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Naskalska A, Heddle JG. Virus-like particles derived from bacteriophage MS2 as antigen scaffolds and RNA protective shells. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2024; 19:1103-1115. [PMID: 38629576 PMCID: PMC11225317 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2023-0362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The versatile potential of bacteriophage MS2-derived virus-like particles (VLPs) in medical biotechnology has been extensively studied during the last 30 years. Since the first reports showing that MS2 VLPs can be produced at high yield and relatively easily engineered, numerous applications have been proposed. Particular effort has been spent in developing MS2 VLPs as protective capsules and delivery platforms for diverse molecules, such as chemical compounds, proteins and nucleic acids. Among these, two are particularly noteworthy: as scaffolds displaying heterologous epitopes for vaccine development and as capsids for encapsulation of foreign RNA. In this review, we summarize the progress in developing MS2 VLPs for these two areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonina Naskalska
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, 30-392, Poland
| | - Jonathan Gardiner Heddle
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, 30-392, Poland
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
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2
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Lalwani Prakash D, Gosavi S. Understanding the Folding Mediated Assembly of the Bacteriophage MS2 Coat Protein Dimers. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:8722-8732. [PMID: 34339197 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c03928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The capsids of RNA viruses such as MS2 are great models for studying protein self-assembly because they are made almost entirely of multiple copies of a single coat protein (CP). Although CP is the minimal repeating unit of the capsid, previous studies have shown that CP exists as a homodimer (CP2) even in an acid-disassembled system, indicating that CP2 is an obligate dimer. Here, we investigate the molecular basis of this obligate dimerization using coarse-grained structure-based models and molecular dynamics simulations. We find that, unlike monomeric proteins of similar size, CP populates a single partially folded ensemble whose "foldedness" is sensitive to denaturing conditions. In contrast, CP2 folds similarly to single-domain proteins populating only the folded and the unfolded ensembles, separated by a prominent folding free energy barrier. Several intramonomer contacts form early, but the CP2 folding barrier is crossed only when the intermonomer contacts are made. A dissection of the structure of CP2 through mutant folding simulations shows that the folding barrier arises both from the topology of CP and the interface contacts of CP2. Together, our results show that CP2 is an obligate dimer because of kinetic stability, that is, dimerization induces a folding barrier and that makes it difficult for proteins in the dimer minimum to partially unfold and access the monomeric state without completely unfolding. We discuss the advantages of this obligate dimerization in the context of dimer design and virus stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Digvijay Lalwani Prakash
- Simons Centre for the Study of Living Machines, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bengaluru 560065, India
| | - Shachi Gosavi
- Simons Centre for the Study of Living Machines, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bengaluru 560065, India
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3
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Sokullu E, Soleymani Abyaneh H, Gauthier MA. Plant/Bacterial Virus-Based Drug Discovery, Drug Delivery, and Therapeutics. Pharmaceutics 2019; 11:E211. [PMID: 31058814 PMCID: PMC6572107 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics11050211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses have recently emerged as promising nanomaterials for biotechnological applications. One of the most important applications of viruses is phage display, which has already been employed to identify a broad range of potential therapeutic peptides and antibodies, as well as other biotechnologically relevant polypeptides (including protease inhibitors, minimizing proteins, and cell/organ targeting peptides). Additionally, their high stability, easily modifiable surface, and enormous diversity in shape and size, distinguish viruses from synthetic nanocarriers used for drug delivery. Indeed, several plant and bacterial viruses (e.g., phages) have been investigated and applied as drug carriers. The ability to remove the genetic material within the capsids of some plant viruses and phages produces empty viral-like particles that are replication-deficient and can be loaded with therapeutic agents. This review summarizes the current applications of plant viruses and phages in drug discovery and as drug delivery systems and includes a discussion of the present status of virus-based materials in clinical research, alongside the observed challenges and opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esen Sokullu
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), EMT Research Center, Varennes, QC J3X 1S2, Canada.
| | - Hoda Soleymani Abyaneh
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), EMT Research Center, Varennes, QC J3X 1S2, Canada.
| | - Marc A Gauthier
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), EMT Research Center, Varennes, QC J3X 1S2, Canada.
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4
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Tao P, Zhu J, Mahalingam M, Batra H, Rao VB. Bacteriophage T4 nanoparticles for vaccine delivery against infectious diseases. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2019; 145:57-72. [PMID: 29981801 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2018.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Subunit vaccines containing one or more target antigens from pathogenic organisms represent safer alternatives to whole pathogen vaccines. However, the antigens by themselves are not sufficiently immunogenic and require additives known as adjuvants to enhance immunogenicity and protective efficacy. Assembly of the antigens into virus-like nanoparticles (VLPs) is a better approach as it allows presentation of the epitopes in a more native context. The repetitive, symmetrical, and high density display of antigens on the VLPs mimic pathogen-associated molecular patterns seen on bacteria and viruses. The antigens, thus, might be better presented to stimulate host's innate as well as adaptive immune systems thereby eliciting both humoral and cellular immune responses. Bacteriophages such as phage T4 provide excellent platforms to generate the nanoparticle vaccines. The T4 capsid containing two non-essential outer proteins Soc and Hoc allow high density array of antigen epitopes in the form of peptides, domains, full-length proteins, or even multi-subunit complexes. Co-delivery of DNAs, targeting molecules, and/or molecular adjuvants provides additional advantages. Recent studies demonstrate that the phage T4 VLPs are highly immunogenic, do not need an adjuvant, and provide complete protection against bacterial and viral pathogens. Thus, phage T4 could potentially be developed as a "universal" VLP platform to design future multivalent vaccines against complex and emerging pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Tao
- Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC 20064, USA; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China.
| | - Jingen Zhu
- Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC 20064, USA
| | - Marthandan Mahalingam
- Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC 20064, USA
| | - Himanshu Batra
- Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC 20064, USA
| | - Venigalla B Rao
- Department of Biology, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC 20064, USA.
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5
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Wang G, Liu Y, Feng H, Chen Y, Yang S, Wei Q, Wang J, Liu D, Zhang G. Immunogenicity evaluation of MS2 phage-mediated chimeric nanoparticle displaying an immunodominant B cell epitope of foot-and-mouth disease virus. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4823. [PMID: 29844975 PMCID: PMC5970553 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disease of cloven-hoofed animals that has caused tremendous economic losses worldwide. In this study, we designed a chimeric nanoparticles (CNPs) vaccine that displays the predominant epitope of the serotype O foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) VP1 131-160 on the surface of MS2 phage. The recombinant protein was expressed in Escherichia Coli and can self-assemble into CNPs with diameter at 25–30 nm in vitro. A tandem repeat peptide epitopes (TRE) was prepared as control. Mice were immunized with CNPs, TRE and commercialized synthetic peptide vaccines (PepVac), respectively. The ELISA results showed that CNPs stimulated a little higher specific antibody levels to PepVac, but was significantly higher than the TRE groups. Moreover, the results from specific IFN-γ responses and lymphocyte proliferation test indicated that CNP immunized mice exhibited significantly enhanced cellular immune response compared to TRE. These results suggested that the CNPs constructed in current study could be a potential alternative vaccine in future FMDV control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqiang Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yunchao Liu
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hua Feng
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yumei Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Suzhen Yang
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qiang Wei
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Henan Zhongze Biological Engineering Co., Ltd, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dongmin Liu
- Henan Zhongze Biological Engineering Co., Ltd, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Gaiping Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonose, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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6
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Pumpens P, Renhofa R, Dishlers A, Kozlovska T, Ose V, Pushko P, Tars K, Grens E, Bachmann MF. The True Story and Advantages of RNA Phage Capsids as Nanotools. Intervirology 2016; 59:74-110. [DOI: 10.1159/000449503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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7
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Mikel P, Vasickova P, Kralik P. Methods for Preparation of MS2 Phage-Like Particles and Their Utilization as Process Control Viruses in RT-PCR and qRT-PCR Detection of RNA Viruses From Food Matrices and Clinical Specimens. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2015; 7:96-111. [PMID: 25711389 PMCID: PMC7090958 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-015-9188-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
RNA viruses are pathogenic agents of many serious infectious diseases affecting humans and animals. The detection of pathogenic RNA viruses is based on modern molecular methods, of which the most widely used methods are the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and the real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). All steps of RT-PCR and qRT-PCR should be strictly controlled to ensure the validity of obtained results. False-negative results may be caused not only by inhibition of RT or/and PCR steps but also by failure of the nucleic acid extraction step, particularly in the case of viral RNA extraction. The control of nucleic acid extraction generally involves the utilization of a non-pathogenic virus (process control virus) of similar structural properties to those of the target virus. Although in clinical samples the use of such process control virus is only recommended, in other kinds of settings such as food matrices its use is necessary. Currently, several different process control viruses are used for these purposes. Process control viruses can also be constructed artificially using technology for production of MS2 phage-like particles, which have many advantages in comparison with other used controls and are especially suited for controlling the detection and quantification of certain types of RNA viruses. The technology for production of MS2 phage-like particles is theoretically well established, uses the knowledge gained from the study of the familiar bacteriophage MS2 and utilizes many different approaches for the construction of the various process control viruses. Nevertheless, the practical use of MS2 phage-like particles in routine diagnostics is relatively uncommon. The current situation with regard to the use of MS2 phage-like particles as process control viruses in detection of RNA viruses and different methods of their construction, purification and use are summarized and discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Mikel
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 621 00, Brno, Czech Republic,
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8
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Sun Y, Yin G. RETRACTED ARTICLE: Cell-specific delivery of messenger RNA and microRNA by recombinant MS2 virus-like particles carrying cell-penetrating peptide. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2014; 99:4755. [PMID: 25547830 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-014-6274-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Revised: 11/23/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics in Universities of Shandong, Weifang Medical University, No.7166, Baotong Xi (Western) Street, Weifang, 261053, People's Republic of China,
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9
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Pushko P, Pumpens P, Grens E. Development of Virus-Like Particle Technology from Small Highly Symmetric to Large Complex Virus-Like Particle Structures. Intervirology 2013; 56:141-65. [DOI: 10.1159/000346773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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10
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Taylor-Robinson AW. Regulation of immunity to Plasmodium: Implications from mouse models for blood stage malaria vaccine design. Exp Parasitol 2010; 126:406-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2010.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2009] [Revised: 01/15/2010] [Accepted: 01/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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11
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Tomatine adjuvantation of protective immunity to a major pre-erythrocytic vaccine candidate of malaria is mediated via CD8+ T cell release of IFN-gamma. J Biomed Biotechnol 2010; 2010:834326. [PMID: 20300588 PMCID: PMC2837906 DOI: 10.1155/2010/834326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2009] [Revised: 10/26/2009] [Accepted: 01/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The glycoalkaloid tomatine, derived from the wild tomato, can act as a powerful adjuvant to elicit an antigen-specific cell-mediated immune response to the circumsporozoite (CS) protein, a major pre-erythrocytic stage malaria vaccine candidate antigen. Using a defined MHC-class-I-restricted CS epitope in a Plasmodium berghei rodent model, antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity and IFN-γ secretion ex vivo were both significantly enhanced compared to responses detected from similarly stimulated splenocytes from naive and tomatine-saline-immunized mice. Further, through lymphocyte depletion it is demonstrated that antigen-specific IFN-γ is produced exclusively by the CD8+ T cell subset. We conclude that the processing of the P. berghei CS peptide as an exogenous antigen and its presentation via MHC class I molecules to CD8+ T cells leads to an immune response that is an in vitro correlate of protection against pre-erythrocytic malaria. Further characterization of tomatine as an adjuvant in malaria vaccine development is indicated.
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12
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Cheng Y, Niu J, Zhang Y, Huang J, Li Q. Preparation of His-tagged armored RNA phage particles as a control for real-time reverse transcription-PCR detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus. J Clin Microbiol 2006; 44:3557-61. [PMID: 17021082 PMCID: PMC1594775 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00713-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Armored RNA has been increasingly used as both an external and internal positive control in nucleic acid-based assays for RNA virus. In order to facilitate armored RNA purification, a His6 tag was introduced into the loop region of the MS2 coat protein, which allows the exposure of multiple His tags on the surface during armored RNA assembly. The His-tagged armored RNA particles were purified to homogeneity and verified to be free of DNA contamination in a single run of affinity chromatography. A fragment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) genome targeted for SARS-CoV detection was chosen for an external positive control preparation. A plant-specific gene sequence was chosen for a universal noncompetitive internal positive control preparation. Both controls were purified by Co2+ affinity chromatography and were included in a real-time reverse transcription-PCR assay for SARS-CoV. The noncompetitive internal positive control can be added to clinical samples before RNA extraction and enables the identification of potential inhibitive effects without interfering with target amplification. The external control could be used for the quantification of viral loads in clinical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangjian Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Xiamen University, South Road of Siming 422, Xiamen 361005, China
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13
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Kuzmanovic DA, Elashvili I, Wick C, O’Connell C, Krueger S. Quantification of RNA in bacteriophage MS2-like viruses in solution by small-angle X-ray scattering. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2005.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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14
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Freivalds J, Dislers A, Ose V, Skrastina D, Cielens I, Pumpens P, Sasnauskas K, Kazaks A. Assembly of bacteriophage Qbeta virus-like particles in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia pastoris. J Biotechnol 2006; 123:297-303. [PMID: 16406160 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2005.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2005] [Revised: 10/30/2005] [Accepted: 11/23/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant bacteriophage Qbeta coat protein (CP), which has been proposed as a promising carrier of foreign epitopes via their incorporation either by gene engineering techniques or by chemical coupling, efficiently self-assembles into virus-like particles (VLPs) when expressed in Escherichia coli. Here, we demonstrate expression and self-assembly of Qbeta CP in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia pastoris. Production reached 3-4 mg/1g of wet cells for S. cerevisiae and 4-6 mg for P. pastoris, which was about 15-20% and 20-30% of the E. coli expression level, respectively. Qbeta VLPs were easily purified by size-exclusion chromatography in both cases and contained nucleic acid, shown by native agarose gel electrophoresis. The obtained particles were highly immunogenic in mice and the resulting sera recognized both E. coli- and yeast-derived Qbeta VLPs equally well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janis Freivalds
- Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites 1, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
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15
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Legendre D, Fastrez J. Production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae of MS2 virus-like particles packaging functional heterologous mRNAs. J Biotechnol 2005; 117:183-94. [PMID: 15823407 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2005.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2004] [Revised: 12/30/2004] [Accepted: 01/24/2005] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Recently, DNA bacteriophages (M13, lambda) have been genetically engineered to transfer genes into mammalian cells. Although efficiencies observed are still relatively low, this opens the possibility of using these viruses as a new class of transfection agents not only for fundamental research purposes but also in gene therapy protocols or in other applications like vaccination. In this respect, it has been shown that a lambda bacteriophage engineered to express the hepatitis B surface antigen in mammalian cells could elicit an immune response against this antigen in mice and rabbits without any specific targeting of the bacteriophage. These impressive results would be even more encouraging if they could be obtained with an RNA bacteriophage, as RNA vaccines are preferred over DNA vaccines for safety reasons. Up to now, RNA bacteriophages have never been engineered for gene delivery. In this paper, we have sought to determine whether such a vector could be obtained by engineering the RNA bacteriophage MS2. We show that MS2 can be produced as virus-like particles (VLPs) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and is able to package functional heterologous mRNAs, provided that these mRNAs contain the MS2 packaging sequence. For instance, linking the MS2 packaging sequence to the human growth hormone (hGH) mRNA enabled the packaging of this particular mRNA in MS2 VLPs. Functionality in eukaryotic systems of packaged mRNAs was confirmed by showing that mRNAs purified from VLPs can be efficiently translated in vitro and in cell cultures. The high stability of MS2 could, therefore, make MS2 VLPs a very powerful carrier for RNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Legendre
- Laboratoire de Biochimie Physique et des Biopolymères, Université Catholique de Louvain, Place L. Pasteur, 1-1b, 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
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16
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Kuzmanovic DA, Elashvili I, Wick C, O'Connell C, Krueger S. Bacteriophage MS2: molecular weight and spatial distribution of the protein and RNA components by small-angle neutron scattering and virus counting. Structure 2004; 11:1339-48. [PMID: 14604524 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2003.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) has been used to extend the structural characterization of the MS2 phage by examining its physical characteristics in solution. Specifically, the contrast variation technique was employed to determine the molecular weight of the individual components of the MS2 virion (protein shell and genomic RNA) and the spatial relationship of the genomic RNA to its protein shell. A consequence of this work was to evaluate a novel particle counting instrument, the integrated virus detection system (IVDS) that, in combination with SANS, has the potential to provide rapid quantitative physical characterization of unidentified viruses and phage.
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17
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Heal KG, Sheikh NA, Hollingdale MR, Morrow WJ, Taylor-Robinson AW. Potentiation by a novel alkaloid glycoside adjuvant of a protective cytotoxic T cell immune response specific for a preerythrocytic malaria vaccine candidate antigen. Vaccine 2001; 19:4153-61. [PMID: 11457540 DOI: 10.1016/s0264-410x(01)00166-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
We have recently demonstrated that the novel glycoalkaloid tomatine, derived from leaves of the wild tomato Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium, can act as a powerful adjuvant for the elicitation of antigen-specific CD8+ T cell responses. Here, we have extended our previous investigation with the model antigen ovalbumin to an established malaria infection system in mice and evaluated the cellular immune response to a major preerythrocytic stage malaria vaccine candidate antigen when administered with tomatine. The defined MHC H-2kd class I-binding 9-mer peptide (amino acids 252-260) from Plasmodium berghei circumsporozoite (CS) protein was prepared with tomatine to form a molecular aggregate formulation and this used to immunise BALB/c (H-2kd) mice. Antigen-specific IFN-gamma secretion and cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity in vitro were both significantly enhanced compared to responses detected from similarly stimulated splenocytes from naive and tomatine-saline-immunised control mice. Moreover, when challenged with P. berghei sporozoites, mice immunised with the CS 9-mer-tomatine preparation had a significantly delayed onset of erythrocytic infection compared to controls. The data presented validate the use of tomatine to potentiate a cellular immune response to antigenic stimulus by testing in an important biologically relevant system. Specifically, the processing of the P. berghei CS 9-mer as an exogenous antigen and its presentation via MHC class I molecules to CD8+ T cells led to an immune response that is an in vitro correlate of protection against preerythrocytic malaria. This was confirmed by the protective capacity of the 9-mer-tomatine combination upon in vivo immunisation. These findings merit further work to optimise the use of tomatine as an adjuvant in malaria vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- K G Heal
- School of Biology, University of Leeds, Clarendon Way, LS2 9JT, Leeds, UK
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18
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van Meerten D, Olsthoorn RCL, van Duin J, Verhaert RMD. Peptide display on live MS2 phage: restrictions at the RNA genome level. J Gen Virol 2001; 82:1797-1805. [PMID: 11413393 DOI: 10.1099/0022-1317-82-7-1797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential of the RNA phage MS2 to accommodate extra amino acids in its major coat protein has been examined. Accordingly, a pentapeptide was encoded in the genome as an N-terminal extension. In the MS2 crystal structure, this part of the coat protein forms a loop that extends from the outer surface of the icosahedral virion. At the RNA level, the insert forms a large loop at the top of an existing hairpin. This study shows that it is possible to maintain inserts in the coat protein of live phages. However, not all inserts were genetically stable. Some suffer deletions, while others underwent adaptation by base substitutions. Whether or not an insert is stable appears to be determined by the choice of the nucleic acid sequence used to encode the extra peptide. This effect was not caused by differential translation, because coat-protein synthesis was equal in wild-type and mutants. We conclude that the stability of the insert depends on the structure of the large RNA hairpin loop, as demonstrated by the fact that a single substitution can convert an unstable loop into a stable one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dico van Meerten
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Gorlaeus Laboratories, Leiden University, PO Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands1
| | - Rene C L Olsthoorn
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Gorlaeus Laboratories, Leiden University, PO Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands1
| | - Jan van Duin
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Gorlaeus Laboratories, Leiden University, PO Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands1
| | - Raymond M D Verhaert
- Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Gorlaeus Laboratories, Leiden University, PO Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands1
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19
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Kurtis JD, Hollingdale MR, Luty AJ, Lanar DE, Krzych U, Duffy PE. Pre-erythrocytic immunity to Plasmodium falciparum: the case for an LSA-1 vaccine. Trends Parasitol 2001; 17:219-23. [PMID: 11323304 DOI: 10.1016/s0169-4758(00)01862-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A vaccine is urgently needed to stem the global resurgence of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Vaccines targeting the erythrocytic stage are often viewed as an anti-disease strategy. By contrast, infection might be completely averted by a vaccine against the liver stage, a pre-erythrocytic stage during which the parasite multiplies 10000-fold within hepatocytes. Sterilizing immunity can be conferred by inoculating humans with irradiated pre-erythrocytic parasites, and a recombinant pre-erythrocytic vaccine partially protects humans from infection. Liver-stage antigen-1, one of a few proteins known to be expressed by liver-stage parasites, holds particular promise as a vaccine. Studies of naturally exposed populations have consistently related immune responses against this antigen to protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Kurtis
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Dept of Immunology, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA
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Stockley PG, Mastico RA. Use of fusions to viral coat proteins as antigenic carriers for vaccine development. Methods Enzymol 2001; 326:551-69. [PMID: 11036664 DOI: 10.1016/s0076-6879(00)26076-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- P G Stockley
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, United Kingdom
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21
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Abstract
In recent years, the use of surface-display vectors for displaying polypeptides on the surface of bacteriophage and bacteria, combined with in vitro selection technologies, has transformed the way in which we generate and manipulate ligands, such as enzymes, antibodies and peptides. Phage display is based on expressing recombinant proteins or peptides fused to a phage coat protein. Bacterial display is based on expressing recombinant proteins fused to sorting signals that direct their incorporation on the cell surface. In both systems, the genetic information encoding for the displayed molecule is physically linked to its product via the displaying particle. Using these two complementary technologies, we are now able to design repertoires of ligands from scratch and use the power of affinity selection to select those ligands having the desired (biological) properties from a large excess of irrelevant ones. With phage display, tailor-made proteins (fused peptides, antibodies, enzymes, DNA-binding proteins) may be synthesized and selected to acquire the desired catalytic properties or affinity of binding and specificity for in vitro and in vivo diagnosis, for immunotherapy of human disease or for biocatalysis. Bacterial surface display has found a range of applications in the expression of various antigenic determinants, heterologous enzymes, single-chain antibodies, and combinatorial peptide libraries. This review explains the basis of phage and bacterial surface display and discusses the contributions made by these two leading technologies to biotechnological applications. This review focuses mainly on three areas where phage and cell display have had the greatest impact, namely, antibody engineering, enzyme technology and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Benhar
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Green Building, Room 202, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel.
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Cielens I, Ose V, Petrovskis I, Strelnikova A, Renhofa R, Kozlovska T, Pumpens P. Mutilation of RNA phage Qbeta virus-like particles: from icosahedrons to rods. FEBS Lett 2000; 482:261-4. [PMID: 11024472 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(00)02061-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Icosahedral virus-like particles (VLPs) of RNA phage Qbeta are stabilized by four disulfide bonds of cysteine residues 74 and 80 within the loop between beta-strands F and G (FG loop) of the monomeric subunits, which determine the five-fold and quasi-six-fold symmetry contacts of the VLPs. In order to reduce the stability of Qbeta VLPs, we mutationally converted the amino acid stretch 76-ANGSCD-81 within the FG loop into the 76-VGGVEL-81 sequence. It led to production in Escherichia coli cells of aberrant rod-like Qbeta VLPs, along with normal icosahedral capsids. The length of the rod-like particles exceeded 4-30 times the diameter of icosahedral Qbeta VLPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Cielens
- Biomedical Research and Study Centre, University of Latvia, 1 Ratsupites Street, LV-1067, Riga, Latvia
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Perlmann P, Björkman A. Malaria research: host-parasite interactions and new developments in chemotherapy, immunology and vaccinology. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2000; 13:431-443. [PMID: 11964811 DOI: 10.1097/00001432-200010000-00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Malaria remains the major parasitic disease, with 300-500 million new infections each year. This survey covers recent advances in the field of parasite-host interactions, focusing on Plasmodium falciparum, the most virulent of the human parasites. Rapid progress in genomic research is creating a basis for the development of new drugs and vaccines. Identification of drug-resistance mutations facilitates evaluation of improved drug policies, and attempts are being made to develop new compounds that inhibit metabolic pathways that are specific to the parasite. Cytoadherence of parasitized erythrocytes to microvascular endothelium is responsible for the sequestration of parasites, causing pathology and severe disease. Newly identified molecular fine structures that mediate cytoadherence may provide new targets for specific therapies. Humoral and cell-mediated immunity induced by the parasite may be protective, but may also be harmful by generating imbalance in cytokine responses. Efforts are made to determine the pathways that give rise to protection, with vaccination being the principal goal for achieving malaria control. Different vaccine constructs are being evaluated in preclinical and clinical trials, including modified viral vectors, synthetic peptides, DNA and new adjuvants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Perlmann
- aDepartment of Immunology, Stockholm University, and bKarolinska Institute, Infectious Diseases Unit, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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