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Chun J, Yoon D, Nowakowska A, Lee HD, Lee C, Kim J, Kim S, Bang H, Lee HJ, Kim YB. Delivery of SARS-CoV-2 spike and membrane genes in a single Baculoviral vector enhance the immune breadth against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Vaccine 2024; 42:126355. [PMID: 39260058 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.126355] [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: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Although the coronavirus pandemic has ended, new variants of concern (VOCs) continue to emerge. Therefore, novel vaccines targeting VOCs are highly warranted. We initially constructed three recombinant baculovirus-vectored vaccines (AcHERV-COVID19S) carrying the spike genes of the SARS-CoV-2 prototype, Delta, and Omicron BA.1 variants. However, the SARS-CoV-2 spike gene alone could not provide protection against multiple VOCs. To develop a universal vaccine, we constructed a recombinant baculovirus-vectored vaccine (AcHERV-COVID19 OmiM) by introducing the M gene, which is conserved among VOCs, as a secondary cellular immune antigen in addition to the S gene. AcHERV-COVID19 OmiM could provide higher protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants (prototype, Delta, BA.5 and XBB.1) compared with that of AcHERV-COVID19S. The membrane protein of SARS-CoV-2 synergizes with the S gene, thereby enhancing both humoral and cellular immunity against VOCs. Although AcHERV-COVID19 OmiM may not provide sterile protection against new variants, it may help reduce symptoms and curb viral transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungmin Chun
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Doyoung Yoon
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Aleksandra Nowakowska
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon Dong Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chanyeong Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinha Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sehyun Kim
- Department of Bio-industrial Technologies, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; KR BioTech, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Heewon Bang
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Jung Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Bong Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Bio-industrial Technologies, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; KR BioTech, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Qi H, Ma QH, Feng W, Chen SM, Wu CS, Wang Y, Wang TX, Hou YL, Jia ZH. Glycyrrhetinic acid blocks SARS-CoV-2 infection by activating the cGAS-STING signalling pathway. Br J Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38922702 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16473] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) played an important role in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, but the scientific basis and its active ingredients are still weakly studied. This study aims to decipher the underlying anti-SARS-CoV-2 mechanisms of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH GA's anti-SARS-CoV-2 effect was verified both in vitro and in vivo. Homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence assays, biolayer interferometry technology, and molecular docking were employed to examine interactions of GA with human stimulator of interferon genes (hSTING). Immunofluorescence staining, western blot, and RT-qPCR were used to investigate nuclear translocation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and levels of STING target genes. Pharmacokinetics of GA was studied in mice. KEY RESULTS GA could directly bind to Ser162 and Tyr240 residues of hSTING, thus up-regulating downstream targets and activation of the STING signalling pathway. Such activation is crucial for limiting the replication of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron in Calu-3 cells and protecting against lung injury induced by SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection in K18-ACE2 transgenic mice. Immunofluorescence staining and western blot indicated that GA increased levels of phosphorylated STING, phosphorylated TANK-binding kinase-1, and cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS). Importantly, GA increased nuclear translocation of IRF3. Pharmacokinetic analysis of GA in mice indicated it can be absorbed into circulation and detected in the lung at a stable level. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Activation of the cGAS-STING pathway through the GA-STING-IRF3 axis is essential for the antiviral activity of GA in mice, providing new insights into the potential translation of GA for treating SARS-CoV-2 in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Qi
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, China
- New Drug Evaluation Center, Shijiazhuang Yiling Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Qin-Hai Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Feng
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Si-Mian Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Cai-Sheng Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Tong-Xing Wang
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yun-Long Hou
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, China
- New Drug Evaluation Center, Shijiazhuang Yiling Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Zhen-Hua Jia
- Hebei Academy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- State Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, Shijiazhuang, China
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Lee HD, Chun J, Kim S, Aleksandra N, Lee C, Yoon D, Lee HJ, Kim YB. Comparative Biodistribution Study of Baculoviral and Adenoviral Vector Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 34:185-191. [PMID: 37830223 PMCID: PMC10840461 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2308.08042] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Various types of vaccines have been developed against COVID-19, including vector vaccines. Among the COVID-19 vaccines, AstraZeneca's chimpanzee adenoviral vaccine was the first to be commercialized. For viral vector vaccines, biodistribution studies are critical to vaccine safety, gene delivery, and efficacy. This study compared the biodistribution of the baculoviral vector vaccine (AcHERV-COVID19) and the adenoviral vector vaccine (Ad-COVID19). Both vaccines were administered intramuscularly to mice, and the distribution of the SARS-CoV-2 S gene in each tissue was evaluated for up to 30 days. After vaccination, serum and various tissue samples were collected from the mice at each time point, and IgG levels and DNA copy numbers were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. AcHERV-COVID19 and Ad-COVID19 distribution showed that the SARS-CoV-2 spike gene remained predominantly at the injection site in the mouse muscle. In kidney, liver, and spleen tissues, the AcHERV-COVID19 group showed about 2-4 times higher persistence of the SARS-CoV-2 spike gene than the Ad-COVID19 group. The distribution patterns of AcHERV-COVID19 and Ad-COVID19 within various organs highlight their contrasting biodistribution profiles, with AcHERV-COVID19 exhibiting a broader and prolonged presence in the body compared to Ad-COVID19. Understanding the biodistribution profile of AcHERV-COVID19 and Ad-COVID19 could help select viral vectors for future vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeon Dong Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungmin Chun
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Sehyun Kim
- KR BioTech Co. Ltd., Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Nowakowska Aleksandra
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Chanyeong Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Doyoung Yoon
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-jung Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Bong Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
- KR BioTech Co. Ltd., Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
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Han L, Song S, Feng H, Ma J, Wei W, Si F. A roadmap for developing Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) vaccines: Lessons from the past, strategies for the future. Int J Biol Macromol 2023:125514. [PMID: 37353130 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125514] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), which can lead to severe central nervous system infections in both humans and animals. At present, the medical community does not possess a viable means of addressing VEE, rendering the prevention of the virus a matter of paramount importance. Regarding the prevention and control of VEEV, the implementation of a vaccination program has been recognized as the most efficient strategy. Nevertheless, there are currently no licensed vaccines or drugs available for human use against VEEV. This imperative has led to a surge of interest in vaccine research, with VEEV being a prime focus for researchers in the field. In this paper, we initially present a comprehensive overview of the current taxonomic classification of VEEV and the cellular infection mechanism of the virus. Subsequently, we provide a detailed introduction of the prominent VEEV vaccine types presently available, including inactivated vaccines, live attenuated vaccines, genetic, and virus-like particle vaccines. Moreover, we emphasize the challenges that current VEEV vaccine development faces and suggest urgent measures that must be taken to overcome these obstacles. Notably, based on our latest research, we propose the feasibility of incorporation codon usage bias strategies to create the novel VEEV vaccine. Finally, we prose several areas that future VEEV vaccine development should focus on. Our objective is to encourage collaboration between the medical and veterinary communities, expedite the translation of existing vaccines from laboratory to clinical applications, while also preparing for future outbreaks of new VEEV variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Han
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai 201106, China; Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Clinical Medical College of Henan University, Kai Feng 475000, China
| | - Shuai Song
- Institute of Animal Health, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Key Laboratory of Livestock Disease Prevention of Guangdong Province, Scientific Observation and Experiment Station of Veterinary Drugs and Diagnostic Techniques of Guangdong Province, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
| | - Huilin Feng
- Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Infection and Biological Safety, School of Basic Medical Sciences of Henan University, Kai Feng 475000, China
| | - Jing Ma
- Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Clinical Medical College of Henan University, Kai Feng 475000, China
| | - Wenqiang Wei
- Kaifeng Key Laboratory of Infection and Biological Safety, School of Basic Medical Sciences of Henan University, Kai Feng 475000, China.
| | - Fusheng Si
- Institute of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Agricultural Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Shanghai 201106, China.
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Baghban R, Ghasemian A, Mahmoodi S. Nucleic acid-based vaccine platforms against the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:150. [PMID: 36995507 PMCID: PMC10062302 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03480-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has infected 673,010,496 patients and caused the death of 6,854,959 cases globally until today. Enormous efforts have been made to develop fundamentally different COVID-19 vaccine platforms. Nucleic acid-based vaccines consisting of mRNA and DNA vaccines (third-generation vaccines) have been promising in terms of rapid and convenient production and efficient provocation of immune responses against the COVID-19. Several DNA-based (ZyCoV-D, INO-4800, AG0302-COVID19, and GX-19N) and mRNA-based (BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, and ARCoV) approved vaccine platforms have been utilized for the COVID-19 prevention. mRNA vaccines are at the forefront of all platforms for COVID-19 prevention. However, these vaccines have lower stability, while DNA vaccines are needed with higher doses to stimulate the immune responses. Intracellular delivery of nucleic acid-based vaccines and their adverse events needs further research. Considering re-emergence of the COVID-19 variants of concern, vaccine reassessment and the development of polyvalent vaccines, or pan-coronavirus strategies, is essential for effective infection prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roghayyeh Baghban
- Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abdolmajid Ghasemian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Shirin Mahmoodi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran.
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Development of Next Generation Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and Variants of Concern. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030624. [PMID: 36992333 PMCID: PMC10057551 DOI: 10.3390/v15030624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has caused the COVID-19 pandemic, with over 673 million infections and 6.85 million deaths globally. Novel mRNA and viral-vectored vaccines were developed and licensed for global immunizations under emergency approval. They have demonstrated good safety and high protective efficacy against the SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan strain. However, the emergence of highly infectious and transmissible variants of concern (VOCs) such as Omicron was associated with considerable reductions in the protective efficacy of the current vaccines. The development of next-generation vaccines that could confer broad protection against both the SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan strain and VOCs is urgently needed. A bivalent mRNA vaccine encoding the Spike proteins of both the SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan strain and the Omicron variant has been constructed and approved by the US FDA. However, mRNA vaccines are associated with instability and require an extremely low temperature (−80 °C) for storage and transportation. They also require complex synthesis and multiple chromatographic purifications. Peptide-based next-generation vaccines could be developed by relying on in silico predictions to identify peptides specifying highly conserved B, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell epitopes to elicit broad and long-lasting immune protection. These epitopes were validated in animal models and in early phase clinical trials to demonstrate immunogenicity and safety. Next-generation peptide vaccine formulations could be developed to incorporate only naked peptides, but they are costly to synthesize and production would generate extensive chemical waste. Continual production of recombinant peptides specifying immunogenic B and T cell epitopes could be achieved in hosts such as E. coli or yeast. However, recombinant protein/peptide vaccines require purification before administration. The DNA vaccine might serve as the most effective next-generation vaccine for low-income countries, since it does not require an extremely low temperature for storage or need extensive chromatographic purification. The construction of recombinant plasmids carrying genes specifying highly conserved B and T cell epitopes meant that vaccine candidates representing highly conserved antigenic regions could be rapidly developed. Poor immunogenicity of DNA vaccines could be overcome by the incorporation of chemical or molecular adjuvants and the development of nanoparticles for effective delivery.
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