1
|
Almansour I, Jermy BR. Nucleic acid vaccine candidates encapsulated with mesoporous silica nanoparticles against MERS-CoV. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2346390. [PMID: 38691025 PMCID: PMC11067998 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2346390] [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: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Middle East respiratory coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a newly emergent, highly pathogenic coronavirus that is associated with 34% mortality rate. MERS-CoV remains listed as priority pathogen by the WHO. Since its discovery in 2012 and despite the efforts to develop coronaviruses vaccines to fight against SARS-CoV-2, there are currently no MERS-CoV vaccine that has been approved. Therefore, there is high demand to continue on the development of prophylactic vaccines against MERS-CoV. Current advancements in vaccine developments can be adapted for the development of improved MERS-CoV vaccines candidates. Nucleic acid-based vaccines, including pDNA and mRNA, are relatively new class of vaccine platforms. In this work, we developed pDNA and mRNA vaccine candidates expressing S.FL gene of MERS-CoV. Further, we synthesized a silane functionalized hierarchical aluminosilicate to encapsulate each vaccine candidates. We tested the nucleic acid vaccine candidates in mice and evaluated humoral antibodies response. Interestingly, we determined that the non-encapsulated, codon optimized S.FL pDNA vaccine candidate elicited the highest level of antibody responses against S.FL and S1 of MERS-CoV. Encapsulation of mRNA with nanoporous aluminosilicate increased the humoral antibody responses, whereas encapsulation of pDNA did not. These findings suggests that MERS-CoV S.FL pDNA vaccine candidate induced the highest level of humoral responses. This study will enhance further optimization of nanosilica as potential carrier for mRNA vaccines. In conclusion, this study suggests MERS-CoV pDNA vaccine candidate as a suitable vaccine platform for further pivotal preclinical testings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iman Almansour
- Nucleic Acid Vaccine Laboratory, Department of Epidemic Diseases Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations IRMC, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - B. Rabindran Jermy
- Department of Nanomedicine Research, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations IRMC, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ahuja R, Vishwakarma P, Raj S, Kumar V, Khatri R, Lohiya B, Saxena S, Kaur G, Singh G, Asthana S, Ahmed S, Samal S. Characterization and immunogenicity assessment of MERS-CoV pre-fusion spike trimeric oligomers as vaccine immunogen. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2351664. [PMID: 38757508 PMCID: PMC11110700 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2351664] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a lethal beta-coronavirus that emerged in 2012. The virus is part of the WHO blueprint priority list with a concerning fatality rate of 35%. Scientific efforts are ongoing for the development of vaccines, anti-viral and biotherapeutics, which are majorly directed toward the structural spike protein. However, the ongoing effort is challenging due to conformational instability of the spike protein and the evasion strategy posed by the MERS-CoV. In this study, we have expressed and purified the MERS-CoV pre-fusion spike protein in the Expi293F mammalian expression system. The purified protein was extensively characterized for its biochemical and biophysical properties. Thermal stability analysis showed a melting temperature of 58°C and the protein resisted major structural changes at elevated temperature as revealed by fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism. Immunological assessment of the MERS-CoV spike immunogen in BALB/c mice with AddaVaxTM and Imject alum adjuvants showed elicitation of high titer antibody responses but a more balanced Th1/Th2 response with AddaVaxTM squalene like adjuvant. Together, our results suggest the formation of higher-order trimeric pre-fusion MERS-CoV spike proteins, which were able to induce robust immune responses. The comprehensive characterization of MERS-CoV spike protein warrants a better understanding of MERS spike protein and future vaccine development efforts.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus/immunology
- Animals
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/genetics
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Antibodies, Viral/blood
- Viral Vaccines/immunology
- Mice
- Female
- Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control
- Coronavirus Infections/immunology
- Immunogenicity, Vaccine
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/blood
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/administration & dosage
- Adjuvants, Vaccine
- Humans
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Ahuja
- Influenza and Respiratory Virus Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Preeti Vishwakarma
- Influenza and Respiratory Virus Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Sneha Raj
- Influenza and Respiratory Virus Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Varun Kumar
- Influenza and Respiratory Virus Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Ritika Khatri
- Influenza and Respiratory Virus Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Bharat Lohiya
- Influenza and Respiratory Virus Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Shikha Saxena
- Influenza and Respiratory Virus Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Gurleen Kaur
- Influenza and Respiratory Virus Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Gagandeep Singh
- Influenza and Respiratory Virus Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
- Computational Biophysics and CADD Group, Computational and Mathematical Biology Center (CMBC), Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Shailendra Asthana
- Influenza and Respiratory Virus Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
- Computational Biophysics and CADD Group, Computational and Mathematical Biology Center (CMBC), Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Shubbir Ahmed
- Influenza and Respiratory Virus Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
- Centralized Core Research Facility (CCRF), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Sweety Samal
- Influenza and Respiratory Virus Laboratory, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lee JH, Kim JW, Lee HE, Song JY, Cho AH, Hwang JH, Heo K, Lee S. A dual-targeting approach using a human bispecific antibody against the receptor-binding domain of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus. Virus Res 2024; 345:199383. [PMID: 38697296 PMCID: PMC11074968 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199383] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) has posed a significant global health concern due to its severe respiratory illness and high fatality rate. Currently, despite the potential for resurgence, there are no specific treatments for MERS-CoV, and only supportive care is available. Our study aimed to address this therapeutic gap by developing a potent neutralizing bispecific antibody (bsAb) against MERS-CoV. Initially, we isolated four human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that specifically target the MERS-CoV receptor-binding domain (RBD) using phage display technology and an established human antibody library. Among these four selected mAbs, our intensive in vitro functional analyses showed that the MERS-CoV RBD-specific mAb K111.3 exhibited the most potent neutralizing activity against MERS-CoV pseudoviral infection and the molecular interaction between MERS-CoV RBD and human dipeptidyl peptidase 4. Consequently, we engineered a novel bsAb, K207.C, by utilizing K111.3 as the IgG base and fusing it with the single-chain variable fragment of its non-competing pair, K111.1. This engineered bsAb showed significantly enhanced neutralization potential against MERS-CoV compared to its parental mAb. These findings suggest that K207.C may serve as a potential candidate for effective MERS-CoV neutralization, further highlighting the promise of the bsAb dual-targeting approach in MERS-CoV neutralization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hyun Lee
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Woong Kim
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Eon Lee
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Young Song
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Ah Hyun Cho
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hyeon Hwang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyun Heo
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea; Department of Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea; Antibody Research Institute, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Sukmook Lee
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea; Department of Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea; Antibody Research Institute, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lopes Chaves L, Dourado D, Prunache IB, Manuelle Marques da Silva P, Tacyana Dos Santos Lucena G, Cardoso de Souza Z, Muniz Mendes Freire de Moura P, Nunes Bordallo H, Rocha Formiga F, de Souza Rebouças J. Nanocarriers of antigen proteins for vaccine delivery. Int J Pharm 2024; 659:124162. [PMID: 38663646 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124162] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Nanoformulations in vaccinology provide antigen stability and enhanced immunogenicity, in addition to providing targeted delivery and controlled release. In the last years, much research has been focused on vaccine development using virus-like particles, liposomes, emulsions, polymeric, lipid, and inorganic nanoparticles. Importantly, nanoparticle interactions with innate and adaptive immune systems must be clearly understood to guide the rational development of nanovaccines. This review provides a recap and updates on different aspects advocating nanoparticles as promising antigen carriers and immune cell activators for vaccination. Moreover, it offers a discussion of how the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles are modified to target specific cells and improve vaccine efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luíse Lopes Chaves
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), 50670-420, Recife, PE, Brazil; Graduate Program in Applied Cellular and Molecular Biology (PGBCMA), Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Pernambuco (UPE), 50100-130, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Douglas Dourado
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), 50670-420, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Ioana-Bianca Prunache
- Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Paloma Manuelle Marques da Silva
- Graduate Program in Applied Cellular and Molecular Biology (PGBCMA), Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Pernambuco (UPE), 50100-130, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Gislayne Tacyana Dos Santos Lucena
- Graduate Program in Applied Cellular and Molecular Biology (PGBCMA), Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Pernambuco (UPE), 50100-130, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Zilyane Cardoso de Souza
- Graduate Program in Applied Cellular and Molecular Biology (PGBCMA), Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Pernambuco (UPE), 50100-130, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Muniz Mendes Freire de Moura
- Graduate Program in Applied Cellular and Molecular Biology (PGBCMA), Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Pernambuco (UPE), 50100-130, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Heloísa Nunes Bordallo
- Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Fabio Rocha Formiga
- Department of Immunology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), 50670-420, Recife, PE, Brazil; Graduate Program in Applied Cellular and Molecular Biology (PGBCMA), Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Pernambuco (UPE), 50100-130, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - Juliana de Souza Rebouças
- Graduate Program in Applied Cellular and Molecular Biology (PGBCMA), Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Pernambuco (UPE), 50100-130, Recife, PE, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Seo H, Jang Y, Kwak D. Inactivated Split MERS-CoV Antigen Prevents Lethal Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infections in Mice. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:436. [PMID: 38675818 PMCID: PMC11053775 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12040436] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes fatal infections, with about 36% mortality in humans, and is endemic to the Middle East. MERS-CoV uses human dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (hDPP4) as a receptor for infection. Despite continued research efforts, no licensed vaccine is available for protection against this disease in humans. Therefore, this study sought to develop an inactivated fragmented MERS-CoV vaccine grown in Vero cells in an hDPP4-transgenic mouse model. Two-dose immunisation in mice with 15, 20, or 25 μg of spike proteins of inactivated split MERS-CoV antigens induced neutralising antibodies, with titres ranging from NT 80 to 1280. In addition, all immunised mice were completely protected, with no virus detection in tissues, weight loss, or mortality. The immunised splenocytes produced more cytokines that stimulate immune response (IFN-γ and TNF-α) than those that regulate it (IL-4 and IL-10). Taken together, the inactivated fragmented MERS-CoV vaccine is effective for the protection of mice against lethal MERS-CoV. Thus, the inactivated fragmented MERS-CoV vaccine warrants further testing in other hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heejeong Seo
- PioneerVaccine, Inc., Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea;
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyunpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunyueng Jang
- PioneerVaccine, Inc., Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea;
| | - Dongmi Kwak
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kyunpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Prakash S, Dhanushkodi NR, Zayou L, Ibraim IC, Quadiri A, Coulon PG, Tifrea DF, Suzer B, Shaik AM, Chilukuri A, Edwards RA, Singer M, Vahed H, Nesburn AB, Kuppermann BD, Ulmer JB, Gil D, Jones TM, BenMohamed L. Cross-protection induced by highly conserved human B, CD4 +, and CD8 + T-cell epitopes-based vaccine against severe infection, disease, and death caused by multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1328905. [PMID: 38318166 PMCID: PMC10839970 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1328905] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created one of the largest global health crises in almost a century. Although the current rate of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections has decreased significantly, the long-term outlook of COVID-19 remains a serious cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with the mortality rate still substantially surpassing even that recorded for influenza viruses. The continued emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs), including multiple heavily mutated Omicron sub-variants, has prolonged the COVID-19 pandemic and underscores the urgent need for a next-generation vaccine that will protect from multiple SARS-CoV-2 VOCs. Methods We designed a multi-epitope-based coronavirus vaccine that incorporated B, CD4+, and CD8+ T- cell epitopes conserved among all known SARS-CoV-2 VOCs and selectively recognized by CD8+ and CD4+ T-cells from asymptomatic COVID-19 patients irrespective of VOC infection. The safety, immunogenicity, and cross-protective immunity of this pan-variant SARS-CoV-2 vaccine were studied against six VOCs using an innovative triple transgenic h-ACE-2-HLA-A2/DR mouse model. Results The pan-variant SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (i) is safe , (ii) induces high frequencies of lung-resident functional CD8+ and CD4+ TEM and TRM cells , and (iii) provides robust protection against morbidity and virus replication. COVID-19-related lung pathology and death were caused by six SARS-CoV-2 VOCs: Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma or P1 (B.1.1.28.1), Delta (lineage B.1.617.2), and Omicron (B.1.1.529). Conclusion A multi-epitope pan-variant SARS-CoV-2 vaccine bearing conserved human B- and T- cell epitopes from structural and non-structural SARS-CoV-2 antigens induced cross-protective immunity that facilitated virus clearance, and reduced morbidity, COVID-19-related lung pathology, and death caused by multiple SARS-CoV-2 VOCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Swayam Prakash
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Nisha R Dhanushkodi
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Latifa Zayou
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Izabela Coimbra Ibraim
- High Containment Facility, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Afshana Quadiri
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Pierre Gregoire Coulon
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Delia F Tifrea
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, the University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Berfin Suzer
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Amin Mohammed Shaik
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Amruth Chilukuri
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Robert A Edwards
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, the University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Mahmoud Singer
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Hawa Vahed
- Department of Vaccines and Immunotherapies, TechImmune, LLC, University Lab Partners, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Anthony B Nesburn
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Baruch D Kuppermann
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Jeffrey B Ulmer
- Department of Vaccines and Immunotherapies, TechImmune, LLC, University Lab Partners, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Daniel Gil
- Department of Vaccines and Immunotherapies, TechImmune, LLC, University Lab Partners, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Trevor M Jones
- Department of Vaccines and Immunotherapies, TechImmune, LLC, University Lab Partners, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Lbachir BenMohamed
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Vaccines and Immunotherapies, TechImmune, LLC, University Lab Partners, Irvine, CA, United States
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospitalist Program, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, the University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Institute for Immunology; University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tai W, Zheng J, Zhang X, Shi J, Wang G, Guan X, Zhu J, Perlman S, Du L. MERS-CoV RBD-mRNA vaccine induces potent and broadly neutralizing antibodies with protection against MERS-CoV infection. Virus Res 2023; 334:199156. [PMID: 37336390 PMCID: PMC10278997 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), a highly pathogenic coronavirus in the same Betacoronavirus genus and Coronaviridae family as SARS-CoV-2, continues to post a threat to human health. Mortality remains high; therefore, there is a need to develop effective vaccines to prevent MERS-CoV infection. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) within the MERS-CoV spike (S) protein is a critical vaccine target. The latest mRNA technology has enabled rapid development of much-needed vaccines with high efficiency and scalable manufacturing capacity. Here, we designed a mRNA vaccine encoding the RBD of MERS-CoV S protein (RBD-mRNA) and evaluated its immunogenicity and protective efficacy in a mouse model. The data showed that nucleoside-modified RBD-mRNA, but not RBD-mRNA lacking the nucleoside modification, was stable and elicited broadly and durable neutralizing antibody and cellular immune responses, which neutralized the original strain and multiple MERS-CoV variants. Among all immunization routes tested, the intradermal route was appropriate for this RBD-mRNA to induce strong B-cell responses and the highest neutralizing antibody titers. Importantly, injection of nucleoside-modified RBD-mRNA through the intradermal route protected immunized mice against challenge with MERS-CoV. This protection correlated with serum neutralizing antibody titers. Overall, we have developed an effective MERS-CoV RBD-based mRNA vaccine (with potential for further development) that prevents infection by divergent strains of MERS-CoV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wanbo Tai
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jian Zheng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Xiujuan Zhang
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Juan Shi
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, USA; Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Gang Wang
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Xiaoqing Guan
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jiang Zhu
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Stanley Perlman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
| | - Lanying Du
- Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute, New York Blood Center, New York, NY, USA; Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Prakash S, Dhanushkodi NR, Zayou L, Ibraim IC, Quadiri A, Coulon PG, Tifrea DF, Suzler B, Amin M, Chilukuri A, Edwards RA, Vahed H, Nesburn AB, Kuppermann BD, Ulmer JB, Gil D, Jones TM, BenMohamed L. Cross-Protection Induced by Highly Conserved Human B, CD4 +, and CD8 + T Cell Epitopes-Based Coronavirus Vaccine Against Severe Infection, Disease, and Death Caused by Multiple SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.24.541850. [PMID: 37292861 PMCID: PMC10245830 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.24.541850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Background The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created one of the largest global health crises in almost a century. Although the current rate of SARS-CoV-2 infections has decreased significantly; the long-term outlook of COVID-19 remains a serious cause of high death worldwide; with the mortality rate still surpassing even the worst mortality rates recorded for the influenza viruses. The continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs), including multiple heavily mutated Omicron sub-variants, have prolonged the COVID-19 pandemic and outlines the urgent need for a next-generation vaccine that will protect from multiple SARS-CoV-2 VOCs. Methods In the present study, we designed a multi-epitope-based Coronavirus vaccine that incorporated B, CD4+, and CD8+ T cell epitopes conserved among all known SARS-CoV-2 VOCs and selectively recognized by CD8+ and CD4+ T-cells from asymptomatic COVID-19 patients irrespective of VOC infection. The safety, immunogenicity, and cross-protective immunity of this pan-Coronavirus vaccine were studied against six VOCs using an innovative triple transgenic h-ACE-2-HLA-A2/DR mouse model. Results The Pan-Coronavirus vaccine: (i) is safe; (ii) induces high frequencies of lung-resident functional CD8+ and CD4+ TEM and TRM cells; and (iii) provides robust protection against virus replication and COVID-19-related lung pathology and death caused by six SARS-CoV-2 VOCs: Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma or P1 (B.1.1.28.1), Delta (lineage B.1.617.2) and Omicron (B.1.1.529). Conclusions A multi-epitope pan-Coronavirus vaccine bearing conserved human B and T cell epitopes from structural and non-structural SARS-CoV-2 antigens induced cross-protective immunity that cleared the virus, and reduced COVID-19-related lung pathology and death caused by multiple SARS-CoV-2 VOCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Swayam Prakash
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Nisha R. Dhanushkodi
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Latifa Zayou
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Izabela Coimbra Ibraim
- High containment facility, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Afshana Quadiri
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Pierre Gregoire Coulon
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Delia F Tifrea
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, the University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Berfin Suzler
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
- Division of Trauma, Burns, Critical Care, and Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Mohamed Amin
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Amruth Chilukuri
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Robert A Edwards
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, the University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Hawa Vahed
- Department of Vaccines and Immunotherapies, TechImmune, LLC, University Lab Partners, Irvine, CA 92660, USA
| | - Anthony B Nesburn
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Baruch D Kuppermann
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Jeffrey B. Ulmer
- Department of Vaccines and Immunotherapies, TechImmune, LLC, University Lab Partners, Irvine, CA 92660, USA
| | - Daniel Gil
- Department of Vaccines and Immunotherapies, TechImmune, LLC, University Lab Partners, Irvine, CA 92660, USA
| | - Trevor M. Jones
- Department of Vaccines and Immunotherapies, TechImmune, LLC, University Lab Partners, Irvine, CA 92660, USA
| | - Lbachir BenMohamed
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospitalist Program, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, the University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA
- Institute for Immunology; University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
- Department of Vaccines and Immunotherapies, TechImmune, LLC, University Lab Partners, Irvine, CA 92660, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Oh J, Park U, Kim J, Jeon K, Kim C, Cho NH, Choi YS. Enhancing immune protection against MERS-CoV: the synergistic effect of proteolytic cleavage sites and the fusion peptide and RBD domain targeting VLP immunization. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1201136. [PMID: 37275866 PMCID: PMC10235442 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1201136] [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: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a zoonotic infectious virus that has caused significant outbreaks in the Middle East and beyond. Due to a highly mortality rate, easy transmission, and rapid spread of the MERS-CoV, it remains as a significant public health treat. There is currently no licensed vaccine available to protect against MERS-CoV. Methods In this study, we investigated whether the proteolytic cleavage sites and fusion peptide domain of the MERS-CoV spike (S) protein could be a vaccine target to elicit the MERS-CoV S protein-specific antibody responses and confer immune protection against MERS-CoV infection. Our results demonstrate that immunization of the proteolytic cleavage sites and the fusion peptide domain using virus-like particle (VLP) induced the MERS-CoV S protein-specific IgG antibodies with capacity to neutralize pseudotyped MERS-CoV infection in vitro. Moreover, proteolytic cleavage sites and the fusion peptide VLP immunization showed a synergistic effect on the immune protection against MERS-CoV infection elicited by immunization with VLP expressing the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the S protein. Additionally, immune evasion of MERS-CoV RBD variants from anti-RBD sera was significantly controlled by anti-proteolytic cleavage sites and the fusion peptide sera. Conclusion and discussion Our study demonstrates the potential of VLP immunization targeting the proteolytic cleavage sites and the fusion peptide and RBD domains of the MERS-CoV S protein for the development of effective treatments and vaccines against MERS-CoV and related variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeein Oh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Uni Park
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Juhyung Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeongseok Jeon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chulwoo Kim
- Deparatment of Microbiology, Institute for Viral Diseases, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam-Hyuk Cho
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn Soo Choi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Transplantation Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hayashi H, Sun J, Yanagida Y, Otera T, Sasai M, Chang CY, Tai JA, Nishikawa T, Yamashita K, Sakaguchi N, Yoshida S, Baba S, Shimamura M, Okamoto S, Amaishi Y, Chono H, Mineno J, Rakugi H, Morishita R, Yamamoto M, Nakagami H. Modified DNA vaccine confers improved humoral immune response and effective virus protection against SARS-CoV-2 delta variant. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20923. [PMID: 36463322 PMCID: PMC9719526 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24519-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has led to a global pandemic. New technologies have been utilized to develop several types of vaccines to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection, including mRNA vaccines. Our group previously developed an effective DNA-based vaccine. However, emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs), such as the delta variant, have escaped mutations against vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies. This suggests that modified vaccines accommodating VOCs need to be developed promptly. Here, we first modified the current DNA vaccine to enhance antigenicity. Compared with the parental DNA vaccine, the modified version (GP∆-DNA vaccine) induced rapid antibody production. Next, we updated the GP∆-DNA vaccine to spike glycoprotein of the delta variant (GP∆-delta DNA vaccine) and compared the efficacy of different injection routes, namely intramuscular injection using a needle and syringe and intradermal injection using a pyro-drive jet injector (PJI). We found that the levels of neutralizing antibodies induced by the intradermal PJI injection were higher than intramuscular injection. Furthermore, the PJI-injected GP∆-delta DNA vaccine effectively protected human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) knock-in mice from delta-variant infection. These results indicate that the improved DNA vaccine was effective against emerging VOCs and was a potential DNA vaccine platform for future VOCs or global pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Hayashi
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamada-Oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan
| | - Jiao Sun
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamada-Oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan
| | - Yuka Yanagida
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamada-Oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan
| | - Takako Otera
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamada-Oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan ,grid.508925.3Anges Inc., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miwa Sasai
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan ,grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan ,grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Chin Yang Chang
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Department of Device Application for Molecular Therapeutics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jiayu A. Tai
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Department of Device Application for Molecular Therapeutics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Nishikawa
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Department of Device Application for Molecular Therapeutics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Yamashita
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Department of Device Application for Molecular Therapeutics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan ,grid.480124.b0000 0001 0425 4575Daicel Co., Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Shota Yoshida
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamada-Oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan ,grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Baba
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamada-Oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan ,grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Munehisa Shimamura
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamada-Oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan ,grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Department of Neurology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Hiromi Rakugi
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Morishita
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Department of Clinical Gene Therapy, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yamamoto
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Department of Immunoparasitology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan ,grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Laboratory of Immunoparasitology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan ,grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hironori Nakagami
- grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamada-Oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871 Japan ,grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rao H, Song X, Lei J, Lu P, Zhao G, Kang X, Zhang D, Zhang T, Ren Y, Peng C, Li Y, Pei J, Cao Z. Ibrutinib Prevents Acute Lung Injury via Multi-Targeting BTK, FLT3 and EGFR in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13478. [PMID: 36362264 PMCID: PMC9657648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Ibrutinib has potential therapeutic or protective effects against viral- and bacterial-induced acute lung injury (ALI), likely by modulating the Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) signaling pathway. However, ibrutinib has multi-target effects. Moreover, immunity and inflammation targets in ALI treatment are poorly defined. We investigated whether the BTK-, FLT3-, and EGFR-related signaling pathways mediated the protective effects of ibrutinib on ALI. The intratracheal administration of poly I:C or LPS after ibrutinib administration in mice was performed by gavage. The pathological conditions of the lungs were assessed by micro-CT and HE staining. The levels of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and related inflammatory factors in the lungs were evaluated by ELISA, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Finally, the expression of proteins associated with the BTK-, FLT3-, and EGFR-related signaling pathways were evaluated by Western blotting. Ibrutinib (10 mg/kg) protected against poly I:C-induced (5 mg/kg) and LPS-induced (5 mg/kg) lung inflammation. The wet/dry weight ratio (W/D) and total proteins in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were markedly reduced after ibrutinib (10 mg/kg) treatment, relative to the poly I:C- and LPS-treated groups. The levels of ALI indicators (NFκB, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, neutrophils, and lymphocytes) were significantly reduced after treatment. Accordingly, ibrutinib inhibited the poly I:C- and LPS-induced BTK-, FLT3-, and EGFR-related pathway activations. Ibrutinib inhibited poly I:C- and LPS-induced acute lung injury, and this may be due to its ability to suppress the BTK-, FLT3-, and EGFR-related signaling pathways. Therefore, ibrutinib is a potential protective agent for regulating immunity and inflammation in poly I:C- and LPS-induced ALI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huanan Rao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Xiaominting Song
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Jieting Lei
- Basic Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Peng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Guiying Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Xin Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Duanna Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Tingrui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yali Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yuzhi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Jin Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Zhixing Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sparrow E, Hasso-Agopsowicz M, Kaslow DC, Singh K, Rao R, Chibi M, Makubalo LE, Reeder JC, Kang G, Karron RA, Cravioto A, Lanata CF, Friede M, Abela-Ridder B, Solomon AW, Dagne DA, Giersing B. Leveraging mRNA Platform Technology to Accelerate Development of Vaccines for Some Emerging and Neglected Tropical Diseases Through Local Vaccine Production. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.844039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mRNA vaccine technology platform may enable rapid response to some emerging infectious diseases (EIDs), as demonstrated through the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond the role it could play in future EID response, mRNA technology also could have an important role in accelerating the development of, and access to, vaccines for some neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which occur mainly in impoverished regions of the world. Despite their significant disease burden, few vaccines against NTDs have been developed, in part because of the uncertain market and return on investment. In addition, the probability of technical and regulatory success is considered to be low for developing vaccines against multicellular parasites, or organisms that have sophisticated mechanisms for evading immunological surveillance, such as many of the NTD pathogens. The global 2021-2030 road map for neglected tropical diseases sets ambitious targets for the eradication, elimination, and control of NTDs. For some, effective interventions exist but are underutilized. For others, vaccines need to be developed or their use expanded to meet global targets on control and elimination. This article discusses the application of the mRNA technology platform to the development of vaccines for NTDs as well as EIDs, highlights the challenges in bringing these products to the market, and indicates potential areas which could be explored, including leveraging investment for vaccines with a more profitable market potential and enabling local manufacturing in regions where NTDs are endemic. Such regional production could include collaborations with the mRNA vaccine technology transfer hubs that are being established with the support of WHO and COVAX partners.
Collapse
|
13
|
Park JE, Kim JH, Park JY, Jun SH, Shin HJ. A chimeric MERS-CoV virus-like particle vaccine protects mice against MERS-CoV challenge. Virol J 2022; 19:112. [PMID: 35761402 PMCID: PMC9235161 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-022-01844-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes severe respiratory disease in humans, with a case fatality rate of approximately 35%, thus posing a considerable threat to public health. The lack of approved vaccines or antivirals currently constitutes a barrier in controlling disease outbreaks and spread. Methods In this study, using a mammalian expression system, which is advantageous for maintaining correct protein glycosylation patterns, we constructed chimeric MERS-CoV virus-like particles (VLPs) and determined their immunogenicity and protective efficacy in mice. Results Western blot and cryo-electron microscopy analyses demonstrated that MERS-CoV VLPs were efficiently produced in cells co-transfected with MERS-CoV spike (S), envelope, membrane and murine hepatitis virus nucleocapsid genes. We examined their ability as a vaccine in a human dipeptidyl peptidase 4 knock-in C57BL/6 congenic mouse model. Mice immunized with MERS VLPs produced S-specific antibodies with virus neutralization activity. Furthermore, MERS-CoV VLP immunization provided complete protection against a lethal challenge with mouse-adapted MERS-CoV and improved virus clearance in the lung. Conclusions Overall, these data demonstrate that MERS-CoV VLPs have excellent immunogenicity and represent a promising vaccine candidate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Eun Park
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea. .,Research Institute of Veterinary Research, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ji-Hee Kim
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Yeon Park
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hoon Jun
- Electron Microscopy & Spectroscopy Team, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju, Chungcheongbukdo, 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Jin Shin
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea. .,Research Institute of Veterinary Research, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|