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Shaikh MS, Faiyazuddin M, Khan MS, Pathan SK, Syed IJ, Gholap AD, Akhtar MS, Sah R, Mehta R, Sah S, Bonilla-Aldana DK, Luna C, Rodriguez-Morales AJ. Chikungunya virus vaccine: a decade of progress solving epidemiological dilemma, emerging concepts, and immunological interventions. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1413250. [PMID: 39104592 PMCID: PMC11298817 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1413250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), a single-stranded RNA virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, poses a significant global health threat, with severe complications observed in vulnerable populations. The only licensed vaccine, IXCHIQ, approved by the US FDA, is insufficient to address the growing disease burden, particularly in endemic regions lacking herd immunity. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), explicitly targeting structural proteins E1/E2, demonstrate promise in passive transfer studies, with mouse and human-derived mAbs showing protective efficacy. This article explores various vaccine candidates, including live attenuated, killed, nucleic acid-based (DNA/RNA), virus-like particle, chimeric, subunit, and adenovirus vectored vaccines. RNA vaccines have emerged as promising candidates due to their rapid response capabilities and enhanced safety profile. This review underscores the importance of the E1 and E2 proteins as immunogens, emphasizing their antigenic potential. Several vaccine candidates, such as CHIKV/IRES, measles vector (MV-CHIK), synthetic DNA-encoded antibodies, and mRNA-lipid nanoparticle vaccines, demonstrate encouraging preclinical and clinical results. In addition to identifying potential molecular targets for antiviral therapy, the study looks into the roles played by Toll-like receptors, RIG-I, and NOD-like receptors in the immune response to CHIKV. It also offers insights into novel tactics and promising vaccine candidates. This article discusses potential antiviral targets, the significance of E1 and E2 proteins, monoclonal antibodies, and RNA vaccines as prospective Chikungunya virus vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Md. Faiyazuddin
- School of Pharmacy, Al – Karim University, Katihar, India
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Shahbaz K. Pathan
- Medmecs Medical Coding & Billing Services, Universal Business Park, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Imran J. Syed
- Y. B. Chavan College of Pharmacy, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India
- SBSPM’s B. Pharmacy College, Beed, Maharashtra, India
| | - Amol D. Gholap
- Department of Pharmaceutics, St. John Institute of Pharmacy and Research, Palghar, Maharashtra, India
| | - Mohammad Shabib Akhtar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ranjit Sah
- Green City Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Research Unit, Department of Microbiology, Dr. DY Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, DY Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rachana Mehta
- Dr Lal PathLabs Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Medical Laboratories Techniques Department, AL-Mustaqbal University, Hillah, Babil, Iraq
- Clinical Microbiology, School of Dental Science, Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | | | | | - Camila Luna
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru
| | - Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru
- Grupo de Investigación Biomedicina, Faculty of Medicine, Fundación Universitaria Autónoma de las Américas-Institución Universitaria Visión de las Américas, Pereira, Colombia
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
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Sheikhlary S, Lopez DH, Moghimi S, Sun B. Recent Findings on Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines: An Updated Review. Biomolecules 2024; 14:503. [PMID: 38672519 PMCID: PMC11048403 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains one of the global leading causes of death and various vaccines have been developed over the years against it, including cell-based, nucleic acid-based, and viral-based cancer vaccines. Although many vaccines have been effective in in vivo and clinical studies and some have been FDA-approved, there are major limitations to overcome: (1) developing one universal vaccine for a specific cancer is difficult, as tumors with different antigens are different for different individuals, (2) the tumor antigens may be similar to the body's own antigens, and (3) there is the possibility of cancer recurrence. Therefore, developing personalized cancer vaccines with the ability to distinguish between the tumor and the body's antigens is indispensable. This paper provides a comprehensive review of different types of cancer vaccines and highlights important factors necessary for developing efficient cancer vaccines. Moreover, the application of other technologies in cancer therapy is discussed. Finally, several insights and conclusions are presented, such as the possibility of using cold plasma and cancer stem cells in developing future cancer vaccines, to tackle the major limitations in the cancer vaccine developmental process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Sheikhlary
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - David Humberto Lopez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; (D.H.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Sophia Moghimi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; (D.H.L.); (S.M.)
| | - Bo Sun
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; (D.H.L.); (S.M.)
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Yıldız A, Răileanu C, Beissert T. Trans-Amplifying RNA: A Journey from Alphavirus Research to Future Vaccines. Viruses 2024; 16:503. [PMID: 38675846 PMCID: PMC11055088 DOI: 10.3390/v16040503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Replicating RNA, including self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) and trans-amplifying RNA (taRNA), holds great potential for advancing the next generation of RNA-based vaccines. Unlike in vitro transcribed mRNA found in most current RNA vaccines, saRNA or taRNA can be massively replicated within cells in the presence of RNA-amplifying enzymes known as replicases. We recently demonstrated that this property could enhance immune responses with minimal injected RNA amounts. In saRNA-based vaccines, replicase and antigens are encoded on the same mRNA molecule, resulting in very long RNA sequences, which poses significant challenges in production, delivery, and stability. In taRNA-based vaccines, these challenges can be overcome by splitting the replication system into two parts: one that encodes replicase and the other that encodes a short antigen-encoding RNA called transreplicon. Here, we review the identification and use of transreplicon RNA in alphavirus research, with a focus on the development of novel taRNA technology as a state-of-the art vaccine platform. Additionally, we discuss remaining challenges essential to the clinical application and highlight the potential benefits related to the unique properties of this future vaccine platform.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tim Beissert
- TRON—Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (A.Y.); (C.R.)
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Shahrtash SA, Ghnim ZS, Ghaheri M, Adabi J, Hassanzadeh MA, Yasamineh S, Afkhami H, Kheirkhah AH, Gholizadeh O, Moghadam HZ. Recent Advances in the Role of Different Nanoparticles in the Various Biosensors for the Detection of the Chikungunya Virus. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01052-6. [PMID: 38393630 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01052-6] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Humans contract the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an alphavirus transmitted by mosquitoes that induces acute and chronic musculoskeletal discomfort and fever. Millions of cases of the disease have been attributed to CHIKV in the Indian Ocean region since 2004, and the virus has since spread to Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific. The exponential proliferation of CHIKV in recent times underscores the critical nature of implementing preventative measures and exploring potential control strategies. The principal laboratory test employed to diagnose infection in serum samples collected over six days after the onset of symptoms is the detection of CHIKV or viral RNA. Although two commercially available real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction products exist, data on their validity are limited. A diagnostic instrument that is rapid, sensitive, specific, and cost-effective is, therefore an absolute necessity, particularly in developing nations. Biosensors have demonstrated considerable potential in the realm of pathogen detection. The rapid and sensitive detection of viruses has been facilitated by the development of numerous types of biosensors, including affinity-based nano-biosensors, graphene affinity-based biosensors, optical nano-biosensors, surface Plasmon Resonance-based optical nano-biosensors, and electrochemical nano-biosensors. Furthermore, the utilization of nanomaterials for signal extension, including but not limited to gold and silver nanoparticles, quantum dots, and iron oxide NPs, has enhanced the precision and sensitivity of biosensors. The developed innovative diagnostic method is time-efficient, precise, and economical; it can be implemented as a point-of-care device. The technique may be implemented in diagnostic laboratories and hospitals to identify patients infected with CHIKV. Throughout this article, we have examined a multitude of CHIKV nano-biosensors and their respective properties. Following a discussion of representative nanotechnologies for biosensors, numerous NPs-assisted CHIKV nano-biosensors are summarized in this article. As a result, we anticipate that this review will furnish a significant foundation for advancing innovative CHIKV nano-biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mohammad Ghaheri
- Student Research Committee, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Javid Adabi
- Chemical Engineering Department, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Saman Yasamineh
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamed Afkhami
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Kheirkhah
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Science, School of Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Omid Gholizadeh
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran.
- Azad Researcher, Virology and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hesam Zendehdel Moghadam
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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Principi N, Esposito S. Development of Vaccines against Emerging Mosquito-Vectored Arbovirus Infections. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:87. [PMID: 38250900 PMCID: PMC10818606 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12010087] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Among emergent climate-sensitive infectious diseases, some mosquito-vectored arbovirus infections have epidemiological, social, and economic effects. Dengue virus (DENV), West Nile virus (WNV), and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) disease, previously common only in the tropics, currently pose a major risk to global health and are expected to expand dramatically in the near future if adequate containment measures are not implemented. The lack of safe and effective vaccines is critical as it seems likely that emerging mosquito-vectored arbovirus infections will be con-trolled only when effective and safe vaccines against each of these infections become available. This paper discusses the clinical characteristics of DENV, WNV, and CHIKV infections and the state of development of vaccines against these viruses. An ideal vaccine should be able to evoke with a single administration a prompt activation of B and T cells, adequate concentrations of protecting/neutralizing antibodies, and the creation of a strong immune memory capable of triggering an effective secondary antibody response after new infection with a wild-type and/or mutated infectious agent. Moreover, the vaccine should be well tolerated, safe, easily administrated, cost-effective, and widely available throughout the world. However, the development of vaccines against emerging mosquito-vectored arbovirus diseases is far from being satisfactory, and it seems likely that it will take many years before effective and safe vaccines for all these infections are made available worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susanna Esposito
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
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Perenkov AD, Sergeeva AD, Vedunova MV, Krysko DV. In Vitro Transcribed RNA-Based Platform Vaccines: Past, Present, and Future. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1600. [PMID: 37897003 PMCID: PMC10610676 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11101600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
mRNA was discovered in 1961, but it was not used as a vaccine until after three decades. Recently, the development of mRNA vaccine technology gained great impetus from the pursuit of vaccines against COVID-19. To improve the properties of RNA vaccines, and primarily their circulation time, self-amplifying mRNA and trans-amplifying mRNA were developed. A separate branch of mRNA technology is circular RNA vaccines, which were developed with the discovery of the possibility of translation on their protein matrix. Circular RNA has several advantages over mRNA vaccines and is considered a fairly promising platform, as is trans-amplifying mRNA. This review presents an overview of the mRNA platform and a critical discussion of the more modern self-amplifying mRNA, trans-amplifying mRNA, and circular RNA platforms created on its basis. Finally, the main features, advantages, and disadvantages of each of the presented mRNA platforms are discussed. This discussion will facilitate the decision-making process in selecting the most appropriate platform for creating RNA vaccines against cancer or viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey D Perenkov
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Alena D Sergeeva
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Maria V Vedunova
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Dmitri V Krysko
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
- Cell Death Investigation and Therapy (CDIT) Laboratory, Anatomy and Embryology Unit, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Souza BGD, Choudhary S, Vilela GG, Passos GFS, Costa CACB, Freitas JDD, Coelho GL, Brandão JDA, Anderson L, Bassi ÊJ, Araújo-Júnior JXD, Tomar S, Silva-Júnior EFD. Design, synthesis, antiviral evaluation, and In silico studies of acrylamides targeting nsP2 from Chikungunya virus. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 258:115572. [PMID: 37364511 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The Togaviridae family comprises several New- and Old-World Alphaviruses that have been responsible for thousands of human illnesses, including the RNA arbovirus Chikungunya virus (CHIKV). Firstly, it was reported in Tanzania in 1952 but rapidly it spread to several countries from Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Since then, CHIKV has been circulating in diverse countries around the world, leading to increased morbidity rates. Currently, there are no FDA-approved drugs or licensed vaccines to specifically treat CHIKV infections. Thus, there is a lack of alternatives to fight against this viral disease, making it an unmet need. Structurally, CHIKV is composed of five structural proteins (E3, E2, E1, C, and 6k) and four non-structural proteins (nsP1-4), in which nsP2 represents an attractive antiviral target for designing novel inhibitors since it has an essential role in the virus replication and transcription. Herein, we used a rational drug design strategy to select some acrylamide derivatives to be synthesized and evaluated against CHIKV nsP2 and also screened on CHIKV-infected cells. Thus, two regions of modifications were considered for these types of inhibitors, based on a previous study of our group, generating 1560 possible inhibitors. Then, the 24 most promising ones were synthesized and screened by using a FRET-based enzymatic assay protocol targeting CHIKV nsP2, identifying LQM330, 333, 336, and 338 as the most potent inhibitors, with Ki values of 48.6 ± 2.8, 92.3 ± 1.4, 2.3 ± 1.5, and 181.8 ± 2.5 μM, respectively. Still, their Km and Vmax kinetic parameters were also determined, along with their competitive binding modes of CHIKV nsP2 inhibition. Then, ITC analyses revealed KD values of 127, 159, 198, and 218 μM for LQM330, 333, 336, and 338, respectively. Also, their ΔH, ΔS, and ΔG physicochemical parameters were determined. MD simulations demonstrated that these inhibitors present a stable binding mode with nsP2, interacting with important residues of this protease, according to docking analyzes. Moreover, MM/PBSA calculations displayed that van der Waals interactions are mainly responsible for stabilizing the inhibitor-nsP2 complex, and their binding energies corroborated with their Ki values, having -198.7 ± 15.68, -124.8 ± 17.27, -247.4 ± 23.78, and -100.6 ± 19.21 kcal/mol for LQM330, 333, 336, and 338, respectively. Since Sindbis (SINV) nsP2 is similar to CHIKV nsP2, these best inhibitors were screened against SINV-infected cells, and it was verified that LQM330 presented the best result, with an EC50 value of 0.95 ± 0.09 μM. Even at 50 μM concentration, LQM338 was found to be cytotoxic on Vero cells after 48 h. Then, LQM330, 333, and 336 were evaluated against CHIKV-infected cells in antiviral assays, in which LQM330 was found to be the most promising antiviral candidate in this study, exhibiting an EC50 value of 5.2 ± 0.52 μM and SI of 31.78. The intracellular flow cytometry demonstrated that LQM330 is able to reduce the CHIKV cytopathogenic effect on cells, and also reduce the percentage of CHIKV-positive cells from 66.1% ± 7.05 to 35.8% ± 5.78 at 50 μM concentration. Finally, qPCR studies demonstrated that LQM330 was capable of reducing the number of viral RNA copies/μL, suggesting that CHIKV nsP2 is targeted by this inhibitor as its mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Gois de Souza
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, AC. Simões Campus, 57072-970, Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
| | - Shweta Choudhary
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Gabriel Gomes Vilela
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, AC. Simões Campus, 57072-970, Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Felipe Silva Passos
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, AC. Simões Campus, 57072-970, Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
| | | | - Johnnatan Duarte de Freitas
- Department of Chemistry, Federal Institute of Alagoas, Maceió Campus, Mizael Domingues Street, 57020-600, Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
| | - Grazielle Lobo Coelho
- Immunoregulation Research Group, Laboratory of Research in Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, AC. Simões Campus, 57072-970, Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
| | - Júlia de Andrade Brandão
- Immunoregulation Research Group, Laboratory of Research in Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, AC. Simões Campus, 57072-970, Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
| | - Leticia Anderson
- Immunoregulation Research Group, Laboratory of Research in Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, AC. Simões Campus, 57072-970, Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil; CESMAC University Center, 57051-160, Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
| | - Ênio José Bassi
- Immunoregulation Research Group, Laboratory of Research in Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, AC. Simões Campus, 57072-970, Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
| | - João Xavier de Araújo-Júnior
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, AC. Simões Campus, 57072-970, Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil
| | - Shailly Tomar
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Edeildo Ferreira da Silva-Júnior
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, AC. Simões Campus, 57072-970, Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil; Biological and Molecular Chemistry Research Group, Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Federal University of Alagoas, Lourival Melo Mota Avenue, AC. Simões Campus, 57072-970, Alagoas, Maceió, Brazil.
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Schmidt C, Schnierle BS. Self-Amplifying RNA Vaccine Candidates: Alternative Platforms for mRNA Vaccine Development. Pathogens 2023; 12:138. [PMID: 36678486 PMCID: PMC9863218 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The present use of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 has shown for the first time the potential of mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases. Here we will summarize the current knowledge about improved mRNA vaccines, i.e., the self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) vaccines. This approach may enhance antigen expression by amplification of the antigen-encoding RNA. RNA design, RNA delivery, and the innate immune responses induced by RNA will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christin Schmidt
- Section AIDS and Newly Emerging Pathogens, Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany
| | - Barbara S. Schnierle
- Section AIDS and Newly Emerging Pathogens, Department of Virology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, 63225 Langen, Germany
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Schmidt C, Schnierle BS. Chikungunya Vaccine Candidates: Current Landscape and Future Prospects. Drug Des Devel Ther 2022; 16:3663-3673. [PMID: 36277603 PMCID: PMC9580835 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s366112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an alphavirus that has spread globally in the last twenty years. Although mortality is rather low, infection can result in debilitating arthralgia that can persist for years. Unfortunately, no treatments or preventive vaccines are currently licensed against CHIKV infections. However, a large range of promising preclinical and clinical vaccine candidates have been developed during recent years. This review will give an introduction into the biology of CHIKV and the immune responses that are induced by infection, and will summarize CHIKV vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christin Schmidt
- Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Department of Virology, Section AIDS and Newly Emerging Pathogens, Langen, Germany
| | - Barbara S Schnierle
- Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Department of Virology, Section AIDS and Newly Emerging Pathogens, Langen, Germany,Correspondence: Barbara S Schnierle, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Department of Virology, Section AIDS and newly emerging pathogens, Paul-Ehrlich-Strasse 51.59, Langen, 63225, Germany, Tel/Fax +49 6103 77 5504, Email
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A Bivalent Trans-Amplifying RNA Vaccine Candidate Induces Potent Chikungunya and Ross River Virus Specific Immune Responses. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10091374. [PMID: 36146452 PMCID: PMC9503900 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10091374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alphaviruses such as the human pathogenic chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Ross River virus (RRV) can cause explosive outbreaks raising public health concerns. However, no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment is yet available. We recently established a CHIKV vaccine candidate based on trans-amplifying RNA (taRNA). This novel system consists of a replicase-encoding mRNA and a trans-replicon (TR) RNA encoding the antigen. The TR-RNA is amplified by the replicase in situ. We were interested in determining whether multiple TR-RNAs can be amplified in parallel and if, thus, a multivalent vaccine candidate can be generated. In vitro, we observed an efficient amplification of two TR-RNAs, encoding for the CHIKV and the RRV envelope proteins, by the replicase, which resulted in a high antigen expression. Vaccination of BALB/c mice with the two TR-RNAs induced CHIKV- and RRV-specific humoral and cellular immune responses. However, antibody titers and neutralization capacity were higher after immunization with a single TR-RNA. In contrast, alphavirus-specific T cell responses were equally potent after the bivalent vaccination. These data show the proof-of-principle that the taRNA system can be used to generate multivalent vaccines; however, further optimizations will be needed for clinical application.
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