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Hotez P. Vaccine Science Diplomacy and "The Phenomenon of Man". LINACRE QUARTERLY 2024; 91:254-264. [PMID: 39104467 PMCID: PMC11298104 DOI: 10.1177/00243639241245105] [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: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
The central tenets of international scientific collaborations leading to the development, testing, and the equitable distribution vaccines to combat poliomyelitis, smallpox, COVID-19, and other devasting infections, first accelerated in the mid-twentieth century. The genesis of vaccine science diplomacy also coincides with the publication of Le Phénomène Humain (The Phenomenon of Man) shortly after the death of its author, the French Jesuit priest and scientist, Dr. Teilhard de Jardin. Several tenets of Teilhard's posthumous essay, including our collective consciousness, and the "conjugated faces" of science and religion, are relevant to a modern vaccine diplomacy framework, even if Teilhard may not have specifically addressed vaccines in his writings. This could also include the potential for arriving at an "omega point" through international scientific collaboration and joint vaccine development, while simultaneously avoiding the destructive forces of anti-vaccine or anti-science activism. Collaborations between the Vatican, Catholic research universities and institutions; and leaders of the Catholic-majority nations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America in an integrated framework might accelerate these activities as they apply to both pandemic threats and neglected diseases of poverty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Hotez
- Departments of Pediatrics, Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, TX, USA
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2
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Hotez PJ. A Journey in Science: Molecular vaccines for global child health in troubled times of anti-science. Mol Med 2024; 30:37. [PMID: 38491420 PMCID: PMC10943906 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00786-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
My scientific life in translational medicine runs in two parallel, yet often converging paths. The first, is four-decade-long commitment to develop new vaccines for parasitic and neglected tropical diseases, as well as pandemic threats. This includes a vaccine for human hookworm infection that I began as an MD-PhD student in New York City in the 1980s, and a new low-cost COVID vaccine that reached almost 100 million people in low- and middle-income countries. Alongside this life in scientific research, is one in public engagement for vaccine and neglected disease diplomacy to ensure that people who live in extreme poverty can benefit from access to biomedical innovations. A troubling element has been the daunting task of countering rising antivaccine activism, which threatens to undermine our global vaccine ecosystem. Yet, this activity may turn out to become just as important for saving lives as developing new vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Hotez
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Rajak N, Dey T, Sharma Y, Bellad V, Rangarajan PN. Unlocking Nature's Toolbox: glutamate-inducible recombinant protein production from the Komagatella phaffii PEPCK promoter. Microb Cell Fact 2024; 23:66. [PMID: 38402195 PMCID: PMC10893637 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-024-02340-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Komagataella phaffii (a.k.a. Pichia pastoris) harbors a glutamate utilization pathway in which synthesis of glutamate dehydrogenase 2 and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) is induced by glutamate. Glutamate-inducible synthesis of these enzymes is regulated by Rtg1p, a cytosolic, basic helix-loop-helix protein. Here, we report food-grade monosodium glutamate (MSG)-inducible recombinant protein production from K. phaffii PEPCK promoter (PPEPCK) using green fluorescent protein (GFP) and receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 virus (RBD) as model proteins. RESULTS PPEPCK-RBD/GFP expression cassette was integrated at two different sites in the genome to improve recombinant protein yield from PPEPCK. The traditional, methanol-inducible alcohol oxidase 1 promoter (PAOX1) was used as the benchmark. Initial studies carried out with MSG as the inducer resulted in low recombinant protein yield. A new strategy employing MSG/ethanol mixed feeding improved biomass generation as well as recombinant protein yield. Cell density of 100-120 A600 units/ml was achieved after 72 h of induction in shake flask cultivations, resulting in recombinant protein yield from PPEPCK that is comparable or even higher than that from PAOX1. CONCLUSIONS We have designed an induction medium for recombinant protein production from K. phaffii PPEPCK in shake flask cultivations. It consists of 1.0% yeast extract, 2.0% peptone, 0.17% yeast nitrogen base with ammonium sulfate, 100 mM potassium phosphate (pH 6.0), 0.4 mg/L biotin, 2.0% MSG, and 2% ethanol. Substitution of ammonium sulphate with 0.5% urea is optional. Carbon source was replenished every 24 h during 72 h induction period. Under these conditions, GFP and RBD yields from PPEPCK equaled and even surpassed those from PAOX1. Compared to the traditional methanol-inducible expression system, the inducers of glutamate-inducible expression system are non-toxic and their metabolism does not generate toxic metabolites such as formaldehyde and hydrogen peroxide. This study sets the stage for MSG-inducible, industrial scale recombinant protein production from K. phaffii PPEPCK in bioreactors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neetu Rajak
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Trishna Dey
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Yash Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Vedanth Bellad
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India
| | - Pundi N Rangarajan
- Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560012, India.
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Son L, Kost V, Maiorov V, Sukhov D, Arkhangelskaya P, Ivanov I, Kudryavtsev D, Siniavin A, Utkin Y, Kasheverov I. Efficient Expression in Leishmania tarentolae (LEXSY) of the Receptor-Binding Domain of the SARS-CoV-2 S-Protein and the Acetylcholine-Binding Protein from Lymnaea stagnalis. Molecules 2024; 29:943. [PMID: 38474455 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29050943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Leishmania tarentolae (LEXSY) system is an inexpensive and effective expression approach for various research and medical purposes. The stated advantages of this system are the possibility of obtaining the soluble product in the cytoplasm, a high probability of correct protein folding with a full range of post-translational modifications (including uniform glycosylation), and the possibility of expressing multi-subunit proteins. In this paper, a LEXSY expression system has been employed for obtaining the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike-protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the homopentameric acetylcholine-binding protein (AChBP) from Lymnaea stagnalis. RBD is actively used to obtain antibodies against the virus and in various scientific studies on the molecular mechanisms of the interaction of the virus with host cell targets. AChBP represents an excellent structural model of the ligand-binding extracellular domain of all subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Both products were obtained in a soluble glycosylated form, and their structural and functional characteristics were compared with those previously described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Son
- Department of Molecular Bases of Neuroimmune Signaling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Kost
- Department of Molecular Bases of Neuroimmune Signaling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Valery Maiorov
- Department of Molecular Bases of Neuroimmune Signaling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry Sukhov
- Department of Molecular Bases of Neuroimmune Signaling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Polina Arkhangelskaya
- Department of Molecular Bases of Neuroimmune Signaling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Igor Ivanov
- Department of Molecular Bases of Neuroimmune Signaling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Denis Kudryavtsev
- Department of Molecular Bases of Neuroimmune Signaling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrei Siniavin
- Department of Molecular Bases of Neuroimmune Signaling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Ivanovsky Institute of Virology, N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 123098 Moscow, Russia
| | - Yuri Utkin
- Department of Molecular Bases of Neuroimmune Signaling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Igor Kasheverov
- Department of Molecular Bases of Neuroimmune Signaling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
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Chen YL, Lee J, Liu Z, Strych U, Bottazzi ME, Lin YP, Chen WH. Biophysical and biochemical characterization of a recombinant Lyme disease vaccine antigen, CspZ-YA. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 259:129295. [PMID: 38211914 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129295] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Lyme disease, caused by Lyme Borrelia spirochetes, is the most common vector-borne illness in the United States. Despite its global significance, with an estimated 14.5 % seroprevalence, there is currently no licensed vaccine. Previously, we demonstrated that CspZ-YA protein conferred protection against Lyme Borrelia infection, making it a promising vaccine candidate. However, such a protein was tagged with hexahistidine, and thus not preferred for vaccine development; furthermore, the formulation to stabilize the protein was understudied. In this work, we developed a two-step purification process for tag-free E. coli-expressed recombinant CspZ-YA. We further utilized various bioassays to analyze the protein and determine the suitable buffer system for long-term storage and formulation as a vaccine immunogen. The results indicated that a buffer with a pH between 6.5 and 8.5 stabilized CspZ-YA by reducing its surface hydrophobicity and colloidal interactions. Additionally, low pH values induced a change in local spatial conformation and resulted in a decrease in α-helix content. Lastly, an optimal salinity of 22-400 mM at pH 7.5 was found to be important for its stability. Collectively, this study provides a fundamental biochemical and biophysical understanding and insights into the ideal stabilizing conditions to produce CspZ-YA recombinant protein for use in vaccine formulation and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Lin Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jungsoon Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zhuyun Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ulrich Strych
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Yi-Pin Lin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, NYSDOH, Albany, NY, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences, SUNY Albany, Albany, NY, USA.
| | - Wen-Hsiang Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA.
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Hotez PJ, Bottazzi ME, Islam NY, Lee J, Pollet J, Poveda C, Strych U, Thimmiraju SR, Uzcategui NL, Versteeg L, Gorelick D. The zebrafish as a potential model for vaccine and adjuvant development. Expert Rev Vaccines 2024; 23:535-545. [PMID: 38664959 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2024.2345685] [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: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Zebrafishes represent a proven model for human diseases and systems biology, exhibiting physiological and genetic similarities and having innate and adaptive immune systems. However, they are underexplored for human vaccinology, vaccine development, and testing. Here we summarize gaps and challenges. AREAS COVERED Zebrafish models have four potential applications: 1) Vaccine safety: The past successes in using zebrafishes to test xenobiotics could extend to vaccine and adjuvant formulations for general safety or target organs due to the zebrafish embryos' optical transparency. 2) Innate immunity: The zebrafish offers refined ways to examine vaccine effects through signaling via Toll-like or NOD-like receptors in zebrafish myeloid cells. 3) Adaptive immunity: Zebrafishes produce IgM, IgD,and two IgZ immunoglobulins, but these are understudied, due to a lack of immunological reagents for challenge studies. 4) Systems vaccinology: Due to the availability of a well-referenced zebrafish genome, transcriptome, proteome, and epigenome, this model offers potential here. EXPERT OPINION It remains unproven whether zebrafishes can be employed for testing and developing human vaccines. We are still at the hypothesis-generating stage, although it is possible to begin outlining experiments for this purpose. Through transgenic manipulation, zebrafish models could offer new paths for shaping animal models and systems vaccinology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Hotez
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nelufa Yesmin Islam
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jungsoon Lee
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeroen Pollet
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cristina Poveda
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ulrich Strych
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Syamala Rani Thimmiraju
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nestor L Uzcategui
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Leroy Versteeg
- Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Daniel Gorelick
- Center for Precision Environmental Health, Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Boggiano-Ayo T, Palacios-Oliva J, Lozada-Chang S, Relova-Hernandez E, Gomez-Perez J, Oliva G, Hernandez L, Bueno-Soler A, Montes de Oca D, Mora O, Machado-Santisteban R, Perez-Martinez D, Perez-Masson B, Cabrera Infante Y, Calzadilla-Rosado L, Ramirez Y, Aymed-Garcia J, Ruiz-Ramirez I, Romero Y, Gomez T, Espinosa LA, Gonzalez LJ, Cabrales A, Guirola O, de la Luz KR, Pi-Estopiñan F, Sanchez-Ramirez B, Garcia-Rivera D, Valdes-Balbin Y, Rojas G, Leon-Monzon K, Ojito-Magaz E, Hardy E. Development of a scalable single process for producing SARS-CoV-2 RBD monomer and dimer vaccine antigens. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1287551. [PMID: 38050488 PMCID: PMC10693982 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1287551] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We have developed a single process for producing two key COVID-19 vaccine antigens: SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) monomer and dimer. These antigens are featured in various COVID-19 vaccine formats, including SOBERANA 01 and the licensed SOBERANA 02, and SOBERANA Plus. Our approach involves expressing RBD (319-541)-His6 in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 cells, generating and characterizing oligoclones, and selecting the best RBD-producing clones. Critical parameters such as copper supplementation in the culture medium and cell viability influenced the yield of RBD dimer. The purification of RBD involved standard immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC), ion exchange chromatography, and size exclusion chromatography. Our findings suggest that copper can improve IMAC performance. Efficient RBD production was achieved using small-scale bioreactor cell culture (2 L). The two RBD forms - monomeric and dimeric RBD - were also produced on a large scale (500 L). This study represents the first large-scale application of perfusion culture for the production of RBD antigens. We conducted a thorough analysis of the purified RBD antigens, which encompassed primary structure, protein integrity, N-glycosylation, size, purity, secondary and tertiary structures, isoform composition, hydrophobicity, and long-term stability. Additionally, we investigated RBD-ACE2 interactions, in vitro ACE2 recognition of RBD, and the immunogenicity of RBD antigens in mice. We have determined that both the monomeric and dimeric RBD antigens possess the necessary quality attributes for vaccine production. By enabling the customizable production of both RBD forms, this unified manufacturing process provides the required flexibility to adapt rapidly to the ever-changing demands of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and different COVID-19 vaccine platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammy Boggiano-Ayo
- Process Development Direction, Center of Molecular Immunology, Havana, Cuba
| | | | | | | | | | - Gonzalo Oliva
- Process Direction, Center of Molecular Immunology, Havana, Cuba
| | | | - Alexi Bueno-Soler
- Process Development Direction, Center of Molecular Immunology, Havana, Cuba
| | | | - Osvaldo Mora
- Process Direction, Center of Molecular Immunology, Havana, Cuba
| | | | - Dayana Perez-Martinez
- Immunology and Immunobiology Direction, Center of Molecular Immunology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Beatriz Perez-Masson
- Immunology and Immunobiology Direction, Center of Molecular Immunology, Havana, Cuba
| | | | | | - Yaima Ramirez
- Immunology and Immunobiology Direction, Center of Molecular Immunology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Judey Aymed-Garcia
- Immunology and Immunobiology Direction, Center of Molecular Immunology, Havana, Cuba
| | | | - Yamile Romero
- Immunology and Immunobiology Direction, Center of Molecular Immunology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Tania Gomez
- Quality Direction, Center of Molecular Immunology, Havana, Cuba
| | | | | | - Annia Cabrales
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Playa, Cuba
| | - Osmany Guirola
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Playa, Cuba
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Gertrudis Rojas
- Immunology and Immunobiology Direction, Center of Molecular Immunology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Kalet Leon-Monzon
- Immunology and Immunobiology Direction, Center of Molecular Immunology, Havana, Cuba
| | | | - Eugenio Hardy
- Process Development Direction, Center of Molecular Immunology, Havana, Cuba
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Mahoney R, Hotez PJ, Bottazzi ME. Global regulatory reforms to promote equitable vaccine access in the next pandemic. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002482. [PMID: 37851688 PMCID: PMC10584090 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
There is broad consensus that the global response to the Covid-19 pandemic was inadequate, leading to unacceptable levels of avoidable morbidity and mortality. Three strategic missteps led to the lack of equitable vaccine access: The heavy reliance on commercial vaccine manufacturers in high-income countries (HICs) versus low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); the emergence of vaccine nationalism restricting and delaying the supply of vaccines to LMICs; and an inadequate support or recognition for LMIC national regulatory authorities. To avoid these inequities in a future pandemic, we focus on three successful vaccine development and technology transfer case studies-the Hepatitis B vaccine produced in South Korea in the 1980s; the Meningitis A vaccine for Africa led by Program for Appropriate Technologies in Health (PATH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in the 2000s; and a recombinant SARS CoV-2 protein-based vaccine technology from the Texas Children's Hospital transferred to India and to Indonesia. In addition to expanding support for academic or non-profit product development partnerships, our analysis finds that an essential step is the strengthening of selected LMIC regulatory systems to become Stringent Regulatory Authorities (SRAs), together with a re-prioritization of the WHO Prequalification (PQ) system to ensure early vaccine availability in LMICs especially during pandemics. Advancing LMIC National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) to Stringent Regulatory Authorities (SRAs) status will require substantial resources, but the benefits for future pandemic control and for health in LMIC would be immense. We call on the WHO, United Nation (UN) agencies and SRAs, to collaborate and implement a comprehensive roadmap to support LMIC regulators to achieve stringent status by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Mahoney
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Peter J. Hotez
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, United States of America
- James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Hagler Institute for Advanced Study at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, United States of America
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Ruocco V, Vavra U, König-Beihammer J, Bolaños−Martínez OC, Kallolimath S, Maresch D, Grünwald-Gruber C, Strasser R. Impact of mutations on the plant-based production of recombinant SARS-CoV-2 RBDs. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1275228. [PMID: 37868317 PMCID: PMC10588190 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1275228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Subunit vaccines based on recombinant viral antigens are valuable interventions to fight existing and evolving viruses and can be produced at large-scale in plant-based expression systems. The recombinant viral antigens are often derived from glycosylated envelope proteins of the virus and glycosylation plays an important role for the immunogenicity by shielding protein epitopes. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike is a principal target for vaccine development and has been produced in plants, but the yields of recombinant RBD variants were low and the role of the N-glycosylation in RBD from different SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern is less studied. Here, we investigated the expression and glycosylation of six different RBD variants transiently expressed in leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana. All of the purified RBD variants were functional in terms of receptor binding and displayed almost full N-glycan occupancy at both glycosylation sites with predominately complex N-glycans. Despite the high structural sequence conservation of the RBD variants, we detected a variation in yield which can be attributed to lower expression and differences in unintentional proteolytic processing of the C-terminal polyhistidine tag used for purification. Glycoengineering towards a human-type complex N-glycan profile with core α1,6-fucose, showed that the reactivity of the neutralizing antibody S309 differs depending on the N-glycan profile and the RBD variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Ruocco
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrike Vavra
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia König-Beihammer
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Omayra C. Bolaños−Martínez
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Somanath Kallolimath
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Maresch
- Core Facility Mass Spectrometry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Clemens Grünwald-Gruber
- Core Facility Mass Spectrometry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Richard Strasser
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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10
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Thuluva S, Paradkar V, Gunneri S, Yerroju V, Mogulla R, Suneetha PV, Turaga K, Kyasani M, Manoharan SK, Adabala S, Sri Javvadi A, Medigeshi G, Singh J, Shaman H, Binayke A, Zaheer A, Awasthi A, Singh C, Rao A V, Basu I, Kumar KAA, Pandey AK. Immunogenicity and safety of Biological E's CORBEVAX™ vaccine compared to COVISHIELD™ (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19) vaccine studied in a phase-3, single blind, multicentre, randomized clinical trial. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023:2203632. [PMID: 37113012 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2203632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Optimum formulation of Biological-E's protein subunit CORBEVAX™ vaccine was selected in phase-1 and -2 studies and found to be safe and immunogenic in healthy adult population. This is a phase-3 prospective, single-blinded, randomized, active controlled study conducted at 18 sites across India in 18-80 year-old subjects. This study has two groups; (i) immunogenicity-group, participants randomized either to CORBEVAX™ (n = 319) or COVISHIELD™ arms (n = 320). (ii) Safety-group containing single CORBEVAX™ arm (n = 1500) and randomization is not applicable. Healthy adults without a history of COVID-19 vaccination or SARS-CoV-2 infection were enrolled into immunogenicity arm and subjects seronegative to SARS-CoV-2 infection were enrolled into the safety arm. The safety profile of CORBEVAX™ vaccine was comparable to the comparator vaccine COVISHIELD™. Majority of reported AEs were mild in nature in both arms. The CORBEVAX™ to COVISHIELD™ GMT-ratios at day-42 time-point were 1·15 and 1·56 and the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval for the GMT-ratios was determined as 1·02 and 1·27 against Ancestral and Delta strains of SARS-COV-2 respectively. Both COVISHIELD™ and CORBEVAX™ vaccines showed comparable seroconversion post-vaccination against anti-RBD-IgG response. The subjects in CORBEVAX™ cohort also exhibited higher interferon-gamma secreting PBMC's post-stimulation with SARS-COV-2 RBD-peptides than subjects in COVISHIELD™ cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhash Thuluva
- Clinical Development, Biological E Limited, Hyderabad, India
| | - Vikram Paradkar
- Clinical Development, Biological E Limited, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Vijay Yerroju
- Clinical Development, Biological E Limited, Hyderabad, India
| | | | | | - Kishore Turaga
- Clinical Development, Biological E Limited, Hyderabad, India
| | - Mahesh Kyasani
- Clinical Development, Biological E Limited, Hyderabad, India
| | | | | | | | - Guruprasad Medigeshi
- Bioassay Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, India
| | - Janmejay Singh
- Bioassay Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, India
| | - Heena Shaman
- Bioassay Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, India
| | - Akshay Binayke
- Bioassay Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, India
| | - Aymaan Zaheer
- Bioassay Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, India
| | - Amit Awasthi
- Bioassay Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, India
| | - Chandramani Singh
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | - Venkateshwar Rao A
- Department of General Medicine, St. Theresa's Hospital, Hyderabad, India
| | - Indranil Basu
- Department of General Medicine, Shubham Sudbhawana Hospital, Varanasi, India
| | | | - Anil Kumar Pandey
- Department of Physiology, ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Faridabad, India
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11
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Campbell E, Dobkin J, Osorio LJ, Kolloli A, Ramasamy S, Kumar R, Sant'Angelo DB, Subbian S, Denzin LK, Anderson S. A SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Designed for Manufacturability Results in Unexpected Potency and Non-Waning Humoral Response. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11040832. [PMID: 37112744 PMCID: PMC10145385 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11040832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid development of several highly efficacious SARS-CoV-2 vaccines was an unprecedented scientific achievement that saved millions of lives. However, now that SARS-CoV-2 is transitioning to the endemic stage, there exists an unmet need for new vaccines that provide durable immunity and protection against variants and can be more easily manufactured and distributed. Here, we describe a novel protein component vaccine candidate, MT-001, based on a fragment of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that encompasses the receptor binding domain (RBD). Mice and hamsters immunized with a prime-boost regimen of MT-001 demonstrated extremely high anti-spike IgG titers, and remarkably this humoral response did not appreciably wane for up to 12 months following vaccination. Further, virus neutralization titers, including titers against variants such as Delta and Omicron BA.1, remained high without the requirement for subsequent boosting. MT-001 was designed for manufacturability and ease of distribution, and we demonstrate that these attributes are not inconsistent with a highly immunogenic vaccine that confers durable and broad immunity to SARS-CoV-2 and its emerging variants. These properties suggest MT-001 could be a valuable new addition to the toolbox of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and other interventions to prevent infection and curtail additional morbidity and mortality from the ongoing worldwide pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot Campbell
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Macrotope, Inc., Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Julie Dobkin
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Department of Pediatrics and Pharmacology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Louis J Osorio
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Department of Pediatrics and Pharmacology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Afsal Kolloli
- Public Health Research Institute (PHRI), New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Santhamani Ramasamy
- Public Health Research Institute (PHRI), New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Ranjeet Kumar
- Public Health Research Institute (PHRI), New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Derek B Sant'Angelo
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Department of Pediatrics and Pharmacology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Selvakumar Subbian
- Public Health Research Institute (PHRI), New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Lisa K Denzin
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Department of Pediatrics and Pharmacology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Stephen Anderson
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Macrotope, Inc., Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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12
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Kalyoncu S, Yilmaz S, Kuyucu AZ, Sayili D, Mert O, Soyturk H, Gullu S, Akinturk H, Citak E, Arslan M, Taskinarda MG, Tarman IO, Altun GY, Ozer C, Orkut R, Demirtas A, Tilmensagir I, Keles U, Ulker C, Aralan G, Mercan Y, Ozkan M, Caglar HO, Arik G, Ucar MC, Yildirim M, Yildirim TC, Karadag D, Bal E, Erdogan A, Senturk S, Uzar S, Enul H, Adiay C, Sarac F, Ekiz AT, Abaci I, Aksoy O, Polat HU, Tekin S, Dimitrov S, Ozkul A, Wingender G, Gursel I, Ozturk M, Inan M. Process development for an effective COVID-19 vaccine candidate harboring recombinant SARS-CoV-2 delta plus receptor binding domain produced by Pichia pastoris. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5224. [PMID: 36997624 PMCID: PMC10062263 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32021-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant protein-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are needed to fill the vaccine equity gap. Because protein-subunit based vaccines are easier and cheaper to produce and do not require special storage/transportation conditions, they are suitable for low-/middle-income countries. Here, we report our vaccine development studies with the receptor binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta Plus strain (RBD-DP) which caused increased hospitalizations compared to other variants. First, we expressed RBD-DP in the Pichia pastoris yeast system and upscaled it to a 5-L fermenter for production. After three-step purification, we obtained RBD-DP with > 95% purity from a protein yield of > 1 g/L of supernatant. Several biophysical and biochemical characterizations were performed to confirm its identity, stability, and functionality. Then, it was formulated in different contents with Alum and CpG for mice immunization. After three doses of immunization, IgG titers from sera reached to > 106 and most importantly it showed high T-cell responses which are required for an effective vaccine to prevent severe COVID-19 disease. A live neutralization test was performed with both the Wuhan strain (B.1.1.7) and Delta strain (B.1.617.2) and it showed high neutralization antibody content for both strains. A challenge study with SARS-CoV-2 infected K18-hACE2 transgenic mice showed good immunoprotective activity with no viruses in the lungs and no lung inflammation for all immunized mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Semiramis Yilmaz
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Gent, Belgium
| | | | - Dogu Sayili
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Olcay Mert
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Seyda Gullu
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Erhan Citak
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey
- VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Gent, Belgium
| | - Merve Arslan
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | | | | | - Ceren Ozer
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ridvan Orkut
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | | | - Umur Keles
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey
- Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ceren Ulker
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gizem Aralan
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Yavuz Mercan
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Muge Ozkan
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Hasan Onur Caglar
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey
- Erzurum Technical University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Gizem Arik
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey
- Ankara Medipol University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Can Ucar
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey
- Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Erhan Bal
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey
- Izmir Tinaztepe University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Aybike Erdogan
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Serif Senturk
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Serdar Uzar
- Pendik Veterinary Research and Control Institute, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hakan Enul
- Pendik Veterinary Research and Control Institute, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cumhur Adiay
- Pendik Veterinary Research and Control Institute, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fahriye Sarac
- Pendik Veterinary Research and Control Institute, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Irem Abaci
- Marmara Research Center, TUBITAK, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Ozge Aksoy
- Marmara Research Center, TUBITAK, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | | | - Saban Tekin
- Marmara Research Center, TUBITAK, Kocaeli, Turkey
- University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | | | | | - Ihsan Gursel
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Ozturk
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey
- Izmir Tinaztepe University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Inan
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey.
- Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey.
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13
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Koopman G, Amacker M, Stegmann T, Verschoor EJ, Verstrepen BE, Bhoelan F, Bemelman D, Böszörményi KP, Fagrouch Z, Kiemenyi-Kayere G, Mortier D, Verel DE, Niphuis H, Acar RF, Kondova I, Kap YS, Bogers WMJM, Mooij P, Fleury S. A low dose of RBD and TLR7/8 agonist displayed on influenza virosome particles protects rhesus macaque against SARS-CoV-2 challenge. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5074. [PMID: 36977691 PMCID: PMC10044094 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31818-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza virosomes serve as antigen delivery vehicles and pre-existing immunity toward influenza improves the immune responses toward antigens. Here, vaccine efficacy was evaluated in non-human primates with a COVID-19 virosome-based vaccine containing a low dose of RBD protein (15 µg) and the adjuvant 3M-052 (1 µg), displayed together on virosomes. Vaccinated animals (n = 6) received two intramuscular administrations at week 0 and 4 and challenged with SARS-CoV-2 at week 8, together with unvaccinated control animals (n = 4). The vaccine was safe and well tolerated and serum RBD IgG antibodies were induced in all animals and in the nasal washes and bronchoalveolar lavages in the three youngest animals. All control animals became strongly sgRNA positive in BAL, while all vaccinated animals were protected, although the oldest vaccinated animal (V1) was transiently weakly positive. The three youngest animals had also no detectable sgRNA in nasal wash and throat. Cross-strain serum neutralizing antibodies toward Wuhan-like, Alpha, Beta, and Delta viruses were observed in animals with the highest serum titers. Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-8, CXCL-10 and IL-6 were increased in BALs of infected control animals but not in vaccinated animals. Virosomes-RBD/3M-052 prevented severe SARS-CoV-2, as shown by a lower total lung inflammatory pathology score than control animals.
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Grants
- TRANSVAC2 2002-08-AVVAX-COVID-19, TRANSVAC2_TNA2002-08 European Commission
- TRANSVAC2 2002-08-AVVAX-COVID-19, TRANSVAC2_TNA2002-08 European Commission
- TRANSVAC2 2002-08-AVVAX-COVID-19, TRANSVAC2_TNA2002-08 European Commission
- TRANSVAC2 2002-08-AVVAX-COVID-19, TRANSVAC2_TNA2002-08 European Commission
- TRANSVAC2 2002-08-AVVAX-COVID-19, TRANSVAC2_TNA2002-08 European Commission
- TRANSVAC2 2002-08-AVVAX-COVID-19, TRANSVAC2_TNA2002-08 European Commission
- TRANSVAC2 2002-08-AVVAX-COVID-19, TRANSVAC2_TNA2002-08 European Commission
- TRANSVAC2 2002-08-AVVAX-COVID-19, TRANSVAC2_TNA2002-08 European Commission
- TRANSVAC2 2002-08-AVVAX-COVID-19, TRANSVAC2_TNA2002-08 European Commission
- TRANSVAC2 2002-08-AVVAX-COVID-19, TRANSVAC2_TNA2002-08 European Commission
- TRANSVAC2 2002-08-AVVAX-COVID-19, TRANSVAC2_TNA2002-08 European Commission
- TRANSVAC2 2002-08-AVVAX-COVID-19, TRANSVAC2_TNA2002-08 European Commission
- TRANSVAC2 2002-08-AVVAX-COVID-19, TRANSVAC2_TNA2002-08 European Commission
- TRANSVAC2 2002-08-AVVAX-COVID-19, TRANSVAC2_TNA2002-08 European Commission
- TRANSVAC2 2002-08-AVVAX-COVID-19, TRANSVAC2_TNA2002-08 European Commission
- TRANSVAC2 2002-08-AVVAX-COVID-19, TRANSVAC2_TNA2002-08 European Commission
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerrit Koopman
- Department of Virology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), Rijswijk, The Netherlands.
| | - Mario Amacker
- Mymetics SA, 4 Route de La Corniche, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research DBMR, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3008, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Toon Stegmann
- Mymetics BV, JH Oortweg 21, 2333 CH, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ernst J Verschoor
- Department of Virology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Babs E Verstrepen
- Department of Virology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Farien Bhoelan
- Mymetics BV, JH Oortweg 21, 2333 CH, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Denzel Bemelman
- Mymetics BV, JH Oortweg 21, 2333 CH, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Kinga P Böszörményi
- Department of Virology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Zahra Fagrouch
- Department of Virology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | | | - Daniella Mortier
- Department of Virology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Dagmar E Verel
- Department of Virology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Henk Niphuis
- Department of Virology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Roja Fidel Acar
- Department of Virology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Ivanela Kondova
- Animal Science Department, Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Yolanda S Kap
- Department of Virology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Willy M J M Bogers
- Department of Virology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Petra Mooij
- Department of Virology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Sylvain Fleury
- Mymetics SA, 4 Route de La Corniche, 1066, Epalinges, Switzerland.
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14
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Synthetic biology-inspired cell engineering in diagnosis, treatment, and drug development. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:112. [PMID: 36906608 PMCID: PMC10007681 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01375-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The fast-developing synthetic biology (SB) has provided many genetic tools to reprogram and engineer cells for improved performance, novel functions, and diverse applications. Such cell engineering resources can play a critical role in the research and development of novel therapeutics. However, there are certain limitations and challenges in applying genetically engineered cells in clinical practice. This literature review updates the recent advances in biomedical applications, including diagnosis, treatment, and drug development, of SB-inspired cell engineering. It describes technologies and relevant examples in a clinical and experimental setup that may significantly impact the biomedicine field. At last, this review concludes the results with future directions to optimize the performances of synthetic gene circuits to regulate the therapeutic activities of cell-based tools in specific diseases.
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15
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Nanishi E, Borriello F, Seo HS, O’Meara TR, McGrath ME, Saito Y, Chen J, Diray-Arce J, Song K, Xu AZ, Barman S, Menon M, Dong D, Caradonna TM, Feldman J, Hauser BM, Schmidt AG, Baden LR, Ernst RK, Dillen C, Yu J, Chang A, Hilgers L, Platenburg PP, Dhe-Paganon S, Barouch DH, Ozonoff A, Zanoni I, Frieman MB, Dowling DJ, Levy O. Carbohydrate fatty acid monosulphate: oil-in-water adjuvant enhances SARS-CoV-2 RBD nanoparticle-induced immunogenicity and protection in mice. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:18. [PMID: 36788219 PMCID: PMC9927065 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00610-4] [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: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines that protect vulnerable populations is a public health priority. Here, we took a systematic and iterative approach by testing several adjuvants and SARS-CoV-2 antigens to identify a combination that elicits antibodies and protection in young and aged mice. While demonstrating superior immunogenicity to soluble receptor-binding domain (RBD), RBD displayed as a protein nanoparticle (RBD-NP) generated limited antibody responses. Comparison of multiple adjuvants including AddaVax, AddaS03, and AS01B in young and aged mice demonstrated that an oil-in-water emulsion containing carbohydrate fatty acid monosulphate derivative (CMS:O/W) most effectively enhanced RBD-NP-induced cross-neutralizing antibodies and protection across age groups. CMS:O/W enhanced antigen retention in the draining lymph node, induced injection site, and lymph node cytokines, with CMS inducing MyD88-dependent Th1 cytokine polarization. Furthermore, CMS and O/W synergistically induced chemokine production from human PBMCs. Overall, CMS:O/W adjuvant may enhance immunogenicity and protection of vulnerable populations against SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etsuro Nanishi
- grid.2515.30000 0004 0378 8438Precision Vaccines Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Francesco Borriello
- grid.2515.30000 0004 0378 8438Precision Vaccines Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA ,grid.2515.30000 0004 0378 8438Division of Immunology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA ,Present Address: Generate Biomedicines, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Hyuk-Soo Seo
- grid.65499.370000 0001 2106 9910Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA USA ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Timothy R. O’Meara
- grid.2515.30000 0004 0378 8438Precision Vaccines Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | - Marisa E. McGrath
- grid.411024.20000 0001 2175 4264Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Pathogen Research, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Yoshine Saito
- grid.2515.30000 0004 0378 8438Precision Vaccines Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | - Jing Chen
- grid.2515.30000 0004 0378 8438Research Computing Group, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | - Joann Diray-Arce
- grid.2515.30000 0004 0378 8438Precision Vaccines Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Kijun Song
- grid.65499.370000 0001 2106 9910Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA USA
| | - Andrew Z. Xu
- grid.65499.370000 0001 2106 9910Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA USA
| | - Soumik Barman
- grid.2515.30000 0004 0378 8438Precision Vaccines Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Manisha Menon
- grid.2515.30000 0004 0378 8438Precision Vaccines Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | - Danica Dong
- grid.2515.30000 0004 0378 8438Precision Vaccines Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | - Timothy M. Caradonna
- grid.461656.60000 0004 0489 3491Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Jared Feldman
- grid.461656.60000 0004 0489 3491Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Blake M. Hauser
- grid.461656.60000 0004 0489 3491Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Aaron G. Schmidt
- grid.461656.60000 0004 0489 3491Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA USA ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Lindsey R. Baden
- grid.62560.370000 0004 0378 8294Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | - Robert K. Ernst
- grid.411024.20000 0001 2175 4264Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Carly Dillen
- grid.411024.20000 0001 2175 4264Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Pathogen Research, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Jingyou Yu
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XCenter for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Aiquan Chang
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XCenter for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | | | | | - Sirano Dhe-Paganon
- grid.65499.370000 0001 2106 9910Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA USA ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Dan H. Barouch
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XCenter for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Al Ozonoff
- grid.2515.30000 0004 0378 8438Precision Vaccines Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA ,grid.66859.340000 0004 0546 1623Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Ivan Zanoni
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA ,grid.2515.30000 0004 0378 8438Division of Immunology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | - Matthew B. Frieman
- grid.411024.20000 0001 2175 4264Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Pathogen Research, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - David J. Dowling
- grid.2515.30000 0004 0378 8438Precision Vaccines Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA USA ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Ofer Levy
- Precision Vaccines Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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16
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Kovalenko A, Ryabchevskaya E, Evtushenko E, Nikitin N, Karpova O. Recombinant Protein Vaccines against Human Betacoronaviruses: Strategies, Approaches and Progress. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:1701. [PMID: 36675218 PMCID: PMC9863728 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021701] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Betacoronaviruses have already troubled humanity more than once. In 2002-2003 and 2012, the SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, respectively, caused outbreaks of respiratory syndromes with a fatal outcome. The spread of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has become a pandemic. These three coronaviruses belong to the genus Betacoronavirus and have a zoonotic origin. The emergence of new coronavirus infections in the future cannot be ruled out, and vaccination is the main way to prevent the spread of the infection. Previous experience in the development of vaccines against SARS and MERS has helped to develop a number of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 in a fairly short time. Among them, there are quite a few recombinant protein vaccines, which seem to be very promising in terms of safety, minimization of side effects, storage and transportation conditions. The problem of developing a universal betacoronavirus vaccine is also still relevant. Here, we summarize the information on the designing of vaccines based on recombinant proteins against highly pathogenic human betacoronaviruses SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nikolai Nikitin
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
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17
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Bobdey S, Pushkar K, Kotoki R, Koundinya K, Michael P, Kaushik SK. Corbevax vaccine side effects in children of age group 12–14 years: A prospective observational study. JOURNAL OF MARINE MEDICAL SOCIETY 2023. [DOI: 10.4103/jmms.jmms_135_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
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18
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An engineered SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain produced in Pichia pastoris as a candidate vaccine antigen. N Biotechnol 2022; 72:11-21. [PMID: 35953030 PMCID: PMC9359770 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Developing affordable and easily manufactured SARS-CoV-2 vaccines will be essential to achieve worldwide vaccine coverage and long-term control of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here the development is reported of a vaccine based on the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD), produced in the yeast Pichia pastoris. The RBD was modified by adding flexible N- and C-terminal amino acid extensions that modulate protein/protein interactions and facilitate protein purification. A fed-batch methanol fermentation with a yeast extract-based culture medium in a 50 L fermenter and an immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography-based downstream purification process yielded 30-40 mg/L of RBD. Correct folding of the purified protein was demonstrated by mass spectrometry, circular dichroism, and determinations of binding affinity to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. The RBD antigen also exhibited high reactivity with sera from convalescent individuals and Pfizer-BioNTech or Sputnik V vaccinees. Immunization of mice and non-human primates with 50 µg of the recombinant RBD adjuvanted with alum induced high levels of binding antibodies as assessed by ELISA with RBD produced in HEK293T cells, and which inhibited RBD binding to ACE2 and neutralized infection of VeroE6 cells by SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, the RBD protein stimulated IFNγ, IL-2, IL-6, IL-4 and TNFα secretion in splenocytes and lung CD3+-enriched cells of immunized mice. The data suggest that the RBD recombinant protein produced in yeast P. pastoris is suitable as a vaccine candidate against COVID-19.
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19
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Thermophilic Filamentous Fungus C1-Cell-Cloned SARS-CoV-2-Spike-RBD-Subunit-Vaccine Adjuvanted with Aldydrogel ®85 Protects K18-hACE2 Mice against Lethal Virus Challenge. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10122119. [PMID: 36560529 PMCID: PMC9783968 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10122119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is evolving with increased transmission, host range, pathogenicity, and virulence. The original and mutant viruses escape host innate (Interferon) immunity and adaptive (Antibody) immunity, emphasizing unmet needs for high-yield, commercial-scale manufacturing to produce inexpensive vaccines/boosters for global/equitable distribution. We developed DYAI-100A85, a SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain (RBD) subunit antigen vaccine expressed in genetically modified thermophilic filamentous fungus, Thermothelomyces heterothallica C1, and secreted at high levels into fermentation medium. The RBD-C-tag antigen strongly binds ACE2 receptors in vitro. Alhydrogel®'85'-adjuvanted RDB-C-tag-based vaccine candidate (DYAI-100A85) demonstrates strong immunogenicity, and antiviral efficacy, including in vivo protection against lethal intranasal SARS-CoV-2 (D614G) challenge in human ACE2-transgenic mice. No loss of body weight or adverse events occurred. DYAI-100A85 also demonstrates excellent safety profile in repeat-dose GLP toxicity study. In summary, subcutaneous prime/boost DYAI-100A85 inoculation induces high titers of RBD-specific neutralizing antibodies and protection of hACE2-transgenic mice against lethal challenge with SARS-CoV-2. Given its demonstrated safety, efficacy, and low production cost, vaccine candidate DYAI-100 received regulatory approval to initiate a Phase 1 clinical trial to demonstrate its safety and efficacy in humans.
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20
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Valenzuela-Fernández A, Cabrera-Rodriguez R, Ciuffreda L, Perez-Yanes S, Estevez-Herrera J, González-Montelongo R, Alcoba-Florez J, Trujillo-González R, García-Martínez de Artola D, Gil-Campesino H, Díez-Gil O, Lorenzo-Salazar JM, Flores C, Garcia-Luis J. Nanomaterials to combat SARS-CoV-2: Strategies to prevent, diagnose and treat COVID-19. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1052436. [PMID: 36507266 PMCID: PMC9732709 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1052436] [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: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the associated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which severely affect the respiratory system and several organs and tissues, and may lead to death, have shown how science can respond when challenged by a global emergency, offering as a response a myriad of rapid technological developments. Development of vaccines at lightning speed is one of them. SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks have stressed healthcare systems, questioning patients care by using standard non-adapted therapies and diagnostic tools. In this scenario, nanotechnology has offered new tools, techniques and opportunities for prevention, for rapid, accurate and sensitive diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. In this review, we focus on the nanotechnological applications and nano-based materials (i.e., personal protective equipment) to combat SARS-CoV-2 transmission, infection, organ damage and for the development of new tools for virosurveillance, diagnose and immune protection by mRNA and other nano-based vaccines. All the nano-based developed tools have allowed a historical, unprecedented, real time epidemiological surveillance and diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, at community and international levels. The nano-based technology has help to predict and detect how this Sarbecovirus is mutating and the severity of the associated COVID-19 disease, thereby assisting the administration and public health services to make decisions and measures for preparedness against the emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 and severe or lethal COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Valenzuela-Fernández
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Viral, Unidad de Farmacología, Sección de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Romina Cabrera-Rodriguez
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Viral, Unidad de Farmacología, Sección de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Laura Ciuffreda
- Research Unit, Hospital Universitario N. S. de Candelaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Silvia Perez-Yanes
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Viral, Unidad de Farmacología, Sección de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | - Judith Estevez-Herrera
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Viral, Unidad de Farmacología, Sección de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
| | | | - Julia Alcoba-Florez
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario N. S. de Candelaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Trujillo-González
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Viral, Unidad de Farmacología, Sección de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
- Departamento de Análisis Matemático, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | | | - Helena Gil-Campesino
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario N. S. de Candelaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Oscar Díez-Gil
- Servicio de Microbiología, Hospital Universitario N. S. de Candelaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - José M. Lorenzo-Salazar
- Genomics Division, Instituto Tecnológico y de Energías Renovables, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
| | - Carlos Flores
- Research Unit, Hospital Universitario N. S. de Candelaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
- Genomics Division, Instituto Tecnológico y de Energías Renovables, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Fernando Pessoa Canarias, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Jonay Garcia-Luis
- Laboratorio de Inmunología Celular y Viral, Unidad de Farmacología, Sección de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Spain
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21
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Thuluva S, Paradkar V, Gunneri SR, Yerroju V, Mogulla R, Turaga K, Kyasani M, Manoharan SK, Medigeshi G, Singh J, Shaman H, Singh C, Rao A V. Evaluation of safety and immunogenicity of receptor-binding domain-based COVID-19 vaccine (Corbevax) to select the optimum formulation in open-label, multicentre, and randomised phase-1/2 and phase-2 clinical trials. EBioMedicine 2022; 83:104217. [PMID: 35970020 PMCID: PMC9372721 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We assessed the efficacy of a receptor-binding domain (RBD)-based protein subunit COVID-19 vaccine. Methods A randomised Phase-1/2 trial followed by a Phase-2 trial were conducted to assess the safety and immunogenicity of the COVID-19 vaccine Corbevax and select to an optimum formulation. Healthy adults (n=460) without COVID-19 vaccination or SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Phase-1/2 study were randomly divided into four vaccine formulation groups. Findings A low incidence of adverse events was reported post-vaccination. All formulations showed similar profiles of humoral and cellular immune responses that were associated with the content of CpG1018 adjuvant in the vaccine. In the Phase-2 study, 750 µg of CpG1018 showed significant improvement (> 4-fold increase from baseline) in immune responses, including the titres of anti-RBD IgG and neutralising antibody (nAb), and cellular immune responses, while maintaining the safety profile. Antibodies persisted consistently for 12 months after the second dose of vaccine. Interpretations Corbevax (two-dose schedule with 28 days of interval between doses) was well tolerated with no observed safety concerns. Previous observations from efficacy studies by Moderna and AstraZeneca and the correlation between nAb titres post-vaccination and a human convalescent serum panel showed that Corbevax induced significantly high nAb titres. These studies were prospectively registered with the Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2021/06/034014 and CTRI/2020/11/029032). Funding Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, BIRAC-Division of Department of Biotechnology, Govt of India, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations funded this study.
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22
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Chen WH, Strych U, Bottazzi ME, Lin YP. Past, present, and future of Lyme disease vaccines: antigen engineering approaches and mechanistic insights. Expert Rev Vaccines 2022; 21:1405-1417. [PMID: 35836340 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2022.2102484] [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: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Transmitted by ticks, Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the Northern hemisphere. Despite the geographical expansion of human Lyme disease cases, no effective preventive strategies are currently available. Developing an efficacious and safe vaccine is therefore urgently needed. Efforts have previously been taken to identify vaccine targets in the causative pathogen (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato) and arthropod vector (Ixodes spp.). However, progress was impeded due to a lack of consumer confidence caused by the myth of undesired off-target responses, low immune responses, a limited breadth of immune reactivity, as well as by the complexities of the vaccine process development.Area covered: In this review, we summarize the antigen engineering approaches that have been applied to overcome those challenges and the underlying mechanisms that can be exploited to improve both safety and efficacy of future Lyme disease vaccines.Expert opinion: Over the past two decades, several new genetically redesigned Lyme disease vaccine candidates have shown success in both preclinical and clinical settings and built a solid foundation for further development. These studies have greatly informed the protective mechanisms of reducing Lyme disease burdens and ending the endemic of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hsiang Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ulrich Strych
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Department of Pediatrics, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States
| | - Yi-Pin Lin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, NYSDOH, Albany, NY, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, SUNY Albany, Albany, NY, USA
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23
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Receptor-binding domain recombinant protein on alum-CpG induces broad protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Vaccine 2022; 40:3655-3663. [PMID: 35568591 PMCID: PMC9080055 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
We conducted preclinical studies in mice using a yeast-produced SARS-CoV-2 RBD subunit vaccine candidate formulated with aluminum hydroxide (alum) and CpG deoxynucleotides. This formulation is equivalent to the CorbevaxTM vaccine that recently received emergency use authorization by the Drugs Controller General ofIndia. We compared the immune response of mice vaccinated with RBD/alum to mice vaccinated with RBD/alum + CpG. We also evaluated mice immunized with RBD/alum + CpG and boosted with RBD/alum. Mice were immunized twice intramuscularly at a 21-day interval. Compared to two doses of the /alum formulation, the RBD/alum + CpG vaccine induced a stronger and more balanced Th1/Th2 cellular immune response, with high levels of neutralizing antibodies against the original Wuhan isolate of SARS-CoV-2 as well as the B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), B.1.617.2 and (Delta) variants. Neutralizing antibody titers against the B.1.1.529 (BA.1, Omicron) variant exceeded those in human convalescent plasma after Wuhan infection but were lower than against the other variants. Interestingly, the second dose did not benefit from the addition of CpG, possibly allowing dose-sparing of the adjuvant in the future. The data reported here reinforces that the RBD/alum + CpG vaccine formulation is suitable for inducing broadly neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, including variants of concern.
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24
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Kovalenko AO, Ryabchevskaya EM, Evtushenko EA, Manukhova TI, Kondakova OA, Ivanov PA, Arkhipenko MV, Gushchin VA, Nikitin NA, Karpova OV. Vaccine Candidate Against COVID-19 Based on Structurally Modified Plant Virus as an Adjuvant. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:845316. [PMID: 35295298 PMCID: PMC8919459 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.845316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A recombinant vaccine candidate has been developed based on the major coronaviruses’ antigen (S protein) fragments and a novel adjuvant—spherical particles (SPs) formed during tobacco mosaic virus thermal remodeling. The receptor-binding domain and the highly conserved antigenic fragments of the S2 protein subunit were chosen for the design of recombinant coronavirus antigens. The set of three antigens (Co1, CoF, and PE) was developed and used to create a vaccine candidate composed of antigens and SPs (SPs + 3AG). Recognition of SPs + 3AG compositions by commercially available antibodies against spike proteins of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 was confirmed. The immunogenicity testing of these compositions in a mouse model showed that SPs improved immune response to the CoF and PE antigens. Total IgG titers against both proteins were 9–16 times higher than those to SPs. Neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2 in serum samples collected from hamsters immunized with the SPs + 3AG was demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina O Kovalenko
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Ekaterina A Evtushenko
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana I Manukhova
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga A Kondakova
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Peter A Ivanov
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina V Arkhipenko
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir A Gushchin
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.,N.F. Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - Nikolai A Nikitin
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga V Karpova
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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25
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Nanishi E, Borriello F, O’Meara TR, McGrath ME, Saito Y, Haupt RE, Seo HS, van Haren SD, Cavazzoni CB, Brook B, Barman S, Chen J, Diray-Arce J, Doss-Gollin S, De Leon M, Prevost-Reilly A, Chew K, Menon M, Song K, Xu AZ, Caradonna TM, Feldman J, Hauser BM, Schmidt AG, Sherman AC, Baden LR, Ernst RK, Dillen C, Weston SM, Johnson RM, Hammond HL, Mayer R, Burke A, Bottazzi ME, Hotez PJ, Strych U, Chang A, Yu J, Sage PT, Barouch DH, Dhe-Paganon S, Zanoni I, Ozonoff A, Frieman MB, Levy O, Dowling DJ. An aluminum hydroxide:CpG adjuvant enhances protection elicited by a SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain vaccine in aged mice. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabj5305. [PMID: 34783582 PMCID: PMC10176044 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abj5305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Global deployment of vaccines that can provide protection across several age groups is still urgently needed to end the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Although vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 based on mRNA and adenoviral vector technologies have been rapidly developed, additional practical and scalable SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are required to meet global demand. Protein subunit vaccines formulated with appropriate adjuvants represent an approach to address this urgent need. The receptor binding domain (RBD) is a key target of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies but is poorly immunogenic. We therefore compared pattern recognition receptor (PRR) agonists alone or formulated with aluminum hydroxide (AH) and benchmarked them against AS01B and AS03-like emulsion-based adjuvants for their potential to enhance RBD immunogenicity in young and aged mice. We found that an AH and CpG adjuvant formulation (AH:CpG) produced an 80-fold increase in anti-RBD neutralizing antibody titers in both age groups relative to AH alone and protected aged mice from the SARS-CoV-2 challenge. The AH:CpG-adjuvanted RBD vaccine elicited neutralizing antibodies against both wild-type SARS-CoV-2 and the B.1.351 (beta) variant at serum concentrations comparable to those induced by the licensed Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine. AH:CpG induced similar cytokine and chemokine gene enrichment patterns in the draining lymph nodes of both young adult and aged mice and enhanced cytokine and chemokine production in human mononuclear cells of younger and older adults. These data support further development of AH:CpG-adjuvanted RBD as an affordable vaccine that may be effective across multiple age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etsuro Nanishi
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA 02115
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Francesco Borriello
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA 02115
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 02115
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA 02115
- Present address: Generate Biomedicines, Cambridge, MA, USA 02139
| | - Timothy R. O’Meara
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Marisa E. McGrath
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA 21201
| | - Yoshine Saito
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Robert E. Haupt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA 21201
| | - Hyuk-Soo Seo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA 02115
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Simon D. van Haren
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA 02115
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Cecilia B. Cavazzoni
- Transplantation Research Center, Renal Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Byron Brook
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA 02115
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Soumik Barman
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA 02115
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Jing Chen
- Research Computing Group, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Joann Diray-Arce
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA 02115
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Simon Doss-Gollin
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Maria De Leon
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Alejandra Prevost-Reilly
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Katherine Chew
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Manisha Menon
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Kijun Song
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Andrew Z. Xu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | | | - Jared Feldman
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA 02139
| | - Blake M. Hauser
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA 02139
| | - Aaron G. Schmidt
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA 02139
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Amy C. Sherman
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA 02115
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Lindsey R. Baden
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Robert K. Ernst
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD, USA 21201
| | - Carly Dillen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA 21201
| | - Stuart M. Weston
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA 21201
| | - Robert M. Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA 21201
| | - Holly L. Hammond
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA 21201
| | - Romana Mayer
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA 21201
| | - Allen Burke
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA 21201
| | - Maria E. Bottazzi
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA 77030
- National School of Tropical Medicine and Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA 77030
| | - Peter J. Hotez
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA 77030
- National School of Tropical Medicine and Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA 77030
| | - Ulrich Strych
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA 77030
- National School of Tropical Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA 77030
| | - Aiquan Chang
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Jingyou Yu
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Peter T. Sage
- Transplantation Research Center, Renal Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Dan H. Barouch
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Sirano Dhe-Paganon
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA 02115
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Ivan Zanoni
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 02115
- Division of Immunology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Al Ozonoff
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA 02115
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 02115
| | - Matthew B. Frieman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA 21201
| | - Ofer Levy
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA 02115
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 02115
- Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA 02142
| | - David J. Dowling
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA 02115
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA 02115
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26
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Klausberger M, Kienzl NF, Stadlmayr G, Grünwald‐Gruber C, Laurent E, Stadlbauer K, Stracke F, Vierlinger K, Hofner M, Manhart G, Gerner W, Grebien F, Weinhäusel A, Mach L, Wozniak‐Knopp G. Designed SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor binding domain variants form stable monomers. Biotechnol J 2022; 17:e2100422. [PMID: 35078277 PMCID: PMC9011732 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202100422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike (S)‐protein is a prime target of virus‐neutralizing antibodies present in convalescent sera of COVID‐19 patients and thus is considered a key antigen for immunosurveillance studies and vaccine development. Although recombinant expression of RBD has been achieved in several eukaryotic systems, mammalian cells have proven particularly useful. The authors aimed to optimize RBD produced in HEK293‐6E cells towards a stable homogeneous preparation and addressed its O‐glycosylation as well as the unpaired cysteine residue 538 in the widely used RBD (319‐541) sequence. The authors found that an intact O‐glycosylation site at T323 is highly relevant for the expression and maintenance of RBD as a monomer. Furthermore, it was shown that deletion or substitution of the unpaired cysteine residue C538 reduces the intrinsic propensity of RBD to form oligomeric aggregates, concomitant with an increased yield of the monomeric form of the protein. Bead‐based and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays utilizing these optimized RBD variants displayed excellent performance with respect to the specific detection of even low levels of SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies in convalescent sera. Hence, these RBD variants could be instrumental for the further development of serological SARS‐CoV‐2 tests and inform the design of RBD‐based vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Klausberger
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) Muthgasse 18 Vienna 1190 Austria
| | - Nikolaus F. Kienzl
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) Muthgasse 18 Vienna 1190 Austria
| | - Gerhard Stadlmayr
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) Muthgasse 18 Vienna 1190 Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Immunotherapeutics University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) Muthgasse 18 Vienna 1190 Austria
| | - Clemens Grünwald‐Gruber
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry and BOKU Core Facility Mass Spectrometry University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) Muthgasse 18 Vienna 1190 Austria
| | - Elisabeth Laurent
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) Muthgasse 18 Vienna 1190 Austria
- BOKU Core Facility Biomolecular & Cellular Analysis University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) Muthgasse 18 Vienna 1190 Austria
| | - Katharina Stadlbauer
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) Muthgasse 18 Vienna 1190 Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Immunotherapeutics University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) Muthgasse 18 Vienna 1190 Austria
| | - Florian Stracke
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) Muthgasse 18 Vienna 1190 Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Immunotherapeutics University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) Muthgasse 18 Vienna 1190 Austria
| | - Klemens Vierlinger
- Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Health and Bioresources Austrian Institute of Technology Giefinggasse 4 Vienna 1210 Austria
| | - Manuela Hofner
- Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Health and Bioresources Austrian Institute of Technology Giefinggasse 4 Vienna 1210 Austria
| | - Gabriele Manhart
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry University of Veterinary Medicine Veterinärplatz 1 Vienna 1210 Austria
| | - Wilhelm Gerner
- Institute of Immunology University of Veterinary Medicine Veterinärplatz 1 Vienna 1210 Austria
| | - Florian Grebien
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry University of Veterinary Medicine Veterinärplatz 1 Vienna 1210 Austria
| | - Andreas Weinhäusel
- Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Health and Bioresources Austrian Institute of Technology Giefinggasse 4 Vienna 1210 Austria
| | - Lukas Mach
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) Muthgasse 18 Vienna 1190 Austria
| | - Gordana Wozniak‐Knopp
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) Muthgasse 18 Vienna 1190 Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Immunotherapeutics University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) Muthgasse 18 Vienna 1190 Austria
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27
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Berguer PM, Blaustein M, Bredeston LM, Craig PO, D’Alessio C, Elias F, Farré PC, Fernández NB, Gentili HG, Gándola YB, Gasulla J, Gudesblat GE, Herrera MG, Ibañez LI, Idrovo-Hidalgo T, Nadra AD, Noseda DG, Paván CH, Pavan MF, Pignataro MF, Roman EA, Ruberto LAM, Rubinstein N, Sanchez MV, Santos J, Wetzler DE, Zelada AM. Covalent coupling of Spike's receptor binding domain to a multimeric carrier produces a high immune response against SARS-CoV-2. Sci Rep 2022; 12:692. [PMID: 35027583 PMCID: PMC8758758 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-03675-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The receptor binding domain (RBD) of the Spike protein from SARS-CoV-2 is a promising candidate to develop effective COVID-19 vaccines since it can induce potent neutralizing antibodies. We have previously reported the highly efficient production of RBD in Pichia pastoris, which is structurally similar to the same protein produced in mammalian HEK-293T cells. In this work we designed an RBD multimer with the purpose of increasing its immunogenicity. We produced multimeric particles by a transpeptidation reaction between RBD expressed in P. pastoris and Lumazine Synthase from Brucella abortus (BLS), which is a highly immunogenic and very stable decameric 170 kDa protein. Such particles were used to vaccinate mice with two doses 30 days apart. When the particles ratio of RBD to BLS units was high (6-7 RBD molecules per BLS decamer in average), the humoral immune response was significantly higher than that elicited by RBD alone or by RBD-BLS particles with a lower RBD to BLS ratio (1-2 RBD molecules per BLS decamer). Remarkably, multimeric particles with a high number of RBD copies elicited a high titer of neutralizing IgGs. These results indicate that multimeric particles composed of RBD covalent coupled to BLS possess an advantageous architecture for antigen presentation to the immune system, and therefore enhancing RBD immunogenicity. Thus, multimeric RBD-BLS particles are promising candidates for a protein-based vaccine.
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28
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Akay M, Subramaniam S, Brennan C, Bonato P, Waits CMK, Wheeler BC, Fotiadis DI. Healthcare Innovations to Address the Challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic. IEEE J Biomed Health Inform 2022; 26:3294-3302. [PMID: 35077374 PMCID: PMC9423029 DOI: 10.1109/jbhi.2022.3144941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
We have been faced with an unprecedented challenge in combating the COVID-19/SARS-CoV2 outbreak that is threatening the fabric of our civilization, causing catastrophic human losses and a tremendous economic burden globally. During this difficult time, there has been an urgent need for biomedical engineers, clinicians, and healthcare industry leaders to work together to develop novel diagnostics and treatments to fight the pandemic including the development of portable, rapidly deployable, and affordable diagnostic testing kits, personal protective equipment, mechanical ventilators, vaccines, and data analysis and modeling tools. In this position paper, we address the urgent need to bring these inventions into clinical practices. This paper highlights and summarizes the discussions and new technologies in COVID-19 healthcare, screening, tracing, and treatment-related presentations made at the IEEE EMBS Public Forum on COVID-19. The paper also provides recent studies, statistics and data and new perspectives on ongoing and future challenges pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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29
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Kleanthous H, Silverman JM, Makar KW, Yoon IK, Jackson N, Vaughn DW. Scientific rationale for developing potent RBD-based vaccines targeting COVID-19. NPJ Vaccines 2021; 6:128. [PMID: 34711846 PMCID: PMC8553742 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-021-00393-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccination of the global population against COVID-19 is a great scientific, logistical, and moral challenge. Despite the rapid development and authorization of several full-length Spike (S) protein vaccines, the global demand outweighs the current supply and there is a need for safe, potent, high-volume, affordable vaccines that can fill this gap, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Whether SARS-CoV-2 S-protein receptor-binding domain (RBD)-based vaccines could fill this gap has been debated, especially with regards to its suitability to protect against emerging viral variants of concern. Given a predominance for elicitation of neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) that target RBD following natural infection or vaccination, a key biomarker of protection, there is merit for selection of RBD as a sole vaccine immunogen. With its high-yielding production and manufacturing potential, RBD-based vaccines offer an abundance of temperature-stable doses at an affordable cost. In addition, as the RBD preferentially focuses the immune response to potent and recently recognized cross-protective determinants, this domain may be central to the development of future pan-sarbecovirus vaccines. In this study, we review the data supporting the non-inferiority of RBD as a vaccine immunogen compared to full-length S-protein vaccines with respect to humoral and cellular immune responses against both the prototype pandemic SARS-CoV-2 isolate and emerging variants of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - In-Kyu Yoon
- Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, Greater London, UK
| | - Nicholas Jackson
- Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, Greater London, UK.
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30
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Chen WH, Pollet J, Strych U, Lee J, Liu Z, Kundu RT, Versteeg L, Villar MJ, Adhikari R, Wei J, Poveda C, Keegan B, Bailey AO, Chen YL, Gillespie PM, Kimata JT, Zhan B, Hotez PJ, Bottazzi ME. Yeast-expressed recombinant SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain RBD203-N1 as a COVID-19 protein vaccine candidate. Protein Expr Purif 2021; 190:106003. [PMID: 34688919 PMCID: PMC8529586 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2021.106003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 protein subunit vaccines are currently being evaluated by multiple manufacturers to address the global vaccine equity gap, and need for low-cost, easy to scale, safe, and effective COVID-19 vaccines. In this paper, we report on the generation of the receptor-binding domain RBD203-N1 yeast expression construct, which produces a recombinant protein capable of eliciting a robust immune response and protection in mice against SARS-CoV-2 challenge infections. The RBD203-N1 antigen was expressed in the yeast Pichia pastoris X33. After fermentation at the 5 L scale, the protein was purified by hydrophobic interaction chromatography followed by anion exchange chromatography. The purified protein was characterized biophysically and biochemically, and after its formulation, the immunogenicity was evaluated in mice. Sera were evaluated for their efficacy using a SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus assay. The RBD203-N1 protein was expressed with a yield of 492.9 ± 3.0 mg/L of fermentation supernatant. A two-step purification process produced a >96% pure protein with a recovery rate of 55 ± 3% (total yield of purified protein: 270.5 ± 13.2 mg/L fermentation supernatant). The protein was characterized to be a homogeneous monomer that showed a well-defined secondary structure, was thermally stable, antigenic, and when adjuvanted on Alhydrogel in the presence of CpG it was immunogenic and induced high levels of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus. The characteristics of the RBD203-N1 protein-based vaccine show that this candidate is another well suited RBD-based construct for technology transfer to manufacturing entities and feasibility of transition into the clinic to evaluate its immunogenicity and safety in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hsiang Chen
- Departments of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeroen Pollet
- Departments of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ulrich Strych
- Departments of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jungsoon Lee
- Departments of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zhuyun Liu
- Departments of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rakhi Tyagi Kundu
- Departments of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Leroy Versteeg
- Departments of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria Jose Villar
- Departments of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rakesh Adhikari
- Departments of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Junfei Wei
- Departments of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cristina Poveda
- Departments of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Brian Keegan
- Departments of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Aaron Oakley Bailey
- Mass Spectrometry Facility, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Yi-Lin Chen
- Departments of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Portia M Gillespie
- Departments of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jason T Kimata
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bin Zhan
- Departments of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Peter J Hotez
- Departments of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA; James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Departments of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
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31
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Abstract
The rapid development and deployment of mRNA and adenovirus-vectored vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continue to astound the global scientific community, but these vaccine platforms and production approaches have still not achieved global COVID-19 vaccine equity. Immunizing the billions of people at risk for COVID-19 in the world's low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) still relies on the availability of vaccines produced and scaled through traditional technology approaches. Vaccines based on whole inactivated virus (WIV) and protein-based platforms, as well as protein particle-based vaccines, are the most produced by LMIC vaccine manufacturing strategies. Three major WIV vaccines are beginning to be distributed widely. Several protein-based and protein particle-based vaccines are advancing with promising results. Overall, these vaccines are exhibiting excellent safety profiles and in some instances have shown their potential to induce high levels of virus neutralizing antibodies and T cell responses (and protection) both in nonhuman primates and in early studies in humans. There is an urgent need to continue accelerating these vaccines for LMICs in time to fully vaccinate these populations by the end of 2022 at the latest. Achieving these goals would also serve as an important reminder that we must continue to maintain expertise in producing multiple vaccine technologies, rather than relying on any individual platform. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Medicine, Volume 73 is January 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Hotez
- Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA; , .,Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.,Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76798, USA.,Hagler Institute of Advanced Study, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA; , .,Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.,Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, Texas 76798, USA
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32
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Walczak P, Janowski M. The COVID-19 Menace. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2021; 5:2100004. [PMID: 34178377 PMCID: PMC8209929 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202100004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which binds to ectoenzyme angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. It is very contagious and is spreading rapidly around the world. Until now, coronaviruses have mainly been associated with the aerodigestive tract due to the presence of a monobasic cleavage site for the resident transmembrane serine protease 2. Notably, SARS-CoV-2 is equipped with a second, polybasic cleavage site for the ubiquitous furin protease, which may determine the widespread tissue tropism. Furthermore, the terminal sequence of the furin-cleaved spike protein also binds to neuropilin receptors. Clinically, there is enormous variability in the severity of the disease. Severe consequences are seen in a relatively small number of patients, most show moderate symptoms, but asymptomatic cases, especially among young people, drive disease spread. Unfortunately, the number of local infections can quickly build up, causing disease outbreaks suddenly exhausting health services' capacity. Therefore, COVID-19 is dangerous and unpredictable and has become the most serious threat for generations. Here, the latest research on COVID-19 is summarized, including its spread, testing methods, organ-specific complications, the role of comorbidities, long-term consequences, mortality, as well as a new hope for immunity, drugs, and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Walczak
- Center for Advanced Imaging ResearchDepartment of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear MedicineUniversity of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of MarylandBaltimoreMD21201USA
| | - Miroslaw Janowski
- Center for Advanced Imaging ResearchDepartment of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear MedicineUniversity of Maryland Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of MarylandBaltimoreMD21201USA
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33
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Pollet J, Chen WH, Versteeg L, Keegan B, Zhan B, Wei J, Liu Z, Lee J, Kundu R, Adhikari R, Poveda C, Villar MJ, de Araujo Leao AC, Altieri Rivera J, Momin Z, Gillespie PM, Kimata JT, Strych U, Hotez PJ, Bottazzi ME. SARS‑CoV-2 RBD219-N1C1: A yeast-expressed SARS-CoV-2 recombinant receptor-binding domain candidate vaccine stimulates virus neutralizing antibodies and T-cell immunity in mice. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 17:2356-2366. [PMID: 33847226 PMCID: PMC8054496 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.1901545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need for an accessible and low-cost COVID-19 vaccine suitable for low- and middle-income countries. Here, we report on the development of a SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) protein, expressed at high levels in yeast (Pichia pastoris), as a suitable vaccine candidate against COVID-19. After introducing two modifications into the wild-type RBD gene to reduce yeast-derived hyperglycosylation and improve stability during protein expression, we show that the recombinant protein, RBD219-N1C1, is equivalent to the wild-type RBD recombinant protein (RBD219-WT) in an in vitro ACE-2 binding assay. Immunogenicity studies of RBD219-N1C1 and RBD219-WT proteins formulated with Alhydrogel® were conducted in mice, and, after two doses, both the RBD219-WT and RBD219-N1C1 vaccines induced high levels of binding IgG antibodies. Using a SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus, we further showed that sera obtained after a two-dose immunization schedule of the vaccines were sufficient to elicit strong neutralizing antibody titers in the 1:1,000 to 1:10,000 range, for both antigens tested. The vaccines induced IFN-γ IL-6, and IL-10 secretion, among other cytokines. Overall, these data suggest that the RBD219-N1C1 recombinant protein, produced in yeast, is suitable for further evaluation as a human COVID-19 vaccine, in particular, in an Alhydrogel® containing formulation and possibly in combination with other immunostimulants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Pollet
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Wen-Hsiang Chen
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Leroy Versteeg
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Brian Keegan
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bin Zhan
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Junfei Wei
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zhuyun Liu
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jungsoon Lee
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rahki Kundu
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rakesh Adhikari
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cristina Poveda
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria Jose Villar
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Zoha Momin
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Jason T. Kimata
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ulrich Strych
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Peter J. Hotez
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
- James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Texas Children’s Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
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34
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Pino M, Abid T, Pereira Ribeiro S, Edara VV, Floyd K, Smith JC, Latif MB, Pacheco-Sanchez G, Dutta D, Wang S, Gumber S, Kirejczyk S, Cohen J, Stammen RL, Jean SM, Wood JS, Connor-Stroud F, Pollet J, Chen WH, Wei J, Zhan B, Lee J, Liu Z, Strych U, Shenvi N, Easley K, Weiskopf D, Sette A, Pollara J, Mielke D, Gao H, Eisel N, LaBranche CC, Shen X, Ferrari G, Tomaras GD, Montefiori DC, Sekaly RP, Vanderford TH, Tomai MA, Fox CB, Suthar MS, Kozlowski PA, Hotez PJ, Paiardini M, Bottazzi ME, Kasturi SP. A yeast expressed RBD-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine formulated with 3M-052-alum adjuvant promotes protective efficacy in non-human primates. Sci Immunol 2021; 6:6/61/eabh3634. [PMID: 34266981 PMCID: PMC9119307 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abh3634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Ongoing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus–2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine development is focused on identifying stable, cost-effective, and accessible candidates for global use, specifically in low- and middle-income countries. Here, we report the efficacy of a rapidly scalable, novel yeast-expressed SARS-CoV-2–specific receptor binding domain (RBD)–based vaccine in rhesus macaques. We formulated the RBD immunogen in alum, a licensed and an emerging alum-adsorbed TLR-7/8-targeted, 3M-052-alum adjuvant. The RBD + 3M-052-alum-adjuvanted vaccine promoted better RBD binding and effector antibodies, higher CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies, improved TH1-biased CD4+ T cell reactions, and increased CD8+ T cell responses when compared with the alum-alone adjuvanted vaccine. RBD + 3M-052-alum induced a significant reduction of SARS-CoV-2 virus in the respiratory tract upon challenge, accompanied by reduced lung inflammation when compared with unvaccinated controls. Anti-RBD antibody responses in vaccinated animals inversely correlated with viral load in nasal secretions and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). RBD + 3M-052-alum blocked a post-SARS-CoV-2 challenge increase in CD14+CD16++ intermediate blood monocytes, and fractalkine, MCP-1 (monocyte chemotactic protein–1), and TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand) in the plasma. Decreased plasma analytes and intermediate monocyte frequencies correlated with reduced nasal and BAL viral loads. Last, RBD-specific plasma cells accumulated in the draining lymph nodes and not in the bone marrow, contrary to previous findings. Together, these data show that a yeast-expressed, RBD-based vaccine + 3M-052-alum provides robust immune responses and protection against SARS-CoV-2, making it a strong and scalable vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pino
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center at Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A
| | - Talha Abid
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center at Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A
| | - Susan Pereira Ribeiro
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A
| | - Venkata Viswanadh Edara
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center at Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A.,Emory Vaccine Center at Emory University, 954, Gatewood Rd, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A.,Centers for Childhood Infections and Vaccines; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Department of Pediatrics, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A
| | - Katharine Floyd
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center at Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A.,Emory Vaccine Center at Emory University, 954, Gatewood Rd, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A.,Centers for Childhood Infections and Vaccines; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Department of Pediatrics, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A
| | - Justin C Smith
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A
| | - Muhammad Bilal Latif
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A
| | - Gabriela Pacheco-Sanchez
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A
| | - Debashis Dutta
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center at Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A
| | - Shelly Wang
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center at Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A
| | - Sanjeev Gumber
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A.,Division of Pathology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Shannon Kirejczyk
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A.,Division of Pathology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Joyce Cohen
- Division of Animal Resources, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Rachelle L Stammen
- Division of Animal Resources, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Sherrie M Jean
- Division of Animal Resources, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Jennifer S Wood
- Division of Animal Resources, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Fawn Connor-Stroud
- Division of Animal Resources, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Jeroen Pollet
- Texas Children's Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, U.S.A.,Department of Pediatrics, Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, U.S.A
| | - Wen-Hsiang Chen
- Texas Children's Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, U.S.A.,Department of Pediatrics, Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, U.S.A
| | - Junfei Wei
- Texas Children's Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, U.S.A.,Department of Pediatrics, Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, U.S.A
| | - Bin Zhan
- Texas Children's Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, U.S.A.,Department of Pediatrics, Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, U.S.A
| | - Jungsoon Lee
- Texas Children's Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, U.S.A.,Department of Pediatrics, Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, U.S.A
| | - Zhuyun Liu
- Texas Children's Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, U.S.A.,Department of Pediatrics, Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, U.S.A
| | - Ulrich Strych
- Texas Children's Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, U.S.A.,Department of Pediatrics, Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, U.S.A
| | - Neeta Shenvi
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A
| | - Kirk Easley
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A
| | - Daniela Weiskopf
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI), La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Alessandro Sette
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI), La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Justin Pollara
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute and Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center Durham, NC, USA
| | - Dieter Mielke
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute and Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center Durham, NC, USA
| | - Hongmei Gao
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute and Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nathan Eisel
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute and Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center Durham, NC, USA
| | - Celia C LaBranche
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute and Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center Durham, NC, USA
| | - Xiaoying Shen
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute and Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center Durham, NC, USA
| | - Guido Ferrari
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute and Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center Durham, NC, USA
| | - Georgia D Tomaras
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute and Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center Durham, NC, USA
| | - David C Montefiori
- Department of Pediatrics, Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, U.S.A.,Duke Human Vaccine Institute and Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center Durham, NC, USA
| | - Rafick P Sekaly
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center at Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A
| | - Thomas H Vanderford
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center at Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A
| | - Mark A Tomai
- 3M Corporate Research Materials Laboratory, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | | | - Mehul S Suthar
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center at Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A.,Emory Vaccine Center at Emory University, 954, Gatewood Rd, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A.,Centers for Childhood Infections and Vaccines; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Department of Pediatrics, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A
| | - Pamela A Kozlowski
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A
| | - Peter J Hotez
- Texas Children's Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, U.S.A.,Department of Pediatrics, Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, U.S.A
| | - Mirko Paiardini
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center at Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A. .,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A
| | - Maria Elena Bottazzi
- Texas Children's Center for Vaccine Development, Houston, TX, U.S.A. .,Department of Pediatrics, Molecular Virology & Microbiology, National School of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, U.S.A
| | - Sudhir Pai Kasturi
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center at Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A. .,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, U.S.A
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35
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Receptor-binding domain recombinant protein RBD219-N1C1 on alum-CpG induces broad protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021. [PMID: 34268512 DOI: 10.1101/2021.07.06.451353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We conducted preclinical studies in mice using a yeast-produced SARS-CoV-2 RBD219-N1C1 subunit vaccine candidate formulated with aluminum hydroxide (alum) and CpG deoxynucleotides. This vaccine formulation is similar to one that entered advanced phase 3 clinical development in India. We compared the immune response of mice vaccinated with RBD219-N1C1/alum to mice vaccinated with RBD219-N1C1/alum+CpG. We also evaluated mice immunized with RBD219-N1C1/alum+CpG and boosted with RBD219-N1C1/alum. Mice were immunized twice intramuscularly at a 21-day interval. Compared to two doses of the RBD219-N1C1/alum formulation, the RBD219-N1C1/alum+CpG vaccine induced a stronger and more balanced Th1/Th2 cellular immune response, with high levels of neutralizing antibodies against the original Wuhan isolate of SARS-CoV-2 as well as the B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta) and B.1.617.1 (Kappa) variants. Notably, the sera from mice that received two 7 µg doses of RBD219-N1C1/alum+CpG showed more than 18 times higher neutralizing antibody titers against B.1.351, than the WHO International Standard for anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin NIBSC 20/136. Interestingly, a booster dose did not require the addition of CpG to induce this effect. The data reported here reinforces that the RBD219-N1C1/alum+CpG vaccine formulation is suitable for inducing broadly neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 including three variants of concern, B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), and B.1.617.1 (Kappa).
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36
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Gao X, Peng S, Mei S, Liang K, Khan MSI, Vong EG, Zhan J. Expression and functional identification of recombinant SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) from E. coli system. Prep Biochem Biotechnol 2021; 52:318-324. [PMID: 34187304 DOI: 10.1080/10826068.2021.1941106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 is located in the C-terminal of S1 subunit of the spike (S) protein which is responsible for recognizing and binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. The DNA encoding the SARS-CoV-2 RBD was inserted into pET-28a (+) to construct expression plasmid pET-28a (+)/RBD. The desired RBD protein was produced in E. coli Rosetta (DE) and purified by a Ni-NTA column. The recombinant RBD was analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot. The flow cytometry analysis indicated that the recombinant RBD is capable of binding to human ACE2 (hACE2) in the ACE2-overexpressed HEK293A-hACE2 cells. Our results demonstrated that recombinant RBD expressed in E. coli Rosetta (DE) strain has bioactivities and can be used as an antigen for diagnosis and as a tool for the development of novel anti-viral drugs against SASR-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangzheng Gao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Cancer Institute of the Second Affiliated Hospital (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shanshan Peng
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Cancer Institute of the Second Affiliated Hospital (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shengsheng Mei
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Cancer Institute of the Second Affiliated Hospital (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Keying Liang
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Cancer Institute of the Second Affiliated Hospital (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Muhammad Saleem Iqbal Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Cancer Institute of the Second Affiliated Hospital (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Eu Gene Vong
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Cancer Institute of the Second Affiliated Hospital (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinbiao Zhan
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Cancer Institute of the Second Affiliated Hospital (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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37
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Ellis D, Brunette N, Crawford KHD, Walls AC, Pham MN, Chen C, Herpoldt KL, Fiala B, Murphy M, Pettie D, Kraft JC, Malone KD, Navarro MJ, Ogohara C, Kepl E, Ravichandran R, Sydeman C, Ahlrichs M, Johnson M, Blackstone A, Carter L, Starr TN, Greaney AJ, Lee KK, Veesler D, Bloom JD, King NP. Stabilization of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Receptor-Binding Domain Using Deep Mutational Scanning and Structure-Based Design. Front Immunol 2021; 12:710263. [PMID: 34267764 PMCID: PMC8276696 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.710263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The unprecedented global demand for SARS-CoV-2 vaccines has demonstrated the need for highly effective vaccine candidates that are thermostable and amenable to large-scale manufacturing. Nanoparticle immunogens presenting the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein (S) in repetitive arrays are being advanced as second-generation vaccine candidates, as they feature robust manufacturing characteristics and have shown promising immunogenicity in preclinical models. Here, we used previously reported deep mutational scanning (DMS) data to guide the design of stabilized variants of the RBD. The selected mutations fill a cavity in the RBD that has been identified as a linoleic acid binding pocket. Screening of several designs led to the selection of two lead candidates that expressed at higher yields than the wild-type RBD. These stabilized RBDs possess enhanced thermal stability and resistance to aggregation, particularly when incorporated into an icosahedral nanoparticle immunogen that maintained its integrity and antigenicity for 28 days at 35-40°C, while corresponding immunogens displaying the wild-type RBD experienced aggregation and loss of antigenicity. The stabilized immunogens preserved the potent immunogenicity of the original nanoparticle immunogen, which is currently being evaluated in a Phase I/II clinical trial. Our findings may improve the scalability and stability of RBD-based coronavirus vaccines in any format and more generally highlight the utility of comprehensive DMS data in guiding vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ellis
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Natalie Brunette
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Katharine H. D. Crawford
- Basic Sciences and Computational Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Alexandra C. Walls
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Minh N. Pham
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Chengbo Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Biological Physics Structure and Design Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Karla-Luise Herpoldt
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Brooke Fiala
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Michael Murphy
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Deleah Pettie
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - John C. Kraft
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Keara D. Malone
- Basic Sciences and Computational Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Mary Jane Navarro
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Cassandra Ogohara
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Kepl
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Rashmi Ravichandran
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Claire Sydeman
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Maggie Ahlrichs
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Max Johnson
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Alyssa Blackstone
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Lauren Carter
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Tyler N. Starr
- Basic Sciences and Computational Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Allison J. Greaney
- Basic Sciences and Computational Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kelly K. Lee
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Biological Physics Structure and Design Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - David Veesler
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jesse D. Bloom
- Basic Sciences and Computational Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Neil P. King
- Institute for Protein Design, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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38
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Routhu NK, Cheedarla N, Bollimpelli VS, Gangadhara S, Edara VV, Lai L, Sahoo A, Shiferaw A, Styles TM, Floyd K, Fischinger S, Atyeo C, Shin SA, Gumber S, Kirejczyk S, Dinnon KH, Shi PY, Menachery VD, Tomai M, Fox CB, Alter G, Vanderford TH, Gralinski L, Suthar MS, Amara RR. SARS-CoV-2 RBD trimer protein adjuvanted with Alum-3M-052 protects from SARS-CoV-2 infection and immune pathology in the lung. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3587. [PMID: 34117252 PMCID: PMC8196016 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23942-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a great need for the development of vaccines that induce potent and long-lasting protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2. Multimeric display of the antigen combined with potent adjuvant can enhance the potency and longevity of the antibody response. The receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein is a primary target of neutralizing antibodies. Here, we developed a trimeric form of the RBD and show that it induces a potent neutralizing antibody response against live virus with diverse effector functions and provides protection against SARS-CoV-2 challenge in mice and rhesus macaques. The trimeric form induces higher neutralizing antibody titer compared to monomer with as low as 1μg antigen dose. In mice, adjuvanting the protein with a TLR7/8 agonist formulation alum-3M-052 induces 100-fold higher neutralizing antibody titer and superior protection from infection compared to alum. SARS-CoV-2 infection causes significant loss of innate cells and pathology in the lung, and vaccination protects from changes in innate cells and lung pathology. These results demonstrate RBD trimer protein as a suitable candidate for vaccine against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanda Kishore Routhu
- Emory Vaccine Center, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Narayanaiah Cheedarla
- Emory Vaccine Center, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Venkata Satish Bollimpelli
- Emory Vaccine Center, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sailaja Gangadhara
- Emory Vaccine Center, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Venkata Viswanadh Edara
- Emory Vaccine Center, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lilin Lai
- Emory Vaccine Center, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Anusmita Sahoo
- Emory Vaccine Center, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ayalnesh Shiferaw
- Emory Vaccine Center, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tiffany M Styles
- Emory Vaccine Center, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Katharine Floyd
- Emory Vaccine Center, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Caroline Atyeo
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sally A Shin
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sanjeev Gumber
- Division of Pathology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Shannon Kirejczyk
- Division of Pathology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kenneth H Dinnon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Pei-Yong Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Vineet D Menachery
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Mark Tomai
- 3M Corporate Research Materials Laboratory, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | | | - Galit Alter
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Thomas H Vanderford
- Emory Vaccine Center, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lisa Gralinski
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mehul S Suthar
- Emory Vaccine Center, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rama Rao Amara
- Emory Vaccine Center, Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Nanishi E, Borriello F, O'Meara TR, McGrath ME, Saito Y, Haupt RE, Seo HS, van Haren SD, Brook B, Chen J, Diray-Arce J, Doss-Gollin S, Leon MD, Chew K, Menon M, Song K, Xu AZ, Caradonna TM, Feldman J, Hauser BM, Schmidt AG, Sherman AC, Baden LR, Ernst RK, Dillen C, Weston SM, Johnson RM, Hammond HL, Mayer R, Burke A, Bottazzi ME, Hotez PJ, Strych U, Chang A, Yu J, Barouch DH, Dhe-Paganon S, Zanoni I, Ozonoff A, Frieman MB, Levy O, Dowling DJ. Alum:CpG adjuvant enables SARS-CoV-2 RBD-induced protection in aged mice and synergistic activation of human elder type 1 immunity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2021. [PMID: 34031655 DOI: 10.1101/2021.05.20.444848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Global deployment of vaccines that can provide protection across several age groups is still urgently needed to end the COVID-19 pandemic especially for low- and middle-income countries. While vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 based on mRNA and adenoviral-vector technologies have been rapidly developed, additional practical and scalable SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are needed to meet global demand. In this context, protein subunit vaccines formulated with appropriate adjuvants represent a promising approach to address this urgent need. Receptor-binding domain (RBD) is a key target of neutralizing antibodies (Abs) but is poorly immunogenic. We therefore compared pattern recognition receptor (PRR) agonists, including those activating STING, TLR3, TLR4 and TLR9, alone or formulated with aluminum hydroxide (AH), and benchmarked them to AS01B and AS03-like emulsion-based adjuvants for their potential to enhance RBD immunogenicity in young and aged mice. We found that the AH and CpG adjuvant formulation (AH:CpG) demonstrated the highest enhancement of anti-RBD neutralizing Ab titers in both age groups (∼80-fold over AH), and protected aged mice from the SARS-CoV-2 challenge. Notably, AH:CpG-adjuvanted RBD vaccine elicited neutralizing Abs against both wild-type SARS-CoV-2 and B.1.351 variant at serum concentrations comparable to those induced by the authorized mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine. AH:CpG induced similar cytokine and chemokine gene enrichment patterns in the draining lymph nodes of both young adult and aged mice and synergistically enhanced cytokine and chemokine production in human young adult and elderly mononuclear cells. These data support further development of AH:CpG-adjuvanted RBD as an affordable vaccine that may be effective across multiple age groups. One Sentence Summary Alum and CpG enhance SARS-CoV-2 RBD protective immunity, variant neutralization in aged mice and Th1-polarizing cytokine production by human elder leukocytes.
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Process development and scale-up optimization of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain-based vaccine candidate, RBD219-N1C1. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:4153-4165. [PMID: 33959781 PMCID: PMC8102132 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11281-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract A SARS-CoV-2 RBD219-N1C1 (RBD219-N1C1) recombinant protein antigen formulated on Alhydrogel® has recently been shown to elicit a robust neutralizing antibody response against SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus in mice. The antigen has been produced under current good manufacturing practices (cGMPs) and is now in clinical testing. Here, we report on process development and scale-up optimization for upstream fermentation and downstream purification of the antigen. This includes production at the 1-L and 5-L scales in the yeast, Pichia pastoris, and the comparison of three different chromatographic purification methods. This culminated in the selection of a process to produce RBD219-N1C1 with a yield of >400 mg per liter of fermentation with >92% purity and >39% target product recovery after purification. In addition, we show the results from analytical studies, including SEC-HPLC, DLS, and an ACE2 receptor binding assay that were performed to characterize the purified proteins to select the best purification process. Finally, we propose an optimized upstream fermentation and downstream purification process that generates quality RBD219-N1C1 protein antigen and is fully scalable at a low cost. Key points • Yeast fermentation conditions for a recombinant COVID-19 vaccine were determined. • Three purification protocols for a COVID-19 vaccine antigen were compared. • Reproducibility of a scalable, low-cost process for a COVID-19 vaccine was shown. Graphical abstract
![]() Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00253-021-11281-3.
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