challenge model in mice. These results suggest that MixprotHC might constitute an effective immunogen against HCV in humans with potential for reducing the likelihood of immune escape and viral persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Martinez-Donato
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba.
| | - Yalena Amador-Cañizares
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba
| | - Liz Alvarez-Lajonchere
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba
| | - Ivis Guerra
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba
| | - Angel Pérez
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba
| | - Jean Dubuisson
- Institut de Biologie de Lille (UMR8161), CNRS, Universite de Lille I & II and Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Czeslaw Wychowsk
- Institut de Biologie de Lille (UMR8161), CNRS, Universite de Lille I & II and Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Alexis Musacchio
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba
| | - Daylen Aguilar
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba
| | - Santiago Dueñas-Carrera
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba
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Tabll AA, Atef K, Bader El Din NG, El Abd YS, Salem A, Sayed AA, Dawood RM, Omran MH, El-Awady MK. In vitro neutralization of HCV by goat antibodies against peptides encompassing regions downstream of HVR-1 of E2 glycoprotein. J Immunoassay Immunochem 2014; 35:12-25. [PMID: 24063613 DOI: 10.1080/15321819.2013.779925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This article aims at testing several in vitro systems with various viral sources and cell lines for propagation of HCV to evaluate goat antibodies raised against three E2 epitopes in viral neutralization experiments. Four human cell lines (Huh-7, Huh-7.5, HepG2, and CaCo2) were tested using two different HCV viral sources; Genotype 4 infected sera and J6/JFH HCV cc particles. Neutralization capacity of goat Abs against conserved E2 epitopes; p412 (a.a 412-419), p517 (a.a 517-531), and p430 (a.a 430-447) were examined in the above mentioned in vitro systems. Although infection with patients' sera seems to mimic the in vitro situation, it has limited replication rates as compared with HCV cc particularly in Huh7.5 cells. Non-HCV adapted Huh-7 cells were also found susceptible for transfection with J6/JFH virus but at much slower kinetics. The results of the neutralization assay showed that anti p412 and anti p517 were highly neutralizing to HCVcc. Our data demonstrate that antibodies directed against the viral surface glycoprotein E2 reduced the infectivity of the J6/JFH virus and are promising agents for immunotherapy and HCV vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf A Tabll
- a Department of Microbial Biotechnology National Research Center , Gizza , Egypt
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El-Awady MK, Tabll AA, Yousif H, El-Abd Y, Reda M, Khalil SB, El-Zayadi AR, Shaker MH, Bader El Din NG. Murine neutralizing antibody response and toxicity to synthetic peptides derived from E1 and E2 proteins of hepatitis C virus. Vaccine 2010; 28:8338-44. [PMID: 19995542 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.11.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2009] [Revised: 11/19/2009] [Accepted: 11/20/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The highest estimated prevalence of HCV infection has been reported in Egypt, nearly 12% mostly type 4. Currently, a commercial vaccine to protect this high risk population as well as global HCV infected patients is not available. OBJECTIVES In the present study, we aim at: (1) examining the viral binding capacities of purified monospecific polyclonal murine antibodies raised against genetically conserved viral protein sequences, i.e. synthetic peptides derived from those sequences located within envelope proteins and (2) assessment of immunogenic properties and safety parameters of those peptides individually and in a vaccine format in mice. METHODS Purified IgG Abs from immunized mice were used in immunocapture RT-PCR experiments to test viral neutralization by Abs raised against each of 4 peptides termed p35 (E1), p36 (E2), p37 (E2) and p38 (E2). Swiss mice were immunized with each of the 3 peptides (p35, p37 and p38) which generated neutralizing antibodies in immunocapture experiments. Antibody responses to corresponding peptides were determined using different routes of administration, different adjuvants, different doses and at different time points post-injection. To explore the dose range for future pharmacological studies, three doses namely 50 ng, 10 μg and 50 μg/25 gm mouse body weight were tested for biochemical and histopathological changes in several organs. RESULTS Murine Abs against p35, p37 and p38 but not p36 showed HCV neutralization in immunocapture experiments. Subcutaneous injection of peptides elicited higher responses than i.m. and i.p. Immunization with Multiple Antigenic Peptide (MAP) form or coupled to Al PO4 elicited the highest Ab responses. Peptide doses of 50 ng/25 gm body weight or less were effective and safe, however dose assessment still requires further study. Histopathological changes were observed in animals that received doses ∼1000 times higher than the potential therapeutic dose. CONCLUSION Exploration of humoral immunogenicity, neutralization capacity and safety suggested that the peptides presented herein are candidate vaccine components for further preclinical assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa K El-Awady
- Biomedical Technology Department, National Research Center, Tahrir Street 12622, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt.
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Ratio of HCV structural antigens in protein-based vaccine formulations is critical for functional immune response induction. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2010; 56:111-8. [PMID: 20515441 DOI: 10.1042/ba20090216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
HCV (hepatitis C virus) infection is among the leading causes of chronic liver disease, but currently there is no vaccine available. Data have accumulated about the importance of targeting different HCV antigens in vaccine candidate preparations. Here, a surface response study to select the optimal ratio of recombinant HCV structural antigens in a vaccine preparation, capable of generating in vivo functional cellular immune response in mice, was performed. The immunogenicity of the selected HCV structural protein mixture (Co-E1-E2) in mice and African green monkeys, after five doses of immunization, was also demonstrated. Specific T-cell proliferative response against HCV structural antigens was induced in vaccinated mice. Moreover, on challenge with recombinant HCV VV (vaccinia virus), all mice controlled the viraemia and 80% were protected. On the other hand, monkeys immunized with Co-E1-E2 developed antibodies, specifically directed to region 412-438 of E2 protein, that include an epitope implicated in HCV neutralization, in addition to a specific proliferative response against HCV Core and E2 proteins. These results indicated that the optimal amount and ratio of HCV recombinant proteins should be taken into account to elicit a successful immune response against HCV and therefore have important implications for vaccine design.
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11
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Blocking hepatitis C virus infection with recombinant form of envelope protein 2 ectodomain. J Virol 2009; 83:11078-89. [PMID: 19710151 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00800-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 120 million people worldwide are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), making HCV infection the leading cause of liver transplantation in developed countries. Treatment is limited, and efficacy depends upon the infecting strain and the initial viral load. The HCV envelope glycoproteins (E1 and E2) are involved in receptor binding, virus-cell fusion, and entry into the host cell. HCV infection proceeds by endosomal acidification, suggesting that fusion of the viral envelope with cellular membranes is a pH-triggered event. E2 consists of an amino-terminal ectodomain, an amphipathic helix that forms a stem region, and a carboxy-terminal membrane-associating segment. We have devised a novel expression system for the production of a secreted form of E2 ectodomain (eE2) from mammalian cells and performed a comprehensive biochemical and biophysical characterization. eE2 is properly folded, as determined by binding to human CD81, blocking of infection of cell culture-derived HCV, and recognition by antibodies from patients chronically infected with different genotypes of HCV. The glycosylation pattern, number of disulfide bonds, oligomerization state, and secondary structure of eE2 have been characterized using mass spectrometry, size exclusion chromatography, circular dichroism, and analytical ultracentrifugation. These results advance the understanding of E2 and may assist in the design of an HCV vaccine and entry inhibitor.
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El-Awady MK, Tabll AA, El-Abd YS, Yousif H, Hegab M, Reda M, El Shenawy R, Moustafa RI, Degheidy N, El Din NGB. Conserved peptides within the E2 region of Hepatitis C virus induce humoral and cellular responses in goats. Virol J 2009. [PMID: 19473491 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-6-66.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The reason(s) why human antibodies raised against hepatitis C virus (HCV) E2 epitopes do not offer protection against multiple viral infections may be related to either genetic variations among viral strains particularly within the hypervariable region-1 (HVR-1), low titers of anti E2 antibodies or interference of non neutralizing antibodies with the function of neutralizing antibodies. This study was designed to assess the immunogenic properties of genetically conserved peptides derived from the C-terminal region of HVR-1 as potential therapeutic and/or prophylactic vaccines against HCV infection. Goats immunized with E2-conserved synthetic peptides termed p36 (a.a 430-446), p37(a.a 517-531) and p38 (a.a 412-419) generated high titers of anti-p36, anti-p37 and anti-P38 antibody responses of which only anti- p37 and anti- p38 were neutralizing to HCV particles in sera from patients infected predominantly with genotype 4a. On the other hand anti-p36 exhibited weak viral neutralization capacity on the same samples. Animals super-immunized with single epitopes generated 2 to 4.5 fold higher titers than similar antibodies produced in chronic HCV patients. Also the studied peptides elicited approximately 3 fold increase in cell proliferation of specific antibody-secreting peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from immunized goats. These results indicate that, besides E1 derived peptide p35 (a.a 315-323) described previously by this laboratory, E2 conserved peptides p37 and p38 represent essential components of a candidate peptide vaccine against HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa K El-Awady
- Department of Biomedical Technology, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt.
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13
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El-Awady MK, Tabll AA, El-Abd YS, Yousif H, Hegab M, Reda M, El Shenawy R, Moustafa RI, Degheidy N, El Din NGB. Conserved peptides within the E2 region of Hepatitis C virus induce humoral and cellular responses in goats. Virol J 2009; 6:66. [PMID: 19473491 PMCID: PMC2694788 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-6-66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2009] [Accepted: 05/27/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The reason(s) why human antibodies raised against hepatitis C virus (HCV) E2 epitopes do not offer protection against multiple viral infections may be related to either genetic variations among viral strains particularly within the hypervariable region-1 (HVR-1), low titers of anti E2 antibodies or interference of non neutralizing antibodies with the function of neutralizing antibodies. This study was designed to assess the immunogenic properties of genetically conserved peptides derived from the C-terminal region of HVR-1 as potential therapeutic and/or prophylactic vaccines against HCV infection. Goats immunized with E2-conserved synthetic peptides termed p36 (a.a 430-446), p37(a.a 517-531) and p38 (a.a 412-419) generated high titers of anti-p36, anti-p37 and anti-P38 antibody responses of which only anti- p37 and anti- p38 were neutralizing to HCV particles in sera from patients infected predominantly with genotype 4a. On the other hand anti-p36 exhibited weak viral neutralization capacity on the same samples. Animals super-immunized with single epitopes generated 2 to 4.5 fold higher titers than similar antibodies produced in chronic HCV patients. Also the studied peptides elicited approximately 3 fold increase in cell proliferation of specific antibody-secreting peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from immunized goats. These results indicate that, besides E1 derived peptide p35 (a.a 315-323) described previously by this laboratory, E2 conserved peptides p37 and p38 represent essential components of a candidate peptide vaccine against HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa K El-Awady
- Department of Biomedical Technology, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ashraf A Tabll
- Department of Biomedical Technology, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Yasmine S El-Abd
- Department of Biomedical Technology, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Hassan Yousif
- Department of Biomedical Technology, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohsen Hegab
- Department of Biomedical Technology, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Reda
- Department of Biomedical Technology, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Reem El Shenawy
- Department of Biomedical Technology, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Rehab I Moustafa
- Department of Biomedical Technology, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Nabila Degheidy
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
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14
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Frazer IH, Lowy DR, Schiller JT. Prevention of cancer through immunization: Prospects and challenges for the 21st century. Eur J Immunol 2008; 37 Suppl 1:S148-55. [PMID: 17972339 DOI: 10.1002/eji.200737820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Persistent infection by several microbial agents is responsible for at least 15% of cancer globally, including most cancers of the liver, stomach, and cervix. The recent development of vaccines that can prevent infection and premalignant disease caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV), which cause virtually all cases of cervical cancer as well as some other cancers, has focused renewed attention on infection control as a means of reducing the global cancer burden. For vaccines to prevent cancer-causing infection with hepatitis C virus, Helicobacter pylori, or Epstein Barr virus, new vaccine technologies to induce more effective protective responses are required. For the two available cancer control vaccines, designed to prevent infection with HPV and hepatitis B virus, the major challenge is to promote effective vaccine deployment through education programs and increased affordability/accessibility for underserved populations, particularly in the developing world, where the cancer burden attributable to infection by these two viruses is greatest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian H Frazer
- Diamantina Institute for Cancer Immunology and Metabolic Medicine, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.
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15
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Hepatitis C virus envelope glycoprotein immunization of rodents elicits cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies. Vaccine 2007; 25:7773-84. [PMID: 17919789 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2007.08.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2007] [Revised: 08/14/2007] [Accepted: 08/26/2007] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Neutralizing antibody responses elicited during infection generally confer protection from infection. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) encodes two glycoproteins E1 and E2 that are essential for virus entry and are the major target for neutralizing antibodies. To assess whether both glycoproteins are required for the generation of a neutralizing antibody response, rodents were immunized with a series of glycoproteins comprising full length and truncated versions. Guinea pigs immunized with HCV-1 genotype 1a E1E2p7, E1E2 or E2 generated high titer anti-glycoprotein antibody responses that neutralized the infectivity of HCVpp and HCVcc expressing gps of the same genotype as the immunizing antigen. Less potent neutralization of viruses bearing the genotype 2 strain J6 gps was observed. In contrast, immunized mice demonstrated reduced anti-gp antibody responses, consistent with their minimal neutralizing activity. Immunization with E2 alone was sufficient to induce a high titer response that neutralized HCV pseudoparticles (HCVpp) bearing diverse glycoproteins and cell culture grown HCV (HCVcc). The neutralization titer was reduced 3-fold by the presence of lipoproteins in human sera. Cross-competition of the guinea pig anti-E1E2 immune sera with a panel of epitope mapped anti-E2 monoclonal antibodies for binding E2 identified a series of epitopes within the N-terminal domain that may be immunogenic in the immunized rodents. These data demonstrate that recombinant E2 and E1E2 can induce polyclonal antibody responses with cross-reactive neutralizing activity, supporting the future development of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines.
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