1
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Liang Y, Xiao W, Peng Y, Zhang S, Dong J, Zhao J, Wang Y, Zhang M, Liu Z, Yu B. Development of nanoparticle vaccines utilizing designed Fc-binding homo-oligomers and RBD-Fc of SARS-CoV-2. Antiviral Res 2024; 227:105917. [PMID: 38782067 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The Fc-fused receptor binding domain (RBD-Fc) vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 has garnered significant attention for its capacity to provide effective and specific immune protection. However, its immunogenicity is limited, highlighting the need for improvement in clinical application. Nanoparticle delivery has been shown to be an effective method for enhancing antigen immunogenicity. In this study, we developed bivalent nanoparticle recombinant protein vaccines by assembling the RBD-Fc of SARS-CoV-2 and Fc-binding homo-oligomers o42.1 and i52.3 into octahedral and icosahedral nanoparticles. The formation of RBD-Fc nanoparticles was confirmed through structural characterization and cell binding experiments. Compared to RBD-Fc dimers, the nanoparticle vaccines induced more potent neutralizing antibodies (nAb) and stronger cellular immune responses. Therefore, using bivalent nanoparticle vaccines based on RBD-Fc presents a promising vaccination strategy against SARS-CoV-2 and offers a universal approach for enhancing the immunogenicity of Fc fusion protein vaccines.
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MESH Headings
- Nanoparticles/chemistry
- SARS-CoV-2/immunology
- COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments/immunology
- Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments/chemistry
- COVID-19/prevention & control
- COVID-19/immunology
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/chemistry
- Animals
- Mice
- Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
- Vaccines, Synthetic/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, Synthetic/chemistry
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/immunology
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/chemistry
- Female
- Protein Multimerization
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Vaccine Development
- Protein Binding
- Immunogenicity, Vaccine
- Immunity, Cellular
- Nanovaccines
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Affiliation(s)
- Yucai Liang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Weiling Xiao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yuan Peng
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Shengshuo Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Jinhua Dong
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences and Engineering, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, China; International Research Frontiers Initiative, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Jun Zhao
- Peking University Institute of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Shandong Laboratory of Advanced Agriculture Sciences in Weifang, Weifang, Shandong, 261325, China
| | - Yuhui Wang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Mengtao Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Zhijun Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China.
| | - Bowen Yu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China.
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2
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Liu G, Li C, Li D, Xue W, Hua T, Li F. Application of catalytic technology based on the piezoelectric effect in wastewater purification. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 673:113-133. [PMID: 38875783 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.06.088] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
The demands of human life and industrial activities result in a significant influx of toxic contaminants into aquatic ecosystems. In particular, organic pollutants such as antibiotics and dye molecules, bacteria, and heavy metal ions are represented, posing a severe risk to the health and continued existence of living organisms. The method of removing pollutants from water bodies by utilizing the principle of the piezoelectric effect in combination with chemical catalytic processes is superior to other wastewater purification technologies because it can collect water energy, mechanical energy, etc. to achieve cleanliness and high removal efficiency. Herein, we briefly introduced the piezoelectric mechanisms and then reviewed the latest advances in the design and synthesis of piezoelectric materials, followed by a summary of applications based on the principle of piezoelectric effect to degrade pollutants in water for wastewater purification. Moreover, water purification technologies incorporating the piezoelectric effect, including piezoelectric effect-assisted membrane filtration, activation of persulfate, and battery electrocatalysis are elaborated. Finally, future challenges and research directions for the piezoelectric effect are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaolei Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China Key Laboratory of Pollution Process and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, China Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Chengzhi Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China Key Laboratory of Pollution Process and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, China Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Donghao Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China Key Laboratory of Pollution Process and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, China Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Wendan Xue
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China Key Laboratory of Pollution Process and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, China Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Tao Hua
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China Key Laboratory of Pollution Process and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, China Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Fengxiang Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Jinnan District, Tianjin, 300350, China Key Laboratory of Pollution Process and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, China Tianjin Engineering Center of Environmental Diagnosis and Contamination Remediation, Tianjin 300350, China.
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3
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Pisuttinusart N, Shanmugaraj B, Srisaowakarn C, Ketloy C, Prompetchara E, Thitithanyanont A, Phoolcharoen W. Immunogenicity of a recombinant plant-produced respiratory syncytial virus F subunit vaccine in mice. BIOTECHNOLOGY REPORTS (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 41:e00826. [PMID: 38234330 PMCID: PMC10793081 DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2023.e00826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly infectious respiratory virus that causes serious illness, particularly in young children, elderly people, and those with immunocompromised individuals. RSV infection is the leading cause of infant hospitalization and can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis. Currently, there is an RSV vaccine approved exclusively for the elderly population, but no approved vaccine specifically designed for infants or any other age groups. Therefore, it is crucial to continue the development of an RSV vaccine specifically tailored for these populations. In this study, the immunogenicity of the two plant-produced RSV-F Fc fusion proteins (Native construct and structural stabilized construct) were examined to assess them as potential vaccine candidates for RSV. The RSV-F Fc fusion proteins were transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana and purified using protein A affinity column chromatography. The recombinant RSV-F Fc fusion protein was recognized by the monoclonal antibody Motavizumab specific against RSV-F protein. Moreover, the immunogenicity of the two purified RSV-F Fc proteins were evaluated in mice by formulating with different adjuvants. According to our results, the plant-produced RSV-F Fc fusion protein is immunogenic in mice. These preliminary findings, demonstrate the immunogenicity of plant-based RSV-F Fc fusion protein, however, further preclinical studies such as antigen dose and adjuvant optimization, safety, toxicity, and challenge studies in animal models are necessary in order to prove the vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuttapat Pisuttinusart
- Center of Excellence in Plant-produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Balamurugan Shanmugaraj
- Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore - 641046, Tamil Nadu, India
- Baiya Phytopharm Co., Ltd, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Chanya Srisaowakarn
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chutitorn Ketloy
- Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development (Chula VRC), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Eakachai Prompetchara
- Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development (Chula VRC), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | | | - Waranyoo Phoolcharoen
- Center of Excellence in Plant-produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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4
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Diamos AG, Pardhe MD, Bergeman MH, Kamzina AS, DiPalma MP, Aman S, Chaves A, Lowe K, Kilbourne J, Hogue IB, Mason HS. A self-binding immune complex vaccine elicits strong neutralizing responses against herpes simplex virus in mice. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1085911. [PMID: 37205110 PMCID: PMC10186352 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1085911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction It has been known for over half a century that mixing an antigen with its cognate antibody in an immune complex (IC) can enhance antigen immunogenicity. However, many ICs produce inconsistent immune responses, and the use of ICs in the development new vaccines has been limited despite the otherwise widespread success of antibody-based therapeutics. To address this problem, we designed a self-binding recombinant immune complex (RIC) vaccine which mimics the larger ICs generated during natural infection. Materials and methods In this study, we created two novel vaccine candidates: 1) a traditional IC targeting herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) by mixing glycoprotein D (gD) with a neutralizing antibody (gD-IC); and 2) an RIC consisting of gD fused to an immunoglobulin heavy chain and then tagged with its own binding site, allowing self-binding (gD-RIC). We characterized the complex size and immune receptor binding characteristics in vitro for each preparation. Then, the in vivo immunogenicity and virus neutralization of each vaccine were compared in mice. Results gD-RIC formed larger complexes which enhanced C1q receptor binding 25-fold compared to gD-IC. After immunization of mice, gD-RIC elicited up to 1,000-fold higher gD-specific antibody titers compared to traditional IC, reaching endpoint titers of 1:500,000 after two doses without adjuvant. The RIC construct also elicited stronger virus-specific neutralization against HSV-2, as well as stronger cross-neutralization against HSV-1, although the proportion of neutralizing antibodies to total antibodies was somewhat reduced in the RIC group. Discussion This work demonstrates that the RIC system overcomes many of the pitfalls of traditional IC, providing potent immune responses against HSV-2 gD. Based on these findings, further improvements to the RIC system are discussed. RIC have now been shown to be capable of inducing potent immune responses to a variety of viral antigens, underscoring their broad potential as a vaccine platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew G. Diamos
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University (ASU), School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ian B. Hogue
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University (ASU), School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Hugh S. Mason
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University (ASU), School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
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5
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Evaluation of the Mucosal Immunity Effect of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Subunit Vaccine E2Fc and E2Ft. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044172. [PMID: 36835584 PMCID: PMC9965503 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Classified as a class B infectious disease by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), bovine viral diarrhea/mucosal disease is an acute, highly contagious disease caused by the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). Sporadic endemics of BVDV often lead to huge economic losses to the dairy and beef industries. To shed light on the prevention and control of BVDV, we developed two novel subunit vaccines by expressing bovine viral diarrhea virus E2 fusion recombinant proteins (E2Fc and E2Ft) through suspended HEK293 cells. We also evaluated the immune effects of the vaccines. The results showed that both subunit vaccines induced an intense mucosal immune response in calves. Mechanistically, E2Fc bonded to the Fc γ receptor (FcγRI) on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and promoted IgA secretion, leading to a stronger T-cell immune response (Th1 type). The neutralizing antibody titer stimulated by the mucosal-immunized E2Fc subunit vaccine reached 1:64, which was higher than that of the E2Ft subunit vaccine and that of the intramuscular inactivated vaccine. The two novel subunit vaccines for mucosal immunity developed in this study, E2Fc and E2Ft, can be further used as new strategies to control BVDV by enhancing cellular and humoral immunity.
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6
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Chen L, Zhang H, Li M, Wu B, Zhang Z, Gong R. An intranasal vaccine targeting the receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 elicits a protective immune response. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1005321. [DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1005321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the pathogen responsible for COVID-19, has caused an ongoing worldwide pandemic. Due to the rapid emergence of variants of concern (VOCs), novel vaccines and vaccination strategies are urgently needed. We developed an intranasal vaccine consisting of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) fused to the antibody Fc fragment (RBD-Fc). RBD-Fc could induce strong humoral immune responses via intranasal vaccination. Notably, this immunogen could efficiently induce IgG and IgA and establish mucosal immunity in the respiratory tract. The induced antibodies could efficiently neutralize wild-type SARS-CoV-2 and currently identified SARS-CoV-2 VOCs, including the Omicron variant. In a mouse model, intranasal immunization could provide complete protection against a lethal SARS-CoV-2 challenge. Unfortunately, the limitation of our study is the small number of animals used in the immune response analysis. Our results suggest that recombinant RBD-Fc delivered via intranasal vaccination has considerable potential as a mucosal vaccine that may reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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7
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Nawab DH. Vaccinal antibodies: Fc antibody engineering to improve the antiviral antibody response and induce vaccine-like effects. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:5532-5545. [PMID: 34844516 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.1985891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic highlights the urgent clinical need for efficient virus therapies and vaccines. Although the functional importance of antibodies is indisputable in viral infections, there are still significant unmet needs that require vast improvements in antibody-based therapeutics. The IgG Fc domain can be engineered to produce antibodies with tailored and potent responses that will meet these clinical demands. Engaging Fc receptors (FcRs) to perform effector functions as cytotoxicity, phagocytosis, complement activation, intracellular neutralization and controlling antibody persistence. Furthermore, it produces vaccine-like effects by activating signals to stimulate T-cell responses, have proven to be required for protection, as neutralization alone does not off the full protection capacity of antibodies. This review highlights antiviral Fc functions and FcRs' contributions in linking innate and adaptive immunity against viral threats. Moreover, it provides the latest Fc engineering strategies to improve the safety and efficacy of human antiviral antibodies and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhuha H Nawab
- Pharmacy Department, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia
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8
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Hsieh MS, Hsu CW, Tu LL, Chai KM, Yu LL, Wu CC, Chen MY, Chiang CY, Liu SJ, Liao CL, Chen HW. Intranasal Vaccination With Recombinant Antigen-FLIPr Fusion Protein Alone Induces Long-Lasting Systemic Antibody Responses and Broad T Cell Responses. Front Immunol 2021; 12:751883. [PMID: 34707615 PMCID: PMC8543008 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.751883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A simple formulation is urgently needed for mucosal vaccine development. We employed formyl peptide receptor-like 1 inhibitory protein (FLIPr), an FcγR antagonist secreted by Staphylococcus aureus, as a vector to target ovalbumin (OVA) to dendritic cells (DCs) via intranasal administration. Our results demonstrate that intranasal administration of recombinant OVA-FLIPr fusion protein (rOVA-FLIPr) alone efficiently delivers OVA to DCs in nasal lymphoid tissue. Subsequently, OVA-specific IgG and IgA antibodies in the circulatory system and IgA antibodies in mucosal tissue were detected. Importantly, activation of OVA-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and induction of a broad-spectrum cytokine secretion profile were detected after intranasal administration of rOVA-FLIPr alone in immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice. Furthermore, we employed immunodeficient AG129 mice as a Zika virus infection model and demonstrated that intranasal administration of recombinant Zika virus envelope protein domain III-FLIPr fusion protein induced protective immune responses against the Zika virus. These results suggest that antigen-FLIPr fusion protein alone via intranasal administration can be applied to mucosal vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Shu Hsieh
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Wei Hsu
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Ling Tu
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Kit Man Chai
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Li-Lu Yu
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-Chieh Wu
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Yu Chen
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Yi Chiang
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jen Liu
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Len Liao
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Wei Chen
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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9
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Luo Q, Ahmed W, Dai Y, Mohsin A, Hang H, Zhuang Y, Guo M. Evaluation of a Virus-like Nanoparticle Porcine Circovirus Type-2 (PCV2) Capsid Protein Fused with the Pig Immunoglobulin Fc Fragment as a Novel Vaccine Candidate against PCV2 in Mice. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1128. [PMID: 34696236 PMCID: PMC8540293 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9101128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Porcine circovirus Type 2 (PCV2) is a primary etiological pathogen of post-weaning multi-systemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). The capsid protein of PCV2 is the crucial immunogenic protein which can induce antibody generation and immune responses. However, there is still a lack of efficient PCV2 vaccines with high immunogenicity. In the current study, we developed a novel engineered PCV2 capsid (∆1-41aa)-pFc fusion protein (PCFP), which comprised a truncated capsid protein of PCV2 and a porcine IgG Fc fragment, fused to the capsid protein of PCV2 at the C-terminus. We found that this novel fusion protein could auto-assemble into virus-like nanoparticles with an estimated mean diameter of 22.6 nm, characterized by transmission electron microscopy. Immunization of BALB/c mice with this fusion protein significantly increased the production levels of anti-PCV2-capsid protein antibody in serum. Besides, the virus-like nanoparticles, PCFP was demonstrated to induce efficient cellular immune responses in mice, as evident by the high specific T cell reactivity to the PCFP fusion protein and the high production of the immune cytokines IFN-γ and IL-10 in an ex vivo re-stimulation system. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the PCV2 truncated capsid subunit Fc-fusion protein can induce both cellular and humoral immune responses, and it displays great application potential.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Meijin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China; (Q.L.); (W.A.); (Y.D.); (A.M.); (H.H.); (Y.Z.)
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10
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Diamos AG, Pardhe MD, Sun H, Hunter JGL, Kilbourne J, Chen Q, Mason HS. A Highly Expressing, Soluble, and Stable Plant-Made IgG Fusion Vaccine Strategy Enhances Antigen Immunogenicity in Mice Without Adjuvant. Front Immunol 2020; 11:576012. [PMID: 33343565 PMCID: PMC7746858 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.576012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutics based on fusing a protein of interest to the IgG Fc domain have been enormously successful, though fewer studies have investigated the vaccine potential of IgG fusions. In this study, we systematically compared the key properties of seven different plant-made human IgG1 fusion vaccine candidates using Zika virus (ZIKV) envelope domain III (ZE3) as a model antigen. Complement protein C1q binding of the IgG fusions was enhanced by: 1) antigen fusion to the IgG N-terminus; 2) removal of the IgG light chain or Fab regions; 3) addition of hexamer-inducing mutations in the IgG Fc; 4) adding a self-binding epitope tag to create recombinant immune complexes (RIC); or 5) producing IgG fusions in plants that lack plant-specific β1,2-linked xylose and α1,3-linked fucose N-linked glycans. We also characterized the expression, solubility, and stability of the IgG fusions. By optimizing immune complex formation, a potently immunogenic vaccine candidate with improved solubility and high stability was produced at 1.5 mg IgG fusion per g leaf fresh weight. In mice, the IgG fusions elicited high titers of Zika-specific antibodies which neutralized ZIKV using only two doses without adjuvant, reaching up to 150-fold higher antibody titers than ZE3 antigen alone. We anticipate these findings will be broadly applicable to the creation of other vaccines and antibody-based therapeutics.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/blood
- Antibodies, Viral/blood
- Antigens, Viral/genetics
- Antigens, Viral/immunology
- Antigens, Viral/pharmacology
- Complement C1q/metabolism
- Drug Stability
- Epitopes
- Female
- Immunization
- Immunogenicity, Vaccine
- Immunoglobulin G/genetics
- Immunoglobulin G/immunology
- Immunoglobulin G/pharmacology
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Plant Leaves/genetics
- Plant Leaves/metabolism
- Plants, Genetically Modified/genetics
- Plants, Genetically Modified/metabolism
- Protein Binding
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/pharmacology
- Solubility
- Nicotiana/genetics
- Nicotiana/metabolism
- Vaccines, Subunit/pharmacology
- Viral Envelope Proteins/genetics
- Viral Envelope Proteins/immunology
- Viral Envelope Proteins/pharmacology
- Viral Vaccines/genetics
- Viral Vaccines/immunology
- Viral Vaccines/pharmacology
- Zika Virus/immunology
- Zika Virus/pathogenicity
- Zika Virus Infection/immunology
- Zika Virus Infection/prevention & control
- Zika Virus Infection/virology
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew G. Diamos
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Mary D. Pardhe
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Haiyan Sun
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Joseph G. L. Hunter
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Jacquelyn Kilbourne
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Qiang Chen
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
| | - Hugh S. Mason
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, and Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
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11
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Fc-Based Recombinant Henipavirus Vaccines Elicit Broad Neutralizing Antibody Responses in Mice. Viruses 2020; 12:v12040480. [PMID: 32340278 PMCID: PMC7232446 DOI: 10.3390/v12040480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Henipavirus (HNVs) includes two fatal viruses, namely Nipah virus (NiV) and Hendra virus (HeV). Since 1994, NiV and HeV have been endemic to the Asia–Pacific region and responsible for more than 600 cases of infections. Two emerging HNVs, Ghana virus (GhV) and Mojiang virus (MojV), are speculated to be associated with unrecognized human diseases in Africa and China, respectively. Despite many efforts to develop vaccines against henipaviral diseases, there is presently no licensed human vaccine. As HNVs are highly pathogenic and diverse, it is necessary to develop universal vaccines to prevent future outbreaks. The attachment enveloped glycoprotein (G protein) of HNVs mediates HNV attachment to the host cell’s surface receptors. G proteins have been used as a protective antigen in many vaccine candidates for HNVs. We performed quantitative studies on the antibody responses elicited by the G proteins of NiV, HeV, GhV, and MojV. We found that the G proteins of NiV and HeV elicited only a limited cross-reactive antibody response. Further, there was no cross-protection between MojV, GhV, and highly pathogenic HNVs. We then constructed a bivalent vaccine where the G proteins of NiV and HeV were fused with the human IgG1 Fc domain. The immunogenicity of the bivalent vaccine was compared with that of monovalent vaccines. Our results revealed that the Fc-based bivalent vaccine elicited a potent antibody response against both NiV and HeV. We also constructed a tetravalent Fc heterodimer fusion protein that contains the G protein domains of four HNVs. Immunization with the tetravalent vaccine elicited broad antibody responses against NiV, HeV, GhV, and MojV in mice, indicating compatibility among the four antigens in the Fc-fusion protein. These data suggest that our novel bivalent and tetravalent Fc-fusion proteins may be efficient candidates to prevent HNV infection.
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Human respiratory syncytial virus F protein expressed in Pichia pastoris or Escherichia coli induces protective immunity without inducing enhanced respiratory disease in mice. Arch Virol 2020; 165:1057-1067. [PMID: 32144542 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-020-04578-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is the primary cause of severe respiratory tract disease in children and infants as well as in elderly and immunocompromised adults. The fusion protein (F) of hRSV is the major antigen eliciting a neutralizing antibody response and protective immunity in the host, especially those recognizing the prefusion F protein (pre-F). In this study, we made genetic constructs for expression of a recombinant prefusion F protein in Pichia pastoris GS115, called RGF. Using Escherichia coli BL21, we expressed the pre-F and postfusion F protein (Post-F), called RBF and Post-RBF, respectively. RGF and RBF showed high affinity for 5C4, a highly potent monoclonal antibody specific for pre-F. We studied the immunogenicity of RGF and RBF in mice. Compared to mice immunized with formalin-inactivated RSV (FI-RSV), mice immunized with RGF or RBF exhibited superior protective immunity, which was confirmed by serum neutralizing activity and viral clearance after challenge. As judged from the IgG1/IgG2a ratios and numbers of IFN-γ- and IL-4-secreting cells, RGF or RBF with alum adjuvant induced a balanced Th1-biased immune response and produced no signs of enhanced respiratory disease (ERD) upon hRSV challenge. In addition, the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of RGF were superior to those of RBF in mice. Therefore, RGF represents a potential vaccine candidate for the prevention of human infection with hRSV.
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Fang QQ, Huang WJ, Li XY, Cheng YH, Tan MJ, Liu J, Wei HJ, Meng Y, Wang DY. Effectiveness of favipiravir (T-705) against wild-type and oseltamivir-resistant influenza B virus in mice. Virology 2020; 545:1-9. [PMID: 32174453 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2020.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of resistant mutants to the wildly used neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) makes the development of novel drugs necessary. Favipiravir (T-705) is one of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) inhibitors developed in recent years. To examine the efficacy of T-705 against influenza B virus infections in vivo, C57BL/6 mice infected with wild-type or oseltamivir-resistant influenza B/Memphis/20/96 viruses were treated with T-705. Starting 2 h post inoculation (hpi), T-705 was orally administered to mice BID at dosages of 50, 150, or 300 mg/kg/day for 5 days. Oseltamivir was used as control. Here, we showed that T-705 protected mice from lethal infection in a dose-dependent manner. T-705 administration also significantly reduced viral loads and suppressed pulmonary pathology. In addition, phenotypic assays demonstrated that no T-705-resistant viruses emerged after T-705 treatment. In conclusion, T-705 can be effective to protect mice from lethal infection with both wild-type and oseltamivir-resistant influenza B viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong-Qiong Fang
- Chinese National Influenza Center, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Influenza, Beijing, 102206, China.
| | - Wei-Juan Huang
- Chinese National Influenza Center, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Influenza, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Xi-Yan Li
- Chinese National Influenza Center, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Influenza, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Yan-Hui Cheng
- Chinese National Influenza Center, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Influenza, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Min-Ju Tan
- Chinese National Influenza Center, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Influenza, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Chinese National Influenza Center, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Influenza, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - He-Jiang Wei
- Chinese National Influenza Center, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Influenza, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Yao Meng
- Shaanxi Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Xi'an, 710054, China
| | - Da-Yan Wang
- Chinese National Influenza Center, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, WHO Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Influenza, Beijing, 102206, China.
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