1
|
Scheiblhofer S, Laimer J, Machado Y, Weiss R, Thalhamer J. Influence of protein fold stability on immunogenicity and its implications for vaccine design. Expert Rev Vaccines 2017; 16:479-489. [PMID: 28290225 PMCID: PMC5490637 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2017.1306441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In modern vaccinology and immunotherapy, recombinant proteins more and more replace whole organisms to induce protective or curative immune responses. Structural stability of proteins is of crucial importance for efficient presentation of antigenic peptides on MHC, which plays a decisive role for triggering strong immune reactions. Areas covered: In this review, we discuss structural stability as a key factor for modulating the potency of recombinant vaccines and its importance for antigen proteolysis, presentation, and stimulation of B and T cells. Moreover, the impact of fold stability on downstream events determining the differentiation of T cells into effector cells is reviewed. We summarize studies investigating the impact of protein fold stability on the outcome of the immune response and provide an overview on computational methods to estimate the effects of point mutations on protein stability. Expert commentary: Based on this information, the rational design of up-to-date vaccines is discussed. A model for predicting immunogenicity of proteins based on their conformational stability at different pH values is proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Scheiblhofer
- a Department of Molecular Biology , University of Salzburg , Salzburg , Austria
| | - Josef Laimer
- a Department of Molecular Biology , University of Salzburg , Salzburg , Austria
| | - Yoan Machado
- a Department of Molecular Biology , University of Salzburg , Salzburg , Austria
| | - Richard Weiss
- a Department of Molecular Biology , University of Salzburg , Salzburg , Austria
| | - Josef Thalhamer
- a Department of Molecular Biology , University of Salzburg , Salzburg , Austria
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tomusange K, Wijesundara D, Gummow J, Garrod T, Li Y, Gray L, Churchill M, Grubor-Bauk B, Gowans EJ. A HIV-Tat/C4-binding protein chimera encoded by a DNA vaccine is highly immunogenic and contains acute EcoHIV infection in mice. Sci Rep 2016; 6:29131. [PMID: 27358023 PMCID: PMC4928126 DOI: 10.1038/srep29131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA vaccines are cost-effective to manufacture on a global scale and Tat-based DNA vaccines have yielded protective outcomes in preclinical and clinical models of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), highlighting the potential of such vaccines. However, Tat-based DNA vaccines have been poorly immunogenic, and despite the administration of multiple doses and/or the addition of adjuvants, these vaccines are not in general use. In this study, we improved Tat immunogenicity by fusing it with the oligomerisation domain of a chimeric C4-binding protein (C4b-p), termed IMX313, resulting in Tat heptamerisation and linked Tat to the leader sequence of tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) to ensure that the bulk of heptamerised Tat is secreted. Mice vaccinated with secreted Tat fused to IMX313 (pVAX-sTat-IMX313) developed higher titres of Tat-specific serum IgG, mucosal sIgA and cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses, and showed superior control of EcoHIV infection, a surrogate murine HIV challenge model, compared with animals vaccinated with other test vaccines. Given the crucial contribution of Tat to HIV-1 pathogenesis and the precedent of Tat-based DNA vaccines in conferring some level of protection in animal models, we believe that the virologic control demonstrated with this novel multimerised Tat vaccine highlights the promise of this vaccine candidate for humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khamis Tomusange
- Virology Laboratory, Basil Hetzel Institute, Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Danushka Wijesundara
- Virology Laboratory, Basil Hetzel Institute, Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jason Gummow
- Virology Laboratory, Basil Hetzel Institute, Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Tamsin Garrod
- Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Yanrui Li
- Virology Laboratory, Basil Hetzel Institute, Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Lachlan Gray
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, Melbourne VIC, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne VIC, Australia
| | - Melissa Churchill
- Centre for Biomedical Research, Burnet Institute, Melbourne VIC, Australia
| | - Branka Grubor-Bauk
- Virology Laboratory, Basil Hetzel Institute, Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Eric J. Gowans
- Virology Laboratory, Basil Hetzel Institute, Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Machado Y, Freier R, Scheiblhofer S, Thalhamer T, Mayr M, Briza P, Grutsch S, Ahammer L, Fuchs JE, Wallnoefer HG, Isakovic A, Kohlbauer V, Hinterholzer A, Steiner M, Danzer M, Horejs-Hoeck J, Ferreira F, Liedl KR, Tollinger M, Lackner P, Johnson CM, Brandstetter H, Thalhamer J, Weiss R. Fold stability during endolysosomal acidification is a key factor for allergenicity and immunogenicity of the major birch pollen allergen. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2015; 137:1525-34. [PMID: 26559323 PMCID: PMC4877439 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2015.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Revised: 08/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The search for intrinsic factors, which account for a protein's capability to act as an allergen, is ongoing. Fold stability has been identified as a molecular feature that affects processing and presentation, thereby influencing an antigen's immunologic properties. OBJECTIVE We assessed how changes in fold stability modulate the immunogenicity and sensitization capacity of the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1. METHODS By exploiting an exhaustive virtual mutation screening, we generated mutants of the prototype allergen Bet v 1 with enhanced thermal and chemical stability and rigidity. Structural changes were analyzed by means of x-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and molecular dynamics simulations. Stability was monitored by using differential scanning calorimetry, circular dichroism, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Endolysosomal degradation was simulated in vitro by using the microsomal fraction of JAWS II cells, followed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Immunologic properties were characterized in vitro by using a human T-cell line specific for the immunodominant epitope of Bet v 1 and in vivo in an adjuvant-free BALB/c mouse model. RESULTS Fold stabilization of Bet v 1 was pH dependent and resulted in resistance to endosomal degradation at a pH of 5 or greater, affecting presentation of the immunodominant T-cell epitope in vitro. These properties translated in vivo into a strong allergy-promoting TH2-type immune response. Efficient TH2 cell activation required both an increased stability at the pH of the early endosome and efficient degradation at lower pH in the late endosomal/lysosomal compartment. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that differential pH-dependent fold stability along endosomal maturation is an essential protein-inherent determinant of allergenicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoan Machado
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Regina Freier
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Theresa Thalhamer
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Melissa Mayr
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Peter Briza
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Sarina Grutsch
- Center of Molecular Biosciences & Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Linda Ahammer
- Center of Molecular Biosciences & Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Julian E Fuchs
- Center of Molecular Biosciences & Institute of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hannes G Wallnoefer
- Center of Molecular Biosciences & Institute of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Almedina Isakovic
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Vera Kohlbauer
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Markus Steiner
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Martin Danzer
- Austrian Red Cross, Blood Transfusion Service for Upper Austria, Linz, Austria
| | - Jutta Horejs-Hoeck
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Fatima Ferreira
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Klaus R Liedl
- Center of Molecular Biosciences & Institute of General, Inorganic and Theoretical Chemistry, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Martin Tollinger
- Center of Molecular Biosciences & Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Peter Lackner
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Hans Brandstetter
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Josef Thalhamer
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Richard Weiss
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mediouni S, Darque A, Ravaux I, Baillat G, Devaux C, Loret EP. Identification of a highly conserved surface on Tat variants. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:19072-80. [PMID: 23678001 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.466011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular Tat is suspected to protect HIV-1-infected cells from cellular immunity. Seropositive patients are unable to produce neutralizing antibodies against Tat, and Tat is still secreted under antiviral treatment. In mice, the Tat OYI vaccine candidate generates neutralizing antibodies such as the mAb 7G12. A peptide called MIMOOX was designed from fragments of Tat OYI identified as the possible binding site for mAb 7G12. MIMOOX was chemically synthesized, and its structure was stabilized with a disulfide bridge. Circular dichroism spectra showed that MIMOOX had mainly β turns but no α helix as Tat OYI. MIMOOX was recognized by mAb 7G12 in ELISA only in reduced conditions. Moreover, a competitive recognition assay with mAb 7G12 between MIMOOX and Tat variants showed that MIMOOX mimics a highly conserved surface in Tat variants. Rat immunizations with MIMOOX induce antibodies recognizing Tat variants from the main HIV-1 subtypes and confirm the Tat OYI vaccine approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Mediouni
- Aix Marseille Université, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 5236 CNRS, Equipe Technologique de Recherches Appliquées sur le VIH-1 (ETRAV), Faculté de Pharmacie, 27 BD Jean Moulin, 13385 Marseille Cedex 5, France
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
A designed Tat immunogen generates enhanced anti-Tat C-terminal antibodies. Vaccine 2012; 30:2453-61. [PMID: 22330127 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2012.01.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2011] [Revised: 01/13/2012] [Accepted: 01/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
HIV-1 Tat has been identified as an attractive target for vaccine development and is currently under investigation in clinical trials as both a therapeutic and preventative vaccine for HIV-1. The Tat C-terminal region is of significant importance for its extracellular activity. In this study, we designed two recombinant Tat immunogens, Tat(B41-100N) and Tat(B41-100C), with two extended Tat C-terminal regions (41-100 aa) and compared their humoral immune response with native Tat. Interestingly, our results showed that Tat(B41-100C) elicited a higher antibody titer than Tat and Tat(B41-100N) in both mice and rabbits. The recombinant fusion protein-based epitope analysis showed that Tat(B41-100C) induced a remarkably enhanced humoral immune response against extended Tat C-terminal regions containing residues 38-100, 49-100 and 60-100. Our study demonstrates that the designed Tat(B41-100C) presents a designed immunogenicity that elicits enhanced Tat-specific antibodies especially against extended Tat C-terminal regions.
Collapse
|
6
|
Caputo A, Gavioli R, Bellino S, Longo O, Tripiciano A, Francavilla V, Sgadari C, Paniccia G, Titti F, Cafaro A, Ferrantelli F, Monini P, Ensoli F, Ensoli B. HIV-1 Tat-based vaccines: an overview and perspectives in the field of HIV/AIDS vaccine development. Int Rev Immunol 2009; 28:285-334. [PMID: 19811313 DOI: 10.1080/08830180903013026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The HIV epidemic continues to represent one of the major problems worldwide, particularly in the Asia and Sub-Saharan regions of the world, with social and economical devastating effects. Although antiretroviral drugs have had a dramatically beneficial impact on HIV-infected individuals that have access to treatment, it has had a negligible impact on the global epidemic. Hence, the inexorable spreading of the HIV pandemic and the increasing deaths from AIDS, especially in developing countries, underscore the urgency for an effective vaccine against HIV/AIDS. However, the generation of such a vaccine has turned out to be extremely challenging. Here we provide an overview on the rationale for the use of non-structural HIV proteins, such as the Tat protein, alone or in combination with other HIV early and late structural HIV antigens, as novel, promising preventative and therapeutic HIV/AIDS vaccine strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Caputo
- Department of Histology, Microbiology and Medical Biotechnology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Turbant S, Martinon F, Moine G, Le Grand R, Léonetti M. Cynomolgus macaques immunized with two HIV-1 Tat stabilized proteins raise strong and long-lasting immune responses with a pattern of Th1/Th2 response differing from that in mice. Vaccine 2009; 27:5349-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.06.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2009] [Revised: 06/15/2009] [Accepted: 06/24/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
8
|
Tan CY, Ban H, Kim YH, Kim YH, Lee SK. The heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) operates predominantly by blocking the mitochondrial-independent/extrinsic pathway of cellular apoptosis. Mol Cells 2009; 27:533-8. [PMID: 19466601 DOI: 10.1007/s10059-009-0079-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2008] [Revised: 03/11/2009] [Accepted: 03/30/2009] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) is a molecular chaperone protein which regulates cell apoptosis by interacting directly with the caspase activation components in the apoptotic pathways. With the assistance of the Tat protein transduction domain we directly delivered the Hsp27 into the myocardial cell line, H9c2 and demonstrate that this protein can reverse hypoxia-induced apoptosis of cells. In order to characterize the contribution of Hsp27 in blocking the two major apoptotic pathways operational within cells, we exposed H9c2 cells to staurosporine and cobalt chloride, agents that induce mitochondria-dependent (intrinsic) and -independent (extrinsic) pathways of apoptosis in cells respectively. The Tat-Hsp27 fusion protein showed a greater propensity to inhibit the effect induced by the cobalt chloride treatment. These data suggest that the Hsp27 predominantly exerts its protective effect by interfering with the components of the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheau Yih Tan
- Department of Bioengineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 133-791, Korea
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Caputo A, Gavioli R, Bellino S, Longo O, Tripiciano A, Francavilla V, Sgadari C, Paniccia G, Titti F, Cafaro A, Ferrantelli F, Monini P, Ensoli F, Ensoli B. HIV-1 Tat-Based Vaccines: An Overview and Perspectives in the Field of HIV/AIDS Vaccine Development. Int Rev Immunol 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/08830180903013026 10.1080/08830180903013026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
|