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Napper S, Schatzl HM. Oral vaccination as a potential strategy to manage chronic wasting disease in wild cervid populations. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1156451. [PMID: 37122761 PMCID: PMC10140515 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1156451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are a novel class of infectious disease based in the misfolding of the cellular prion protein (PrPC) into a pathological, self-propagating isoform (PrPSc). These fatal, untreatable neurodegenerative disorders affect a variety of species causing scrapie in sheep and goats, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle, chronic wasting disease (CWD) in cervids, and Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease (CJD) in humans. Of the animal prion diseases, CWD is currently regarded as the most significant threat due its ongoing geographical spread, environmental persistence, uptake into plants, unpredictable evolution, and emerging evidence of zoonotic potential. The extensive efforts to manage CWD have been largely ineffective, highlighting the need for new disease management tools, including vaccines. Development of an effective CWD vaccine is challenged by the unique biology of these diseases, including the necessity, and associated dangers, of overcoming immune tolerance, as well the logistical challenges of vaccinating wild animals. Despite these obstacles, there has been encouraging progress towards the identification of safe, protective antigens as well as effective strategies of formulation and delivery that would enable oral delivery to wild cervids. In this review we highlight recent strategies for antigen selection and optimization, as well as considerations of various platforms for oral delivery, that will enable researchers to accelerate the rate at which candidate CWD vaccines are developed and evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Napper
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Hermann M. Schatzl
- Calgary Prion Research Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Frid K, Binyamin O, Usman A, Gabizon R. Delay of gCJD aggravation in sick TgMHu2ME199K mice by combining NPC transplantation and Nano-PSO administration. Neurobiol Aging 2020; 95:231-239. [PMID: 32861834 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2020.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
gCJD is a fatal late-onset neurodegenerative disease linked to mutations in the PRNP gene. We have previously shown that transplantation of neural precursor cells (NPCs), or administration of a nanoformulation of pomegranate seed oil (Nano-PSO, GranaGard), into newborn asymptomatic TgMHu2ME199K mice modeling for E200K gCJD significantly delayed the advance of clinical disease. In the present study, we tested the individual and combined effects of both treatments in older and sick TgMHu2ME199K mice. We show that while transplantation of NPCs at both initial (140 days) and advance clinical states (230 days) arrested disease progression for about 30 days, after which scores rapidly climbed to those of untreated Tgs, administration of Nano-PSO to transplanted TgMHu2ME199K mice resulted in detention of disease advance for 60-80 days, followed by a slower disease progression thereafter. Pathological examinations demonstrated the combined treatment extended the survival of the transplanted NPCs, and also increased the generation of endogenous stem cells. Our results suggest that administration of Nano-PSO may increase the beneficial effects of NPCs transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kati Frid
- Department of Neurology, The Agnes Ginges Center for Human Neurogenetics, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel; Medical School, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Orli Binyamin
- Department of Neurology, The Agnes Ginges Center for Human Neurogenetics, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel; Medical School, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Areen Usman
- Department of Neurology, The Agnes Ginges Center for Human Neurogenetics, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel; Medical School, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ruth Gabizon
- Department of Neurology, The Agnes Ginges Center for Human Neurogenetics, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Manoutcharian K, Perez-Garmendia R, Gevorkian G. Recombinant Antibody Fragments for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 15:779-788. [PMID: 27697033 PMCID: PMC5771054 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x01666160930121647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Revised: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recombinant antibody fragments are promising alternatives to full-length immunoglobulins and offer important advantages compared with conventional monoclonal antibodies: extreme specificity, higher affinity, superior stability and solubility, reduced immunogenicity as well as easy and inexpensive large-scale production. OBJECTIVE In this article we will review and discuss recombinant antibodies that are being evaluated for neurodegenerative diseases in pre-clinical models and in clinical studies and will summarize new strategies that are being developed to optimize their stability, specificity and potency for advancing their use. METHODS Articles describing recombinant antibody fragments used for neurological diseases were selected (PubMed) and evaluated for their significance. RESULTS Different antibody formats such as single-chain fragment variable (scFv), single-domain antibody fragments (VHHs or sdAbs), bispecific antibodies (bsAbs), intrabodies and nanobodies, are currently being studied in pre-clinical models of cancer as well as infectious and autoimmune diseases and many of them are being tested as therapeutics in clinical trials. Immunotherapy approaches have shown therapeutic efficacy in several animal models of Alzheimer´s disease (AD), Parkinson disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Huntington disease (HD), transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) and multiple sclerosis (MS). It has been demonstrated that recombinant antibody fragments may neutralize toxic extra- and intracellular misfolded proteins involved in the pathogenesis of AD, PD, DLB, FTD, HD or TSEs and may target toxic immune cells participating in the pathogenesis of MS. CONCLUSION Recombinant antibody fragments represent a promising tool for the development of antibody-based immunotherapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Manoutcharian
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), Mexico DF. Mexico
| | - Roxanna Perez-Garmendia
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), Mexico DF. Mexico
| | - Goar Gevorkian
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), Apartado Postal 70228, Cuidad Universitaria, Mexico DF, CP 04510, Mexico. 0
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Ashrafuzzaman M, Tseng CY, Kapty J, Mercer JR, Tuszynski JA. A computationally designed DNA aptamer template with specific binding to phosphatidylserine. Nucleic Acid Ther 2013; 23:418-26. [PMID: 24279298 PMCID: PMC3868250 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2013.0415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The phospholipid phosphatidylserine (PS) is an early marker exploited for detecting apoptosis (PS externalization in the cell membrane bilayer) and one factor that is associated with increased amyloid plaque deposition in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). PS can therefore be considered as a promising target for diagnosis or treatment of diseases. Aptamers (short nucleic acid sequences) are a particularly attractive class of materials among those currently considered for targeting PS. Here we applied an entropy based seed-and-grow strategy to design a DNA aptamer template to bind specifically to PS. The binding properties of designed aptamers were investigated computationally and experimentally. The studies identify the sequence, 5'-AAAGAC-3', as the preferred template for further modifications and studies toward its practical implementations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Ashrafuzzaman
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Chih-Yuan Tseng
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Janice Kapty
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - John R. Mercer
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jack A. Tuszynski
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Evidence for prion-like mechanisms in several neurodegenerative diseases: potential implications for immunotherapy. Clin Dev Immunol 2013; 2013:473706. [PMID: 24228054 PMCID: PMC3817797 DOI: 10.1155/2013/473706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Revised: 06/11/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are fatal, untreatable neurodegenerative diseases. While the impact of TSEs on human health is relatively minor, these diseases are having a major influence on how we view, and potentially treat, other more common neurodegenerative disorders. Until recently, TSEs encapsulated a distinct category of neurodegenerative disorder, exclusive in their defining characteristic of infectivity. It now appears that similar mechanisms of self-propagation may underlie other proteinopathies such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease. This link is of scientific interest and potential therapeutic importance as this route of self-propagation offers conceptual support and guidance for vaccine development efforts. Specifically, the existence of a pathological, self-promoting isoform offers a rational vaccine target. Here, we review the evidence of prion-like mechanisms within a number of common neurodegenerative disorders and speculate on potential implications and opportunities for vaccine development.
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Hedlin P, Taschuk R, Potter A, Griebel P, Napper S. Detection and control of prion diseases in food animals. ISRN VETERINARY SCIENCE 2012; 2012:254739. [PMID: 23738120 PMCID: PMC3658581 DOI: 10.5402/2012/254739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2011] [Accepted: 12/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), or prion diseases, represent a unique form of infectious disease based on misfolding of a self-protein (PrPC) into a pathological, infectious conformation (PrPSc). Prion diseases of food animals gained notoriety during the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) outbreak of the 1980s. In particular, disease transmission to humans, to the generation of a fatal, untreatable disease, elevated the perspective on livestock prion diseases from food production to food safety. While the immediate threat posed by BSE has been successfully addressed through surveillance and improved management practices, another prion disease is rapidly spreading. Chronic wasting disease (CWD), a prion disease of cervids, has been confirmed in wild and captive populations with devastating impact on the farmed cervid industries. Furthermore, the unabated spread of this disease through wild populations threatens a natural resource that is a source of considerable economic benefit and national pride. In a worst-case scenario, CWD may represent a zoonotic threat either through direct transmission via consumption of infected cervids or through a secondary food animal, such as cattle. This has energized efforts to understand prion diseases as well as to develop tools for disease detection, prevention, and management. Progress in each of these areas is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Hedlin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N 5E3 ; Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada S7N 5E3
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Pan YH, Wang YC, Zhang LM, Duan SR. Protective effect of edaravone against PrP106-126-induced PC12 cell death. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2010; 24:235-41. [PMID: 20806394 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.20330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The prion protein peptide PrP106-126 induces cell apoptosis through mechanisms involving production of intracellular reactive oxygen species. The present study investigated the effects of edaravone, a potent free radical scavenger in clinical use, on cell cytotoxicity induced by PrP106-126. Results showed that PrP106-126 decreased PC12 cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Edaravone significantly antagonized the cytotoxic effects of PrP106-126. Mechanistically, PrP106-126 decreased PC 12 intracellular glutathione (GSH) concentrations, decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity, increased concentrations of the oxidation end product malondialdehyde (MDA), depolarized the mitochondrial membrane, and increased caspase-3 activity. Edaravone alone did not affect GSH, SOD, or MDA but did effectively reverse all of the intracellular prooxidant effects induced by PrP106-126 and inhibit induced apoptosis in PC12 cells. In conclusion, edaravone may be a viable candidate for the treatment of oxidative stress-induced neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Hui Pan
- Department of Neurology, First Clinical Medical College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, People's Republic of China
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Anti-PrP antibodies detected at terminal stage of prion-affected mouse. Cell Immunol 2010; 263:212-8. [PMID: 20417929 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2010.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2009] [Revised: 03/23/2010] [Accepted: 03/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The causative agent of prion diseases is the pathological isoform (PrPSc) of the host-encoded cellular prion protein (PrPC). PrPSc has an identical amino acid sequence to PrPC; thus, it has been assumed that an immune response against PrPSc could not be found in prion-affected animals. In this study, we found the anti-prion protein (PrP) antibody at the terminal stage of mouse scrapie. Several sera from mice in the terminal stage of scrapie reacted to the recombinant mouse PrP (rMPrP) molecules and brain homogenates of mouse prion diseases. These results indicate that mouse could recognize PrPC or PrPSc as antigens by the host immune system. Furthermore, immunization with rMPrP generates high titers of anti-PrP antibodies in wild-type mice. Some anti-PrP antibodies immunized with rMPrP prevent PrPSc replication in vitro. The mouse sera from terminal prion disease have several wide epitopes, although mouse sera immunized with rMPrP possess narrow epitopes.
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Alexandrenne C, Wijkhuisen A, Dkhissi F, Hanoux V, Priam F, Allard B, Boquet D, Couraud JY. Electrotransfer of cDNA Coding for a Heterologous Prion Protein Generates Autoantibodies Against Native Murine Prion Protein in Wild-Type Mice. DNA Cell Biol 2010; 29:121-31. [DOI: 10.1089/dna.2009.0940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Coralie Alexandrenne
- CEA, iBiTecS, SPI, Laboratory of Antibody Engineering for Health, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Anne Wijkhuisen
- CEA, iBiTecS, SPI, Laboratory of Antibody Engineering for Health, Gif sur Yvette, France
- UFR SdV, Paris Diderot University, Paris, France
| | - Fatima Dkhissi
- CEA, iBiTecS, SPI, Laboratory of Antibody Engineering for Health, Gif sur Yvette, France
- UFR SdV, Paris Diderot University, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Hanoux
- CEA, iBiTecS, SPI, Laboratory of Antibody Engineering for Health, Gif sur Yvette, France
- UFR SdV, Paris Diderot University, Paris, France
| | - Fabienne Priam
- CEA, iBiTecS, SPI, Laboratory of Antibody Engineering for Health, Gif sur Yvette, France
- UFR SdV, Paris Diderot University, Paris, France
| | - Bertrand Allard
- CEA, iBiTecS, SPI, Laboratory of Antibody Engineering for Health, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Didier Boquet
- CEA, iBiTecS, SPI, Laboratory of Antibody Engineering for Health, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Jean-Yves Couraud
- CEA, iBiTecS, SPI, Laboratory of Antibody Engineering for Health, Gif sur Yvette, France
- UFR SdV, Paris Diderot University, Paris, France
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10
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Hedlin PD, Cashman NR, Li L, Gupta J, Babiuk LA, Potter AA, Griebel P, Napper S. Design and delivery of a cryptic PrP(C) epitope for induction of PrP(Sc)-specific antibody responses. Vaccine 2009; 28:981-8. [PMID: 19925901 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.10.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2009] [Revised: 10/26/2009] [Accepted: 10/28/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) depend on misfolding of a normal cellular protein (PrP(C)) to an infectious conformation (PrP(Sc)). Targeting PrP(Sc) may represent an effective strategy for immunotherapy while avoiding consequences associated with immune responses to self-proteins. A weakly immunogenic epitope of PrP(C) (YYR), which induces PrP(Sc)-specific antibodies, is used as a starting point for vaccine development. Through optimization of epitope, as well as formulation/delivery, we enhance immunogenicity while retaining PrP(Sc) specificity. In particular, QVYYRPVDQYSNQN, presented by a leukotoxin carrier protein, emerges as a strong vaccine candidate. A vaccine representing this construct induces consistent and sustained serum PrP(Sc)-specific IgG antibody responses following two vaccinations. Antigen specific antibodies are also present within cerebral spinal fluid and mucosal secretions. These characteristics provide a foundation for development of a TSE vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Hedlin
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Colja Venturini A, Bresjanac M, Vranac T, Koren S, Narat M, Popović M, Curin Serbec V. Anti-idiotypic antibodies: a new approach in prion research. BMC Immunol 2009; 10:16. [PMID: 19298674 PMCID: PMC2666643 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2172-10-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2008] [Accepted: 03/19/2009] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In certain cases, anti-idiotypic antibodies that recognize an antigen-combining site of an antibody can mimic the structure and/or function of certain nominal antigens. This feature makes them particularly useful if conventional experimental approaches fail to fulfil expectations, especially when the molecule of interest is infectious, toxic or difficult to isolate and purify. We suggest the application of an anti-idiotype concept to the field of prion biology, with the aim of evoking a humoral immune response against the pathological isoform of the prion protein (PrPSc). Different ways to induce anti-idiotypic responses were studied in mice and chickens using various forms of V5B2, a PrPSc-specific monoclonal antibody we have described previously. Results The preparation of anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibodies was achieved with well-defined strategies of immunization, selection and subsequent characterization. Our results demonstrate that it is possible to induce a strong anti-idiotypic immune response against the V5B2 monoclonal antibody in both xenogeneic and syngeneic experimental systems. From the competition seen between polyclonal and monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibodies and the original immunogen, the P1 peptide, and even more importantly, the ultimate target antigen, PrPSc, we conclude that selected antibodies bind to the antigen-combining site of the V5B2 monoclonal antibody and might even resemble the PrPSc-specific epitope. The involvement of both antigen-combining sites in the interaction between V5B2 and the most promising monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody was further supported by molecular docking. Conclusion The results of the present study not only provide an example of the successful production of Ab2 monoclonal antibodies based on a well planned strategy for selection, but should also provide a new experimental approach that is applicable to the field of prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Colja Venturini
- Department for Production of Diagnostic Reagents and Research, Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Abstract
Prions are infectious proteins responsible for a group of fatal neurodegenerative diseases called TSEs (transmissible spongiform encephalopathies) or prion diseases. In mammals, prions reproduce themselves by recruiting the normal cellular protein PrP(C) and inducing its conversion into the disease-causing isoform denominated PrP(Sc). Recently, anti-prion antibodies have been shown to permanently cure prion-infected cells. However, the inability of full-length antibodies and proteins to cross the BBB (blood-brain barrier) hampers their use in the therapy of TSEs in vivo. Alternatively, brain delivery of prion-specific scFv (single-chain variable fragment) by AAV (adeno-associated virus) transfer delays the onset of the disease in infected mice, although protection is not complete. We investigated the anti-prion effects of a recombinant anti-PrP (D18) scFv by direct addition to scrapie-infected cell cultures or by infection with both lentivirus and AAV-transducing vectors. We show that recombinant anti-PrP scFv is able to reduce proteinase K-resistant PrP content in infected cells. In addition, we demonstrate that lentiviruses are more efficient than AAV in gene transfer of the anti-PrP scFv gene and in reducing PrP(Sc) content in infected neuronal cell lines. Finally, we have used a bioinformatic approach to construct a structural model of the D18scFv-PrP(C) complex. Interestingly, according to the docking results, Arg(PrP)(151) (Arg(151) from prion protein) is the key residue for the interactions with D18scFv, anchoring the PrP(C) to the cavity of the antibody. Taken together, these results indicate that combined passive and active immunotherapy targeting PrP might be promising strategies for therapeutic intervention in prion diseases.
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Alexandrenne C, Wijkhuisen A, Dkhissi F, Hanoux V, Créminon C, Boquet D, Couraud JY. Generating antibodies against the native form of the human prion protein (hPrP) in wild-type animals: A comparison between DNA and protein immunizations. J Immunol Methods 2009; 341:41-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2008.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2008] [Revised: 10/01/2008] [Accepted: 10/23/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
The hallmark of prion disease-induced neurodegeneration is the accumulation of PrP(Sc), a misfolded form of PrP(C). In addition, several lines of evidence indicate a role for the immune system and, in particular, inflammation in prion disease pathogenesis. In this work, we tested whether Copaxone, an immunomodulatory agent currently used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, can affect prion disease manifestation in scrapie-infected hamsters. We show here that Copaxone exerted no effect on prion disease incubation time when treatment commenced 2 weeks after i.p. prion infection. However, when Copaxone was mixed with the initial prion inoculum or administered to hamsters weekly starting on the day of infection, prion disease incubation time was prolonged by 30 days. This suggests that Copaxone may affect the initial infection process. In vitro experiments indicate that Copaxone significantly reduced PrP(Sc) binding to both Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and heparin beads and also binds to heparin by itself. Interestingly, Copaxone also abolished PrP(Sc) accumulation in scrapie-infected cells. We propose that Copaxone delays prion infection by competing with the PrP(Sc)-glycosaminoglycans interaction. Whether the immunomodulating activity of Copaxone is related to its heparin binding and anti-prion properties remains to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Engelstein
- Department of Neurology, The Agnes Ginges Center for Human Neurogenetics, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
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15
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Handisurya A, Gilch S, Winter D, Shafti-Keramat S, Maurer D, Schätzl HM, Kirnbauer R. Vaccination with prion peptide-displaying papillomavirus-like particles induces autoantibodies to normal prion protein that interfere with pathologic prion protein production in infected cells. FEBS J 2007; 274:1747-58. [PMID: 17313482 PMCID: PMC3792370 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2007.05721.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders caused by proteinaceous infectious pathogens termed prions (PrP(Sc)). To date, there is no prophylaxis or therapy available for these transmissible encephalopathies. Passive immunization with monclonal antibodies recognizing the normal host-encoded prion protein (PrP(C)) has been reported to abolish PrP(Sc) infectivity and to delay onset of disease. Because of established immunologic tolerance against the widely expressed PrP(C), active immunization appears to be difficult to achieve. To overcome this limitation, papillomavirus-like particles were generated that display a nine amino acid B-cell epitope, DWEDRYYRE, of the murine/rat prion protein in an immunogenic capsid surface loop, by insertion into the L1 major capsid protein of bovine papillomavirus type 1. The PrP peptide was selected on the basis of its previously suggested central role in prion pathogenesis. Immunization with PrP-virus-like particles induced high-titer antibodies to PrP in rabbit and in rat, without inducing overt adverse effects. As determined by peptide-specific ELISA, rabbit immune sera recognized the inserted murine/rat epitope and also cross-reacted with the homologous rabbit/human epitope differing in one amino acid residue. In contrast, rat immune sera recognized the murine/rat peptide only. Sera of both species reacted with PrP(C) in its native conformation in mouse brain and on rat pheochromocytoma cells, as determined by immunoprecipitation and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. Importantly, rabbit anti-PrP serum contained high-affinity antibody that inhibited de novo synthesis of PrP(Sc) in prion-infected cells. If also effective in vivo, PrP-virus-like particle vaccination opens a unique possibility for immunologic prevention of currently fatal and incurable prion-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Handisurya
- Laboratory of Viral Oncology, DIAID, Department of Dermatology, Medical University Vienna, Austria
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Isaacs JD, Ingram RJ, Collinge J, Altmann DM, Jackson GS. The Human Prion Protein Residue 129 Polymorphism Lies Within a Cluster of Epitopes for T Cell Recognition. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2006; 65:1059-68. [PMID: 17086102 DOI: 10.1097/01.jnen.0000240467.18381.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell immune responses to central nervous system-derived and other self-antigens are commonly described in both healthy and autoimmune individuals. However, in the case of the human prion protein (PrP), it has been argued that immunologic tolerance is uncommonly robust. Although development of an effective vaccine for prion disease requires breaking of tolerance to PrP, the extent of immune tolerance to PrP and the identity of immunodominant regions of the protein have not previously been determined in humans. We analyzed PrP T cell epitopes both by using a predictive algorithm and by measuring functional immune responses from healthy donors. Interestingly, clusters of epitopes were focused around the area of the polymorphic residue 129, previously identified as an indicator of susceptibility to prion disease, and in the C-terminal region. Moreover, responses were seen to PrP peptide 121-134 containing methionine at position 129, whereas PrP 121-134 [129V] was not immunogenic. The residue 129 polymorphism was also associated with distinct patterns of cytokine response: PrP 128-141 [129M] inducing IL-4 and IL-6 production, which was not seen in response to PrP 128-141 [129V]. Our data suggest that the immunogenic regions of human PrP lie between residue 107 and the C-terminus and that, like with many other central nervous system antigens, healthy individuals carry responses to PrP within the T cell repertoire and yet do not experience deleterious autoimmune reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy D Isaacs
- Human Disease Immunogenetics Group, Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, Imperial College, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
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Fernandez-Borges N, Brun A, Whitton JL, Parra B, Diaz-San Segundo F, Salguero FJ, Torres JM, Rodriguez F. DNA vaccination can break immunological tolerance to PrP in wild-type mice and attenuates prion disease after intracerebral challenge. J Virol 2006; 80:9970-6. [PMID: 17005675 PMCID: PMC1617305 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01210-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2006] [Accepted: 08/01/2006] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) can be ameliorated by prion protein (PrP)-specific antibodies, but active immunization is complicated by immune tolerance to the normal cellular host protein (PrP(C)). Here, we show that DNA immunization of wild-type mice can break immune tolerance against the prion protein, resulting in the induction of PrP-specific antibody and T-cell responses. PrP immunogenicity was increased by fusion to the lysosomal targeting signal from LIMPII (lysosomal integral membrane protein type II). Although mice immunized with a PrP-LIMPII DNA vaccine showed a dramatic delay in the onset of early disease signs after intracerebral challenge, immunization against PrP also had some deleterious effects. These results clearly confirm the feasibility of using active immunization to protect against TSEs and, in the absence of effective treatments, indicate a suitable alternative for combating the spread of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Fernandez-Borges
- Edifici Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal, Campus de la UAB, Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Valles, Barcelona 08193, Spain.
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Buchholz CJ, Bach P, Nikles D, Kalinke U. Prion protein-specific antibodies for therapeutic intervention of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2006; 6:293-300. [PMID: 16503737 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.6.3.293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Prion diseases, also called transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, are a group of fatal neurodegenerative conditions that affect humans and a wide variety of animals. There is no therapeutic or prophylactic approach against prion diseases available at present. The causative infectious agent is the prion, also termed PrPSc, which is a pathological conformer of the cellular prion protein PrPC. Passive immunisation studies with PrPC-specific antibodies indicated that immunotherapeutic strategies directed against PrPC can prevent prion disease. In this review, putative mechanisms of antibody-mediated prion inactivation, as well as active immunisation strategies, are discussed. Special attention is given to the problem of immunological self-tolerance against PrP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian J Buchholz
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 51-59, 63225 Langen, Germany.
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Bade S, Baier M, Boetel T, Frey A. Intranasal immunization of Balb/c mice against prion protein attenuates orally acquired transmissible spongiform encephalopathy. Vaccine 2006; 24:1242-53. [PMID: 16455168 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2005.12.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2005] [Revised: 12/23/2005] [Accepted: 12/26/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
To test whether prion protein (PrP) specific secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) can be induced and protect against oral transmission of spongiform encephalopathy (SE) we immunized Balb/c mice either intragastrically or intranasally (i.n.) with a recombinant PrP-fragment (PrP90-231) and cholera toxin (CT) adjuvant. Since PrP90-231 was rapidly digested in intestinal lavage, aprotinin was added to some vaccine formulations. While an anti-CT response was elicited via both routes, solely i.n. immunization without aprotinin induced PrP-specific sIgA. They recognize predominantly PrP-oligomers as the antigen was aggregated in the vaccine formulations. Challenge experiments showed that the immune response induced by our protocol could not prevent disease, but increases the median survival of the animals. We conclude that PrP-specific sIgA reduce the infectivity of the inoculum and that complete protection against transmission of SE should be achievable by optimized immunization regimens.
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MESH Headings
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/administration & dosage
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/pharmacology
- Administration, Intranasal
- Animals
- Aprotinin/administration & dosage
- Aprotinin/pharmacology
- Cholera Toxin/administration & dosage
- Cholera Toxin/pharmacology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Feces
- Female
- Immunity, Mucosal
- Immunoglobulin A, Secretory/blood
- Immunoglobulin A, Secretory/immunology
- Immunoglobulin G/analysis
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Peptide Fragments/administration & dosage
- Peptide Fragments/immunology
- Prion Diseases/immunology
- Prion Diseases/prevention & control
- Prion Diseases/transmission
- Prions/administration & dosage
- Prions/immunology
- Serine Proteinase Inhibitors/administration & dosage
- Serine Proteinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Urine
- Vaccines, Synthetic/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Bade
- Research Center Borstel, Parkallee 22, D-23845 Borstel, Germany
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Donofrio G, Heppner FL, Polymenidou M, Musahl C, Aguzzi A. Paracrine inhibition of prion propagation by anti-PrP single-chain Fv miniantibodies. J Virol 2005; 79:8330-8. [PMID: 15956578 PMCID: PMC1143714 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.79.13.8330-8338.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion diseases are characterized by the deposition of PrP(Sc), an abnormal form of the cellular prion protein PrP(C). A growing body of evidence suggests that antibodies to PrP(C) can antagonize deposition of PrP(Sc). However, host tolerance hampers the induction of immune responses to PrP(C), and cross-linking of PrP(C) by bivalent anti-PrP antibodies is neurotoxic. In order to obviate these problems, we explored the antiprion potential of recombinant single-chain antibody (scFv) fragments. scFv fragments derived from monoclonal anti-PrP antibody 6H4, flagged with c-myc and His6 tags, were correctly processed and secreted by mammalian RD-4 rhabdomyosarcoma cells. When cocultured with cells secreting anti-PrP scFv, chronically prion-infected neuroblastoma cells ceased to produce PrP(Sc), even if antibody-producing cells were physically separated from target cells in transwell cultures. Expression of scFv with irrelevant specificity, or of similarly tagged molecules, was not curative. Therefore, eukaryotically expressed scFv exerts a paracrine antiprion activity. The effector functions encoded by immunoglobulin constant domains are unnecessary for this effect. Because of their small size and their monovalent binding, scFv fragments may represent candidates for gene transfer-based immunotherapy of prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Donofrio
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Zurich, Schmelzbergstrasse 12, CH-8091 Zürich, Switzerland
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21
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Aguzzi A. The immune component of brain disease. Curr Opin Immunol 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2004.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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