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Lu B, Lim JM, Yu B, Song S, Neeli P, Sobhani N, K P, Bonam SR, Kurapati R, Zheng J, Chai D. The next-generation DNA vaccine platforms and delivery systems: advances, challenges and prospects. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1332939. [PMID: 38361919 PMCID: PMC10867258 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1332939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaccines have proven effective in the treatment and prevention of numerous diseases. However, traditional attenuated and inactivated vaccines suffer from certain drawbacks such as complex preparation, limited efficacy, potential risks and others. These limitations restrict their widespread use, especially in the face of an increasingly diverse range of diseases. With the ongoing advancements in genetic engineering vaccines, DNA vaccines have emerged as a highly promising approach in the treatment of both genetic diseases and acquired diseases. While several DNA vaccines have demonstrated substantial success in animal models of diseases, certain challenges need to be addressed before application in human subjects. The primary obstacle lies in the absence of an optimal delivery system, which significantly hampers the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines. We conduct a comprehensive analysis of the current status and limitations of DNA vaccines by focusing on both viral and non-viral DNA delivery systems, as they play crucial roles in the exploration of novel DNA vaccines. We provide an evaluation of their strengths and weaknesses based on our critical assessment. Additionally, the review summarizes the most recent advancements and breakthroughs in pre-clinical and clinical studies, highlighting the need for further clinical trials in this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Lu
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Ming Lim
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Boyue Yu
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Siyuan Song
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Praveen Neeli
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Navid Sobhani
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Pavithra K
- School of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Srinivasa Reddy Bonam
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Rajendra Kurapati
- School of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Junnian Zheng
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dafei Chai
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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Rosenzweig JA, Hendrix EK, Chopra AK. Plague vaccines: new developments in an ongoing search. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:4931-4941. [PMID: 34142207 PMCID: PMC8211537 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11389-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
As the reality of pandemic threats challenges humanity, exemplified during the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 infections, the development of vaccines targeting these etiological agents of disease has become increasingly critical. Of paramount concern are novel and reemerging pathogens that could trigger such events, including the plague bacterium Yersinia pestis. Y. pestis is responsible for more human deaths than any other known pathogen and exists globally in endemic regions of the world, including the four corners region and Northern California in the USA. Recent cases have been scattered throughout the world, including China and the USA, with serious outbreaks in Madagascar during 2008, 2013-2014, and, most recently, 2017-2018. This review will focus on recent advances in plague vaccine development, a seemingly necessary endeavor, as there is no Food and Drug Administration-licensed vaccine available for human distribution in western nations, and that antibiotic-resistant strains are recovered clinically or intentionally developed. Progress and recent development involving subunit, live-attenuated, and nucleic acid-based plague vaccine candidates will be discussed in this review. KEY POINTS: • Plague vaccine development remains elusive yet critical. • DNA, animal, and live-attenuated vaccine candidates gain traction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason A Rosenzweig
- Department of Biology, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX, 77004, USA.
| | - Emily K Hendrix
- Departmnet of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Ashok K Chopra
- Departmnet of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.
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Manish M, Verma S, Kandari D, Kulshreshtha P, Singh S, Bhatnagar R. Anthrax prevention through vaccine and post-exposure therapy. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2020; 20:1405-1425. [DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2020.1801626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Manish Manish
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Shashikala Verma
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Divya Kandari
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Parul Kulshreshtha
- Department of Zoology, Shivaji College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Samer Singh
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
- Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rakesh Bhatnagar
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
- Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
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Induction of a local muscular dystrophy using electroporation in vivo: an easy tool for screening therapeutics. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11301. [PMID: 32647247 PMCID: PMC7347864 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68135-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Intramuscular injection and electroporation of naked plasmid DNA (IMEP) has emerged as a potential alternative to viral vector injection for transgene expression into skeletal muscles. In this study, IMEP was used to express the DUX4 gene into mouse tibialis anterior muscle. DUX4 is normally expressed in germ cells and early embryo, and silenced in adult muscle cells where its pathological reactivation leads to Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. DUX4 encodes a potent transcription factor causing a large deregulation cascade. Its high toxicity but sporadic expression constitutes major issues for testing emerging therapeutics. The IMEP method appeared as a convenient technique to locally express DUX4 in mouse muscles. Histological analyses revealed well delineated muscle lesions 1-week after DUX4 IMEP. We have therefore developed a convenient outcome measure by quantification of the damaged muscle area using color thresholding. This method was used to characterize lesion distribution and to assess plasmid recirculation and dose–response. DUX4 expression and activity were confirmed at the mRNA and protein levels and through a quantification of target gene expression. Finally, this study gives a proof of concept of IMEP model usefulness for the rapid screening of therapeutic strategies, as demonstrated using antisense oligonucleotides against DUX4 mRNA.
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Abstract
Electrotransfection (ET) is a nonviral method for delivery of various types of molecules into cells both in vitro and in vivo. Close to 90 clinical trials that involve the use of ET have been performed, and approximately half of them are related to cancer treatment. Particularly, ET is an attractive technique for cancer immunogene therapy because treatment of cells with electric pulses alone can induce immune responses to solid tumors, and the responses can be further enhanced by ET of plasmid DNA (pDNA) encoding therapeutic genes. Compared to other gene delivery methods, ET has several unique advantages. It is relatively inexpensive, flexible, and safe in clinical applications, and introduces only naked pDNA into cells without the use of additional chemicals or viruses. However, the efficiency of ET is still low, partly because biological mechanisms of ET in cells remain elusive. In previous studies, it was believed that pDNA entered the cells through transient pores created by electric pulses. As a result, the technique is commonly referred to as electroporation. However, recent discoveries have suggested that endocytosis plays an important role in cellular uptake and intracellular transport of electrotransfected pDNA. This review will discuss current progresses in the study of biological mechanisms underlying ET and future directions of research in this area. Understanding the mechanisms of pDNA transport in cells is critical for the development of new strategies for improving the efficiency of gene delivery in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa D Cervia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Duke University , Durham , North Carolina 27708 , United States
| | - Fan Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Duke University , Durham , North Carolina 27708 , United States
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Liu L, Wei D, Qu Z, Sun L, Miao Y, Yang Y, Lu J, Du W, Wang B, Li B. A safety and immunogenicity study of a novel subunit plague vaccine in cynomolgus macaques. J Appl Toxicol 2017; 38:408-417. [PMID: 29134676 DOI: 10.1002/jat.3550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 09/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Plague has led to millions of deaths in history and outbreaks continue to the present day. The efficacy limitations and safety concerns of the existing killed whole cell and live-attenuated vaccines call for the development of new vaccines. In this study, we evaluated the immunogenicity and safety of a novel subunit plague vaccine, comprising native F1 antigen and recombinant V antigen. The cynomolgus macaques in low- and high-dose vaccine groups were vaccinated at weeks 0, 2, 4 and 6, at dose levels of 15 μg F1 + 15 μg rV and 30 μg F1 + 30 μg rV respectively. Specific antibodies and interferon-γ and interleukin-2 expression in lymphocytes were measured. For safety, except for the general toxicity and local irritation, we made a systematic immunotoxicity study on the vaccine including immunostimulation, autoimmunity and anaphylactic reaction. The vaccine induced high levels of serum anti-F1 and anti-rV antibodies, and caused small increases of interferon-γ and interleukin-2 in monkeys. The vaccination led to a reversible increase in the number of peripheral blood eosinophils, the increases in serum IgE level in a few animals and histopathological change of granulomas at injection sites. The vaccine had no impact on general conditions, most clinical pathology parameters, percentages of T-cell subsets, organ weights and gross pathology of treated monkeys and had passable local tolerance. The F1 + rV subunit plague vaccine can induce very strong humoral immunity and low level of cellular immunity in cynomolgus macaques and has a good safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, A8 Hong Da Middle Street, Yizhuang Economic Development Area, Beijing, 100176, China
| | - Dong Wei
- Institute for the Control of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, 31 Huatuo Road, Daxing District, Beijing, 102269, China
| | - Zhe Qu
- National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, A8 Hong Da Middle Street, Yizhuang Economic Development Area, Beijing, 100176, China
| | - Li Sun
- National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, A8 Hong Da Middle Street, Yizhuang Economic Development Area, Beijing, 100176, China
| | - Yufa Miao
- National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, A8 Hong Da Middle Street, Yizhuang Economic Development Area, Beijing, 100176, China
| | - Yanwei Yang
- National Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, A8 Hong Da Middle Street, Yizhuang Economic Development Area, Beijing, 100176, China
| | - Jinbiao Lu
- Institute for the Control of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, 31 Huatuo Road, Daxing District, Beijing, 102269, China
| | - Weixin Du
- Institute for the Control of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, 31 Huatuo Road, Daxing District, Beijing, 102269, China
| | - Bingxiang Wang
- Lanzhou Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd. 888 Yanchang Road, Lanzhou, 730046, China
| | - Bo Li
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, 31 Huatuo Road, Daxing District, Beijing, 102269, China
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Tao P, Mahalingam M, Zhu J, Moayeri M, Kirtley ML, Fitts EC, Andersson JA, Lawrence WS, Leppla SH, Chopra AK, Rao VB. A Bivalent Anthrax-Plague Vaccine That Can Protect against Two Tier-1 Bioterror Pathogens, Bacillus anthracis and Yersinia pestis. Front Immunol 2017; 8:687. [PMID: 28694806 PMCID: PMC5483451 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Bioterrorism remains as one of the biggest challenges to global security and public health. Since the deadly anthrax attacks of 2001 in the United States, Bacillus anthracis and Yersinia pestis, the causative agents of anthrax and plague, respectively, gained notoriety and were listed by the CDC as Tier-1 biothreat agents. Currently, there is no Food and Drug Administration-approved vaccine against either of these threats for mass vaccination to protect general public, let alone a bivalent vaccine. Here, we report the development of a single recombinant vaccine, a triple antigen consisting of all three target antigens, F1 and V from Y. pestis and PA from B. anthracis, in a structurally stable context. Properly folded and soluble, the triple antigen retained the functional and immunogenicity properties of all three antigens. Remarkably, two doses of this immunogen adjuvanted with Alhydrogel® elicited robust antibody responses in mice, rats, and rabbits and conferred complete protection against inhalational anthrax and pneumonic plague. No significant antigenic interference was observed. Furthermore, we report, for the first time, complete protection of animals against simultaneous challenge with Y. pestis and the lethal toxin of B. anthracis, demonstrating that a single biodefense vaccine can protect against a bioterror attack with weaponized B. anthracis and/or Y. pestis. This bivalent anthrax–plague vaccine is, therefore, a strong candidate for stockpiling, after demonstration of its safety and immunogenicity in human clinical trials, as part of national preparedness against two of the deadliest bioterror threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Tao
- Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Marthandan Mahalingam
- Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Jingen Zhu
- Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Mahtab Moayeri
- Microbial Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Michelle L Kirtley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Eric C Fitts
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Jourdan A Andersson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - William S Lawrence
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States.,Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Stephen H Leppla
- Microbial Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Ashok K Chopra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States.,Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States.,Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States.,Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States.,Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Venigalla B Rao
- Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, United States
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Gallovic MD, Schully KL, Bell MG, Elberson MA, Palmer JR, Darko CA, Bachelder EM, Wyslouzil BE, Keane-Myers AM, Ainslie KM. Acetalated Dextran Microparticulate Vaccine Formulated via Coaxial Electrospray Preserves Toxin Neutralization and Enhances Murine Survival Following Inhalational Bacillus Anthracis Exposure. Adv Healthc Mater 2016; 5:2617-2627. [PMID: 27594343 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201600642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Subunit formulations are regarded as the safest type of vaccine, but they often contain a protein-based antigen that can result in significant challenges, such as preserving antigenicity during formulation and administration. Many studies have demonstrated that encapsulation of protein antigens in polymeric microparticles (MPs) via emulsion techniques results in total IgG antibody titers comparable to alum formulations, however, the antibodies themselves are non-neutralizing. To address this issue, a coaxial electrohydrodynamic spraying (electrospray) technique is used to formulate a microparticulate-based subunit anthrax vaccine under conditions that minimize recombinant protective antigen (rPA) exposure to harsh solvents and high shear stress. rPA and the adjuvant resiquimod are encapsulated either in separate or the same acetalated dextran MPs. Using a murine model, the electrospray formulations lead to higher IgG2a subtype titers as well as comparable total IgG antibody titers and toxin neutralization relative to the FDA-approved vaccine (BioThrax). BioThrax provides no protection against a lethal inhalational challenge of the highly virulent Ames Bacillus anthracis anthrax strain, whereas 50% of the mice vaccinated with separately encapsulated electrospray MPs survive. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential use of electrospray for encapsulating protein antigens in polymeric MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D. Gallovic
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; College of Engineering; The Ohio State University; Columbus OH 43210 USA
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics; Eshelman School of Pharmacy; University of North Carolina; Chapel Hill NC 27599 USA
| | - Kevin L. Schully
- Vaccine and Medical Countermeasures Department; Biological Defense Research Directorate; Naval Medical Research Center; Fort Detrick MD 20910 USA
| | - Matthew G. Bell
- Vaccine and Medical Countermeasures Department; Biological Defense Research Directorate; Naval Medical Research Center; Fort Detrick MD 20910 USA
| | - Margaret A. Elberson
- Vaccine and Medical Countermeasures Department; Biological Defense Research Directorate; Naval Medical Research Center; Fort Detrick MD 20910 USA
| | - John R. Palmer
- Vaccine and Medical Countermeasures Department; Biological Defense Research Directorate; Naval Medical Research Center; Fort Detrick MD 20910 USA
| | - Christian A. Darko
- Vaccine and Medical Countermeasures Department; Biological Defense Research Directorate; Naval Medical Research Center; Fort Detrick MD 20910 USA
| | - Eric M. Bachelder
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics; Eshelman School of Pharmacy; University of North Carolina; Chapel Hill NC 27599 USA
| | - Barbara E. Wyslouzil
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; College of Engineering; The Ohio State University; Columbus OH 43210 USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; College of Arts and Sciences; The Ohio State University; Columbus OH 43210 USA
| | - Andrea M. Keane-Myers
- Vaccine and Medical Countermeasures Department; Biological Defense Research Directorate; Naval Medical Research Center; Fort Detrick MD 20910 USA
| | - Kristy M. Ainslie
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics; Eshelman School of Pharmacy; University of North Carolina; Chapel Hill NC 27599 USA
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9
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Wang HC, An HJ, Yu YZ, Xu Q. Potentiation of anthrax vaccines using protective antigen-expressing viral replicon vectors. Immunol Lett 2015; 163:206-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2014.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Revised: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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10
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Schully KL, Bell MG, Ward JM, Keane-Myers AM. Oropharyngeal aspiration of Burkholderia mallei and Burkholderia pseudomallei in BALB/c mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e115066. [PMID: 25503969 PMCID: PMC4263729 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Burkholderia mallei and Burkholderia pseudomallei are potentially lethal pathogens categorized as biothreat agents due, in part, to their ability to be disseminated via aerosol. There are no protective vaccines against these pathogens and treatment options are limited and cumbersome. Since disease severity is greatest when these agents are inhaled, efforts to develop pre- or post-exposure prophylaxis focus largely on inhalation models of infection. Here, we demonstrate a non-invasive and technically simple method for affecting the inhalational challenge of BALB/c mice with B. pseudomallei and B. mallei. In this model, two investigators utilized common laboratory tools such as forceps and a micropipette to conduct and characterize an effective and reproducible inhalational challenge of BALB/c mice with B. mallei and B. pseudomallei. Challenge by oropharyngeal aspiration resulted in acute disease. Additionally, 50% endpoints for B. pseudomallei K96243 and B. mallei ATCC 23344 were nearly identical to published aerosol challenge methods. Furthermore, the pathogens disseminated to all major organs typically targeted by these agents where they proliferated. The pro-inflammatory cytokine production in the proximal and peripheral fluids demonstrated a rapid and robust immune response comparable to previously described murine and human studies. These observations demonstrate that OA is a viable alternative to aerosol exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin L. Schully
- Naval Medical Research Center-Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Matthew G. Bell
- Naval Medical Research Center-Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jerrold M. Ward
- Global Vet Pathology, Montgomery Village, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Andrea M. Keane-Myers
- Naval Medical Research Center-Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Palmer J, Bell M, Darko C, Barnewall R, Keane-Myers A. Protein- and DNA-based anthrax toxin vaccines confer protection in guinea pigs against inhalational challenge with Bacillus cereus G9241. Pathog Dis 2014; 72:138-42. [PMID: 25044336 DOI: 10.1111/2049-632x.12204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Revised: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 06/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, several Bacillus cereus strains have been isolated from otherwise healthy individuals who succumbed to bacterial pneumonia presenting symptoms resembling inhalational anthrax. One strain was indistinguishable from B. cereus G9241, previously cultured from an individual who survived a similar pneumonia-like illness and which was shown to possess a complete set of plasmid-borne anthrax toxin-encoding homologs. The finding that B. cereus G9241 pathogenesis in mice is dependent on pagA1-derived protective antigen (PA) synthesis suggests that an anthrax toxin-based vaccine may be effective against this toxin-encoding B. cereus strain. Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs were immunized with protein- and DNA-based anthrax toxin-based vaccines, immune responses were evaluated and survival rates were calculated after lethal aerosol exposure with B. cereus G9241 spores. Each vaccine induced seroconversion with the protein immunization regimen eliciting significantly higher serum levels of antigen-specific antibodies at the prechallenge time-point compared with the DNA-protein prime-boost immunization schedule. Complete protection against lethal challenge was observed in all groups with a detectable prechallenge serum titer of toxin neutralizing antibodies. For the first time, we demonstrated that the efficacy of fully defined anthrax toxin-based vaccines was protective against lethal B. cereus G9241 aerosol challenge in the guinea pig animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Palmer
- Vaccines and Medical Countermeasures, Biological Defense Research Directorate, Navy Medical Research Center, NMRC-Frederick, Fort Detrick, MD, USA
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12
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Keane-Myers AM, Bell M, Hannaman D, Albrecht M. DNA electroporation of multi-agent vaccines conferring protection against select agent challenge: TriGrid delivery system. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1121:325-336. [PMID: 24510836 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-9632-8_29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Effective multi-agent/multivalent vaccines that confer protection against more than one disease are highly desirable to the patient and to health-care professionals. Electroporation of DNA vaccines, whereby tissues injected with DNA are subjected to localized electrical currents, is an ideal platform technology that achieves protective immune responses to multivalent vaccination. Here, we describe an electroporation-based immunization technique capable of administering a cocktail of DNA vaccinations in vivo. Immune response measurements, including protection from pathogen challenge and induction of antigen-specific antibody responses and cell-mediated immune responses, are also discussed.
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Abstract
Vaccines have evolved for hundreds of years, but all utilize the premise that safely pre-exposing the host to some component of a pathogen allows for enhanced immune recognition, and potential protection from disease, upon encountering the pathogen at a later date. Early vaccination strategies used inactivated or attenuated vaccines, many of which contained toxins and other components that resulted in reactogenicity or risk of reversion to virulence. DNA vaccines supplant many of the issues associated with inactivated or attenuated vaccines, but these vaccines tend to provide weak immunological responses, particularly in primates. DNA Electroporation may prove to be the "missing link" in the evolution of DNA vaccines allowing for enhanced immune responses from DNA vaccination in humans thereby resulting in protection from disease post-pathogen exposure.
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14
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Stab V, Nitsche S, Niezold T, Storcksdieck genannt Bonsmann M, Wiechers A, Tippler B, Hannaman D, Ehrhardt C, Überla K, Grunwald T, Tenbusch M. Protective efficacy and immunogenicity of a combinatory DNA vaccine against Influenza A Virus and the Respiratory Syncytial Virus. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72217. [PMID: 23967287 PMCID: PMC3743785 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2013] [Accepted: 07/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Influenza A Virus (IAV) are both two major causative agents of severe respiratory tract infections in humans leading to hospitalization and thousands of deaths each year. In this study, we evaluated the immunogenicity and efficacy of a combinatory DNA vaccine in comparison to the single component vaccines against both diseases in a mouse model. Intramuscular electroporation with plasmids expressing the hemagglutinin (HA) of IAV and the F protein of RSV induced strong humoral immune responses regardless if they were delivered in combination or alone. In consequence, high neutralizing antibody titers were detected, which conferred protection against a lethal challenge with IAV. Furthermore, the viral load in the lungs after a RSV infection could be dramatically reduced in vaccinated mice. Concurrently, substantial amounts of antigen-specific, polyfunctional CD8⁺ T-cells were measured after vaccination. Interestingly, the cellular response to the hemagglutinin was significantly reduced in the presence of the RSV-F encoding plasmid, but not vice versa. Although these results indicate a suppressive effect of the RSV-F protein, the protective efficacy of the combinatory vaccine was comparable to the efficacy of both single-component vaccines. In conclusion, the novel combinatory vaccine against RSV and IAV may have great potential to reduce the rate of severe respiratory tract infections in humans without increasing the number of necessary vaccinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Stab
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sandra Nitsche
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Niezold
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Andrea Wiechers
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Bettina Tippler
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Drew Hannaman
- Ichor Medical Systems, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Christina Ehrhardt
- Institute of Molecular Virology, Centre of Molecular Biology of Inflammation, Westfaelische Wilhelms University, Muenster, Germany
| | - Klaus Überla
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Grunwald
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Matthias Tenbusch
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Lisziewicz J, Lőrincz O. HIV-specific immunotherapy with DermaVir, the first pDNA/PEIm pathogen-like nanomedicine. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE 2012. [DOI: 10.1515/ejnm-2012-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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