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Almeida FMF, Blanco A, Trujillo H, Hernández D, García D, Alba JS, Abad ML, Merino N, Lobaina Y, Aguilar Rubido JC. Dynamic of Immune Response induced in Hepatitis B Surface Antigen-transgenic Mice Immunized with a Novel Therapeutic Formulation. Euroasian J Hepatogastroenterol 2016; 6:25-30. [PMID: 29201720 PMCID: PMC5578554 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10018-1161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of therapeutic vaccines against chronic hepatitis B requires the capacity of the formulation to subvert a tolerated immune response as well as the evaluation of histopathological damage resulting from the treatment. In the present study, the dynamicity of induced immune response to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was evaluated in transgenic mice that constitutively express the HBsAg gene (HBsAg-tg mice). After immunization with a vaccine candidate containing both surface (HBsAg) and core (HBcAg) antigens of hepatitis B virus (HBV), the effect of vaccination on clearance of circulating HBsAg and the potential histological alterations were examined. Transgenic (tg) and non-transgenic (Ntg) mice were immunized by intranasal (IN) and subcutaneous (SC) routes simultaneously. A control group received phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) by IN route and aluminum by SC route. Positive responses, at both humoral and cellular levels, were obtained after five immunizations in HBsAg-tg mice. Such responses were delayed and of lower intensity in tg mice, compared to vaccinated Ntg mice. Serum IgG response was characterized by a similar IgG subclass pattern. Even when HBsAg-specific CD8+ T cell responses were clearly detectable by gamma-interferon ELISPOT assay, histopathological alterations were not detected in any organ, including the liver and kidneys. Our study demonstrated, that it is possible to subvert the immune tolerance against HBsAg in tg mice, opening a window for new studies to optimize the schedule, dose, and formulation to improve the immune response to the therapeutic vaccine candidate. These results can be considered a safety proof to support clinical developments for the formulation under study. How to cite this article Freyre FM, Blanco A, Trujillo H, Hernández D, García D, Alba JS, Lopez M, Merino N, Lobaina Y, Aguilar JC. Dynamic of Immune Response induced in Hepatitis B Surface Antigen-transgenic Mice Immunized with a Novel Therapeutic Formulation. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2016;6(1):25-30.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aracelys Blanco
- Animal Facilities, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Heidy Trujillo
- Vaccine Division, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Dunia Hernández
- Vaccine Division, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Daymir García
- Vaccine Division, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - José S Alba
- Animal Facilities, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Matilde López Abad
- Technology Development Division, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Nelson Merino
- Food and Pharmacy Faculty, University of Havana, Havana, Cuba
| | - Yadira Lobaina
- Vaccine Division, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
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Protective T Cell and Antibody Immune Responses against Hepatitis C Virus Achieved Using a Biopolyester-Bead-Based Vaccine Delivery System. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2016; 23:370-8. [PMID: 26888185 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00687-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major worldwide problem. Chronic hepatitis C is recognized as one of the major causes of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver failure. Although new, directly acting antiviral therapies are suggested to overcome the low efficacy and adverse effects observed for the current standard of treatment, an effective vaccine would be the only way to certainly eradicate HCV infection. Recently, polyhydroxybutyrate beads produced by engineered Escherichia coli showed efficacy as a vaccine delivery system. Here, an endotoxin-free E. coli strain (ClearColi) was engineered to produce polyhydroxybutyrate beads displaying the core antigen on their surface (Beads-Core) and their immunogenicity was evaluated in BALB/c mice. Immunization with Beads-Core induced gamma interferon (IFN-γ) secretion and a functional T cell immune response against the HCV Core protein. With the aim to target broad T and B cell determinants described for HCV, Beads-Core mixed with HCV E1, E2, and NS3 recombinant proteins was also evaluated in BALB/c mice. Remarkably, only three immunization with Beads-Core+CoE1E2NS3/Alum (a mixture of 0.1 μg Co.120, 16.7 μg E1.340, 16.7 μg E2.680, and 10 μg NS3 adjuvanted in aluminum hydroxide [Alum]) induced a potent antibody response against E1 and E2 and a broad IFN-γ secretion and T cell response against Core and all coadministered antigens. This immunological response mediated protective immunity to viremia as assessed in a viral surrogate challenge model. Overall, it was shown that engineered biopolyester beads displaying foreign antigens are immunogenic and might present a particulate delivery system suitable for vaccination against HCV.
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Farnós O, Fernández E, Chiong M, Parra F, Joglar M, Méndez L, Rodríguez E, Moya G, Rodríguez D, Lleonart R, González EM, Alonso A, Alfonso P, Suárez M, Rodríguez MP, Toledo JR. Biochemical and structural characterization of RHDV capsid protein variants produced in Pichia pastoris: Advantages for immunization strategies and vaccine implementation. Antiviral Res 2009; 81:25-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2008.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2008] [Revised: 08/25/2008] [Accepted: 08/28/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Makidon PE, Bielinska AU, Nigavekar SS, Janczak KW, Knowlton J, Scott AJ, Mank N, Cao Z, Rathinavelu S, Beer MR, Wilkinson JE, Blanco LP, Landers JJ, Baker JR. Pre-clinical evaluation of a novel nanoemulsion-based hepatitis B mucosal vaccine. PLoS One 2008; 3:e2954. [PMID: 18698426 PMCID: PMC2496893 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0002954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2008] [Accepted: 07/23/2008] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus infection remains an important global health concern despite the availability of safe and effective prophylactic vaccines. Limitations to these vaccines include requirement for refrigeration and three immunizations thereby restricting use in the developing world. A new nasal hepatitis B vaccine composed of recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in a novel nanoemulsion (NE) adjuvant (HBsAg-NE) could be effective with fewer administrations. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Physical characterization indicated that HBsAg-NE consists of uniform lipid droplets (349+/-17 nm) associated with HBsAg through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. Immunogenicity of HBsAg-NE vaccine was evaluated in mice, rats and guinea pigs. Animals immunized intranasally developed robust and sustained systemic IgG, mucosal IgA and strong antigen-specific cellular immune responses. Serum IgG reached > or = 10(6) titers and was comparable to intramuscular vaccination with alum-adjuvanted vaccine (HBsAg-Alu). Normalization showed that HBsAg-NE vaccination correlates with a protective immunity equivalent or greater than 1000 IU/ml. Th1 polarized immune response was indicated by IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha cytokine production and elevated levels of IgG(2) subclass of HBsAg-specific antibodies. The vaccine retains full immunogenicity for a year at 4 degrees C, 6 months at 25 degrees C and 6 weeks at 40 degrees C. Comprehensive pre-clinical toxicology evaluation demonstrated that HBsAg-NE vaccine is safe and well tolerated in multiple animal models. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that needle-free nasal immunization with HBsAg-NE could be a safe and effective hepatitis B vaccine, or provide an alternative booster administration for the parenteral hepatitis B vaccines. This vaccine induces a Th1 associated cellular immunity and also may provide therapeutic benefit to patients with chronic hepatitis B infection who lack cellular immune responses to adequately control viral replication. Long-term stability of this vaccine formulation at elevated temperatures suggests a direct advantage in the field, since potential excursions from cold chain maintenance could be tolerated without a loss in therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul E. Makidon
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences (M-NIMBS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine (ULAM), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Anna U. Bielinska
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences (M-NIMBS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Shraddha S. Nigavekar
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences (M-NIMBS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Katarzyna W. Janczak
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences (M-NIMBS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Jessica Knowlton
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences (M-NIMBS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Alison J. Scott
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences (M-NIMBS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Nicholas Mank
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences (M-NIMBS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Zhengyi Cao
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences (M-NIMBS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Sivaprakash Rathinavelu
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences (M-NIMBS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Michael R. Beer
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences (M-NIMBS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - J. Erby Wilkinson
- Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine (ULAM), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Luz P. Blanco
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences (M-NIMBS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey J. Landers
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences (M-NIMBS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - James R. Baker
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences (M-NIMBS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
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Betancourt AA, Delgado CAG, Estévez ZC, Martínez JC, Ríos GV, Aureoles-Roselló SRM, Zaldívar RA, Guzmán MA, Baile NF, Reyes PAD, Ruano LO, Fernández AC, Lobaina-Matos Y, Fernández AD, Madrazo AIJ, Martínez MIA, Baños ML, Alvarez NP, Baldo MD, Mestre RES, Pérez MVP, Martínez MEP, Escobar DA, Guanche MJC, Cáceres LM, Betancourt RS, Rando EH, Nieto GEG, González VLM, Rubido JCA. Phase I clinical trial in healthy adults of a nasal vaccine candidate containing recombinant hepatitis B surface and core antigens. Int J Infect Dis 2007; 11:394-401. [PMID: 17257877 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2006.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2006] [Revised: 09/06/2006] [Accepted: 09/13/2006] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The nasal vaccine candidate (NASVAC), comprising hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface (HBsAg) and core antigens (HBcAg), has been shown to be highly immunogenic in animal models. METHODS A phase I double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial was carried out in 19 healthy male adults with no serologic markers of immunity/infection to HBV. This study was aimed at exploring the safety and immunogenic profile of nasal co-administration of both HBV recombinant antigens. The trial was performed according to Good Clinical Practice guidelines. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 45 years and were randomly allocated to receive a mixture of 50 microg HBsAg and 50 microg HBcAg or 0.9% physiologic saline solution, as a placebo, via nasal spray in a five-dose schedule at 0, 7, 15, 30, and 60 days. A total volume of 0.5 ml was administered in two dosages of 125 microl per nostril. Adverse events were actively recorded 1 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 7 days and 30 days after each dose. Anti-HBs and anti-HBc titers were evaluated using corresponding ELISA kits at days 30 and 90. RESULTS The vaccine candidate was safe and well tolerated. Adverse reactions included sneezing (34.1%), rhinorrhea (12.2%), nasal stuffiness (9.8%), palate itching (9.8%), headache (9.8%), and general malaise (7.3%). These reactions were all self-limiting and mild in intensity. No severe or unexpected events were recorded during the trial. The vaccine elicited anti-HBc seroconversion in 100% of subjects as early as day 30 of the immunization schedule, while a seroprotective anti-HBs titer (>or=10 IU/l) was at a maximum at day 90 (75%). All subjects in the placebo group remained seronegative during the trial. CONCLUSION The HBsAg-HBcAg vaccine candidate was safe, well tolerated and immunogenic in this phase I study in healthy adults. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of safety and immunogenicity for a nasal vaccine candidate comprising HBV antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arístides Aguilar Betancourt
- Vaccine Division, Vaccine Clinical Trials Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, PO Box 6162, Cubanacán, Playa, Havana City, Cuba.
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Aguilar JC, Lobaina Y, Muzio V, García D, Pentón E, Iglesias E, Pichardo D, Urquiza D, Rodríguez D, Silva D, Petrovsky N, Guillén G. Development of a nasal vaccine for chronic hepatitis B infection that uses the ability of hepatitis B core antigen to stimulate a strong Th1 response against hepatitis B surface antigen. Immunol Cell Biol 2005; 82:539-46. [PMID: 15479440 DOI: 10.1111/j.0818-9641.2004.01278.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
There are estimated to be 350 million chronic carriers of hepatitis B infection worldwide. Patients with chronic hepatitis B are at risk of liver cirrhosis with associated mortality because of hepatocellular carcinoma and other complications. An important goal, therefore, is the development of an effective therapeutic vaccine against chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV). A major barrier to the development of such a vaccine is the impaired immune response to HBV antigens observed in the T cells of affected patients. One strategy to overcome these barriers is to activate mucosal T cells through the use of nasal vaccination because this may overcome the systemic immune downregulation that results from HBV infection. In addition, it may be beneficial to present additional HBV epitopes beyond those contained in the traditional hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) vaccine, for example, by using the hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg). This is advantageous because HBcAg has a unique ability to act as a potent Th1 adjuvant to HbsAg, while also serving as an immunogenic target. In this study we describe the effect of coadministration of HBsAg and HBcAg as part of a strategy to develop a more potent and effective HBV therapeutic vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Aguilar
- Biomedical Branch, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba.
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