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Yu J, Li Y, Zou H, Hou W, Li X, Zhou L. Peptide-Based electrochemical potential Scanning: A novel approach for disulfide manipulation in pediatric Respiratory syncytial virus detection. Bioelectrochemistry 2024; 158:108705. [PMID: 38669975 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2024.108705] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) poses a significant risk to children under two years old, necessitating rapid and accurate diagnostic methods. This study introduces an innovative approach using peptides and electrochemical potential scanning for RSV detection. By replacing enzymatic catalysis with electrochemical scanning, the method simplifies the process and reduces costs. Unbound peptides undergo potential-induced disulfide bridge opening, while target-bound peptides remain protected. After removing the target protein, copper ions and a reduced short peptide promote disulfide bridge formation, leading to crosslinking and passivation of the electrode surface. The degree of polymerization and passivation correlates with the target protein levels, generating a signal. This novel method offers enhanced sensitivity, specificity, and scalability, potentially revolutionizing RSV diagnostics in children under two years old. By addressing the limitations of traditional assays, it provides a cost-effective, rapid, and efficient approach for early RSV detection and improved clinical outcomes in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Yu
- Jinan Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, No.2 Jianguo Xiaojing 3rd Road, Jinan 250001, China
| | - Yan Li
- Jinan Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, No.2 Jianguo Xiaojing 3rd Road, Jinan 250001, China
| | - Hui Zou
- Jinan Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, No.2 Jianguo Xiaojing 3rd Road, Jinan 250001, China
| | - Wenmin Hou
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, No. 106 Jiwei Road, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xia Li
- Jinan Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, No.2 Jianguo Xiaojing 3rd Road, Jinan 250001, China.
| | - Lei Zhou
- School of Biological Science and Technology, University of Jinan, No. 106 Jiwei Road, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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2
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Mandviwala AS, Huckriede ALW, Arankalle VA, Patil HP. Mucosal delivery of a prefusogenic-F, glycoprotein, and matrix proteins-based virus-like particle respiratory syncytial virus vaccine induces protective immunity as evidenced by challenge studies in mice. Virology 2024; 598:110194. [PMID: 39096774 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2024.110194] [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: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
RSV infection remains a serious threat to the children all over the world, especially, in the low-middle income countries. Vaccine delivery via the mucosa holds great potential for inducing local immune responses in the respiratory tract. Previously, we reported the development of highly immunogenic RSV virus-like-particles (RSV-VLPs) based on the conformationally stable prefusogenic-F protein (preFg), glycoprotein and matrix protein. Here, to explore whether mucosal delivery of RSV-VLPs is an effective strategy to induce RSV-specific mucosal and systemic immunity, RSV-VLPs were administered via the nasal, sublingual and pulmonary routes to BALB/c mice. The results demonstrate that immunization with the VLPs via the mucosal routes induced minimal mucosal response and yet facilitated modest levels of serum IgG antibodies, enhanced T cell responses and the expression of the lung-homing marker CXCR3 on splenocytes. Immunization with VLPs via all three mucosal routes provided protection against RSV challenge with no signs of RSV induced pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmedali S Mandviwala
- Department of Communicable Diseases, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, India
| | - Anke L W Huckriede
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Vidya A Arankalle
- Department of Communicable Diseases, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, India
| | - Harshad P Patil
- Department of Communicable Diseases, Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, India.
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3
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Kaur J, Sharma A, Passi G, Dey P, Khajuria A, Alajangi HK, Jaiswal PK, Barnwal RP, Singh G. Nanomedicine at the Pulmonary Frontier: Immune-Centric Approaches for Respiratory Disease Treatment. Immunol Invest 2024; 53:295-347. [PMID: 38206610 DOI: 10.1080/08820139.2023.2298398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Respiratory diseases (RD) are a group of common ailments with a rapidly increasing global prevalence, posing a significant threat to humanity, especially the elderly population, and imposing a substantial burden on society and the economy. RD represents an unmet medical need that requires the development of viable pharmacotherapies. While various promising strategies have been devised to advance potential treatments for RD, their implementation has been hindered by difficulties in drug delivery, particularly in critically ill patients. Nanotechnology offers innovative solutions for delivering medications to the inflamed organ sites, such as the lungs. Although this approach is enticing, delivering nanomedicine to the lungs presents complex challenges that require sophisticated techniques. In this context, we review the potential of novel nanomedicine-based immunomodulatory strategies that could offer therapeutic benefits in managing this pressing health condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jatinder Kaur
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Akanksha Sharma
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Gautam Passi
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Piyush Dey
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Akhil Khajuria
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Hema Kumari Alajangi
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
- Department of Biophysics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar Jaiswal
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A & M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | | | - Gurpal Singh
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
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4
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Shao S, Zhang XF, Hou JW, Yang SS, Han ZB, Wu HL, Tang F, Li XY, Lei ZH, Zhao ZX, Li SX, Liu ZM, Shan P, Jin YQ, Su JG, Liang Y, Zhang J, Li QM. Design of hepadnavirus core protein-based chimeric virus-like particles carrying epitopes from respiratory syncytial virus. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:62. [PMID: 38503757 PMCID: PMC10951352 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00855-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most important pathogens causing respiratory tract infection in humans, especially in infants and the elderly. The identification and structural resolution of the potent neutralizing epitopes on RSV fusion (F) protein enable an "epitope-focused" vaccine design. However, the display of RSV F epitope II on the surface of the widely-used human hepatitis B virus core antigen (HBcAg) has failed to induce neutralizing antibody response in mice. Here, we used the hepadnavirus core protein (HcAg) from different mammalian hosts as scaffolds to construct chimeric virus-like particles (VLPs) presenting the RSV F epitope II. Mouse immunization showed that different HcAg-based chimeric VLPs elicited significantly different neutralizing antibody responses, among which the HcAg derived from roundleaf bat (RBHcAg) is the most immunogenic. Furthermore, RBHcAg was used as the scaffold platform to present multiple RSV F epitopes, and the immunogenicity was further improved in comparison to that displaying a single epitope II. The designed RBHcAg-based multiple-epitope-presenting VLP formulated with MF59-like adjuvant elicited a potent and balanced Th1/Th2 immune response, and offered substantial protection in mice against the challenge of live RSV A2 virus. The designed chimeric VLPs may serve as the potential starting point for developing epitope-focused vaccines against RSV. Our study also demonstrated that RBHcAg is an effective VLP carrier for presenting foreign epitopes, providing a promising platform for epitope-focused vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Shao
- The Sixth Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Feng Zhang
- The Sixth Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Wei Hou
- The Sixth Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
| | - Sen Sen Yang
- The Sixth Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
| | - Zi Bo Han
- The Sixth Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
| | - Hai Lan Wu
- The Sixth Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Tang
- The Sixth Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Yu Li
- The Sixth Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
| | - Ze Hua Lei
- The Sixth Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
| | - Zi Xin Zhao
- The Sixth Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
| | - Shu Xiang Li
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
- The Third Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
| | - Zhao Ming Liu
- The Sixth Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
| | - Pu Shan
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
- The Third Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
| | - Yu Qin Jin
- The Sixth Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
| | - Ji Guo Su
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
- High Performance Computing Center, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
| | - Yu Liang
- The Sixth Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- The Sixth Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China.
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China.
| | - Qi Ming Li
- The Sixth Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China.
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China.
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5
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Pisuttinusart N, Shanmugaraj B, Srisaowakarn C, Ketloy C, Prompetchara E, Thitithanyanont A, Phoolcharoen W. Immunogenicity of a recombinant plant-produced respiratory syncytial virus F subunit vaccine in mice. BIOTECHNOLOGY REPORTS (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 41:e00826. [PMID: 38234330 PMCID: PMC10793081 DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2023.e00826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly infectious respiratory virus that causes serious illness, particularly in young children, elderly people, and those with immunocompromised individuals. RSV infection is the leading cause of infant hospitalization and can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis. Currently, there is an RSV vaccine approved exclusively for the elderly population, but no approved vaccine specifically designed for infants or any other age groups. Therefore, it is crucial to continue the development of an RSV vaccine specifically tailored for these populations. In this study, the immunogenicity of the two plant-produced RSV-F Fc fusion proteins (Native construct and structural stabilized construct) were examined to assess them as potential vaccine candidates for RSV. The RSV-F Fc fusion proteins were transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana and purified using protein A affinity column chromatography. The recombinant RSV-F Fc fusion protein was recognized by the monoclonal antibody Motavizumab specific against RSV-F protein. Moreover, the immunogenicity of the two purified RSV-F Fc proteins were evaluated in mice by formulating with different adjuvants. According to our results, the plant-produced RSV-F Fc fusion protein is immunogenic in mice. These preliminary findings, demonstrate the immunogenicity of plant-based RSV-F Fc fusion protein, however, further preclinical studies such as antigen dose and adjuvant optimization, safety, toxicity, and challenge studies in animal models are necessary in order to prove the vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuttapat Pisuttinusart
- Center of Excellence in Plant-produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Balamurugan Shanmugaraj
- Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore - 641046, Tamil Nadu, India
- Baiya Phytopharm Co., Ltd, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Chanya Srisaowakarn
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chutitorn Ketloy
- Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development (Chula VRC), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Eakachai Prompetchara
- Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development (Chula VRC), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | | | - Waranyoo Phoolcharoen
- Center of Excellence in Plant-produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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6
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Chen K, Jiang M, Liu J, Huang D, Yang YR. DNA nanostructures as biomolecular scaffolds for antigen display. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 16:e1921. [PMID: 37562787 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticle-based vaccines offer a multivalent approach for antigen display, efficiently activating T and B cells in the lymph nodes. Among various nanoparticle design strategies, DNA nanotechnology offers an innovative alternative platform, featuring high modularity, spatial addressing, nanoscale regulation, high functional group density, and lower self-antigenicity. This review delves into the potential of DNA nanostructures as biomolecular scaffolds for antigen display, addressing: (1) immunological mechanisms behind nanovaccines and commonly used nanoparticles in their design, (2) techniques for characterizing protein NP-antigen complexes, (3) advancements in DNA nanotechnology and DNA-protein assembly approach, (4) strategies for precise antigen presentation on DNA scaffolds, and (5) current applications and future possibilities of DNA scaffolds in antigen display. This analysis aims to highlight the transformative potential of DNA nanoscaffolds in immunology and vaccinology. This article is categorized under: Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Nucleic Acid-Based Structures Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus-Based Structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, China
- Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, China
- Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Deli Huang
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuhe R Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nanosystem and Hierarchical Fabrication, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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7
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Krivitskaya V, Petrova E, Sorokin E, Tsareva T, Sverlova M, Komissarova K, Sominina A, Danilenko D. Characterization of a Panel of Monoclonal Antibodies Targeting the F-Protein of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) for the Typing of Contemporary Circulating Strains. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 9:1. [PMID: 38276631 PMCID: PMC10819491 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of upper and lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children. Virus-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can be used for diagnosis, prophylaxis, and research of RSV pathogenesis. A panel of 16 anti-RSV mAbs was obtained from mice immunized by RSV strain Long. Half of them had virus-neutralizing activity. According to Western blot all of these mAbs effectively bound native oligomeric (homodimeric and homotrimeric) forms of the RSV fusion (F) protein. Only five of the mAbs interacted with the monomeric form, and only one of these possessed neutralizing activity. None of these mAbs, nor the commercial humanized neutralizing mAb palivizumab, reacted with the denaturated F protein. Thus, interaction of all these mAbs with F protein had clear conformational dependence. Competitive ELISA and neutralization assays allowed the identification of nine antigenic target sites for the interaction of mAb with the F protein. Five partially overlapping sites may represent a complex spatial structure of one antigenic determinant, including one neutralizing and four non-neutralizing epitopes. Four sites (three neutralizing and one non-neutralizing) were found to be distinct. As a result of virus cultivation RSV-A, strain Long, in the presence of a large amount of one of the neutralizing mAbs, an escape mutant with a substitution, N240S, in the F protein, was obtained. Thus, it was shown for the first time that position 240 is critical for the protective effect of an anti-RSV antibody. To assess the ability of these mAbs to interact with modern RSV strains circulating in St. Petersburg (Russia) between 2014 and 2022, 73 RSV-A and 22 RSV-B isolates were analyzed. Six mAbs were directed to conserved epitopes of the F protein as they interacted most efficiently with both RSV subtypes in a fixed cell-ELISA and could be used for diagnostic assays detecting RSV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Krivitskaya
- Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, The Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, WHO National Influenza Centre, St. Petersburg 197376, Russia; (E.P.); (E.S.); (T.T.); (M.S.); (K.K.); (A.S.); (D.D.)
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8
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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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hanna Czajka
- College of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszów, 35-315 Rzeszów, Poland; (E.K.); (P.Z.); (A.M.)
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9
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Ruckwardt TJ. The road to approved vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:138. [PMID: 37749081 PMCID: PMC10519952 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00734-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
After decades of work, several interventions to prevent severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in high-risk infant and older adult populations have finally been approved. There were many setbacks along the road to victory. In this review, I will discuss the impact of RSV on human health and how structure-based vaccine design set the stage for numerous RSV countermeasures to advance through late phase clinical evaluation. While there are still many RSV countermeasures in preclinical and early-stage clinical trials, this review will focus on products yielding long-awaited efficacy results. Finally, I will discuss some challenges and next steps needed to declare a global victory against RSV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy J Ruckwardt
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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10
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Rezende W, Neal HE, Dutch RE, Piedra PA. The RSV F p27 peptide: current knowledge, important questions. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1219846. [PMID: 37415824 PMCID: PMC10320223 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1219846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remains a leading cause of hospitalizations and death for young children and adults over 65. The worldwide impact of RSV has prioritized the search for an RSV vaccine, with most targeting the critical fusion (F) protein. However, questions remain about the mechanism of RSV entry and RSV F triggering and fusion promotion. This review highlights these questions, specifically those surrounding a cleaved 27 amino acids long peptide within F, p27.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanderson Rezende
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Hadley E. Neal
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Rebecca E. Dutch
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Pedro A. Piedra
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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11
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Rezende W, Ye X, Angelo LS, Carisey AF, Avadhanula V, Piedra PA. The Efficiency of p27 Cleavage during In Vitro Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection Is Cell Line and RSV Subtype Dependent. J Virol 2023; 97:e0025423. [PMID: 37133390 PMCID: PMC10231215 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00254-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) fusion protein (F) is highly conserved between subtypes A and B (RSV/A and RSV/B). To become fully active, F precursor undergoes enzymatic cleavage to yield F1 and F2 subunits and releases a 27-amino-acid peptide (p27). Virus-cell fusion occurs when RSV F undergoes a conformational change from pre-F to post-F. Previous data show that p27 is detected on RSV F, but questions remain regarding if and how p27 affects the conformation of mature RSV F. Monoclonal antibodies against p27, site Ø (pre-F specific), and site II were used to monitor RSV F conformation by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and imaging flow cytometry. Pre-F to post-F conformational change was induced by a temperature stress test. We found that p27 cleavage efficiency was lower on sucrose-purified RSV/A (spRSV/A) than on spRSV/B. In addition, cleavage of RSV F was cell line dependent: HEp-2 cells had higher retention of p27 than did A549 cells when infected with RSV. Higher levels of p27 were also found on RSV/A-infected cells than on RSV/B-infected cells. We observed that RSV/A F with higher p27 levels could better sustain the pre-F conformation during the temperature stress challenge in both spRSV- and RSV-infected cell lines. Our findings suggest that despite F sequence similarity, p27 of RSV subtypes was cleaved with different efficiencies, which were also dependent on the cell lines used for infection. Importantly, the presence of p27 was associated with greater stability of the pre-F conformation, supporting the possibility that RSV has more than one mechanism for fusion to the host cell. IMPORTANCE RSV fusion protein (F) plays an important role in entry and viral fusion to the host cell. The F undergoes proteolytic cleavages releasing a 27-amino-acid peptide (p27) to become fully functional. The role of p27 in viral entry and the function of the partially cleaved F containing p27 has been overlooked. p27 is thought to destabilize the F trimers, and thus, there is need for a fully cleaved F. In this study, we detected p27 on purified RSV virions and on the surface of virus-infected HEp-2 and A549 cells for circulating RSV strains of both subtypes. Higher levels of partially cleaved F containing p27 better sustained the pre-F conformation during the temperature stress challenge. Our findings highlight that the cleavage efficiency of p27 is different between RSV subtypes and among cell lines and that the presence of p27 contributes to the stability of the pre-F conformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanderson Rezende
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xunyan Ye
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Avance Biosciences, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Laura S. Angelo
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Alexandre F. Carisey
- William T. Shearer Center for Human Immunology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Vasanthi Avadhanula
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Pedro A. Piedra
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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12
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Computational epitope mapping of class I fusion proteins using low complexity supervised learning methods. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010230. [DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibody epitope mapping of viral proteins plays a vital role in understanding immune system mechanisms of protection. In the case of class I viral fusion proteins, recent advances in cryo-electron microscopy and protein stabilization techniques have highlighted the importance of cryptic or ‘alternative’ conformations that expose epitopes targeted by potent neutralizing antibodies. Thorough epitope mapping of such metastable conformations is difficult but is critical for understanding sites of vulnerability in class I fusion proteins that occur as transient conformational states during viral attachment and fusion. We introduce a novel method Accelerated class I fusion protein Epitope Mapping (AxIEM) that accounts for fusion protein flexibility to improve out-of-sample prediction of discontinuous antibody epitopes. Harnessing data from previous experimental epitope mapping efforts of several class I fusion proteins, we demonstrate that accuracy of epitope prediction depends on residue environment and allows for the prediction of conformation-dependent antibody target residues. We also show that AxIEM can identify common epitopes and provide structural insights for the development and rational design of vaccines.
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13
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Huang L, Liu MQ, Wan CQ, Cheng NN, Su YB, Zheng YP, Peng XL, Yu JM, Fu YH, He JS. The protective immunity induced by intranasally inoculated serotype 63 chimpanzee adenovirus vector expressing human respiratory syncytial virus prefusion fusion glycoprotein in BALB/c mice. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1041338. [PMID: 36466668 PMCID: PMC9716990 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1041338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a ubiquitous pediatric pathogen causing serious lower respiratory tract disease worldwide. No licensed vaccine is currently available. In this work, the coding gene for mDS-Dav1, the full-length and prefusion conformation RSV fusion glycoprotein (F), was designed by introducing the stabilized prefusion F (preF) mutations from DS-Cav1 into the encoding gene of wild-type RSV (wtRSV) F protein. The recombinant adenovirus encoding mDS-Cav1, rChAd63-mDS-Cav1, was constructed based on serotype 63 chimpanzee adenovirus vector and characterized in vitro. After immunizing mice via intranasal route, the rChAd63-mDS-Cav1 induced enhanced neutralizing antibody and F-specific CD8+ T cell responses as well as good immune protection against RSV challenge with the absence of enhanced RSV disease (ERD) in BALB/c mice. The results indicate that rChAd63-mDS-Cav1 is a promising mucosal vaccine candidate against RSV infection and warrants further development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yuan-Hui Fu
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Sheng He
- College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
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14
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Chu KB, Lee SH, Kim MJ, Kim AR, Moon EK, Quan FS. Virus-like particles coexpressing the PreF and Gt antigens of respiratory syncytial virus confer protection in mice. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2022; 17:1159-1171. [DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2022-0082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: The purpose of this study was to assess the protective efficacy of virus-like particles (VLPs) co-expressing the pre-fusogenic (PreF) and G protein with tandem repeats (Gt) antigens of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in mice. Materials & methods: VLP constructs expressing PreF, Gt or both were used to immunize mice, and the protective efficacies were evaluated using antibody responses, neutralizing antibody titers, T-cell responses, histopathological assessment and plaque assay. Results: PreF+Gt VLP immunization elicited strong RSV-specific antibody responses and pulmonary T-cell responses that contributed to lessening virus titer and inflammation. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that coexpressing PreF and Gt antigens elicits better protection than either one alone. This combinatorial approach could assist in future RSV vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Back Chu
- Medical Research Center for Bioreaction to Reactive Oxygen Species & Biomedical Science Institute, School of Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Hwa Lee
- Department of Medical Zoology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Ju Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Ah-Ra Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Kyung Moon
- Department of Medical Zoology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Fu-Shi Quan
- Medical Research Center for Bioreaction to Reactive Oxygen Species & Biomedical Science Institute, School of Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Zoology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
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15
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Baraldi E, Checcucci Lisi G, Costantino C, Heinrichs JH, Manzoni P, Riccò M, Roberts M, Vassilouthis N. RSV disease in infants and young children: Can we see a brighter future? Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2079322. [PMID: 35724340 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2079322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious seasonal virus and the leading cause of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTI), including pneumonia and bronchiolitis in children. RSV-related LRTI cause approximately 3 million hospitalizations and 120,000 deaths annually among children <5 years of age. The majority of the burden of RSV occurs in previously healthy infants. Only a monoclonal antibody (mAb) has been approved against RSV infections in a restricted group, leaving an urgent unmet need for a large number of children potentially benefiting from preventive measures. Approaches under development include maternal vaccines to protect newborns, extended half-life monoclonal antibodies to provide rapid long-lasting protection, and pediatric vaccines. RSV has been identified as a major global priority but a solution to tackle this unmet need for all children has yet to be implemented. New technologies represent the avenue for effectively addressing the leading-cause of hospitalization in children <1 years old.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Baraldi
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Claudio Costantino
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE) "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Manzoni
- Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, University Hospital Degli Infermi, Biella, Italy
| | - Matteo Riccò
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica, Servizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza Negli Ambienti di Lavoro (SPSAL), AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
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16
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Blunck BN, Aideyan L, Ye X, Avadhanula V, Ferlic-Stark L, Zechiedrich L, Gilbert BE, Piedra PA. Antibody responses of healthy adults to the p27 peptide of respiratory syncytial virus fusion protein. Vaccine 2022; 40:536-543. [PMID: 34903371 PMCID: PMC8755595 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.11.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) fusion (F) protein undergoes two furin-cleavage events to become fusion competent, resulting in the release of a twenty-seven amino acid peptide (p27). Recent studies indicate that the p27 region of the F protein was an immunodominant antigen in young children. In this study, we evaluated the kinetics of the serum antibody response to the p27 peptide following natural RSV reinfection in adults. Nineteen healthy adults under sixty-five years of age were enrolled during the 2018-2019 RSV season in Houston, TX. Blood was collected at three study visits and RSV infection status was defined by changes in neutralizing antibody resulting in three groups: uninfected (n = 12), acutely infected (n = 4), and recently infected (n = 3). Serum IgG and IgA antibodies against RSV/A and RSV/B p27 peptides were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and serum p27-like antibodies were detected by a p27 competitive antibody assay. Anti-p27 antibodies were detected in all subjects at each study visit. The measured IgG and IgA anti-p27 antibody levels followed the same pattern as other RSV site-specific and neutralizing antibody responses described for this cohort previously: the uninfected group had stable responses for the duration of the study period, the acutely infected group had a significant increase following RSV infection, and the recently infected group had a decrease in anti-p27 antibody during the study period. These results indicate that antibodies to the p27 region of the F protein are generated following natural RSV reinfection and suggest that some of the F protein is potentially in a partially cleaved state on the surface of virions, expanding on the previous assumption that all of p27 is post-translationally released and not present on mature F. Additionally, antibody responses were significantly lower (1.4-1.5-fold) toward RSV/B than to RSV/A p27 at each study visit, despite being an RSV/B dominant outbreak. Understanding the mechanism for the differences in the magnitude of the RSV/A and RSV/B p27 antibody response may enhance our understanding of the intracellular processing of the F protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittani N. Blunck
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Letisha Aideyan
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Xunyan Ye
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Vasanthi Avadhanula
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Laura Ferlic-Stark
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Lynn Zechiedrich
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA,Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Brian E. Gilbert
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Pedro A. Piedra
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA,Corresponding Author: Pedro A. Piedra,
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17
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Lee J, Lee Y, Klenow L, Coyle EM, Tang J, Ravichandran S, Golding H, Khurana S. Protective antigenic sites identified in respiratory syncytial virus fusion protein reveals importance of p27 domain. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e13847. [PMID: 34750984 PMCID: PMC8749483 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202013847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines primarily focused on surface fusion (F) protein are under development. Therefore, to identify RSV-F protective epitopes, we evaluated 14 antigenic sites recognized following primary human RSV infection. BALB/c mice were vaccinated with F peptides, F proteins, or RSV-A2, followed by rA2-Line19F challenge. F peptides generated binding antibodies with minimal in vitro neutralization titers. However, several F peptides (including Site II) reduced lung viral loads and lung pathology scores in animals, suggesting partial protection from RSV disease. Interestingly, animals vaccinated with peptides (aa 101-121 and 110-136) spanning the F-p27 sequence, which is only present in unprocessed F0 protein, showed control of viral loads with significantly reduced pathology compared with mock-vaccinated controls. Furthermore, we observed F-p27 expression on the surface of RSV-infected cells as well as lungs from RSV-infected mice. The anti-p27 antibodies demonstrated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) of RSV-infected A549 cells. These findings suggest that p27-mediated immune response may play a role in control of RSV disease in vivo, and F-p27 should be considered for inclusion in an effective RSV vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeehyun Lee
- Division of Viral ProductsCenter for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER)FDA, Silver SpringMDUSA
| | - Youri Lee
- Division of Viral ProductsCenter for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER)FDA, Silver SpringMDUSA
| | - Laura Klenow
- Division of Viral ProductsCenter for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER)FDA, Silver SpringMDUSA
| | - Elizabeth M Coyle
- Division of Viral ProductsCenter for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER)FDA, Silver SpringMDUSA
| | - Juanjie Tang
- Division of Viral ProductsCenter for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER)FDA, Silver SpringMDUSA
| | - Supriya Ravichandran
- Division of Viral ProductsCenter for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER)FDA, Silver SpringMDUSA
| | - Hana Golding
- Division of Viral ProductsCenter for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER)FDA, Silver SpringMDUSA
| | - Surender Khurana
- Division of Viral ProductsCenter for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER)FDA, Silver SpringMDUSA
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18
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Blunck BN, Rezende W, Piedra PA. Profile of respiratory syncytial virus prefusogenic fusion protein nanoparticle vaccine. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:351-364. [PMID: 33733995 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1903877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a leading cause of acute lower respiratory infections worldwide. The RSV fusion (F) glycoprotein is a major focus of vaccine development. Despite over 60 years of research, there is no licensed vaccine for RSV. AREAS COVERED The primary focus of this review is a novel RSV-F recombinant nanoparticle vaccine from Novavax utilizing the F protein, a conserved and immunodominant surface glycoprotein. This RSV F recombinant nanoparticle vaccine adsorbed to 0.4 mg of aluminum phosphate was ultimately administered by a single intramuscular injection during the third trimester of pregnancy in an effort to induce passive immunity in newborns. Its mechanism, performance in clinical trials, and place in RSV vaccine history are discussed. EXPERT OPINION The vaccine was safe and well tolerated in pregnant women and the results suggest potential benefits with respect to other medically relevant end-point events involving RSV-associated respiratory and all-cause disease in infants. However, the RSV-F recombinant nanoparticle vaccine did not meet the pre-specified primary success criteria for efficacy against RSV-associated, medically significant lower respiratory tract infection in infants up to 90 days of life. The potential benefits to infants from maternal immunization and excellent safety profile warrant further confirmatory studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittani N Blunck
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Wanderson Rezende
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Pedro A Piedra
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
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19
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Krueger S, Curtis JE, Scott DR, Grishaev A, Glenn G, Smith G, Ellingsworth L, Borisov O, Maynard EL. Structural Characterization and Modeling of a Respiratory Syncytial Virus Fusion Glycoprotein Nanoparticle Vaccine in Solution. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:359-376. [PMID: 33322901 PMCID: PMC10467610 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) fusion (F) protein/polysorbate 80 (PS80) nanoparticle vaccine is the most clinically advanced vaccine for maternal immunization and protection of newborns against RSV infection. It is composed of a near-full-length RSV F glycoprotein, with an intact membrane domain, formulated into a stable nanoparticle with PS80 detergent. To understand the structural basis for the efficacy of the vaccine, a comprehensive study of its structure and hydrodynamic properties in solution was performed. Small-angle neutron scattering experiments indicate that the nanoparticle contains an average of 350 PS80 molecules, which form a cylindrical micellar core structure and five RSV F trimers that are arranged around the long axis of the PS80 core. All-atom models of full-length RSV F trimers were built from crystal structures of the soluble ectodomain and arranged around the long axis of the PS80 core, allowing for the generation of an ensemble of conformations that agree with small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering data as well as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. Furthermore, the hydrodynamic size of the RSV F nanoparticle was found to be modulated by the molar ratio of PS80 to protein, suggesting a mechanism for nanoparticle assembly involving addition of RSV F trimers to and growth along the long axis of the PS80 core. This study provides structural details of antigen presentation and conformation in the RSV F nanoparticle vaccine, helping to explain the induction of broad immunity and observed clinical efficacy. Small-angle scattering methods provide a general strategy to visualize surface glycoproteins from other pathogens and to structurally characterize nanoparticle vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Krueger
- NIST Center for Neutron Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Joseph E Curtis
- NIST Center for Neutron Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Daniel R Scott
- Novavax, Inc., 21 Firstfield Road, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
| | - Alexander Grishaev
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 9600 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Greg Glenn
- Novavax, Inc., 21 Firstfield Road, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
| | - Gale Smith
- Novavax, Inc., 21 Firstfield Road, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
| | - Larry Ellingsworth
- Novavax, Inc., 21 Firstfield Road, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
| | - Oleg Borisov
- Novavax, Inc., 21 Firstfield Road, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
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20
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Patel N, Tian JH, Flores R, Jacobson K, Walker M, Portnoff A, Gueber-Xabier M, Massare MJ, Glenn G, Ellingsworth L, Smith G. Flexible RSV Prefusogenic Fusion Glycoprotein Exposes Multiple Neutralizing Epitopes that May Collectively Contribute to Protective Immunity. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E607. [PMID: 33066540 PMCID: PMC7711572 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8040607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a cause of lower respiratory tract infection in infants, young children, and older adults. There is no licensed vaccine and prophylactic treatment options are limited. The RSV fusion (F) glycoprotein is a target of host immunity and thus a focus for vaccine development. F-trimers are metastable and undergo significant rearrangements from the prefusion to a stable postfusion structure with neutralizing epitopes on intermediate structures. We hypothesize that vaccine strategies that recapitulate the breathable F quaternary structure, and provide accessibility of B-cells to epitopes on intermediate conformations, may collectively contribute to protective immunity, while rigid prefusion F structures restrict access to key protective epitopes. To test this hypothesis, we used the near full-length prefusogenic F as a backbone to construct three prefusion F variants with substitutions in the hydrophobic head cavity: (1) disulfide bond mutant (DS), (2) space filling hydrophobic amino acid substitutions (Cav1), and (3) DS, Cav1 double mutant (DS-Cav1). In this study, we compared the immunogenicity of prefusogenic F to prefusion F variants in two animal models. Native prefusogenic F was significantly more immunogenic, producing high titer antibodies to prefusogenic, prefusion, and postfusion F structures, while animals immunized with DS or DS-Cav1 produced antibodies to prefusion F. Importantly, prefusogenic F elicited antibodies that target neutralizing epitopes including prefusion-specific site zero (Ø) and V and conformation-independent neutralizing sites II and IV. Immunization with DS or DS-Cav1 elicited antibodies primarily to prefusion-specific sites Ø and V with little or no antibodies to other key neutralizing sites. Animals immunized with prefusogenic F also had significantly higher levels of antibodies that cross-neutralized RSV A and B subtypes, while immunization with DS or DS-Cav1 produced antibodies primarily to the A subtype. We conclude that breathable trimeric vaccines that closely mimic the native F-structure, and incorporate strategies for B-cell accessibility to protective epitopes, are important considerations for vaccine design. F structures locked in a single conformation restrict access to neutralizing epitopes that may collectively contribute to destabilizing F-trimers important for broad protection. These results also have implications for vaccine strategies targeting other type 1 integral membrane proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gale Smith
- Novavax, Inc. 21 Firstfield Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA; (N.P.); (J.-H.T.); (R.F.); (K.J.); (M.W.); (A.P.); (M.G.-X.); (M.J.M.); (G.G.); (L.E.)
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21
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Andrade CA, Pacheco GA, Gálvez NMS, Soto JA, Bueno SM, Kalergis AM. Innate Immune Components that Regulate the Pathogenesis and Resolution of hRSV and hMPV Infections. Viruses 2020; 12:E637. [PMID: 32545470 PMCID: PMC7354512 DOI: 10.3390/v12060637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) and human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) are two of the leading etiological agents of acute lower respiratory tract infections, which constitute the main cause of mortality in infants. However, there are currently approved vaccines for neither hRSV nor hMPV. Moreover, despite the similarity between the pathology caused by both viruses, the immune response elicited by the host is different in each case. In this review, we discuss how dendritic cells, alveolar macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, natural killer cells, innate lymphoid cells, and the complement system regulate both pathogenesis and the resolution of hRSV and hMPV infections. The roles that these cells play during infections by either of these viruses will help us to better understand the illnesses they cause. We also discuss several controversial findings, relative to some of these innate immune components. To better understand the inflammation in the lungs, the role of the respiratory epithelium in the recruitment of innate immune cells is briefly discussed. Finally, we review the main prophylactic strategies and current vaccine candidates against both hRSV and hMPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina A. Andrade
- Millennium Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile; (C.A.A.); (G.A.P.); (N.M.S.G.); (J.A.S.); (S.M.B.)
| | - Gaspar A. Pacheco
- Millennium Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile; (C.A.A.); (G.A.P.); (N.M.S.G.); (J.A.S.); (S.M.B.)
| | - Nicolas M. S. Gálvez
- Millennium Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile; (C.A.A.); (G.A.P.); (N.M.S.G.); (J.A.S.); (S.M.B.)
| | - Jorge A. Soto
- Millennium Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile; (C.A.A.); (G.A.P.); (N.M.S.G.); (J.A.S.); (S.M.B.)
| | - Susan M. Bueno
- Millennium Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile; (C.A.A.); (G.A.P.); (N.M.S.G.); (J.A.S.); (S.M.B.)
| | - Alexis M. Kalergis
- Millennium Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Genética Molecular y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile; (C.A.A.); (G.A.P.); (N.M.S.G.); (J.A.S.); (S.M.B.)
- Departamento de Endocrinología, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile
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22
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Ogonczyk Makowska D, Hamelin MÈ, Boivin G. Engineering of Live Chimeric Vaccines against Human Metapneumovirus. Pathogens 2020; 9:E135. [PMID: 32093057 PMCID: PMC7168645 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9020135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is an important human pathogen that, along with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), is a major cause of respiratory tract infections in young infants. Development of an effective vaccine against Pneumoviruses has proven to be particularly difficult; despite over 50 years of research in this field, no vaccine against HMPV or RSV is currently available. Recombinant chimeric viruses expressing antigens of other viruses can be generated by reverse genetics and used for simultaneous immunization against more than one pathogen. This approach can result in the development of promising vaccine candidates against HMPV, and several studies have indeed validated viral vectors expressing HMPV antigens. In this review, we summarize current efforts in generating recombinant chimeric vaccines against HMPV, and we discuss their potential optimization based on the correspondence with RSV studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Guy Boivin
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec and Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (D.O.M.); (M.-È.H.)
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23
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Quan FS, Basak S, Chu KB, Kim SS, Kang SM. Progress in the development of virus-like particle vaccines against respiratory viruses. Expert Rev Vaccines 2020; 19:11-24. [PMID: 31903811 PMCID: PMC7103727 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2020.1711053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Influenza virus, human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and human metapneumovirus (HMPV) are important human respiratory pathogens. Recombinant virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines are suggested to be potential promising platforms to protect against these respiratory viruses. This review updates important progress in the development of VLP vaccines against respiratory viruses.Areas Covered: This review summarizes progress in developing VLP and nanoparticle-based vaccines against influenza virus, RSV, and HMPV. The PubMed was mainly used to search for important research articles published since 2010 although earlier key articles were also referenced. The research area covered includes VLP and nanoparticle platform vaccines against seasonal, pandemic, and avian influenza viruses as well as RSV and HMPV respiratory viruses. The production methods, immunogenic properties, and vaccine efficacy of respiratory VLP vaccines in preclinical animal models and clinical studies were reviewed in this article.Expert opinion: Previous and current preclinical and clinical studies suggest that recombinant VLP and nanoparticle vaccines are expected to be developed as promising alternative platforms against respiratory viruses in future. Therefore, continued research efforts are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Shi Quan
- Department of Medical Zoology, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Medical Research Center for Bioreaction to Reactive Oxygen Species and Biomedical Science Institute, School of Medicine, Graduate school, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Swarnendu Basak
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Back Chu
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Soo Kim
- Medical Research Center for Bioreaction to Reactive Oxygen Species and Biomedical Science Institute, School of Medicine, Graduate school, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Moo Kang
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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24
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Welliver RC, Papin JF, Preno A, Ivanov V, Tian JH, Lu H, Guebre-Xabier M, Flyer D, Massare MJ, Glenn G, Ellingsworth L, Smith G. Maternal immunization with RSV fusion glycoprotein vaccine and substantial protection of neonatal baboons against respiratory syncytial virus pulmonary challenge. Vaccine 2019; 38:1258-1270. [PMID: 31761502 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Globally, human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of severe lower respiratory infection in infants and young children. There are no licensed vaccines despite the high worldwide disease burden. RSV fusion (F) glycoprotein vaccine is the most advanced candidate for maternal immunization. In this report, a baboon maternal immunization model was used to assess the immunogenicity and protection of infants against pulmonary challenge with human RSV/A. Vaccination in the third trimester produced high anti-RSV F IgG titers and virus-neutralizing antibodies. Infants born to immunized females had high levels of serum RSV antibodies that were comparable to maternal levels at birth and persisted for over 50 days with a half-life of 14-24 days. Furthermore, infants from immunized females and challenged with RSV/A were healthy, developed less severe disease, and had only mild pulmonary inflammatory changes whereas infants born to non-vaccinated females developed more severe disease with marked to moderate interstitial pneumonia, pulmonary edema, and bronchiolar obstruction. These results support the further development of the RSV F vaccine for maternal immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert C Welliver
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1100 North Lindsay Ave., Oklahoma City, OK, 73104 USA.
| | - James F Papin
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma, Health Sciences Center, 1100 North Lindsay Ave., Oklahoma City, OK, 73104 USA; Division of Comparative Medicine, The University of Oklahoma, Health Sciences Center, 940 Stanton L. Young Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK, 73104 USA.
| | - Alisha Preno
- Division of Comparative Medicine, The University of Oklahoma, Health Sciences Center, 940 Stanton L. Young Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK, 73104 USA.
| | - Vadim Ivanov
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 1100 North Lindsay Ave., Oklahoma City, OK, 73104 USA.
| | - Jing-Hui Tian
- Novavax, Inc., 21 Firstfield Road, Gaithersburg, MD, USA.
| | - Hanxin Lu
- Novavax, Inc., 21 Firstfield Road, Gaithersburg, MD, USA.
| | | | - David Flyer
- Novavax, Inc., 21 Firstfield Road, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | | | - Greg Glenn
- Novavax, Inc., 21 Firstfield Road, Gaithersburg, MD, USA.
| | | | - Gale Smith
- Novavax, Inc., 21 Firstfield Road, Gaithersburg, MD, USA.
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25
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Cable J, Srikantiah P, Crowe JE, Pulendran B, Hill A, Ginsberg A, Koff W, Mathew A, Ng T, Jansen K, Glenn G, Permar S, Wilson I, Weiner DB, Weissman D, Rappuoli R. Vaccine innovations for emerging infectious diseases-a symposium report. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2019; 1462:14-26. [PMID: 31659752 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Vaccines have been incredibly successful at stemming the morbidity and mortality of infectious diseases worldwide. However, there are still no effective vaccines for many serious and potentially preventable infectious diseases. Advances in vaccine technology, including new delivery methods and adjuvants, as well as progress in systems biology and an increased understanding of the human immune system, hold the potential to address these issues. In addition, maternal immunization has opened an avenue to address infectious diseases in neonates and very young infants. This report summarizes the presentations from a 1-day symposium at the New York Academy of Sciences entitled "Innovative Vaccines against Resistant Infectious Diseases and Emerging Threats," held on May 20, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - James E Crowe
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center; and Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Bali Pulendran
- Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection; Department of Pathology; and Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Adrian Hill
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ann Ginsberg
- International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, New York, New York
| | - Wayne Koff
- The Human Vaccines Project, New York, New York
| | - Anuja Mathew
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, The University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island
| | - Tony Ng
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York
| | | | | | | | - Ian Wilson
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, San Diego, California
| | - David B Weiner
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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