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Charoenkwan P, Waramit S, Chumnanpuen P, Schaduangrat N, Shoombuatong W. TROLLOPE: A novel sequence-based stacked approach for the accelerated discovery of linear T-cell epitopes of hepatitis C virus. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290538. [PMID: 37624802 PMCID: PMC10456195 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a concerning health issue that causes chronic liver diseases. Despite many successful therapeutic outcomes, no effective HCV vaccines are currently available. Focusing on T cell activity, the primary effector for HCV clearance, T cell epitopes of HCV (TCE-HCV) are considered promising elements to accelerate HCV vaccine efficacy. Thus, accurate and rapid identification of TCE-HCVs is recommended to obtain more efficient therapy for chronic HCV infection. In this study, a novel sequence-based stacked approach, termed TROLLOPE, is proposed to accurately identify TCE-HCVs from sequence information. Specifically, we employed 12 different sequence-based feature descriptors from heterogeneous perspectives, such as physicochemical properties, composition-transition-distribution information and composition information. These descriptors were used in cooperation with 12 popular machine learning (ML) algorithms to create 144 base-classifiers. To maximize the utility of these base-classifiers, we used a feature selection strategy to determine a collection of potential base-classifiers and integrated them to develop the meta-classifier. Comprehensive experiments based on both cross-validation and independent tests demonstrated the superior predictive performance of TROLLOPE compared with conventional ML classifiers, with cross-validation and independent test accuracies of 0.745 and 0.747, respectively. Finally, a user-friendly online web server of TROLLOPE (http://pmlabqsar.pythonanywhere.com/TROLLOPE) has been developed to serve research efforts in the large-scale identification of potential TCE-HCVs for follow-up experimental verification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phasit Charoenkwan
- Modern Management and Information Technology, College of Arts, Media and Technology, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Sajee Waramit
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pramote Chumnanpuen
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Omics Center for Agriculture, Bioresources, Food, and Health, Kasetsart University (OmiKU), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nalini Schaduangrat
- Center for Research Innovation and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Watshara Shoombuatong
- Center for Research Innovation and Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Shayeghpour A, Kianfar R, Hosseini P, Ajorloo M, Aghajanian S, Hedayat Yaghoobi M, Hashempour T, Mozhgani SH. Hepatitis C virus DNA vaccines: a systematic review. Virol J 2021; 18:248. [PMID: 34903252 PMCID: PMC8667529 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-021-01716-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccination against HCV is an effective measure in reduction of virus-related public health burden and mortality. However, no prophylactic vaccine is available as of yet. DNA-based immunization is a promising modality to generate cellular and humoral immune responses. The objective of this study is to provide a systematic review of HCV DNA vaccines and investigate and discuss the strategies employed to optimize their efficacies. METHODS MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and databases in persian language including the Regional Information Centre for Science & Technology (RICeST), the Scientific Information Database and the Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology (IranDoc) were examined to identify studies pertaining to HCV nucleic acid vaccine development from 2000 to 2020. RESULTS Twenty-seven articles were included. Studies related to HCV RNA vaccines were yet to be published. A variety of strategies were identified with the potential to optimize HCV DNA vaccines such as incorporating multiple viral proteins and molecular tags such as HBsAg and Immunoglobulin Fc, multi-epitope expression, co-expression plasmid utilization, recombinant subunit immunogens, heterologous prime-boosting, incorporating NS3 mutants in DNA vaccines, utilization of adjuvants, employment of less explored methods such as Gene Electro Transfer, construction of multi- CTL epitopes, utilizing co/post translational modifications and polycistronic genes, among others. The effectiveness of the aforementioned strategies in boosting immune response and improving vaccine potency was assessed. CONCLUSIONS The recent progress on HCV vaccine development was examined in this systematic review to identify candidates with most promising prophylactic and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Shayeghpour
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Roya Kianfar
- Department of Medical Virology, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parastoo Hosseini
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Clinical Virology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Ajorloo
- Hepatitis Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Sepehr Aghajanian
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Hedayat Yaghoobi
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Tayebeh Hashempour
- Shiraz HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sayed-Hamidreza Mozhgani
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
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Bahrami AA, Bandehpour M, Kazemi B, Bozorgmehr M, Mosaffa N, Chegeni R. Assessment of a poly-epitope candidate vaccine against Hepatitis B, C, and poliovirus in interaction with monocyte-derived dendritic cells: An ex-vivo study. Hum Immunol 2020; 81:218-227. [PMID: 32113655 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2020.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Design and application of epitope-based polyvalent vaccines have recently garnered attention as an efficient alternative for conventional vaccines. We previously have reported the in silico design of HHP antigen which encompasses the immune-dominant epitopes of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), Hepatitis C core protein (HCVcp) and Poliovirus viral proteins (VPs). It has been shown that the HHP has desirable conformation to expose the epitopes, high antigenicity and other desired physicochemical and immunological properties. To confirm the accuracy of these predictions, the ex-vivo immunogenicity of the HHP was assessed. The HHP gene was chemically synthesized in pET28a and expressed in E. coli (BL21). The expressed protein was purified and its immunological potency was evaluated on dendritic cells (DCs) as antigen presenting cells (APCs). Functional analysis was assessed in co-cultivation of autologous T-cells with matured DCs (mDCs). T-cell activation, proliferation and cytokines secretion were evaluated using flowcytometry and ELISA methods. Our results indicated that the HHP could induce the DC maturation. The mDCs were able to trigger T-cell activation and proliferation. In silico design and ex-vivo confirmation of immunological potential could pave the way to introduce efficient immunogens for further analysis. The ability of HHP in DC maturation and T-cell activation makes it an amenable vaccine candidate for further in-vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armina Alagheband Bahrami
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojgan Bandehpour
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Bahram Kazemi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmood Bozorgmehr
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nariman Mosaffa
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rouzbeh Chegeni
- Michener Institute of Education at University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
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Alipour S, Mahdavi A. Boosting Tat DNA vaccine with Tat protein stimulates strong cellular and humoral immune responses in mice. Biotechnol Lett 2020; 42:505-517. [PMID: 31974645 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-020-02801-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a novel DNA priming-protein boosting regimen in simultaneous enhancing humoral and cellular immunogenicity of the HIV-1-Tat-based candidate vaccines in mice. The experimental BALB/c mice were successfully immunized with the HIV-1-Tat DNA vaccine and boosted with the corresponding protein vaccine over a two-week interval and the elicitation of cellular and humoral immune responses were simultaneously assessed. The results showed that the prime-boost immunization has significantly given rise to lymphocyte proliferation and CTL responses, as well as the levels of both IgG and IgG antibodies compared to the other candidate vaccines. The results of the Th polarization also revealed that the Th1: Th2 indexes in the mice vaccinated with the HIV-1 Tat protein, Tat DNA, and the prime-boost vaccines were 1.03, 1.19, and 1.25, respectively. The results suggest that co-administration of the HIV-1-Tat DNA with the corresponding protein may serve as a potential formulation for enhancing of Tat vaccineinduced immunity and has measurable effects on shaping vaccines' induced Th polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Alipour
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), P. O. Box 45195-1159, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Atiyeh Mahdavi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), P. O. Box 45195-1159, Zanjan, Iran.
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A DNA Vaccine Expressing Fusion Protein E2-NT(gp96) Induces Hepatitis C Virus Cross-Neutralizing Antibody in BALB/c Mice. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2019. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.96347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
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Bahrami AA, Bandehpour M, Khalesi B, Kazemi B. Computational Design and Analysis of a Poly-Epitope Fusion Protein: A New Vaccine Candidate for Hepatitis and Poliovirus. Int J Pept Res Ther 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-019-09845-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Alipour S, Mahdavi A, Abdoli A. The effects of CpG-ODNs and Chitosan adjuvants on the elicitation of immune responses induced by the HIV-1-Tat-based candidate vaccines in mice. Pathog Dis 2017; 75:2975569. [PMID: 28175274 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftx013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV1-Tat-based vaccines could elicit broad, durable and neutralizing immune responses and are considered as potential AIDS vaccines. The present study aims to formulate CpG-ODNs adjuvant and Chitosan with Tat protein to enhance the immunogenicity of HIV-1-Tat-based candidate vaccines and to investigate their efficacies in mice. To this end, we added CpG-ODNs, Chitosan and Alum as adjuvants to the Tat-based candidate vaccine formulations. Then, we compared frequency and magnitude of both humoral and cellular immune responses from mice immunized with the adjuvant-formulated Tat candidate vaccines against those obtained from mice immunized with recombinant Tat protein alone. Mice were subcutaneously immunized three times at 2-week intervals with the candidate vaccines. Measurements of anti-Tat immune responses showed that all vaccinated groups had a good immunity compared to the control groups and developed high levels of both humoral and cellular responses. However, immunized mice with CpG-ODNs, and Chitosan-adjuvanted Tat vaccines elicited stronger T-cell responses (both humoral and cellular immunity) compared to the others. These data suggest that co-administration of recombinant Tat protein with CpG-ODNs and Chitosan may serve as a potential formulation for enhancing of the Tat vaccine-induced immunity and might have effects on shaping Th polarization induced by HIV1-Tat protein vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Alipour
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan 45195-1159, Iran
| | - Atiyeh Mahdavi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan 45195-1159, Iran
| | - Asghar Abdoli
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran 1316943551, Iran
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Gholizadeh M, Khanahmad H, Memarnejadian A, Aghasadeghi MR, Roohvand F, Sadat SM, Cohan RA, Nazemi A, Motevalli F, Asgary V, Arezumand R. Design and expression of fusion protein consists of HBsAg and Polyepitope of HCV as an HCV potential vaccine. Adv Biomed Res 2015; 4:243. [PMID: 26682209 PMCID: PMC4673707 DOI: 10.4103/2277-9175.168610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a serious public health threat worldwide. Cellular immune responses, especially cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs), play a critical role in immune response toward the HCV clearance. Since polytope vaccines have the ability to stimulate the cellular immunity, a recombinant fusion protein was developed in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS The designed fusion protein is composed of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), as an immunocarrier, fused to an HCV polytope sequence. The polytope containing five immunogenic epitopes of HCV was designed to induce specific CTL responses. The construct was cloned into the pET-28a, and its expression was investigated in BL21 (DE3), BL21 pLysS, BL21 pLysE, and BL21 AI Escherichia coli strains using 12% gel sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Finally, the identity of expressed fusion protein was confirmed by Western blotting using anti-His monoclonal antibody and affinity chromatography was applied to purify the expressed protein. RESULTS The accuracy of the construct was confirmed by restriction map analysis and sequencing. The transformation of the construct into the BL21 (DE3), pLysS, and pLysE E. coli strains did not lead to any expression. The fusion protein was found to be toxic for E. coli DE3. By applying two steps inhibition, the fusion protein was successfully expressed in BL21 (AI) E. coli strain. CONCLUSION The HBsAg-polytope fusion protein expressed in this study can be further evaluated for its immunogenicity in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monireh Gholizadeh
- Department of Biology, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon Branch, Tonekabon, Iran
| | - Hossein Khanahmad
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | | | - Farzin Roohvand
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mehdi Sadat
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ali Nazemi
- Department of Biology, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon Branch, Tonekabon, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Motevalli
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Asgary
- Department Of Rabies, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran ; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roghaye Arezumand
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Mohammadzadeh S, Roohvand F, Memarnejadian A, Jafari A, Ajdary S, Salmanian AH, Ehsani P. Co-expression of hepatitis C virus polytope-HBsAg and p19-silencing suppressor protein in tobacco leaves. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2015; 54:465-73. [PMID: 25990925 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2015.1048371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Plants transformed by virus-based vectors have emerged as promising tools to rapidly express large amounts and inexpensive antigens in transient condition. OBJECTIVE We studied the possibility of transient-expression of an HBsAg-fused polytopic construct (HCVpc) [containing H-2d and HLA-A2-restricted CD8+CTL-epitopic peptides of C (Core; aa 132-142), E6 (Envelope2; aa 614-622), N (NS3; aa 1406-1415), and E4 (Envelope2; aa 405-414) in tandem of CE6NE4] in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) leaves for the development of a plant-based HCV vaccine. MATERIALS AND METHODS A codon-optimized gene encoding the Kozak sequence, hexahistidine (6×His)-tag peptide, and HCVpc in tandem was designed, chemically synthesized, fused to HBsAg gene, and inserted into Potato virus X (PVX-GW) vector under the control of duplicated PVX coat protein promoter (CPP). The resulted recombinant plasmids (after confirmation by restriction and sequencing analyses) were transferred into Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain GV3101 and vacuum infiltrated into tobacco leaves. The effect of gene-silencing suppressor, p19 protein from tomato bushy stunt virus, on the expression yield of HCVpc-HBsAg was also evaluated by co-infiltration of a p19 expression vector. RESULTS Codon-optimized gene increased adaptation index (CAI) value (from 0.61 to 0.92) in tobacco. The expression of the HCVpc-HBsAg was confirmed by western blot and HBsAg-based detection ELISA on total extractable proteins of tobacco leaves. The expression level of the fusion protein was significantly higher in p19 co-agroinfiltrated plants. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The results indicated the possibility of expression of HCVpc-HBsAg constructs with proper protein conformations in tobacco for final application as a plant-derived HCV vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Soheila Ajdary
- d Department of Immunology , Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran , Iran , and
| | - Ali-Hatef Salmanian
- e Department of Plant Biotechnology , National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology , Tehran , Iran
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Yazdanian M, Memarnejadian A, Mahdavi M, Motevalli F, Sadat SM, Vahabpour R, Khanahmad H, Soleimanjahi H, Budkowska A, Roohvand F. Evaluation of cellular responses for a chimeric HBsAg-HCV core DNA vaccine in BALB/c mice. Adv Biomed Res 2015; 4:13. [PMID: 25625119 PMCID: PMC4300588 DOI: 10.4103/2277-9175.148296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Fusion of Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) to a DNA construct might be considered as a strategy to enhance cellular and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) responses of a Hepatitis C Virus core protein (HCVcp)-based DNA vaccine comparable to that of adjuvanted protein (subunit) immunization. Materials and Methods: pCHCORE vector harboring coding sequence of HBsAg and HCVcp (amino acids 2-120) in tandem within the pCDNA3.1 backbone was constructed. The corresponding recombinant HCVcp was also expressed and purified in Escherichia coli. Mice were immunized either by adjuvanted HCVcp (pluronic acid + protein) or by pCHCORE vector primed/protein boosted immunization regimen. The cellular immune responses (proliferation, In vivo CTL assay and IFN-γ/IL-4 ELISpot) against a strong and dominant H2-d restricted, CD8+-epitopic peptide (C39) (core 39-48; RRGPRLGVRA) of HCVcp were compared in immunized animals. Result: Proper expression of the fused protein by pCHCORE in transiently transfected HEK 293T cells and in the expected size (around 50 kDa) was confirmed by western blotting. The immunization results indicated that the pCHCORE shifted the immune responses pathway to Th1 by enhancing the IFN-γ cytokine level much higher than protein immunization while the proliferative and CTL responses were comparable (or slightly in favor of DNA immunization). Conclusion: Fusion of HBsAg to HCVcp in the context of a DNA vaccine modality could augment Th1-oriented cellular and CTL responses toward a protective epitope, comparable to that of HCVcp (subunit HCV vaccine) immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Yazdanian
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mehdi Mahdavi
- Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Motevalli
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mehdi Sadat
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Hossein Khanahmad
- BCG Research Center, Karaj Research and Production, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Karaj, Iran
| | - Hoorieh Soleimanjahi
- Department of Virology, Medical School, Tarbiat Moderes University (TMU), Tehran, Iran
| | - Agata Budkowska
- Department of Virology, Unit of Hepacivirus and Innate Immunity, Pasteur Institute, 25/28 Rue du Dr. Roux, Paris 75724, France
| | - Farzin Roohvand
- Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Mohammadzadeh S, Khabiri A, Roohvand F, Memarnejadian A, Salmanian AH, Ajdary S, Ehsani P. Enhanced-Transient Expression of Hepatitis C Virus Core Protein in Nicotiana tabacum, a Protein With Potential Clinical Applications. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2014; 14:e20524. [PMID: 25598788 PMCID: PMC4286711 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.20524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2014] [Revised: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is major cause of liver cirrhosis in humans. HCV capsid (core) protein (HCVcp) is a highly demanded antigen for various diagnostic, immunization and pathogenesis studies. Plants are considered as an expression system for producing safe and inexpensive biopharmaceutical proteins. Although invention of transgenic (stable) tobacco plants expressing HCVcp with proper antigenic properties was recently reported, no data for "transient-expression" that is currently the method of choice for rapid, simple and lower-priced protein expression in plants is available for HCVcp. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to design a highly codon-optimized HCVcp gene for construction of an efficient transient-plant expression system for production of HCVcp with proper antigenic properties in a regional tobacco plant (Iranian Jafarabadi-cultivar) by evaluation of different classes of vectors and suppression of gene-silencing in tobacco. MATERIALS AND METHODS A codon-optimized gene encoding the Kozak sequence, 6xHis-tag, HCVcp (1-122) and KDEL peptide in tandem (from N- to C-terminal) was designed and inserted into potato virus-X (PVX) and classic pBI121 binary vectors in separate cloning reactions. The resulted recombinant plasmids were transferred into Agrobacterium tumefaciens and vacuum infiltrated into tobacco leaves. The effect of gene silencing suppressor P19 protein derived from tomato bushy stunt virus on the expression yield of HCVcp by each construct was also evaluated by co-infiltration in separate groups. The expressed HCVcp was evaluated by dot and western blotting and ELISA assays. RESULTS The codon-optimized gene had an increased adaptation index value (from 0.65 to 0.85) and reduced GC content (from 62.62 to 51.05) in tobacco and removed the possible deleterious effect of "GGTAAG" splice site in native HCVcp. Blotting assays via specific antibodies confirmed the expression of the 15 kDa HCVcp. The expression level of HCVcp was enhanced by 4-5 times in P19 co-agroinfiltrated plants with better outcomes for PVX, compared to pBI121 vector (0.022% versus 0.019% of the total soluble protein). The plant-derived HCVcp (pHCVcp) could properly identify the HCVcp antibody in HCV-infected human sera compared to Escherichia coli-derived HCVcp (eHCVcp), indicating its potential for diagnostic/immunization applications. CONCLUSIONS By employment of gene optimization strategies, use of viral-based vectors and suppression of plant-derived gene silencing effect, efficient transient expression of HCVcp in tobacco with proper antigenic properties could be possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Mohammadzadeh
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Alireza Khabiri
- Department of Mycology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Farzin Roohvand
- Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding Authors: Parastoo Ehsani, Department of Molecular Biology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel/Fax.: +98 21 6411-2167, E-mail: . Farzin Roohvand, Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel/Fax: +98-2166496682, E-mail:
| | - Arash Memarnejadian
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Ali Hatef Salmanian
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Soheila Ajdary
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Parastoo Ehsani
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding Authors: Parastoo Ehsani, Department of Molecular Biology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel/Fax.: +98 21 6411-2167, E-mail: . Farzin Roohvand, Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel/Fax: +98-2166496682, E-mail:
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Pishraft-Sabet L, Kosinska AD, Rafati S, Bolhassani A, Taheri T, Memarnejadian A, Alavian SM, Roggendorf M, Samimi-Rad K. Enhancement of HCV polytope DNA vaccine efficacy by fusion to an N-terminal fragment of heat shock protein gp96. Arch Virol 2014; 160:141-52. [PMID: 25348271 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-014-2243-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Induction of a strong hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific immune response plays a key role in control and clearance of the virus. A polytope (PT) DNA vaccine containing B- and T-cell epitopes could be a promising vaccination strategy against HCV, but its efficacy needs to be improved. The N-terminal domain of heat shock protein gp96 (NT(gp96)) has been shown to be a potent adjuvant for enhancing immunity. We constructed a PT DNA vaccine encoding four HCV immunodominant cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitopes (two HLA-A2- and two H2-D(d)-specific motifs) from the Core, E2, NS3 and NS5B antigens in addition to a T-helper CD4+ epitope from NS3 and a B-cell epitope from E2. The NT(gp96) was fused to the C- or N-terminal end of the PT DNA (PT-NT(gp96) or NT(gp96)-PT), and their potency was compared. Cellular and humoral immune responses against the expressed peptides were evaluated in CB6F1 mice. Our results showed that immunization of mice with PT DNA vaccine fused to NT(gp96) induced significantly stronger T-cell and antibody responses than PT DNA alone. Furthermore, the adjuvant activity of NT(gp96) was more efficient in the induction of immune responses when fused to the C-terminal end of the HCV DNA polytope. In conclusion, the NT(gp96) improved the efficacy of the DNA vaccine, and this immunomodulatory effect was dependent on the position of the fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Pishraft-Sabet
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O.Box 6446, Tehran, 14155, Islamic Republic of Iran
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Pishraft Sabet L, Taheri T, Memarnejadian A, Mokhtari Azad T, Asgari F, Rahimnia R, Alavian SM, Rafati S, Samimi Rad K. Immunogenicity of Multi-Epitope DNA and Peptide Vaccine Candidates Based on Core, E2, NS3 and NS5B HCV Epitopes in BALB/c Mice. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2014; 14:e22215. [PMID: 25419219 PMCID: PMC4238154 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.22215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Revised: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypervariability of HCV proteins is an important obstacle to design an efficient vaccine for HCV infection. Multi-epitope vaccines containing conserved epitopes of the virus could be a promising approach for protection against HCV. OBJECTIVES Cellular and humoral immune responses against multi-epitope DNA and peptide vaccines were evaluated in BALB/c mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this experimental study, multi-epitope DNA- and peptide-based vaccines for HCV infection harboring immunodominant CD8+ T cell epitopes (HLA-A2 and H2-Dd) from Core (132-142), NS3 (1073-1081) and NS5B (2727-2735), a Th CD4+ epitope from NS3 (1248-1262) and a B-cell epitope from E2 (412-426) were designed. Multi-epitope DNA and peptide vaccines were tested in two regimens as heterologous DNA/peptide (group 1) and homologous peptide/peptide (group 2) prime/boost vaccine in BALB/c mice model. Electroporation was used for delivery of the DNA vaccine. Peptide vaccine was formulated with Montanide ISA 720 (M720) as adjuvant. Cytokine assay and antibody detection were performed to analyze the immune responses. RESULTS Mice immunized with multi-epitope peptide formulated with M720 developed higher HCV-specific levels of total IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a than those immunized with multi-epitope DNA vaccine. IFN-γ levels in group 2 were significantly higher than group 1 (i.e. 3 weeks after the last immunization; 37.61 ± 2.39 vs. 14.43 ± 0.43, P < 0.05). Moreover, group 2 had a higher IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio compared to group 1, suggesting a shift toward Th1 response. In addition, in the present study, induced immune responses were long lasting and stable after 9 weeks of the last immunization. CONCLUSIONS Evaluation of multi-epitope DNA and peptide-vaccines confirmed their specific immunogenicity in BALB/c mice. However, lower Th1 immune responses in mice immunized with DNA vaccine suggests further investigations to improve the immunogenicity of the multi-epitope DNA vaccine through immune enhancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Pishraft Sabet
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, IR Iran
| | - Tahereh Taheri
- Molecular Immunology and Vaccine Research Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | | | - Talat Mokhtari Azad
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Fatemeh Asgari
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Ramin Rahimnia
- Department of Nano Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Seyed Moayed Alavian
- Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Disease, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Middle East Liver Disease Center (MELD), Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Sima Rafati
- Molecular Immunology and Vaccine Research Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Katayoun Samimi Rad
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding Author: Katayoun Samimi Rad, Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P. O. Box: 6446, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel +98-2188950595; Fax: +98-2166462267, E-mail:
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Clustered epitopes within a new poly-epitopic HIV-1 DNA vaccine shows immunogenicity in BALB/c mice. Mol Biol Rep 2014; 41:5207-14. [PMID: 24842263 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-014-3388-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Despite a huge number of studies towards vaccine development against human immunodeficiency virus-1, no effective vaccine has been approved yet. Thus, new vaccines should be provided with new formulations. Herein, a new DNA vaccine candidate encoding conserved and immunogenic epitopes from HIV-1 antigens of tat, pol, gag and env is designed and constructed. After bioinformatics analyses to find the best epitopes and their tandem, nucleotide sequence corresponding to the designed multiepitope was synthesized and cloned into pcDNA3.1+ vector. Expression of pcDNA3.1-tat/pol/gag/env plasmid was evaluated in HEK293T cells by RT-PCR and western-blotting. Seven groups of BALB/c mice were intramuscularly immunized three times either with 50, 100, 200 µg of plasmid in 2-week intervals or with similar doses of insert-free plasmid. Two weeks after the last injection, proliferation of T cells and secretion of IL4 and IFN-γ cytokines were evaluated using Brdu and ELISA methods, respectively. Results showed the proper expression of the plasmid in protein and mRNA levels. Moreover, the designed multiepitope plasmid was capable of induction of both proliferation responses as well as IFN-γ and IL-4 cytokine production in a considerable level compared to the control groups. Overall, our primary data warranted further detailed studies on the potency of this vaccine.
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Martinez-Donato G, Amador-Cañizares Y, Alvarez-Lajonchere L, Guerra I, Pérez A, Dubuisson J, Wychowsk C, Musacchio A, Aguilar D, Dueñas-Carrera S. Neutralizing antibodies and broad, functional T cell immune response following immunization with hepatitis C virus proteins-based vaccine formulation. Vaccine 2014; 32:1720-6. [PMID: 24486345 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2014.01.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Revised: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
HCV is a worldwide health problem despite the recent advances in the development of more effective therapies. No preventive vaccine is available against this pathogen. However, non-sterilizing immunity has been demonstrated and supports the potential success of HCV vaccines. Induction of cross-neutralizing antibodies and T cell responses targeting several conserved epitopes, have been related to hepatitis C virus (HCV) clearance. Therefore, in this work, the immunogenicity of a preparation (MixprotHC) based on protein variants of HCV Core, E1, E2 and NS3 was evaluated in mice and monkeys. IgG from MixprotHC immunized mice and monkeys neutralized the infectivity of heterologous HCVcc. Moreover, strong CD4+ and CD8+ T cells proliferative and IFN-γ secretion responses were elicited against HCV proteins. Remarkably, immunization with MixprotHC induced control of viremia in a surrogate challenge model in mice. These results suggest that MixprotHC might constitute an effective immunogen against HCV in humans with potential for reducing the likelihood of immune escape and viral persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Martinez-Donato
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba.
| | - Yalena Amador-Cañizares
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba
| | - Liz Alvarez-Lajonchere
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba
| | - Ivis Guerra
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba
| | - Angel Pérez
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba
| | - Jean Dubuisson
- Institut de Biologie de Lille (UMR8161), CNRS, Universite de Lille I & II and Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Czeslaw Wychowsk
- Institut de Biologie de Lille (UMR8161), CNRS, Universite de Lille I & II and Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Alexis Musacchio
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba
| | - Daylen Aguilar
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba
| | - Santiago Dueñas-Carrera
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba
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Yazdanian M, Memarnejadian A, Mahdavi M, Sadat SM, Motevali F, Vahabpour R, Khanahmad H, Siadat SD, Aghasadeghi MR, Roohvand F. Immunization of Mice by BCG Formulated HCV Core Protein Elicited Higher Th1-Oriented Responses Compared to Pluronic-F127 Copolymer. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2013; 13:e14178. [PMID: 24348641 PMCID: PMC3842517 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.14178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Revised: 09/14/2013] [Accepted: 09/25/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A supreme vaccine for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection should elicit strong Th1-oriented cellular responses. In the absence of a Th1-specific adjuvant, immunizations by protein antigens generally induce Th2-type and weak cellular responses. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the adjuvant effect of BCG in comparison with nonionic copolymer-Pluronic F127 (F127) as a classic adjuvant in the formulation of HCV core protein (HCVcp) as a candidate vaccine for induction of Th1 immune responses. MATERIALS AND METHODS Expression of N-terminally His-Tagged HCVcp (1-122) by pIVEX2.4a-core vector harboring the corresponding gene under the control of arabinose-inducible (araBAD) promoter was achieved in BL21-AI strain of E.coli and purified through application of nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni-NTA) chromatography. Mice were immunized subcutaneously (s.c.) in base of the tail with 100 μl of immunogen (F127+HCVcp or BCG+HCVcp; 5 μgHCVcp/mouse/dose) or control formulations (PBS, BCG, F127) at weeks 0, 3, 6. Total and subtypes of IgG, as well as cellular immune responses (Proliferation, In vivo CTL and IFN-γ/IL-4 ELISpot assays against a strong and dominant H2-d restricted, CD8+-epitopic peptide, core 39-48; RRGPRLGVRA of HCVcp) were compared in each group of immunized animals. RESULTS Expression and purification of core protein around the expected size (21 kDa) was confirmed by Western blotting. The HCVcp + BCG vaccinated mice showed significantly higher lymphocyte proliferation and IFN-γ production but lower levels of cell lysis (45% versus 62% in CTL assay) than the HCVcp+F127 immunized animals. "Besides, total anti-core IgG and IgG1 levels were significantly higher in HCVcp + F127 immunized mice as compared to HCVcp + BCG vaccinated animals, indicating relatively higher efficacy of F127 for the stimulation of humoral and Th2-oriented immune responses". CONCLUSIONS Results showed that HCVcp + BCG induced a moderate CTL and mixed Th1/Th2 immune responses with higher levels of cell proliferation and IFN-γ secretion, indicating that BCG may have a better outcome when formulated in HCVcp-based subunit vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Yazdanian
- Hepatitis and AIDS Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Arash Memarnejadian
- Hepatitis and AIDS Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding authors: Arash Memarnejadian, Hepatitis and AIDS Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel/Fax: +98-2166969291, E-mail: ; Farzin Roohvand, Virology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel/Fax: +98-2166496682, E-mail: ,
| | - Mehdi Mahdavi
- Virology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Seyed Mehdi Sadat
- Hepatitis and AIDS Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Fatemeh Motevali
- Hepatitis and AIDS Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | | | - Hossein Khanahmad
- BCG Research Center, Karaj Research and Production Complex, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Karaj, IR Iran
| | | | | | - Farzin Roohvand
- Virology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding authors: Arash Memarnejadian, Hepatitis and AIDS Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel/Fax: +98-2166969291, E-mail: ; Farzin Roohvand, Virology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel/Fax: +98-2166496682, E-mail: ,
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Hepatitis B surface antigen could contribute to the immunopathogenesis of hepatitis B virus infection. ISRN GASTROENTEROLOGY 2013; 2013:935295. [PMID: 23401786 PMCID: PMC3562682 DOI: 10.1155/2013/935295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2012] [Accepted: 12/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Various findings concerning the clinical significance of quantitative changes in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) during the acute and chronic phase of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection have been reported. In addition to being a biomarker of HBV-replication activity, it has been reported that HBsAg could contribute to the immunopathogenesis of HBV persistent infection. Moreover, HBsAg could become an attractive target for immune therapy, since the cellular and humeral immune response against HBsAg might be able to control the HBV replication and life cycle. However, several reports have described the immune suppressive function of HBsAg. HBsAg might suppress monocytes, dendritic cells (DCs), natural killer (NK), and natural killer T (NK-T) cells by direct interaction. On the other hand, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and helper T (Th) cells were exhausted by high amounts of HBsAg. In this paper, we focused on the immunological aspects of HBsAg, since better understanding of the interaction between HBsAg and immune cells could contribute to the development of an immune therapy as well as a biomarker of the state of HBV persistent infection.
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Keyvani H, Fazlalipour M, Monavari SHR, Mollaie HR. Hepatitis C Virus - Proteins, Diagnosis, Treatment and New Approaches for Vaccine Development. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2012. [DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2012.13.12.5917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Jamali A, Holtrop M, de Haan A, Hashemi H, Shenagari M, Memarnejadian A, Roohvand F, Sabahi F, Kheiri MT, Huckriede A. Cationic influenza virosomes as an adjuvanted delivery system for CTL induction by DNA vaccination. Immunol Lett 2012; 148:77-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2012.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2012] [Revised: 07/16/2012] [Accepted: 08/29/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Simultaneous immunisation with a Wilms' tumour 1 epitope and its ubiquitin fusions results in enhanced cell mediated immunity and tumour rejection in C57BL/6 mice. Mol Immunol 2012; 51:325-31. [PMID: 22525006 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2012.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2012] [Revised: 03/29/2012] [Accepted: 03/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Protein fusion to ubiquitin results in its targeting to proteasome and processing through MHC class I pathway. We used this approach to induce cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response against a MHC class I epitope. Therefore, two known proteasome targeting systems, "ubiquitin fusion degradation" (UFD) and "N-end rule", were used to immunise C57BL/6 mice. Two plasmids encoding an epitope from Wilms' Tumour 1 (WT1-126), fused N-terminally to ubiquitin, were constructed. They were designated as "pUbVVPT" and "pUbGRPT", targeting the fused epitope to UFD and N-end pathways, respectively. A plasmid encoding WT1-126 without ubiquitin fusion (pPT) was also constructed as control. Three mice groups were immunised using these constructs (UGR, UVV and PT groups). Two other groups received mixed immunisations of pUbVVPT or pUbGRPT plus pPT plasmids (UVV+PT and UGR+PT). All mice received a WT1-126 peptide booster. Lymphoproliferative responses following stimulation with WT1-126 were observed in all immunisation groups, with mice receiving the mixture of plasmids eliciting the highest proliferation (UVV+PT>UGR+PT>PT). Moreover, In vivo cytotoxicity assay results revealed highest specific lysis of target cells in UVV+PT group. Tumour growth was decreased in all immunised groups, and was completely abrogated in UGR+PT group. In addition, T(H)1 type cytokines patterns were detected from all immunised groups and WT1-126-specific IFNγ producing lymphocytes were developed in them. These results suggest that the delivery of ubiquitin-fused epitopes along with epitopes alone can be used to optimise the effect of DNA vaccines on the induction of anti-tumour immunity.
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Roohvand F, Kossari N. Advances in hepatitis C virus vaccines, part two: advances in hepatitis C virus vaccine formulations and modalities. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2012; 22:391-415. [PMID: 22455502 DOI: 10.1517/13543776.2012.673589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Developing a vaccine against HCV is an important medical and global priority. Unavailability and potential dangers associated with using attenuated HCV viral particles for vaccine preparation have resulted in the use of HCV genes and proteins formulated in novel vaccine modalities. AREAS COVERED In part one of this review, advances in basic knowledge for HCV vaccine design were provided. Herein, a detailed and correlated patents (searched by Espacenet) and literatures (searched by Pubmed) review on HCV vaccine formulations and modalities is provided, including: subunit, DNA, epitopic-peptide/polytopic, live vector- and whole yeast-based vaccines. Less-touched areas in vaccine studies such as mucosal, plant-based, and chimeric HBV/HCV vaccines are also discussed. Furthermore, results of preclinical/clinical studies on selected HCV vaccines as well as pros and cons of different strategies are reviewed. Finally, potential strategies for creation and/or improvement of HCV vaccine formulations are discussed. EXPERT OPINION Promising outcomes of a few HCV vaccine modalities in phase I/II clinical trials predict the accessibility of at least partially effective vaccines to inhibit or treat the chronic state of HCV infection (specially in combination with standard antiviral therapy). ChronVac-C (plasmid DNA), TG4040 (MVA-based), and GI-5005 (whole yeast-based) might be the most obvious HCV vaccine candidates to be approved in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzin Roohvand
- Hepatitis & AIDS Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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Roohvand F, Kossari N. Advances in hepatitis C virus vaccines, Part one: Advances in basic knowledge for hepatitis C virus vaccine design. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2011; 21:1811-30. [PMID: 22022980 DOI: 10.1517/13543776.2011.630662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Around 3% of the world population is infected with HCV, with 3 - 4 million newly infected subjects added to this reservoir every year. At least 10% of these people will develop liver cirrhosis or cancer over time, while no approved vaccine against HCV infection is available to date. AREAS COVERED This paper includes a detailed and correlated patent (selected by HCAPLUS search database) and literature (searched by PubMed) review on the HCV genome, proteins and key epitopes (including underestimated HCV proteins, alternate reading frame proteins), HCV immunology, immunosuppressive mechanisms and protective correlations of immunity in acute and chronic states of infection (features for prophylactic and therapeutic HCV vaccine design), recent HCV cell culture systems (HCV/JFH1) and animal models. In part two of this review, advances in HCV vaccine formulations and modalities as well as a detailed list of the current trials for HCV vaccine and discussion of the pros and cones of different strategies will be provided. EXPERT OPINION By using the advanced basic knowledge and tools obtained about HCV vaccinology in recent years and the application of novel formulations and modalities, at least partially effective vaccines will become available in the near future to prevent (or treat) the chronic (if not the acute) state of HCV infection. A few of such vaccines are already in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzin Roohvand
- Pasteur Institute of Iran, Hepatitis & AIDS Department, Pasteur Ave., Tehran, Iran.
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Immune response of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and possibility of vaccine development for hepatitis C virus infection. J Biomed Biotechnol 2010; 2010:263810. [PMID: 20508848 PMCID: PMC2874944 DOI: 10.1155/2010/263810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2009] [Revised: 01/25/2010] [Accepted: 03/15/2010] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune responses of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are implicated in viral eradication and the pathogenesis of hepatitis C. Weak CTL response against hepatitis C virus (HCV) may lead to a persistent infection. HCV infection impairs the function of HCV-specific CTLs; HCV proteins are thought to actively suppress host immune responses, including CTLs. Induction of a strong HCV-specific CTL response in HCV-infected patients can facilitate complete HCV clearance. Thus, the development of a vaccine that can induce potent CTL response against HCV is strongly expected. We investigated HCV-specific CTL responses by enzyme-linked immuno-spot assay and/or synthetic peptides and identified over 40 novel CTL epitopes in the HCV protein. Our findings may contribute to the development of the HCV vaccine. In this paper, we describe the CTL responses in HCV infection and the attempts at vaccine development based on recent scientific articles.
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