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Guan Q, Warrington R, Moreno S, Qing G, Weiss C, Peng Z. Sustained suppression of IL-18 by employing a vaccine ameliorates intestinal inflammation in TNBS-induced murine colitis. Future Sci OA 2019; 5:FSO405. [PMID: 31428451 PMCID: PMC6695525 DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2018-0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To develop IL-18 peptide-based virus-like particle vaccines that elicit autoantibodies against IL-18 and to evaluate the in vivo effects of the vaccines in murine colitis. Methods Recombinant IL-18 vaccines were constructed, and the effects of the vaccines were evaluated in trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced acute and chronic colitis in mice. Results Two murine IL-18 peptide-based vaccines (A and D) were developed, which induced relative long-lasting specific antibodies against IL-18. Vaccine-immunized mouse antisera could partially block IL-18-induced IFN-γ production in vitro. Mice receiving vaccine D, not vaccine A, had a significant decrease in intestinal inflammation, collagen deposition and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in colon tissue. Conclusion IL-18 vaccine may provide a potential therapeutic approach in the treatment of Crohn's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingdong Guan
- Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 3P4, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics & Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, R3E 3P4, Canada.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, R3E 3P4, Canada.,Cellular Therapy Laboratory, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, R3A 1R9, Canada
| | - Richard Warrington
- Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 3P4, Canada.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, R3E 3P4, Canada
| | - Sem Moreno
- Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 3P4, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics & Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, R3E 3P4, Canada
| | - Gefei Qing
- Department of Pathology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, R3E 3P4, Canada
| | - Carolyn Weiss
- Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 3P4, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics & Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, R3E 3P4, Canada
| | - Zhikang Peng
- Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg R3E 3P4, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics & Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, R3E 3P4, Canada
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Sisinni L, Landriscina M. The Role of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin as Tumor Marker: Biochemical and Clinical Aspects. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2015; 867:159-76. [PMID: 26530366 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-017-7215-0_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Tumor markers are biological substances that are produced/released mainly by malignant tumor cells, enter the circulation in detectable amounts and are potential indicators of the presence of a tumor. The most useful biochemical markers are the tumor-specific molecules, i.e., receptors, enzymes, hormones, growth factors or biological response modifiers that are specifically produced by tumor cells and not, or minimally, by the normal counterpart (Richard et al. Principles and practice of gynecologic oncology. Wolters Kluwer Health, Philadelphia, 2009). Based on their specificity and sensitivity in each malignancy, biomarkers are used for screening, diagnosis, disease monitoring and therapeutic response assessment in clinical management of cancer patients.This chapter is focused on human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone with a variety of functions and widely used as a tumor biomarker in selected tumors. Indeed, hCG is expressed by both trophoblastic and non-trophoblastic human malignancies and plays a role in cell transformation, angiogenesis, metastatization, and immune escape, all process central to cancer progression. Of note, hCG testing is crucial for the clinical management of placental trophoblastic malignancies and germ cell tumors of the testis and the ovary. Furthermore, the production of hCG by tumor cells is accompanied by varying degrees of release of the free subunits into the circulation, and this is relevant for the management of cancer patients (Triozzi PL, Stevens VC, Oncol Rep 6(1):7-17, 1999).The name chorionic gonadotropin was conceived: chorion derives from the latin chordate meaning afterbirth, gonadotropin indicates that the hormone is a gonadotropic molecule, acting on the ovaries and promoting steroid production (Cole LA, Int J Endocrinol Metab 9(2):335-352, 2011). The function, the mechanism of action and the interaction between hCG and its receptor continue to be the subject of intensive investigation, even though many issues about hCG have been well documented (Tegoni M et al., J Mol Biol 289(5):1375-1385, 1999).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenza Sisinni
- Laboratory of Pre-Clinical and Translational Research, IRCCS, Referral Cancer Center of Basilicata, Rionero in Vulture, PZ, Italy
| | - Matteo Landriscina
- Clinical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Viale Pinto, 1, 71100, Foggia, Italy.
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Abstract
Recent developments in DNA vaccine research provide a new momentum for this rather young and potentially disruptive technology. Gene-based vaccines are capable of eliciting protective immunity in humans to persistent intracellular pathogens, such as HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis, for which the conventional vaccine technologies have failed so far. The recent identification and characterization of genes coding for tumor antigens has stimulated the development of DNA-based antigen-specific cancer vaccines. Although most academic researchers consider the production of reasonable amounts of plasmid DNA (pDNA) for immunological studies relatively easy to solve, problems often arise during this first phase of production. In this chapter we review the current state of the art of pDNA production at small (shake flasks) and mid-scales (lab-scale bioreactor fermentations) and address new trends in vector design and strain engineering. We will guide the reader through the different stages of process design starting from choosing the most appropriate plasmid backbone, choosing the right Escherichia coli (E. coli) strain for production, and cultivation media and scale-up issues. In addition, we will address some points concerning the safety and potency of the produced plasmids, with special focus on producing antibiotic resistance-free plasmids. The main goal of this chapter is to make immunologists aware of the fact that production of the pDNA vaccine has to be performed with as much as attention and care as the rest of their research.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND hCG is a term referring to 4 independent molecules, each produced by separate cells and each having completely separate functions. These are hCG produced by villous syncytiotrophoblast cells, hyperglycosylated hCG produced by cytotrophoblast cells, free beta-subunit made by multiple primary non-trophoblastic malignancies, and pituitary hCG made by the gonadotrope cells of the anterior pituitary. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION hCG has numerous functions. hCG promotes progesterone production by corpus luteal cells; promotes angiogenesis in uterine vasculature; promoted the fusion of cytotrophoblast cell and differentiation to make syncytiotrophoblast cells; causes the blockage of any immune or macrophage action by mother on foreign invading placental cells; causes uterine growth parallel to fetal growth; suppresses any myometrial contractions during the course of pregnancy; causes growth and differentiation of the umbilical cord; signals the endometrium about forthcoming implantation; acts on receptor in mother's brain causing hyperemesis gravidarum, and seemingly promotes growth of fetal organs during pregnancy. Hyperglycosylated hCG functions to promote growth of cytotrophoblast cells and invasion by these cells, as occurs in implantation of pregnancy, and growth and invasion by choriocarcinoma cells. hCG free beta-subunit is produced by numerous non-trophoblastic malignancies of different primaries. The detection of free beta-subunit in these malignancies is generally considered a sign of poor prognosis. The free beta-subunit blocks apoptosis in cancer cells and promotes the growth and malignancy of the cancer. Pituitary hCG is a sulfated variant of hCG produced at low levels during the menstrual cycle. Pituitary hCG seems to mimic luteinizing hormone actions during the menstrual cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence A Cole
- USA hCG Reference Service, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
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Weiss R, Gabler M, Jacobs T, Gilberger TW, Thalhamer J, Scheiblhofer S. Differential effects of C3d on the immunogenicity of gene gun vaccines encoding Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium berghei MSP1(42). Vaccine 2010; 28:4515-22. [PMID: 20438877 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.04.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2010] [Revised: 03/31/2010] [Accepted: 04/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The complement fragment C3d mediates B-cell activation via simultaneous engagement of the B-cell receptor and CD21 by antigen/C3d conjugates. Several studies demonstrated the potential of C3d as a molecular adjuvant for vaccination. In this work, C3d exerted differential effects on humoral immune responses after gene gun immunization of mice with plasmids encoding the malaria blood stage antigen MSP1(42) depending on the nature of the protein (Plasmodium falciparum vs. Plasmodium berghei MSP), the localization of the C3d moiety (C-terminal vs. N-terminal), and the presence of putative N-glycosylation sites. No improvement of protective efficacy by C3d attachment or mutation of glycosylation sites could be demonstrated by in vitro parasite growth inhibition assays or in vivo blood stage parasite challenges. Our data underscore the controversial role of C3d as molecular adjuvant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Weiss
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstrasse 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
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Logan GJ, Wang L, Zheng M, Coppel RL, Alexander IE. Antigen fusion with C3d
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augments or inhibits humoral immunity to AAV genetic vaccines in a transgene‐dependent manner. Immunol Cell Biol 2009; 88:228-32. [DOI: 10.1038/icb.2009.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Grant J Logan
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute and The Children's Hospital Westmead Australia
| | - Lina Wang
- Department of Microbiology and The Victoria Bioinformatics Consortium, Monash University Clayton Australia
| | - Maolin Zheng
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute and The Children's Hospital Westmead Australia
| | - Ross L Coppel
- Department of Microbiology and The Victoria Bioinformatics Consortium, Monash University Clayton Australia
| | - Ian E Alexander
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute and The Children's Hospital Westmead Australia
- University of Sydney Discipline of Paediatrics and Child Health Westmead Australia
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Guan Q, Ma Y, Hillman CL, Ma A, Zhou G, Qing G, Peng Z. Development of recombinant vaccines against IL-12/IL-23 p40 and in vivo evaluation of their effects in the downregulation of intestinal inflammation in murine colitis. Vaccine 2009; 27:7096-104. [PMID: 19786142 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.09.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2009] [Revised: 08/31/2009] [Accepted: 09/16/2009] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Overexpression of IL-12 and IL-23, which share the p40 subunit, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease. Targeting these cytokines with monoclonal antibodies has emerged as a new and effective therapy, but one with adverse reactions. In this study, we sought to develop p40 peptide-based virus-like particle vaccines that elicit autoantibodies to IL-12 and IL-23 for a long-term treatment of the disease. Three vaccines (named C, D and F) against the p40 were developed by inserting peptides derived from p40 into the carrier, hepatitis B core antigen, using molecular engineering methods. Immunization with the vaccines, without the use of adjuvants, induced high titered and long-lasting antibodies to IL-12, IL-23 and p40. The three vaccines were evaluated in vivo in 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)-induced chronic murine colitis. Mice were immunized with a vaccine three times, followed by weekly intrarectal administrations of TNBS. Vaccine groups, especially groups C and F, showed reduced expression of IL-12/IL-23p40, less inflammation, and decreased collagen deposition in colon tissues when compared with controls. We concluded that IL-12/IL-23p40 vaccines may be a potential therapeutic approach in the treatment of Crohn's disease and other autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingdong Guan
- Dept of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3E 3P4
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Cole LA. New discoveries on the biology and detection of human chorionic gonadotropin. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2009; 7:8. [PMID: 19171054 PMCID: PMC2649930 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-7-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2008] [Accepted: 01/26/2009] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein hormone comprising 2 subunits, alpha and beta joined non covalently. While similar in structure to luteinizing hormone (LH), hCG exists in multiple hormonal and non-endocrine agents, rather than as a single molecule like LH and the other glycoprotein hormones. These are regular hCG, hyperglycosylated hCG and the free beta-subunit of hyperglycosylated hCG. For 88 years regular hCG has been known as a promoter of corpus luteal progesterone production, even though this function only explains 3 weeks of a full gestations production of regular hCG. Research in recent years has explained the full gestational production by demonstration of critical functions in trophoblast differentiation and in fetal nutrition through myometrial spiral artery angiogenesis. While regular hCG is made by fused villous syncytiotrophoblast cells, extravillous invasive cytotrophoblast cells make the variant hyperglycosylated hCG. This variant is an autocrine factor, acting on extravillous invasive cytotrophoblast cells to initiate and control invasion as occurs at implantation of pregnancy and the establishment of hemochorial placentation, and malignancy as occurs in invasive hydatidiform mole and choriocarcinoma. Hyperglycosylated hCG inhibits apoptosis in extravillous invasive cytotrophoblast cells promoting cell invasion, growth and malignancy. Other non-trophoblastic malignancies retro-differentiate and produce a hyperglycosylated free beta-subunit of hCG (hCG free beta). This has been shown to be an autocrine factor antagonizing apoptosis furthering cancer cell growth and malignancy. New applications have been demonstrated for total hCG measurements and detection of the 3 hCG variants in pregnancy detection, monitoring pregnancy outcome, determining risk for Down syndrome fetus, predicting preeclampsia, detecting pituitary hCG, detecting and managing gestational trophoblastic diseases, diagnosing quiescent gestational trophoblastic disease, diagnosing placental site trophoblastic tumor, managing testicular germ cell malignancies, and monitoring other human malignancies. There are very few molecules with such wide and varying functions as regular hCG and its variants, and very few tests with such a wide spectrum of clinical applications as total hCG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence A Cole
- USA hCG Reference Service, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
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Inhibition of tumor growth in vitro and in vivo by a monoclonal antibody against human chorionic gonadotropin beta. Immunol Lett 2007; 114:94-102. [PMID: 17964664 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2007.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2007] [Accepted: 09/12/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) beta-subunit (hCGbeta) has been detected in a wide variety of tumors and implicated in tumor maintenance and progression. To better facilitate the investigation of the expression and biological roles of hCGbeta, we generated a set of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against hCGbeta by the approach of DNA immunization. All the generated mAbs worked well in detecting native hCGbeta antigen, while some of them were surprisingly found to exhibit potential cytotoxicity to tumor cells in our preliminary experiments. Here, one of those cytotoxic anti-hCGbeta mAb 6H1 was evaluated in detail for its anti-tumor efficacy in vitro and in vivo. 6H1 showed high binding specificity to hCGbeta, which was analyzed by Western blot and ELISA as well as indirect immunofluorescence assay. Treatment with 6H1 inhibited the growth of a panel of hCGbeta-expressing tumor cell lines (HeLa, HL-60, HepG2, SMMC-7721, PC-3) in vitro. Moreover, 6H1 significantly delayed the growth of HeLa-borne tumors in nude mice and prolonged the survival of tumor-bearing mice. The anti-tumor effect of 6H1 was associated with the induction of apoptosis, which was estimated by Hoechst 33258 staining, DNA ladder assay and flow cytometry. Collectively, 6H1 revealed potent anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo and therefore may be an effective therapeutic candidate for immuno-intervention of cancers that ectopically express hCGbeta.
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