1
|
Zhang Y, Zhai S, Huang H, Qin S, Sun M, Chen Y, Lan X, Li G, Huang Z, Wang D, Luo Y, Xiao W, Li H, He X, Chen M, Peng X, Song X. Efficient signal sequence of mRNA vaccines enhances the antigen expression to expand the immune protection against viral infection. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:295. [PMID: 38807131 PMCID: PMC11134928 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02488-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The signal sequence played a crucial role in the efficacy of mRNA vaccines against virus pandemic by influencing antigen translation. However, limited research had been conducted to compare and analyze the specific mechanisms involved. In this study, a novel approach was introduced by substituting the signal sequence of the mRNA antigen to enhance its immune response. Computational simulations demonstrated that various signal peptides differed in their binding capacities with the signal recognition particle (SRP) 54 M subunit, which positively correlated with antigen translation efficiency. Our data revealed that the signal sequences of tPA and IL-6-modified receptor binding domain (RBD) mRNA vaccines sequentially led to higher antigen expression and elicited more robust humoral and cellular immune protection against the SARS-CoV-2 compared to the original signal sequence. By highlighting the importance of the signal sequence, this research provided a foundational and safe approach for ongoing modifications in signal sequence-antigen design, aiming to optimize the efficacy of mRNA vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yupei Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Songhui Zhai
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Hai Huang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Shugang Qin
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Min Sun
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuting Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xing Lan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Guohong Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Zhiying Huang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Denggang Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yaoyao Luo
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Wen Xiao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xi He
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Meiwan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.
| | - Xingchen Peng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Xiangrong Song
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Muñoz-Alía MÁ, Nace RA, Balakrishnan B, Zhang L, Packiriswamy N, Singh G, Warang P, Mena I, Narjari R, Vandergaast R, Peng KW, García-Sastre A, Schotsaert M, Russell SJ. Surface-modified measles vaccines encoding oligomeric, prefusion-stabilized SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoproteins boost neutralizing antibody responses to Omicron and historical variants, independent of measles seropositivity. mBio 2024; 15:e0292823. [PMID: 38193729 PMCID: PMC10865805 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02928-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Serum titers of SARS-CoV-2-neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) correlate well with protection from symptomatic COVID-19 but decay rapidly in the months following vaccination or infection. In contrast, measles-protective nAb titers are lifelong after measles vaccination, possibly due to persistence of the live-attenuated virus in lymphoid tissues. We, therefore, sought to generate a live recombinant measles vaccine capable of driving high SARS-CoV-2 nAb responses. Since previous clinical testing of a live measles vaccine encoding a SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein resulted in suboptimal anti-spike antibody titers, our new vectors were designed to encode prefusion-stabilized SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoproteins, trimerized via an inserted peptide domain, and displayed on a dodecahedral miniferritin scaffold. Additionally, to circumvent the blunting of vaccine efficacy by preformed anti-measles antibodies, we extensively modified the measles surface glycoproteins. Comprehensive in vivo mouse testing demonstrated the potent induction of high titer nAbs in measles-immune mice and confirmed the significant contributions to overall potency afforded by prefusion stabilization, trimerization, and miniferritin display of the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein. In animals primed and boosted with a measles virus (MeV) vaccine encoding the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 spike, high-titer nAb responses against ancestral virus strains were only weakly cross-reactive with the Omicron variant. However, in primed animals that were boosted with a MeV vaccine encoding the Omicron BA.1 spike, antibody titers to both ancestral and Omicron strains were robustly elevated, and the passive transfer of serum from these animals protected K18-ACE2 mice from infection and morbidity after exposure to BA.1 and WA1/2020 strains. Our results demonstrate that by engineering the antigen, we can develop potent measles-based vaccine candidates against SARS-CoV-2.IMPORTANCEAlthough the live-attenuated measles virus (MeV) is one of the safest and most efficacious human vaccines, a measles-vectored COVID-19 vaccine candidate expressing the SARS-CoV-2 spike failed to elicit neutralizing antibody (nAb) responses in a phase-1 clinical trial, especially in measles-immune individuals. Here, we constructed a comprehensive panel of MeV-based COVID-19 vaccine candidates using a MeV with extensive modifications on the envelope glycoproteins (MeV-MR). We show that artificial trimerization of the spike is critical for the induction of nAbs and that their magnitude can be significantly augmented when the spike protein is synchronously fused to a dodecahedral scaffold. Furthermore, preexisting measles immunity did not abolish heterologous immunity elicited by our vector. Our results highlight the importance of antigen optimization in the development of spike-based COVID-19 vaccines and therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Á. Muñoz-Alía
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Vyriad Inc, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Rebecca A. Nace
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Lianwen Zhang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Gagandeep Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Prajakta Warang
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ignacio Mena
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Kah-Whye Peng
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Vyriad Inc, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Imanis Life Sciences, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Adolfo García-Sastre
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Michael Schotsaert
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Stephen J. Russell
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Vyriad Inc, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Imanis Life Sciences, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mo C, Li X, Wu Q, Fan Y, Liu D, Zhu Y, Yang Y, Liao X, Zhou Z, Zhou L, Li Q, Zhang Q, Liu W, Zhou R, Tian X. SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine requires signal peptide to induce antibody responses. Vaccine 2023; 41:6863-6869. [PMID: 37821314 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.09.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
New SARS-CoV-2 variants continue to prevail worldwide, and effective vaccines are needed to prevent an epidemic. mRNA vaccines are gradually being applied to the prevention and control of infectious diseases with significant safety and effectiveness. The spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 is the main target of mRNA vaccine design, but the impact of the signal peptide (SP), transmembrane region (TM), and cytoplasmic tail (CT) on mRNA vaccine remains unclear. In this study, we constructed three forms of mRNA vaccines related to the S protein: full-length, deletion of the TM and CT, and simultaneous deletion of the SP, TM and CT, and compared their immunogenicity. Our experimental data show that full-length S protein and deletion of the TM and CT could effectively induce neutralizing antibody production in mice, while S protein without the SP and TM could not. This indicates that the S protein SP is necessary for the design of mRNA vaccine.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/genetics
- SARS-CoV-2/immunology
- SARS-CoV-2/genetics
- Mice
- COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Antibodies, Viral/blood
- Protein Sorting Signals/genetics
- mRNA Vaccines/immunology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/blood
- COVID-19/prevention & control
- COVID-19/immunology
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Female
- Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
- Vaccines, Synthetic/administration & dosage
- Humans
- Immunogenicity, Vaccine
- Antibody Formation/immunology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuncong Mo
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangzhou Laboratory, No. 9 XingDaoHuanBei Road, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou 510005, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qianying Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ye Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangzhou Laboratory, No. 9 XingDaoHuanBei Road, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou 510005, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Donglan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yujie Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Liao
- Guangzhou Laboratory, No. 9 XingDaoHuanBei Road, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou 510005, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhichao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liling Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiuru Li
- Guangzhou Laboratory, No. 9 XingDaoHuanBei Road, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou 510005, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Qiong Zhang
- Guangzhou Laboratory, No. 9 XingDaoHuanBei Road, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou 510005, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wenkuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangzhou Laboratory, No. 9 XingDaoHuanBei Road, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou 510005, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Xingui Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pulkina A, Vasilyev K, Muzhikyan A, Sergeeva M, Romanovskaya-Romanko E, Shurygina AP, Shuklina M, Vasin A, Stukova M, Egorov A. IgGκ Signal Peptide Enhances the Efficacy of an Influenza Vector Vaccine against Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11445. [PMID: 37511205 PMCID: PMC10380829 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Intranasal vaccination using influenza vectors is a promising approach to developing vaccines against respiratory pathogens due to the activation of the mucosa-associated immune response. However, there is no clear evidence of a vector design that could be considered preferable. To find the optimal structure of an influenza vector with a modified NS genomic segment, we constructed four vector expressing identical transgene sequences inherited from the F protein of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Two vectors were designed aiming at transgene accumulation in the cytosol. Another two were supplemented with an IgGκ signal peptide prior to the transgene for its extracellular delivery. Surprisingly, adding the IgGκ substantially enhanced the T-cell immune response to the CD8 epitope of the transgene. Moreover, this strategy allowed us to obtain a better protection of mice from the RSV challenge after a single intranasal immunization. Protection was achieved without antibodies, mediated by a balanced T-cell immune response including the formation of the RSV specific effector CD8+ IFNγ+/IL10+-producing cells and the accumulation of Treg cells preventing immunopathology in the lungs of infected mice. In addition to the presented method for optimizing the influenza vector, our results highlight the possibility of achieving protection against RSV through a respiratory-associated T-cell immune response alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Pulkina
- Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Kirill Vasilyev
- Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Arman Muzhikyan
- Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Mariia Sergeeva
- Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Romanovskaya-Romanko
- Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anna-Polina Shurygina
- Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Marina Shuklina
- Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Andrey Vasin
- Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Marina Stukova
- Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Andrej Egorov
- Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Muñoz-Alía MÁ, Nace RA, Balakrishnan B, Zhang L, Packiriswamy N, Singh G, Warang P, Mena I, Narjari R, Vandergaast R, García-Sastre A, Schotsaert M, Russell SJ. Surface-modified measles vaccines encoding oligomeric, fusion-stabilized SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoproteins bypass measles seropositivity, boosting neutralizing antibody responses to omicron and historical variants. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.12.16.520799. [PMID: 36561187 PMCID: PMC9774211 DOI: 10.1101/2022.12.16.520799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Serum titers of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies (nAb) correlate well with protection from symptomatic COVID-19, but decay rapidly in the months following vaccination or infection. In contrast, measles-protective nAb titers are life-long after measles vaccination, possibly due to persistence of the live-attenuated virus in lymphoid tissues. We therefore sought to generate a live recombinant measles vaccine capable of driving high SARS-CoV-2 nAb responses. Since previous clinical testing of a live measles vaccine encoding a SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein resulted in suboptimal anti-spike antibody titers, our new vectors were designed to encode prefusion-stabilized SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoproteins, trimerized via an inserted peptide domain and displayed on a dodecahedral miniferritin scaffold. Additionally, to circumvent the blunting of vaccine efficacy by preformed anti-measles antibodies, we extensively modified the measles surface glycoproteins. Comprehensive in vivo mouse testing demonstrated potent induction of high titer nAb in measles-immune mice and confirmed the significant incremental contributions to overall potency afforded by prefusion stabilization, trimerization, and miniferritin-display of the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein, and vaccine resurfacing. In animals primed and boosted with a MeV vaccine encoding the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 spike, high titer nAb responses against ancestral virus strains were only weakly cross-reactive with the omicron variant. However, in primed animals that were boosted with a MeV vaccine encoding the omicron BA.1 spike, antibody titers to both ancestral and omicron strains were robustly elevated and the passive transfer of serum from these animals protected K18-ACE2 mice from infection and morbidity after exposure to BA.1 and WA1/2020 strains. Our results demonstrate that antigen engineering can enable the development of potent measles-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Á. Muñoz-Alía
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Vyriad Inc, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Rebecca A. Nace
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Lianwen Zhang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Gagandeep Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Prajakta Warang
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ignacio Mena
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Adolfo García-Sastre
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael Schotsaert
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Global Health and Emerging Pathogens Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephen J. Russell
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Vyriad Inc, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Imanis Life Sciences, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Development of a Genetically Engineered Bivalent Vaccine against Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus and Porcine Rotavirus. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081746. [PMID: 36016368 PMCID: PMC9413861 DOI: 10.3390/v14081746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is an enteric coronavirus that causes acute diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, and a high mortality rate in neonatal piglets. In recent years, PEDV has been associated with co-infections with other swine enteric viruses, including porcine rotavirus (PoRV), resulting in increased mortality among newborn piglets. In this paper, we developed a bivalent vaccine against PEDV and PoRV by constructing a recombinant PEDV encoding PoRV VP7 (rPEDV-PoRV-VP7). The recombinant virus was constructed by replacing the entire open reading frame 3 (ORF3) in the genome of an attenuated PEDV strain YN150 with the PoRV VP7 gene using reverse genetic systems. Similar plaque morphology and replication kinetics were observed in Vero cells with the recombinant PEDV compared to the wild-type PEDV. It is noteworthy that the VP7 protein could be expressed stably in rPEDV-PoRV-VP7-infected cells. To evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of rPEDV-PoRV-VP7, 10-day-old piglets were vaccinated with the recombinant virus. After inoculation, no piglet displayed clinical symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or anorexia. The PoRV VP7- and PEDV spike-specific IgG in serum and IgA in saliva were detected in piglets after rPEDV-PoRV-VP7 vaccination. Moreover, both PoRV and PEDV neutralizing antibodies were produced simultaneously in the inoculated piglets. Collectively, we engineered a recombinant PEDV expressing PoRV VP7 that could be used as an effective bivalent vaccine against PEDV and PoRV.
Collapse
|
7
|
Sheerin D, Dold C, Silva-Reyes L, Linder A, Pollard AJ, Rollier CS. Inclusion of a dual signal sequence enhances the immunogenicity of a novel viral vectored vaccine against the capsular group B meningococcus. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:86. [PMID: 35690803 PMCID: PMC9187930 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00809-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disease caused by the capsular group B meningococcus (MenB) is the leading cause of infectious death in UK infants. A novel adenovirus-based vaccine encoding the MenB factor H binding protein (fHbp) with an N-terminal dual signal sequence induces high titres of protective antibody after a single dose in mice. A panel of N-terminal signal sequence variants were created to assess the contribution of components of this sequence to transgene expression kinetics of the encoded antigen from mammalian cells and the resultant effect on immunogenicity of fHbp. RESULTS The full-length signal sequence (FL SS) resulted in superior early antigen expression compared with the panel of variants, as measured by flow cytometry and confocal imaging, and supported higher bactericidal antibody levels against the expressed antigen in mouse sera < 6 weeks post-immunisation than the licensed four component MenB vaccine. The FL SS also significantly increased antigen-specific T cell responses against other adenovirus-encoded bacterial antigens in mice. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that the FL SS enhances immunogenicity of the encoded antigen, supporting its inclusion in other viral vectored bacterial antigen transgenes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Sheerin
- Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Centre for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK. .,Infectious Diseases and Immune Defence Division, Institute of Medical Research (WEHI), The Walter & Eliza Hall, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
| | - Christina Dold
- grid.415719.f0000 0004 0488 9484Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Centre for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Laura Silva-Reyes
- grid.415719.f0000 0004 0488 9484Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Centre for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Aline Linder
- grid.415719.f0000 0004 0488 9484Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Centre for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrew J. Pollard
- grid.415719.f0000 0004 0488 9484Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Centre for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Christine S. Rollier
- grid.415719.f0000 0004 0488 9484Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, University of Oxford, and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Centre for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK ,grid.5475.30000 0004 0407 4824Present Address: Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
McCaffery JN, Singh B, Nace D, Moreno A, Udhayakumar V, Rogier E. Natural infections with different Plasmodium species induce antibodies reactive to a chimeric Plasmodium vivax recombinant protein. Malar J 2021; 20:86. [PMID: 33579292 PMCID: PMC7880512 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03626-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As malaria incidence and transmission in a region decreases, it becomes increasingly difficult to identify areas of active transmission. Improved methods for identifying and monitoring foci of active malaria transmission are needed in areas of low parasite prevalence in order to achieve malaria elimination. Serological assays can provide population-level infection history to inform elimination campaigns. METHODS A bead-based multiplex antibody detection assay was used to evaluate a chimeric Plasmodium vivax MSP1 protein (PvRMC-MSP1), designed to be broadly immunogenic for use in vaccine studies, to act as a pan-malaria serological tool based on its ability to capture IgG in plasma samples obtained from naturally exposed individuals. Samples from 236 US travellers with PCR confirmed infection status from all four major Plasmodium species infecting humans, Plasmodium falciparum (n = 181), Plasmodium vivax (n = 38), Plasmodium malariae (n = 4), and Plasmodium ovale (n = 13) were tested for IgG capture using PvRMC-MSP1 as well as the four recombinant MSP1-19 kD isoforms representative of these Plasmodium species. RESULTS Regardless of infecting Plasmodium species, a large proportion of plasma samples from infected US travellers provided a high assay signal to the PvRMC-MSP1 chimeric protein, with 115 high responders out of 236 samples assessed (48.7%). When grouped by active infection, 38.7% P. falciparum-, 92.1% of P. vivax-, 75.0% P. malariae-, and 53.4% of P. ovale-infected individuals displayed high assay signals in response to PvRMC-MSP1. It was also determined that plasma from P. vivax-infected individuals produced increased assay signals in response to the PvRMC-MSP1 chimera as compared to the recombinant PvMSP1 for 89.5% (34 out of 38) of individuals. PvRMC-MSP1 also showed improved ability to capture IgG antibodies from P. falciparum-infected individuals when compared to the capture by recombinant PvMSP1, with high assay signals observed for 38.7% of P. falciparum-infected travellers in response to PvRMC-MSP1 IgG capture compared to just 1.1% who were high responders to capture by the recombinant PvMSP1 protein. CONCLUSIONS These results support further study of designed antigens as an approach for increasing sensitivity or broadening binding capacity to improve existing serological tools for determining population-level exposure to Plasmodium species. Including both broad-reacting and Plasmodium species-specific antigen-coated beads in an assay panel could provide a nuanced view of population-level exposure histories, an extensive IgG profile, and detailed seroestimates. A more sensitive serological tool for detection of P. vivax exposure would aid malaria elimination campaigns in co-endemic areas and regions where P. vivax is the dominant parasite.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica N McCaffery
- Emory Vaccine Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Balwan Singh
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Douglas Nace
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Alberto Moreno
- Emory Vaccine Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Road, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University, 69 Jesse Hill, Jr. Drive, Atlanta, SEGA, 30303, USA
| | - Venkatachalam Udhayakumar
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Eric Rogier
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Can H, Köseoğlu AE, Erkunt Alak S, Güvendi M, Döşkaya M, Karakavuk M, Gürüz AY, Ün C. In silico discovery of antigenic proteins and epitopes of SARS-CoV-2 for the development of a vaccine or a diagnostic approach for COVID-19. Sci Rep 2020; 10:22387. [PMID: 33372181 PMCID: PMC7769971 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-79645-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the genome of SARS-CoV-2, the 5′-terminus encodes a polyprotein, which is further cleaved into 15 non-structural proteins whereas the 3′ terminus encodes four structural proteins and eight accessory proteins. Among these 27 proteins, the present study aimed to discover likely antigenic proteins and epitopes to be used for the development of a vaccine or serodiagnostic assay using an in silico approach. For this purpose, after the full genome analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan isolate and variant proteins that are detected frequently, surface proteins including spike, envelope, and membrane proteins as well as proteins with signal peptide were determined as probable vaccine candidates whereas the remaining were considered as possible antigens to be used during the development of serodiagnostic assays. According to results obtained, among 27 proteins, 26 of them were predicted as probable antigen. In 26 proteins, spike protein was selected as the best vaccine candidate because of having a signal peptide, negative GRAVY value, one transmembrane helix, moderate aliphatic index, a big molecular weight, a long-estimated half-life, beta wrap motifs as well as having stable, soluble and non-allergic features. In addition, orf7a, orf8, and nsp-10 proteins with signal peptide were considered as potential vaccine candidates. Nucleocapsid protein and a highly antigenic GGDGKMKD epitope were identified as ideal antigens to be used in the development of serodiagnostic assays. Moreover, considering MHC-I alleles, highly antigenic KLNDLCFTNV and ITLCFTLKRK epitopes can be used to develop an epitope-based peptide vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hüseyin Can
- Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Efe Köseoğlu
- Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Sedef Erkunt Alak
- Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Mervenur Güvendi
- Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Mert Döşkaya
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | | | - Adnan Yüksel Gürüz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Cemal Ün
- Department of Biology Molecular Biology Section, Faculty of Science, Ege University, Bornova, İzmir, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Franconi R, Massa S, Paolini F, Vici P, Venuti A. Plant-Derived Natural Compounds in Genetic Vaccination and Therapy for HPV-Associated Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113101. [PMID: 33114220 PMCID: PMC7690868 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary DNA vaccination represents a useful approach for human papillomavirus (HPV) cancer therapy. The therapeutic potential of plant-based natural compounds for control of HPV- associated cancers has been also widely explored. Genetic vaccines for HPV-associated tumors that include plant protein-encoding gene sequences, used alone or in combinations with plant metabolites, are being investigated but are still in their infancy. Main focus of this paper is to provide an overview of the current state of novel therapeutic strategies employing genetic vaccines along with plant-derived compounds and genes. We highlight the importance of multimodality treatment regimen such as combining immunotherapy with plant-derived agents. Abstract Antigen-specific immunotherapy and, in particular, DNA vaccination provides an established approach for tackling human papillomavirus (HPV) cancers at different stages. DNA vaccines are stable and have a cost-effective production. Their intrinsic low immunogenicity has been improved by several strategies with some success, including fusion of HPV antigens with plant gene sequences. Another approach for the control of HPV cancers is the use of natural immunomodulatory agents like those derived from plants, that are able to interfere in carcinogenesis by modulating many different cellular pathways and, in some instances, to reduce chemo- and radiotherapy resistance of tumors. Indeed, plant-derived compounds represent, in many cases, an abundantly available, cost-effective source of molecules that can be either harvested directly in nature or obtained from plant cell cultures. In this review, an overview of the most relevant data reported in literature on the use of plant natural compounds and genetic vaccines that include plant-derived sequences against HPV tumors is provided. The purpose is also to highlight the still under-explored potential of multimodal treatments implying DNA vaccination along with plant-derived agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosella Franconi
- Division of Health Protection Technology, Department for Sustainability, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, ENEA, 00123 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (R.F.); (S.M.); Tel.: +39-06-3048-4482 (R.F.); +39-06-3048-4052 (S.M.)
| | - Silvia Massa
- Division of Biotechnology and Agroindustry, Department for Sustainability, ENEA, 00123 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (R.F.); (S.M.); Tel.: +39-06-3048-4482 (R.F.); +39-06-3048-4052 (S.M.)
| | - Francesca Paolini
- HPV-UNIT—UOSD Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (F.P.); (A.V.)
| | - Patrizia Vici
- Division of Medical Oncology B, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Aldo Venuti
- HPV-UNIT—UOSD Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (F.P.); (A.V.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
McCaffery JN, Fonseca JA, Singh B, Cabrera-Mora M, Bohannon C, Jacob J, Arévalo-Herrera M, Moreno A. A Multi-Stage Plasmodium vivax Malaria Vaccine Candidate Able to Induce Long-Lived Antibody Responses Against Blood Stage Parasites and Robust Transmission-Blocking Activity. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:135. [PMID: 31119106 PMCID: PMC6504793 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria control and interventions including long-lasting insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and intermittent preventative treatment in pregnancy have resulted in a significant reduction in the number of Plasmodium falciparum cases. Considerable efforts have been devoted to P. falciparum vaccines development with much less to P. vivax. Transmission-blocking vaccines, which can elicit antibodies targeting Plasmodium antigens expressed during sexual stage development and interrupt transmission, offer an alternative strategy to achieve malaria control. The post-fertilization antigen P25 mediates several functions essential to ookinete survival but is poorly immunogenic in humans. Previous clinical trials targeting this antigen have suggested that conjugation to a carrier protein could improve the immunogenicity of P25. Here we report the production, and characterization of a vaccine candidate composed of a chimeric P. vivax Merozoite Surface Protein 1 (cPvMSP1) genetically fused to P. vivax P25 (Pvs25) designed to enhance CD4+ T cell responses and its assessment in a murine model. We demonstrate that antibodies elicited by immunization with this chimeric protein recognize both the erythrocytic and sexual stages and are able to block the transmission of P. vivax field isolates in direct membrane-feeding assays. These findings provide support for the continued development of multi-stage transmission blocking vaccines targeting the life-cycle stage responsible for clinical disease and the sexual-stage development accountable for disease transmission simultaneously.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica N. McCaffery
- Emory Vaccine Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Jairo A. Fonseca
- Emory Vaccine Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Balwan Singh
- Emory Vaccine Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Monica Cabrera-Mora
- Emory Vaccine Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Caitlin Bohannon
- Emory Vaccine Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Joshy Jacob
- Emory Vaccine Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Myriam Arévalo-Herrera
- Caucaseco Scientific Research Center, Malaria Vaccine and Drug Development Center, Cali, Colombia
| | - Alberto Moreno
- Emory Vaccine Center, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| |
Collapse
|