1
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Wiedmer SK, Riekkola ML. Field-flow fractionation - an excellent tool for fractionation, isolation and/or purification of biomacromolecules. J Chromatogr A 2023; 1712:464492. [PMID: 37944435 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.464492] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Field-flow fractionation (FFF) with its several variants, has developed into a mature methodology. The scope of the FFF investigations has expanded, covering both a wide range of basic studies and especially a wide range of analytical applications. Special attention of this review is given to the achievements of FFF with reference to recent applications in the fractionation, isolation, and purification of biomacromolecules, and from which especially those of (in alphabetical order) bacteria, cells, extracellular vesicles, liposomes, lipoproteins, nucleic acids, and viruses and virus-like particles. In evaluating the major approaches and trends demonstrated since 2012, the most significant biomacromolecule applications are compiled in tables. It is also evident that asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation is by far the most dominant technique in the studies. The industry has also shown current interest in FFF and adopted it in some sophisticated fields. FFF, in combination with appropriate detectors, handles biomacromolecules in open channel in a gentle way due to the lack of shear forces and unwanted interactions caused by the stationary phase present in chromatography. In addition, in isolation and purification of biomacromolecules quite high yields can be achieved under optimal conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne K Wiedmer
- Department of Chemistry, POB 55, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
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2
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Giordani S, Marassi V, Placci A, Zattoni A, Roda B, Reschiglian P. Field-Flow Fractionation in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. Molecules 2023; 28:6201. [PMID: 37687030 PMCID: PMC10488451 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28176201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Field-flow fractionation (FFF) is a family of single-phase separative techniques exploited to gently separate and characterize nano- and microsystems in suspension. These techniques cover an extremely wide dynamic range and are able to separate analytes in an interval between a few nm to 100 µm size-wise (over 15 orders of magnitude mass-wise). They are flexible in terms of mobile phase and can separate the analytes in native conditions, preserving their original structures/properties as much as possible. Molecular biology is the branch of biology that studies the molecular basis of biological activity, while biotechnology deals with the technological applications of biology. The areas where biotechnologies are required include industrial, agri-food, environmental, and pharmaceutical. Many species of biological interest belong to the operational range of FFF techniques, and their application to the analysis of such samples has steadily grown in the last 30 years. This work aims to summarize the main features, milestones, and results provided by the application of FFF in the field of molecular biology and biotechnology, with a focus on the years from 2000 to 2022. After a theoretical background overview of FFF and its methodologies, the results are reported based on the nature of the samples analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Giordani
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy (V.M.)
| | - Valentina Marassi
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy (V.M.)
- byFlow srl, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Placci
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy (V.M.)
| | - Andrea Zattoni
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy (V.M.)
- byFlow srl, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - Barbara Roda
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy (V.M.)
- byFlow srl, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Reschiglian
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy (V.M.)
- byFlow srl, 40129 Bologna, Italy
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3
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Brai A, Poggialini F, Pasqualini C, Trivisani CI, Vagaggini C, Dreassi E. Progress towards Adjuvant Development: Focus on Antiviral Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9225. [PMID: 37298177 PMCID: PMC10253057 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, vaccines have been extraordinary resources to prevent pathogen diffusion and cancer. Even if they can be formed by a single antigen, the addition of one or more adjuvants represents the key to enhance the response of the immune signal to the antigen, thus accelerating and increasing the duration and the potency of the protective effect. Their use is of particular importance for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or immunocompromised people. Despite their importance, only in the last forty years has the search for novel adjuvants increased, with the discovery of novel classes of immune potentiators and immunomodulators. Due to the complexity of the cascades involved in immune signal activation, their mechanism of action remains poorly understood, even if significant discovery has been recently made thanks to recombinant technology and metabolomics. This review focuses on the classes of adjuvants under research, recent mechanism of action studies, as well as nanodelivery systems and novel classes of adjuvants that can be chemically manipulated to create novel small molecule adjuvants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalaura Brai
- Department of Biotechnologies, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.P.); (C.P.); (C.V.)
| | - Federica Poggialini
- Department of Biotechnologies, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.P.); (C.P.); (C.V.)
| | - Claudia Pasqualini
- Department of Biotechnologies, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.P.); (C.P.); (C.V.)
| | - Claudia Immacolata Trivisani
- Department of Biotechnologies, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.P.); (C.P.); (C.V.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Chiara Vagaggini
- Department of Biotechnologies, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.P.); (C.P.); (C.V.)
| | - Elena Dreassi
- Department of Biotechnologies, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, I-53100 Siena, Italy; (A.B.); (F.P.); (C.P.); (C.V.)
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4
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Facciolà A, Visalli G, Laganà A, Di Pietro A. An Overview of Vaccine Adjuvants: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10050819. [PMID: 35632575 PMCID: PMC9147349 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10050819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccinations are one of the most important preventive tools against infectious diseases. Over time, many different types of vaccines have been developed concerning the antigen component. Adjuvants are essential elements that increase the efficacy of vaccination practises through many different actions, especially acting as carriers, depots, and stimulators of immune responses. For many years, few adjuvants have been included in vaccines, with aluminium salts being the most commonly used adjuvant. However, recent research has focused its attention on many different new compounds with effective adjuvant properties and improved safety. Modern technologies such as nanotechnologies and molecular biology have forcefully entered the production processes of both antigen and adjuvant components, thereby improving vaccine efficacy. Microparticles, emulsions, and immune stimulators are currently in the spotlight for their huge potential in vaccine production. Although studies have reported some potential side effects of vaccine adjuvants such as the recently recognised ASIA syndrome, the huge worth of vaccines remains unquestionable. Indeed, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of vaccines, especially in regard to managing future potential pandemics. In this field, research into adjuvants could play a leading role in the production of increasingly effective vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Facciolà
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.V.); (A.L.); (A.D.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Giuseppa Visalli
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.V.); (A.L.); (A.D.P.)
| | - Antonio Laganà
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.V.); (A.L.); (A.D.P.)
- Multi-Specialist Clinical Institute for Orthopaedic Trauma Care (COT), 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Angela Di Pietro
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (G.V.); (A.L.); (A.D.P.)
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5
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Ventouri IK, Loeber S, Somsen GW, Schoenmakers PJ, Astefanei A. Field-flow fractionation for molecular-interaction studies of labile and complex systems: A critical review. Anal Chim Acta 2022; 1193:339396. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2021.339396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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6
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Gerstweiler L, Billakanti J, Bi J, Middelberg A. Comparative evaluation of integrated purification pathways for bacterial modular polyomavirus major capsid protein VP1 to produce virus-like particles using high throughput process technologies. J Chromatogr A 2021; 1639:461924. [PMID: 33545579 PMCID: PMC7825977 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2021.461924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Modular virus-like particles and capsomeres are potential vaccine candidates that can induce strong immune responses. There are many described protocols for the purification of microbially-produced viral protein in the literature, however, they suffer from inherent limitations in efficiency, scalability and overall process costs. In this study, we investigated alternative purification pathways to identify and optimise a suitable purification pathway to overcome some of the current challenges. Among the methods, the optimised purification strategy consists of an anion exchange step in flow through mode followed by a multi modal cation exchange step in bind and elute mode. This approach allows an integrated process without any buffer adjustment between the purification steps. The major contaminants like host cell proteins, DNA and aggregates can be efficiently removed by the optimised strategy, without the need for a size exclusion polishing chromatography step, which otherwise could complicate the process scalability and increase overall cost. High throughput process technology studies were conducted to optimise binding and elution conditions for multi modal cation exchanger, Capto™ MMC and strong anion exchanger Capto™ Q. A dynamic binding capacity of 14 mg ml−1 was achieved for Capto™ MMC resin. Samples derived from each purification process were thoroughly characterized by RP-HPLC, SEC-HPLC, SDS-PAGE and LC-ESI-MS/MS Mass Spectrometry analytical methods. Modular polyomavirus major capsid protein could be purified within hours using the optimised process achieving purities above 87% and above 96% with inclusion of an initial precipitation step. Purified capsid protein could be easily assembled in-vitro into well-defined virus-like particles by lowering pH with addition of calcium chloride to the eluate. High throughout studies allowed the screening of a vast design space within weeks, rather than months, and unveiled complicated binding behaviour for CaptoTM MMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Gerstweiler
- The University of Adelaide, School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Jagan Billakanti
- Cytiva, Product and Application Specialist Downstream Design-In ANZ, Suite 547, Level 5, 7 Eden Park Drive, Macquarie Park, NSW 2113, Australia
| | - Jingxiu Bi
- The University of Adelaide, School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Anton Middelberg
- The University of Adelaide, Division of Research and Innovation, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
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7
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Yang Y, Su Z, Ma G, Zhang S. Characterization and stabilization in process development and product formulation for super large proteinaceous particles. Eng Life Sci 2020; 20:451-465. [PMID: 33204232 PMCID: PMC7645648 DOI: 10.1002/elsc.202000033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Super large proteinaceous particles (SLPPs) such as virus, virus like particles, and extracellular vesicles have successful and promising applications in vaccination, gene therapy, and cancer treatment. The unstable nature, the complex particulate structure and composition are challenges for their manufacturing and applications. Rational design of the processing should be built on the basis of fully understanding the characteristics of these bio-particles. This review highlights useful analytical techniques for characterization and stabilization of SLPPs in the process development and product formulations, including high performance size exclusion chromatography, multi-angle laser light scattering, asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation, nanoparticle tracking analysis, CZE, differential scanning calorimetry, differential scanning fluorescence, isothermal titration calorimetry , and dual polarization interferometry. These advanced analytical techniques will be helpful in obtaining deep insight into the mechanism related to denaturation of SLPPs, and more importantly, in seeking solutions to preserve their biological functions against deactivation or denaturation. Combination of different physicochemical techniques, and correlation with in vitro or in vivo biological activity analyses, are considered to be the future trend of development in order to guarantee a high quality, safety, and efficacy of SLPPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical EngineeringInstitute of Process EngineeringChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingP. R. China
| | - Zhiguo Su
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical EngineeringInstitute of Process EngineeringChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingP. R. China
| | - Guanghui Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical EngineeringInstitute of Process EngineeringChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingP. R. China
| | - Songping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical EngineeringInstitute of Process EngineeringChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingP. R. China
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8
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Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation on Virus and Virus-Like Particle Applications. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7110555. [PMID: 31726671 PMCID: PMC6921026 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7110555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) separates sample components based on their sizes in the absence of a stationary phase. It is well suited for high molecular weight samples such as virus-sized particles. The AF4 experiment can potentially separate molecules within a broad size range (~103−109 Da; particle diameter from 2 nm to 0.5−1 μm). When coupled to light scattering detectors, it enables rapid assays on the size, size distribution, degradation, and aggregation of the studied particle populations. Thus, it can be used to study the quality of purified viruses and virus-like particles. In addition to being an advanced analytical characterization technique, AF4 can be used in a semi-preparative mode. Here, we summarize and provide examples on the steps that need optimization for obtaining good separation with the focus on virus-sized particles.
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9
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Pattinson DJ, Apte SH, Wibowo N, Chuan YP, Rivera-Hernandez T, Groves PL, Lua LH, Middelberg APJ, Doolan DL. Chimeric Murine Polyomavirus Virus-Like Particles Induce Plasmodium Antigen-Specific CD8 + T Cell and Antibody Responses. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:215. [PMID: 31275867 PMCID: PMC6593135 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
An effective vaccine against the Plasmodium parasite is likely to require the induction of robust antibody and T cell responses. Chimeric virus-like particles are an effective vaccine platform for induction of antibody responses, but their capacity to induce robust cellular responses and cell-mediated protection against pathogen challenge has not been established. To evaluate this, we produced chimeric constructs using the murine polyomavirus structural protein with surface-exposed CD8+ or CD4+ T cell or B cell repeat epitopes derived from the Plasmodium yoelii circumsporozoite protein, and assessed immunogenicity and protective capacity in a murine model. Robust CD8+ T cell responses were induced by immunization with the chimeric CD8+ T cell epitope virus-like particles, however CD4+ T cell responses were very low. The B cell chimeric construct induced robust antibody responses but there was no apparent synergy when T cell and B cell constructs were administered as a pool. A heterologous prime/boost regimen using plasmid DNA priming followed by a VLP boost was more effective than homologous VLP immunization for cellular immunity and protection. These data show that chimeric murine polyomavirus virus-like particles are a good platform for induction of CD8+ T cell responses as well as antibody responses.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Protozoan
- Antibody Formation/immunology
- Antigens, Protozoan/immunology
- B-Lymphocytes
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Immunity, Cellular
- Immunization
- Immunization, Secondary
- Malaria Vaccines
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Plasmodium yoelii
- Polyomavirus/genetics
- Polyomavirus/immunology
- Protozoan Proteins/immunology
- Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle/genetics
- Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Pattinson
- Infectious Diseases Programme, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Simon H. Apte
- Infectious Diseases Programme, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Nani Wibowo
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Yap P. Chuan
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Tania Rivera-Hernandez
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Penny L. Groves
- Infectious Diseases Programme, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Linda H. Lua
- Protein Expression Facility, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Anton P. J. Middelberg
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Denise L. Doolan
- Infectious Diseases Programme, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
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10
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Wang X, Tang Q, Qiu L, Yang Z. Penton-dodecahedron of fowl adenovirus serotype 4 as a vaccine candidate for the control of related diseases. Vaccine 2019; 37:839-847. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.12.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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11
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Soltani M, Davis BR, Ford H, Nelson JAD, Bundy BC. Reengineering cell-free protein synthesis as a biosensor: Biosensing with transcription, translation, and protein-folding. Biochem Eng J 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2018.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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12
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Dashti NH, Abidin RS, Sainsbury F. Programmable In Vitro Coencapsidation of Guest Proteins for Intracellular Delivery by Virus-like Particles. ACS NANO 2018; 12:4615-4623. [PMID: 29697964 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b01059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Bioinspired self-sorting and self-assembling systems using engineered versions of natural protein cages are being developed for biocatalysis and therapeutic delivery. The packaging and intracellular delivery of guest proteins is of particular interest for both in vitro and in vivo cell engineering. However, there is a lack of bionanotechnology platforms that combine programmable guest protein encapsidation with efficient intracellular uptake. We report a minimal peptide anchor for in vivo self-sorting of cargo-linked capsomeres of murine polyomavirus (MPyV) that enables controlled encapsidation of guest proteins by in vitro self-assembly. Using Förster resonance energy transfer, we demonstrate the flexibility in this system to support coencapsidation of multiple proteins. Complementing these ensemble measurements with single-particle analysis by super-resolution microscopy shows that the stochastic nature of coencapsidation is an overriding principle. This has implications for the design and deployment of both native and engineered self-sorting encapsulation systems and for the assembly of infectious virions. Taking advantage of the encoded affinity for sialic acids ubiquitously displayed on the surface of mammalian cells, we demonstrate the ability of self-assembled MPyV virus-like particles to mediate efficient delivery of guest proteins to the cytosol of primary human cells. This platform for programmable coencapsidation and efficient cytosolic delivery of complementary biomolecules therefore has enormous potential in cell engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor H Dashti
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology , The University of Queensland , St Lucia , QLD 4072 , Australia
| | - Rufika S Abidin
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology , The University of Queensland , St Lucia , QLD 4072 , Australia
| | - Frank Sainsbury
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology , The University of Queensland , St Lucia , QLD 4072 , Australia
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13
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Sinnuengnong R, Attasart P, Smith DR, Panyim S, Assavalapsakul W. Administration of co-expressed Penaeus stylirostris densovirus-like particles and dsRNA-YHV-Pro provide protection against yellow head virus in shrimp. J Biotechnol 2018; 267:63-70. [PMID: 29307838 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The activation of the innate RNA interference pathway through double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) is one of the approaches to protecting shrimp from viruses. Previous studies have shown that injection of specific dsRNAs can successfully inhibit viral infection in shrimp. However, inhibition requires high levels of dsRNA and dsRNA stability in shrimp is limited. Virus-like particles (VLPs) have been applied to deliver nucleic acids into host cells because of the protection of dsRNAs from host endonucleases as well as the target specificity provided by VLPs. Therefore, this study aimed to develop Penaeus stylirostris densovirus (PstDNV) VLPs for dsRNA deliver to shrimp. The PstDNV capsid protein was expressed and can be self-assembled to form PstDNV VLPs. Co-expression of dsRNA-YHV-Pro and PstDNV capsid protein was achieved in the same bacterial cells, whose structure was displayed as the aggregation of VLPs by TEM. Tested for their inhibiting yellow head virus (YHV) from infecting shrimp, the dsRNA-YHV-Pro-PstDNV VLPs gave higher levels of YHV suppression and a greater reduction in shrimp mortality than the delivery of naked dsRNA-YHV-Pro. Therefore, PstDNV-VLPs are a promising vehicle for dsRNA delivery that maintains the anti-virus activity of dsRNA in shrimp over a longer period of time as compared to native dsRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rapee Sinnuengnong
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phyathai Road, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Pongsopee Attasart
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, 25/25 Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Duncan R Smith
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, 25/25 Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand
| | - Sakol Panyim
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, 25/25 Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Road, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom 73170, Thailand; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, 272 Rama VI Road, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Wanchai Assavalapsakul
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phyathai Road, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
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14
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Tekewe A, Connors NK, Middelberg APJ, Lua LHL. Design strategies to address the effect of hydrophobic epitope on stability and in vitro assembly of modular virus-like particle. Protein Sci 2016; 25:1507-16. [PMID: 27222486 DOI: 10.1002/pro.2953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) and capsomere subunits have shown promising potential as safe and effective vaccine candidates. They can serve as platforms for the display of foreign epitopes on their surfaces in a modular architecture. Depending on the physicochemical properties of the antigenic modules, modularization may affect the expression, solubility and stability of capsomeres, and VLP assembly. In this study, three module designs of a rotavirus hydrophobic peptide (RV10) were synthesized using synthetic biology. Among the three synthetic modules, modularization of the murine polyomavirus VP1 with a single copy of RV10 flanked by long linkers and charged residues resulted in the expression of stable modular capsomeres. Further employing the approach of module titration of RV10 modules on each capsomere via Escherichia coli co-expression of unmodified VP1 and modular VP1-RV10 successfully translated purified modular capomeres into modular VLPs when assembled in vitro. Our results demonstrate that tailoring the physicochemical properties of modules to enhance modular capsomeres stability is achievable through synthetic biology designs. Combined with module titration strategy to avoid steric hindrance to intercapsomere interactions, this allows bioprocessing of bacterially produced in vitro assembled modular VLPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alemu Tekewe
- The University of Queensland, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Centre for Biomolecular Engineering, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Natalie K Connors
- The University of Queensland, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Centre for Biomolecular Engineering, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Anton P J Middelberg
- The University of Queensland, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Centre for Biomolecular Engineering, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Linda H L Lua
- The University of Queensland, UQ Protein Expression Facility, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
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15
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Szurgot I, Jedynak M, Podsiadla-Bialoskorska M, Piwowarski J, Szolajska E, Chroboczek J. Adenovirus Dodecahedron, a VLP, Can be Purified by Size Exclusion Chromatography Instead of Time-Consuming Sucrose Density Gradient Centrifugation. Mol Biotechnol 2016; 57:565-73. [PMID: 25711740 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-015-9850-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Adenoviral dodecahedron (Dd) is a virus-like particle composed of twelve pentameric penton base (Pb) proteins, responsible for adenovirus cell penetration. It is generated spontaneously in the baculovirus system upon expression of the Pb gene of adenovirus serotype 3. This particle shows remarkable cell penetration ability with 2,00,000-3,00,000 Dd internalized into one cell in culture, conceivably delivering several millions of foreign cargo molecules to the target cell. We have used it in the past for delivery of small drugs as well as a vaccination platform, in which Dd serves as a particulate vaccine delivery system. Since development of new biomedicals depends strongly on the cost of their expression and purification, we attempted, albeit unsuccessfully, to obtain Dd expression in bacteria. We therefore retained its expression in the baculovirus/insect cells system but introduced significant improvements in the protocols for Dd expression and purification, leading to considerable savings in time and improved yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Szurgot
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics of Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5a, 02106, Warsaw, Poland
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16
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Synthetic biology design to display an 18 kDa rotavirus large antigen on a modular virus-like particle. Vaccine 2015; 33:5937-44. [PMID: 26387437 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2015] [Revised: 08/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Virus-like particles are an established class of commercial vaccine possessing excellent function and proven stability. Exciting developments made possible by modern tools of synthetic biology has stimulated emergence of modular VLPs, whereby parts of one pathogen are by design integrated into a less harmful VLP which has preferential physical and manufacturing character. This strategy allows the immunologically protective parts of a pathogen to be displayed on the most-suitable VLP. However, the field of modular VLP design is immature, and robust design principles are yet to emerge, particularly for larger antigenic structures. Here we use a combination of molecular dynamic simulation and experiment to reveal two key design principles for VLPs. First, the linkers connecting the integrated antigenic module with the VLP-forming protein must be well designed to ensure structural separation and independence. Second, the number of antigenic domains on the VLP surface must be sufficiently below the maximum such that a "steric barrier" to VLP formation cannot exist. This second principle leads to designs whereby co-expression of modular protein with unmodified VLP-forming protein can titrate down the amount of antigen on the surface of the VLP, to the point where assembly can proceed. In this work we elucidate these principles by displaying the 18.1 kDa VP8* domain from rotavirus on the murine polyomavirus VLP, and show functional presentation of the antigenic structure.
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17
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Norkiene M, Stonyte J, Ziogiene D, Mazeike E, Sasnauskas K, Gedvilaite A. Production of recombinant VP1-derived virus-like particles from novel human polyomaviruses in yeast. BMC Biotechnol 2015; 15:68. [PMID: 26239840 PMCID: PMC4523907 DOI: 10.1186/s12896-015-0187-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eleven new human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) have been identified in the last decade. Serological studies show that these novel HPyVs sub-clinically infect humans at an early age. The routes of infection, entry pathways, and cell tropism of new HPyVs remain unknown. VP1 proteins of polyomaviruses can assembly into virus-like particles (VLPs). As cell culturing systems for HPyV are currently not available, VP1-derived VLPs may be useful tools in basic research and biotechnological applications. RESULTS Recombinant VP1-derived VLPs from 11 newly identified HPyVs were efficiently expressed in yeast. VP1 proteins derived from Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), trichodysplasia spinulosa-associated polyomavirus (TSPyV), and New Jersey polyomavirus (NJPyV) self-assembled into homogeneous similarly-sized VLPs. Karolinska Institutet polyomavirus (KIPyV), HPyV7, HPyV9, HPyV10, and St. Louis polyomavirus (STLPyV) VP1 proteins formed VLPs that varied in size with diameters ranging from 20 to 60 nm. Smaller-sized VLPs (25-35 nm in diameter) predominated in preparations from Washington University polyomavirus (WUPyV) and HPyV6. Attempts to express recombinant HPyV12 VP1-derived VLPs in yeast indicate that translation of VP1 might start at the second of two potential translation initiation sites in the VP1-encoding open reading frame (ORF). This translation resulted in a 364-amino acid-long VP1 protein, which efficiently self-assembled into typical PyV VLPs. MCPyV-, KIPyV-, TSPyV-, HPyV9-, HPyV10-, and HPyV12-derived VLPs showed hemagglutination (HA) assay activity in guinea pig erythrocytes, whereas WUPyV-, HPyV6-, HPyV7-, STLPyV- and NJPyV-derived VP1 VLPs did not. CONCLUSIONS The yeast expression system was successfully utilized for high-throughput production of recombinant VP1-derived VLPs from 11 newly identified HPyVs. HPyV12 VP1-derived VLPs were generated from the second of two potential translation initiation sites in the VP1-encoding ORF. Recombinant VLPs produced in yeast originated from different HPyVs demonstrated distinct HA activities and may be useful in virus diagnostics, capsid structure studies, or investigation of entry pathways and cell tropism of HPyVs until cell culture systems for new HPyVs are developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milda Norkiene
- Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, Graiciuno 8, LT-02241, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Jomante Stonyte
- Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, Graiciuno 8, LT-02241, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Danguole Ziogiene
- Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, Graiciuno 8, LT-02241, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Egle Mazeike
- Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, Graiciuno 8, LT-02241, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Kestutis Sasnauskas
- Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, Graiciuno 8, LT-02241, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Alma Gedvilaite
- Institute of Biotechnology, Vilnius University, Graiciuno 8, LT-02241, Vilnius, Lithuania.
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18
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Tekewe A, Connors NK, Sainsbury F, Wibowo N, Lua LH, Middelberg AP. A rapid and simple screening method to identify conditions for enhanced stability of modular vaccine candidates. Biochem Eng J 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2015.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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19
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Seth A, Ritchie FK, Wibowo N, Lua LHL, Middelberg APJ. Non-carrier nanoparticles adjuvant modular protein vaccine in a particle-dependent manner. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117203. [PMID: 25756283 PMCID: PMC4355484 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanoparticles are increasingly used to adjuvant vaccine formulations due to their biocompatibility, ease of manufacture and the opportunity to tailor their size, shape, and physicochemical properties. The efficacy of similarly-sized silica (Si-OH), poly (D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and poly caprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles (nps) to adjuvant recombinant capsomere presenting antigenic M2e modular peptide from Influenza A virus (CapM2e) was investigated in vivo. Formulation of CapM2e with Si-OH or PLGA nps significantly boosted the immunogenicity of modular capsomeres, even though CapM2e was not actively attached to the nanoparticles prior to injection (i.e., formulation was by simple mixing). In contrast, PCL nps showed no significant adjuvant effect using this simple-mixing approach. The immune response induced by CapM2e alone or formulated with nps was antibody-biased with very high antigen-specific antibody titer and less than 20 cells per million splenocytes secreting interferon gamma. Modification of silica nanoparticle surface properties through amine functionalization and pegylation did not lead to significant changes in immune response. This study confirms that simple mixing-based formulation can lead to effective adjuvanting of antigenic protein, though with antibody titer dependent on nanoparticle physicochemical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Seth
- The University of Queensland, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Fiona K Ritchie
- The University of Queensland, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Nani Wibowo
- The University of Queensland, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Linda H L Lua
- The University of Queensland, Protein Expression Facility, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Anton P J Middelberg
- The University of Queensland, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
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20
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21
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Wibowo N, Chuan YP, Seth A, Cordoba Y, Lua LHL, Middelberg APJ. Co-administration of non-carrier nanoparticles boosts antigen immune response without requiring protein conjugation. Vaccine 2014; 32:3664-9. [PMID: 24793947 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2014.04.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2013] [Revised: 04/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Nanotechnology promises a revolution in medicine including through new vaccine approaches. The use of nanoparticles in vaccination has, to date, focused on attaching antigen directly to or within nanoparticle structures to enhance antigen uptake by immune cells. Here we question whether antigen incorporation with the nanoparticle is actually necessary to boost vaccine effectiveness. We show that the immunogenicity of a sub-unit protein antigen was significantly boosted by formulation with silica nanoparticles even without specific conjugation of antigen to the nanoparticle. We further show that this effect was observed only for virus-sized nanoparticles (50 nm) but not for larger (1,000 nm) particles, demonstrating a pronounced effect of nanoparticle size. This non-attachment approach has potential to radically simplify the development and application of nanoparticle-based formulations, leading to safer and simpler nanoparticle applications in vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nani Wibowo
- The University of Queensland, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Yap P Chuan
- The University of Queensland, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Arjun Seth
- The University of Queensland, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Yoann Cordoba
- The University of Queensland, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Linda H L Lua
- The University of Queensland, Protein Expression Facility, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Anton P J Middelberg
- The University of Queensland, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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22
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23
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Chuan YP, Wibowo N, Connors NK, Wu Y, Hughes FK, Batzloff MR, Lua LH, Middelberg AP. Microbially synthesized modular virus-like particles and capsomeres displaying group A streptococcus hypervariable antigenic determinants. Biotechnol Bioeng 2013; 111:1062-70. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.25172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Revised: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yap P. Chuan
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology; Centre for Biomolecular Engineering; University of Queensland; St. Lucia QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Nani Wibowo
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology; Centre for Biomolecular Engineering; University of Queensland; St. Lucia QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Natalie K. Connors
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology; Centre for Biomolecular Engineering; University of Queensland; St. Lucia QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Yang Wu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology; Centre for Biomolecular Engineering; University of Queensland; St. Lucia QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Fiona K. Hughes
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology; Centre for Biomolecular Engineering; University of Queensland; St. Lucia QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Michael R. Batzloff
- Institute for Glycomics, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University; Gold Coast QLD Australia
| | - Linda H.L. Lua
- Protein Expression Facility; University of Queensland; St. Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Anton P.J. Middelberg
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology; Centre for Biomolecular Engineering; University of Queensland; St. Lucia QLD 4072 Australia
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24
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Lua LHL, Connors NK, Sainsbury F, Chuan YP, Wibowo N, Middelberg APJ. Bioengineering virus-like particles as vaccines. Biotechnol Bioeng 2013; 111:425-40. [PMID: 24347238 DOI: 10.1002/bit.25159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Revised: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Virus-like particle (VLP) technology seeks to harness the optimally tuned immunostimulatory properties of natural viruses while omitting the infectious trait. VLPs that assemble from a single protein have been shown to be safe and highly efficacious in humans, and highly profitable. VLPs emerging from basic research possess varying levels of complexity and comprise single or multiple proteins, with or without a lipid membrane. Complex VLP assembly is traditionally orchestrated within cells using black-box approaches, which are appropriate when knowledge and control over assembly are limited. Recovery challenges including those of adherent and intracellular contaminants must then be addressed. Recent commercial VLPs variously incorporate steps that include VLP in vitro assembly to address these problems robustly, but at the expense of process complexity. Increasing research activity and translation opportunity necessitate bioengineering advances and new bioprocessing modalities for efficient and cost-effective production of VLPs. Emerging approaches are necessarily multi-scale and multi-disciplinary, encompassing diverse fields from computational design of molecules to new macro-scale purification materials. In this review, we highlight historical and emerging VLP vaccine approaches. We overview approaches that seek to specifically engineer a desirable immune response through modular VLP design, and those that seek to improve bioprocess efficiency through inhibition of intracellular assembly to allow optimal use of existing purification technologies prior to cell-free VLP assembly. Greater understanding of VLP assembly and increased interdisciplinary activity will see enormous progress in VLP technology over the coming decade, driven by clear translational opportunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda H L Lua
- Protein Expression Facility, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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25
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Teunissen EA, de Raad M, Mastrobattista E. Production and biomedical applications of virus-like particles derived from polyomaviruses. J Control Release 2013; 172:305-321. [PMID: 23999392 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2013.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Revised: 08/18/2013] [Accepted: 08/20/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs), aggregates of capsid proteins devoid of viral genetic material, show great promise in the fields of vaccine development and gene therapy. These particles spontaneously self-assemble after heterologous expression of viral structural proteins. This review will focus on the use of virus-like particles derived from polyomavirus capsid proteins. Since their first recombinant production 27 years ago these particles have been investigated for a myriad of biomedical applications. These virus-like particles are safe, easy to produce, can be loaded with a broad range of diverse cargoes and can be tailored for specific delivery or epitope presentation. We will highlight the structural characteristics of polyomavirus-derived VLPs and give an overview of their applications in diagnostics, vaccine development and gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik A Teunissen
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Markus de Raad
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Enrico Mastrobattista
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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26
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Mohr J, Chuan YP, Wu Y, Lua LHL, Middelberg APJ. Virus-like particle formulation optimization by miniaturized high-throughput screening. Methods 2013; 60:248-56. [PMID: 23639868 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2013.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2012] [Revised: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are non-infectious and immunogenic virus-mimicking protein assemblies that are increasingly researched as vaccine candidates. Stability against aggregation is an important determinant dictating the viability of a pipeline VLP product, making multivariable stability data highly desirable especially in early product development stages. However, comprehensive formulation studies are challenging due to low sample availability early in developability assessment. This issue is exacerbated by industry-standard analytical techniques which are low-throughput and/or sample-consuming. This study presents a miniaturized high-throughput screening (MHTS) methodology for VLP formulation by integrating dynamic light scattering (DLS) and asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) in a formulation funnel analysis. Using only 2 μg of sample and 100 s per measurement, a DLS plate reader was deployed to effectively pre-screen a large experimental space, allowing a smaller set of superior formulation conditions to be interrogated at high-resolution with AF4. The stabilizing effects of polysorbate 20, sucrose, trehalose, mannitol and sorbitol were investigated. MHTS data showed that addition of 0.5% w/v polysorbate 20 together with either 40% w/v sucrose or 40% w/v sorbitol could stabilize VLPs at elevated temperatures up to 58 °C. AF4 data further confirmed that the formulation containing 40% w/v sorbitol and 0.5% w/v polysorbate 20 effectively protected VLPs during freeze-thawing and freeze-drying, increasing recoveries from these processes by 80 and 50 percentage points, respectively. The MHTS strategy presented here could be used to rapidly explore a large formulation development space using reduced amounts of sample, without sacrificing the analytical resolution needed for quality control. Such a method paves the way for rapid formulation development and could potentially hasten the commercialization of new VLP vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Mohr
- The University of Queensland, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
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27
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Chuan YP, Rivera-Hernandez T, Wibowo N, Connors NK, Wu Y, Hughes FK, Lua LHL, Middelberg APJ. Effects of pre-existing anti-carrier immunity and antigenic element multiplicity on efficacy of a modular virus-like particle vaccine. Biotechnol Bioeng 2013; 110:2343-51. [PMID: 23532896 DOI: 10.1002/bit.24907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2012] [Revised: 03/08/2013] [Accepted: 03/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Modularization of a peptide antigen for presentation on a microbially synthesized murine polyomavirus (MuPyV) virus-like particle (VLP) offers a new alternative for rapid and low-cost vaccine delivery at a global scale. In this approach, heterologous modules containing peptide antigenic elements are fused to and displayed on the VLP carrier, allowing enhancement of peptide immunogenicity via ordered and densely repeated presentation of the modules. This study addresses two key engineering questions pertaining to this platform, exploring the effects of (i) pre-existing carrier-specific immunity on modular VLP vaccine effectiveness and (ii) increase in the antigenic element number per VLP on peptide-specific immune response. These effects were studied in a mouse model and with modular MuPyV VLPs presenting a group A streptococcus (GAS) peptide antigen, J8i. The data presented here demonstrate that immunization with a modular VLP could induce high levels of J8i-specific antibodies despite a strong pre-existing anti-carrier immune response. Doubling of the J8i antigenic element number per VLP did not enhance J8i immunogenicity at a constant peptide dose. However, the strategy, when used in conjunction with increased VLP dose, could effectively increase the peptide dose up to 10-fold, leading to a significantly higher J8i-specific antibody titer. This study further supports feasibility of the MuPyV modular VLP vaccine platform by showing that, in the absence of adjuvant, modularized GAS antigenic peptide at a dose as low as 150 ng was sufficient to raise a high level of peptide-specific IgGs indicative of bactericidal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yap P Chuan
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Centre for Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
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28
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Rivera-Hernandez T, Hartas J, Wu Y, Chuan YP, Lua LHL, Good M, Batzloff MR, Middelberg APJ. Self-adjuvanting modular virus-like particles for mucosal vaccination against group A streptococcus (GAS). Vaccine 2013; 31:1950-5. [PMID: 23422147 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Revised: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Group A streptococcus (GAS) causes a wide range of diseases, some of them related to autoimmune diseases triggered by repeated GAS infections. Despite the fact that GAS primarily colonizes the mucosal epithelium of the pharynx, the main mechanism of action of most vaccine candidates is based on development of systemic antibodies that do not cross-react with host tissues, neglecting the induction of mucosal immunity that could potentially block disease transmission. Peptide antigens from GAS M-surface protein can confer protection against infection; however, translation of such peptides into immunogenic mucosal vaccines that can be easily manufactured remains a challenge. In this work, a modular murine polyomavirus (MuPyV) virus-like particle (VLP) was engineered to display a GAS antigenic peptide, J8i. Heterologous modules containing one or two J8i antigen elements were integrated with the MuPyV VLP, and produced using microbial protein expression, standard purification techniques and in vitro VLP assembly. Both modular VLPs, when delivered intranasally to outbred mice without adjuvant, induced significant titers of J8i-specific IgG and IgA antibodies, indicating significant systemic and mucosal responses, respectively. GAS colonization in the throats of mice challenged intranasally was reduced in these immunized mice, and protection against lethal challenge was observed. This study shows that modular MuPyV VLPs prepared using microbial synthesis have potential to facilitate cost-effective vaccine delivery to remote communities through the use of mucosal immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Rivera-Hernandez
- The University of Queensland, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Centre for Biomolecular Engineering, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
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29
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Liew MW, Chuan YP, Middelberg AP. Reactive diafiltration for assembly and formulation of virus-like particles. Biochem Eng J 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2012.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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