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Tretyakova I, Joh J, Gearon M, Kraenzle J, Goedeker S, Pignataro A, Alejandro B, Lukashevich IS, Chung D, Pushko P. Live-attenuated CHIKV vaccine with rearranged genome replicates in vitro and induces immune response in mice. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2024; 18:e0012120. [PMID: 38648230 PMCID: PMC11075892 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya fever virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus that causes wide-spread human infections and epidemics in Asia, Africa and recently, in the Americas. CHIKV is considered a priority pathogen by CEPI and WHO. Despite recent approval of a live-attenuated CHIKV vaccine, development of additional vaccines is warranted due to the worldwide outbreaks of CHIKV. Previously, we developed immunization DNA (iDNA) plasmid capable of launching live-attenuated CHIKV vaccine in vivo. Here we report the use of CHIKV iDNA plasmid to prepare a novel, live-attenuated CHIKV vaccine V5040 with rearranged RNA genome. In V5040, genomic RNA was rearranged to encode capsid gene downstream from the glycoprotein genes. Attenuated mutations derived from experimental CHIKV 181/25 vaccine were also engineered into E2 gene of V5040. The DNA copy of rearranged CHIKV genomic RNA with attenuated mutations was cloned into iDNA plasmid pMG5040 downstream from the CMV promoter. After transfection in vitro, pMG5040 launched replication of V5040 virus with rearranged genome and attenuating E2 mutations. Furthermore, V5040 virus was evaluated in experimental murine models for general safety and immunogenicity. Vaccination with V5040 virus subcutaneously resulted in elicitation of CHIKV-specific, virus-neutralizing antibodies. The results warrant further evaluation of V5040 virus with rearranged genome as a novel live-attenuated vaccine for CHIKV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joongho Joh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Mary Gearon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Kraenzle
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Sidney Goedeker
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Ava Pignataro
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Brian Alejandro
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Igor S. Lukashevich
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, and the Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Donghoon Chung
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Peter Pushko
- Medigen, Inc., Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
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Pushko P, Lukashevich IS, Johnson DM, Tretyakova I. Single-Dose Immunogenic DNA Vaccines Coding for Live-Attenuated Alpha- and Flaviviruses. Viruses 2024; 16:428. [PMID: 38543793 PMCID: PMC10974764 DOI: 10.3390/v16030428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Single-dose, immunogenic DNA (iDNA) vaccines coding for whole live-attenuated viruses are reviewed. This platform, sometimes called immunization DNA, has been used for vaccine development for flavi- and alphaviruses. An iDNA vaccine uses plasmid DNA to launch live-attenuated virus vaccines in vitro or in vivo. When iDNA is injected into mammalian cells in vitro or in vivo, the RNA genome of an attenuated virus is transcribed, which starts replication of a defined, live-attenuated vaccine virus in cell culture or the cells of a vaccine recipient. In the latter case, an immune response to the live virus vaccine is elicited, which protects against the pathogenic virus. Unlike other nucleic acid vaccines, such as mRNA and standard DNA vaccines, iDNA vaccines elicit protection with a single dose, thus providing major improvement to epidemic preparedness. Still, iDNA vaccines retain the advantages of other nucleic acid vaccines. In summary, the iDNA platform combines the advantages of reverse genetics and DNA immunization with the high immunogenicity of live-attenuated vaccines, resulting in enhanced safety and immunogenicity. This vaccine platform has expanded the field of genetic DNA and RNA vaccines with a novel type of immunogenic DNA vaccines that encode entire live-attenuated viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Pushko
- Medigen, Inc., 8420 Gas House Pike Suite S, Frederick, MD 21701, USA;
| | - Igor S. Lukashevich
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Center for Predictive Medicine and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, 505 S Hancock St., Louisville, KY 40202, USA;
| | - Dylan M. Johnson
- Department of Biotechnology & Bioengineering, Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore, CA 945501, USA;
| | - Irina Tretyakova
- Medigen, Inc., 8420 Gas House Pike Suite S, Frederick, MD 21701, USA;
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Tretyakova I, Joh J, Lukashevich IS, Alejandro B, Gearon M, Chung D, Pushko P. Live-Attenuated CHIKV Vaccine with Rearranged Genome Replicates in vitro and Induces Immune Response in Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.16.558061. [PMID: 37745520 PMCID: PMC10516039 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.16.558061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Chikungunya fever virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus that causes wide-spread human infections and epidemics in Asia, Africa and recently, in the Americas. There is no approved vaccine and CHIKV is considered a priority pathogen by CEPI and WHO. Previously, we developed immunization DNA (iDNA) plasmid capable of launching live-attenuated CHIKV vaccine in vivo . Here we report the use of CHIKV iDNA plasmid to prepare a novel, live-attenuated CHIKV vaccine V5040 with rearranged RNA genome for improved safety. In V5040, genomic RNA was rearranged to encode capsid gene downstream from the glycoprotein genes. To secure safety profile, attenuated mutations derived from experimental CHIKV 181/25 vaccine were also engineered into E2 gene of V5040. The DNA copy of rearranged CHIKV genomic RNA with attenuated mutations was cloned into iDNA plasmid pMG5040 downstream from the CMV promoter. After transfection in vitro, pMG5040 launched replication of V5040 virus with rearranged genome and attenuating E2 mutations. Furthermore, V5040 virus was evaluated in experimental murine models for safety and immunogenicity. Vaccination with V5040 virus subcutaneously resulted in elicitation of CHIKV-specific, virus-neutralizing antibodies. The results warrant further evaluation of V5040 virus with rearranged genome as a novel live-attenuated vaccine for CHIKV.
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Huang Z, Zhang Y, Li H, Zhu J, Song W, Chen K, Zhang Y, Lou Y. Vaccine development for mosquito-borne viral diseases. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1161149. [PMID: 37251387 PMCID: PMC10213220 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1161149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne viral diseases are a group of viral illnesses that are predominantly transmitted by mosquitoes, including viruses from the Togaviridae and Flaviviridae families. In recent years, outbreaks caused by Dengue and Zika viruses from the Flaviviridae family, and Chikungunya virus from the Togaviridae family, have raised significant concerns for public health. However, there are currently no safe and effective vaccines available for these viruses, except for CYD-TDV, which has been licensed for Dengue virus. Efforts to control the transmission of COVID-19, such as home quarantine and travel restrictions, have somewhat limited the spread of mosquito-borne viral diseases. Several vaccine platforms, including inactivated vaccines, viral-vector vaccines, live attenuated vaccines, protein vaccines, and nucleic acid vaccines, are being developed to combat these viruses. This review analyzes the various vaccine platforms against Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya viruses and provides valuable insights for responding to potential outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwei Huang
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yuxuan Zhang
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongyu Li
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiajie Zhu
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wanchen Song
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Keda Chen
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanjun Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongliang Lou
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Colunga-Saucedo M, Rubio-Hernandez EI, Coronado-Ipiña MA, Rosales-Mendoza S, Castillo CG, Comas-Garcia M. Construction of a Chikungunya Virus, Replicon, and Helper Plasmids for Transfection of Mammalian Cells. Viruses 2022; 15:132. [PMID: 36680173 PMCID: PMC9864538 DOI: 10.3390/v15010132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The genome of Alphaviruses can be modified to produce self-replicating RNAs and virus-like particles, which are useful virological tools. In this work, we generated three plasmids for the transfection of mammalian cells: an infectious clone of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), one that codes for the structural proteins (helper plasmid), and another one that codes nonstructural proteins (replicon plasmid). All of these plasmids contain a reporter gene (mKate2). The reporter gene in the replicon RNA and the infectious clone are synthesized from subgenomic RNA. Co-transfection with the helper and replicon plasmids has biotechnological/biomedical applications because they allow for the delivery of self-replicating RNA for the transient expression of one or more genes to the target cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra Colunga-Saucedo
- Sección de Genómica Médica, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico
| | - Edson I. Rubio-Hernandez
- Laboratorio de Células Troncales Humanas, Coordinación para la Innovación y Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico
| | - Miguel A. Coronado-Ipiña
- Sección de Microscopía de Alta Resolución, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico
| | - Sergio Rosales-Mendoza
- Sección de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico
| | - Claudia G. Castillo
- Laboratorio de Células Troncales Humanas, Coordinación para la Innovación y Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico
| | - Mauricio Comas-Garcia
- Sección de Genómica Médica, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico
- Sección de Microscopía de Alta Resolución, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí 78295, Mexico
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Voigt EA, Fuerte-Stone J, Granger B, Archer J, Van Hoeven N. Live-attenuated RNA hybrid vaccine technology provides single-dose protection against Chikungunya virus. Mol Ther 2021; 29:2782-2793. [PMID: 34058388 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a live-attenuated RNA hybrid vaccine technology that uses an RNA vaccine delivery vehicle to deliver in vitro-transcribed, full-length, live-attenuated viral genomes to the site of vaccination. This technology allows ready manufacturing in a cell-free environment, regardless of viral attenuation level, and it promises to avoid many safety and manufacturing challenges of traditional live-attenuated vaccines. We demonstrate this technology through development and testing of a live-attenuated RNA hybrid vaccine against Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), comprised of an in vitro-transcribed, highly attenuated CHIKV genome delivered by a highly stable nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) formulation as an intramuscular injection. We demonstrate that single-dose immunization of immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice results in induction of high CHIKV-neutralizing antibody titers and protection against mortality and footpad swelling after lethal CHIKV challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Voigt
- Infectious Disease Research Institute, 1616 Eastlake Avenue East, Suite 400, Seattle, WA 98102, USA.
| | - Jasmine Fuerte-Stone
- Infectious Disease Research Institute, 1616 Eastlake Avenue East, Suite 400, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Brian Granger
- Infectious Disease Research Institute, 1616 Eastlake Avenue East, Suite 400, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Jacob Archer
- Infectious Disease Research Institute, 1616 Eastlake Avenue East, Suite 400, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Neal Van Hoeven
- Infectious Disease Research Institute, 1616 Eastlake Avenue East, Suite 400, Seattle, WA 98102, USA; PAI Life Sciences, 1616 Eastlake Avenue East, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
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Adaptation of a live-attenuated genotype I Japanese encephalitis virus to vero cells is associated with mutations in structural protein genes. Virus Res 2020; 292:198256. [PMID: 33285172 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2020.198256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The SD12-F120 is a live-attenuated genotype I strain of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and was obtained by serial passage of wild-type strain SD12 on BHK-21 cells combined with multiple plaque purification and virulence selection in mice. The large scale production and vast clinical trials always demand ideal safety and efficacy profile of live-attenuated vaccines. In the present study, SD12-F120VC has undergone serial passaging of P1-P30 in WHO qualified Vero cells to assess the potential effect of adaptation to growth on Vero cells. The series of experiments showed that vaccine SD12-F120VC (Vero cell adapted) variants have consistently increased in peak virus titer compared to early passages and have good adaptation to growth in Vero cells. The animal experiments showed that Vero cell adapted SD12-F120VC variants have attenuation phenotype in suckling mice and the plaque morphology for all SD12-F120VC variants was small. Vaccination of mice with SD12-F120VC vaccine produced complete protection for homologous SD12 genotype I strain, but failed to give the complete protection of vaccinated mice against the challenge of heterologous N28 genotype III strain. In response to immunization of SD12-F120VC in mice, the neutralizing antibodies titer against homologous SD12-F120VC and SD12 (GI) was higher than heterologous N28 (GIII) strain. The prM protein has 6 amino acid substitutions, of which 5 amino acid changes were confined at the start of the pr domain in the ∼40 amino acids, and some mutations in the pr domain of prM might contribute to Vero cell adaptation. Our findings in this study are important for validation, evaluation and quality control study of live attenuated flaviviruses vaccines and show that Vero cells are a suitable substrate for the production of a safe and stable live-attenuated JEV vaccine.
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Gao S, Song S, Zhang L. Recent Progress in Vaccine Development Against Chikungunya Virus. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2881. [PMID: 31921059 PMCID: PMC6930866 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya fever (CHIKF) is an acute infectious disease that is mediated by the mosquito-transmitted chikungunya virus (CHIKV). People infected with CHIKV may experience high fever, severe joint pain, skin rash, and headache. In recent years, this disease has become a global public health problem. However, there is no licensed vaccine available for CHIKV. Accumulating research data have provided novel approaches and new directions for the development of CHIKV vaccines. Our review focuses on recent progress in CHIKV vaccine studies. The potential vaccine candidates are classified into seven types: inactivated vaccine, subunit vaccine, live-attenuated vaccine, recombinant virus-vectored vaccine, virus-like particle vaccine, chimeric vaccine, and nucleic acid vaccine. These studies will provide important insights into the future development of CHIKV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Gao
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Siqi Song
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China.,School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Leiliang Zhang
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
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Muruato AE, Shan C, Fontes-Garfias CR, Liu Y, Cao Z, Gao Q, Weaver SC, Shi PY. Genetic stability of live-attenuated Zika vaccine candidates. Antiviral Res 2019; 171:104596. [PMID: 31493417 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.104596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) has drawn global attention as the etiologic agent of Zika Congenital Syndrome in babies born to infected pregnant women. To prevent future ZIKV outbreaks and protect persons at risk for severe disease, we developed two live-attenuated vaccine (LAV) candidates containing 10- or 20-nucleotide deletions in the 3'UTR of the viral genome (Δ10 and Δ20). After a single-dose immunization, both Δ10 and Δ20 LAVs protected mice and non-human primates against ZIKV infection. Here, we characterized the stability, safety, and efficacy of the LAVs after continuously culturing them on manufacture Vero cells for ten rounds. Whole genome sequencing showed that passage 10 (P10) LAVs retained the engineered Δ10 and Δ20 deletions; one to four additional mutations emerged at different regions of the genome. In A129 mice, the P10 LAVs exhibited viremia higher than the un-passaged LAVs, but lower than wild-type ZIKV; unlike wild-type ZIKV-infected mice, none of the P10 LAV-infected mice developed disease or death, demonstrating that the P10 LAVs remained attenuated. Mice immunized with a single dose of the P10 LAVs developed robust neutralizing antibody titers (1/1,000 to 1/10,000) and were protected against epidemic ZIKV challenge. The P10 LAVs did not exhibit increased neurovirulence. Intracranial inoculation of one-day-old CD1 pups with 103 focus-forming units of the P10 Δ10 and Δ20 LAVs resulted in 100% and ≥80% survival, respectively. Furthermore, the P10 LAVs remained incompetent in infecting Aedes aegypti mosquitoes after intrathoracic microinjection. Our results support the phenotypic stability and further development of these promising LAVs for ZIKV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio E Muruato
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Institute for Human Infections & Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Institute for Translational Science, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Chao Shan
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Camila R Fontes-Garfias
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Zengguo Cao
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Qiang Gao
- Sinovac Bioteck Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Scott C Weaver
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Institute for Human Infections & Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Institute for Translational Science, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Sealy Center for Structural Biology & Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Pei-Yong Shi
- Institute for Human Infections & Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Institute for Translational Science, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Sealy Center for Structural Biology & Molecular Biophysics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
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Abstract
Beginning in 2004, chikungunya virus (CHIKV) went from an endemic pathogen limited to Africa and Asia that caused periodic outbreaks to a global pathogen. Given that outbreaks caused by CHIKV have continued and expanded, serious consideration must be given to identifying potential options for vaccines and therapeutics. Currently, there are no licensed products in this realm, and control relies completely on the use of personal protective measures and integrated vector control, which are only minimally effective. Therefore, it is prudent to urgently examine further possibilities for control. Vaccines have been shown to be highly effective against vector-borne diseases. However, as CHIKV is known to rapidly spread and generate high attack rates, therapeutics would also be highly valuable. Several candidates are currently being developed; this review describes the multiple options under consideration for future development and assesses their relative advantages and disadvantages.
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Nickols B, Tretyakova I, Tibbens A, Klyushnenkova E, Pushko P. Plasmid DNA launches live-attenuated Japanese encephalitis virus and elicits virus-neutralizing antibodies in BALB/c mice. Virology 2017; 512:66-73. [PMID: 28938099 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2017.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
We describe novel plasmid DNA that encodes the full-length Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) genomic cDNA and launches live-attenuated JEV vaccine in vitro and in vivo. The synthetic cDNA based on the sequence of JEV SA14-14-2 live-attenuated virus was placed under transcriptional control of the cytomegalovirus major immediate-early promoter. The stability and yields of the plasmid in E. coli were optimized by inserting three synthetic introns that disrupted JEV cDNA in the structural and nonstructural genes. Transfection of Vero cells with the resulting plasmid resulted in the replication of JEV vaccine virus with intron sequences removed from viral RNA. Furthermore, a single-dose vaccination of BALB/c mice with 0.5 - 5μg of plasmid resulted in successful seroconversion and elicitation of JEV virus-neutralizing serum antibodies. The results demonstrate the possibility of using DNA vaccination to launch live-attenuated JEV vaccine and support further development of DNA-launched live-attenuated vaccine for prevention of JEV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Nickols
- Medigen, Inc., 8420 Gas House Pike, Suite S, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Irina Tretyakova
- Medigen, Inc., 8420 Gas House Pike, Suite S, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Alexander Tibbens
- Medigen, Inc., 8420 Gas House Pike, Suite S, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | | | - Peter Pushko
- Medigen, Inc., 8420 Gas House Pike, Suite S, Frederick, MD 21701, USA.
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Pushko P, Lukashevich IS, Weaver SC, Tretyakova I. DNA-launched live-attenuated vaccines for biodefense applications. Expert Rev Vaccines 2016; 15:1223-34. [PMID: 27055100 PMCID: PMC5033646 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2016.1175943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A novel vaccine platform uses DNA immunization to launch live-attenuated virus vaccines in vivo. This technology has been applied for vaccine development against positive-strand RNA viruses with global public health impact including alphaviruses and flaviviruses. The DNA-launched vaccine represents the recombinant plasmid that encodes the full-length genomic RNA of live-attenuated virus downstream from a eukaryotic promoter. When administered in vivo, the genomic RNA of live-attenuated virus is transcribed. The RNA initiates limited replication of a genetically defined, live-attenuated vaccine virus in the tissues of the vaccine recipient, thereby inducing a protective immune response. This platform combines the strengths of reverse genetics, DNA immunization and the advantages of live-attenuated vaccines, resulting in a reduced chance of genetic reversions, increased safety, and improved immunization. With this vaccine technology, the field of DNA vaccines is expanded from those that express subunit antigens to include a novel type of DNA vaccines that launch live-attenuated viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Pushko
- Medigen, Inc. 8420 Gas House Pike Suite S, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Igor S. Lukashevich
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Center for Predictive Medicine and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, 505 S Hancock St., Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Scott C. Weaver
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, Sealy Center for Vaccine Development and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, GNL, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Irina Tretyakova
- Medigen, Inc. 8420 Gas House Pike Suite S, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
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