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Weiß R, Issmail L, Rockstroh A, Grunwald T, Fertey J, Ulbert S. Immunization with different recombinant West Nile virus envelope proteins induces varying levels of serological cross-reactivity and protection from infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1279147. [PMID: 38035335 PMCID: PMC10684968 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1279147] [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: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction West Nile Virus (WNV) is a zoonotic flavivirus transmitted by mosquitoes. Especially in the elderly or in immunocompromised individuals an infection with WNV can lead to severe neurological symptoms. To date, no human vaccine against WNV is available. The Envelope (E) protein, located at the surface of flaviviruses, is involved in the invasion into host cells and is the major target for neutralizing antibodies and therefore central to vaccine development. Due to their close genetic and structural relationship, flaviviruses share highly conserved epitopes, such as the fusion loop domain (FL) in the E protein, that are recognized by cross-reactive antibodies. These antibodies can lead to enhancement of infection with heterologous flaviviruses, which is a major concern for potential vaccines in areas with co-circulation of different flaviviruses, e.g. Dengue or Zika viruses. Material To reduce the potential of inducing cross-reactive antibodies, we performed an immunization study in mice using WNV E proteins with either wild type sequence or a mutated FL, and WNV E domain III which does not contain the FL at all. Results and discussion Our data show that all antigens induce high levels of WNV-binding antibodies. However, the level of protection against WNV varied, with the wildtype E protein inducing full, the other antigens only partial protection. On the other hand, serological cross-reactivity to heterologous flaviviruses was significantly reduced after immunization with the mutated E protein or domain III as compared to the wild type version. These results have indications for choosing antigens with the optimal specificity and efficacy in WNV vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Sebastian Ulbert
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Department of Vaccines and Infection Models, Leipzig, Germany
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2
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Stertman L, Palm AKE, Zarnegar B, Carow B, Lunderius Andersson C, Magnusson SE, Carnrot C, Shinde V, Smith G, Glenn G, Fries L, Lövgren Bengtsson K. The Matrix-M™ adjuvant: A critical component of vaccines for the 21 st century. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2189885. [PMID: 37113023 PMCID: PMC10158541 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2189885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Matrix-M™ adjuvant is a key component of several novel vaccine candidates. The Matrix-M adjuvant consists of two distinct fractions of saponins purified from the Quillaja saponaria Molina tree, combined with cholesterol and phospholipids to form 40-nm open cage-like nanoparticles, achieving potent adjuvanticity with a favorable safety profile. Matrix-M induces early activation of innate immune cells at the injection site and in the draining lymph nodes. This translates into improved magnitude and quality of the antibody response to the antigen, broadened epitope recognition, and the induction of a Th1-dominant immune response. Matrix-M-adjuvanted vaccines have a favorable safety profile and are well tolerated in clinical trials. In this review, we discuss the latest findings on the mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety of Matrix-M adjuvant and other saponin-based adjuvants, with a focus on the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) subunit vaccine candidate NVX-CoV2373 developed to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Stertman
- Department Product Development, Novavax AB, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | | | - Berit Carow
- Department Product Development, Novavax AB, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Sofia E Magnusson
- Department Alliance and Project Management, Novavax AB, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Carnrot
- Department Alliance and Project Management, Novavax AB, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Vivek Shinde
- Department Research and Development, Novavax, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Gale Smith
- Department Research and Development, Novavax, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Gregory Glenn
- Department Research and Development, Novavax, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Louis Fries
- Department Research and Development, Novavax, Inc, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
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3
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Saponin-based adjuvant-induced dendritic cell cross-presentation is dependent on PERK activation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:231. [PMID: 35396971 PMCID: PMC8994093 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04253-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Saponin-based adjuvants (SBAs) are promising new adjuvants that stand out as they not only enforce CD4 + T cell-mediated immunity and antibody responses, but also induce an unprecedented level of antigen cross-presentation by dendritic cells (DC) and subsequent CD8 + T cell activation. We discovered that SBA’s ability to boost cross-presentation depends on the induction of lipid bodies (LBs). Moreover, the MHCIIloCD11bhi DC subset was identified to be most responsive to SBA-induced cross-presentation. The aim is to further unravel the mechanisms behind the induction of DC cross-presentation by SBAs. Here we show that SBAs specifically induce the PKR-like Endoplasmic Reticulum kinase (PERK) pathway and that SBA-induced DC cross-presentation is dependent on activation of the PERK pathway. PERK activation and LB formation are both crucial for SBA-induced cross-presentation and PERK inhibition has little or no effect on SBA-induced LB formation. SBA’s responsiveness, LB formation and PERK activation are specific for the MHCIIloCD11bhi DCs. These findings contribute to understanding the pathways involved in SBA-induced cross-presentation and immune activation which will ultimately lead to the development of vaccines with improved efficiency and safety.
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4
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Preclinical development of a Pfs230-Pfs48/45 chimeric malaria transmission-blocking vaccine. NPJ Vaccines 2021; 6:120. [PMID: 34642303 PMCID: PMC8511065 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-021-00383-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The Plasmodium falciparum Pfs230 and Pfs48/45 proteins are leading candidates for a malaria transmission-blocking vaccine (TBV). Previously, we showed that a Pfs230–Pfs48/45 fusion protein elicits higher levels of functional antibodies than the individual antigens, but low yields hampered progression to clinical evaluation. Here we identified a modified construct (ProC6C) with a circumsporozoite protein (CSP) repeat-linker sequence that enhances expression. A scalable and reproducible process in the Lactococcus lactis expression system was developed and ProC6C was successfully transferred for manufacturing under current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). In addition, a panel of analytical assays for release and stability were developed. Intact mass spectrometry analysis and multiangle light scattering showed that the protein contained correct disulfide bonds and was monomeric. Immunogenicity studies in mice showed that the ProC6C adsorbed to Alhydrogel®, with or without Matrix-MTM, elicited functional antibodies that reduced transmission to mosquitoes and sporozoite invasion of human hepatocytes. Altogether, our data support manufacture and clinical evaluation of ProC6C as a multistage malaria-vaccine candidate.
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5
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Singh SK, Plieskatt J, Chourasia BK, Fabra-García A, Garcia-Senosiain A, Singh V, Bengtsson KL, Reimer JM, Sauerwein R, Jore MM, Theisen M. A Reproducible and Scalable Process for Manufacturing a Pfs48/45 Based Plasmodium falciparum Transmission-Blocking Vaccine. Front Immunol 2021; 11:606266. [PMID: 33505395 PMCID: PMC7832176 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.606266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The cysteine-rich Pfs48/45 protein, a Plasmodium falciparum sexual stage surface protein, has been advancing as a candidate antigen for a transmission-blocking vaccine (TBV) for malaria. However, Pfs48/45 contains multiple disulfide bonds, that are critical for proper folding and induction of transmission-blocking (TB) antibodies. We have previously shown that R0.6C, a fusion of the 6C domain of Pfs48/45 and a fragment of PfGLURP (R0), expressed in Lactococcus lactis, was properly folded and induced transmission-blocking antibodies. Here we describe the process development and technology transfer of a scalable and reproducible process suitable for R0.6C manufacturing under current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). This process resulted in a final purified yield of 25 mg/L, sufficient for clinical evaluation. A panel of analytical assays for release and stability assessment of R0.6C were developed including HPLC, SDS-PAGE, and immunoblotting with the conformation-dependent TB mAb45.1. Intact mass analysis of R0.6C confirmed the identity of the product including the three disulfide bonds and the absence of post-translational modifications. Multi-Angle Light Scattering (MALS) coupled to size exclusion chromatography (SEC-MALS), further confirmed that R0.6C was monomeric (~70 kDa) in solution. Lastly, preclinical studies demonstrated that the R0.6C Drug Product (adsorbed to Alhydrogel®) elicited functional antibodies in small rodents and that adding Matrix-M™ adjuvant further increased the functional response. Here, building upon our past work, we filled the gap between laboratory and manufacturing to ready R0.6C for production under cGMP and eventual clinical evaluation as a malaria TB vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susheel K Singh
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jordan Plieskatt
- PATH's Malaria Vaccine Initiative, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Bishwanath K Chourasia
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Amanda Fabra-García
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Asier Garcia-Senosiain
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vandana Singh
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | - Robert Sauerwein
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Matthijs M Jore
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Michael Theisen
- Department for Congenital Disorders, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Centre for Medical Parasitology at Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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6
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Berneck BS, Rockstroh A, Fertey J, Grunwald T, Ulbert S. A Recombinant Zika Virus Envelope Protein with Mutations in the Conserved Fusion Loop Leads to Reduced Antibody Cross-Reactivity upon Vaccination. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E603. [PMID: 33066262 PMCID: PMC7712286 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8040603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a zoonotic, human pathogenic, and mosquito-borne flavivirus. Its distribution is rapidly growing worldwide. Several attempts to develop vaccines for ZIKV are currently ongoing. Central to most vaccination approaches against flavivirus infections is the envelope (E) protein, which is the major target of neutralizing antibodies. Insect-cell derived, recombinantly expressed variants of E from the flaviviruses West Nile and Dengue virus have entered clinical trials in humans. Also for ZIKV, these antigens are promising vaccine candidates. Due to the structural similarity of flaviviruses, cross-reactive antibodies are induced by flavivirus antigens and have been linked to the phenomenon of antibody-dependent enhancement of infection (ADE). Especially the highly conserved fusion loop domain (FL) in the E protein is a target of such cross-reactive antibodies. In areas where different flaviviruses co-circulate and heterologous infections cannot be ruled out, this is of concern. To exclude the possibility that recombinant E proteins of ZIKV might induce ADE in infections with related flaviviruses, we performed an immunization study with an insect-cell derived E protein containing four mutations in and near the FL. Our data show that this mutant antigen elicits antibodies with equal neutralizing capacity as the wildtype equivalent. However, it induces much less serological cross-reactivity and does not cause ADE in vitro. These results indicate that mutated variants of the E protein might lead to ZIKV and other flavivirus vaccines with increased safety profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sebastian Ulbert
- Fraunhofer-Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (B.S.B.); (A.R.); (J.F.); (T.G.)
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7
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Araujo SC, Pereira LR, Alves RPS, Andreata-Santos R, Kanno AI, Ferreira LCS, Gonçalves VM. Anti-Flavivirus Vaccines: Review of the Present Situation and Perspectives of Subunit Vaccines Produced in Escherichia coli. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8030492. [PMID: 32878023 PMCID: PMC7564369 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This article aims to review the present status of anti-flavivirus subunit vaccines, both those at the experimental stage and those already available for clinical use. Aspects regarding development of vaccines to Yellow Fever virus, (YFV), Dengue virus (DENV), West Nile virus (WNV), Zika virus (ZIKV), and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) are highlighted, with particular emphasis on purified recombinant proteins generated in bacterial cells. Currently licensed anti-flavivirus vaccines are based on inactivated, attenuated, or virus-vector vaccines. However, technological advances in the generation of recombinant antigens with preserved structural and immunological determinants reveal new possibilities for the development of recombinant protein-based vaccine formulations for clinical testing. Furthermore, novel proposals for multi-epitope vaccines and the discovery of new adjuvants and delivery systems that enhance and/or modulate immune responses can pave the way for the development of successful subunit vaccines. Nonetheless, advances in this field require high investments that will probably not raise interest from private pharmaceutical companies and, therefore, will require support by international philanthropic organizations and governments of the countries more severely stricken by these viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio C. Araujo
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo–SP 05503-900, Brazil; (S.C.A.); (A.I.K.)
| | - Lennon R. Pereira
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo–SP 05508-000, Brazil; (L.R.P.); (R.P.S.A.); (R.A.-S.)
| | - Rubens P. S. Alves
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo–SP 05508-000, Brazil; (L.R.P.); (R.P.S.A.); (R.A.-S.)
| | - Robert Andreata-Santos
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo–SP 05508-000, Brazil; (L.R.P.); (R.P.S.A.); (R.A.-S.)
| | - Alex I. Kanno
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo–SP 05503-900, Brazil; (S.C.A.); (A.I.K.)
| | - Luis Carlos S. Ferreira
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo–SP 05508-000, Brazil; (L.R.P.); (R.P.S.A.); (R.A.-S.)
- Correspondence: (L.C.S.F.); (V.M.G.)
| | - Viviane M. Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo–SP 05503-900, Brazil; (S.C.A.); (A.I.K.)
- Correspondence: (L.C.S.F.); (V.M.G.)
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8
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Stonedahl S, Clarke P, Tyler KL. The Role of Microglia during West Nile Virus Infection of the Central Nervous System. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E485. [PMID: 32872152 PMCID: PMC7563127 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Encephalitis resulting from viral infections is a major cause of hospitalization and death worldwide. West Nile Virus (WNV) is a substantial health concern as it is one of the leading causes of viral encephalitis in the United States today. WNV infiltrates the central nervous system (CNS), where it directly infects neurons and induces neuronal cell death, in part, via activation of caspase 3-mediated apoptosis. WNV infection also induces neuroinflammation characterized by activation of innate immune cells, including microglia and astrocytes, production of inflammatory cytokines, breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, and infiltration of peripheral leukocytes. Microglia are the resident immune cells of the brain and monitor the CNS for signs of injury or pathogens. Following infection with WNV, microglia exhibit a change in morphology consistent with activation and are associated with increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Recent research has focused on deciphering the role of microglia during WNV encephalitis. Microglia play a protective role during infections by limiting viral growth and reducing mortality in mice. However, it also appears that activated microglia are triggered by T cells to mediate synaptic elimination at late times during infection, which may contribute to long-term neurological deficits following a neuroinvasive WNV infection. This review will discuss the important role of microglia in the pathogenesis of a neuroinvasive WNV infection. Knowledge of the precise role of microglia during a WNV infection may lead to a greater ability to treat and manage WNV encephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Stonedahl
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Penny Clarke
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kenneth L. Tyler
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Infectious Disease, Medicine and Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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9
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Gore MM. Vaccines Against Dengue and West Nile Viruses in India: The Need of the Hour. Viral Immunol 2020; 33:423-433. [PMID: 32320353 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2019.0122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The circulation of flaviviruses, dengue (DEN), Japanese encephalitis (JE) and West Nile (WN) viruses, and others, is generating a major concern in many countries. Both JE along with DEN have been endemic in large regions of India. WN virus infection, although circulating in southern regions for many years, in recent years, WN encephalitis patients have been demonstrated. While vaccines against JE have been developed and decrease outbreaks, in case of DEN and WN, vaccines are still in developing level, especially, it has been difficult to achieve the long-term protective immune response. The first licensed DEN vaccine, which is a live attenuated vaccine, was administered in countries where the virus is endemic, and has a potential to cause serious side effects, especially when administered to younger population as observed in the Philippines vaccination drive. In the case of WN, although the purified inactivated virion-based vaccine worked effectively as a veterinary vaccine for horses, no effective vaccine has yet been licensed for humans. The induction of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses is essential to complete protection by these viruses, as evidenced by responses to asymptomatic infections. Many studies have shown that neutralizing antibody (NAb) response is against surface structural proteins; CD4+ and CD8+ responses are mainly directed against nonstructural proteins rather than NAb response. New data suggest that encapsulating virus vaccines in nanoparticles (NPs) will direct antigen in cytoplasmic compartment by antigen-presenting cells, which will improve presentation to CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Since tissue culture-derived, purified inactivated viruses are easier to manufacture and safer than developing live virus vaccines, inclusion of NP provides an attractive alternative for generating robust flaviviral vaccines that are affordable with long-lived protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milind M Gore
- Emeritus Scientist, ICMR-National Institute of Virology, Pune, India
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10
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Sinigaglia A, Peta E, Riccetti S, Barzon L. New avenues for therapeutic discovery against West Nile virus. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:333-348. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1714586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elektra Peta
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Riccetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Luisa Barzon
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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11
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Role of NS1 and TLR3 in Pathogenesis and Immunity of WNV. Viruses 2019; 11:v11070603. [PMID: 31277274 PMCID: PMC6669597 DOI: 10.3390/v11070603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-transmitted flavivirus which causes encephalitis especially in elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Previous studies have suggested the protective role of the Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) pathway against WNV entry into the brain, while the WNV non-structural protein 1 (NS1) interferes with the TLR3 signaling pathway, besides being a component of viral genome replication machinery. In this study, we investigated whether immunization with NS1 could protect against WNV neuroinvasion in the context of TLR3 deficiency. We immunized mice with either an intact or deleted TLR3 system (TLR3KO) with WNV envelope glycoprotein (gE) protein, NS1, or a combination of gE and NS1. Immunization with gE or gE/NS1, but not with NS1 alone, induced WNV neutralizing antibodies and protected against WNV brain invasion and inflammation. The presence of intact TLR3 signaling had no apparent effect on WNV brain invasion. However, mock-immunized TLR3KO mice had higher inflammatory cell invasion upon WNV brain infection than NS1-immunized TLR3KO mice and wild type mice. Thus, immunization against NS1 may reduce brain inflammation in a context of TLR3 signaling deficiency.
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12
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Alexyuk PG, Bogoyavlenskiy AP, Alexyuk MS, Turmagambetova AS, Zaitseva IA, Omirtaeva ES, Berezin VE. Adjuvant activity of multimolecular complexes based on Glycyrrhiza glabra saponins, lipids, and influenza virus glycoproteins. Arch Virol 2019; 164:1793-1803. [PMID: 31079211 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-019-04273-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown that immunostimulatory complexes containing Quil-A saponin and various antigens are effective in stimulating the immune response and can be used as vaccine preparations for animals and humans. However, Quil-A saponin possesses toxicity and haemolytic activity. In the present work, a saponin-containing preparation named "Glabilox" was isolated from the roots of a Glycyrrhiza glabra L. plant by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that Glabilox has no toxicity or haemolytic activity and can form stable immunostimulatory complexes. Subcutaneous immunization of mice with an immunostimulating complex containing Glabilox and H7N1 influenza virus antigens stimulated high levels of humoral and cellular immunity. Vaccination of chickens with the same immunostimulating complex protected 100% of the animals after experimental infection with a homologous virus. Comparative studies showed that the immunogenic and protective activity of immunostimulatory complexes containing Quil-A and immunostimulatory complexes containing Glabilox are comparable to each other. The results of these studies indicated that Glycyrrhiza glabra saponins show great promise as safe and effective adjuvants.
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Affiliation(s)
- P G Alexyuk
- Research and Production Center for Microbiology and Virology, 105, Bogenbai Batyr Street, Almaty, 050010, Kazakhstan.
| | - A P Bogoyavlenskiy
- Research and Production Center for Microbiology and Virology, 105, Bogenbai Batyr Street, Almaty, 050010, Kazakhstan
| | - M S Alexyuk
- Research and Production Center for Microbiology and Virology, 105, Bogenbai Batyr Street, Almaty, 050010, Kazakhstan
| | - A S Turmagambetova
- Research and Production Center for Microbiology and Virology, 105, Bogenbai Batyr Street, Almaty, 050010, Kazakhstan
| | - I A Zaitseva
- Research and Production Center for Microbiology and Virology, 105, Bogenbai Batyr Street, Almaty, 050010, Kazakhstan
| | - E S Omirtaeva
- Research and Production Center for Microbiology and Virology, 105, Bogenbai Batyr Street, Almaty, 050010, Kazakhstan
| | - V E Berezin
- Research and Production Center for Microbiology and Virology, 105, Bogenbai Batyr Street, Almaty, 050010, Kazakhstan
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13
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Adjuvant activity of saponins from Kazakhstani plants on the immune responses to subunit influenza vaccine. Arch Virol 2017; 162:3817-3826. [DOI: 10.1007/s00705-017-3560-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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14
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Collins MH, Metz SW. Progress and Works in Progress: Update on Flavivirus Vaccine Development. Clin Ther 2017; 39:1519-1536. [PMID: 28754189 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Most areas of the globe are endemic for at least one flavivirus, putting billions at risk for infection. This diverse group of viral pathogens causes a range of manifestations in humans from asymptomatic infection to hemorrhagic fever to encephalitis to birth defects and even death. Many flaviviruses are transmitted by mosquitos and have expanded in geographic distribution in recent years, with dengue virus being the most prevalent, infecting approximately 400 million people each year. The explosive emergence of Zika virus in Latin America in 2014 refocused international attention on this medically important group of viruses. Meanwhile, yellow fever has caused major outbreaks in Africa and South America since 2015 despite a reliable vaccine. There is no vaccine for Zika yet, and the only licensed dengue vaccine performs suboptimally in certain contexts. Further lessons are found when considering the experience with Japanese encephalitis virus, West Nile virus, and tickborne encephalitis virus, all of which now have protective vaccination in human or veterinary populations. Thus, vaccination is a mainstay of public health strategy for combating flavivirus infections; however, numerous challenges exist along the path from development to delivery of a tolerable and effective vaccine. Nevertheless, intensification of investment and effort in this area holds great promise for significantly reducing the global burden of disease attributable to flavivirus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew H Collins
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
| | - Stefan W Metz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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15
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Altenburg AF, Magnusson SE, Bosman F, Stertman L, de Vries RD, Rimmelzwaan GF. Protein and modified vaccinia virus Ankara-based influenza virus nucleoprotein vaccines are differentially immunogenic in BALB/c mice. Clin Exp Immunol 2017; 190:19-28. [PMID: 28665497 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Because of the high variability of seasonal influenza viruses and the eminent threat of influenza viruses with pandemic potential, there is great interest in the development of vaccines that induce broadly protective immunity. Most probably, broadly protective influenza vaccines are based on conserved proteins, such as nucleoprotein (NP). NP is a vaccine target of interest as it has been shown to induce cross-reactive antibody and T cell responses. Here we tested and compared various NP-based vaccine preparations for their capacity to induce humoral and cellular immune responses to influenza virus NP. The immunogenicity of protein-based vaccine preparations with Matrix-M™ adjuvant as well as recombinant viral vaccine vector modified Vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) expressing the influenza virus NP gene, with or without modifications that aim at optimization of CD8+ T cell responses, was addressed in BALB/c mice. Addition of Matrix-M™ adjuvant to NP wild-type protein-based vaccines significantly improved T cell responses. Furthermore, recombinant MVA expressing the influenza virus NP induced strong antibody and CD8+ T cell responses, which could not be improved further by modifications of NP to increase antigen processing and presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F Altenburg
- Department of Viroscience, Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - F Bosman
- AmatsiQ-Biologicals, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - R D de Vries
- Department of Viroscience, Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - G F Rimmelzwaan
- Department of Viroscience, Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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16
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Salman AM, Montoya-Díaz E, West H, Lall A, Atcheson E, Lopez-Camacho C, Ramesar J, Bauza K, Collins KA, Brod F, Reis F, Pappas L, González-Cerón L, Janse CJ, Hill AVS, Khan SM, Reyes-Sandoval A. Rational development of a protective P. vivax vaccine evaluated with transgenic rodent parasite challenge models. Sci Rep 2017; 7:46482. [PMID: 28417968 PMCID: PMC5394459 DOI: 10.1038/srep46482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of a protective and broadly-acting vaccine against the most widely distributed human malaria parasite, Plasmodium vivax, will be a major step towards malaria elimination. However, a P. vivax vaccine has remained elusive by the scarcity of pre-clinical models to test protective efficacy and support further clinical trials. In this study, we report the development of a highly protective CSP-based P. vivax vaccine, a virus-like particle (VLP) known as Rv21, able to provide 100% sterile protection against a stringent sporozoite challenge in rodent models to malaria, where IgG2a antibodies were associated with protection in absence of detectable PvCSP-specific T cell responses. Additionally, we generated two novel transgenic rodent P. berghei parasite lines, where the P. berghei csp gene coding sequence has been replaced with either full-length P. vivax VK210 or the allelic VK247 csp that additionally express GFP-Luciferase. Efficacy of Rv21 surpassed viral-vectored vaccination using ChAd63 and MVA. We show for the first time that a chimeric VK210/247 antigen can elicit high level cross-protection against parasites expressing either CSP allele, which provide accessible and affordable models suitable to support the development of P. vivax vaccines candidates. Rv21 is progressing to GMP production and has entered a path towards clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Salman
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, The Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK.,Leiden Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Center of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, (LUMC, L4-Q), Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Eduardo Montoya-Díaz
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, The Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Heather West
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, The Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Amar Lall
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, The Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Erwan Atcheson
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, The Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Cesar Lopez-Camacho
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, The Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Jai Ramesar
- Leiden Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Center of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, (LUMC, L4-Q), Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Karolis Bauza
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, The Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Katharine A Collins
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, The Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Florian Brod
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, The Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Fernando Reis
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte - MG - Brasil
| | - Leontios Pappas
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, The Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Lilia González-Cerón
- Centro Regional de Investigación en Salud Pública, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, 4ta Avenida Norte y Calle 19 Poniente, Tapachula, Chiapas, CP 30740, Mexico
| | - Chris J Janse
- Leiden Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Center of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, (LUMC, L4-Q), Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Adrian V S Hill
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, The Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Shahid M Khan
- Leiden Malaria Research Group, Department of Parasitology, Center of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, (LUMC, L4-Q), Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Arturo Reyes-Sandoval
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, The Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
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17
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Evaluation of Plasmodium vivax Cell-Traversal Protein for Ookinetes and Sporozoites as a Preerythrocytic P. vivax Vaccine. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2017; 24:CVI.00501-16. [PMID: 28179403 PMCID: PMC5382829 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00501-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Four different vaccine platforms, each targeting the human malaria parasite Plasmodium vivax cell-traversal protein for ookinetes and sporozoites (PvCelTOS), were generated and assessed for protective efficacy. These platforms consisted of a recombinant chimpanzee adenoviral vector 63 (ChAd63) expressing PvCelTOS (Ad), a recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara expressing PvCelTOS (MVA), PvCelTOS conjugated to bacteriophage Qβ virus-like particles (VLPs), and a recombinant PvCelTOS protein expressed in eukaryotic HEK293T cells (protein). Inbred BALB/c mice and outbred CD-1 mice were immunized using the following prime-boost regimens: Ad-MVA, Ad-VLPs, and Ad-protein. Protective efficacy against sporozoite challenge was assessed after immunization using a novel chimeric rodent Plasmodium berghei parasite (Pb-PvCelTOS). This chimeric parasite expresses P. vivax CelTOS in place of the endogenous P. berghei CelTOS and produces fully infectious sporozoites. A single Ad immunization in BALB/c and CD-1 mice induced anti-PvCelTOS antibodies which were boosted efficiently using MVA, VLP, or protein immunization. PvCelTOS-specific gamma interferon- and tumor necrosis factor alpha-producing CD8+ T cells were induced at high frequencies by all prime-boost regimens in BALB/c mice but not in CD-1 mice; in CD-1 mice, they were only marginally increased after boosting with MVA. Despite the induction of anti-PvCelTOS antibodies and PvCelTOS-specific CD8+ T-cell responses, only low levels of protective efficacy against challenge with Pb-PvCelTOS sporozoites were obtained using any immunization strategy. In BALB/c mice, no immunization regimens provided significant protection against a Pb-PvCelTOS chimeric sporozoite challenge. In CD-1 mice, modest protective efficacy against challenge with chimeric P. berghei sporozoites expressing either PvCelTOS or P. falciparum CelTOS was observed using the Ad-protein vaccination regimen.
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18
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Makert GR, Vorbrüggen S, Krautwald-Junghanns ME, Voss M, Sohn K, Buschmann T, Ulbert S. A method to identify protein antigens of Dermanyssus gallinae for the protection of birds from poultry mites. Parasitol Res 2016; 115:2705-13. [PMID: 27026505 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-016-5017-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The poultry red mite (PRM) Dermanyssus gallinae causes high economic losses and is among the most important parasites in poultry farming worldwide. Different chemical, physical, and biological strategies try to control the expansion of PRM. However, effective solutions to this problem still have to be found. Here, we present a method for the development of an immunological control strategy, based on the identification of mite protein antigens which elicit antibodies with anti-mite activity in the immunized chicken. Hens were immunized with different PRM protein extracts formulated with two different adjuvants, and IgY-antibodies were isolated from the eggs. A PRM in vitro feeding assay which used chicken blood spiked with these IgY-preparations was used to detect antibodies which caused PRM mortality. In vitro feeding of mites with IgY isolated from hens immunized with PRM extract formulated with one of the adjuvants showed a statistically significant increase in the mortality as compared to control mites. After the separation of total PRM extracts in two-dimensional gels, several protein spots were recognized by such IgY preparations. Ten protein spots were subjected to mass spectrometry (MS/MS) for the identification of the corresponding proteins. Complete protein sequences were deduced from genomic and transcriptomic assemblies derived from high throughput sequencing of total PRM DNA and RNA. The results may contribute to the development of an immunological control strategy of D. gallinae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo R Makert
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Perlickstr. 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.,Clinic for Birds and Reptiles, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 17, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Susanne Vorbrüggen
- Clinic for Birds and Reptiles, Leipzig University, An den Tierkliniken 17, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Matthias Voss
- Lohmann Tierzucht GmbH, Am Seedeich 9-11, 27454, Cuxhaven, Germany
| | - Kai Sohn
- Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology, Nobelstr. 12, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Tilo Buschmann
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Perlickstr. 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sebastian Ulbert
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Perlickstr. 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
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19
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Van Hoeven N, Joshi SW, Nana GI, Bosco-Lauth A, Fox C, Bowen RA, Clements DE, Martyak T, Parks DE, Baldwin S, Reed SG, Coler RN. A Novel Synthetic TLR-4 Agonist Adjuvant Increases the Protective Response to a Clinical-Stage West Nile Virus Vaccine Antigen in Multiple Formulations. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149610. [PMID: 26901122 PMCID: PMC4762984 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-transmitted member of the Flaviviridae family that has emerged in recent years to become a serious public health threat. Given the sporadic nature of WNV epidemics both temporally and geographically, there is an urgent need for a vaccine that can rapidly provide effective immunity. Protection from WNV infection is correlated with antibodies to the viral envelope (E) protein, which encodes receptor binding and fusion functions. Despite many promising E-protein vaccine candidates, there are currently none licensed for use in humans. This study investigates the ability to improve the immunogenicity and protective capacity of a promising clinical-stage WNV recombinant E-protein vaccine (WN-80E) by combining it with a novel synthetic TLR-4 agonist adjuvant. Using the murine model of WNV disease, we find that inclusion of a TLR-4 agonist in either a stable oil-in-water emulsion (SE) or aluminum hydroxide (Alum) formulation provides both dose and dosage sparing functions, whereby protection can be induced after a single immunization containing only 100 ng of WN-80E. Additionally, we find that inclusion of adjuvant with a single immunization reduced viral titers in sera to levels undetectable by viral plaque assay. The enhanced protection provided by adjuvanted immunization correlated with induction of a Th1 T-cell response and the resultant shaping of the IgG response. These findings suggest that inclusion of a next generation adjuvant may greatly enhance the protective capacity of WNV recombinant subunit vaccines, and establish a baseline for future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal Van Hoeven
- Infectious Disease Research Institute, 1616 Eastlake Ave E., Seattle, WA 98103, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Sharvari Waghmare Joshi
- Infectious Disease Research Institute, 1616 Eastlake Ave E., Seattle, WA 98103, United States of America
| | - Ghislain Ismael Nana
- Infectious Disease Research Institute, 1616 Eastlake Ave E., Seattle, WA 98103, United States of America
| | - Angela Bosco-Lauth
- Colorado State University Department of Biomedical Sciences, Foothills Campus, Fort Collins, CO 80523, United States of America
| | - Christopher Fox
- Infectious Disease Research Institute, 1616 Eastlake Ave E., Seattle, WA 98103, United States of America
| | - Richard A. Bowen
- Colorado State University Department of Biomedical Sciences, Foothills Campus, Fort Collins, CO 80523, United States of America
| | - David E. Clements
- Hawaii Biotech Inc. 99-193 Aiea Heights Drive, Aiea, Hawaii 96701, United States of America
| | - Timothy Martyak
- Hawaii Biotech Inc. 99-193 Aiea Heights Drive, Aiea, Hawaii 96701, United States of America
| | - D. Elliot Parks
- Hawaii Biotech Inc. 99-193 Aiea Heights Drive, Aiea, Hawaii 96701, United States of America
| | - Susan Baldwin
- Infectious Disease Research Institute, 1616 Eastlake Ave E., Seattle, WA 98103, United States of America
| | - Steven G. Reed
- Infectious Disease Research Institute, 1616 Eastlake Ave E., Seattle, WA 98103, United States of America
| | - Rhea N. Coler
- Infectious Disease Research Institute, 1616 Eastlake Ave E., Seattle, WA 98103, United States of America
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20
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Fischer D, Angenvoort J, Ziegler U, Fast C, Maier K, Chabierski S, Eiden M, Ulbert S, Groschup MH, Lierz M. DNA vaccines encoding the envelope protein of West Nile virus lineages 1 or 2 administered intramuscularly, via electroporation and with recombinant virus protein induce partial protection in large falcons (Falco spp.). Vet Res 2015; 46:87. [PMID: 26282836 PMCID: PMC4538736 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-015-0220-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
As West Nile virus (WNV) can cause lethal diseases in raptors, a vaccination prophylaxis of free-living and captive populations is desirable. In the absence of vaccines approved for birds, equine vaccines have been used in falcons, but full protection against WNV infection was not achieved. Therefore, two DNA vaccines encoding the ectodomain of the envelope protein of WNV lineages 1 and 2, respectively, were evaluated in 28 large falcons. Four different vaccination protocols were used, including electroporation and booster-injections of recombinant WNV domain III protein, before challenge with the live WNV lineage 1 strain NY99. Drug safety, plasmid shedding and antibody production were monitored during the vaccination period. Serological, virological, histological, immunohistochemical and molecular biological investigations were performed during the challenge trials. Antibody response following vaccination was low overall and lasted for a maximum of three weeks. Plasmid shedding was not detected at any time. Viremia, mortality and levels, but not duration, of oral virus shedding were reduced in all of the groups during the challenge trial compared to the non-vaccinated control group. Likewise, clinical scoring, levels of cloacal virus shedding and viral load in organs were significantly reduced in three vaccination groups. Histopathological findings associated with WNV infections (meningo-encephalitis, myocarditis, and arteritis) were present in all groups, but immunohistochemical detection of the viral antigen was reduced. In conclusion, the vaccines can be used safely in falcons to reduce mortality and clinical signs and to lower the risk of virus transmission due to decreased levels of virus shedding and viremia, but full protection was not achieved in all groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Fischer
- Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Str. 91-93, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Joke Angenvoort
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Ute Ziegler
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Christine Fast
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Kristina Maier
- Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Str. 91-93, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Stefan Chabierski
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Perlickstraße 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Martin Eiden
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Sebastian Ulbert
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Perlickstraße 1, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Martin H Groschup
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Michael Lierz
- Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Frankfurter Str. 91-93, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
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21
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Ulbert S, Magnusson SE. Technologies for the development of West Nile virus vaccines. Future Microbiol 2015; 9:1221-32. [PMID: 25405890 DOI: 10.2217/fmb.14.67] [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: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV), an emerging mosquito-borne and zoonotic flavivirus, continues to spread worldwide and represents a major problem for human and veterinary medicine. In recent years, severe outbreaks were observed in the USA and Europe with neighboring countries, and the virus is considered to be endemic in an increasing number of areas. Although most infections remain asymptomatic, WNV can cause severe, even fatal, neurological disease, which affects mostly the elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Several vaccines have been licensed in the veterinary sector, but no human vaccine is available today. This review summarizes recent strategies that are being followed to develop WNV vaccines with emphasis on technologies suitable for the use in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Ulbert
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy & Immunology, Perlickstrasse 1, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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22
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Rizzoli A, Jimenez-Clavero MA, Barzon L, Cordioli P, Figuerola J, Koraka P, Martina B, Moreno A, Nowotny N, Pardigon N, Sanders N, Ulbert S, Tenorio A. The challenge of West Nile virus in Europe: knowledge gaps and research priorities. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 20. [PMID: 26027485 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es2015.20.20.21135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is continuously spreading across Europe, and other continents, i.e. North and South America and many other regions of the world. Despite the overall sporadic nature of outbreaks with cases of West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND) in Europe, the spillover events have increased and the virus has been introduced into new areas. The high genetic diversity of the virus, with remarkable phenotypic variation, and its endemic circulation in several countries, require an intensification of the integrated and multidisciplinary research efforts built under the 7th Framework Programme of the European Union (FP7). It is important to better clarify several aspects of WNV circulation in Europe, including its ecology, genomic diversity, pathogenicity, transmissibility, diagnosis and control options, under different environmental and socio-economic scenarios. Identifying WNV endemic as well as infection-free areas is becoming a need for the development of human vaccines and therapeutics and the application of blood and organs safety regulations. This review, produced as a joint initiative among European experts and based on analysis of 118 scientific papers published between 2004 and 2014, provides the state of knowledge on WNV and highlights the existing knowledge and research gaps that need to be addressed with high priority in Europe and neighbouring countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rizzoli
- Fondazione Edmund Mach, Research and Innovation Centre, Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, San Michele all Adige (TN), Italy
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23
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Chen Q. Plant-made vaccines against West Nile virus are potent, safe, and economically feasible. Biotechnol J 2015; 10:671-80. [PMID: 25676782 PMCID: PMC4424112 DOI: 10.1002/biot.201400428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Revised: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The threat of West Nile virus (WNV) epidemics with increasingly severe neuroinvasive infections demands the development and licensing of effective vaccines. To date, vaccine candidates based on inactivated, live-attenuated, or chimeric virus, and viral DNA and WNV protein subunits have been developed. Some have been approved for veterinary use or are under clinical investigation, yet no vaccine has been licensed for human use. Reaching the milestone of a commercialized human vaccine, however, may largely depend on the economics of vaccine production. Analysis suggests that currently only novel low-cost production technologies would allow vaccination to outcompete the cost of surveillance and clinical treatment. Here, we review progress using plants to address the economic challenges of WNV vaccine production. The advantages of plants as hosts for vaccine production in cost, speed and scalability, especially those of viral vector-based transient expression systems, are discussed. The progress in developing WNV subunit vaccines in plants is reviewed within the context of their expression, characterization, downstream processing, and immunogenicity in animal models. The development of vaccines based on enveloped and non-enveloped virus-like particles is also discussed. These advancements suggest that plants may provide a production platform that offers potent, safe and affordable human vaccines against WNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Chen
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccinology, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA; School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA.
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24
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Verstrepen BE, Oostermeijer H, Fagrouch Z, van Heteren M, Niphuis H, Haaksma T, Kondova I, Bogers WM, de Filette M, Sanders N, Stertman L, Magnusson S, Lőrincz O, Lisziewicz J, Barzon L, Palù G, Diamond MS, Chabierski S, Ulbert S, Verschoor EJ. Vaccine-induced protection of rhesus macaques against plasma viremia after intradermal infection with a European lineage 1 strain of West Nile virus. PLoS One 2014; 9:e112568. [PMID: 25392925 PMCID: PMC4231036 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0112568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The mosquito-borne West Nile virus (WNV) causes human and animal disease with outbreaks in several parts of the world including North America, the Mediterranean countries, Central and East Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Particularly in elderly people and individuals with an impaired immune system, infection with WNV can progress into a serious neuroinvasive disease. Currently, no treatment or vaccine is available to protect humans against infection or disease. The goal of this study was to develop a WNV-vaccine that is safe to use in these high-risk human target populations. We performed a vaccine efficacy study in non-human primates using the contemporary, pathogenic European WNV genotype 1a challenge strain, WNV-Ita09. Two vaccine strategies were evaluated in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) using recombinant soluble WNV envelope (E) ectodomain adjuvanted with Matrix-M, either with or without DNA priming. The DNA priming immunization was performed with WNV-DermaVir nanoparticles. Both vaccination strategies successfully induced humoral and cellular immune responses that completely protected the macaques against the development of viremia. In addition, the vaccine was well tolerated by all animals. Overall, The WNV E protein adjuvanted with Matrix-M is a promising vaccine candidate for a non-infectious WNV vaccine for use in humans, including at-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babs E. Verstrepen
- Department of Virology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Herman Oostermeijer
- Department of Virology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Zahra Fagrouch
- Department of Virology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Melanie van Heteren
- Department of Virology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Henk Niphuis
- Department of Virology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Tom Haaksma
- Animal Science Department, Division of Pathology and Microbiology, BPRC Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Ivanela Kondova
- Animal Science Department, Division of Pathology and Microbiology, BPRC Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Willy M. Bogers
- Department of Virology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Marina de Filette
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Niek Sanders
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | - Luisa Barzon
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giorgio Palù
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Michael S. Diamond
- Departments of Medicine, Molecular Microbiology and Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Stefan Chabierski
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sebastian Ulbert
- Department of Immunology, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ernst J. Verschoor
- Department of Virology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre (BPRC), Rijswijk, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Merino-Ramos T, Blázquez AB, Escribano-Romero E, Cañas-Arranz R, Sobrino F, Saiz JC, Martín-Acebes MA. Protection of a single dose west nile virus recombinant subviral particle vaccine against lineage 1 or 2 strains and analysis of the cross-reactivity with Usutu virus. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108056. [PMID: 25229345 PMCID: PMC4168257 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is a neurovirulent mosquito-borne flavivirus. High WNV virulence was mainly associated with lineage 1 strains, but recent outbreaks have unveiled circulation of highly virulent lineage 2 strains. Co-expression of flavivirus prM and E glycoproteins drives the assembly of recombinant subviral particles (RSPs) that share antigenic features with virions. Mouse immunization with lineage 1 WNV RSPs induced a potent humoral response against WNV with production of neutralizing antibodies. A single inoculation of RSPs formulated with Al(OH)3 as adjuvant protected mice against a lethal challenge with WNV strains from lineage 1 or 2. The cross-reactivity of the response elicited by these RSPs was analyzed against the related flavivirus Usutu virus (USUV), which shares multiple ecological and antigenic features with WNV. Immunization with WNV-RSPs increased specific, although low, antibody titers found upon subsequent USUV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Merino-Ramos
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana-Belén Blázquez
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Estela Escribano-Romero
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Cañas-Arranz
- Departamento de Virología y Microbiología, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Sobrino
- Departamento de Virología y Microbiología, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail: (FS); (JCS)
| | - Juan-Carlos Saiz
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail: (FS); (JCS)
| | - Miguel A. Martín-Acebes
- Departamento de Virología y Microbiología, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Cantoblanco, Madrid, Spain
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Protection of horses from West Nile virus Lineage 2 challenge following immunization with a whole, inactivated WNV lineage 1 vaccine. Vaccine 2014; 32:5455-9. [PMID: 25131745 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2014.07.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Revised: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 07/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Over the last years West Nile virus (WNV) lineage 2 has spread from the African to the European continent. This study was conducted to demonstrate efficacy of an inactivated, lineage 1-based, WNV vaccine (Equip WNV) against intrathecal challenge of horses with a recent isolate of lineage 2 WNV. Twenty horses, sero-negative for WNV, were enrolled and were randomly allocated to one of two treatment groups: an unvaccinated control group (T01, n=10) and a group administered with Equip WNV (T02, n=10). Horses were vaccinated at Day 0 and 21 and were challenged at day 42 with WNV lineage 2, Nea Santa/Greece/2010. Personnel performing clinical observations were blinded to treatment allocation. Sixty percent of the controls had to be euthanized after challenge compared to none of the vaccinates. A significantly lower percentage of the vaccinated animals showed clinical disease (two different clinical observations present on the same day) on six different days of study and the percentage of days with clinical disease was significantly lower in the vaccinated group. A total of 80% of the non-vaccinated horses showed viremia while only one vaccinated animal was positive by virus isolation on a single occasion. Vaccinated animals started to develop antibodies against WNV lineage 2 from day 14 (2 weeks after the first vaccination) and at day 42 (the time of onset of immunity) they had all developed a strong antibody response. Histopathology scores for all unvaccinated animals ranged from mild to very severe in each of the tissues examined (cervical spinal cord, medulla and pons), whereas in vaccinated horses 8 of 10 animals had no lesions and 2 had minimal lesions in one tissue. In conclusion, Equip WNV significantly reduced the number of viremic horses, the duration and severity of clinical signs of disease and mortality following challenge with lineage 2 WNV.
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Amanna IJ, Slifka MK. Current trends in West Nile virus vaccine development. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 13:589-608. [PMID: 24689659 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2014.906309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that has become endemic in the United States. From 1999-2012, there have been 37088 reported cases of WNV and 1549 deaths, resulting in a 4.2% case-fatality rate. Despite development of effective WNV vaccines for horses, there is no vaccine to prevent human WNV infection. Several vaccines have been tested in preclinical studies and to date there have been eight clinical trials, with promising results in terms of safety and induction of antiviral immunity. Although mass vaccination is unlikely to be cost effective, implementation of a targeted vaccine program may be feasible if a safe and effective vaccine can be brought to market. Further evaluation of new and advanced vaccine candidates is strongly encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian J Amanna
- Najít Technologies, Inc., 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA
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