1
|
Faraji N, Daly NL, Arab SS, Khosroushahi AY. In silico design of potential Mcl-1 peptide-based inhibitors. J Mol Model 2024; 30:108. [PMID: 38499818 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-024-05901-8] [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: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT BIM (Bcl-2 interacting mediator of apoptosis)-derived peptides that specifically target over-expressed Mcl-1 (myeloid cell leukemia-1) protein and induce apoptosis are potentially anti-cancer agents. Since the helicity of BIM-derived peptides has a crucial role in their functionality, a range of strategies have been used to increase the helicity including the introduction of unnatural residues and stapling methods that have some drawbacks such as the accumulation in the liver. To avoid these drawbacks, this study aimed to design a more helical peptide by utilizing bioinformatics algorithms and molecular dynamics simulations without exploiting unnatural residues and stapling methods. MM-PBSA results showed that the mutations of A4fE and A2eE in analogue 5 demonstrate a preference towards binding with Mcl-1. As evidenced by Circular dichroism results, the helicity increases from 18 to 34%, these findings could enhance the potential of analogue 5 as an anti-cancer agent targeting Mcl-1. The applied strategies in this research could shed light on the in silico peptide design. Moreover, analogue 5 as a drug candidate can be evaluated in vitro and in vivo studies. METHODS The sequence of the lead peptide was determined using the ApInAPDB database and PRALINE program. Contact finder and PDBsum web server softwares were used to determine the contact involved amino acids in complex with Mcl-1. All identified salt bridge contributing residues were unaltered to preserve the binding affinity. After proposing novel analogues, their secondary structures were predicted by Cham finder web server software and GOR, Neural Network, and Chou-Fasman algorithms. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations run for 100 ns were done using the GROMACS, version 5.0.7, with the CHARMM36 force field. MM-PBSA was used to assess binding affinity specificity in targeting Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL (B-cell lymphoma extra-large).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naser Faraji
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Daneshgah Street, Tabriz, Iran
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Norelle L Daly
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, 4870, Australia
| | - Seyed Shahriar Arab
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Yari Khosroushahi
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Daneshgah Street, Tabriz, Iran.
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Miranda MCR, Nunes CM, Santos LF, da Silva LB, de Jesus VR, Filho NA, Pedro JAF, Lopes JLS, Oliveira CLP, Fantini MCA, Cardoso JS, Trezena AG, Ribeiro OG, Sant'Anna OA, Tino-De-Franco M, Martins TS. Ordered mesoporous silicas for potential applications in solid vaccine formulations. Vaccine 2024; 42:689-700. [PMID: 38145911 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.12.032] [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: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
In an effort to develop efficient vaccine formulations, the use of ordered mesoporous silica (SBA-15) as an antigen carrier has been investigated. SBA-15 has required properties such as high surface area and pore volume, including narrow pore size distribution to protect antigens inside its matrix. This study aimed to examine the impact of solvent removal methods, specifically freeze-drying and evaporation on the intrinsic properties of an immunogenic complex. The immunogenic complexes, synthesized and incorporated with BSA, were characterized by various physicochemical techniques. Small Angle X-ray Scattering measurements revealed the characteristic reflections associated to pure SBA-15, indicating the preservation of the silica mesostructured following BSA incorporation and the formation of BSA aggregates within the macropore region. Nitrogen Adsorption Isotherm measurements demonstrated a decrease in surface area and pore volume for all samples, indicating that the BSA was incorporated into the SBA-15 matrix. Fluorescence spectroscopy evidenced that the tryptophan residues in BSA inside SBA-15 or in solution displayed similar spectra, showing the preservation of the aromatic residues' environment. The Circular Dichroism spectra of BSA in both conditions suggest the preservation of its native secondary structure after the encapsulation process. The immunogenic analysis with the detection of anti-BSA IgG did not give any significant difference between the non-dried, freeze-dried or evaporated groups. However, all groups containing BSA and SBA-15 showed results almost three times higher than the groups with pure BSA (control group). These facts indicate that none of the BSA incorporation methods interfered with the immunogenicity of the complex. In particular, the freeze-dried process is regularly used in the pharmaceutical industry, therefore its adequacy to produce immunogenic complexes was proved Furthermore, the results showed that SBA-15 increased the immunogenic activity of BSA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matheus C R Miranda
- Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Carmen M Nunes
- Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Luana F Santos
- Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Leonardo B da Silva
- Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Vinicius R de Jesus
- Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Newton Andréo Filho
- Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Jéssica A F Pedro
- Instituto de Física, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - José L S Lopes
- Departamento de Física, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tereza S Martins
- Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Diadema, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Oliveira CLP, Lopes JLS, Sant'Anna OA, Botosso VF, Bordallo HN, Fantini MCA. The development of new oral vaccines using porous silica. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2022; 34:264001. [PMID: 35390772 DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/ac6559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Ordered mesoporous silica (OMS) was proved to be an efficient oral adjuvant capable to deliver a wide in size variety of different antigens, promoting efficient immunogenicity. This material can be used in single or polivalent vaccines, which have been developed by a group of Brazilian scientists. The experiments performed with the model protein Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) gave the first promissing results, that were also achieved by testing the virus like particle surface antigen of hepatitis B (HBsAg) and diphtheria anatoxin (dANA). Nanostructured OMS, SBA-15 type, with bi-dimensional hexagonal porous symmetry was used to encapsulate the antigens either in the mesoporous (pore diameter ∼ 10 nm) or macroporous (pore diameter > 50 nm) regions. This silica vehicle proved to be capable to create an inflammatory response, did not exhibit toxicity, being effective to induce immunity in high and low responder mice towards antibody production. The silica particles are in the range of micrometer size, leaving no trace in mice organs due to its easy expulsion by faeces. The methods of physics, usually employed to characterize the structure, composition and morphology of materials are of fundamental importance to develop proper oral vaccines in order to state the ideal antigen load to avoid clustering and to determine the rate of antigen release in different media mimicking body fluids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C L P Oliveira
- Instituto de Física, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - J L S Lopes
- Instituto de Física, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - H N Bordallo
- Niels Bohr Institute, Kopenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M C A Fantini
- Instituto de Física, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fantini MCDA, Oliveira CLP, Lopes JLDS, Martins TDS, Akamatsu MA, Trezena AG, Franco MTD, Botosso VF, Sant’Anna OABE, Kardjilov N, Rasmussen MK, Bordallo HN. Using crystallography tools to improve vaccine formulations. IUCRJ 2022; 9:11-20. [PMID: 35059205 PMCID: PMC8733884 DOI: 10.1107/s205225252101071x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This article summarizes developments attained in oral vaccine formulations based on the encapsulation of antigen proteins inside porous silica matrices. These vaccine vehicles show great efficacy in protecting the proteins from the harsh acidic stomach medium, allowing the Peyer's patches in the small intestine to be reached and consequently enhancing immunity. Focusing on the pioneering research conducted at the Butantan Institute in Brazil, the optimization of the antigen encapsulation yield is reported, as well as their distribution inside the meso- and macroporous network of the porous silica. As the development of vaccines requires proper inclusion of antigens in the antibody cells, X-ray crystallography is one of the most commonly used techniques to unveil the structure of antibody-combining sites with protein antigens. Thus structural characterization and modelling of pure antigen structures, showing different dimensions, as well as their complexes, such as silica with encapsulated hepatitis B virus-like particles and diphtheria anatoxin, were performed using small-angle X-ray scattering, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray phase contrast tomography, and neutron and X-ray imaging. By combining crystallography with dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy, a clearer picture of the proposed vaccine complexes is shown. Additionally, the stability of the immunogenic complex at different pH values and temperatures was checked and the efficacy of the proposed oral immunogenic complex was demonstrated. The latter was obtained by comparing the antibodies in mice with variable high and low antibody responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tereza da Silva Martins
- Chemistry Department, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua São Nicolau, 210, 2o andar, Diadema, SP 09913-030, Brazil
| | - Milena Apetito Akamatsu
- Bioindustrial Center, Butantan Institute, Avenida Vital Brazil, 1500, São Paulo, SP 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Aryene Góes Trezena
- Immunogenetic Laboratory, Butantan Institute, Avenida Vital Brazil, 1500, São Paulo, SP 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Milene Tino-De- Franco
- Immunogenetic Laboratory, Butantan Institute, Avenida Vital Brazil, 1500, São Paulo, SP 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Viviane Fongaro Botosso
- Virology Laboratory, Butantan Institute, Avenida Vital Brazil, 1500, São Paulo, SP 05503-900, Brazil
| | | | - Nikolay Kardjilov
- HZB für Materialien und Energie, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1, 14109 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Heloísa Nunes Bordallo
- Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mechler-Dreibi ML, Almeida HMS, Sonalio K, Martines MAC, Petri FAM, Zambotti BB, Ferreira MM, Storino GY, Martins TS, Montassier HJ, Sant'Anna OA, Fantini MCA, de Oliveira LG. Oral vaccination of piglets against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae using silica SBA-15 as an adjuvant effectively reduced consolidation lung lesions at slaughter. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22377. [PMID: 34789792 PMCID: PMC8599662 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01883-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma (M.) hyopneumoniae is the main pathogen of porcine enzootic pneumonia (PEP). Its controlling is challenging, and requires alternative strategies. This study aimed to develop an oral vaccine against M. hyopneumoniae using a nanostructured mesoporous silica (SBA-15) as an adjuvant, and compare its effect with an intramuscular (IM) commercial vaccine (CV). Fifty 24 day-old M. hyopneumoniae-free piglets composed five equal groups for different immunization protocols, consisting of a CV and/or oral immunization (OI). Control piglets did not receive any form of immunization. All piglets were challenged with M. hyopneumoniae strain 232 on D49 by tracheal route. IgA antibody response in the respiratory tract, bacterial shedding and serum IgG were evaluated. The piglets were euthanized on 28 (D77) and 56 (D105) days post-infection. Lung lesions were macroscopically evaluated; lung fragments and bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF) were collected for estimation of bacterial loads by qPCR and/or histopathology examination. All immunization protocols induced reduction on Mycoplasma-like macroscopic lung lesions. IgA Ab responses anti-M. hyopneumoniae, the expression of IL-4 cytokine and a lower expression of IL-8 were induced by CV and OI vaccines, while IgG was induced only by CV. Oral immunization using silica as a carrier-adjuvant can be viable in controlling M. hyopneumoniae infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina L Mechler-Dreibi
- School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Henrique M S Almeida
- School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Karina Sonalio
- School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Mariela A C Martines
- School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Fernando A M Petri
- School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Beatriz B Zambotti
- School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Marcela M Ferreira
- School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Y Storino
- School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Tereza S Martins
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Diadema, SP, Brazil
| | - Hélio J Montassier
- School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luís Guilherme de Oliveira
- School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Jaboticabal, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rezaei F, Keshvari H, Shokrgozar MA, Doroud D, Gholami E, Khabiri A, Farokhi M. Nano-adjuvant based on silk fibroin for the delivery of recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:2679-2695. [PMID: 33605970 DOI: 10.1039/d0bm01518k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Nanotechnology has a vital role in vaccine development. Nano-adjuvants, as robust delivery systems, could stimulate immune responses. Using nanoparticles (NPs) in vaccine formulations enhances the target delivery, immunogenicity, and stability of the antigens. Herein, silk fibroin nanoparticles (SFNPs) were used as a nano-adjuvant for delivering recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). HBsAg was loaded physically and chemically on the surface of SFNPs. The HBsAg-loaded SFNPs had a spherical morphology. The in vitro release studies showed that HBsAg had a continuous and slow release from SFNPs during 56 days. During this time, ∼45.6% and 34.1% HBsAg was released from physical-SFNPs and chemical-SFNPs, respectively. HBsAg-loaded SFNPs were also stable for six months with slight changes in the size, surface charge, and morphology. The results of circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence spectroscopy indicated that the released HBsAg preserved the native secondary and tertiary structures. The quantitative cellular uptake study also showed that physical-SFNPs were taken up more into J774A.1 macrophage cells than chemical-SFNPs. After 28 and 56 days post-injection, the immunogenicity studies showed that the specific total IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a levels against HBsAg were significantly higher in the physically loaded group than in the chemically loaded group and commercial hepatitis B vaccine. IgG2a levels were detected only in mice immunized with physical-SFNPs. However, the low levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ were produced in all vaccinated groups and differences in mean values were not significant compared with control groups. Results indicated an improvement in the levels of anti-HBsAg IgG in mice immunized with the physical-SFNPs group compared to other groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Rezaei
- Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mahmoudi Gomari M, Rostami N, Omidi-Ardali H, Arab SS. Insight into molecular characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein following D614G point mutation, a molecular dynamics study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 40:5634-5642. [PMID: 33475020 PMCID: PMC7832383 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1872418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Undoubtedly, the SARS-CoV-2 has become a major concern for all societies due to its catastrophic effects on public health. In addition, mutations and changes in the structure of the virus make it difficult to design effective treatment. Moreover, the amino acid sequence of a protein is a major factor in the formation of the second and tertiary structure in a protein. Amino acid replacement can have noticeable effects on the folding of a protein, especially if an asymmetric change (substitution of polar residue with non-polar, charged with an uncharged, positive charge with a negative charge, or large residue with small residue) occurs. D614G as a spike mutant of SARS-CoV-2 previously identified as an associated risk factor with a high mortality rate of this virus. Using structural bioinformatics, our group determined that D614G mutation could cause extensive changes in SARS-CoV-2 behavior including the secondary structure, receptor binding pattern, 3D conformation, and stability of it. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Neda Rostami
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Arak University, Iran
| | - Hossein Omidi-Ardali
- Clinical Biochemistry Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Seyed Shahriar Arab
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|