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Goodwin D, Varamini P, Simerska P, D'Occhio MJ, Toth I. Design, synthesis and evaluation of a gonadotropin releasing hormone-based subunit vaccine in rams (Ovis aries). Vaccine 2015; 33:1453-8. [PMID: 25678242 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.01.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Immunocastration using gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-based vaccines has been investigated in rams to reduce aggressive and sexual behaviour and to control meat quality. Despite considerable efforts, a practical GnRH vaccine has yet to be developed for rams. In the present study, a A GnRH-lipopeptide vaccine (GnRH-LP) including two copies of GnRH, 2-amino-d,l-hexadecanoic acid (C16), and a unique T helper epitope, was examined in rams. Rams received a primary and secondary vaccination of GnRH-LP without additional adjuvant (Group 1) or with the adjuvant AdjuVac™ (Group 2). In both Group 1 and 2 anti-GnRH antibody titres increased after secondary vaccination, however, the antibody titres were higher (p<0.01) for rams in Group 2. The latter rams showed a marked decrease in testicular size. The marked and sustained reduction in testicular size in rams treated with GnRH-LP+AdjuVac™ provides the basis for an effective immunocastration vaccine in rams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daryn Goodwin
- The University of Queensland, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Pegah Varamini
- The University of Queensland, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Pavla Simerska
- The University of Queensland, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Michael J D'Occhio
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Camden Campus, Camden, New South Wales 2570, Australia
| | - Istvan Toth
- The University of Queensland, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia; School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woollongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia.
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2
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Gebril AM, Lamprou DA, Alsaadi MM, Stimson WH, Mullen AB, Ferro VA. Assessment of the antigen-specific antibody response induced by mucosal administration of a GnRH conjugate entrapped in lipid nanoparticles. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2013; 10:971-9. [PMID: 24374362 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2013.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2012] [Revised: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Vaccines administered parenterally have been developed against gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) for anti-fertility and anti-cancer purposes. The aim of this study was to demonstrate whether mucosal delivery using GnRH immunogens entrapped in lipid nanoparticles (LNP) could induce anti-GnRH antibody titers. Immunogens consisting of KLH (keyhole limpet hemocyanin) conjugated to either GnRH-I or GnRH-III analogues were entrapped in LNP. Loaded non-ionic surfactant vesicles (NISVs) were administered subcutaneously, while nasal delivery was achieved using NISV in xanthan gum and oral delivery using NISV containing deoxycholate (bilosomes). NISV and bilosomes had similar properties: they were spherical, in the nanometre size range, with a slightly negative zeta potential and surface properties that changed with protein loading and inclusion of xanthan gum. Following immunization in female BALB/c mice, systemic antibody responses were similar for both GnRH-I and GnRH-III immunization. Only nasal delivery proved to be successful in terms of producing systemic and mucosal antibodies. FROM THE CLINICAL EDITOR The main research question addressed in this study was whether mucosal delivery using gonadotrophin-releasing hormone immunogens entrapped in lipid nanoparticles could induce anti-GnRH antibody titers. Only nasal delivery proved to be successful in terms of producing systemic and mucosal antibodies with this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman M Gebril
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Al-Bayda, Libya
| | - Dimitrios A Lamprou
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Manal M Alsaadi
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - William H Stimson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Alexander B Mullen
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Valerie A Ferro
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.
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Turkstra JA, van der Staay FJ, Stockhofe-Zurwieden N, Woelders H, Meloen RH, Schuurman T. Pharmacological and toxicological assessment of a potential GnRH vaccine in young-adult male pigs. Vaccine 2011; 29:3791-801. [PMID: 21439319 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2010] [Revised: 03/03/2011] [Accepted: 03/07/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Active immunization against gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is successfully applied to prevent boar taint in pork. In men, GnRH immunization could be an alternative to hormone therapy in patients with prostate cancer. In this study, a new GnRH vaccine formulation (a modified GnRH peptide conjugate formulated with CoVaccine adjuvant) was investigated for its pharmacological efficacy and safety in young-adult male pigs. Immunization resulted in castrate-like plasma testosterone levels in all treated pigs from week 8 until the end of the study, 30 weeks after the first immunization. Testosterone depletion retarded testes growth, reduced the relative weight of the testes and accessory sex organs, and reduced sperm counts and motility. There was no clinically relevant toxicity. Typical vaccination-related adverse reactions, such as swelling at the injection site and fever, were considered acceptable. We conclude that this GnRH vaccine efficiently and rapidly reduced serum testosterone levels, without inducing chronic toxic effects, and therefore could be applicable in both veterinary and human medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Turkstra
- Pepscan Therapeutics, Zuidersluisweg 2, 8243 RC Lelystad, The Netherlands
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Kanter M, Odabaş Ö. HISTOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF TESTICULAR AND ACCESSORY SEX GLANDS IN RAM LAMBS IMMUNIZED AGAINST RECOMBINANT GNRH FUSION PROTEINS. ELECTRONIC JOURNAL OF GENERAL MEDICINE 2008. [DOI: 10.29333/ejgm/82570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Ferro VA, Costa R, Carter KC, Harvey MJA, Waterston MM, Mullen AB, Matschke C, Mann JFS, Colston A, Stimson WH. Immune responses to a GnRH-based anti-fertility immunogen, induced by different adjuvants and subsequent effect on vaccine efficacy. Vaccine 2004; 22:1024-31. [PMID: 15161080 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2003.08.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2003] [Accepted: 08/18/2003] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A modified GnRH peptide (CHWSYGLRPG-NH2) was conjugated to tetanus toxoid and formulated with different adjuvants (non-ionic surfactant vesicles, aluminium hydroxide, Quil A, PLGA (poly(lactide-co-glycolide)/triacetin), and Quil A/PLGA). A comparison of the anti-fertility efficacy of the formulations was made by examining specific antibody levels, antibody subclasses, endocrine ablation and gonadal atrophy. The production of IgG2b antibody provided the best correlation for castration. PLGA was considered the most effective adjuvant as it produced a consistent anti-fertility response in all the treated animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie A Ferro
- Department of Immunology, University of Strathclyde, 27 Taylor Street, Glasgow G4 0NR, Scotland, UK.
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Ferro VA, Khan MAH, Earl ER, Harvey MJA, Colston A, Stimson WH. Influence of carrier protein conjugation site and terminal modification of a GnRH-I peptide sequence in the development of a highly specific anti-fertility vaccine. Part I. Am J Reprod Immunol 2002; 48:361-71. [PMID: 12607772 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0897.2002.01120.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM We previously immunoneutralized gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH), using an analogue of GnRH (des-1 GnRH-I), conjugated to tetanus toxoid via a carbodiimide reaction. The castration effect on the reproductive system was not consistent in all the treated animals. Therefore, we examined the possibility that conjugation to the carrier protein via the N- or C-terminal could have an effect on efficacy. METHOD OF STUDY GnRH analogue sequences were synthesized consisting of an additional cysteine at either terminal and specific conjugation was carried out using a bifunctional linker agent. RESULTS Conjugation of the monomer through the N-terminal proved to be a highly effective means of causing immunocastration in terms of decreased gonadotrophin and testosterone concentrations and testicular size, whereas conjugation through the C-terminal proved to be ineffective. This was reflected in the ability of the antibodies to bind native GnRH, but not the levels of the anti-GnRH antibodies. CONCLUSION Immunoneutralization efficacy was attributed to the importance of preserving the GnRH C-terminal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie A Ferro
- Department of Immunology, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.
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Ferro VA, Khan MA, Latimer VS, Brown D, Urbanski HF, Stimson WH. Immunoneutralisation of GnRH-I, without cross-reactivity to GnRH-II, in the development of a highly specific anti-fertility vaccine for clinical and veterinary use. J Reprod Immunol 2001; 51:109-29. [PMID: 11543851 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-0378(01)00071-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, several forms of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) molecules have been isolated from primate brain. These molecules are very similar in sequence and this raises the question of whether previously developed neutralisation vaccines based on GnRH (now termed GnRH-I) would remove other forms of GnRH (namely GnRH-II) as well. As the function of these other molecules has not yet been clearly defined, potential health risks could exist by their ablation. In view of the high sequence homology between the molecules, this paper describes the production of highly specific polyclonal antibodies against GnRH-I and GnRH-II, with negligible cross-reactivity. The ultimate aim of this is to develop an anti-fertility vaccine which does not present any inappropriate side-effects, caused by neutralisation of a GnRH molecule which may or may not be directly involved in reproduction. Several formulations were investigated, based on analogues of the following molecules, conjugated to tetanus toxoid: 1. GnRH-I pGlu-His-Trp-Ser-Try-Gly-Leu-Arg-Pro-Gly-NH2 and 2. GnRH-II pGlu-His-Trp-Ser-His-Gly-Trp-Tyr-Pro-Gly-NH2. The specificity of the antibodies produced was examined, together with effects on fertility and any inappropriate side-effects. Immunostaining of hypothalamic sections was carried out, using the generated antisera, to determine the regional distribution of GnRH-I and GnRH-II neurones, as well as to further evaluate the specificity of the antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- V A Ferro
- Department of Immunology, University of Strathclyde, SIBS Building, 27 Taylor Street, Glasgow G4 ONR, UK.
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Ferro VA, Stimson WH. Investigation into suitable carrier molecules for use in an anti-gonadotrophin releasing hormone vaccine. Vaccine 1998; 16:1095-102. [PMID: 9682364 DOI: 10.1016/s0264-410x(98)80104-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Gonadal function can be controlled through immunoneutralisation of gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH), with an analogue, GnRH-glycys, linked to a carrier molecule and an appropriate adjuvant. In this study, four different types of carrier molecule were investigated: (a) single and branched amino acid polymers--[poly-(D-glu, D-lys) and poly-(phe, glu)-poly(DL-ala)-poly(lys)]; (b) bacterial toxoids--diphtheria (DT) and tetanus (TT); (c) synthetic T-helper epitopes--derived from malarial circumsporozite protein (CS) and measles virus fusion protein (MVF); and (d) thyroglobulin (Thy)--a large protein. The effect of non-ionic surfactant vesicles (NISV) and an aluminum hydroxide based adjuvant (alum), was also examined. Although good antibody responses were achieved with GnRH-glycys-DT, GnRH-glycys-TT and GnRH-glycys-Thy, adsorbed onto alum and the dimerised synthetic T-helper epitope constructs, incorporated into NISV, a critical antibody titre was necessary to result in morphological changes in the gonads and complete suppression of spermatogenesis. This was only achieved with tetanus toxoid and the dimerised T-helper epitopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- V A Ferro
- University of Strathclyde, Department of Immunology, Glasgow, Scotland
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Ferro VA, Stimson WH. Immunoneutralisation of gonadotrophin releasing hormone: a potential treatment for oestrogen-dependent breast cancer. Eur J Cancer 1997; 33:1468-78. [PMID: 9337691 DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(97)00126-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the therapeutic potential of active immunisation with GnRH-glycys-PPD in a hormone-dependent experimental model. Mammary tumours were induced in female rats using dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) and the effects of GnRH immunoneutralisation on tumour development were evaluated. High titres of anti-GnRH IgG correlated with a decrease in oestrogen levels and subsequent tumour suppression. A comparison of immunised and non-immunised animals showed that when GnRH-specific IgG levels were at a maximum titre (80-100 micrograms/ml), nearly 10% of the GnRH-glycys-PPD treated animals showed mammary masses, compared with all the non-treated animals at the same stage in the study. When the antibody levels fell, tumour regrowth was observed, but to a level below that observed in the non-treated animals. Following further treatment with the analogue, the tumours regressed again, showing their retention of hormone dependency. This is consistent with other endocrine manipulations in the treatment of breast cancer; the advantages of immunisation with GnRH-glycys lies in its non-toxicity and reduction in side-effects, which were mainly adjuvant-induced.
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MESH Headings
- 9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene
- Animals
- Atrophy
- Disease Progression
- Estradiol/blood
- Female
- Genitalia, Female/pathology
- Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/antagonists & inhibitors
- Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/immunology
- Immunization/methods
- Immunoglobulin G/blood
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/chemically induced
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/immunology
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/therapy
- Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent/chemically induced
- Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent/immunology
- Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent/pathology
- Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent/therapy
- Palpation
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Affiliation(s)
- V A Ferro
- Department of Immunology, University of Strathclyde, Todd Centre, Glasgow, U.K
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