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Champeil J, Mangion M, Gilbert R, Gaillet B. Improved Manufacturing Methods of Extracellular Vesicles Pseudotyped with the Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Glycoprotein. Mol Biotechnol 2024; 66:1116-1131. [PMID: 38182864 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-01007-3] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EV), which expose the vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSVG) on their surface, are used for delivery of nucleic acids and proteins in human cell lines. These particles are biomanufactured using methods that are difficult to scale up. Here, we describe the development of the first EV-VSVG production process in serum-free media using polyethylenimine (PEI)-based transient transfection of HEK293 suspension cells, as well as the first EV-VSVG purification process to utilize both ultracentrifugation and chromatography. Three parameters were investigated for EV-VSVG production: cell density, DNA concentration, and DNA:PEI ratio. The best production titer was obtained with 3 × 106 cells/mL, a plasmid concentration of 2 µg/mL, and a DNA:PEI ratio of 1:4. The production kinetics of VSVG was performed and showed that the highest amount of VSVG was obtained 3 days after transfection. Addition of cell culture supplements during the transfection resulted in an increase in VSVG production, with a maximum yield obtained with 2 mM of sodium butyrate added 18 h after transfection. Moreover, the absence of EV-VSVG during cell transfection with a GFP-coding plasmid revealed to be ineffective, with no fluorescent cells. An efficient EV-VSVG purification procedure consisting of a two-step concentration by low-speed centrifugation and sucrose cushion ultracentrifugation followed by a heparin affinity chromatography purification was also developed. Purified bioactive EV-VSVG preparations were characterized and revealed that EV-VSVG are spherical particles of 176.4 ± 88.32 nm with 91.4% of protein similarity to exosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Champeil
- Chemical Engineering Department, Université Laval, 1065, Avenue de la Médecine, Pavillon Pouliot, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
- PROTEO: The Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Structure, and Engineering, Université du Québec à Montréal, 201 Avenue du Président Kennedy, Montréal, QC, H2X 3Y7, Canada
- ThéCell: FRQS Cell, Tissue and Gene Therapy Network, Laboratoire d'organogénèse expérimentale - LOEX, 1401, 18E rue, Québec, QC, G1J 1Z4, Canada
| | - Mathias Mangion
- Chemical Engineering Department, Université Laval, 1065, Avenue de la Médecine, Pavillon Pouliot, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
- PROTEO: The Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Structure, and Engineering, Université du Québec à Montréal, 201 Avenue du Président Kennedy, Montréal, QC, H2X 3Y7, Canada
- ThéCell: FRQS Cell, Tissue and Gene Therapy Network, Laboratoire d'organogénèse expérimentale - LOEX, 1401, 18E rue, Québec, QC, G1J 1Z4, Canada
| | - Rénald Gilbert
- ThéCell: FRQS Cell, Tissue and Gene Therapy Network, Laboratoire d'organogénèse expérimentale - LOEX, 1401, 18E rue, Québec, QC, G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Center, National Research Council Canada, 6100, Avenue Royalmount, Montréal, Québec, H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Bruno Gaillet
- Chemical Engineering Department, Université Laval, 1065, Avenue de la Médecine, Pavillon Pouliot, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada.
- PROTEO: The Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Structure, and Engineering, Université du Québec à Montréal, 201 Avenue du Président Kennedy, Montréal, QC, H2X 3Y7, Canada.
- ThéCell: FRQS Cell, Tissue and Gene Therapy Network, Laboratoire d'organogénèse expérimentale - LOEX, 1401, 18E rue, Québec, QC, G1J 1Z4, Canada.
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Gashti AB, Agbayani G, Hrapovic S, Nassoury N, Coulombe N, Dudani R, Harrison BA, Akache B, Gilbert R, Chahal PS. Production, purification and immunogenicity of Gag virus-like particles carrying SARS-CoV-2 components. Vaccine 2024; 42:40-52. [PMID: 38042697 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.11.048] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
The virus-like particle (VLP) platform is a robust inducer of humoral and cellular immune responses; hence, it has been used in vaccine development for several infectious diseases. In the current work, VLPs carrying SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) protein (Wuhan strain) with an HIV-1 Gag core were produced using suspension HEK 293SF-3F6 cells by transient transfection. The Gag was fused with green fluorescent protein (GFP) for rapid quantification of the VLPs. Five different versions of Gag-Spike VLPs (Gag-S-VLPs) consisting of Gag-S alone or combined with other SARS-CoV-2 components, namely Gag-S-Nucleocapsid (N), Gag-S-Matrix (M), Gag-S-Envelope (E), Gag-S-MEN, along with Gag alone were produced and processed by clarification, nuclease treatment, concentration by tangential flow filtration (TFF) and diafiltration. A pilot mouse study was performed to evaluate the immunogenicity of the Gag-S-VLPs through the measurement of the humoral and/or cellular responses against all the mentioned SARS-CoV-2 components. Antibody response to Spike was observed in all variants. The highest number of Spike-specific IFN-γ + T cells was detected with Gag-S-VLPs. No induction of antigen-specific cellular responses to M, N or E proteins were detected with any of the Gag-S, M, E/or N VLPs tested. Therefore, the Gag-S-VLP, by reason of consistently eliciting strong antigen-specific cellular and antibody responses, was selected for further evaluation. The purification process was improved by replacing the conventional centrifugation by serial microfiltration in the clarification step, followed by Spike-affinity chromatography to get concentrated VLPs with higher purity. Three different doses of Gag-S-VLP in conjunction with two adjuvants (Quil-A or AddaVax) were used to assess the dose-dependent antigen-specific cellular and antibody responses in mice. The Gag-S-VLP adjuvanted with Quil-A resulted in a stronger Spike-specific cellular response compared to that adjuvanted with AddaVax. A strong spike neutralisation activity was observed for all doses, independent of the adjuvant combination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gerard Agbayani
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council Canada Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sabahudin Hrapovic
- Aquatic and Crop Resource Development Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, Montréal, Canada
| | - Nasha Nassoury
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nathalie Coulombe
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Renu Dudani
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council Canada Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Blair A Harrison
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council Canada Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Bassel Akache
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council Canada Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Rénald Gilbert
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council Canada, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Hein MD, Kazenmaier D, van Heuvel Y, Dogra T, Cattaneo M, Kupke SY, Stitz J, Genzel Y, Reichl U. Production of retroviral vectors in continuous high cell density culture. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:5947-5961. [PMID: 37542575 PMCID: PMC10485120 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12689-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Retroviral vectors derived from murine leukemia virus (MLV) are used in somatic gene therapy applications e.g. for genetic modification of hematopoietic stem cells. Recently, we reported on the establishment of a suspension viral packaging cell line (VPC) for the production of MLV vectors. Human embryonic kidney 293-F (HEK293-F) cells were genetically modified for this purpose using transposon vector technology. Here, we demonstrate the establishment of a continuous high cell density (HCD) process using this cell line. First, we compared different media regarding the maximum achievable viable cell concentration (VCC) in small scale. Next, we transferred this process to a stirred tank bioreactor before we applied intensification strategies. Specifically, we established a perfusion process using an alternating tangential flow filtration system. Here, VCCs up to 27.4E + 06 cells/mL and MLV vector titers up to 8.6E + 06 transducing units/mL were achieved. Finally, we established a continuous HCD process using a tubular membrane for cell retention and continuous viral vector harvesting. Here, the space-time yield was 18-fold higher compared to the respective batch cultivations. Overall, our results clearly demonstrate the feasibility of HCD cultivations for high yield production of viral vectors, especially when combined with continuous viral vector harvesting. KEY POINTS: • A continuous high cell density process for MLV vector production was established • The tubular cell retention membrane allowed for continuous vector harvesting • The established process had a 18-fold higher space time yield compared to a batch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc D Hein
- Chair of Bioprocess Engineering, Otto-Von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Kazenmaier
- Bioprocess Engineering, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Magdeburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Applied Sciences Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Yasemin van Heuvel
- Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Cologne, Leverkusen, Germany
- Institute of Technical Chemistry, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tanya Dogra
- Bioprocess Engineering, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Magdeburg, Germany
| | | | - Sascha Y Kupke
- Bioprocess Engineering, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jörn Stitz
- Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Cologne, Leverkusen, Germany
| | - Yvonne Genzel
- Bioprocess Engineering, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Udo Reichl
- Chair of Bioprocess Engineering, Otto-Von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Bioprocess Engineering, Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Magdeburg, Germany
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Lothert K, Wolff MW. Affinity and Pseudo-Affinity Membrane Chromatography for Viral Vector and Vaccine Purifications: A Review. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:770. [PMID: 37755191 PMCID: PMC10537005 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13090770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Several chromatographic approaches have been established over the last decades for the production of pharmaceutically relevant viruses. Due to the large size of these products compared to other biopharmaceuticals, e.g., proteins, convective flow media have proven to be superior to bead-based resins in terms of process productivity and column capacity. One representative of such convective flow materials is membranes, which can be modified to suit the particular operating principle and are also suitable for economical single-use applications. Among the different membrane variants, affinity surfaces allow for the most selective separation of the target molecule from other components in the feed solution, especially from host cell-derived DNA and proteins. A successful membrane affinity chromatography, however, requires the identification and implementation of ligands, which can be applied economically while at the same time being stable during the process and non-toxic in the case of any leaching. This review summarizes the current evaluation of membrane-based affinity purifications for viruses and virus-like particles, including traditional resin and monolith approaches and the advantages of membrane applications. An overview of potential affinity ligands is given, as well as considerations of suitable affinity platform technologies, e.g., for different virus serotypes, including a description of processes using pseudo-affinity matrices, such as sulfated cellulose membrane adsorbers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael W. Wolff
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, Department Life Science Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen (THM), 35390 Giessen, Germany
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Kodera A, Mohammed M, Lim P, Abdalla O, Elhadi M. The Management of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Failure in High-Risk Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Review Article. Cureus 2023; 15:e40962. [PMID: 37503461 PMCID: PMC10369196 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is a common urological malignancy, and bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) therapy is the gold standard treatment in intermediate and high-risk groups. However, BCG failure occurs in a significant proportion of patients, emphasizing the need for effective alternative treatment modalities to address this burden. These treatments include immunotherapy, enhanced drug delivery, targeted therapy, device-assisted chemotherapy, vaccine therapy, and gene therapy, which show varying degrees of safety and efficacy. The objective of this review is to summarize the current evidence and ongoing research on these emerging therapies, offering insight into their potential for improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Although radical cystectomy remains the standard of care for high-risk NMIBC patients unresponsive to BCG, novel treatment modalities hold promise for the future management of this challenging patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Kodera
- Urology, Worcestershire Acute Hopsitals NHS Trust, Worcester, GBR
| | - Mahmoud Mohammed
- Urology, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Worcester, GBR
- Surgical Oncology, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut, EGY
| | - Paul Lim
- Urology, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Worcestershire, GBR
| | - Omer Abdalla
- Urology, Wirral University Hospital, Liverpool, GBR
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Dash S, Farnós O, Yang Z, Perumal AS, Chaves Fulber JP, Venereo-Sánchez A, Leclerc D, Kamen AA. A rapid procedure to generate stably transfected HEK293 suspension cells for recombinant protein manufacturing: Yield improvements, bioreactor production and downstream processing. Protein Expr Purif 2023; 210:106295. [PMID: 37201590 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2023.106295] [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: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The human cell line HEK293 is one of the preferred choices for manufacturing therapeutic proteins and viral vectors for human applications. Despite its increased use, it is still considered in disadvantage in production aspects compared to cell lines such as the CHO cell line. We provide here a simple workflow for the rapid generation of stably transfected HEK293 cells expressing an engineered variant of the SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) carrying a coupling domain for linkage to VLPs through a bacterial transpeptidase-sortase (SrtA). To generate stable suspension cells expressing the RBD-SrtA, a single two plasmids transfection was performed, with hygromycin selection. The suspension HEK293 were grown in adherent conditions, with 20% FBS supplementation. These transfection conditions increased cell survival, allowing the selection of stable cell pools, which was otherwise not possible with standard procedures in suspension. Six pools were isolated, expanded and successfully re-adapted to suspension with a gradual increase of serum-free media and agitation. The complete process lasted four weeks. Stable expression with viability over 98% was verified for over two months in culture, with cell passages every 4-5 days. With process intensification, RBD-SrtA yields reached 6.4 μg/mL and 13.4 μg/mL in fed-batch and perfusion-like cultures, respectively. RBD-SrtA was further produced in fed-batch stirred tank 1L-bioreactors, reaching 10-fold higher yields than perfusion flasks. The trimeric antigen displayed the conformational structure and functionality expected. This work provides a series of steps for stable cell pool development using suspension HEK293 cells aimed at the scalable production of recombinant proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shantoshini Dash
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 0E9, Canada
| | - Omar Farnós
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 0E9, Canada
| | - Zeyu Yang
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 0E9, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Denis Leclerc
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Infectious Disease Research Center, Laval University, 2705 boul. Laurier, Quebec City, PQ, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Amine A Kamen
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A 0E9, Canada.
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Garay E, Fontana D, Villarraza J, Fuselli A, Gugliotta A, Antuña S, Tardivo B, Rodríguez MC, Gastaldi V, Battagliotti JM, Alvarez D, Castro E, Cassataro J, Ceaglio N, Prieto C. Design and characterization of chimeric Rabies-SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles for vaccine purposes. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:3495-3508. [PMID: 37126083 PMCID: PMC10150342 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12545-w] [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: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Due to the high number of doses required to achieve adequate coverage in the context of COVID-19 pandemics, there is a great need for novel vaccine developments. In this field, there have been research approaches that focused on the production of SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles. These are promising vaccine candidates as their structure is similar to that of native virions but they lack the genome, constituting a biosafe alternative. In order to produce these structures using mammal cells, it has been established that all four structural proteins must be expressed. Here we report the generation and characterization of a novel chimeric virus-like particle (VLP) that can be produced by the expression of a single novel fusion protein that contains SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) ectodomain fused to rabies glycoprotein membrane anchoring region in HEK293 cells. This protein is structurally similar to native S and can autonomously bud forming enveloped VLPs that resemble native virions both in size and in morphology, displaying S ectodomain and receptor binding domain (RBD) on their surface. As a proof of concept, we analyzed the immunogenicity of this vaccine candidate in mice and confirmed the generation of anti-S, anti-RBD, and neutralizing antibodies. KEY POINTS: • A novel fusion rabies glycoprotein containing S ectodomain was designed. • Fusion protein formed cVLPs that were morphologically similar to SARS-CoV-2 virions. • cVLPs induced anti-S, anti-RBD, and neutralizing antibodies in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Garay
- UNL, CONICET, FBCB (School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences), CBL (Biotechnological Center of Litoral), Ciudad Universitaria, Ruta Nacional 168 - Km 472.4 - C.C. 242 - (S3000ZAA) Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Diego Fontana
- UNL, CONICET, FBCB (School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences), CBL (Biotechnological Center of Litoral), Ciudad Universitaria, Ruta Nacional 168 - Km 472.4 - C.C. 242 - (S3000ZAA) Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Javier Villarraza
- UNL, CONICET, FBCB (School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences), CBL (Biotechnological Center of Litoral), Ciudad Universitaria, Ruta Nacional 168 - Km 472.4 - C.C. 242 - (S3000ZAA) Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Antonela Fuselli
- UNL, CONICET, FBCB (School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences), CBL (Biotechnological Center of Litoral), Ciudad Universitaria, Ruta Nacional 168 - Km 472.4 - C.C. 242 - (S3000ZAA) Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Agustina Gugliotta
- UNL, CONICET, FBCB (School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences), CBL (Biotechnological Center of Litoral), Ciudad Universitaria, Ruta Nacional 168 - Km 472.4 - C.C. 242 - (S3000ZAA) Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Sebastián Antuña
- Biotecnofe S.A. PTLC, Ruta 168 (S3000ZAA) Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Belén Tardivo
- Biotecnofe S.A. PTLC, Ruta 168 (S3000ZAA) Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - María Celeste Rodríguez
- UNL, CONICET, FBCB (School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences), CBL (Biotechnological Center of Litoral), Ciudad Universitaria, Ruta Nacional 168 - Km 472.4 - C.C. 242 - (S3000ZAA) Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Victoria Gastaldi
- UNL, CONICET, FBCB (School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences), CBL (Biotechnological Center of Litoral), Ciudad Universitaria, Ruta Nacional 168 - Km 472.4 - C.C. 242 - (S3000ZAA) Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Biotecnofe S.A. PTLC, Ruta 168 (S3000ZAA) Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Juan Manuel Battagliotti
- UNL, CONICET, FBCB (School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences), CBL (Biotechnological Center of Litoral), Ciudad Universitaria, Ruta Nacional 168 - Km 472.4 - C.C. 242 - (S3000ZAA) Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Diego Alvarez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. Rodolfo A. Ugalde" UNSAM-CONICET, Pcia. Buenos Aires, San Martin, Argentina
| | - Eliana Castro
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. Rodolfo A. Ugalde" UNSAM-CONICET, Pcia. Buenos Aires, San Martin, Argentina
| | - Juliana Cassataro
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas "Dr. Rodolfo A. Ugalde" UNSAM-CONICET, Pcia. Buenos Aires, San Martin, Argentina
| | - Natalia Ceaglio
- UNL, CONICET, FBCB (School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences), CBL (Biotechnological Center of Litoral), Ciudad Universitaria, Ruta Nacional 168 - Km 472.4 - C.C. 242 - (S3000ZAA) Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Claudio Prieto
- Biotecnofe S.A. PTLC, Ruta 168 (S3000ZAA) Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina
- UNL, FBCB (School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences), CBL (Biotechnological Center of Litoral), Ciudad Universitaria, Ruta Nacional 168 - Km 472.4 - C.C. 242 - (S3000ZAA) Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Cellargen Biotech SRL, FBCB (School of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences) Biotechnological Development Laboratory, Ciudad Universitaria UNL, (S3000ZAA), Santa Fe, Argentina
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Hausjell CS, Ernst W, Grünwald-Gruber C, Arcalis E, Grabherr R. Quantitative proteomic analysis of extracellular vesicles in response to baculovirus infection of a Trichoplusia ni cell line. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281060. [PMID: 36716331 PMCID: PMC9886248 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to its outstanding suitability to produce complex biopharmaceutical products including virus-like particles and subunit vaccines, the baculovirus/insect cell expression system has developed into a highly popular production platform in the biotechnological industry. For high productivity, virus-cell communication and an efficient spreading of the viral infection are crucial, and, in this context, extracellular vesicles (EVs) might play a significant role. EVs are small particles, utilized by cells to transfer biologically active compounds such as proteins, lipids as well as nucleic acids to recipient cells for intracellular communication. Studies in mammalian cells showed that the release of EVs is altered in response to infection with many viruses, ultimately either limiting or fostering infection spreading. In this study we isolated and characterized EVs, from both uninfected and baculovirus infected Tnms42 insect cells. Via quantitative proteomic analysis we identified more than 3000 T. ni proteins in Tnms42 cell derived EVs, of which more than 400 were significantly differentially abundant upon baculovirus infection. Subsequent gene set enrichment analysis revealed a depletion of proteins related to the extracellular matrix in EVs from infected cultures. Our findings show a significant change of EV protein cargo upon baculovirus infection, suggesting a major role of EVs as stress markers. Our study might serve in designing new tools for process monitoring and control to further improve biopharmaceutical production within the baculovirus/insect cell expression system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Sophie Hausjell
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Ernst
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Clemens Grünwald-Gruber
- Core Facility Mass Spectrometry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elsa Arcalis
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Reingard Grabherr
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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Palameta S, Manrique-Rincón AJ, Toscaro JM, Semionatto IF, Fonseca MC, Rosa RS, Ruas LP, Oliveira PS, Bajgelman MC. Boosting antitumor response with PSMA-targeted immunomodulatory VLPs, harboring costimulatory TNFSF ligands and GM-CSF cytokine. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2022; 24:650-662. [PMID: 35284623 PMCID: PMC8898762 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2022.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic strategies based on immunomodulation have improved cancer therapy. Most approaches target co-stimulatory pathways or the inhibition of immunosuppressive mechanisms, to enhance immune response and overcome the immune tolerance of tumors. Here, we propose a novel platform to deliver targeted immunomodulatory signaling, enhancing antitumor response. The platform is based on virus-like particles derived from lentiviral capsids. These particles may be engineered to harbor multifunctional ligands on the surface that drive tropism to the tumor site and deliver immunomodulatory signaling, boosting the antitumor response. We generated virus-like particles harboring a PSMA-ligand, TNFSF co-stimulatory ligands 4-1BBL or OX40L, and a membrane-anchored GM-CSF cytokine. The virus-like particles are driven to PSMA-expressing tumors and deliver immunomodulatory signaling from the TNFSF surface ligands and the anchored GM-CSF, inducing T cell proliferation, inhibition of regulatory T cells, and potentiating elimination of tumor cells. The PSMA-targeted particles harboring immunomodulators enhanced antitumor activity in immunocompetent challenged mice and may be explored as a potential tool for cancer immunotherapy.
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Arista-Romero M, Delcanale P, Pujals S, Albertazzi L. Nanoscale Mapping of Recombinant Viral Proteins: From Cells to Virus-Like Particles. ACS PHOTONICS 2022; 9:101-109. [PMID: 35083366 PMCID: PMC8778639 DOI: 10.1021/acsphotonics.1c01154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Influenza recombinant proteins and virus-like particles (VLPs) play an important role in vaccine development (e.g., CadiFlu-S). However, their production from mammalian cells suffers from low yields and lack of control of the final VLPs. To improve these issues, characterization techniques able to visualize and quantify the different steps of the process are needed. Fluorescence microscopy represents a powerful tool able to image multiple protein targets; however, its limited resolution hinders the study of viral constructs. Here, we propose the use of super-resolution microscopy and in particular of DNA-point accumulation for imaging in nanoscale topography (DNA-PAINT) microscopy as a characterization method for recombinant viral proteins on both cells and VLPs. We were able to quantify the amount of the three main influenza proteins (hemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA), and ion channel matrix protein 2 (M2)) per cell and per VLP with nanometer resolution and single-molecule sensitivity, proving that DNA-PAINT is a powerful technique to characterize recombinant viral constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Arista-Romero
- Nanoscopy
for Nanomedicine Group, Institute for Bioengineering
of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, C\Baldiri Reixac 15-21, Helix Building, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pietro Delcanale
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Matematiche, Fisiche e Informatiche, Università di Parma, Parco area delle Scienze 7/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Silvia Pujals
- Nanoscopy
for Nanomedicine Group, Institute for Bioengineering
of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, C\Baldiri Reixac 15-21, Helix Building, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lorenzo Albertazzi
- Nanoscopy
for Nanomedicine Group, Institute for Bioengineering
of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, C\Baldiri Reixac 15-21, Helix Building, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems
(ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, 5612AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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11
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Pulix M, Lukashchuk V, Smith DC, Dickson AJ. Molecular characterization of HEK293 cells as emerging versatile cell factories. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2021; 71:18-24. [PMID: 34058525 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
HEK293 cell lines are used for the production of recombinant proteins, virus-like particles and viral vectors. Recent work has generated molecular (systems level) characterisation of HEK293 variants that has enabled re-engineering of the cells towards enhanced use for manufacture-scale production of recombinant biopharmaceuticals (assessment of 'safe harbours' for gene insertion, engineering of new variants for stable, amplifiable expression). In parallel, there have been notable advances in the bioprocessing conditions (suspension adaptation, development of defined serum-free media) that offer the potential for large-scale manufacture, a feature especially important in the drive to produce viral vectors at large-scale and at commercially viable costs for gene therapy. The combination of cell-based and bioprocess-based modification of existing HEK293 cell processes, frequently informed by understandings transferred from developments with Chinese hamster ovary cell lines, seems destined to place the HEK293 cell systems firmly as a critical platform for production of future biologically based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Pulix
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering & Analytical Sciences, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, UK; Cobra Biologics, Stephenson Building, Keele Science Park, Keele ST5 5SP, UK
| | - Vera Lukashchuk
- Cobra Biologics, Stephenson Building, Keele Science Park, Keele ST5 5SP, UK
| | - Daniel C Smith
- Cobra Biologics, Stephenson Building, Keele Science Park, Keele ST5 5SP, UK
| | - Alan J Dickson
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering & Analytical Sciences, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, UK.
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12
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Characterization of Extracellular Vesicles Secreted in Lentiviral Producing HEK293SF Cell Cultures. Viruses 2021; 13:v13050797. [PMID: 33946875 PMCID: PMC8145507 DOI: 10.3390/v13050797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors (LVs) are a powerful tool for gene and cell therapy and human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) have been extensively used as a platform for production of these vectors. Like most cells and cellular tissues, HEK293 cells release extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs released by cells share similar size, biophysical characteristics and even a biogenesis pathway with cell-produced enveloped viruses, making it a challenge to efficiently separate EVs from LVs. Thus, EVs co-purified with LVs during downstream processing, are considered “impurities” in the context of gene and cell therapy. A greater understanding of EVs co-purifying with LVs is needed to enable improved downstream processing. To that end, EVs from an inducible lentivirus producing cell line were studied under two conditions: non-induced and induced. EVs were identified in both conditions, with their presence confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and Western blot. EV cargos from each condition were then further characterized by a multi-omic approach. Nineteen proteins were identified by mass spectrometry as potential EV markers to differentiate EVs in LV preparations. Lipid composition of EV preparations before and after LV induction showed similar enrichment in phosphatidylserine. RNA cargos in EVs showed enrichment in transcripts involved in viral processes and binding functions. These findings provide insights on the product profile of lentiviral preparations and could support the development of improved separation strategies aimed at removing co-produced EVs.
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13
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Fabbiano F, Corsi J, Gurrieri E, Trevisan C, Notarangelo M, D'Agostino VG. RNA packaging into extracellular vesicles: An orchestra of RNA-binding proteins? J Extracell Vesicles 2020; 10:e12043. [PMID: 33391635 PMCID: PMC7769857 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are heterogeneous membranous particles released from the cells through different biogenetic and secretory mechanisms. We now conceive EVs as shuttles mediating cellular communication, carrying a variety of molecules resulting from intracellular homeostatic mechanisms. The RNA is a widely detected cargo and, impressively, a recognized functional intermediate that elects EVs as modulators of cancer cell phenotypes, determinants of disease spreading, cell surrogates in regenerative medicine, and a source for non-invasive molecular diagnostics. The mechanistic elucidation of the intracellular events responsible for the engagement of RNA into EVs will significantly improve the comprehension and possibly the prediction of EV "quality" in association with cell physiology. Interestingly, the application of multidisciplinary approaches, including biochemical as well as cell-based and computational strategies, is increasingly revealing an active RNA-packaging process implicating RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) in the sorting of coding and non-coding RNAs. In this review, we provide a comprehensive view of RBPs recently emerging as part of the EV biology, considering the scenarios where: (i) individual RBPs were detected in EVs along with their RNA substrates, (ii) RBPs were detected in EVs with inferred RNA targets, and (iii) EV-transcripts were found to harbour sequence motifs mirroring the activity of RBPs. Proteins so far identified are members of the hnRNP family (hnRNPA2B1, hnRNPC1, hnRNPG, hnRNPH1, hnRNPK, and hnRNPQ), as well as YBX1, HuR, AGO2, IGF2BP1, MEX3C, ANXA2, ALIX, NCL, FUS, TDP-43, MVP, LIN28, SRP9/14, QKI, and TERT. We describe the RBPs based on protein domain features, current knowledge on the association with human diseases, recognition of RNA consensus motifs, and the need to clarify the functional significance in different cellular contexts. We also summarize data on previously identified RBP inhibitor small molecules that could also be introduced in EV research as potential modulators of vesicular RNA sorting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Fabbiano
- Department of CellularComputational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Jessica Corsi
- Department of CellularComputational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Elena Gurrieri
- Department of CellularComputational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Caterina Trevisan
- Department of CellularComputational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Michela Notarangelo
- Department of CellularComputational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
| | - Vito G. D'Agostino
- Department of CellularComputational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO)University of TrentoTrentoItaly
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14
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Lavado-García J, González-Domínguez I, Cervera L, Jorge I, Vázquez J, Gòdia F. Molecular Characterization of the Coproduced Extracellular Vesicles in HEK293 during Virus-Like Particle Production. J Proteome Res 2020; 19:4516-4532. [PMID: 32975947 PMCID: PMC7640977 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.0c00581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Vaccine therapies based on virus-like particles (VLPs) are currently in the spotlight due to their potential for generating high immunogenic responses while presenting fewer side effects than conventional vaccines. These self-assembled nanostructures resemble the native conformation of the virus but lack genetic material. They are becoming a promising platform for vaccine candidates against several diseases due to the ability of modifying their membrane with antigens from different viruses. The coproduction of extracellular vesicles (EVs) when producing VLPs is a key phenomenon currently still under study. In order to characterize this extracellular environment, a quantitative proteomics approach has been carried out. Three conditions were studied: non-transfected, transfected with an empty plasmid as control, and transfected with a plasmid coding for HIV-1 Gag polyprotein. A shift in EV biogenesis has been detected upon transfection, changing the production from large to small EVs. Another remarkable trait found was the presence of DNA being secreted within vesicles smaller than 200 nm. Studying the protein profile of these biological nanocarriers, it was observed that EVs were reflecting an overall energy homeostasis disruption via mitochondrial protein deregulation. Also, immunomodulatory proteins like ITGB1, ENO3, and PRDX5 were identified and quantified in VLP and EV fractions. These findings provide insight on the nature of the VLP extracellular environment defining the characteristics and protein profile of EVs, with potential to develop new downstream separation strategies or using them as adjuvants in viral therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Lavado-García
- Grup
d’Enginyeria Cellular i Bioprocés, Escola d’Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus de Bellaterra, Cerdanyola
del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene González-Domínguez
- Grup
d’Enginyeria Cellular i Bioprocés, Escola d’Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus de Bellaterra, Cerdanyola
del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Cervera
- Grup
d’Enginyeria Cellular i Bioprocés, Escola d’Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus de Bellaterra, Cerdanyola
del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Jorge
- Laboratory
of Cardiovascular Proteomics, Centro Nacional
Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), C/Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, Madrid 28029, Spain
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Cardiovasculares
(CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Vázquez
- Laboratory
of Cardiovascular Proteomics, Centro Nacional
Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), C/Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, Madrid 28029, Spain
- Centro
de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Cardiovasculares
(CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Francesc Gòdia
- Grup
d’Enginyeria Cellular i Bioprocés, Escola d’Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus de Bellaterra, Cerdanyola
del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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15
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Farnós O, Venereo-Sánchez A, Xu X, Chan C, Dash S, Chaabane H, Sauvageau J, Brahimi F, Saragovi U, Leclerc D, Kamen AA. Rapid High-Yield Production of Functional SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain by Viral and Non-Viral Transient Expression for Pre-Clinical Evaluation. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8040654. [PMID: 33158147 PMCID: PMC7712309 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8040654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccine design strategies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are focused on the Spike protein or its subunits as the main antigen target of neutralizing antibodies. In this work, we propose rapid production methods of an extended segment of the Spike Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) in HEK293SF cells cultured in suspension, in serum-free media, as a major component of a COVID-19 subunit vaccine under development. The expression of RBD, engineered with a sortase-recognition motif for protein-based carrier coupling, was achieved at high yields by plasmid transient transfection or human type-5-adenoviral infection of the cells, in a period of only two and three weeks, respectively. Both production methods were evaluated in 3L-controlled bioreactors with upstream and downstream bioprocess improvements, resulting in a product recovery with over 95% purity. Adenoviral infection led to over 100 µg/mL of RBD in culture supernatants, which was around 7-fold higher than levels obtained in transfected cultures. The monosaccharide and sialic acid content was similar in the RBD protein from the two production approaches. It also exhibited a proper conformational structure as recognized by monoclonal antibodies directed against key native Spike epitopes. Efficient direct binding to ACE2 was also demonstrated at similar levels in RBD obtained from both methods and from different production lots. Overall, we provide bioprocess-related data for the rapid, scalable manufacturing of low cost RBD based vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, with the added value of making a functional antigen available to support further research on uncovering mechanisms of virus binding and entry as well as screening for potential COVID-19 therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Farnós
- Viral Vectors and Vaccines Bioprocessing Group, Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0E9, Canada; (O.F.); (A.V.-S.); (X.X.); (C.C.); (S.D.); (H.C.)
| | - Alina Venereo-Sánchez
- Viral Vectors and Vaccines Bioprocessing Group, Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0E9, Canada; (O.F.); (A.V.-S.); (X.X.); (C.C.); (S.D.); (H.C.)
| | - Xingge Xu
- Viral Vectors and Vaccines Bioprocessing Group, Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0E9, Canada; (O.F.); (A.V.-S.); (X.X.); (C.C.); (S.D.); (H.C.)
| | - Cindy Chan
- Viral Vectors and Vaccines Bioprocessing Group, Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0E9, Canada; (O.F.); (A.V.-S.); (X.X.); (C.C.); (S.D.); (H.C.)
| | - Shantoshini Dash
- Viral Vectors and Vaccines Bioprocessing Group, Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0E9, Canada; (O.F.); (A.V.-S.); (X.X.); (C.C.); (S.D.); (H.C.)
| | - Hanan Chaabane
- Viral Vectors and Vaccines Bioprocessing Group, Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0E9, Canada; (O.F.); (A.V.-S.); (X.X.); (C.C.); (S.D.); (H.C.)
| | - Janelle Sauvageau
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6, Canada;
| | - Fouad Brahimi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; (F.B.); (U.S.)
| | - Uri Saragovi
- Lady Davis Institute-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; (F.B.); (U.S.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Denis Leclerc
- Département de Microbiologie-Infectiologie et d’immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
| | - Amine A. Kamen
- Viral Vectors and Vaccines Bioprocessing Group, Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0E9, Canada; (O.F.); (A.V.-S.); (X.X.); (C.C.); (S.D.); (H.C.)
- Correspondence:
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16
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Ecker JW, Kirchenbaum GA, Pierce SR, Skarlupka AL, Abreu RB, Cooper RE, Taylor-Mulneix D, Ross TM, Sautto GA. High-Yield Expression and Purification of Recombinant Influenza Virus Proteins from Stably-Transfected Mammalian Cell Lines. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8030462. [PMID: 32825605 PMCID: PMC7565037 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza viruses infect millions of people each year, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality in the human population. Therefore, generation of a universal influenza virus vaccine is an urgent need and would greatly benefit public health. Recombinant protein technology is an established vaccine platform and has resulted in several commercially available vaccines. Herein, we describe the approach for developing stable transfected human cell lines for the expression of recombinant influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) and recombinant influenza virus neuraminidase (NA) proteins for the purpose of in vitro and in vivo vaccine development. HA and NA are the main surface glycoproteins on influenza virions and the major antibody targets. The benefits for using recombinant proteins for in vitro and in vivo assays include the ease of use, high level of purity and the ability to scale-up production. This work provides guidelines on how to produce and purify recombinant proteins produced in mammalian cell lines through either transient transfection or generation of stable cell lines from plasmid creation through the isolation step via Immobilized Metal Affinity Chromatography (IMAC). Collectively, the establishment of this pipeline has facilitated large-scale production of recombinant HA and NA proteins to high purity and with consistent yields, including glycosylation patterns that are very similar to proteins produced in a human host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey W. Ecker
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (J.W.E.); (G.A.K.); (S.R.P.); (A.L.S.); (R.B.A.); (R.E.C.); (D.T.-M.); (T.M.R.)
| | - Greg A. Kirchenbaum
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (J.W.E.); (G.A.K.); (S.R.P.); (A.L.S.); (R.B.A.); (R.E.C.); (D.T.-M.); (T.M.R.)
| | - Spencer R. Pierce
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (J.W.E.); (G.A.K.); (S.R.P.); (A.L.S.); (R.B.A.); (R.E.C.); (D.T.-M.); (T.M.R.)
| | - Amanda L. Skarlupka
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (J.W.E.); (G.A.K.); (S.R.P.); (A.L.S.); (R.B.A.); (R.E.C.); (D.T.-M.); (T.M.R.)
| | - Rodrigo B. Abreu
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (J.W.E.); (G.A.K.); (S.R.P.); (A.L.S.); (R.B.A.); (R.E.C.); (D.T.-M.); (T.M.R.)
| | - R. Ethan Cooper
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (J.W.E.); (G.A.K.); (S.R.P.); (A.L.S.); (R.B.A.); (R.E.C.); (D.T.-M.); (T.M.R.)
| | - Dawn Taylor-Mulneix
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (J.W.E.); (G.A.K.); (S.R.P.); (A.L.S.); (R.B.A.); (R.E.C.); (D.T.-M.); (T.M.R.)
| | - Ted M. Ross
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (J.W.E.); (G.A.K.); (S.R.P.); (A.L.S.); (R.B.A.); (R.E.C.); (D.T.-M.); (T.M.R.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Giuseppe A. Sautto
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; (J.W.E.); (G.A.K.); (S.R.P.); (A.L.S.); (R.B.A.); (R.E.C.); (D.T.-M.); (T.M.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-706-542-6711
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17
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Sharon DM, Nesdoly S, Yang HJ, Gélinas JF, Xia Y, Ansorge S, Kamen AA. A pooled genome-wide screening strategy to identify and rank influenza host restriction factors in cell-based vaccine production platforms. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12166. [PMID: 32699298 PMCID: PMC7376217 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-68934-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-derived influenza vaccines provide better protection and a host of other advantages compared to the egg-derived vaccines that currently dominate the market, but their widespread use is hampered by a lack of high yield, low cost production platforms. Identification and knockout of innate immune and metabolic restriction factors within relevant host cell lines used to grow the virus could offer a means to substantially increase vaccine yield. In this paper, we describe and validate a novel genome-wide pooled CRISPR/Cas9 screening strategy that incorporates a reporter virus and a FACS selection step to identify and rank restriction factors in a given vaccine production cell line. Using the HEK-293SF cell line and A/PuertoRico/8/1934 H1N1 influenza as a model, we identify 64 putative influenza restriction factors to direct the creation of high yield knockout cell lines. In addition, gene ontology and protein complex enrichment analysis of this list of putative restriction factors offers broader insights into the primary host cell determinants of viral yield in cell-based vaccine production systems. Overall, this work will advance efforts to address the public health burden posed by influenza.
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MESH Headings
- CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
- Cell Survival
- Gene Editing
- Gene Ontology
- Genes, Reporter
- Genetic Vectors/genetics
- Genetic Vectors/metabolism
- Genome, Viral
- HEK293 Cells
- Humans
- Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/genetics
- Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/isolation & purification
- Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/physiology
- Influenza Vaccines/genetics
- Influenza Vaccines/immunology
- Influenza Vaccines/metabolism
- Influenza, Human/pathology
- Influenza, Human/prevention & control
- Influenza, Human/virology
- RNA, Guide, CRISPR-Cas Systems/metabolism
- Virus Replication
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Affiliation(s)
- David M. Sharon
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, McConnell Engineering Building, Room 363, 3480 Rue University, Montreal, QC H3A 2K6 Canada
| | - Sean Nesdoly
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, McConnell Engineering Building, Room 363, 3480 Rue University, Montreal, QC H3A 2K6 Canada
| | - Hsin J. Yang
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, McConnell Engineering Building, Room 363, 3480 Rue University, Montreal, QC H3A 2K6 Canada
| | - Jean-François Gélinas
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, McConnell Engineering Building, Room 363, 3480 Rue University, Montreal, QC H3A 2K6 Canada
| | - Yu Xia
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, McConnell Engineering Building, Room 363, 3480 Rue University, Montreal, QC H3A 2K6 Canada
| | - Sven Ansorge
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council of Canada, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Amine A. Kamen
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, McConnell Engineering Building, Room 363, 3480 Rue University, Montreal, QC H3A 2K6 Canada
- Human Health Therapeutics, National Research Council of Canada, Montreal, QC Canada
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18
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Dogrammatzis C, Waisner H, Kalamvoki M. Cloaked Viruses and Viral Factors in Cutting Edge Exosome-Based Therapies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:376. [PMID: 32528954 PMCID: PMC7264115 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) constitute a heterogeneous group of vesicles released by all types of cells that play a major role in intercellular communication. The field of EVs started gaining attention since it was realized that these vesicles are not waste bags, but they carry specific cargo and they communicate specific messages to recipient cells. EVs can deliver different types of RNAs, proteins, and lipids from donor to recipient cells and they can influence recipient cell functions, despite their limited capacity for cargo. EVs have been compared to viruses because of their size, cell entry pathways, and biogenesis and to viral vectors because they can be loaded with desired cargo, modified, and re-targeted. These properties along with the fact that EVs are stable in body fluids, they can be produced and purified in large quantities, they can cross the blood-brain barrier, and autologous EVs do not appear to cause major adverse effects, have rendered them attractive for therapeutic use. Here, we discuss the potential for therapeutic use of EVs derived from virus infected cells or EVs carrying viral factors. We have focused on six major concepts: (i) the role of EVs in virus-based oncolytic therapy or virus-based gene delivery approaches; (ii) the potential use of EVs for developing viral vaccines or optimizing already existing vaccines; (iii) the role of EVs in delivering RNAs and proteins in the context of viral infections and modulating the microenvironment of infection; (iv) how to take advantage of viral features to design effective means of EV targeting, uptake, and cargo packaging; (v) the potential of EVs in antiviral drug delivery; and (vi) identification of novel antiviral targets based on EV biogenesis factors hijacked by viruses for assembly and egress. It has been less than a decade since more attention was given to EV research and some interesting concepts have already been developed. In the coming years, additional information on EV biogenesis, how they are hijacked and utilized by pathogens, and their impact on the microenvironment of infection is expected to indicate avenues to optimize existing therapeutic tools and develop novel approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria Kalamvoki
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
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19
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Pushko P, Tretyakova I. Influenza Virus Like Particles (VLPs): Opportunities for H7N9 Vaccine Development. Viruses 2020; 12:v12050518. [PMID: 32397182 PMCID: PMC7291233 DOI: 10.3390/v12050518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, influenza virus remains a major threat to public health due to its potential to cause epidemics and pandemics with significant human mortality. Cases of H7N9 human infections emerged in eastern China in 2013 and immediately raised pandemic concerns as historically, pandemics were caused by the introduction of new subtypes into immunologically naïve human populations. Highly pathogenic H7N9 cases with severe disease were reported recently, indicating the continuing public health threat and the need for a prophylactic vaccine. Here we review the development of recombinant influenza virus-like particles (VLPs) as vaccines against H7N9 virus. Several approaches to vaccine development are reviewed including the expression of VLPs in mammalian, plant and insect cell expression systems. Although considerable progress has been achieved, including demonstration of safety and immunogenicity of H7N9 VLPs in the human clinical trials, the remaining challenges need to be addressed. These challenges include improvements to the manufacturing processes, as well as enhancements to immunogenicity in order to elicit protective immunity to multiple variants and subtypes of influenza virus.
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González-Domínguez I, Puente-Massaguer E, Cervera L, Gòdia F. Quantification of the HIV-1 virus-like particle production process by super-resolution imaging: From VLP budding to nanoparticle analysis. Biotechnol Bioeng 2020; 117:1929-1945. [PMID: 32242921 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) offer great promise in the field of nanomedicine. Enveloped VLPs are a class of these nanoparticles and their production process occurs by a budding process, which is known to be the most critical step at intracellular level. In this study, we developed a novel imaging method based on super-resolution fluorescence microscopy (SRFM) to assess the generation of VLPs in living cells. This methodology was applied to study the production of Gag VLPs in three animal cell platforms of reference: HEK 293-transient gene expression (TGE), High Five-baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) and Sf9-BEVS. Quantification of the number of VLP assembly sites per cell ranged from 500 to 3,000 in the different systems evaluated. Although the BEVS was superior in terms of Gag polyprotein expression, the HEK 293-TGE platform was more efficient regarding the assembly of Gag as VLPs. This was translated into higher levels of non-assembled Gag monomer in BEVS harvested supernatants. Furthermore, the presence of contaminating nanoparticles was evidenced in all three systems, specifically in High Five cells. The SRFM-based method here developed was also successfully applied to measure the concentration of VLPs in crude supernatants. The lipid membrane of VLPs and the presence of nucleic acids alongside these nanoparticles could also be detected using common staining procedures. Overall, a complete picture of the VLP production process was achieved in these three production platforms. The robustness and sensitivity of this new approach broaden the applicability of SRFM toward the development of new detection, diagnosis and quantification methods based on confocal microscopy in living systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene González-Domínguez
- Departament d'Enginyeria Química Biològica i Ambiental, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Eduard Puente-Massaguer
- Departament d'Enginyeria Química Biològica i Ambiental, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Laura Cervera
- Departament d'Enginyeria Química Biològica i Ambiental, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Francesc Gòdia
- Departament d'Enginyeria Química Biològica i Ambiental, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
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Kamen AA, Lua LHL, Mukhopadhyay TK. Vaccine Technology VII: Beyond the "decade of vaccines". Vaccine 2019; 37:6931-6932. [PMID: 31623914 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.09.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amine A Kamen
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Linda H L Lua
- Protein Expression Facility, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
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Influenza A and B virus-like particles produced in mammalian cells are highly immunogenic and induce functional antibodies. Vaccine 2019; 37:6857-6867. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.09.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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