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Kim MY, Mason HS, Ma JKC, Reljic R. Recombinant immune complexes as vaccines against infectious diseases. Trends Biotechnol 2024:S0167-7799(24)00123-9. [PMID: 38825437 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2024.05.004] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
New vaccine technologies are needed to combat many existing infections and prepare better for those that may emerge in the future. The conventional technologies that rely on protein-based vaccines are still severely restricted by the sparsity and poor accessibility of available adjuvants. One possible solution to this problem is to enhance antigen immunogenicity by a more natural means by complexing it with antibodies in the form of immune complexes (ICs). However, natural ICs are impractical as vaccines, and significant research efforts have been made to generate them in recombinant form, with plant bioengineering being at the forefront of these efforts. Here, we describe the challenges and progress made to date to make recombinant IC vaccines applicable to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Young Kim
- St. George's University of London, London, UK; Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea
| | - Hugh S Mason
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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Kruse RL, Barzi M, Legras X, Pankowicz FP, Furey N, Liao L, Xu J, Bissig-Choisat B, Slagle BL, Bissig KD. A hepatitis B virus transgenic mouse model with a conditional, recombinant, episomal genome. JHEP Rep 2021; 3:100252. [PMID: 33733079 PMCID: PMC7940981 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Development of new and more effective therapies against hepatitis B virus (HBV) is limited by the lack of suitable small animal models. The HBV transgenic mouse model containing an integrated overlength 1.3-mer construct has yielded crucial insights, but this model unfortunately lacks covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), the episomal HBV transcriptional template, and cannot be cured given that HBV is integrated in every cell. Methods To solve these 2 problems, we generated a novel transgenic mouse (HBV1.1X), which generates an excisable circular HBV genome using Cre/LoxP technology. This model possesses a HBV1.1-mer cassette knocked into the ROSA26 locus and is designed for stable expression of viral proteins from birth, like the current HBV transgenic mouse model, before genomic excision with the introduction of Cre recombinase. Results We demonstrated induction of recombinant cccDNA (rcccDNA) formation via viral or transgenic Cre expression in HBV1.1X mice, and the ability to regulate HBsAg and HBc expression with Cre in mice. Tamoxifen-inducible Cre could markedly downregulate baseline HBsAg levels from the integrated HBV genome. To demonstrate clearance of HBV from HBV1.1X mice, we administered adenovirus expressing Cre, which permanently and significantly reduced HBsAg and core antigen levels in the murine liver via rcccDNA excision and a subsequent immune response. Conclusions The HBV1.1X model is the first Cre-regulatable HBV transgenic mouse model and should be of value to mimic chronic HBV infection, with neonatal expression and tolerance of HBV antigens, and on-demand modulation of HBV expression. Lay summary Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can only naturally infect humans and chimpanzees. Mouse models have been developed with the HBV genome integrated into mouse chromosomes, but this prevents mice from being cured. We developed a new transgenic mouse model that allows for HBV to be excised from mouse chromosomes to form a recombinant circular DNA molecule resembling the natural circular HBV genome. HBV expression could be reduced in these mice, enabling curative therapies to be tested in this new mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Kruse
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mercedes Barzi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Y.T. and Alice Chen Pediatric Genetics and Genomics Research Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Xavier Legras
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Y.T. and Alice Chen Pediatric Genetics and Genomics Research Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Francis P Pankowicz
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nika Furey
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Y.T. and Alice Chen Pediatric Genetics and Genomics Research Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Lan Liao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Janming Xu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Beatrice Bissig-Choisat
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Y.T. and Alice Chen Pediatric Genetics and Genomics Research Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Betty L Slagle
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Karl-Dimiter Bissig
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Y.T. and Alice Chen Pediatric Genetics and Genomics Research Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Duke Center for Virology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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Li J, Li X, Hao G, Zhang H, Yang H, Chen H, Qian P. Fusion of pseudorabies virus glycoproteins to IgG Fc enhances protective immunity against pseudorabies virus. Virology 2019; 536:49-57. [PMID: 31400549 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2019.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Molecular adjuvants are vaccine delivery vehicle to increase specific antigens effectiveness. Herein, we concentrated on IgG Fc, an effective molecular adjuvant, to develop novel pseudorabies virus (PRV) subunit vaccines. Two major protective antigen genes of PRV were constructed and linked into the mouse IgG Fc fragment. The gD, gD-IgG2aFc, gB and gB-IgG2aFc proteins were expressed using a baculovirus system. Mice intranasally immunized with gD-IgG2aFc or gB-IgG2aFc subunit vaccine exhibited significantly higher PRV-specific antibodies, neutralizing antibodies and intracellular cytokines than the mice intranasally immunized with gD or gB subunit vaccine. Moreover, no histopathological lesions were observed in mice immunized with gB-IgG2aFc subunit vaccine via histopathology examination. Further, the gB-IgG2aFc subunit vaccine was efficient for PRV infection compared with live attenuated vaccine. Overall, these results suggest that IgG2a Fc fragment, as a potential molecular adjuvant, fused with PRV antigen might be a promising and efficient PRV vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianglong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Xiangmin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China; Laboratory of Animal Virology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Genxi Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Huawei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Huiling Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Huanchun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China; Laboratory of Animal Virology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Ping Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China; Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China; Laboratory of Animal Virology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.
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Wen YM, Mu L, Shi Y. Immunoregulatory functions of immune complexes in vaccine and therapy. EMBO Mol Med 2016; 8:1120-1133. [PMID: 27572622 PMCID: PMC5048363 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201606593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical and experimental preparations of IgG/soluble antigen complexes, as well as those formed following antibody therapy in vivo, are multifaceted immune regulators. These immune complexes (ICs) have been tested in humans and animal models, mostly in forms of experimental or clinical vaccination, for at least a century. With intensified research on Fcγ receptor-mediated immune modulation, as well as with immune complex-directed antigen processing, presentation, and inflammatory responses, there are renewed interests of using ICs in vaccines and immunotherapies. Currently, IC-based immune therapy has been broadly experimented in HBV and HIV viral infection control and antitumor treatments. However, mechanistic insights of IC-based treatments are relatively recent subjects of study; strong efforts are needed to establish links to connect laboratory findings with clinical practices. This review covers the history, mechanisms, and in vivo outcomes of this safe and effective therapeutic tool, with a clear aim to bridge laboratory findings with evolving clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Mei Wen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medical Virology, MOE/MOH, School of Basic Medical Sciences Shanghai Medical College Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Libing Mu
- Center for Life Sciences, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Immunology Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Shi
- Center for Life Sciences, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Immunology Tsinghua University, Beijing, China Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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5
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Bio-nanocapsule-based scaffold improves the sensitivity and ligand-binding capacity of mammalian receptors on the sensor chip. Biotechnol J 2016; 11:805-13. [DOI: 10.1002/biot.201500443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Revised: 03/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Said ZNA, Abdelwahab KS. Induced immunity against hepatitis B virus. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:1660-1670. [PMID: 26140085 PMCID: PMC4483547 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i12.1660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Revised: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Prevention of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with its consequent development of HBV chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma is a global mandatory goal. Fortunately, safe and effective HBV vaccines are currently available. Universal hepatitis B surface antigen HBV vaccination coverage is almost done. Growing knowledge based upon monitoring and surveillance of HBV vaccination programs has accumulated and the policy of booster vaccination has been evaluated. This review article provides an overview of the natural history of HBV infection, immune responses and the future of HBV infection. It also summarizes the updated sources, types and uses of HBV vaccines, whether in the preclinical phase or in the post-field vaccination.
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Sun W, Li Q, Zhu D, Feng J, Zhuang Z, Sun X, Xiao G, Duan Y. Enhancement of immune response to a hepatitis C virus E2 DNA vaccine by an immunoglobulin Fc fusion tag. J Med Virol 2015; 87:2090-7. [PMID: 26010499 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.24277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Neutralizing antibodies and cellular immune response both play essential roles in the clearance of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The envelope glycoprotein E2 is a major target for producing neutralizing antibodies against HCV. Here, we constructed a recombinant plasmid, termed pcDNA3.1-E2-Fc, to express HCV E2 with an immunoglobulin Fc fusion tag (E2-Fc). Importantly, we found that the titers of E2-specific IgG from mice immunized with pcDNA3.1-E2-Fc were significantly higher than that from mice immunized with pcDNA3.1-E2. Moreover, pcDNA3.1-E2-Fc immunization could boost E2-specific lymphocyte proliferation and enhance the secretion of IFN-γ by lymphocytes upon in vitro stimulation with soluble E2 compared to pcDNA3.1-E2 immunization. Neutralization assays showed that serum from pcDNA3.1-E2-Fc immunized mice exhibited more effective neutralizing capacity of HCVpp entry into Huh-7 cells compared with that from pcDNA3.1-E2 immunized mice, although both of the sera could inhibit the virus entry. Taken together, our results imply that pcDNA3.1-E2-Fc immunization could enhance E2-specific humoral and cellular immune response in mice and thus provide a promising candidate for the development of an HCV vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Sun
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qun Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Dandan Zhu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinrong Feng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhong Zhuang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolei Sun
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Gengfu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinong Duan
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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He Y, Hong Y, Mizejewski GJ. Engineering α-fetoprotein-based gene vaccines to prevent and treat hepatocellular carcinoma: review and future prospects. Immunotherapy 2015; 6:725-36. [PMID: 25041030 DOI: 10.2217/imt.14.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of a patient's immune system offers an attractive approach to prevent and treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the antitumor efficacy of current HCC vaccines was weak owing to insufficient immune activation of targeting self/tumor antigens. We recently found that epitope-optimized α-fetoprotein effectively activated CD8 T cells and generated potent antitumor effects in the carcinogen-induced autochthonous HCC mouse model. We predict that the same antigen engineering approach of epitope-optimization will enable us to develop effective human vaccines to prevent HCC recurrence after liver resection. The engineered human HCC vaccines may also allow us to identify high-affinity T-cell receptors and antibodies that can be used to reprogram T cells to treat HCC tumors via adoptive transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukai He
- Georgia Regents University Cancer Center, Cancer Immunology, Inflammation & Tolerance Program, Augusta, GA 30907, USA
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Wang Y, Chen K, Wu Z, Liu Y, Liu S, Zou Z, Chen SH, Qu C. Immunizations with hepatitis B viral antigens and a TLR7/8 agonist adjuvant induce antigen-specific immune responses in HBV-transgenic mice. Int J Infect Dis 2014; 29:31-6. [PMID: 25449231 PMCID: PMC4397646 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2014.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Revised: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The capacity of toll-like receptor (TLR) 7/8 agonist-conjugated hepatitis B virus (HBV) proteins (HBV-Ag) to overcome established hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-specific immune tolerance was explored. Methods A TLR7/8 agonist, CL097, was conjugated with alum-absorbed HBsAg and hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg), as confirmed by ultra performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF MS). Mice from two independently generated HBV-transgenic (HBV-Tg) colonies, C57BL/6J-TgN (AlblHBV) 44Bri/J mice and C57BL/6-HBV-1.3 genome-eq mice, were immunized with CL097-conjugated HBV-Ag every 2 weeks, four times. Results After immunization, 8/11 (72.7%) of the AlblHBV mice and 10/13 (76.9%) of the HBV-1.3 genome-eq mice generated serum detectable antibodies against HBsAg (anti-HBs). HBsAg-specific interferon gamma (IFN-γ)-producing CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells were detected in splenocytes from these mice. Naїve normal mice receiving splenocytes from the mice immunized with CL097-conjugated HBV-Ag generated immediate recall immune responses, e.g., the mice that received CD4+CD25+-depleted splenocytes generated anti-HBs on day 3 after HBsAg challenge while those receiving cells from sham-immunized mice did not. Conclusions Immunization with CL097-conjugated HBV-Ag reversed immune tolerance in HBV-Tg mice and induced antigen-specific immune responses. TLR7/8 agonists appear to be potent adjuvants for the induction of antigen-specific Th1 responses in an immune tolerant state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute/Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Kun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute/Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Zhiyuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute/Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yuetao Liu
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shangmei Liu
- Pathology Department, Cancer Institute/Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongmei Zou
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shu-Hsia Chen
- Departments of Oncological Sciences and Surgery, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Chunfeng Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Institute/Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Beijing 100021, China.
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10
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Hong Y, Peng Y, Guo ZS, Guevara-Patino J, Pang J, Butterfield LH, Mivechi N, Munn DH, Bartlett DL, He Y. Epitope-optimized alpha-fetoprotein genetic vaccines prevent carcinogen-induced murine autochthonous hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology 2014; 59:1448-58. [PMID: 24122861 PMCID: PMC4151349 DOI: 10.1002/hep.26893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2013] [Revised: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 10/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Immunization with effective cancer vaccines can offer a much needed adjuvant therapy to fill the treatment gap after liver resection to prevent relapse of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, current HCC cancer vaccines are mostly based on native shared-self/tumor antigens that are only able to induce weak immune responses. In this study we investigated whether the HCC-associated self/tumor antigen of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) could be engineered to create an effective vaccine to break immune tolerance and potently activate CD8 T cells to prevent clinically relevant carcinogen-induced autochthonous HCC in mice. We found that the approach of computer-guided methodical epitope-optimization created a highly immunogenic AFP and that immunization with lentivector expressing the epitope-optimized AFP, but not wild-type AFP, potently activated CD8 T cells. Critically, the activated CD8 T cells not only cross-recognized short synthetic wild-type AFP peptides, but also recognized and killed tumor cells expressing wild-type AFP protein. Immunization with lentivector expressing optimized AFP, but not native AFP, completely protected mice from tumor challenge and reduced the incidence of carcinogen-induced autochthonous HCC. In addition, prime-boost immunization with the optimized AFP significantly increased the frequency of AFP-specific memory CD8 T cells in the liver that were highly effective against emerging HCC tumor cells, further enhancing the tumor prevention of carcinogen-induced autochthonous HCC. CONCLUSIONS Epitope-optimization is required to break immune tolerance and potently activate AFP-specific CD8 T cells, generating effective antitumor effect to prevent clinically relevant carcinogen-induced autochthonous HCC in mice. Our study provides a practical roadmap to develop effective human HCC vaccines that may result in an improved outcome compared to the current HCC vaccines based on wild-type AFP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Hong
- Cancer Immunology, Inflammation, and Tolerance Program, Georgia Regents University Cancer Center, Augusta, GA
| | - Yibing Peng
- Cancer Immunology, Inflammation, and Tolerance Program, Georgia Regents University Cancer Center, Augusta, GA
| | - Z. Sheng Guo
- Department of Surgery and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Jose Guevara-Patino
- Depart of Surgery, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University, Maywood, IL
| | - Junfeng Pang
- Department of Radiology and Molecular Chaperone Program, Georgia Regents University Cancer Center, Augusta, GA
| | - Lisa H. Butterfield
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Nahid Mivechi
- Department of Radiology and Molecular Chaperone Program, Georgia Regents University Cancer Center, Augusta, GA
| | - David H Munn
- Cancer Immunology, Inflammation, and Tolerance Program, Georgia Regents University Cancer Center, Augusta, GA,Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA
| | - David L Bartlett
- Department of Surgery and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Yukai He
- Cancer Immunology, Inflammation, and Tolerance Program, Georgia Regents University Cancer Center, Augusta, GA,Department of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA
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Zhong YH, Tan F, Li M, Liu J, Wang X, Yuan Y, Zhong XF, Peng FH. Comparisons of presentations and outcomes of cryptococcal meningitis between patients with and without hepatitis B virus infection. Int J Infect Dis 2014; 20:31-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2013.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2013] [Revised: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 11/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
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Xiao H, Peng Y, Hong Y, Huang L, Guo ZS, Bartlett DL, Fu N, Munn DH, Mellor A, He Y. Local administration of TLR ligands rescues the function of tumor-infiltrating CD8 T cells and enhances the antitumor effect of lentivector immunization. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 190:5866-73. [PMID: 23610140 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1203470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cancer vaccines, to date, have shown limited effect to control the growth of established tumors due largely to effector failure of the antitumor immune responses. Tumor lesion is characterized as chronic indolent inflammation in which the effector function of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) is severely impaired. In this study, we investigated whether the effector function of CD8 TILs could be rescued by converting the chronic inflammation milieu to acute inflammation within tumors. We found that injection of TLR3/9 ligands (polyI:C/CpG) into a tumor during the effector phase of lentivector (lv) immunization effectively rescued the function of lv-activated CD8 TILs and decreased the percentage of T regulatory within the tumor, resulting in a marked improvement in the antitumor efficacy of lv immunization. Mechanistically, rescue of the effector function of CD8 TILs by TLR3/9 ligands is most likely dependent on production, within a tumor, of type-1 IFN that can mature and activate tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells. The effector function of CD8 TILs could not be rescued in mice lacking intact type I IFN signaling. These findings have important implications for tumor immunotherapy, suggesting that type I IFN-mediated activation of tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells within a tumor will most likely restore/enhance the effector function of CD8 TILs and thus improve the antitumor efficacy of current cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Xiao
- Immunology/Immunotherapy Program, Georgia Regents University Cancer Center, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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A vesicular stomatitis virus-based therapeutic vaccine generates a functional CD8 T cell response to hepatitis B virus in transgenic mice. J Virol 2012; 87:2969-73. [PMID: 23269785 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02111-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is a promising therapeutic vaccine platform. Using a transgenic mouse model of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of a VSV vector expressing the HBV middle surface envelope glycoprotein (MS). VSV-MS immunization generated HBV-specific CD8 T cell and antibody responses in transgenic mice that express low HBV antigen levels. These findings support the further development of VSV as a therapeutic vaccine vector for chronic HBV.
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Xing T, Xu H, Yu W. Role of T follicular helper cells and their associated molecules in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Exp Ther Med 2012; 5:885-889. [PMID: 23407366 PMCID: PMC3570220 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2012.864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 12/13/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the roles of T follicular helper (TFH) cells and related molecules in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The levels of circulating TFH cells and their surface CD40 ligand (CD40L), as well as CD19+ B cells and their surface CD40 expression were detected by flow cytometry. Peripheral blood plasma interleukin (IL)-21 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Compared with hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb)− and HBsAb+ healthy controls, the percentage of TFH cells and their surface CD40L expression significantly increased in patients with chronic HBV infection, particularly those with chronic hepatitis B (P<0.05). The percentage of CD19+ B cells significantly increased in chronic hepatitis B patients and CD40 expression levels on the CD19+ B cell surface in chronic HBV infection decreased compared with those in the healthy controls (P<0.05). Compared with the healthy controls, the plasma IL-21 level in chronic hepatitis B patients was significantly increased in chronic HBV carriers and decreased in inactive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers (P<0.05). The TFH cell percentage, B cell percentage and IL-21 expression did not significantly differ between the hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg)− and HBeAg+ chronic hepatitis B groups (P>0.05). The abnormal expression of TFH cells and IL-21 is related to the dysfunction of immune response during chronic HBV infection. The interaction of CD19+ B cells with TFH cells via their CD40 and CD40L molecules may also play an important role in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongjing Xing
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taizhou People's Hospital, Taizhou, Jiangsu 225300, P.R. China
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Shimizu Y. T cell immunopathogenesis and immunotherapeutic strategies for chronic hepatitis B virus infection. World J Gastroenterol 2012; 18:2443-51. [PMID: 22654441 PMCID: PMC3360442 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i20.2443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2011] [Revised: 02/08/2012] [Accepted: 02/26/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B is caused by the host immune response and T cells play a major role in the immunopathogenesis. More importantly, T cells not only destroy hepatocytes infected by hepatitis B virus (HBV), but also control HBV replication or eradicate HBV in a noncytolytic manner. Therefore, analysis of T cell immune response during acute and chronic HBV infection is important to develop a strategy for successful viral control, which could lead to immunotherapy for terminating persistent HBV infection. There have been many attempts at immunotherapy for chronic HBV infection, and some have shown promising results. High viral load has been shown to suppress antiviral immune responses and immunoinhibitory signals have been recently elucidated, therefore, viral suppression by nucleos(t)ide analogs, stimulation of antiviral immune response, and suppression of the immunoinhibitory signals must be combined to achieve desirable antiviral effects.
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Hong Y, Peng Y, Xiao H, Mi M, Munn D, He Y. Immunoglobulin Fc fragment tagging allows strong activation of endogenous CD4 T cells to reshape the tumor milieu and enhance the antitumor effect of lentivector immunization. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 188:4819-27. [PMID: 22504640 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1103512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
A major problem with current cancer vaccines is that the induction of CD8 immune responses is rarely associated with antitumor benefits, mainly owing to multiple immune suppressions in established tumor lesions. In this study, we investigated if and how activation of endogenous CD4 T cells could be achieved to influence the suppressive tumor milieu and antitumor effect. We engineered a lentivector (lv) to express a nominal fusion Ag composed of hepatitis B surface protein and IgG2a Fc fragment (HBS-Fc-lv) to increase the magnitude of CD8 response but, more importantly, to induce effective coactivation of CD4 T cells. We found that, remarkably, immunization with HBS-Fc-lv caused significant regression of established tumors. Immunologic analysis revealed that, compared with HBS-lv without Fc fragment, immunization with HBS-Fc-lv markedly increased the number of functional CD8 and CD4 T cells and the level of Th1/Tc1-like cytokines in the tumor while substantially decreasing the regulatory T cell ratio. The favorable immunologic changes in tumor lesions and the improvement of antitumor effects from HBS-Fc-lv immunization were dependent on the CD4 activation, which was Fc receptor mediated. Adoptive transfer of CD4 T cells from the HBS-Fc-lv-immunized mice could activate endogenous CD8 T cells in an IFN-γ-dependent manner. We conclude that endogenous CD4 T cells can be activated by lv expressing Fc-tagged Ag to provide another layer of help--that is, creating a Th1/Tc1-like proinflammatory milieu within the tumor lesion to boost the effector phase of immune responses in enhancing the antitumor effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Hong
- Immunology/Immunotherapy Program, Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Health Sciences University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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