Nucleic acid vaccines for hepatitis B and C virus. Infect Genet Evol. 2019;75:103968. [PMID: 31325609 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2019.103968]

RNA nanomedicine in liver diseases

The remarkable impact of RNA nanomedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the expansive therapeutic potential of this field in diverse disease contexts. In recent years, RNA nanomedicine targeting the liver has been paradigm-shifting in the management of metabolic diseases such as hyperoxaluria and amyloidosis. RNA nanomedicine has significant potential in the management of liver diseases, where optimal management would benefit from targeted delivery, doses titrated to liver metabolism, and personalized therapy based on the specific site of interest. In this review, we discuss in-depth the different types of RNA and nanocarriers used for liver targeting along with their specific applications in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, liver fibrosis, and liver cancers. We further highlight the strategies for cell-specific delivery and future perspectives in this field of research with the emergence of small activating RNA, circular RNA, and RNA base editing approaches.

A machine learning-based approach for improving plasmid DNA production in Escherichia coli fed-batch fermentations

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is spearheading a new industrial revolution, which provides ample opportunities for the transformational development of traditional fermentation processes. During plasmid fermentation, traditional subjective process control leads to highly unstable plasmid yields. In this study, a multi-parameter correlation analysis was first performed to discover a dynamic metabolic balance among the oxygen uptake rate, temperature, and plasmid yield, whilst revealing the heating rate and timing as the most important optimization factor for balanced cell growth and plasmid production. Then, based on the acquired on-line parameters as well as outputs of kinetic models constructed for describing process dynamics of biomass concentration, plasmid yield, and substrate concentration, a machine learning (ML) model with Random Forest (RF) as the best machine learning algorithm was established to predict the optimal heating strategy. Finally, the highest plasmid yield and specific productivity of 1167.74 mg L-1 and 8.87 mg L-1/OD600 were achieved with the optimal heating strategy predicted by the RF model in the 50 L bioreactor, respectively, which was 71% and 21% higher than those obtained in the control cultures where a traditional one-step temperature upshift strategy was applied. In addition, this study transformed empirical fermentation process optimization into a more efficient and rational self-optimization method. The methodology employed in this study is equally applicable to predict the regulation of process dynamics for other products, thereby facilitating the potential for furthering the intelligent automation of fermentation processes.

AAV Immunotoxicity: Implications in Anti-HBV Gene Therapy

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has afflicted humankind for decades and there is still no treatment that can clear the infection. The development of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)-based gene therapy for HBV infection has become important in recent years and research has made exciting leaps. Initial studies, mainly using mouse models, showed that rAAVs are non-toxic and induce minimal immune responses. However, several later studies demonstrated rAAV toxicity, which is inextricably associated with immunogenicity. This is a major setback for the progression of rAAV-based therapies toward clinical application. Research aimed at understanding the mechanisms behind rAAV immunity and toxicity has contributed significantly to the inception of approaches to overcoming these challenges. The target tissue, the features of the vector, and the vector dose are some of the determinants of AAV toxicity, with the latter being associated with the most severe adverse events. This review discusses our current understanding of rAAV immunogenicity, toxicity, and approaches to overcoming these hurdles. How this information and current knowledge about HBV biology and immunity can be harnessed in the efforts to design safe and effective anti-HBV rAAVs is discussed.

Onco-Pathogen Mediated Cancer Progression and Associated Signaling Pathways in Cancer Development

Infection with viruses, bacteria, and parasites are thought to be the underlying cause of about 8-17% of the world's cancer burden, i.e., approximately one in every five malignancies globally is caused by an infectious pathogen. Oncogenesis is thought to be aided by eleven major pathogens. It is crucial to identify microorganisms that potentially act as human carcinogens and to understand how exposure to such pathogens occur as well as the following carcinogenic pathways they induce. Gaining knowledge in this field will give important suggestions for effective pathogen-driven cancer care, control, and, ultimately, prevention. This review will mainly focus on the major onco-pathogens and the types of cancer caused by them. It will also discuss the major pathways which, when altered, lead to the progression of these cancers.

Recent Advances in Protective Vaccines against Hepatitis Viruses: A Narrative Review

Vaccination has been confirmed to be the safest and, sometimes, the only tool of defense against threats from infectious diseases. The successful history of vaccination is evident in the control of serious viral infections, such as smallpox and polio. Viruses that infect human livers are known as hepatitis viruses and are classified into five major types from A to E, alphabetically. Although infection with hepatitis A virus (HAV) is known to be self-resolving after rest and symptomatic treatment, there were 7134 deaths from HAV worldwide in 2016. In 2019, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) resulted in an estimated 820,000 and 290,000 deaths, respectively. Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a satellite virus that depends on HBV for producing its infectious particles in order to spread. The combination of HDV and HBV infection is considered the most severe form of chronic viral hepatitis. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is another orally transmitted virus, common in low- and middle-income countries. In 2015, it caused 44,000 deaths worldwide. Safe and effective vaccines are already available to prevent hepatitis A and B. Here, we review the recent advances in protective vaccines against the five major hepatitis viruses.

Advances in treatment and prevention of hepatitis B

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) continues to contribute to worldwide morbidity and mortality significantly. Scientists, clinicians, pharmaceutical companies, and health organizations have dedicated substantial Intellectual and monetary resources to finding a cure, increasing immunization rates, and reducing the global burden of CHB. National and international health-related organizations including the center for disease control, the national institute of health, the American Association for the study of liver disease (AASLD), The European association for the study of the Liver (EASL), The Asia Pacific association for the study of the Liver (APASL) and the world health organization release periodic recommendations for disease prevention and treatment. Our review of the most recent guidelines by EASL, AASLD, APASL, and Taiwan Association for the Study of the Liver revealed that an overwhelming majority of cited studies were published before 2018. We reviewed Hepatitis B-related literature published 2018 onwards to identify recent developments and current barriers that will likely direct future efforts towards eradicating hepatitis B. The breakthrough in our understanding of the hepatitis B virus life cycle and resulting drug development is encouraging with significant room for further progress. Data from high-risk populations, most vulnerable to the devastating effects of hepatitis B infection and reactivation remain sparse. Utilization of systems approach, optimization of experimental models, identification and validation of next-generation biomarkers, and precise modulation of the human immune response will be critical for future innovation. Within the foreseeable future, new treatments will likely complement conventional therapies rather than replace them. Most Importantly, pragmatic management of CHB related population health challenges must be prioritized to produce real-world results.

A Guide to Nucleic Acid Vaccines in the Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases and Cancers: From Basic Principles to Current Applications

Faced with the challenges posed by infectious diseases and cancer, nucleic acid vaccines present excellent prospects in clinical applications. Compared with traditional vaccines, nucleic acid vaccines have the characteristics of high efficiency and low cost. Therefore, nucleic acid vaccines have potential advantages in disease prevention and treatment. However, the low immunogenicity and instability of nucleic acid vaccines have limited their development. Therefore, a large number of studies have been conducted to improve their immunogenicity and stability by improving delivery methods, thereby supporting progress and development for clinical applications. This article mainly reviews the advantages, disadvantages, mechanisms, delivery methods, and clinical applications of nucleic acid vaccines.

Antiviral therapy for the sexually transmitted viruses: recent updates on vaccine development

INTRODUCTION

The sexually transmitted infections (STIs) caused by viruses including human T cell leukemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1), human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1), human simplex virus-2 (HSV-2), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and human papillomavirus (HPV) are major public health issues. These infections can cause cancer or result in long-term health problems. Due to high prevalence of STIs, a safe and effective vaccine is required to overcome these fatal viruses.

AREAS COVERED

This review includes a comprehensive overview of the literatures relevant to vaccine development against the sexually transmitted viruses (STVs) using PubMed and Sciencedirect electronic search engines. Herein, we discuss the efforts directed toward development of effective vaccines using different laboratory animal models including mice, guinea pig or non-human primates in preclinical trials, and human in clinical trials with different phases.

EXPERT OPINION

There is no effective FDA approved vaccine against the sexually transmitted viruses (STVs) except for HBV and HPV as prophylactic vaccines. Many attempts are underway to develop vaccines against these viruses. There are several approaches for improving prophylactic or therapeutic vaccines such as heterologous prime/boost immunization, delivery system, administration route, adjuvants, etc. In this line, further studies can be helpful for understanding the immunobiology of STVs in human. Moreover, development of more relevant animal models is a worthy goal to induce effective immune responses in humans.