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Bruun N, Laursen MF, Carmelo R, Christensen E, Jensen TS, Christiansen G, Birkelund S, Agger R, Kofod-Olsen E. Novel nucleotide-packaging vaccine delivers antigen and poly(I:C) to dendritic cells and generate a potent antibody response in vivo. Vaccine 2024; 42:2909-2918. [PMID: 38538405 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.03.058] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
An issue with many current vaccines is the dependency on broadly inflammatory adjuvants, such as aluminum hydroxide or aluminum salts that affect many immune- and non-immune cells. These adjuvants are not necessarily activating all antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that take up the antigen and most likely they also activate APCs with no antigen uptake, as well as many non-immune cells. Conjugation of antigen and adjuvant would enable the use of smaller amounts of adjuvant and avoid unnecessary tissue damage and activation of bystander cells. It would ensure that all APCs that take up the antigen would also become activated and avoid that immature and non-activated APCs present the antigen to T cells without a co-stimulatory signal, leading to tolerogenesis. We have developed a novel vaccine that co-deliver antigen and a nucleotide adjuvant to the same APC and lead to a strong activation response in dendritic cells and macrophages. The vaccine is constructed as a fusion-protein with an antigen fused to the DNA/RNA-binding domain from the Hc2 protein from Chlamydia trachomatis. We have found that the fusion protein is able to package polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) or dsDNA into small particles. These particles were taken up by macrophages and dendritic cells and led to strong activation and maturation of these cells. Immunization of mice with the fusion protein packaged poly(I:C) led to a stronger antibody response compared to immunization with a combination of poly(I:C) and antigen without the Hc2 DNA/RNA-binding domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasja Bruun
- Aalborg University, Department of Health Science and Technology, Denmark
| | - Marlene F Laursen
- Aalborg University, Department of Health Science and Technology, Denmark
| | - Rita Carmelo
- Aalborg University, Department of Health Science and Technology, Denmark
| | - Esben Christensen
- Aalborg University, Department of Health Science and Technology, Denmark
| | - Trine S Jensen
- Aalborg University, Department of Health Science and Technology, Denmark
| | - Gunna Christiansen
- Aalborg University, Department of Health Science and Technology, Denmark
| | - Svend Birkelund
- Aalborg University, Department of Health Science and Technology, Denmark
| | - Ralf Agger
- Aalborg University, Department of Health Science and Technology, Denmark
| | - Emil Kofod-Olsen
- Aalborg University, Department of Health Science and Technology, Denmark.
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Hinke DM, Anderson AM, Katta K, Laursen MF, Tesfaye DY, Werninghaus IC, Angeletti D, Grødeland G, Bogen B, Braathen R. Applying valency-based immuno-selection to generate broadly cross-reactive antibodies against influenza hemagglutinins. Nat Commun 2024; 15:850. [PMID: 38346952 PMCID: PMC10861589 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44889-w] [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: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Conserved epitopes shared between virus subtypes are often subdominant, making it difficult to induce broadly reactive antibodies by immunization. Here, we generate a plasmid DNA mix vaccine that encodes protein heterodimers with sixteen different influenza A virus hemagglutinins (HA) representing all HA subtypes except H1 (group 1) and H7 (group 2). Each single heterodimer expresses two different HA subtypes and is targeted to MHC class II on antigen presenting cells (APC). Female mice immunized with the plasmid mix produce antibodies not only against the 16 HA subtypes, but also against non-included H1 and H7. We demonstrate that individual antibody molecules cross-react between different HAs. Furthermore, the mix vaccine induces T cell responses to conserved HA epitopes. Immunized mice are partially protected against H1 viruses. The results show that application of valency-based immuno-selection to diversified antigens can be used to direct antibody responses towards conserved (subdominant) epitopes on viral antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniëla Maria Hinke
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Immunology (IMM), University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ane Marie Anderson
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Immunology (IMM), University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kirankumar Katta
- Institute of Immunology (IMM), University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Demo Yemane Tesfaye
- Institute of Immunology (IMM), University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Davide Angeletti
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gunnveig Grødeland
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Immunology (IMM), University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjarne Bogen
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
- Institute of Immunology (IMM), University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Ranveig Braathen
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
- Institute of Immunology (IMM), University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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Kuczkowska K, Bjerkan L, Stubsrud E, Husbyn HC, Chellappa S, Hauge A, Skarshaug R, Torgersen ML, Heim JB, Jørgensen MJ, Wold CW, Schleimann MH, Tolstrup M, Granum S, Fredriksen AB, Pedersen MW, Norheim G. A novel SARS-CoV-2 Beta RBD DNA vaccine directly targeted to antigen-presenting cells induces strong humoral and T cell responses. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18902. [PMID: 37919366 PMCID: PMC10622562 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46223-8] [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: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, several variants of concern (VoC) of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have evolved, affecting the efficacy of the approved COVID-19 vaccines. To address the need for vaccines that induce strong and persistent cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies and T cell responses, we developed a prophylactic SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate based on our easily and rapidly adaptable plasmid DNA vaccine platform. The vaccine candidate, referred to here as VB2129, encodes a protein homodimer consisting of the receptor binding domain (RBD) from lineage B.1.351 (Beta) of SARS-CoV-2, a VoC with a severe immune profile, linked to a targeting unit (human LD78β/CCL3L1) that binds chemokine receptors on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and a dimerization unit (derived from the hinge and CH3 exons of human IgG3). Immunogenicity studies in mice demonstrated that the APC-targeted vaccine induced strong antibody responses to both homologous Beta RBD and heterologous RBDs derived from Wuhan, Alpha, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron BA.1 variants, as well as cross-neutralizing antibodies against these VoC. Overall, preclinical data justify the exploration of VB2129 as a potential booster vaccine that induces broader antibody- and T cell-based protection against current and future SARS-CoV-2 VoC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kuczkowska
- Nykode Therapeutics AS, Oslo Research Park, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Louise Bjerkan
- Nykode Therapeutics AS, Oslo Research Park, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elisabeth Stubsrud
- Nykode Therapeutics AS, Oslo Research Park, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Stalin Chellappa
- Nykode Therapeutics AS, Oslo Research Park, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349, Oslo, Norway
- Veterinærinstituttet, Elizabeth Stephansens Vei 1, 1433, Ås, Norway
| | - Anette Hauge
- Nykode Therapeutics AS, Oslo Research Park, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349, Oslo, Norway
| | - Renate Skarshaug
- Nykode Therapeutics AS, Oslo Research Park, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Joel Benjamin Heim
- Nykode Therapeutics AS, Oslo Research Park, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Mariane Høgsbjerg Schleimann
- Department of Clinical Medicine/Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 45, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Martin Tolstrup
- Department of Clinical Medicine/Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 45, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Stine Granum
- Nykode Therapeutics AS, Oslo Research Park, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Gunnstein Norheim
- Nykode Therapeutics AS, Oslo Research Park, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349, Oslo, Norway
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Barrio-Calvo M, Kofoed SV, Holste SC, Sørensen AB, Viborg N, Kringelum JV, Kleine-Kohlbrecher D, Steenmans CS, Thygesen CB, Rønø B, Friis S. Targeting neoantigens to APC-surface molecules improves the immunogenicity and anti-tumor efficacy of a DNA cancer vaccine. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1234912. [PMID: 37720215 PMCID: PMC10499626 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1234912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tumor-specific mutations generate neoepitopes unique to the cancer that can be recognized by the immune system, making them appealing targets for therapeutic cancer vaccines. Since the vast majority of tumor mutations are patient-specific, it is crucial for cancer vaccine designs to be compatible with individualized treatment strategies. Plasmid DNA vaccines have substantiated the immunogenicity and tumor eradication capacity of cancer neoepitopes in preclinical models. Moreover, early clinical trials evaluating personalized neoepitope vaccines have indicated favorable safety profiles and demonstrated their ability to elicit specific immune responses toward the vaccine neoepitopes. Methods By fusing in silico predicted neoepitopes to molecules with affinity for receptors on the surface of APCs, such as chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 19 (CCL19), we designed an APC-targeting cancer vaccine and evaluated their ability to induce T-cell responses and anti-tumor efficacy in the BALB/c syngeneic preclinical tumor model. Results In this study, we demonstrate how the addition of an antigen-presenting cell (APC) binding molecule to DNA-encoded cancer neoepitopes improves neoepitope-specific T-cell responses and the anti-tumor efficacy of plasmid DNA vaccines. Dose-response evaluation and longitudinal analysis of neoepitope-specific T-cell responses indicate that combining APC-binding molecules with the delivery of personalized tumor antigens holds the potential to improve the clinical efficacy of therapeutic DNA cancer vaccines. Discussion Our findings indicate the potential of the APC-targeting strategy to enhance personalized DNA cancer vaccines while acknowledging the need for further research to investigate its molecular mechanism of action and to translate the preclinical results into effective treatments for cancer patients.
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Westhrin M, Blazevski J, Textor A, Abdollahi P, Gopalakrishnan RP, Ngo LT, Hofgaard PO, Heinzelbecker J, Bobic S, Fossum E, Spång HCL, Braathen R, Bogen B. Id-neoantigen vaccine induces therapeutic CD8 + T cells against multiple myeloma: H chain-loss escapees cause FLC MM. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006944. [PMID: 37607769 PMCID: PMC10445383 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-006944] [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] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple myeloma (MM) cancers originate from plasma cells that have passed through the germinal center reaction where somatic hypermutation of Ig V regions takes place. Myeloma protein V regions often express many mutations and are thus a rich source of neoantigens (traditionally called idiotopes (Id)). Therefore, these are highly tumor-specific and excellent targets for immunotherapy. METHODS We have developed a DNA Id vaccine which as translated protein targets conventional dendritic cells (cDC) for CCL3-mediated delivery of myeloma protein V regions in a single-chain fragment variable (scFv) format. Vaccine efficacy was studied in the mouse MM model, mineral oil-induced plasmacytoma 315.BM. RESULTS The Id vaccine protected mice against a challenge with MM cells. Moreover, the vaccine had a therapeutic effect. However, in some of the vaccinated mice, MM cells not producing H chains escaped rejection, resulting in free light chain (FLC) MM. Depletion of CD8+ T cells abrogated vaccine efficacy, and protection was observed to be dependent on cDC1s, using Batf3-/- mice. Modifications of scFv in the vaccine demonstrated that CD8+ T cells were specific for two mutated VH sequences. CONCLUSIONS VH neoantigen-specific CD8+ T cells elicited by CCL3-containing Id vaccines had a therapeutic effect against MM in a mouse model. MM cells could escape rejection by losing expression of the H chain, thus giving rise to FLC MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marita Westhrin
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jana Blazevski
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ana Textor
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Pegah Abdollahi
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Linda Thuy Ngo
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Peter Olaf Hofgaard
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Julia Heinzelbecker
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sonja Bobic
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Even Fossum
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Ranveig Braathen
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjarne Bogen
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Werninghaus IC, Hinke DM, Fossum E, Bogen B, Braathen R. Neuraminidase delivered as an APC-targeted DNA vaccine induces protective antibodies against influenza. Mol Ther 2023; 31:2188-2205. [PMID: 36926694 PMCID: PMC10362400 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional influenza vaccines focus on hemagglutinin (HA). However, antibody responses to neuraminidase (NA) have been established as an independent correlate of protection. Here, we introduced the ectodomain of NA into DNA vaccines that, as translated dimeric vaccine proteins, target antigen-presenting cells (APCs). The targeting was mediated by an single-chain variable fragment specific for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, which is genetically linked to NA via a dimerization motif. A single immunization of BALB/c mice elicited strong and long-lasting NA-specific antibodies that inhibited NA enzymatic activity and reduced viral replication. Vaccine-induced NA immunity completely protected against a homologous influenza virus and out-competed NA immunity induced by a conventional inactivated virus vaccine. The protection was mainly mediated by antibodies, although NA-specific T cells also contributed. APC-targeting and antigen bivalency were crucial for vaccine efficacy. The APC-targeted vaccine was potent at low doses of DNA, indicating a dose-sparing effect. Similar results were obtained with NA vaccines that targeted different surface molecules on dendritic cells. Interestingly, the protective efficacy of NA as antigen compared favorably with HA and therefore ought to receive more attention in influenza vaccine research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina Charlotta Werninghaus
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway; Division of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Daniëla Maria Hinke
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Even Fossum
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjarne Bogen
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway; Division of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ranveig Braathen
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway; Division of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway.
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Trimeric, APC-Targeted Subunit Vaccines Protect Mice against Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza. J Virol 2023; 97:e0169422. [PMID: 36719241 PMCID: PMC9972960 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01694-22] [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] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral subunit vaccines contain the specific antigen deemed most important for development of protective immune responses. Typically, the chosen antigen is a surface protein involved in cellular entry of the virus, and neutralizing antibodies may prevent this. For influenza, hemagglutinin (HA) is thus a preferred antigen. However, the natural trimeric form of HA is often not considered during subunit vaccine development. Here, we have designed a vaccine format that maintains the trimeric HA conformation while targeting antigen toward major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) molecules or chemokine receptors on antigen-presenting cells (APC) for enhanced immunogenicity. Results demonstrated that a single DNA vaccination induced strong antibody and T-cell responses in mice. Importantly, a single DNA vaccination also protected mice from lethal challenges with influenza viruses H1N1 and H5N1. To further evaluate the versatility of the format, we developed MHCII-targeted HA from influenza A/California/04/2009(H1N1) as a protein vaccine and benchmarked this against Pandemrix and Flublok. These vaccine formats are different, but similar immune responses obtained with lower vaccine doses indicated that the MHCII-targeted subunit vaccine has an immunogenicity and efficacy that warrants progression to larger animals and humans. IMPORTANCE Subunit vaccines present only selected viral proteins to the immune system and allow for safe and easy production. Here, we have developed a novel vaccine where influenza hemagglutinin is presented in the natural trimeric form and then steered toward antigen-presenting cells for increased immunogenicity. We demonstrate efficient induction of antibodies and T-cell responses, and demonstrate that the vaccine format can protect mice against influenza subtypes H1N1, H5N1, and H7N1.
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Domenjo-Vila E, Casella V, Iwabuchi R, Fossum E, Pedragosa M, Castellví Q, Cebollada Rica P, Kaisho T, Terahara K, Bocharov G, Argilaguet J, Meyerhans A. XCR1+ DCs are critical for T cell-mediated immunotherapy of chronic viral infections. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112123. [PMID: 36795562 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The contribution of cross-presenting XCR1+ dendritic cells (DCs) and SIRPα+ DCs in maintaining T cell function during exhaustion and immunotherapeutic interventions of chronic infections remains poorly characterized. Using the mouse model of chronic LCMV infection, we found that XCR1+ DCs are more resistant to infection and highly activated compared with SIRPα+ DCs. Exploiting XCR1+ DCs via Flt3L-mediated expansion or XCR1-targeted vaccination notably reinvigorates CD8+ T cells and improves virus control. Upon PD-L1 blockade, XCR1+ DCs are not required for the proliferative burst of progenitor exhausted CD8+ T (TPEX) cells but are indispensable to sustain the functionality of exhausted CD8+ T (TEX) cells. Combining anti-PD-L1 therapy with increased frequency of XCR1+ DCs improves functionality of TPEX and TEX subsets, while increase of SIRPα+ DCs dampened their proliferation. Together, this demonstrates that XCR1+ DCs are crucial for the success of checkpoint inhibitor-based therapies through differential activation of exhausted CD8+ T cell subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Domenjo-Vila
- Infection Biology Laboratory, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences (MELIS), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Valentina Casella
- Infection Biology Laboratory, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences (MELIS), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ryutaro Iwabuchi
- Department of Immunology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Even Fossum
- Department of Immunology, Division of Laboratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mireia Pedragosa
- Infection Biology Laboratory, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences (MELIS), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Quim Castellví
- Department of Information and Communication Technologies, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Cebollada Rica
- Infection Biology Laboratory, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences (MELIS), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tsuneyasu Kaisho
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Terahara
- Department of Immunology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Gennady Bocharov
- Marchuk Institute of Numerical Mathematics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia; Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Jordi Argilaguet
- Infection Biology Laboratory, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences (MELIS), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; IRTA, Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA-IRTA-UAB), Campus de la Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
| | - Andreas Meyerhans
- Infection Biology Laboratory, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences (MELIS), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.
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Cagigi A, Douradinha B. Have mRNA vaccines sentenced DNA vaccines to death? Expert Rev Vaccines 2023; 22:1154-1167. [PMID: 37941101 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2023.2282065] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION After receiving emergency approval during the COVID-19 pandemic, mRNA vaccines have taken center stage in the quest to enhance future vaccination strategies for both infectious diseases and cancer. Indeed, they have significantly overshadowed another facet of genetic vaccination, specifically DNA vaccines. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that both types of genetic vaccines have distinct advantages and disadvantages that set them apart from each other. AREAS COVERED In this work, we delve extensively into the history of genetic vaccines, their mechanisms of action, their strengths, and limitations, and ultimately highlight ongoing research in key areas for potential enhancement of both DNA and mRNA vaccines. EXPERT OPINION Here, we assess the significance of the primary benefits and drawbacks associated with DNA and mRNA vaccination. We challenge the current lines of thought by highlighting that the existing drawbacks of DNA vaccination could potentially be more straightforward to address compared to those linked with mRNA vaccination. In our view, this suggests that DNA vaccines should remain viable contenders in the pursuit of the future of vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Cagigi
- Nykode Therapeutics ASA, Oslo Science Park, Oslo, Norway
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Hillemanns P, Denecke A, Woelber L, Böhmer G, Jentschke M, Schjetne KW, Bruins Slot KMH, Fredriksen AB. A Therapeutic Antigen-Presenting Cell-Targeting DNA Vaccine VB10.16 in HPV16-Positive High-Grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia: Results from a Phase I/IIa Trial. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:4885-4892. [PMID: 36129459 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-1927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the safety, immunogenicity and efficacy of a therapeutic DNA vaccine VB10.16, using a unique modular vaccine technology that is based on linking antigens to CCL3L1 targeting module, in women with HPV16-positive high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a first-in-human, open-label, phase I/IIa clinical trial of VB10.16 in subjects with confirmed HPV16-positive CIN 2/3. The primary endpoint was the proportion of participants with adverse events, including dose-limiting toxicities. Secondary outcome measures included measuring the E6/E7-specific cellular immune response. In the Expansion cohort HPV16 clearance, regression of CIN lesion size and grading were assessed during a 12-month follow-up period. RESULTS A total of 34 women were enrolled: 16 in two dose cohorts and 18 in the expansion cohort. No serious adverse events or dose-limiting toxicities were observed, and none of the subjects discontinued treatment with VB10.16 due to an adverse event. Mild to moderate injection site reactions were the most commonly reported adverse event (79%). HPV16-specific T-cell responses were observed after vaccination in the majority of the subjects. In the expansion cohort, HPV16 clearance was seen in 8 of 17 evaluable subjects (47%). Reductions in lesion size were seen in 16 subjects (94%) and 10 subjects (59%) had regression to CIN 0/1. Correlation between strong IFNγ T-cell responses and lesion size reduction was statistically significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The novel therapeutic DNA vaccine VB10.16 was well tolerated and showed promising evidence of efficacy and strong HPV16-specific T-cell responses in subjects with high-grade CIN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Hillemanns
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Agnieszka Denecke
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Linn Woelber
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gerd Böhmer
- IZD Institut für Zytologie und Dysplasie, Hannover, Germany
| | - Matthias Jentschke
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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11
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Hinke DM, Andersen TK, Gopalakrishnan RP, Skullerud LM, Werninghaus IC, Grødeland G, Fossum E, Braathen R, Bogen B. Antigen bivalency of antigen-presenting cell-targeted vaccines increases B cell responses. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110901. [PMID: 35649357 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibodies are important for vaccine efficacy. Targeting antigens to antigen-presenting cells (APCs) increases antibody levels. Here, we explore the role of antigen valency in MHC class II (MHCII)-targeted vaccines delivered as DNA. We design heterodimeric proteins that carry either two identical (bivalent vaccines), or two different antigens (monovalent vaccines). Bivalent vaccines with two identical influenza hemagglutinins (HA) elicit higher amounts of anti-HA antibodies in mice than monovalent versions with two different HAs. Bivalent vaccines increase the levels of germinal center (GC) B cells and long-lived plasma cells. Only HA-bivalent vaccines completely protect mice against challenge with homologous influenza virus. Similar results are obtained with other antigens by targeting CD11c and Xcr1 on dendritic cells (DCs) or when administering the vaccine as protein with adjuvant. Bivalency probably increases B cell responses by cross-linking BCRs in readily observable DC-B cell synapses. These results are important for generating potent APC-targeted vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniëla Maria Hinke
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo 0372, Norway; Department of Immunology (IMM), University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo 0372, Norway
| | - Tor Kristian Andersen
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo 0372, Norway; Department of Immunology (IMM), University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo 0372, Norway
| | | | - Lise Madelene Skullerud
- Department of Immunology (IMM), University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo 0372, Norway
| | | | - Gunnveig Grødeland
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo 0372, Norway; Department of Immunology (IMM), University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo 0372, Norway
| | - Even Fossum
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo 0372, Norway; Department of Immunology (IMM), University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo 0372, Norway
| | - Ranveig Braathen
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo 0372, Norway; Department of Immunology (IMM), University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo 0372, Norway.
| | - Bjarne Bogen
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo 0372, Norway; Department of Immunology (IMM), University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo 0372, Norway.
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12
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Tesfaye DY, Bobic S, Lysén A, Huszthy PC, Gudjonsson A, Braathen R, Bogen B, Fossum E. Targeting Xcr1 on Dendritic Cells Rapidly Induce Th1-Associated Immune Responses That Contribute to Protection Against Influenza Infection. Front Immunol 2022; 13:752714. [PMID: 35296089 PMCID: PMC8918470 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.752714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting antigen to conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) can improve antigen-specific immune responses and additionally be used to influence the polarization of the immune responses. However, the mechanisms by which this is achieved are less clear. To improve our understanding, we here evaluate molecular and cellular requirements for CD4+ T cell and antibody polarization after immunization with Xcl1-fusion vaccines that specifically target cDC1s. Xcl1-fusion vaccines induced an IgG2a/IgG2b-dominated antibody response and rapid polarization of Th1 cells both in vitro and in vivo. For comparison, we included fliC-fusion vaccines that almost exclusively induced IgG1, despite inducing a more mixed polarization of T cells. Th1 polarization and IgG2a induction with Xcl1-fusion vaccines required IL-12 secretion but were nevertheless maintained in BATF3-/- mice which lack IL-12-secreting migratory DCs. Interestingly, induction of IgG2a-dominated responses was highly dependent on the early kinetics of Th1 induction and was important for optimal protection in an influenza infection model. Early Th1 induction was dominant, since a combined Xcl1- and fliC-fusion vaccine induced IgG2a/IgG2b polarized antibody responses similar to Xcl1-fusion vaccines alone. In summary, our results demonstrate that targeting antigen to Xcr1+ cDC1s is an efficient strategy for enhancing IgG2a antibody responses through rapid Th1 induction, which can be utilized for improved vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demo Yemane Tesfaye
- Department of Immunology, Division of Laboratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Center for Research on Influenza Vaccines, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sonja Bobic
- Department of Immunology, Division of Laboratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Center for Research on Influenza Vaccines, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anna Lysén
- Department of Immunology, Division of Laboratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Center for Research on Influenza Vaccines, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Peter Csaba Huszthy
- Department of Immunology, Division of Laboratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Center for Immune Regulation, Institute of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arnar Gudjonsson
- Department of Immunology, Division of Laboratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Center for Research on Influenza Vaccines, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ranveig Braathen
- Department of Immunology, Division of Laboratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Center for Research on Influenza Vaccines, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjarne Bogen
- Department of Immunology, Division of Laboratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Center for Research on Influenza Vaccines, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Center for Immune Regulation, Institute of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Even Fossum
- Department of Immunology, Division of Laboratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Center for Research on Influenza Vaccines, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- *Correspondence: Even Fossum,
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13
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Keresztes G, Baer M, Alfenito MR, Verwoerd TC, Kovalchuk A, Wiebe MG, Andersen TK, Saloheimo M, Tchelet R, Kensinger R, Grødeland G, Emalfarb M. The Highly Productive Thermothelomyces heterothallica C1 Expression System as a Host for Rapid Development of Influenza Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10020148. [PMID: 35214607 PMCID: PMC8877961 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Influenza viruses constantly change and evade prior immune responses, forcing seasonal re-vaccinations with updated vaccines. Current FDA-approved vaccine manufacturing technologies are too slow and/or expensive to quickly adapt to mid-season changes in the virus or to the emergence of pandemic strains. Therefore, cost-effective vaccine technologies that can quickly adapt to newly emerged strains are desirable. (2) The filamentous fungal host Thermothelomyces heterothallica C1 (C1, formerly Myceliophthora thermophila) offers a highly efficient and cost-effective alternative to reliably produce immunogens of vaccine quality at large scale. (3) We showed the utility of the C1 system expressing hemagglutinin (HA) and a HA fusion protein from different H1N1 influenza A virus strains. Mice vaccinated with the C1-derived HA proteins elicited anti-HA immune responses similar, or stronger than mice vaccinated with HA products derived from prototypical expression systems. A challenge study demonstrated that vaccinated mice were protected against the aggressive homologous viral challenge. (4) The C1 expression system is proposed as part of a set of protein expression systems for plug-and-play vaccine manufacturing platforms. Upon the emergence of pathogens of concern these platforms could serve as a quick solution for producing enough vaccines for immunizing the world population in a much shorter time and more affordably than is possible with current platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabor Keresztes
- Dyadic International Inc., 140 Intracoastal Pointe Drive, Suite 404, Jupiter, FL 33477, USA; (G.K.); (T.C.V.); (R.T.)
| | - Mark Baer
- EnGen Bio LLC, 61 Avondale Ave., Redwood City, CA 94062, USA; (M.B.); (M.R.A.)
| | - Mark R. Alfenito
- EnGen Bio LLC, 61 Avondale Ave., Redwood City, CA 94062, USA; (M.B.); (M.R.A.)
| | - Theo C. Verwoerd
- Dyadic International Inc., 140 Intracoastal Pointe Drive, Suite 404, Jupiter, FL 33477, USA; (G.K.); (T.C.V.); (R.T.)
| | - Andriy Kovalchuk
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., P.O. Box 1000, 02044 Espoo, Finland; (A.K.); (M.G.W.); (M.S.)
| | - Marilyn G. Wiebe
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., P.O. Box 1000, 02044 Espoo, Finland; (A.K.); (M.G.W.); (M.S.)
| | - Tor Kristian Andersen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0027 Oslo, Norway; (T.K.A.); (G.G.)
| | - Markku Saloheimo
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., P.O. Box 1000, 02044 Espoo, Finland; (A.K.); (M.G.W.); (M.S.)
| | - Ronen Tchelet
- Dyadic International Inc., 140 Intracoastal Pointe Drive, Suite 404, Jupiter, FL 33477, USA; (G.K.); (T.C.V.); (R.T.)
| | - Richard Kensinger
- Sanofi Pasteur, 1541 Ave. Marcel Mérieux, 69280 Marcy l’Etoile, France;
| | - Gunnveig Grødeland
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0027 Oslo, Norway; (T.K.A.); (G.G.)
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, 0027 Oslo, Norway
| | - Mark Emalfarb
- Dyadic International Inc., 140 Intracoastal Pointe Drive, Suite 404, Jupiter, FL 33477, USA; (G.K.); (T.C.V.); (R.T.)
- Correspondence:
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14
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Lysén A, Gudjonsson A, Tesfaye DY, Bobic S, Bern M, Bogen B, Fossum E. Intranasal delivery of a cDC1 targeted influenza vaccine with poly(I:C) enhances T cell responses and protects against influenza infection. Scand J Immunol 2021; 95:e13128. [PMID: 34923667 DOI: 10.1111/sji.13128] [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: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Targeting antigens to dendritic cells represent a promising method for enhancing immune responses against specific antigens. However, many studies have focused on systemic delivery (intravenous or intraperitoneally) of targeted antigen, approaches that are not easily transferable to humans. Here we evaluate the efficacy of an influenza vaccine targeting Xcr1+ cDC1 administered by intranasal immunization. Intranasal delivery of antigen fused to the chemokine Xcl1, the ligand of Xcr1, resulted in specific uptake by lung CD103+ cDC1. Interestingly, intranasal immunization with influenza A/PR/8/34 haemagglutinin (HA) fused to Xcl1, formulated with poly(I:C), resulted in enhanced induction of antigen-specific IFNγ+ CD4+ and IFNγ+ CD8+ T cell responses in lung compared non-targeted anti-NIP-HA (αNIP-HA). Induction of antibody responses was, however, similar in Xcl1-HA and αNIP-HA immunized mice, but significantly higher than in mice immunized with monomeric HA. Both Xcl1-HA and αNIP-HA vaccines induced full protection when mice were challenged with a lethal dose of influenza PR8 virus, reflecting the strong induction of HA-specific antibodies. Our results demonstrate that i.n. delivery of Xcl1-HA is a promising vaccine strategy for enhancing T cell responses in addition to inducing strong antibody responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lysén
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Research on Influenza Vaccines, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Arnar Gudjonsson
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Research on Influenza Vaccines, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Demo Yemane Tesfaye
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Research on Influenza Vaccines, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sonja Bobic
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Research on Influenza Vaccines, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Malin Bern
- Center for Immune Regulation, Institute of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine and Department of Pharmacology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjarne Bogen
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Research on Influenza Vaccines, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Center for Immune Regulation, Institute of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Even Fossum
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Research on Influenza Vaccines, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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15
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Bjerkan L, Visweswaran GRR, Gudjonsson A, Labbé GM, Quinkert D, Pattinson DJ, Spång HCL, Draper SJ, Bogen B, Braathen R. APC-Targeted DNA Vaccination Against Reticulocyte-Binding Protein Homolog 5 Induces Plasmodium falciparum-Specific Neutralizing Antibodies and T Cell Responses. Front Immunol 2021; 12:720550. [PMID: 34733274 PMCID: PMC8558525 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.720550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted delivery of antigen to antigen presenting cells (APCs) is an efficient way to induce robust antigen-specific immune responses. Here, we present a novel DNA vaccine that targets the Plasmodium falciparum reticulocyte-binding protein homolog 5 (PfRH5), a leading blood-stage antigen of the human malaria pathogen, to APCs. The vaccine is designed as bivalent homodimers where each chain is composed of an amino-terminal single chain fragment variable (scFv) targeting unit specific for major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) expressed on APCs, and a carboxyl-terminal antigenic unit genetically linked by the dimerization unit. This vaccine format, named “Vaccibody”, has previously been successfully applied for antigens from other infectious diseases including influenza and HIV, as well as for tumor antigens. Recently, the crystal structure and key functional antibody epitopes for the truncated version of PfRH5 (PfRH5ΔNL) were characterized, suggesting PfRH5ΔNL to be a promising candidate for next-generation PfRH5 vaccine design. In this study, we explored the APC-targeting strategy for a PfRH5ΔNL-containing DNA vaccine. BALB/c mice immunized with the targeted vaccine induced higher PfRH5-specific IgG1 antibody responses than those vaccinated with a non-targeted vaccine or antigen alone. The APC-targeted vaccine also efficiently induced rapid IFN-γ and IL-4 T cell responses. Furthermore, the vaccine-induced PfRH5-specific IgG showed inhibition of growth of the P. falciparum 3D7 clone parasite in vitro. Finally, sera obtained after vaccination with this targeted vaccine competed for the same epitopes as PfRH5-specific mAbs from vaccinated humans. Robust humoral responses were also induced by a similar P. vivax Duffy-binding protein (PvDBP)-containing targeted DNA vaccine. Our data highlight a novel targeted vaccine platform for the development of vaccines against blood-stage malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Bjerkan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Arnar Gudjonsson
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Doris Quinkert
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Heidi C L Spång
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Simon J Draper
- Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Bjarne Bogen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ranveig Braathen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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16
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Andersen TK, Bodin J, Oftung F, Bogen B, Mjaaland S, Grødeland G. Pandemic Preparedness Against Influenza: DNA Vaccine for Rapid Relief. Front Immunol 2021; 12:747032. [PMID: 34691056 PMCID: PMC8531196 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.747032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The 2009 “swine flu” pandemic outbreak demonstrated the limiting capacity for egg-based vaccines with respect to global vaccine supply within a timely fashion. New vaccine platforms that efficiently can quench pandemic influenza emergences are urgently needed. Since 2009, there has been a profound development of new vaccine platform technologies with respect to prophylactic use in the population, including DNA vaccines. These vaccines are particularly well suited for global pandemic responses as the DNA format is temperature stable and the production process is cheap and rapid. Here, we show that by targeting influenza antigens directly to antigen presenting cells (APC), DNA vaccine efficacy equals that of conventional technologies. A single dose of naked DNA encoding hemagglutinin (HA) from influenza/A/California/2009 (H1N1), linked to a targeting moiety directing the vaccine to major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) molecules, raised similar humoral immune responses as the adjuvanted split virion vaccine Pandemrix, widely administered in the 2009 pandemic. Both vaccine formats rapidly induced serum antibodies that could protect mice already 8 days after a single immunization, in contrast to the slower kinetics of a seasonal trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV). Importantly, the DNA vaccine also elicited cytotoxic T-cell responses that reduced morbidity after vaccination, in contrast to very limited T-cell responses seen after immunization with Pandemrix and TIV. These data demonstrate that DNA vaccines has the potential as a single dose platform vaccine, with rapid protective effects without the need for adjuvant, and confirms the relevance of naked DNA vaccines as candidates for pandemic preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tor Kristian Andersen
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Johanna Bodin
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Fredrik Oftung
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjarne Bogen
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Clinic for Laboratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Siri Mjaaland
- Division for Infection Control and Environmental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gunnveig Grødeland
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Clinic for Laboratory Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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17
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Nano DNA Vaccine Encoding Toxoplasma gondii Histone Deacetylase SIR2 Enhanced Protective Immunity in Mice. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13101582. [PMID: 34683874 PMCID: PMC8538992 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13101582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogen of toxoplasmosis, Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), is a zoonotic protozoon that can affect the health of warm-blooded animals including humans. Up to now, an effective vaccine with completely protection is still inaccessible. In this study, the DNA vaccine encoding T. gondii histone deacetylase SIR2 (pVAX1-SIR2) was constructed. To enhance the efficacy, chitosan and poly (d, l-lactic-co-glycolic)-acid (PLGA) were employed to design nanospheres loaded with the DNA vaccine, denoted as pVAX1-SIR2/CS and pVAX1-SIR2/PLGA nanospheres. The pVAX1-SIR2 plasmids were transfected into HEK 293-T cells, and the expression was evaluated by a laser scanning confocal microscopy. Then, the immune protections of pVAX1-SIR2 plasmid, pVAX1-SIR2/CS nanospheres, and pVAX1-SIR2/PLGA nanospheres were evaluated in a laboratory animal model. The in vivo findings indicated that pVAX1-SIR2/CS and pVAX1-SIR2/PLGA nanospheres could generate a mixed Th1/Th2 immune response, as indicated by the regulated production of antibodies and cytokines, the enhanced maturation and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) expression of dendritic cells (DCs), the induced splenocyte proliferation, and the increased percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. Furthermore, this enhanced immunity could obviously reduce the parasite burden in immunized animals through a lethal dose of T. gondii RH strain challenge. All these results propose that pVAX1-SIR2 plasmids entrapped in chitosan or PLGA nanospheres could be the promising vaccines against acute T. gondii infections and deserve further investigations.
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18
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Yu Z, Cao W, Gao X, Aleem MT, Liu J, Luo J, Yan R, Xu L, Song X, Li X. With Chitosan and PLGA as the Delivery Vehicle, Toxoplasma gondii Oxidoreductase-Based DNA Vaccines Decrease Parasite Burdens in Mice. Front Immunol 2021; 12:726615. [PMID: 34512659 PMCID: PMC8430031 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.726615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an intracellular parasitic protozoan that can cause serious public health problems. However, there is no effectively preventive or therapeutic strategy available for human and animals. In the present study, we developed a DNA vaccine encoding T. gondii oxidoreductase from short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase family (TgSDRO-pVAX1) and then entrapped in chitosan and poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) to improve the efficacy. When encapsulated in chitosan (TgSDRO-pVAX1/CS nanospheres) and PLGA (TgSDRO-pVAX1/PLGA nanospheres), adequate plasmids were loaded and released stably. Before animal immunizations, the DNA vaccine was transfected into HEK 293-T cells and examined by western blotting and laser confocal microscopy. Th1/Th2 cellular and humoral immunity was induced in immunized mice, accompanied by modulated secretion of antibodies and cytokines, promoted the maturation and MHC expression of dendritic cells, and enhanced the percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. Immunization with TgSDRO-pVAX1/CS and TgSDRO-pVAX1/PLGA nanospheres conferred significant immunity with lower parasite burden in the mice model of acute toxoplasmosis. Furthermore, our results also lent credit to the idea that TgSDRO-pVAX1/CS and TgSDRO-pVAX1/PLGA nanospheres are substitutes for each other. In general, the current study proposed that TgSDRO-pVAX1 with chitosan or PLGA as the delivery vehicle is a promising vaccine candidate against acute toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengqing Yu
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wandi Cao
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuchen Gao
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Muhammad Tahir Aleem
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Junlong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianxun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ruofeng Yan
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lixin Xu
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaokai Song
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangrui Li
- Ministry of Education (MOE) Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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19
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Fossum E, Tesfaye DY, Bobic S, Gudjonsson A, Braathen R, Lahoud MH, Caminschi I, Bogen B. Targeting Antigens to Different Receptors on Conventional Type 1 Dendritic Cells Impacts the Immune Response. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 205:661-673. [PMID: 32591401 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1901119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Targeting Ag to surface receptors on conventional type 1 dendritic cells can enhance induction of Ab and T cell responses. However, it is unclear to what extent the targeted receptor influences the resulting responses. In this study, we target Ag to Xcr1, Clec9A, or DEC-205, surface receptors that are expressed on conventional type 1 dendritic cells, and compare immune responses in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice in vitro and in vivo after intradermal DNA vaccination. Targeting hemagglutinin from influenza A to Clec9A induced Ab responses with higher avidity that more efficiently neutralized influenza virus compared with Xcr1 and DEC-205 targeting. In contrast, targeting Xcr1 resulted in higher IFN-γ+CD8+ T cell responses in spleen and lung and stronger cytotoxicity. Both Clec9A and Xcr1 targeting induced Th1-polarized Ab responses, although the Th1 polarization of CD4+ T cells was more pronounced after Xcr1 targeting. Targeting DEC-205 resulted in poor Ab responses in BALB/c mice and a more mixed Th response. In an influenza challenge model, targeting either Xcr1 or Clec9A induced full and long-term protection against influenza infection, whereas only partial short-term protection was obtained when targeting DEC-205. In summary, the choice of targeting receptor, even on the same dendritic cell subpopulation, may strongly influence the resulting immune response, suggesting that different targeting strategies should be considered depending on the pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Even Fossum
- Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Center for Research on Influenza Vaccines, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, 0027 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Demo Yemane Tesfaye
- Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Center for Research on Influenza Vaccines, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, 0027 Oslo, Norway
| | - Sonja Bobic
- Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Center for Research on Influenza Vaccines, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, 0027 Oslo, Norway
| | - Arnar Gudjonsson
- Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Center for Research on Influenza Vaccines, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, 0027 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ranveig Braathen
- Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Center for Research on Influenza Vaccines, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, 0027 Oslo, Norway
| | - Mireille H Lahoud
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; and
| | - Irina Caminschi
- Infection and Immunity Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia; and.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Bjarne Bogen
- Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Center for Research on Influenza Vaccines, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, 0027 Oslo, Norway;
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20
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Grødeland G, Baranowska-Hustad M, Abadejos J, Blane TR, Teijaro J, Nemazee D, Bogen B. Induction of Cross-Reactive and Protective Antibody Responses After DNA Vaccination With MHCII-Targeted Stem Domain From Influenza Hemagglutinin. Front Immunol 2020; 11:431. [PMID: 32269566 PMCID: PMC7112135 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel and more broadly protective vaccines against influenza are needed to efficiently meet antigenic drift and shift. Relevant to this end, the stem domain of hemagglutinin (HA) is highly conserved, and antibodies specific for epitopes located to the stem have been demonstrated to be able to confer broad protection against various influenza subtypes. However, a remaining challenge is to induce antibodies against the poorly immunogenic stem by vaccination strategies that can be scaled up for prophylactic vaccination of the general population. Here, we have developed DNA vaccines where the conserved stem domain of HA from influenza A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) and A/Shanghai/2/2013 (H7N9) was targeted toward MHC class II molecules on antigen-presenting cells (APC) for increased immunogenicity. Each of these vaccines induced antibodies that cross-reacted with other subtypes in the corresponding phylogenetic influenza groups. Importantly, when mixing the MHCII-targeted stem domains from H1N1 and H7N9 influenza viruses into one vaccine bolus, we observed broad protection against candidate stains from both phylogenetic groups 1 and 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnveig Grødeland
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marta Baranowska-Hustad
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Justin Abadejos
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Tanya R Blane
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - John Teijaro
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - David Nemazee
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Bjarne Bogen
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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21
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Braathen R, Spång HCL, Hinke DM, Blazevski J, Bobic S, Fossum E, Bogen B. A DNA Vaccine That Encodes an Antigen-Presenting Cell-Specific Heterodimeric Protein Protects against Cancer and Influenza. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2020; 17:378-392. [PMID: 32128342 PMCID: PMC7044496 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Immunogenicity of DNA vaccines can be increased by constructing the DNA in such a way that it encodes secreted homodimeric fusion proteins that target antigen-presenting cells (APCs). In this study, we have developed novel APC-targeting vaccine molecules with an increased flexibility due to introduction of a heterodimerization motif. The heterodimeric proteins permit four different fusions within a single molecule, thus allowing expression of two different APC-targeting moieties and two different antigens. Two types of heterodimeric fusion proteins were developed that employed either the ACID/BASE or the Barnase/Barstar motifs, respectively. The ACID/BASE heterodimeric vaccines conferred protection against challenges with either influenza virus or tumor cells in separate preclinical models. The ACID/BASE motif was flexible since a large number of different targeting moieties and antigens could be introduced with maintenance of specificity, antigenicity, and secretion. APC-targeting ACID/BASE vaccines expressing two different antigens induced antibody and T cell responses against either of the two antigens. Heterodimeric ACID/BASE DNA vaccines were of approximately the same potency as previously reported homodimeric DNA vaccines. The flexibility and potency of the ACID/BASE format suggest that it could be a useful platform for DNA vaccines that encode APC-targeting fusion proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranveig Braathen
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccines Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0027 Oslo, Norway
| | - Heidi Cecilie Larsen Spång
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccines Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0027 Oslo, Norway
| | - Daniëla Maria Hinke
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccines Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0027 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jana Blazevski
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccines Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0027 Oslo, Norway
| | - Sonja Bobic
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccines Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0027 Oslo, Norway
| | - Even Fossum
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccines Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0027 Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjarne Bogen
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccines Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0027 Oslo, Norway
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22
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Gudjonsson A, Andersen TK, Sundvold-Gjerstad V, Bogen B, Fossum E. Endocytosis Deficient Murine Xcl1-Fusion Vaccine Enhances Protective Antibody Responses in Mice. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1086. [PMID: 31156636 PMCID: PMC6533920 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting antigen to surface receptors on dendritic cells (DCs) can improve antibody response against subunit vaccines. We have previously observed that human XCL1-fusion vaccines target murine Xcr1+ DCs without actively inducing endocytosis of the antigen, resulting in enhanced antibody responses in mice. However, the use of foreign chemokines for targeting is undesirable when translating this observation to human or veterinary medicine due to potential cross-reactive responses against the endogenous chemokine. Here we have identified a mutant version of murine Xcl1, labeled Xcl1(Δ1) owing to removal of a conserved valine in position 1 of the mature chemokine, that retains specific binding to Xcr1+ DCs without inducing endocytosis of the receptor. DNA immunization with Xcl1(Δ1) conjugated to influenza hemagglutinin (HA) induced improved antibody responses, with higher end point titers of IgG compared to WT Xcl1-HA. The Xcl1(Δ1) fusion vaccine also resulted in an increased number of HA reactive germinal center B cells with higher avidity toward the antigen, and serum transfer experiments show that Xcl1(Δ1)-HA induced antibody responses provided better protection against influenza infection as compared to WT Xcl1-HA. In summary, our observations indicate that targeting antigen to Xcr1+ DCs in an endocytosis deficient manner enhances antibody responses. This effect was obtained by introducing a single mutation to Xcl1, suggesting our strategy may easily be translated to human or veterinary vaccine settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnar Gudjonsson
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tor Kristian Andersen
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vibeke Sundvold-Gjerstad
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjarne Bogen
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Even Fossum
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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23
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Dendritic cell targeted Ccl3- and Xcl1-fusion DNA vaccines differ in induced immune responses and optimal delivery site. Sci Rep 2019; 9:1820. [PMID: 30755656 PMCID: PMC6372594 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-38080-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Fusing antigens to chemokines to target antigen presenting cells (APC) is a promising method for enhancing immunogenicity of DNA vaccines. However, it is unclear how different chemokines compare in terms of immune potentiating effects. Here we compare Ccl3- and Xcl1-fusion vaccines containing hemagglutinin (HA) from influenza A delivered by intramuscular (i.m.) or intradermal (i.d.) DNA vaccination. Xcl1 fusion vaccines target cDC1s, and enhance proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in vitro. In contrast, Ccl3 target both cDC1 and cDC2, but only enhance CD4+ T cell proliferation in combination with cDC2. When Ccl3- or Xcl1-HA fusion vaccines were administered by i.m. DNA immunization, both vaccines induced Th1-polarized immune responses with antibodies of the IgG2a/IgG2b subclass and IFNγ-secreting T cells. After i.d. DNA vaccination, however, only Xcl1-HA maintained a Th1 polarized response and induced even higher numbers of IFNγ-secreting T cells. Consequently, Xcl1-HA induced superior protection against influenza infection compared to Ccl3-HA after i.d. immunization. Interestingly, i.m. immunization with Ccl3-HA induced the strongest overall in vivo cytotoxicity, despite not inducing OT-I proliferation in vitro. In summary, our results highlight important differences between Ccl3- and Xcl1- targeted DNA vaccines suggesting that chemokine fusion vaccines can be tailor-made for different diseases.
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24
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Andersen TK, Huszthy PC, Gopalakrishnan RP, Jacobsen JT, Fauskanger M, Tveita AA, Grødeland G, Bogen B. Enhanced germinal center reaction by targeting vaccine antigen to major histocompatibility complex class II molecules. NPJ Vaccines 2019; 4:9. [PMID: 30775000 PMCID: PMC6370881 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-019-0101-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Enhancing the germinal center (GC) reaction is a prime objective in vaccine development. Targeting of antigen to MHCII on APCs has previously been shown to increase antibody responses, but the underlying mechanism has been unclear. We have here investigated the GC reaction after targeting antigen to MHCII in (i) a defined model with T and B cells of known specificity using adjuvant-free vaccine proteins, and (ii) an infectious disease model using a DNA vaccine. MHCII-targeting enhanced presentation of peptide: MHCII on APCs, and increased the numbers of GC B cells, TFH, and plasma cells. Antibodies appeared earlier and levels were increased. BCR of GC B cells and serum antibodies had increased avidity for antigen. The improved responses required cross-linking of BCR and MHCII in either cis or trans. The enhanced GC reaction induced by MHCII-targeting of antigen has clear implications for design of more efficient subunit vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tor Kristian Andersen
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, N-0027 Oslo, Norway
| | - Peter C. Huszthy
- Centre for Immune Regulation (CIR), University of Oslo, N-0027 Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Marte Fauskanger
- Centre for Immune Regulation (CIR), University of Oslo, N-0027 Oslo, Norway
| | - Anders A. Tveita
- Centre for Immune Regulation (CIR), University of Oslo, N-0027 Oslo, Norway
| | - Gunnveig Grødeland
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, N-0027 Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjarne Bogen
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, N-0027 Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Immune Regulation (CIR), University of Oslo, N-0027 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, N-0424 Oslo, Norway
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25
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Mooij P, Grødeland G, Koopman G, Andersen TK, Mortier D, Nieuwenhuis IG, Verschoor EJ, Fagrouch Z, Bogers WM, Bogen B. Needle-free delivery of DNA: Targeting of hemagglutinin to MHC class II molecules protects rhesus macaques against H1N1 influenza. Vaccine 2019; 37:817-826. [PMID: 30638800 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.12.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Conventional influenza vaccines are hampered by slow and limited production capabilities, whereas DNA vaccines can be rapidly produced for global coverage in the event of an emerging pandemic. However, a drawback of DNA vaccines is their generally low immunogenicity in non-human primates and humans. We have previously demonstrated that targeting of influenza hemagglutinin to human HLA class II molecules can increase antibody responses in larger animals such as ferrets and pigs. Here, we extend these observations by immunizing non-human primates (rhesus macaques) with a DNA vaccine encoding a bivalent fusion protein that targets influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) to Mamu class II molecules. Such immunization induced neutralizing antibodies and antigen-specific T cells. The DNA was delivered by pain- and needle-free jet injections intradermally. No adverse effects were observed. Most importantly, the immunized rhesus macaques were protected against a challenge with influenza virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Mooij
- Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, the Netherlands
| | - Gunnveig Grødeland
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, N-0027 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Gerrit Koopman
- Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, the Netherlands
| | - Tor Kristian Andersen
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, N-0027 Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | | | - Zahra Fagrouch
- Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, the Netherlands
| | - Willy M Bogers
- Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, the Netherlands
| | - Bjarne Bogen
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, N-0027 Oslo, Norway
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26
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Duan K, Hua X, Wang Y, Wang Y, Chen Y, Shi W, Tang L, Li Y, Liu M. Oral immunization with a recombinant Lactobacillus expressing CK6 fused with VP2 protein against IPNV in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 83:223-231. [PMID: 30217507 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2018.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) infects wild and cultured salmonid fish causing high mortality with serious economic losses to salmonid aquaculture. Ideally, the method of oral immunization should prevent the infection of rainbow trout juveniles with IPNV. In the present study, genetically engineered Lactobacillus casei 393 pPG-612-VP2/L. casei 393 and pPG-612-CK6-VP2/L. casei 393 constitutively expressing VP2 protein of IPNV were constructed. The recombinant strains pPG-612-CK6-VP2/L. casei 393 and pPG-612-VP2/L. casei 393 were orally administrated to juvenile rainbow trouts, and significant titers of IgM and IgT of pPG-612-CK6-VP2/L. casei 393 were observed. The results demonstrate that the recombinants could elicit both local mucosal and systemic immune responses. The proliferation of spleen lymphocytes in trouts immunized with pPG-612-CK6-VP2/L. casei 393 showed that the recombinant strain could induce a strong cellular immune response. The IL-1β, IL-8, CK6, MHC-II, Mx, β-defensin, and TNF-1α levels in the spleen and gut suggest that the target molecular chemokine has the ability to attract relevant immune cells to participate in the inflammatory response and enhance the function of the innate immune response. Additionally, the pPG-612-CK6-VP2/L. casei 393 induced the expression of cytokines, which have the effect of promoting inflammation to drive the differentiation of macrophages and clear target cells. After challenging with IPNV, the reduction in viral load caused by pPG-612-CK6-VP2/L. casei 393 was significantly higher than that of the other groups. Thus, the recombinant pPG-612-CK6-VP2/L. casei 393 is a promising candidate for the development of an oral vaccine against IPNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Duan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xiaojing Hua
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yuting Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yanxue Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yaping Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Wen Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Lijie Tang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yijing Li
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Min Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, Heilongjiang, China.
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27
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Anderson AM, Baranowska-Hustad M, Braathen R, Grodeland G, Bogen B. Simultaneous Targeting of Multiple Hemagglutinins to APCs for Induction of Broad Immunity against Influenza. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 200:2057-2066. [PMID: 29427414 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1701088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
There is a need for vaccines that can confer broad immunity against highly diverse pathogens, such as influenza. The efficacy of conventional influenza vaccines is dependent on accurate matching of vaccines to circulating strains, but slow and limited production capacities increase the probability of vaccine mismatches. In contrast, DNA vaccination allows for rapid production of vaccines encoding novel influenza Ags. The efficacy of DNA vaccination is greatly improved if the DNA-encoded vaccine proteins target APCs. In this study, we have used hemagglutinin (HA) genes from each of six group 1 influenza viruses (H5, H6, H8, H9, H11, and H13), and inserted these into a DNA vaccine format that induces delivery of the HA protein Ags to MHC class II molecules on APCs. Each of the targeted DNA vaccines induced high titers of strain-specific anti-HA Abs. Importantly, when the six HA vaccines were mixed and injected simultaneously, the strain-specific Ab titers were maintained. In addition, the vaccine mixture induced Abs that cross-reacted with strains not included in the vaccine mixture (H1) and could protect mice against a heterosubtypic challenge with the H1 viruses A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 (H1N1) and A/California/07/2009 (H1N1). The data suggest that vaccination with a mixture of HAs could be useful for induction of strain-specific immunity against strains represented in the mixture and, in addition, confer some degree of cross-protection against unrelated influenza strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ane Marie Anderson
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0027 Oslo, Norway.,Oslo University Hospital, 0027 Oslo, Norway; and
| | - Marta Baranowska-Hustad
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0027 Oslo, Norway.,Oslo University Hospital, 0027 Oslo, Norway; and
| | - Ranveig Braathen
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0027 Oslo, Norway.,Oslo University Hospital, 0027 Oslo, Norway; and
| | - Gunnveig Grodeland
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0027 Oslo, Norway; .,Oslo University Hospital, 0027 Oslo, Norway; and
| | - Bjarne Bogen
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0027 Oslo, Norway.,Oslo University Hospital, 0027 Oslo, Norway; and.,Centre for Immune Regulation, University of Oslo, 0027 Oslo, Norway
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28
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A DNA Vaccine That Targets Hemagglutinin to Antigen-Presenting Cells Protects Mice against H7 Influenza. J Virol 2017; 91:JVI.01340-17. [PMID: 28931687 PMCID: PMC5686743 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01340-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic influenza H7 viral infections have a case fatality rate of about 40%. Currently, no or limited human to human spread has occurred, but we may be facing a severe pandemic threat if the virus acquires the ability to transmit between humans. Novel vaccines that can be rapidly produced for global distribution are urgently needed, and DNA vaccines may be the only type of vaccine that allows for the speed necessary to quench an emerging pandemic. Here, we constructed DNA vaccines encoding the hemagglutinin (HA) from influenza A/chicken/Italy/13474/99 (H7N1). In order to increase the efficacy of DNA vaccination, HA was targeted to either major histocompatibility complex class II molecules or chemokine receptors 1, 3, and 5 (CCR1/3/5) that are expressed on antigen-presenting cells (APC). A single DNA vaccination with APC-targeted HA significantly increased antibody levels in sera compared to nontargeted control vaccines. The antibodies were confirmed neutralizing in an H7 pseudotype-based neutralization assay. Furthermore, the APC-targeted vaccines increased the levels of antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells, and a single DNA vaccination could confer protection against a lethal challenge with influenza A/turkey/Italy/3889/1999 (H7N1) in mice. In conclusion, we have developed a vaccine that rapidly could contribute protection against a pandemic threat from avian influenza. IMPORTANCE Highly pathogenic avian influenza H7 constitute a pandemic threat that can cause severe illness and death in infected individuals. Vaccination is the main method of prophylaxis against influenza, but current vaccine strategies fall short in a pandemic situation due to a prolonged production time and insufficient production capabilities. In contrast, a DNA vaccine can be rapidly produced and deployed to prevent the potential escalation of a highly pathogenic influenza pandemic. We here demonstrate that a single DNA delivery of hemagglutinin from an H7 influenza could mediate full protection against a lethal challenge with H7N1 influenza in mice. Vaccine efficacy was contingent on targeting of the secreted vaccine protein to antigen-presenting cells.
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29
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Gudjonsson A, Lysén A, Balan S, Sundvold-Gjerstad V, Arnold-Schrauf C, Richter L, Bækkevold ES, Dalod M, Bogen B, Fossum E. Targeting Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin to Xcr1+Dendritic Cells in the Absence of Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis Enhances Protective Antibody Responses. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 198:2785-2795. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1601881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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30
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Grodeland G, Fredriksen AB, Løset GÅ, Vikse E, Fugger L, Bogen B. Antigen Targeting to Human HLA Class II Molecules Increases Efficacy of DNA Vaccination. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 197:3575-3585. [PMID: 27671110 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1600893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
It has been difficult to translate promising results from DNA vaccination in mice to larger animals and humans. Previously, DNA vaccines encoding proteins that target Ag to MHC class II (MHC-II) molecules on APCs have been shown to induce rapid, enhanced, and long-lasting Ag-specific Ab titers in mice. In this study, we describe two novel DNA vaccines that as proteins target HLA class II (HLA-II) molecules. These vaccine proteins cross-react with MHC-II molecules in several species of larger mammals. When tested in ferrets and pigs, a single DNA delivery with low doses of the HLA-II-targeted vaccines resulted in rapid and increased Ab responses. Importantly, painless intradermal jet delivery of DNA was as effective as delivery by needle injection followed by electroporation. As an indication that the vaccines could also be useful for human application, HLA-II-targeted vaccine proteins were found to increase human CD4+ T cell responses by a factor of ×103 in vitro. Thus, targeting of Ag to MHC-II molecules may represent an attractive strategy for increasing efficacy of DNA vaccines in larger animals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnveig Grodeland
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0027 Oslo, Norway;
| | | | - Geir Åge Løset
- Center for Immune Regulation, Institute of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0027 Oslo, Norway.,Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, 0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Elisabeth Vikse
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0027 Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars Fugger
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark; and.,Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Clinical Neurology and Medical Research Council Human Immunology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Bjarne Bogen
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0027 Oslo, Norway; .,Center for Immune Regulation, Institute of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, 0027 Oslo, Norway
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31
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Lambert L, Kinnear E, McDonald JU, Grodeland G, Bogen B, Stubsrud E, Lindeberg MM, Fredriksen AB, Tregoning JS. DNA Vaccines Encoding Antigen Targeted to MHC Class II Induce Influenza-Specific CD8(+) T Cell Responses, Enabling Faster Resolution of Influenza Disease. Front Immunol 2016; 7:321. [PMID: 27602032 PMCID: PMC4993793 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Current influenza vaccines are effective but imperfect, failing to cover against emerging strains of virus and requiring seasonal administration to protect against new strains. A key step to improving influenza vaccines is to improve our understanding of vaccine-induced protection. While it is clear that antibodies play a protective role, vaccine-induced CD8+ T cells can improve protection. To further explore the role of CD8+ T cells, we used a DNA vaccine that encodes antigen dimerized to an immune cell targeting module. Immunizing CB6F1 mice with the DNA vaccine in a heterologous prime-boost regime with the seasonal protein vaccine improved the resolution of influenza disease compared with protein alone. This improved disease resolution was dependent on CD8+ T cells. However, DNA vaccine regimes that induced CD8+ T cells alone were not protective and did not boost the protection provided by protein. The MHC-targeting module used was an anti-I-Ed single chain antibody specific to the BALB/c strain of mice. To test the role of MHC targeting, we compared the response between BALB/c, C57BL/6 mice, and an F1 cross of the two strains (CB6F1). BALB/c mice were protected, C57BL/6 were not, and the F1 had an intermediate phenotype; showing that the targeting of antigen is important in the response. Based on these findings, and in agreement with other studies using different vaccines, we conclude that, in addition to antibody, inducing a protective CD8 response is important in future influenza vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lambert
- Mucosal Infection and Immunity Group, Section of Virology, Department of Medicine, St. Mary's Campus, Imperial College London , London , UK
| | - Ekaterina Kinnear
- Mucosal Infection and Immunity Group, Section of Virology, Department of Medicine, St. Mary's Campus, Imperial College London , London , UK
| | - Jacqueline U McDonald
- Mucosal Infection and Immunity Group, Section of Virology, Department of Medicine, St. Mary's Campus, Imperial College London , London , UK
| | - Gunnveig Grodeland
- K. G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | - Bjarne Bogen
- K. G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute for Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | | | - John S Tregoning
- Mucosal Infection and Immunity Group, Section of Virology, Department of Medicine, St. Mary's Campus, Imperial College London , London , UK
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32
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Baranowska M, Hauge AG, Hoornaert C, Bogen B, Grødeland G. Targeting of nucleoprotein to chemokine receptors by DNA vaccination results in increased CD8(+)-mediated cross protection against influenza. Vaccine 2015; 33:6988-96. [PMID: 26387432 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.08.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Revised: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Vaccination is at present the most efficient way of preventing influenza infections. Currently used inactivated influenza vaccines can induce virus-neutralizing antibodies that are protective against a particular influenza strain, but hamper the induction of cross-protective T-cell responses to later infections. Thus, influenza vaccines need to be updated annually in order to confer protection against circulating influenza strains. This study aims at developing an efficient vaccine that can induce broader protection against influenza. For this purpose, we have used the highly conserved nucleoprotein (NP) from an influenza A virus subtype H7N7 strain, and inserted it into a vaccine format that targets an antigen directly to relevant antigen presenting cells (APCs). The vaccine format consists of bivalent antigenic and targeting units, linked via an Ig-based dimerization unit. In this study, NP was linked to MIP-1α, a chemokine that targets the linked antigen to chemokine receptors 1, 3 and 5 expressed on various APCs. The vaccine protein was indirectly delivered by DNA. Mice were vaccinated intradermally with plasmids, in combination with electroporation to enhance cellular uptake of DNA. We found that a single DNA vaccination was sufficient for induction of both antibody and T cell responses in BALB/c mice. Targeting of nucleoprotein to chemokine receptors enhanced T cell responses but not antibody responses. Moreover, a single dose of MIP1α-NP conferred protection in BALB/c mice against a lethal challenge with an H1N1 influenza virus. The observed cross-protection was mediated by CD8(+) T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Baranowska
- K.G Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anna G Hauge
- Department of Laboratory Services, Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway; Division of Infectious Disease Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Chloé Hoornaert
- K.G Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjarne Bogen
- K.G Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Centre for Immune Regulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gunnveig Grødeland
- K.G Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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33
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Grødeland G, Fossum E, Bogen B. Polarizing T and B Cell Responses by APC-Targeted Subunit Vaccines. Front Immunol 2015; 6:367. [PMID: 26257735 PMCID: PMC4507452 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Current influenza vaccines mostly aim at the induction of specific neutralizing antibodies. While antibodies are important for protection against a particular virus strain, T cells can recognize epitopes that will offer broader protection against influenza. We have previously developed a DNA vaccine format by which protein antigens can be targeted specifically to receptors on antigen presenting cells (APCs). The DNA-encoded vaccine proteins are homodimers, each chain consisting of a targeting unit, a dimerization unit, and an antigen. The strategy of targeting antigen to APCs greatly enhances immune responses as compared to non-targeted controls. Furthermore, targeting of antigen to different receptors on APCs can polarize the immune response to different arms of immunity. Here, we discuss how targeting of hemagglutinin to MHC class II molecules increases Th2 and IgG1 antibody responses, whereas targeting to chemokine receptors XCR1 or CCR1/3/5 increases Th1 and IgG2a responses, in addition to CD8(+) T cell responses. We also discuss these results in relation to work published by others on APC-targeting. Differential targeting of APC surface molecules may allow the induction of tailor-made phenotypes of adaptive immune responses that are optimal for protection against various infectious agents, including influenza virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnveig Grødeland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research (JIV), Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | - Even Fossum
- Department of Clinical Medicine, K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research (JIV), Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
| | - Bjarne Bogen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research (JIV), Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway ; Centre for Immune Regulation (CIR), Institute of Immunology, University of Oslo , Oslo , Norway
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34
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Grødeland G, Bogen B. Efficient vaccine against pandemic influenza: combining DNA vaccination and targeted delivery to MHC class II molecules. Expert Rev Vaccines 2015; 14:805-14. [PMID: 25818107 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2015.1029919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
There are two major limitations to vaccine preparedness in the event of devastating influenza pandemics: the time needed to generate a vaccine and rapid generation of sufficient amounts. DNA vaccination could represent a solution to these problems, but efficacy needs to be enhanced. In a separate line of research, it has been established that targeting of vaccine molecules to antigen-presenting cells enhances immune responses. We have combined the two principles by constructing DNA vaccines that encode bivalent fusion proteins; these target hemagglutinin to MHC class II molecules on antigen-presenting cells. Such DNA vaccines rapidly induce hemagglutinin-specific antibodies and T cell responses in immunized mice. Responses are long-lasting and protect mice against challenge with influenza virus. In a pandemic situation, targeted DNA vaccines could be produced and tested within a month. The novel DNA vaccines could represent a solution to pandemic preparedness in the advent of novel influenza pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnveig Grødeland
- Institute of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Sognsvannsveien 20, 0027 Oslo, Norway
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35
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Fossum E, Grødeland G, Terhorst D, Tveita AA, Vikse E, Mjaaland S, Henri S, Malissen B, Bogen B. Vaccine molecules targeting Xcr1 on cross-presenting DCs induce protective CD8+T-cell responses against influenza virus. Eur J Immunol 2014; 45:624-35. [DOI: 10.1002/eji.201445080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Even Fossum
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Influenza Vaccine Research; Institute of Immunology; University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital; Oslo Norway
| | - Gunnveig Grødeland
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Influenza Vaccine Research; Institute of Immunology; University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital; Oslo Norway
| | - Dorothea Terhorst
- Department of Dermatology; Charité University Medicine Berlin; Berlin Germany
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy (CIML); Aix-Marseille Université; Marseille France
- INSERM U1104; Marseille France
- CNRS UMR7280; Marseille France
| | - Anders A. Tveita
- Center for Immune Regulation; Institute of Immunology; University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital; Oslo Norway
| | - Elisabeth Vikse
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Influenza Vaccine Research; Institute of Immunology; University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital; Oslo Norway
| | - Siri Mjaaland
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Influenza Vaccine Research; Institute of Immunology; University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital; Oslo Norway
- Division for Infectious Disease Control; Department of Bacteriology and Infection Immunology; Norwegian Institute of Public Health; Oslo Norway
| | - Sandrine Henri
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy (CIML); Aix-Marseille Université; Marseille France
| | - Bernard Malissen
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy (CIML); Aix-Marseille Université; Marseille France
| | - Bjarne Bogen
- K.G. Jebsen Center for Influenza Vaccine Research; Institute of Immunology; University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital; Oslo Norway
- Center for Immune Regulation; Institute of Immunology; University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital; Oslo Norway
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36
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DNA vaccines: MHC II-targeted vaccine protein produced by transfected muscle fibres induces a local inflammatory cell infiltrate in mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108069. [PMID: 25299691 PMCID: PMC4191975 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccination with naked DNA holds great promise but immunogenicity needs to be improved. DNA constructs encoding bivalent proteins that bind antigen-presenting cells (APC) for delivery of antigen have been shown to enhance T and B cell responses and protection in tumour challenge experiments. However, the mechanism for the increased potency remains to be determined. Here we have constructed DNA vaccines that express the fluorescent protein mCherry, a strategy which allowed tracking of vaccine proteins. Transfected muscle fibres in mice were visualized, and their relationship to infiltrating mononuclear cells could be determined. Interestingly, muscle fibers that produced MHC class II-specific dimeric vaccine proteins with mCherry were for weeks surrounded by a localized intense cellular infiltrate composed of CD45+, MHC class II+ and CD11b+ cells. Increasing numbers of eosinophils were observed among the infiltrating cells from day 7 after immunization. The local infiltrate surrounding mCherry+ muscle fibers was dependent on the MHC II-specificity of the vaccine proteins since the control, a non-targeted vaccine protein, failed to induce similar infiltrates. Chemokines measured on day 3 in immunized muscle indicate both a DNA effect and an electroporation effect. No influence of targeting was observed. These results contribute to our understanding for why targeted DNA vaccines have an improved immunogenicity.
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Øynebråten I, Hinkula J, Fredriksen AB, Bogen B. Increased generation of HIV-1 gp120-reactive CD8+ T cells by a DNA vaccine construct encoding the chemokine CCL3. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104814. [PMID: 25122197 PMCID: PMC4133255 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA vaccines based on subunits from pathogens have several advantages over other vaccine strategies. DNA vaccines can easily be modified, they show good safety profiles, are stable and inexpensive to produce, and the immune response can be focused to the antigen of interest. However, the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines which is generally quite low needs to be improved. Electroporation and co-delivery of genetically encoded immune adjuvants are two strategies aiming at increasing the efficacy of DNA vaccines. Here, we have examined whether targeting to antigen-presenting cells (APC) could increase the immune response to surface envelope glycoprotein (Env) gp120 from Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1). To target APC, we utilized a homodimeric vaccine format denoted vaccibody, which enables covalent fusion of gp120 to molecules that can target APC. Two molecules were tested for their efficiency as targeting units: the antibody-derived single chain Fragment variable (scFv) specific for the major histocompatilibility complex (MHC) class II I-E molecules, and the CC chemokine ligand 3 (CCL3). The vaccines were delivered as DNA into muscle of mice with or without electroporation. Targeting of gp120 to MHC class II molecules induced antibodies that neutralized HIV-1 and that persisted for more than a year after one single immunization with electroporation. Targeting by CCL3 significantly increased the number of HIV-1 gp120-reactive CD8+ T cells compared to non-targeted vaccines and gp120 delivered alone in the absence of electroporation. The data suggest that chemokines are promising molecular adjuvants because small amounts can attract immune cells and promote immune responses without advanced equipment such as electroporation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inger Øynebråten
- Dept. of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital – Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Immune Regulation, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- * E-mail: (IØ); (BB)
| | - Jorma Hinkula
- Division of Molecular Virology, Dept. of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Agnete B. Fredriksen
- Dept. of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital – Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Immune Regulation, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjarne Bogen
- Dept. of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital – Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Immune Regulation, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Centre for research on Influenza Vaccines, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- * E-mail: (IØ); (BB)
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38
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Cellular immunotherapy in multiple myeloma: lessons from preclinical models. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2014; 1846:392-404. [PMID: 25109893 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2014.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The majority of multiple myeloma patients relapse with the current treatment strategies, raising the need for alternative therapeutic approaches. Cellular immunotherapy is a rapidly evolving field and currently being translated into clinical trials with encouraging results in several cancer types, including multiple myeloma. Murine multiple myeloma models are of critical importance for the development and refinement of cellular immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize the immune cell changes that occur in multiple myeloma patients and we discuss the cell-based immunotherapies that have been tested in multiple myeloma, with a focus on murine models.
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39
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Targeted DNA vaccines eliciting crossreactive anti-idiotypic antibody responses against human B cell malignancies in mice. J Transl Med 2014; 12:207. [PMID: 25059102 PMCID: PMC4119056 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-12-207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Therapeutic idiotypic (Id) vaccination is an experimental treatment for selected B cell malignancies. A broader use of Id-based vaccination, however, is hampered by the complexity and costs due to the individualized production of protein vaccines. These limitations may be overcome by targeted DNA vaccines encoding stereotyped immunoglobulin V regions of B cell malignancies. We have here investigated whether such vaccines might elicit cross-reactive immune responses thus offering the possibility to immunize subsets of patients with the same vaccine. METHODS Fusion vaccines targeting patient Id to mouse Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II molecules (chimeric mouse/human) or chemokine receptors (fully human) on antigen-presenting cells (APC) were genetically constructed for two Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) patients and one prototypic stereotyped B-cell receptor (BCR) commonly expressed by Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)-associated Non Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL). The A20 murine B lymphoma cells were engineered to express prototypic HCV-associated B cell lymphoma BCR. Anti-Id antibody responses were studied against stereotyped and non-stereotyped BCRs on CLL patients' cells as well as transfected A20 cells. RESULTS DNA vaccination of mice with Id vaccines that target APC elicited increased amounts of antibodies specific for the patient's Id as compared with non targeted control vaccines. Anti-Id antibodies cross-reacted between CLL cells with closely related BCR. A20 cells engineered to express patients' V regions were not tumorigenic in mice, preventing tumor challenge experiments. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide experimental support for use of APC-targeted fusion Id DNA vaccines for the treatment of B cell lymphoma and CLL that express stereotyped BCRs.
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40
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Dutertre CA, Jourdain JP, Rancez M, Amraoui S, Fossum E, Bogen B, Sanchez C, Couëdel-Courteille A, Richard Y, Dalod M, Feuillet V, Cheynier R, Hosmalin A. TLR3–Responsive, XCR1+, CD141(BDCA-3)+/CD8α+-Equivalent Dendritic Cells Uncovered in Healthy and Simian Immunodeficiency Virus–Infected Rhesus Macaques. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 192:4697-708. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1302448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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41
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Bodles-Brakhop AM, Draghia-Akli R. DNA vaccination and gene therapy: optimization and delivery for cancer therapy. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 7:1085-101. [DOI: 10.1586/14760584.7.7.1085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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42
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Grødeland G, Mjaaland S, Tunheim G, Fredriksen AB, Bogen B. The specificity of targeted vaccines for APC surface molecules influences the immune response phenotype. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80008. [PMID: 24244595 PMCID: PMC3823800 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Different diseases require different immune responses for efficient protection. Thus, prophylactic vaccines should prime the immune system for the particular type of response needed for protection against a given infectious agent. We have here tested fusion DNA vaccines which encode proteins that bivalently target influenza hemagglutinins (HA) to different surface molecules on antigen presenting cells (APC). We demonstrate that targeting to MHC class II molecules predominantly induced an antibody/Th2 response, whereas targeting to CCR1/3/5 predominantly induced a CD8+/Th1 T cell response. With respect to antibodies, the polarizing effect was even more pronounced upon intramuscular (i.m) delivery as compared to intradermal (i.d.) vaccination. Despite these differences in induced immune responses, both vaccines protected against a viral challenge with influenza H1N1. Substitution of HA with ovalbumin (OVA) demonstrated that polarization of immune responses, as a consequence of APC targeting specificity, could be extended to other antigens. Taken together, the results demonstrate that vaccination can be tailor-made to induce a particular phenotype of adaptive immune responses by specifically targeting different surface molecules on APCs.
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MESH Headings
- Adaptive Immunity/drug effects
- Animals
- Antibodies, Viral/biosynthesis
- Antigen Presentation
- Dendritic Cells/cytology
- Dendritic Cells/drug effects
- Dendritic Cells/immunology
- Female
- Gene Expression
- Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/genetics
- Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/immunology
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class II/genetics
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class II/immunology
- Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/immunology
- Influenza Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Influenza Vaccines/genetics
- Influenza Vaccines/immunology
- Injections, Intradermal
- Injections, Intramuscular
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections/immunology
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections/prevention & control
- Ovalbumin/genetics
- Ovalbumin/immunology
- Receptors, CCR/genetics
- Receptors, CCR/immunology
- Th1 Cells/cytology
- Th1 Cells/drug effects
- Th1 Cells/immunology
- Th2 Cells/cytology
- Th2 Cells/drug effects
- Th2 Cells/immunology
- Vaccination
- Vaccines, Synthetic
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnveig Grødeland
- Institute of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- * E-mail: (GG); (BB)
| | - Siri Mjaaland
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Division for Infectious Disease Control, Department of Bacteriology and Infection Immunology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gro Tunheim
- Institute of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Agnete B. Fredriksen
- Institute of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjarne Bogen
- Institute of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Influenza Vaccine Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Immune Regulation (CIR), University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- * E-mail: (GG); (BB)
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Grodeland G, Mjaaland S, Roux KH, Fredriksen AB, Bogen B. DNA vaccine that targets hemagglutinin to MHC class II molecules rapidly induces antibody-mediated protection against influenza. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 191:3221-31. [PMID: 23956431 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1300504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
New influenza A viruses with pandemic potential periodically emerge due to viral genomic reassortment. In the face of pandemic threats, production of conventional egg-based vaccines is time consuming and of limited capacity. We have developed in this study a novel DNA vaccine in which viral hemagglutinin (HA) is bivalently targeted to MHC class II (MHC II) molecules on APCs. Following DNA vaccination, transfected cells secreted vaccine proteins that bound MHC II on APCs and initiated adaptive immune responses. A single DNA immunization induced within 8 d protective levels of strain-specific Abs and also cross-reactive T cells. During the Mexican flu pandemic, a targeted DNA vaccine (HA from A/California/07/2009) was generated within 3 wk after the HA sequences were published online. These results suggest that MHC II-targeted DNA vaccines could play a role in situations of pandemic threats. The vaccine principle should be extendable to other infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnveig Grodeland
- Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo 0027, Norway.
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44
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López-Requena A, Burrone OR, Cesco-Gaspere M. Idiotypes as immunogens: facing the challenge of inducing strong therapeutic immune responses against the variable region of immunoglobulins. Front Oncol 2012; 2:159. [PMID: 23162790 PMCID: PMC3493989 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2012.00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 10/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiotype (Id)-based immunotherapy has been exploited as cancer treatment option. Conceived as therapy for malignancies bearing idiotypic antigens, it has been also extended to solid tumors because of the capacity of anti-idiotypic antibodies to mimic Id-unrelated antigens. In both these two settings, efforts are being made to overcome the poor immune responsiveness often experienced when using self immunoglobulins as immunogens. Despite bearing a unique gene combination, and thus particular epitopes, it is normally difficult to stimulate the immune response against antibody variable regions. Different strategies are currently used to strengthen Id immunogenicity, such as concomitant use of immune-stimulating molecules, design of Id-containing immunogenic recombinant proteins, specific targeting of relevant immune cells, and genetic immunization. This review focuses on the role of anti-Id vaccination in cancer management and on the current developments used to foster anti-idiotypic B and T cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro López-Requena
- Molecular Immunology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy ; Immunobiology Division, Center of Molecular Immunology, Havana, Cuba ; Bioengineering Research Institute, Biotech Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
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45
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Fredriksen AB, Sandlie I, Bogen B. Targeted DNA vaccines for enhanced induction of idiotype-specific B and T cells. Front Oncol 2012; 2:154. [PMID: 23115759 PMCID: PMC3483591 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2012.00154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Accepted: 10/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Idiotypes (Id) are antigenic determinants localized in variable (V) regions of Ig. Id-specific T and B cells (antibodies) play a role in immunotherapy of Id+ tumors. However, vaccine strategies that enhance Id-specific responses are needed. Methods: Id+ single-chain fragment variable (scFv) from multiple myelomas and B cell lymphomas were prepared in a fusion format that bivalently target surface molecules on antigen-presenting cells (APC). APC-specific targeting units were either scFv from APC-specific mAb (anti-MHC II, anti-CD40) or chemokines (MIP-1α, RANTES). Homodimeric Id-vaccines were injected intramuscularly or intradermally as plasmids in mice, combined with electroporation. Results: (i) Transfected cells secreted plasmid-encoded Id+ fusion proteins to extracellular fluid followed by binding of vaccine molecules to APC. (ii) Targeted vaccine molecules increased Id-specific B and T cell responses. (iii) Bivalency and xenogeneic sequences both contributed to enhanced responses. (iv) Targeted Id DNA vaccines induced tumor resistance against challenges with Id+ tumors. (v) Human MIP-1α targeting units enhanced Id-specific responses in mice, due to a cross reaction with murine chemokine receptors. Thus, targeted vaccines designed for humans can be quality tested in mice. (vi) Human Id+ scFv from four multiple myeloma patients were inserted into the vaccine format and were successfully tested in mice. (vii) Human MIP-1α vaccine proteins enhanced human T cell responses in vitro. (viii) A hypothetical model for how the APC-targeted vaccine molecules enhance Id-specific T and B cells is presented. Conclusion: Targeted DNA Id-vaccines show promising results in preclinical studies, paving the way for testing in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnete B Fredriksen
- Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital Oslo, Norway
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46
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Spång HCL, Braathen R, Bogen B. Heterodimeric barnase-barstar vaccine molecules: influence of one versus two targeting units specific for antigen presenting cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e45393. [PMID: 23028981 PMCID: PMC3445521 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0045393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2012] [Accepted: 08/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
It is known that targeting of antigen to antigen presenting cells (APC) increases immune responses. However, it is unclear if more than one APC-specific targeting unit in the antigenic molecule will increase responses. To address this issue, we have here made heterodimeric vaccine molecules that each express four different fusion subunits. The bacterial ribonuclease barnase and its inhibitor barstar interact with high affinity, and the barnase-barstar complex was therefore used as a dimerization unit. Barnase and barstar were fused N-terminally with single chain fragment variable (scFv)s targeting units specific for either MHC class II molecules on APC or the hapten 5-iodo-4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenylacetyl (NIP). C-terminal antigenic fusions were either the fluorescent protein mCherry or scFv315 derived from myeloma protein M315. The heterodimeric vaccine molecules were formed both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the four different fused moieties appeared to fold correctly since they retained their specificity and function. DNA vaccination with MHC class II-targeted vaccine induced higher mCherry-specific IgG1 responses compared to non-targeted control. Since mCherry and MHC class II are in trans in this heterodimer, this suggests that heterodimeric proteins are formed in vivo without prior protein purification. Surprisingly, one targeting moiety was sufficient for the increased IgG1 response, and addition of a second targeting moiety did not increase responses. Similar results were found in in vitro T cell assays; vaccine molecules with one targeting unit were as potent as those with two. In combination with the easy cloning strategy, the heterodimeric barnase-barstar vaccine molecule could provide a flexible platform for development of novel DNA vaccines with increased potency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Cecilie Larsen Spång
- Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ranveig Braathen
- Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- * E-mail:
| | - Bjarne Bogen
- Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
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Øynebråten I, Løvås TO, Thompson K, Bogen B. Generation of antibody-producing hybridomas following one single immunization with a targeted DNA vaccine. Scand J Immunol 2012; 75:379-88. [PMID: 21955209 PMCID: PMC3417379 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2011.02639.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The standard protocol for generating antibody (Ab)-producing hybridomas is based on fusion of plasmacytoma cells with Ab-producing B cells harvested from immunized mice. To increase the yield of hybridomas, it is important to use immunization protocols that induce a high frequency of B cells producing specific Abs. Our laboratory has developed a vaccine format, denoted vaccibody that promotes the immune responses towards the delivered antigen. The vaccine format targets antigens in a bivalent form to surface receptors on antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Here, we used the fluorescent protein (FP) mCherry as antigen and targeted it to APCs by use of either the natural ligand CCL3/MIP-1α or single-chain variable fragment specific for major histocompatibility complex class II. The vaccine format was delivered to mouse muscle as DNA combined with electroporation. By this procedure, we developed two monoclonal Abs that can be utilized to detect the FC mCherry in various applications. The data suggest that the targeted DNA vaccine format can be utilized to enhance the number of Ab-producing hybridomas and thereby be a tool to improve the B cell hybridoma technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Øynebråten
- Centre for Immune Regulation, Department of Immunology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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Durrant LG, Pudney VA, Spendlove I. Using monoclonal antibodies to stimulate antitumor cellular immunity. Expert Rev Vaccines 2012; 10:1093-106. [PMID: 21806402 DOI: 10.1586/erv.11.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have an established role in current cancer therapy with seven approved for the treatment of a wide variety of tumors. The approved mAbs directly target tumor cells; however, it is becoming increasingly clear that as well as their direct effects, these mAbs can present antigens to the immune system. This stimulates long-lasting T-cell immunity, which may correlate with long-term survival. A more direct approach is to use mAbs to target antigens directly to antigen-presenting cells. One approach, ImmunoBody, which has just entered the clinic, stimulates antitumor immunity using mAbs genetically engineered to express tumor-specific T-cell epitopes. T cells not only respond via their T-cell receptors recognizing T-cell epitopes presented on MHC but are also influenced by stimulation of a wide variety of costimulatory molecules. mAbs targeting these molecules can also influence antitumor immunity. The main protagonist in this class of mAbs is ipilimumab, which has recently been shown to improve survival at 2 years in 23% of advanced melanoma patients. Combinations of mAbs targeting tumor antigens to activated antigen-presenting cells and mAbs targeting costimulatory receptors may provide effective therapy for a broad range of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindy G Durrant
- Academic Department of Clinical Oncology, University of Nottingham, City Hospital, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK.
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Frøyland M, Ruffini PA, Thompson KM, Gedde-Dahl T, Fredriksen AB, Bogen B. Targeted idiotype-fusion DNA vaccines for human multiple myeloma: preclinical testing. Eur J Haematol 2011; 86:385-95. [PMID: 21332794 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0609.2011.01590.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A homodimeric fusion DNA vaccine targeting idiotype (Id) to antigen-presenting cells (APC) induced robust tumor protection in a mouse model of multiple myeloma (MM). Similar Id vaccine molecules were generated for four patients with MM with three main objectives: (i) do the vaccine molecules induce bona fide anti-Id immune responses in mice? (ii) does targeting of the vaccine molecules to APC enhance immune responses? (iii) can anti-Id antibodies, generated as by-product in vaccinated mice, be used to establish sensitive assays for complete remission (CR) prior to patient vaccination? METHODS Chimeric vaccine molecules targeting patient Id to mouse major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules were genetically constructed for four patients with MM. RESULTS DNA vaccination of mice with chimeric vaccines targeting patient Id to mouse MHC class II molecules elicited antibodies specific for the patient's myeloma protein. Targeting MHC class II greatly enhanced anti-Id responses. Mouse anti-Id antibodies were used to establish myeloma protein-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) that were between 75 and 1500 times more sensitive than conventional serum protein electrophoresis and immunofixation. CONCLUSIONS These results pave the way for testing targeted DNA Id vaccines in patients in CR. Id- and patient-specific ELISA could be established affording evaluation of CR depth beyond current serological methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Frøyland
- Centre for Immune Regulation, Institute of Immunology, University of Oslo and Rikshospitalet Oslo University Hospital Section of Hematology, Medical Department, Rikshospitalet Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Human chemokine MIP1α increases efficiency of targeted DNA fusion vaccines. Vaccine 2010; 29:191-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.10.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2010] [Revised: 10/03/2010] [Accepted: 10/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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