1
|
Zhou H, Leng P, Wang Y, Yang K, Li C, Ojcius DM, Wang P, Jiang S. Development of T cell antigen-based human coronavirus vaccines against nAb-escaping SARS-CoV-2 variants. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2024; 69:2456-2470. [PMID: 38942698 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2024.02.041] [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: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Currently approved vaccines have been successful in preventing the severity of COVID-19 and hospitalization. These vaccines primarily induce humoral immune responses; however, highly transmissible and mutated variants, such as the Omicron variant, weaken the neutralization potential of the vaccines, thus, raising serious concerns about their efficacy. Additionally, while neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) tend to wane more rapidly than cell-mediated immunity, long-lasting T cells typically prevent severe viral illness by directly killing infected cells or aiding other immune cells. Importantly, T cells are more cross-reactive than antibodies, thus, highly mutated variants are less likely to escape lasting broadly cross-reactive T cell immunity. Therefore, T cell antigen-based human coronavirus (HCoV) vaccines with the potential to serve as a supplementary weapon to combat emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants with resistance to nAbs are urgently needed. Alternatively, T cell antigens could also be included in B cell antigen-based vaccines to strengthen vaccine efficacy. This review summarizes recent advancements in research and development of vaccines containing T cell antigens or both T and B cell antigens derived from proteins of SARS-CoV-2 variants and/or other HCoVs based on different vaccine platforms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhou
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing 400016, China.
| | - Ping Leng
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan-Chongqing Co-construction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yang Wang
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Kaiwen Yang
- College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Chen Li
- Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - David M Ojcius
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of the Pacific, Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Pengfei Wang
- Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China.
| | - Shibo Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of Ministry of Education/Ministry of Health/Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Raheem MA, Rahim MA, Gul I, Reyad-Ul-Ferdous M, Zhang CY, Yu D, Pandey V, Du K, Wang R, Han S, Han Y, Qin P. COVID-19: Post infection implications in different age groups, mechanism, diagnosis, effective prevention, treatment, and recommendations. Life Sci 2024:122861. [PMID: 38925222 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122861] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a highly contagious pathogen that predominantly caused the COVID-19 pandemic. The persistent effects of COVID-19 are defined as an inflammatory or host response to the virus that begins four weeks after initial infection and persists for an undetermined length of time. Chronic effects are more harmful than acute ones thus, this review explored the long-term effects of the virus on various human organs, including the pulmonary, cardiovascular, and neurological, reproductive, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, endocrine, and lymphoid systems and found that SARS-CoV-2 adversely affects these organs of older adults. Regarding diagnosis, the RT-PCR is a gold standard method of diagnosing COVID-19; however, it requires specialized equipment and personnel for performing assays and a long time for results production. Therefore, to overcome these limitations, artificial intelligence employed in imaging and microfluidics technologies is the most promising in diagnosing COVID-19. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies are the most effective treatment for reducing the persistent impacts of COVID-19 by providing immunity to post-COVID-19 patients by reducing cytokine release syndrome, improving the T cell response, and increasing the circulation of activated natural killer and CD8 T cells in blood and tissues, which ultimately reduces fever, nausea, fatigue, and muscle weakness and pain. Vaccines such as inactivated viral, live attenuated viral, protein subunit, viral vectored, mRNA, DNA, or nanoparticle vaccines significantly reduce the adverse long-term virus effects in post-COVID-19 patients; however, no vaccine was reported to provide lifetime protection against COVID-19; consequently, protective measures such as physical separation, mask use, and hand cleansing are promising strategies. This review provides a comprehensive knowledge of the persistent effects of COVID-19 on people of varying ages, as well as diagnosis, treatment, vaccination, and future preventative measures against the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Akmal Raheem
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Center of Precision Medicine and Healthcare, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518055, PR China
| | - Muhammad Ajwad Rahim
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Ahnui Agricultural University, Hefei, PR China
| | - Ijaz Gul
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Center of Precision Medicine and Healthcare, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518055, PR China
| | - Md Reyad-Ul-Ferdous
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Center of Precision Medicine and Healthcare, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518055, PR China
| | - Can Yang Zhang
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Center of Precision Medicine and Healthcare, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518055, PR China
| | - Dongmei Yu
- School of Mechanical, Electrical & Information Engineering, Shandong University
| | - Vijay Pandey
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Center of Precision Medicine and Healthcare, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518055, PR China
| | - Ke Du
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Runming Wang
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Center of Precision Medicine and Healthcare, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518055, PR China
| | - Sanyang Han
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Center of Precision Medicine and Healthcare, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518055, PR China
| | - Yuxing Han
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Center of Precision Medicine and Healthcare, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518055, PR China
| | - Peiwu Qin
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, PR China; Center of Precision Medicine and Healthcare, Tsinghua-Berkeley Shenzhen Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518055, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mendoza-Ramírez NJ, García-Cordero J, Shrivastava G, Cedillo-Barrón L. The Key to Increase Immunogenicity of Next-Generation COVID-19 Vaccines Lies in the Inclusion of the SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein. J Immunol Res 2024; 2024:9313267. [PMID: 38939745 PMCID: PMC11208798 DOI: 10.1155/2024/9313267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaccination is one of the most effective prophylactic public health interventions for the prevention of infectious diseases such as coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Considering the ongoing need for new COVID-19 vaccines, it is crucial to modify our approach and incorporate more conserved regions of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to effectively address emerging viral variants. The nucleocapsid protein is a structural protein of SARS-CoV-2 that is involved in replication and immune responses. Furthermore, this protein offers significant advantages owing to the minimal accumulation of mutations over time and the inclusion of key T-cell epitopes critical for SARS-CoV-2 immunity. A novel strategy that may be suitable for the new generation of vaccines against COVID-19 is to use a combination of antigens, including the spike and nucleocapsid proteins, to elicit robust humoral and potent cellular immune responses, along with long-lasting immunity. The strategic use of multiple antigens aims to enhance vaccine efficacy and broaden protection against viruses, including their variants. The immune response against the nucleocapsid protein from other coronavirus is long-lasting, and it can persist up to 11 years post-infection. Thus, the incorporation of nucleocapsids (N) into vaccine design adds an important dimension to vaccination efforts and holds promise for bolstering the ability to combat COVID-19 effectively. In this review, we summarize the preclinical studies that evaluated the use of the nucleocapsid protein as antigen. This study discusses the use of nucleocapsid alone and its combination with spike protein or other proteins of SARS-CoV-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noe Juvenal Mendoza-Ramírez
- Departamento de Biomedicina MolecularCINVESTAV IPN, Av. IPN # 2508 Col, San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Julio García-Cordero
- Departamento de Biomedicina MolecularCINVESTAV IPN, Av. IPN # 2508 Col, San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Gaurav Shrivastava
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector ResearchNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesNational Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Leticia Cedillo-Barrón
- Departamento de Biomedicina MolecularCINVESTAV IPN, Av. IPN # 2508 Col, San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Huang Y, Chen J, Chen S, Huang C, Li B, Li J, Jin Z, Zhang Q, Pan P, Du W, Liu L, Liu Z. Molecular characterization of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1415885. [PMID: 38846351 PMCID: PMC11153676 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1415885] [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: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly prevalent and potent infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Until now, the world is still endeavoring to develop new ways to diagnose and treat COVID-19. At present, the clinical prevention and treatment of COVID-19 mainly targets the spike protein on the surface of SRAS-CoV-2. However, with the continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of concern (VOC), targeting the spike protein therapy shows a high degree of limitation. The Nucleocapsid Protein (N protein) of SARS-CoV-2 is highly conserved in virus evolution and is involved in the key process of viral infection and assembly. It is the most expressed viral structural protein after SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans and has high immunogenicity. Therefore, N protein as the key factor of virus infection and replication in basic research and clinical application has great potential research value. This article reviews the research progress on the structure and biological function of SARS-CoV-2 N protein, the diagnosis and drug research of targeting N protein, in order to promote researchers' further understanding of SARS-CoV-2 N protein, and lay a theoretical foundation for the possible outbreak of new and sudden coronavirus infectious diseases in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Junkai Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Siwei Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Congcong Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Bei Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Zhixiong Jin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Qiwei Zhang
- Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pan Pan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weixing Du
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Long Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Zhixin Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Metz C, Haug V, Müller M, Amann R. Pharmacokinetic and Environmental Risk Assessment of Prime-2-CoV, a Non-Replicating Orf Virus-Based Vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:492. [PMID: 38793743 PMCID: PMC11126055 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12050492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Viral vector vaccines represent a substantial advancement in immunization technology, offering numerous benefits over traditional vaccine modalities. The Orf virus (ORFV) strain D1701-VrV is a particularly promising candidate for vaccine development due to its distinctive attributes, such as a good safety profile, the ability to elicit both humoral and cellular immunity, and its favorable genetic and thermal stability. Despite ORFV's theoretical safety advantages, such as its narrow host range and limited systemic spread post-inoculation, a critical gap persists between these theoretical benefits and the empirical evidence regarding its in vivo safety profile. This discrepancy underscores the need for comprehensive preclinical validations to bridge this knowledge gap, especially considering ORFV's use in humans. Our research introduces Prime-2-CoV, an innovative ORFV-based vaccine candidate against COVID-19, designed to elicit a robust immune response by expressing SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid and Spike proteins. Currently under clinical trials, Prime-2-CoV marks the inaugural application of ORFV in human subjects. Addressing the aforementioned safety concerns, our extensive preclinical evaluation, including an environmental risk assessment (ERA) and detailed pharmacokinetic studies in rats and immunocompromised NOG mice, demonstrates Prime-2-CoV's favorable pharmacokinetic profile, negligible environmental impact, and minimal ERA risks. These findings not only affirm the vaccine's safety and efficacy but also pioneer the use of ORFV-based therapeutics, highlighting its potential for wider therapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carina Metz
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (C.M.); (V.H.); (M.M.)
- Institute for Tropical Medicine, Travel Medicine, and Human Parasitology, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Verena Haug
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (C.M.); (V.H.); (M.M.)
- Institute for Tropical Medicine, Travel Medicine, and Human Parasitology, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Melanie Müller
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (C.M.); (V.H.); (M.M.)
| | - Ralf Amann
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (C.M.); (V.H.); (M.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhuang Z, Zhuo J, Yuan Y, Chen Z, Zhang S, Zhu A, Zhao J, Zhao J. Harnessing T-Cells for Enhanced Vaccine Development against Viral Infections. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:478. [PMID: 38793729 PMCID: PMC11125924 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12050478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite significant strides in vaccine research and the availability of vaccines for many infectious diseases, the threat posed by both known and emerging infectious diseases persists. Moreover, breakthrough infections following vaccination remain a concern. Therefore, the development of novel vaccines is imperative. These vaccines must exhibit robust protective efficacy, broad-spectrum coverage, and long-lasting immunity. One promising avenue in vaccine development lies in leveraging T-cells, which play a crucial role in adaptive immunity and regulate immune responses during viral infections. T-cell recognition can target highly variable or conserved viral proteins, and memory T-cells offer the potential for durable immunity. Consequently, T-cell-based vaccines hold promise for advancing vaccine development efforts. This review delves into the latest research advancements in T-cell-based vaccines across various platforms and discusses the associated challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jianfen Zhuo
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Yaochang Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Zhao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Shengnan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Airu Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jingxian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Jincun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510182, China; (Z.Z.); (J.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.C.); (S.Z.); (A.Z.); (J.Z.)
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou 510005, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hromić-Jahjefendić A, Lundstrom K, Adilović M, Aljabali AAA, Tambuwala MM, Serrano-Aroca Á, Uversky VN. Autoimmune response after SARS-CoV-2 infection and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Autoimmun Rev 2024; 23:103508. [PMID: 38160960 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103508] [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: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The complicated relationships between autoimmunity, COVID-19, and COVID-19 vaccinations are described, giving insight into their intricacies. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-Ro/SSA, rheumatoid factor, lupus anticoagulant, and antibodies against interferon (IFN)-I have all been consistently found in COVID-19 patients, indicating a high prevalence of autoimmune reactions following viral exposure. Furthermore, the discovery of human proteins with structural similarities to SARS-CoV-2 peptides as possible autoantigens highlights the complex interplay between the virus and the immune system in initiating autoimmunity. An updated summary of the current status of COVID-19 vaccines is presented. We present probable pathways underpinning the genesis of COVID-19 autoimmunity, such as bystander activation caused by hyperinflammatory conditions, viral persistence, and the creation of neutrophil extracellular traps. These pathways provide important insights into the development of autoimmune-related symptoms ranging from organ-specific to systemic autoimmune and inflammatory illnesses, demonstrating the wide influence of COVID-19 on the immune system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Altijana Hromić-Jahjefendić
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, International University of Sarajevo, Hrasnicka cesta 15, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | | | - Muhamed Adilović
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, International University of Sarajevo, Hrasnicka cesta 15, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - Alaa A A Aljabali
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, P.O. Box 566, Irbid 21163, Jordan.
| | - Murtaza M Tambuwala
- Lincoln Medical School, Brayford Pool Campus, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK.
| | - Ángel Serrano-Aroca
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Traslacional San Alberto Magno, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, c/Guillem de Castro 94, 46001, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lundstrom K. COVID-19 Vaccines: Where Did We Stand at the End of 2023? Viruses 2024; 16:203. [PMID: 38399979 PMCID: PMC10893040 DOI: 10.3390/v16020203] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaccine development against SARS-CoV-2 has been highly successful in slowing down the COVID-19 pandemic. A wide spectrum of approaches including vaccines based on whole viruses, protein subunits and peptides, viral vectors, and nucleic acids has been developed in parallel. For all types of COVID-19 vaccines, good safety and efficacy have been obtained in both preclinical animal studies and in clinical trials in humans. Moreover, emergency use authorization has been granted for the major types of COVID-19 vaccines. Although high safety has been demonstrated, rare cases of severe adverse events have been detected after global mass vaccinations. Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants possessing enhanced infectivity have affected vaccine protection efficacy requiring re-design and re-engineering of novel COVID-19 vaccine candidates. Furthermore, insight is given into preparedness against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Collapse
|
9
|
Tu HF, Wong M, Tseng SH, Ingavat N, Olczak P, Notarte KI, Hung CF, Roden RBS. Virus-like particle vaccine displaying an external, membrane adjacent MUC16 epitope elicits ovarian cancer-reactive antibodies. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:19. [PMID: 38225646 PMCID: PMC10790439 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01325-9] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MUC16 is a heavily glycosylated cell surface mucin cleaved in the tumor microenvironment to shed CA125. CA125 is a serum biomarker expressed by > 95% of non-mucinous advanced stage epithelial ovarian cancers. MUC16/CA125 contributes to the evasion of anti-tumor immunity, peritoneal spread and promotes carcinogenesis; consequently, it has been targeted with antibody-based passive and active immunotherapy. However, vaccination against this self-antigen likely requires breaking B cell tolerance and may trigger autoimmune disease. Display of self-antigens on virus-like particles (VLPs), including those produced with human papillomavirus (HPV) L1, can efficiently break B cell tolerance. RESULTS A 20 aa juxta-membrane peptide of the murine MUC16 (mMUC16) or human MUC16 (hMUC16) ectodomain was displayed either via genetic insertion into an immunodominant loop of HPV16 L1-VLPs between residues 136/137, or by chemical coupling using malemide to cysteine sulfhydryl groups on their surface. Female mice were vaccinated intramuscularly three times with either DNA expressing L1-MUC16 fusions via electroporation, or with alum-formulated VLP chemically-coupled to MUC16 peptides. Both regimens were well tolerated, and elicited MUC16-specific serum IgG, although titers were higher in mice vaccinated with MUC16-coupled VLP on alum as compared to L1-MUC16 DNA vaccination. Antibody responses to mMUC16-targeted vaccination cross-reacted with hMUC16 peptide, and vice versa; both were reactive with the surface of CA125+ OVCAR3 cells, but not SKOV3 that lack detectable CA125 expression. Interestingly, vaccination of mice with mMUC16 peptide mixed with VLP and alum elicited mMUC16-specific IgG, implying VLPs provide robust T help and that coupling may not be required to break tolerance to this epitope. CONCLUSION Vaccination with VLP displaying the 20 aa juxta-membrane MUC16 ectodomain, which includes the membrane proximal cleavage site, is likely to be well tolerated and induce IgG targeting ovarian cancer cells, even after CA125 is shed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Fang Tu
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Margaret Wong
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Ssu-Hsueh Tseng
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Nattha Ingavat
- Downstream Processing (DSP), Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138632, Singapore
| | - Pola Olczak
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Kin Israel Notarte
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Chien-Fu Hung
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Richard B S Roden
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhang H, Vandesompele J, Braeckmans K, De Smedt SC, Remaut K. Nucleic acid degradation as barrier to gene delivery: a guide to understand and overcome nuclease activity. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:317-360. [PMID: 38073448 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00194f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Gene therapy is on its way to revolutionize the treatment of both inherited and acquired diseases, by transferring nucleic acids to correct a disease-causing gene in the target cells of patients. In the fight against infectious diseases, mRNA-based therapeutics have proven to be a viable strategy in the recent Covid-19 pandemic. Although a growing number of gene therapies have been approved, the success rate is limited when compared to the large number of preclinical and clinical trials that have been/are being performed. In this review, we highlight some of the hurdles which gene therapies encounter after administration into the human body, with a focus on nucleic acid degradation by nucleases that are extremely abundant in mammalian organs, biological fluids as well as in subcellular compartments. We overview the available strategies to reduce the biodegradation of gene therapeutics after administration, including chemical modifications of the nucleic acids, encapsulation into vectors and co-administration with nuclease inhibitors and discuss which strategies are applied for clinically approved nucleic acid therapeutics. In the final part, we discuss the currently available methods and techniques to qualify and quantify the integrity of nucleic acids, with their own strengths and limitations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heyang Zhang
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jo Vandesompele
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kevin Braeckmans
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
- Centre for Nano- and Biophotonics, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefaan C De Smedt
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
- Centre for Nano- and Biophotonics, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Katrien Remaut
- Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Poria R, Kala D, Nagraik R, Dhir Y, Dhir S, Singh B, Kaushik NK, Noorani MS, Kaushal A, Gupta S. Vaccine development: Current trends and technologies. Life Sci 2024; 336:122331. [PMID: 38070863 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122331] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Despite the effectiveness of vaccination in reducing or eradicating diseases caused by pathogens, there remain certain diseases and emerging infections for which developing effective vaccines is inherently challenging. Additionally, developing vaccines for individuals with compromised immune systems or underlying medical conditions presents significant difficulties. As well as traditional vaccine different methods such as inactivated or live attenuated vaccines, viral vector vaccines, and subunit vaccines, emerging non-viral vaccine technologies, including viral-like particle and nanoparticle vaccines, DNA/RNA vaccines, and rational vaccine design, offer new strategies to address the existing challenges in vaccine development. These advancements have also greatly enhanced our understanding of vaccine immunology, which will guide future vaccine development for a broad range of diseases, including rapidly emerging infectious diseases like COVID-19 and diseases that have historically proven resistant to vaccination. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of emerging non-viral vaccine production methods and their application in addressing the fundamental and current challenges in vaccine development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renu Poria
- Department of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to Be) University, Mullana, Ambala 134003, India
| | - Deepak Kala
- Centera Laboratories, Institute of High Pressure Physics PAS, 01-142 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Rupak Nagraik
- School of Bioengineering and Food Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Yashika Dhir
- Department of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to Be) University, Mullana, Ambala 134003, India
| | - Sunny Dhir
- Department of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to Be) University, Mullana, Ambala 134003, India
| | - Bharat Singh
- Department of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to Be) University, Mullana, Ambala 134003, India
| | - Naveen Kumar Kaushik
- Amity Institute of Virology and Immunology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Md Salik Noorani
- Department of Botany, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Ankur Kaushal
- Department of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to Be) University, Mullana, Ambala 134003, India.
| | - Shagun Gupta
- Department of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to Be) University, Mullana, Ambala 134003, India.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kisakov DN, Belyakov IM, Kisakova LA, Yakovlev VA, Tigeeva EV, Karpenko LI. The use of electroporation to deliver DNA-based vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2024; 23:102-123. [PMID: 38063059 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2023.2292772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nucleic acids represent a promising platform for creating vaccines. One disadvantage of this approach is its relatively low immunogenicity. Electroporation (EP) is an effective way to increase the DNA vaccines immunogenicity. However, due to the different configurations of devices used for EP, EP protocols optimization is required not only to enhance immunogenicity, but also to ensure greater safety and tolerability of the EP procedure. AREA COVERED An data analysis for recent years on the DNA vaccines delivery against viral and parasitic infections using EP was carried out. The study of various EP physical characteristics, such as frequency, pulse duration, pulse interval, should be considered along with the immunogenic construct design and the site of delivery of the vaccine, through the study of the immunogenic and protective characteristics of the latter. EXPERT OPINION Future research should focus on regulating the humoral and cellular response required for protection against infectious agents by modifying the EP protocol. Significant efforts will be directed to establishing the possibility of redirecting the immune response toward the Th1 or Th2 response by changing the EP physical parameters. It will allow for an individual selective approach during EP, depending on the pathogen type of an infectious disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Denis N Kisakov
- Department of bioengineering, State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology VECTOR, Rospotrebnadzor, Novosibirsk region, Russia
| | - Igor M Belyakov
- Department of medico-biological disciplines, Moscow University for Industry and Finance "Synergy", Moscow, Russia
| | - Lubov A Kisakova
- Department of bioengineering, State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology VECTOR, Rospotrebnadzor, Novosibirsk region, Russia
| | - Vladimir A Yakovlev
- Department of bioengineering, State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology VECTOR, Rospotrebnadzor, Novosibirsk region, Russia
| | - Elena V Tigeeva
- Department of bioengineering, State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology VECTOR, Rospotrebnadzor, Novosibirsk region, Russia
| | - Larisa I Karpenko
- Department of bioengineering, State Research Center of Virology and Biotechnology VECTOR, Rospotrebnadzor, Novosibirsk region, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
de Lima MR, Leandro ACCS, de Souza AL, Barradas MM, Roma EH, Fernandes ATG, Galdino-Silva G, Carvalho JKMR, Marchevsky RS, Coelho JMCO, Gonçalves EDC, VandeBerg JL, Silva CL, Bonecini-Almeida MDG. Safety and Immunogenicity of an In Vivo Muscle Electroporation Delivery System for DNA- hsp65 Tuberculosis Vaccine in Cynomolgus Monkeys. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1863. [PMID: 38140266 PMCID: PMC10747856 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
A Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is still the only licensed vaccine for the prevention of tuberculosis, providing limited protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in adulthood. New advances in the delivery of DNA vaccines by electroporation have been made in the past decade. We evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of the DNA-hsp65 vaccine administered by intramuscular electroporation (EP) in cynomolgus macaques. Animals received three doses of DNA-hsp65 at 30-day intervals. We demonstrated that intramuscular electroporated DNA-hsp65 vaccine immunization of cynomolgus macaques was safe, and there were no vaccine-related effects on hematological, renal, or hepatic profiles, compared to the pre-vaccination parameters. No tuberculin skin test conversion nor lung X-ray alteration was identified. Further, low and transient peripheral cellular immune response and cytokine expression were observed, primarily after the third dose of the DNA-hsp65 vaccine. Electroporated DNA-hsp65 vaccination is safe but provides limited enhancement of peripheral cellular immune responses. Preclinical vaccine trials with DNA-hsp65 delivered via EP may include a combination of plasmid cytokine adjuvant and/or protein prime-boost regimen, to help the induction of a stronger cellular immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monique Ribeiro de Lima
- Laboratory of Immunology and Immunogenetic in Infectious Diseases, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil; (M.R.d.L.); (A.C.C.S.L.); (A.L.d.S.); (M.M.B.); (E.H.R.); (A.T.G.F.); (G.G.-S.); (J.K.M.R.C.)
| | - Ana Cristina C. S. Leandro
- Laboratory of Immunology and Immunogenetic in Infectious Diseases, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil; (M.R.d.L.); (A.C.C.S.L.); (A.L.d.S.); (M.M.B.); (E.H.R.); (A.T.G.F.); (G.G.-S.); (J.K.M.R.C.)
- Division of Human Genetics, South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA;
| | - Andreia Lamoglia de Souza
- Laboratory of Immunology and Immunogenetic in Infectious Diseases, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil; (M.R.d.L.); (A.C.C.S.L.); (A.L.d.S.); (M.M.B.); (E.H.R.); (A.T.G.F.); (G.G.-S.); (J.K.M.R.C.)
| | - Marcio Mantuano Barradas
- Laboratory of Immunology and Immunogenetic in Infectious Diseases, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil; (M.R.d.L.); (A.C.C.S.L.); (A.L.d.S.); (M.M.B.); (E.H.R.); (A.T.G.F.); (G.G.-S.); (J.K.M.R.C.)
| | - Eric Henrique Roma
- Laboratory of Immunology and Immunogenetic in Infectious Diseases, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil; (M.R.d.L.); (A.C.C.S.L.); (A.L.d.S.); (M.M.B.); (E.H.R.); (A.T.G.F.); (G.G.-S.); (J.K.M.R.C.)
| | - Ana Teresa Gomes Fernandes
- Laboratory of Immunology and Immunogenetic in Infectious Diseases, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil; (M.R.d.L.); (A.C.C.S.L.); (A.L.d.S.); (M.M.B.); (E.H.R.); (A.T.G.F.); (G.G.-S.); (J.K.M.R.C.)
| | - Gabrielle Galdino-Silva
- Laboratory of Immunology and Immunogenetic in Infectious Diseases, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil; (M.R.d.L.); (A.C.C.S.L.); (A.L.d.S.); (M.M.B.); (E.H.R.); (A.T.G.F.); (G.G.-S.); (J.K.M.R.C.)
| | - Joyce Katiuccia M. Ramos Carvalho
- Laboratory of Immunology and Immunogenetic in Infectious Diseases, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil; (M.R.d.L.); (A.C.C.S.L.); (A.L.d.S.); (M.M.B.); (E.H.R.); (A.T.G.F.); (G.G.-S.); (J.K.M.R.C.)
| | - Renato Sergio Marchevsky
- Laboratory of Neurovirulence, Instituto de Biotecnologia em Imunobiológicos, Biomanguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Janice M. C. Oliveira Coelho
- Laboratory of Pathology, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil;
| | | | - John L. VandeBerg
- Division of Human Genetics, South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA;
| | - Celio Lopes Silva
- Farmacore Biotecnologia Ltda, Ribeirão Preto 14056-680, SP, Brazil; (E.D.C.G.); (C.L.S.)
- Laboratory for Research and Development of Immunobiologicals, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria da Gloria Bonecini-Almeida
- Laboratory of Immunology and Immunogenetic in Infectious Diseases, Instituto Nacional de Infectologia Evandro Chagas, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil; (M.R.d.L.); (A.C.C.S.L.); (A.L.d.S.); (M.M.B.); (E.H.R.); (A.T.G.F.); (G.G.-S.); (J.K.M.R.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Yu H, Guan F, Miller H, Lei J, Liu C. The role of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein in antiviral immunity and vaccine development. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:e2164219. [PMID: 36583642 PMCID: PMC9980416 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2164219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACTThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused enormous health risks and global economic disruption. This disease is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein is a structural protein involved in viral replication and assembly. There is accumulating evidence indicating that the nucleocapsid protein is multi-functional, playing a key role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and antiviral immunity against SARS-CoV-2. Here, we summarize its potential application in the prevention of COVID-19, which is based on its role in inflammation, cell death, antiviral innate immunity, and antiviral adaptive immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haiyun Yu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fei Guan
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Heather Miller
- Laboratory of Intracellular Parasites, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Jiahui Lei
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chaohong Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China, Chaohong Liu
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Nakagami H, Matsumoto T, Takazawa K, Sekino H, Matsuoka O, Inoue S, Furuie H, Morishita R. Long Term Follow-Up Study of a Randomized, Open-Label, Uncontrolled, Phase I/II Study to Assess the Safety and Immunogenicity of Intramuscular and Intradermal Doses of COVID-19 DNA Vaccine (AG0302-COVID19). Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1535. [PMID: 37896939 PMCID: PMC10611071 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11101535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pharmacological studies have demonstrated antibody production and infection prevention with an intradermal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) DNA vaccine (AG0302-COVID-19). This clinical trial aimed to investigate the safety and immunogenicity of high doses of AG0302-COVID19 when injected intramuscularly and intradermally. Healthy adults were randomly divided into three intramuscular vaccination groups (2 mg, three times at 2-week intervals; 4 mg, twice at 4-week intervals; and 8 mg, twice at 4-week intervals) and two intradermal groups (1 mg, three times at 2-week intervals or twice at 4-week intervals). After a one-year follow-up, no serious adverse events were related to AG0302-COVID-19. At Week 52, the changes in the geometric mean titer (GMT) ratios of the anti-S antibodies were 2.5, 2.4, and 3.2 in the 2, 4, and 8 mg intramuscular groups, respectively, and 3.2 and 5.1 in the three times and twice injected intradermal groups, respectively. The number of INF-γ-producing cells responsive to S protein increased after the first dose and was sustained for several months. AG0302-COVID-19 showed an acceptable safety profile, but the induction of a humoral immune response was insufficient to justify progressing to a Phase 3 program.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hironori Nakagami
- Department of Health Development and Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Matsumoto
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Narita Hospital, 852 Hatakeda Narita, Chiba 286-0124, Japan;
| | - Kenji Takazawa
- Medical Corporation Shinanokai Shinanozaka Clinic, 20 Samon-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0017, Japan
| | - Hisakuni Sekino
- Sekino Clinical Pharmacology Clinic, 3-28-3 Ikebukuro, Toshima-Ku, Tokyo 171-0014, Japan
| | - Osamu Matsuoka
- Medical Corporation Heishinkai ToCROM Clinic, 4-9, Yotsuyasanei-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0008, Japan
| | - Satoshi Inoue
- Medical Corporation Heishinkai OCROM Clinic, 4-12-11, Kasuga, Suita 565-0853, Japan;
| | - Hidetoshi Furuie
- Osaka Pharmacology Clinical Research Hospital, 4-1-29, Miyahara, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka 532-0003, Japan;
| | - Ryuichi Morishita
- Department of Clinical Gene Therapy, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Japan;
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Khalid K, Poh CL. The development of DNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Adv Med Sci 2023; 68:213-226. [PMID: 37364379 PMCID: PMC10290423 DOI: 10.1016/j.advms.2023.05.003] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic exerted significant impacts on public health and global economy. Research efforts to develop vaccines at warp speed against SARS-CoV-2 led to novel mRNA, viral vectored, and inactivated vaccines being administered. The current COVID-19 vaccines incorporate the full S protein of the SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan strain but rapidly emerging variants of concern (VOCs) have led to significant reductions in protective efficacies. There is an urgent need to develop next-generation vaccines which could effectively prevent COVID-19. METHODS PubMed and Google Scholar were systematically reviewed for peer-reviewed papers up to January 2023. RESULTS A promising solution to the problem of emerging variants is a DNA vaccine platform since it can be easily modified. Besides expressing whole protein antigens, DNA vaccines can also be constructed to include specific nucleotide genes encoding highly conserved and immunogenic epitopes from the S protein as well as from other structural/non-structural proteins to develop effective vaccines against VOCs. DNA vaccines are associated with low transfection efficiencies which could be enhanced by chemical, genetic, and molecular adjuvants as well as delivery systems. CONCLUSIONS The DNA vaccine platform offers a promising solution to the design of effective vaccines. The challenge of limited immunogenicity in humans might be solved through the use of genetic modifications such as the addition of nuclear localization signal (NLS) peptide gene, strong promoters, MARs, introns, TLR agonists, CD40L, and the development of appropriate delivery systems utilizing nanoparticles to increase uptake by APCs in enhancing the induction of potent immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kanwal Khalid
- Centre for Virus and Vaccine Research, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
| | - Chit Laa Poh
- Centre for Virus and Vaccine Research, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kamensek U, Cemazar M, Kranjc Brezar S, Jesenko T, Kos S, Znidar K, Markelc B, Modic Z, Komel T, Gorse T, Rebersek E, Jakopic H, Sersa G. What We Learned about the Feasibility of Gene Electrotransfer for Vaccination on a Model of COVID-19 Vaccine. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1981. [PMID: 37514166 PMCID: PMC10385748 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA vaccination is one of the emerging approaches for a wide range of applications, including prophylactic vaccination against infectious diseases and therapeutic vaccination against cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of our previously optimized protocols for gene electrotransfer (GET)-mediated delivery of plasmid DNA into skin and muscle tissues on a model of COVID-19 vaccine. Plasmids encoding the SARS-CoV-2 proteins spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) were used as the antigen source, and a plasmid encoding interleukin 12 (IL-12) was used as an adjuvant. Vaccination was performed in the skin or muscle tissue of C57BL/6J mice on days 0 and 14 (boost). Two weeks after the boost, blood, spleen, and transfected tissues were collected to determine the expression of S, N, IL-12, serum interferon-γ, the induction of antigen-specific IgG antibodies, and cytotoxic T-cells. In accordance with prior in vitro experiments that indicated problems with proper expression of the S protein, vaccination with S did not induce S-specific antibodies, whereas significant induction of N-specific antibodies was detected after vaccination with N. Intramuscular vaccination outperformed skin vaccination and resulted in significant induction of humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Moreover, both boost and adjuvant were found to be redundant for the induction of an immune response. Overall, the study confirmed the feasibility of the GET for DNA vaccination and provided valuable insights into this approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Urska Kamensek
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska Cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva Ulica 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska Cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, SI-6310 Izola, Slovenia
| | | | - Tanja Jesenko
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska Cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov Trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Spela Kos
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska Cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katarina Znidar
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska Cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bostjan Markelc
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska Cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena Pot 5, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ziva Modic
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska Cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov Trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tilen Komel
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska Cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov Trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tim Gorse
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva Ulica 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Eva Rebersek
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva Ulica 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Helena Jakopic
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva Ulica 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska Cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena Pot 5, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Tan CW, Valkenburg SA, Poon LLM, Wang LF. Broad-spectrum pan-genus and pan-family virus vaccines. Cell Host Microbe 2023; 31:902-916. [PMID: 37321173 PMCID: PMC10265776 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2023.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Although the development and clinical application of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated unprecedented vaccine success in a short time frame, it also revealed a limitation of current vaccines in their inability to provide broad-spectrum or universal protection against emerging variants. Broad-spectrum vaccines, therefore, remain a dream and challenge for vaccinology. This review will focus on current and future efforts in developing universal vaccines targeting different viruses at the genus and/or family levels, with a special focus on henipaviruses, influenza viruses, and coronaviruses. It is evident that strategies for developing broad-spectrum vaccines will be virus-genus or family specific, and it is almost impossible to adopt a universal approach for different viruses. On the other hand, efforts in developing broad-spectrum neutralizing monoclonal antibodies have been more successful and it is worth considering broad-spectrum antibody-mediated immunization, or "universal antibody vaccine," as an alternative approach for early intervention for future disease X outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chee Wah Tan
- Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sophie A Valkenburg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Leo L M Poon
- HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Division of Public Health Laboratory Sciences, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Centre for Immunology & Infection, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Lin-Fa Wang
- Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; Singhealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute, Singapore, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Seo YB, Ko A, Shin D, Kim J, Suh YS, Na J, Ryu JI, Lee S, Oh MJ, Sung YC. Potentiating the Cross-Reactive IFN-γ T Cell and Polyfunctional T Cell Responses by Heterologous GX-19N DNA Booster in Mice Primed with Either a COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine or Inactivated Vaccine. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119753. [PMID: 37298704 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Waning vaccine-induced immunity, coupled with the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants, has inspired the widespread implementation of COVID-19 booster vaccinations. Here, we evaluated the potential of the GX-19N DNA vaccine as a heterologous booster to enhance the protective immune response to SARS-CoV-2 in mice primed with either an inactivated virus particle (VP) or an mRNA vaccine. We found that in the VP-primed condition, GX-19N enhanced the response of both vaccine-specific antibodies and cross-reactive T Cells to the SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern (VOC), compared to the homologous VP vaccine prime-boost. Under the mRNA-primed condition, GX-19N induced higher vaccine-induced T Cell responses but lower antibody responses than the homologous mRNA vaccine prime-boost. Furthermore, the heterologous GX-19N boost induced higher S-specific polyfunctional CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses than the homologous VP or mRNA prime-boost vaccinations. Our results provide new insights into booster vaccination strategies for the management of novel COVID-19 variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Bok Seo
- Research Institute, SL VaxiGen Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Ara Ko
- Research Institute, SL VaxiGen Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Duckhyang Shin
- Research Institute, Genexine Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Junyoung Kim
- Research Institute, SL VaxiGen Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - You Suk Suh
- Research Institute, Genexine Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Juyoung Na
- Research Institute, Genexine Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji In Ryu
- Research Institute, SL VaxiGen Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Suyeon Lee
- Research Institute, SL VaxiGen Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Ji Oh
- Research Institute, SL VaxiGen Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Chul Sung
- Research Institute, Genexine Inc., Korea Bio Park, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Maslow JN, Kwon I, Kudchodkar SB, Kane D, Tadesse A, Lee H, Park YK, Muthumani K, Roberts CC. DNA Vaccines for Epidemic Preparedness: SARS-CoV-2 and Beyond. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1016. [PMID: 37376404 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11061016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
We highlight the significant progress in developing DNA vaccines during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Specifically, we provide a comprehensive review of the DNA vaccines that have progressed to Phase 2 testing or beyond, including those that have received authorization for use. DNA vaccines have significant advantages with regard to the rapidity of production, thermostability, safety profile, and cellular immune responses. Based on user needs and cost, we compare the three devices used in the SARS-CoV-2 clinical trials. Of the three devices, the GeneDerm suction device offers numerous benefits, particularly for international vaccination campaigns. As such, DNA vaccines represent a promising option for future pandemics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joel N Maslow
- GeneOne Life Science, Inc., Seoul 04500, Republic of Korea
- Department of Medicine, Morristown Medical Center, Morristown, NJ 07960, USA
| | - Ijoo Kwon
- GeneOne Life Science, Inc., Seoul 04500, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Deborah Kane
- GeneOne Life Science, Inc., Seoul 04500, Republic of Korea
| | - Amha Tadesse
- GeneOne Life Science, Inc., Seoul 04500, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyojin Lee
- GeneOne Life Science, Inc., Seoul 04500, Republic of Korea
| | - Young K Park
- GeneOne Life Science, Inc., Seoul 04500, Republic of Korea
| | - Kar Muthumani
- GeneOne Life Science, Inc., Seoul 04500, Republic of Korea
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bonam SR, Hu H. Next-Generation Vaccines Against COVID-19 Variants: Beyond the Spike Protein. ZOONOSES (BURLINGTON, MASS.) 2023; 3:10.15212/zoonoses-2023-0003. [PMID: 38031548 PMCID: PMC10686570 DOI: 10.15212/zoonoses-2023-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Vaccines are among the most effective medical countermeasures against infectious diseases. The current Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spurred the scientific strategies to fight against the disease. Since 2020, a great number of vaccines based on different platforms have been in development in response to the pandemic, among which mRNA, adenoviral vector, and subunit vaccines have been clinically approved for use in humans. These first-generation COVID-19 vaccines largely target the viral spike (S) protein and aim for eliciting potent neutralizing antibodies. With the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants, especially the highly transmissible Omicron strains, the S-based vaccine strategies have been faced constant challenges due to strong immune escape by the variants. The coronavirus nucleocapsid (N) is one of the viral proteins that induces strong T-cell immunity and is more conserved across different SARS-CoV-2 variants. Inclusion of N in the development of COVID-19 vaccines has been reported. Here, we briefly reviewed and discussed COVID-19 disease, current S-based vaccine strategies, and focused on the immunobiology of N protein in SARS-CoV-2 host immunity, as well as the next-generation vaccine strategies involving N protein, to combat current and emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Srinivasa Reddy Bonam
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA 77555
| | - Haitao Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA 77555
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA 77555
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA 77555
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Baghban R, Ghasemian A, Mahmoodi S. Nucleic acid-based vaccine platforms against the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:150. [PMID: 36995507 PMCID: PMC10062302 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03480-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has infected 673,010,496 patients and caused the death of 6,854,959 cases globally until today. Enormous efforts have been made to develop fundamentally different COVID-19 vaccine platforms. Nucleic acid-based vaccines consisting of mRNA and DNA vaccines (third-generation vaccines) have been promising in terms of rapid and convenient production and efficient provocation of immune responses against the COVID-19. Several DNA-based (ZyCoV-D, INO-4800, AG0302-COVID19, and GX-19N) and mRNA-based (BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, and ARCoV) approved vaccine platforms have been utilized for the COVID-19 prevention. mRNA vaccines are at the forefront of all platforms for COVID-19 prevention. However, these vaccines have lower stability, while DNA vaccines are needed with higher doses to stimulate the immune responses. Intracellular delivery of nucleic acid-based vaccines and their adverse events needs further research. Considering re-emergence of the COVID-19 variants of concern, vaccine reassessment and the development of polyvalent vaccines, or pan-coronavirus strategies, is essential for effective infection prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roghayyeh Baghban
- Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center, Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abdolmajid Ghasemian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Shirin Mahmoodi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Hillary VE, Ceasar SA. An update on COVID-19: SARS-CoV-2 variants, antiviral drugs, and vaccines. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13952. [PMID: 36855648 PMCID: PMC9946785 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly contagious and pathogenic virus that first appeared in late December 2019. This SARS-CoV-2 causes an infection of an acute respiratory disease called "coronavirus infectious disease-2019 (COVID-19). The World Health Organization (WHO) declared this SARS-CoV-2 outbreak a great pandemic on March 11, 2020. As of January 31, 2023, SARS-CoV-2 recorded more than 67 million cases and over 6 million deaths. Recently, novel mutated variants of SARS-CoV are also creating a serious health concern worldwide, and the future novel variant is still mysterious. As infection cases of SARS-CoV-2 are increasing daily, scientists are trying to combat the disease using numerous antiviral drugs and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review that summarized the dynamic nature of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, SARS-CoV-2 variants (a variant of concern and variant of interest), antiviral drugs and vaccines utilized against SARS-CoV-2 at a glance. Hopefully, this review will enable the researcher to gain knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 variants and vaccines, which will also pave the way to identify efficient novel vaccines against forthcoming SARS-CoV-2 strains.
Collapse
Key Words
- ACE2, Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2
- Antiviral drugs
- COVID-19
- COVID-19, Coronavirus infectious disease-2019
- EUA, Emergency Use Authorization
- FDA, Food and Drug Administration
- NIH, National Institutes of Health
- RBD, Receptor-binding domain
- SARS-CoV-2
- SARS-CoV-2 variants
- SARS-CoV-2, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
- VOC, Variants of Concern
- VOI, Variants of Interests
- Vaccines
- WHO, World Health Organization
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Varghese Edwin Hillary
- Department of Biosciences, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Cochin, 683 104, Kerala, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Azevedo PO, Hojo-Souza NS, Faustino LP, Fumagalli MJ, Hirako IC, Oliveira ER, Figueiredo MM, Carvalho AF, Doro D, Benevides L, Durigon E, Fonseca F, Machado AM, Fernandes AP, Teixeira SR, Silva JS, Gazzinelli RT. Differential requirement of neutralizing antibodies and T cells on protective immunity to SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:15. [PMID: 36781862 PMCID: PMC9923671 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00616-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The current COVID-19 vaccines protect against severe disease, but are not effective in controlling replication of the Variants of Concern (VOCs). Here, we used the existing pre-clinical models of severe and moderate COVID-19 to evaluate the efficacy of a Spike-based DNA vaccine (pCTV-WS) for protection against different VOCs. Immunization of transgenic (K18-hACE2) mice and hamsters induced significant levels of neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) to Wuhan and Delta isolates, but not to the Gamma and Omicron variants. Nevertheless, the pCTV-WS vaccine offered significant protection to all VOCs. Consistently, protection against lung pathology and viral load to Wuhan or Delta was mediated by nAbs, whereas in the absence of nAbs, T cells controlled viral replication, disease and lethality in mice infected with either the Gamma or Omicron variants. Hence, considering the conserved nature of CD4 and CD8 T cell epitopes, we corroborate the hypothesis that induction of effector T-cells should be a main goal for new vaccines against the emergent SARS-CoV-2 VOCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick O. Azevedo
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil ,grid.418068.30000 0001 0723 0931Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Minas, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Natália S. Hojo-Souza
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil ,grid.418068.30000 0001 0723 0931Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Minas, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Lídia P. Faustino
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil ,grid.418068.30000 0001 0723 0931Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Minas, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Marcílio J. Fumagalli
- grid.11899.380000 0004 1937 0722Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isabella C. Hirako
- grid.418068.30000 0001 0723 0931Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Minas, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Emiliano R. Oliveira
- grid.418068.30000 0001 0723 0931Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Minas, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Maria M. Figueiredo
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Alex F. Carvalho
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Daniel Doro
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil ,grid.418068.30000 0001 0723 0931Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Minas, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Luciana Benevides
- Plataforma Bi-Institucional de Pesquisa em Medicina Translacional - Fiocruz/SP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edison Durigon
- grid.11899.380000 0004 1937 0722Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flávio Fonseca
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil ,grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Alexandre M. Machado
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil ,grid.418068.30000 0001 0723 0931Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Minas, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ana P. Fernandes
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil ,grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Santuza R. Teixeira
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil ,grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - João S. Silva
- Plataforma Bi-Institucional de Pesquisa em Medicina Translacional - Fiocruz/SP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo T. Gazzinelli
- grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil ,grid.418068.30000 0001 0723 0931Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Minas, Belo Horizonte, Brazil ,Plataforma Bi-Institucional de Pesquisa em Medicina Translacional - Fiocruz/SP, São Paulo, Brazil ,grid.8430.f0000 0001 2181 4888Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil ,grid.168645.80000 0001 0742 0364University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Improved DNA Vaccine Delivery with Needle-Free Injection Systems. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020280. [PMID: 36851159 PMCID: PMC9964240 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA vaccines have inherent advantages compared to other vaccine types, including safety, rapid design and construction, ease and speed to manufacture, and thermostability. However, a major drawback of candidate DNA vaccines delivered by needle and syringe is the poor immunogenicity associated with inefficient cellular uptake of the DNA. This uptake is essential because the target vaccine antigen is produced within cells and then presented to the immune system. Multiple techniques have been employed to boost the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of DNA vaccines, including physical delivery methods, molecular and traditional adjuvants, and genetic sequence enhancements. Needle-free injection systems (NFIS) are an attractive alternative due to the induction of potent immunogenicity, enhanced protective efficacy, and elimination of needles. These advantages led to a milestone achievement in the field with the approval for Restricted Use in Emergency Situation of a DNA vaccine against COVID-19, delivered exclusively with NFIS. In this review, we discuss physical delivery methods for DNA vaccines with an emphasis on commercially available NFIS and their resulting safety, immunogenic effectiveness, and protective efficacy. As is discussed, prophylactic DNA vaccines delivered by NFIS tend to induce non-inferior immunogenicity to electroporation and enhanced responses compared to needle and syringe.
Collapse
|
26
|
Elmancy L, Alkhatib H, Daou A. SARS-CoV-2: An Analysis of the Vaccine Candidates Tested in Combatting and Eliminating the COVID-19 Virus. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10122086. [PMID: 36560496 PMCID: PMC9785262 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10122086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), better known as COVID-19, is a highly contagious virus, transferable via air droplets from close human-human contact. The pandemic has led to over 6.5 million deaths worldwide, making it the largest global health crisis since the influenza pandemic in 1918. SARS-CoV-2 rapidly spread around the world, forcing the World Health Organization (WHO) to deem it a global health pandemic after three months of its initiation. The virus has wreaked havoc on many countries worldwide, overwhelming healthcare systems, hence damaging many economies. Even though research has progressed the understanding of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the information gathered about the vaccine trials and their findings have been scarcely distributed to the public in a single study. The information available to scientists has therefore given researchers a pathway to building an efficacious vehicle to substantially decrease the spread of the virus. The vaccines formulated had many challenges due to multiple factors such as viral mutations and clinical trial delays. This paper will aim to educate readers on the processes that the vaccine candidates took, and better understand the procedures; additionally, we'll look at all candidates' findings that went into clinical trials, assessing, analyzing, and evaluating the 27 vaccine candidates that went into phase III trials and the 13 candidates that went into either phase I/II trials.
Collapse
|
27
|
Lovell JF, Baik YO, Choi SK, Lee C, Lee JY, Miura K, Huang WC, Park YS, Woo SJ, Seo SH, Kim JO, Song M, Kim CJ, Choi JK, Kim J, Choo EJ, Choi JH. Interim analysis from a phase 2 randomized trial of EuCorVac-19: a recombinant protein SARS-CoV-2 RBD nanoliposome vaccine. BMC Med 2022; 20:462. [PMID: 36447243 PMCID: PMC9708508 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02661-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous vaccine strategies are being advanced to control SARS-CoV-2, the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic. EuCorVac-19 (ECV19) is a recombinant protein nanoparticle vaccine that displays the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) on immunogenic nanoliposomes. METHODS Initial study of a phase 2 randomized, observer-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the immunogenicity, safety, and tolerance of ECV19 was carried out between July and October 2021. Two hundred twenty-nine participants were enrolled at 5 hospital sites in South Korea. Healthy adults aged 19-75 without prior known exposure to COVID-19 were vaccinated intramuscularly on day 0 and day 21. Of the participants who received two vaccine doses according to protocol, 100 received high-dose ECV19 (20 μg RBD), 96 received low-dose ECV19 (10 μg RBD), and 27 received placebo. Local and systemic adverse events were monitored. Serum was assessed on days 0, 21, and 42 for immunogenicity analysis by ELISA and neutralizing antibody response by focus reduction neutralization test (FRNT). RESULTS Low-grade injection site tenderness and pain were observed in most participants. Solicited systemic adverse events were less frequent, and mostly involved low-grade fatigue/malaise, myalgia, and headache. No clinical laboratory abnormalities were observed. Adverse events did not increase with the second injection and no serious adverse events were solicited by ECV19. On day 42, Spike IgG geometric mean ELISA titers were 0.8, 211, and 590 Spike binding antibody units (BAU/mL) for placebo, low-dose and high-dose ECV19, respectively (p < 0.001 between groups). Neutralizing antibodies levels of the low-dose and high-dose ECV19 groups had FRNT50 geometric mean values of 129 and 316, respectively. Boosting responses and dose responses were observed. Antibodies against the RBD correlated with antibodies against the Spike and with virus neutralization. CONCLUSIONS ECV19 was generally well-tolerated and induced antibodies in a dose-dependent manner that neutralized SARS-CoV-2. The unique liposome display approach of ECV19, which lacks any immunogenic protein components besides the antigen itself, coupled with the lack of increased adverse events during boosting suggest the vaccine platform may be amenable to multiple boosting regimes in the future. Taken together, these findings motivate further investigation of ECV19 in larger scale clinical testing that is underway. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as # NCT04783311.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan F Lovell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - Yeong Ok Baik
- Eubiologics, R&D Center, EuBiologics Co., Ltd., Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Seuk Keun Choi
- Eubiologics, R&D Center, EuBiologics Co., Ltd., Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Chankyu Lee
- Eubiologics, R&D Center, EuBiologics Co., Ltd., Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Yoon Lee
- Eubiologics, R&D Center, EuBiologics Co., Ltd., Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Kazutoyo Miura
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Wei-Chiao Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.,POP Biotechnologies, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Young-Shin Park
- International Vaccine Institute, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sun-Je Woo
- International Vaccine Institute, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang Hwan Seo
- International Vaccine Institute, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae-Ouk Kim
- International Vaccine Institute, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Manki Song
- International Vaccine Institute, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chung-Jong Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae-Ki Choi
- Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, Bucheon, South Korea
| | - Jieun Kim
- Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eun Ju Choo
- Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, South Korea
| | - Jung-Hyun Choi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Medicine, Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Martínez-Puente DH, Pérez-Trujillo JJ, Zavala-Flores LM, García-García A, Villanueva-Olivo A, Rodríguez-Rocha H, Valdés J, Saucedo-Cárdenas O, Montes de Oca-Luna R, Loera-Arias MDJ. Plasmid DNA for Therapeutic Applications in Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091861. [PMID: 36145609 PMCID: PMC9503848 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the interest in using nucleic acids for therapeutic applications has been increasing. DNA molecules can be manipulated to express a gene of interest for gene therapy applications or vaccine development. Plasmid DNA can be developed to treat different diseases, such as infections and cancer. In most cancers, the immune system is limited or suppressed, allowing cancer cells to grow. DNA vaccination has demonstrated its capacity to stimulate the immune system to fight against cancer cells. Furthermore, plasmids for cancer gene therapy can direct the expression of proteins with different functions, such as enzymes, toxins, and cytotoxic or proapoptotic proteins, to directly kill cancer cells. The progress and promising results reported in animal models in recent years have led to interesting clinical results. These DNA strategies are expected to be approved for cancer treatment in the near future. This review discusses the main strategies, challenges, and future perspectives of using plasmid DNA for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - José Juan Pérez-Trujillo
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon (UANL), Monterrey 64460, Mexico
| | - Laura Mireya Zavala-Flores
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Northeast Biomedical Research Center (CIBIN) of IMSS, Nuevo Leon Delegation, Monterrey 64720, Mexico
| | - Aracely García-García
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon (UANL), Monterrey 64460, Mexico
| | - Arnulfo Villanueva-Olivo
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon (UANL), Monterrey 64460, Mexico
| | - Humberto Rodríguez-Rocha
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon (UANL), Monterrey 64460, Mexico
| | - Jesús Valdés
- Departamento de Bioquímica, CINVESTAV-México, Av. IPN 2508, Colonia San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Odila Saucedo-Cárdenas
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon (UANL), Monterrey 64460, Mexico
| | - Roberto Montes de Oca-Luna
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon (UANL), Monterrey 64460, Mexico
- Correspondence: (R.M.d.O.-L.); (M.d.J.L.-A.); Tel.: +52-81-8329-4195 (R.M.d.O.-L. & M.d.J.L.-A.)
| | - María de Jesús Loera-Arias
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon (UANL), Monterrey 64460, Mexico
- Correspondence: (R.M.d.O.-L.); (M.d.J.L.-A.); Tel.: +52-81-8329-4195 (R.M.d.O.-L. & M.d.J.L.-A.)
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Oronsky B, Larson C, Caroen S, Hedjran F, Sanchez A, Prokopenko E, Reid T. Nucleocapsid as a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine candidate. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 122:529-530. [PMID: 35788417 PMCID: PMC9250828 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.06.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus have emerged globally, due to viral mutation. The majority of COVID-19 vaccines contain SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which is susceptible to mutation. It is known that protection against COVID-19 after two doses of mRNA vaccine continuously wanes over time. If viral variants contain mutated spike protein, current vaccines may not provide robust protection. This perspective suggests the inclusion of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein in future COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, as nucleocapsid is much less vulnerable to mutation and may provide stronger immunity to novel viral variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Oronsky
- EpicentRx, Inc., 11099 North Torrey Pines Road Suite 160, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | - Christopher Larson
- EpicentRx, Inc., 11099 North Torrey Pines Road Suite 160, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Scott Caroen
- EpicentRx, Inc., 11099 North Torrey Pines Road Suite 160, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Farah Hedjran
- EpicentRx, Inc., 11099 North Torrey Pines Road Suite 160, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Ana Sanchez
- EpicentRx, Inc., 11099 North Torrey Pines Road Suite 160, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Elena Prokopenko
- EpicentRx, Inc., 11099 North Torrey Pines Road Suite 160, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Tony Reid
- EpicentRx, Inc., 11099 North Torrey Pines Road Suite 160, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Khoshnood S, Ghanavati R, Shirani M, Ghahramanpour H, Sholeh M, Shariati A, Sadeghifard N, Heidary M. Viral vector and nucleic acid vaccines against COVID-19: A narrative review. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:984536. [PMID: 36118203 PMCID: PMC9470835 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.984536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
After about 2 years since the first detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 that resulted in a worldwide pandemic, 6.2 million deaths have been recorded. As a result, there is an urgent need for the development of a safe and effective vaccine for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Endeavors for the production of effective vaccines inexhaustibly are continuing. At present according to the World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 vaccine tracker and landscape, 153 vaccine candidates are developing in the clinical phase all over the world. Some new and exciting platforms are nucleic acid-based vaccines such as Pfizer Biontech and Moderna vaccines consisting of a messenger RNA (mRNA) encoding a viral spike protein in host cells. Another novel vaccine platform is viral vector vaccine candidates that could be replicating or nonreplicating. These types of vaccines that have a harmless viral vector like adenovirus contain a genome encoding the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, which induces significant immune responses. This technology of vaccine manufacturing has previously been used in many human clinical trials conducted for adenoviral vector-based vaccines against different infectious agents, including Ebola virus, Zika virus, HIV, and malaria. In this paper, we have a review of nucleic acid-based vaccines that are passing their phase 3 and 4 clinical trials and discuss their efficiency and adverse effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Khoshnood
- Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Roya Ghanavati
- School of Paramedical Sciences, Behbahan Faculty of Medical Sciences, Behbahan, Iran
| | - Maryam Shirani
- Toxicology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hossein Ghahramanpour
- Department of Bacteriology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sholeh
- Department of Microbiology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aref Shariati
- Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
| | - Nourkhoda Sadeghifard
- Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Mohsen Heidary
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
- *Correspondence: Mohsen Heidary,
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Safety and immunogenicity of a synthetic multiantigen modified vaccinia virus Ankara-based COVID-19 vaccine (COH04S1): an open-label and randomised, phase 1 trial. THE LANCET. MICROBE 2022; 3:e252-e264. [PMID: 35287430 PMCID: PMC8906816 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(22)00027-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background COH04S1, a synthetic attenuated modified vaccinia virus Ankara vector co-expressing SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleocapsid antigens, was tested for safety and immunogenicity in healthy adults. Methods This combined open-label and randomised, phase 1 trial was done at the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center (Duarte, CA, USA). We included participants aged 18-54 years with a negative SARS-CoV-2 antibody and PCR test, normal haematology and chemistry panels, a normal electrocardiogram and troponin concentration, negative pregnancy test if female, body-mass index of 30 kg/m2 or less, and no modified vaccinia virus Ankara or poxvirus vaccine in the past 12 months. In the open-label cohort, 1·0 × 107 plaque-forming units (PFU; low dose), 1·0 × 108 PFU (medium dose), and 2·5 × 108 PFU (high dose) of COH04S1 were administered by intramuscular injection on day 0 and 28 to sentinel participants using a queue-based statistical design to limit risk. In a randomised dose expansion cohort, additional participants were randomly assigned (3:3:1), using block size of seven, to receive two placebo vaccines (placebo group), one low-dose COH04S1 and one placebo vaccine (low-dose COH04S1 plus placebo group), or two low-dose COH04S1 vaccines (low-dose COH04S1 group). The primary outcome was safety and tolerability, with secondary objectives assessing vaccine-specific immunogenicity. The primary immunological outcome was a four times increase (seroconversion) from baseline in spike-specific or nucleocapsid-specific IgG titres within 28 days of the last injection, and seroconversion rates were compared with participants who received placebo using Fisher's exact test. Additional secondary outcomes included assessment of viral neutralisation and cellular responses. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT046339466. Findings Between Dec 13, 2020, and May 24, 2021, 56 participants initiated vaccination. On day 0 and 28, 17 participants received low-dose COH04S1, eight received medium-dose COH04S1, nine received high-dose COH04S1, five received placebo, 13 received low-dose COH04S1 followed by placebo, and four discontinued early. Grade 3 fever was observed in one participant who received low-dose COH04S1 and placebo, and grade 2 anxiety or fatigue was seen in one participant who received medium-dose COH04S1. No severe adverse events were reported. Seroconversion was observed in all 34 participants for spike protein and 32 (94%) for nucleocapsid protein (p<0·0001 vs placebo for each comparison). Four times or more increase in SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibodies within 56 days was measured in nine of 17 participants in the low-dose COH04S1 group, all eight participants in the medium-dose COH04S1 group, and eight of nine participants in the high-dose COH04S1 group (p=0·0035 combined dose levels vs placebo). Post-prime and post-boost four times increase in spike-specific or nucleocapsid-specific T cells secreting interferon-γ was measured in 48 (98%; 95% CI 89-100) of 49 participants who received at least one dose of COH04S1 and provided a sample for immunological analysis. Interpretation COH04S1 was well tolerated and induced spike-specific and nucleocapsid-specific antibody and T-cell responses. Future evaluation of this COVID-19 vaccine candidate as a primary or boost vaccination is warranted. Funding The Carol Moss Foundation and City of Hope Integrated Drug Development Venture programme.
Collapse
|