1
|
Gidwani SV, Brahmbhatt D, Zomback A, Bassie M, Martinez J, Zhuang J, Schulze J, McLellan JS, Mariani R, Alff P, Frasca D, Blomberg BB, Marshall CP, Yondola MA. Engineered dityrosine-bonding of the RSV prefusion F protein imparts stability and potency advantages. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2202. [PMID: 38485927 PMCID: PMC10940300 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46295-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Viral fusion proteins facilitate cellular infection by fusing viral and cellular membranes, which involves dramatic transitions from their pre- to postfusion conformations. These proteins are among the most protective viral immunogens, but they are metastable which often makes them intractable as subunit vaccine targets. Adapting a natural enzymatic reaction, we harness the structural rigidity that targeted dityrosine crosslinks impart to covalently stabilize fusion proteins in their native conformations. We show that the prefusion conformation of respiratory syncytial virus fusion protein can be stabilized with two engineered dityrosine crosslinks (DT-preF), markedly improving its stability and shelf-life. Furthermore, it has 11X greater potency as compared with the DS-Cav1 stabilized prefusion F protein in immunogenicity studies and overcomes immunosenescence in mice with simply a high-dose formulation on alum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonal V Gidwani
- Calder Biosciences Inc., Brooklyn Army Terminal, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | | | - Aaron Zomback
- Calder Biosciences Inc., Brooklyn Army Terminal, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Mamie Bassie
- Calder Biosciences Inc., Brooklyn Army Terminal, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | | | - Jian Zhuang
- Calder Biosciences Inc., Brooklyn Army Terminal, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - John Schulze
- Molecular Structure Facility, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jason S McLellan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, College of Natural Sciences, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Roberto Mariani
- Calder Biosciences Inc., Brooklyn Army Terminal, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- CUNY Kingsborough Community College, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Peter Alff
- Calder Biosciences Inc., Brooklyn Army Terminal, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Daniela Frasca
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Bonnie B Blomberg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Mark A Yondola
- Calder Biosciences Inc., Brooklyn Army Terminal, Brooklyn, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kopera E, Czajka H, Zapolnik P, Mazur A. New Insights on Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prevention. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1797. [PMID: 38140201 PMCID: PMC10747926 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a well-known infant pathogen transmitted mainly by droplets. It is a leading cause of upper respiratory tract infections in children, usually with a mild course of illness. RSV has also been a threat to older people, especially those with underlying medical conditions. For a long time, prevention was limited to passive immunoprophylaxis with palivizumab for high-risk infants. There was a strong need to find other treatment or prevention methods against RSV infections. In addition, after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, some significant changes in RSV epidemiology have been observed. Researchers noticed the shift in RSV seasonality and age distribution and the increased number of cases in older infants and adults. All of these made the need to find other medical options even stronger. Fortunately, two protein-based vaccines against RSV have successfully passed all phases of clinical trials and have been approved for use by adults and older people. One of them is also approved for infants from birth to 6 months of age (after maternal immunisation during pregnancy) and for pregnant women between 24 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. Also, a new passive immunisation option named nirsevimab (a highly potent monoclonal antibody with a long half-life) is now available for the paediatric group. In this review, we will discuss the previous and current RSV prevention methods in the light of structural discoveries of RSV antigens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hanna Czajka
- College of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszów, 35-315 Rzeszów, Poland; (E.K.); (P.Z.); (A.M.)
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Topalidou X, Kalergis AM, Papazisis G. Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines: A Review of the Candidates and the Approved Vaccines. Pathogens 2023; 12:1259. [PMID: 37887775 PMCID: PMC10609699 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is responsible for a significant proportion of global morbidity and mortality affecting young children and older adults. In the aftermath of formalin-inactivated RSV vaccine development, the effort to develop an immunizing agent was carefully guided by epidemiologic and pathophysiological evidence of the virus, including various vaccine technologies. The pipeline of RSV vaccine development includes messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), live-attenuated (LAV), subunit, and recombinant vector-based vaccine candidates targeting different virus proteins. The availability of vaccine candidates of various technologies enables adjustment to the individualized needs of each vulnerable age group. Arexvy® (GSK), followed by Abrysvo® (Pfizer), is the first vaccine available for market use as an immunizing agent to prevent lower respiratory tract disease in older adults. Abrysvo is additionally indicated for the passive immunization of infants by maternal administration during pregnancy. This review presents the RSV vaccine pipeline, analyzing the results of clinical trials. The key features of each vaccine technology are also mentioned. Currently, 24 vaccines are in the clinical stage of development, including the 2 licensed vaccines. Research in the field of RSV vaccination, including the pharmacovigilance methods of already approved vaccines, promotes the achievement of successful prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xanthippi Topalidou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Alexis M. Kalergis
- Millennium Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile;
- Departamento de Endocrinología, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile
| | - Georgios Papazisis
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
- Clinical Research Unit, Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Austin LA, Smith JS, Nahas DD, Danzinger A, Secore S, O'Donnell G, Radcliffe S, Hu S, Perley J, Bett AJ, Gindy ME. Split-Dose Administration Enhances Immune Responses Elicited by a mRNA/Lipid Nanoparticle Vaccine Expressing Respiratory Syncytial Virus F Protein. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:279-289. [PMID: 36251490 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
mRNA vaccines have recently received significant attention due to their role in combating the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. As a platform, mRNA vaccines have been shown to elicit strong humoral and cellular immune responses with acceptable safety profiles for prophylactic use. Despite their potential, industrial challenges have limited realization of the vaccine platform on a global scale. Critical among these challenges are supply chain considerations, including mRNA production, cost of goods, and vaccine frozen-chain distribution. Here, we assess the delivery of lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated mRNA (mRNA/LNP) vaccines using a split-dose immunization regimen as an approach to develop mRNA dose-sparing vaccine regimens with potential to mitigate mRNA supply chain challenges. Our data demonstrate that immunization by a mRNA/LNP vaccine encoding respiratory syncytial virus pre-F (RSV pre-F) over a 9 day period elicits comparable or superior magnitude of antibodies when compared to traditional bolus immunization of the vaccine. The split-dose immunization regimens evaluated in our studies were designed to mimic reported drug or antigen release profiles from microneedle patches, highlighting the potential benefit of pairing mRNA vaccines with patch-based delivery technologies to enable sustained release and solid-state stabilization. Overall, our findings provide a proof of concept to support further investigations into the development of sustained delivery approaches for mRNA/LNP vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Austin
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07033-1310, United States
| | - Jeffrey S Smith
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07033-1310, United States
| | - Debbie D Nahas
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07033-1310, United States
| | | | - Susan Secore
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07033-1310, United States
| | | | - Scott Radcliffe
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07033-1310, United States
| | - Shuai Hu
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07033-1310, United States
| | - Jeffrey Perley
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07033-1310, United States
| | - Andrew J Bett
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07033-1310, United States
| | - Marian E Gindy
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07033-1310, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Luo J, Qin H, Lei L, Lou W, Li R, Pan Z. Virus-like particles containing a prefusion-stabilized F protein induce a balanced immune response and confer protection against respiratory syncytial virus infection in mice. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1054005. [PMID: 36578490 PMCID: PMC9792133 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1054005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a serious respiratory pathogen in infants and young children worldwide. Currently, no licensed RSV vaccines are available. In this study, we explored stable prefusion conformation virus-like particles (Pre-F VLPs) as RSV vaccine candidates. RSV fusion (F) protein mutants were constructed to form stabilized Pre-F or postfusion (Post-F) configurations. VLPs containing Pre-F or Post-F protein were generated using a recombinant baculovirus (rBV)-insect cell expression system. The assembly and immunological properties of Pre-F or Post-F VLPs were investigated. Pre-F and Post-F VLPs contained antigenic sites Ø and I of pre- and postfusion conformations, respectively. Compared with Post-F VLPs, immunization with Pre-F VLPs elicited upregulation of IFN-γ, IL-2 and IL-10 and downregulation of IL-4 and IL-5 cytokine production in mice. A high percentage of CD25+ Foxp3+ cells or a low percentage of IL-17A-producing cells among CD4+ T cells was observed in the lungs of mice vaccinated with Pre-F VLPs. Importantly, immunization with Pre-F VLPs induced a high level of RSV neutralizing antibody and a balanced immune response, which protected mice against RSV infection without evidence of immunopathology. Our results suggested that Pre-F VLPs generated from rBV-insect cells represent promising RSV vaccine candidates.
Collapse
|
6
|
Ren H, Li H, Cao L, Wang Z, Zhou Y, Guo J, Zhang Y, Liu H, Xu W. Intranasal immunization with HRSV prefusion F protein and CpG adjuvant elicits robust protective effects in mice. Vaccine 2022; 40:6830-6838. [PMID: 36253219 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.09.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in elderly individuals and young children/infants and can cause bronchiolitis and even death. There is no licensed HRSV vaccine. An ideal vaccine should induce high titers of neutralizing antibodies and a Th1-biased immune response. In this study, we used EXPI293 cells to express the fusion (F) protein with a prefusion conformation (PrF) and compared the safety and efficacy of intranasal immunization with PrF in combination with two mucosal adjuvants (CpG ODN and liposomes) in mice. After two intranasal administrations, mice in the PrF + CpG group produced high titers of neutralizing antibodies (4961) and a Th1-biased immune response compared with the PrF + Lipo group. The lung viral load of mice in the PrF + CpG group was significantly reduced (3.5 log) compared with that in the adjuvant control group, and the survival rate was 100 %, while the survival rate of mice in the PrF + Lipo group was only 67 %. At the same time, this immunization strategy reduced the pathological damage to the lungs in mice. In conclusion, the combination of PrF and CpG adjuvant is immunogenic, elicits a Th1 type immune response, and completely protects mice from a lethal HRSV challenge. It is worthy of further evaluation as an HRSV vaccine in clinical trials. Clinical trial registration. This study was not related to human participation or experimentation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hu Ren
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Hai Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Cao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Zhan Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yangzi Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jinyuan Guo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Hongtu Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China; Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Wenbo Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China; Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Profiling of hMPV F-specific antibodies isolated from human memory B cells. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2546. [PMID: 35538099 PMCID: PMC9091222 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30205-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) belongs to the Pneumoviridae family and is closely related to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The surface fusion (F) glycoprotein mediates viral fusion and is the primary target of neutralizing antibodies against hMPV. Here we report 113 hMPV-F specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) isolated from memory B cells of human donors. We characterize the antibodies' germline usage, epitopes, neutralization potencies, and binding specificities. We find that unlike RSV-F specific mAbs, antibody responses to hMPV F are less dominant against the apex of the antigen, and the majority of the potent neutralizing mAbs recognize epitopes on the side of hMPV F. Furthermore, neutralizing epitopes that differ from previously defined antigenic sites on RSV F are identified, and multiple binding modes of site V and II mAbs are discovered. Interestingly, mAbs that bind preferentially to the unprocessed prefusion F show poor neutralization potency. These results elucidate the immune recognition of hMPV infection and provide novel insights for future hMPV antibody and vaccine development.
Collapse
|
8
|
Zohar T, Hsiao JC, Mehta N, Das J, Devadhasan A, Karpinski W, Callahan C, Citron MP, DiStefano DJ, Touch S, Wen Z, Sachs JR, Cejas PJ, Espeseth AS, Lauffenburger DA, Bett AJ, Alter G. Upper and lower respiratory tract correlates of protection against respiratory syncytial virus following vaccination of nonhuman primates. Cell Host Microbe 2021; 30:41-52.e5. [PMID: 34879230 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2021.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a major cause of respiratory illness in infants and the elderly. Although several vaccines have been developed, none have succeeded in part due to our incomplete understanding of the correlates of immune protection. While both T cells and antibodies play a role, emerging data suggest that antibody-mediated mechanisms alone may be sufficient to provide protection. Therefore, to map the humoral correlates of immunity against RSV, antibody responses across six different vaccines were profiled in a highly controlled nonhuman primate-challenge model. Viral loads were monitored in both the upper and lower respiratory tracts, and machine learning was used to determine the vaccine platform-agnostic antibody features associated with protection. Upper respiratory control was associated with virus-specific IgA levels, neutralization, and complement activity, whereas lower respiratory control was associated with Fc-mediated effector mechanisms. These findings provide critical compartment-specific insights toward the rational development of future vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomer Zohar
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jeff C Hsiao
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Nickita Mehta
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jishnu Das
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Anush Devadhasan
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Wiktor Karpinski
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Zhiyun Wen
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | | | | | | | - Douglas A Lauffenburger
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Galit Alter
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Narkhede YB, Gonzalez KJ, Strauch EM. Targeting Viral Surface Proteins through Structure-Based Design. Viruses 2021; 13:v13071320. [PMID: 34372526 PMCID: PMC8310314 DOI: 10.3390/v13071320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of novel viral infections of zoonotic origin and mutations of existing human pathogenic viruses represent a serious concern for public health. It warrants the establishment of better interventions and protective therapies to combat the virus and prevent its spread. Surface glycoproteins catalyzing the fusion of viral particles and host cells have proven to be an excellent target for antivirals as well as vaccines. This review focuses on recent advances for computational structure-based design of antivirals and vaccines targeting viral fusion machinery to control seasonal and emerging respiratory viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yogesh B Narkhede
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA;
| | - Karen J Gonzalez
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA;
| | - Eva-Maria Strauch
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA;
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Espeseth AS, Cejas PJ, Citron MP, Wang D, DiStefano DJ, Callahan C, Donnell GO, Galli JD, Swoyer R, Touch S, Wen Z, Antonello J, Zhang L, Flynn JA, Cox KS, Freed DC, Vora KA, Bahl K, Latham AH, Smith JS, Gindy ME, Ciaramella G, Hazuda D, Shaw CA, Bett AJ. Modified mRNA/lipid nanoparticle-based vaccines expressing respiratory syncytial virus F protein variants are immunogenic and protective in rodent models of RSV infection. NPJ Vaccines 2020; 5:16. [PMID: 32128257 PMCID: PMC7021756 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-020-0163-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The RSV Fusion (F) protein is a target for neutralizing antibody responses and is a focus for vaccine discovery; however, the process of RSV entry requires F to adopt a metastable prefusion form and transition to a more stable postfusion form, which displays less potent neutralizing epitopes. mRNA vaccines encode antigens that are translated by host cells following vaccination, which may allow conformational transitions similar to those observed during natural infection to occur. Here we evaluate a panel of chemically modified mRNA vaccines expressing different forms of the RSV F protein, including secreted, membrane associated, prefusion-stabilized, and non-stabilized structures, for conformation, immunogenicity, protection, and safety in rodent models. Vaccination with mRNA encoding native RSV F elicited antibody responses to both prefusion- and postfusion-specific epitopes, suggesting that this antigen may adopt both conformations in vivo. Incorporating prefusion stabilizing mutations further shifts the immune response toward prefusion-specific epitopes, but does not impact neutralizing antibody titer. mRNA vaccine candidates expressing either prefusion stabilized or native forms of RSV F protein elicit robust neutralizing antibody responses in both mice and cotton rats, similar to levels observed with a comparable dose of adjuvanted prefusion stabilized RSV F protein. In contrast to the protein subunit vaccine, mRNA-based vaccines elicited robust CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses in mice, highlighting a potential advantage of the technology for vaccines requiring a cellular immune response for efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy S Espeseth
- 1ID/Vaccines Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA
| | - Pedro J Cejas
- 1ID/Vaccines Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA
| | | | - Dai Wang
- 1ID/Vaccines Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA
| | | | - Cheryl Callahan
- 1ID/Vaccines Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA
| | | | | | - Ryan Swoyer
- 1ID/Vaccines Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA
| | - Sinoeun Touch
- 1ID/Vaccines Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA
| | - Zhiyun Wen
- 1ID/Vaccines Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA
| | | | - Lan Zhang
- 1ID/Vaccines Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA
| | - Jessica A Flynn
- 1ID/Vaccines Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA
| | - Kara S Cox
- 1ID/Vaccines Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA
| | - Daniel C Freed
- 1ID/Vaccines Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA
| | - Kalpit A Vora
- 1ID/Vaccines Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA
| | | | - Andrew H Latham
- 5Pharmaceutical Science, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA
| | - Jeffrey S Smith
- 5Pharmaceutical Science, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA
| | - Marian E Gindy
- 5Pharmaceutical Science, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA
| | | | - Daria Hazuda
- 1ID/Vaccines Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA
| | | | - Andrew J Bett
- 1ID/Vaccines Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Joyce MG, Bao A, Chen M, Georgiev IS, Ou L, Bylund T, Druz A, Kong WP, Peng D, Rundlet EJ, Van Galen JG, Wang S, Yang Y, Zhang B, Chuang GY, McLellan JS, Graham BS, Mascola JR, Kwong PD. Crystal Structure and Immunogenicity of the DS-Cav1-Stabilized Fusion Glycoprotein From Respiratory Syncytial Virus Subtype B. Pathog Immun 2019; 4:294-323. [PMID: 31893251 PMCID: PMC6922093 DOI: 10.20411/pai.v4i2.338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) subtypes, A and B, co-circulate in annual epidemics and alternate in dominance. We have shown that a subtype A RSV fusion (F) glycoprotein, stabilized in its prefusion conformation by DS-Cav1 mutations, is a promising RSV-vaccine immunogen, capable of boosting RSV-neutralizing titers in healthy adults. In both humans and vaccine-tested animals, neutralizing titers elicited by this subtype A DS-Cav1 immunogen were ~ 2- to 3-fold higher against the homologous subtype A virus than against the heterologous subtype B virus. Methods: To understand the molecular basis for this subtype difference, we introduced DS-Cav1 mutations into RSV strain B18537 F, determined the trimeric crystal structure, and carried out immunogenicity studies. Results: The B18537 DS-Cav1 F structure at 2-Å resolution afforded a precise delineation of prefusion F characteristics, including those of antigenic site Ø, a key trimer-apex site. Structural comparison with the subtype A prefusion F indicated 11% of surface residues to be different, with an alpha-carbon root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) of 1.2 Å; antigenic site Ø, however, differed in 23% of its surface residues and had an alpha-carbon RMSD of 2.2 Å. Immunization of vaccine-tested animals with DS-Cav1-stabilized B18537 F induced neutralizing responses ~100-fold higher than with postfusion B18537 F. Notably, elicited responses neutralized RSV subtypes A and B at similar levels and were directed towards both conserved equatorial and diverse apical regions. Conclusion: We propose that structural differences in apical and equatorial sites–coupled to differently focused immune responses–provide a molecular explanation for observed differences in elicited subtype A and B neutralizing responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Gordon Joyce
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Amy Bao
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Man Chen
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ivelin S Georgiev
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.,Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.,Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.,Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Li Ou
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Tatsiana Bylund
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Aliaksandr Druz
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Wing-Pui Kong
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Dongjun Peng
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Emily J Rundlet
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Joseph G Van Galen
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Shuishu Wang
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Yongping Yang
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Baoshan Zhang
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Gwo-Yu Chuang
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jason S McLellan
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.,Department of Molecular Biosciences, College of Natural Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
| | - Barney S Graham
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - John R Mascola
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Peter D Kwong
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kwon YM, Lee Y, Kim KH, Jung YJ, Li Z, Jeeva S, Lee S, Moore ML, Kang SM. Antigenicity and immunogenicity of unique prefusion-mimic F proteins presented on enveloped virus-like particles. Vaccine 2019; 37:6656-6664. [PMID: 31542260 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Pre-fusion stabilizing mutations (DS-Cav1) in soluble fusion (F) proteins of human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were previously reported. Here we investigated the antigenic and immunogenic properties of pre-fusion like RSV F proteins on enveloped virus-like particles (VLP). Additional mutations were introduced to DS-Cav1 (F-dcmTM VLP); fusion peptide deletion and cleavage mutation site 1 (F1d-dcmTM VLP) or both sites (F12d-dcmTM VLP). F1d-dcmTM VLP and F12d-dcmTM VLP displayed higher reactivity against pre-fusion specific site Ø and antigenic site I and II specific monoclonal antibodies, compared to F-dcmTM VLP with DS-Cav1 only. Mice immunized with F1d-dcmTM VLP and F12d-dcmTM VLP induced higher levels of DS-Cav1 pre-fusion specific IgG antibodies, RSV neutralizing activity titers, and effective lung viral clearance after challenge. These results suggest that cleavage site mutations and fusion peptide deletion in addition to DS-Cav1 mutations have contributed to structural stabilization of pre-fusion like F conformation on enveloped VLP, capable of inducing high levels of pre-fusion F specific and RSV neutralizing antibodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Young-Man Kwon
- Center for Inflammation, Immunity & Infection, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Youri Lee
- Center for Inflammation, Immunity & Infection, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ki Hye Kim
- Center for Inflammation, Immunity & Infection, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yu Jin Jung
- Center for Inflammation, Immunity & Infection, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Zhuo Li
- Center for Inflammation, Immunity & Infection, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Subbiah Jeeva
- Center for Inflammation, Immunity & Infection, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sujin Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Disease, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Sang-Moo Kang
- Center for Inflammation, Immunity & Infection, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Atherton LJ, Jorquera PA, Bakre AA, Tripp RA. Determining Immune and miRNA Biomarkers Related to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine Types. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2323. [PMID: 31649663 PMCID: PMC6794384 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) causes serious respiratory tract illness and substantial morbidity and some mortality in populations at the extremes of age, i.e., infants, young children, and the elderly. To date, RSV vaccine development has been unsuccessful, a feature linked to the lack of biomarkers available to assess the safety and efficacy of RSV vaccine candidates. We examined microRNAs (miR) as potential biomarkers for different types of RSV vaccine candidates. In this study, mice were vaccinated with a live attenuated RSV candidate that lacks the small hydrophobic (SH) and attachment (G) proteins (CP52), an RSV G protein microparticle (GA2-MP) vaccine, a formalin-inactivated RSV (FI-RSV) vaccine or were mock-treated. Several immunological endpoints and miR expression profiles were determined in mouse serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) following vaccine priming, boost, and RSV challenge. We identified miRs that were linked with immunological parameters of disease and protection. We show that miRs are potential biomarkers providing valuable insights for vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lydia J Atherton
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Patricia A Jorquera
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Abhijeet A Bakre
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Ralph A Tripp
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Beugeling M, De Zee J, Woerdenbag HJ, Frijlink HW, Wilschut JC, Hinrichs WLJ. Respiratory syncytial virus subunit vaccines based on the viral envelope glycoproteins intended for pregnant women and the elderly. Expert Rev Vaccines 2019; 18:935-950. [PMID: 31446807 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2019.1657013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes high morbidity and mortality rates among infants, young children, and the elderly worldwide. Unfortunately, a safe and effective vaccine is still unavailable. In 1966, a formalin-inactivated RSV vaccine failed and resulted in the death of two young children. This failure shifted research toward the development of subunit-based vaccines for pregnant women (to passively vaccinate infants) and the elderly. Among these subunit-based vaccines, the viral envelope glycoproteins show great potential as antigens. Areas covered: In this review, progress in the development of safe and effective subunit RSV vaccines based on the viral envelope glycoproteins and intended for pregnant women and the elderly, are reviewed and discussed. Studies published in the period 2012-2018 were included. Expert opinion: Researchers are close to bringing safe and effective subunit-based RSV vaccines to the market using the viral envelope glycoproteins as antigens. However, it remains a major challenge to elicit protective immunity, with a formulation that has sufficient (storage) stability. These issues may be overcome by using the RSV fusion protein in its pre-fusion conformation, and by formulating this protein as a dry powder. It may further be convenient to administer this powder via the pulmonary route.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Max Beugeling
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands
| | - Jildou De Zee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands
| | - Herman J Woerdenbag
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands
| | - Henderik W Frijlink
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands
| | - Jan C Wilschut
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands
| | - Wouter L J Hinrichs
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Xiao X, Tang A, Cox KS, Wen Z, Callahan C, Sullivan NL, Nahas DD, Cosmi S, Galli JD, Minnier M, Verma D, Babaoglu K, Su H, Bett AJ, Vora KA, Chen Z, Zhang L. Characterization of potent RSV neutralizing antibodies isolated from human memory B cells and identification of diverse RSV/hMPV cross-neutralizing epitopes. MAbs 2019; 11:1415-1427. [PMID: 31402751 PMCID: PMC6816417 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2019.1654304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection in young children and older adults. Currently, no licensed vaccine is available, and therapeutic options are limited. The primary target of neutralizing antibodies to RSV is the surface fusion (F) glycoprotein. Understanding the recognition of antibodies with high neutralization potencies to RSV F antigen will provide critical insights in developing efficacious RSV antibodies and vaccines. In this study, we isolated and characterized a panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with high binding affinity to RSV prefusion F trimer and neutralization potency to RSV viruses. The mAbs were mapped to previously defined antigenic sites, and some that mapped to the same antigenic sites showed remarkable diversity in specificity, binding, and neutralization potencies. We found that the isolated site III mAbs shared highly conserved germline V-gene usage, but had different cross-reactivities to human metapneumovirus (hMPV), possibly due to the distinct modes/angles of interaction with RSV and hMPV F proteins. Furthermore, we identified a subset of potent RSV/hMPV cross-neutralizing mAbs that target antigenic site IV and the recently defined antigenic site V, while the majority of the mAbs targeting these two sites only neutralize RSV. Additionally, the isolated mAbs targeting site Ø were mono-specific for RSV and showed a wide range of neutralizing potencies on different RSV subtypes. Our data exemplify the diversity of anti-RSV mAbs and provide new insights into the immune recognition of respiratory viruses in the Pneumoviridae family.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Xiao
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Research, Merck & Co., Inc ., Kenilworth , NJ , USA.,MRL Postdoctoral Research Program, Merck & Co., Inc ., Kenilworth , NJ , USA
| | - Aimin Tang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Research, Merck & Co., Inc ., Kenilworth , NJ , USA
| | - Kara S Cox
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Research, Merck & Co., Inc ., Kenilworth , NJ , USA
| | - Zhiyun Wen
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Research, Merck & Co., Inc ., Kenilworth , NJ , USA
| | - Cheryl Callahan
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Research, Merck & Co., Inc ., Kenilworth , NJ , USA
| | - Nicole L Sullivan
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Research, Merck & Co., Inc ., Kenilworth , NJ , USA
| | - Deborah D Nahas
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Research, Merck & Co., Inc ., Kenilworth , NJ , USA
| | - Scott Cosmi
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Research, Merck & Co., Inc ., Kenilworth , NJ , USA.,Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories Professional Scientific Services , Lancaster , PA , USA
| | - Jennifer D Galli
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Research, Merck & Co., Inc ., Kenilworth , NJ , USA
| | - Michael Minnier
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Research, Merck & Co., Inc ., Kenilworth , NJ , USA.,On-Board Services , East Windsor , NJ , USA.,AgileOne , Torrence , CA , USA
| | - Deeptak Verma
- Department of Chemistry Modeling and Informatics, Merck & Co., Inc ., Kenilworth , NJ , USA
| | - Kerim Babaoglu
- Department of Chemistry Modeling and Informatics, Merck & Co., Inc ., Kenilworth , NJ , USA
| | - Hua Su
- Department of Chemistry Modeling and Informatics, Merck & Co., Inc ., Kenilworth , NJ , USA
| | - Andrew J Bett
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Research, Merck & Co., Inc ., Kenilworth , NJ , USA
| | - Kalpit A Vora
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Research, Merck & Co., Inc ., Kenilworth , NJ , USA
| | - Zhifeng Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Research, Merck & Co., Inc ., Kenilworth , NJ , USA
| | - Lan Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Research, Merck & Co., Inc ., Kenilworth , NJ , USA
| |
Collapse
|