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Laomeephol C, Tawinwung S, Suppipat K, Arunmanee W, Wang Q, Amie Luckanagul J. Surface functionalization of virus-like particles via bioorthogonal click reactions for enhanced cell-specific targeting. Int J Pharm 2024; 660:124332. [PMID: 38866085 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124332] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Surface functionalization of nano drug carriers allows for precise delivery of therapeutic molecules to the target site. This technique involves attaching targeting molecules to the nanoparticle surface, facilitating selective interaction. In this study, we engineered virus-like particles (VLPs) to enhance their targeting capabilities. Azide groups incorporated on the lipid membranes of VLPs enabled bioorthogonal click reactions for conjugation with cycloalkyne-bearing molecules, providing efficient conjugation with high specificity. HIV-1 Gag VLPs were chosen due to their envelope, which allows host membrane component incorporation, and the Gag protein, which serves as a recognition motif for human T cells. This combination, along with antibody-mediated targeting, addresses the limitations of intracellular delivery to T cells, which typically exhibit low uptake of exogenous materials. The selective uptake of azide VLPs by CD3-positive T cells was evaluated in a co-culture system. Even without antibody conjugation, VLP uptake was enhanced in T cells, indicating their intrinsic targeting potential. Antibody conjugation further amplified this effect, demonstrating the synergistic benefits of the combined targeting approach. Our study shows that recombinant production of azide functionalized VLPs results in engineered nanoparticles that can be easily modified using bioorthogonal click reactions, providing high specificity and versatility for conjugation with various molecules, making it applicable to a wide range of biological products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chavee Laomeephol
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Biomaterial Engineering in Medical and Health, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Supannikar Tawinwung
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Cellular Immunotherapy Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Koramit Suppipat
- Cellular Immunotherapy Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Department of Research Affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Wanatchaporn Arunmanee
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Jittima Amie Luckanagul
- Center of Excellence in Biomaterial Engineering in Medical and Health, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Plant-produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
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Bayraktar C, Kayabolen A, Odabas A, Durgun A, Kok I, Sevinc K, Supramaniam A, Idris A, Bagci-Onder T. ACE2-Decorated Virus-Like Particles Effectively Block SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:6931-6943. [PMID: 39005960 PMCID: PMC11246629 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s446093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Over the past three years, extensive research has been dedicated to understanding and combating COVID-19. Targeting the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein and the ACE2 receptor has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy against SARS-CoV-2. This study aimed to develop ACE2-coated virus-like particles (ACE2-VLPs), which can be utilized to prevent viral entry into host cells and efficiently neutralize the virus. Methods Virus-like particles were generated through the utilization of a packaging plasmid in conjunction with a plasmid containing the ACE2 envelope sequence. Subsequently, ACE2-VLPs and ACE2-EVs were purified via ultracentrifugation. The quantification of VLPs was validated through multiple methods, including Nanosight 3000, TEM imaging, and Western blot analysis. Various packaging systems were explored to optimize the ACE2-VLP configuration for enhanced neutralization capabilities. The evaluation of neutralization effectiveness was conducted using pseudoviruses bearing different spike protein variants. Furthermore, the study assessed the neutralization potential against the Omicron BA.1 variant in Vero E6 cells. Results ACE2-VLPs showed a high neutralization capacity even at low doses and demonstrated superior efficacy in in vitro pseudoviral assays compared to extracellular vesicles carrying ACE2. ACE2-VLPs remained stable under various environmental temperatures and effectively blocked all tested variants of concern in vitro. Notably, they exhibited significant neutralization against Omicron BA.1 variant in Vero E6 cells. Given their superior efficacy compared to extracellular vesicles and proven success against live virus, ACE2-VLPs stand out as crucial candidates for treating SARS-CoV-2 infections. Conclusion This novel therapeutic approach of coating VLPs with receptor particles provides a proof-of-concept for designing effective neutralization strategies for other viral diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canan Bayraktar
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Alisan Kayabolen
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Arda Odabas
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aysegul Durgun
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ipek Kok
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kenan Sevinc
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Aroon Supramaniam
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Medical Science Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Adi Idris
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Medical Science Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Tugba Bagci-Onder
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Pérez-Rubio P, Vendrell-Flotats M, Romero EL, Enemark-Rasmussen K, Cervera L, Gòdia F, Lavado-García J. Internalization of PEI-based complexes in transient transfection of HEK293 cells is triggered by coalescence of membrane heparan sulfate proteoglycans like Glypican-4. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116893. [PMID: 38850653 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116893] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Polymer-cationic mediated gene delivery is a well-stablished strategy of transient gene expression (TGE) in mammalian cell cultures. Nonetheless, its industrial implementation is hindered by the phenomenon known as cell density effect (CDE) that limits the cell density at which cultures can be efficiently transfected. The rise in personalized medicine and multiple cell and gene therapy approaches based on TGE, make more relevant to understand how to circumvent the CDE. A rational study upon DNA/PEI complex formation, stability and delivery during transfection of HEK293 cell cultures has been conducted, providing insights on the mechanisms for polyplexes uptake at low cell density and disruption at high cell density. DNA/PEI polyplexes were physiochemically characterized by coupling X-ray spectroscopy, confocal microscopy, cryo-transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Our results showed that the ionic strength of polyplexes significantly increased upon their addition to exhausted media. This was reverted by depleting extracellular vesicles (EVs) from the media. The increase in ionic strength led to polyplex aggregation and prevented efficient cell transfection which could be counterbalanced by implementing a simple media replacement (MR) step before transfection. Inhibiting and labeling specific cell-surface proteoglycans (PGs) species revealed different roles of PGs in polyplexes uptake. Importantly, the polyplexes uptake process seemed to be triggered by a coalescence phenomenon of HSPG like glypican-4 around polyplex entry points. Ultimately, this study provides new insights into PEI-based cell transfection methodologies, enabling to enhance transient transfection and mitigate the cell density effect (CDE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pol Pérez-Rubio
- Grup d'Enginyeria de Bioprocessos i Biocatàlisi Aplicada, Escola d'Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus de Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona 08193, Spain
| | - Meritxell Vendrell-Flotats
- Servei de Microscòpia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus de Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona 08193, Spain
| | - Elianet Lorenzo Romero
- Grup d'Enginyeria de Bioprocessos i Biocatàlisi Aplicada, Escola d'Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus de Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona 08193, Spain
| | | | - Laura Cervera
- Grup d'Enginyeria de Bioprocessos i Biocatàlisi Aplicada, Escola d'Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus de Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona 08193, Spain; Serra Hunter Lecturer Professor.
| | - Francesc Gòdia
- Grup d'Enginyeria de Bioprocessos i Biocatàlisi Aplicada, Escola d'Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus de Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona 08193, Spain
| | - Jesús Lavado-García
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby Kgs 2800, Denmark.
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Pérez-Rubio P, Lavado-García J, Bosch-Molist L, Romero EL, Cervera L, Gòdia F. Extracellular vesicle depletion and UGCG overexpression mitigate the cell density effect in HEK293 cell culture transfection. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101190. [PMID: 38327808 PMCID: PMC10847930 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The hitherto unexplained reduction of cell-specific productivity in transient gene expression (TGE) at high cell density (HCD) is known as the cell density effect (CDE). It currently represents a major challenge in TGE-based bioprocess intensification. This phenomenon has been largely reported, but the molecular principles governing it are still unclear. The CDE is currently understood to be caused by the combination of an unknown inhibitory compound in the extracellular medium and an uncharacterized cellular change at HCD. This study investigates the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as extracellular inhibitors for transfection through the production of HIV-1 Gag virus-like particles (VLPs) via transient transfection in HEK293 cells. EV depletion from the extracellular medium restored transfection efficiency in conditions that suffer from the CDE, also enhancing VLP budding and improving production by 60%. Moreover, an alteration in endosomal formation was observed at HCD, sequestering polyplexes and preventing transfection. Overexpression of UDP-glucose ceramide glucosyltransferase (UGCG) enzyme removed intracellular polyplex sequestration, improving transfection efficiency. Combining EV depletion and UGCG overexpression improved transfection efficiency by ∼45% at 12 × 106 cells/mL. These results suggest that the interaction between polyplexes and extracellular and intracellular vesicles plays a crucial role in the CDE, providing insights for the development of strategies to mitigate its impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pol Pérez-Rubio
- Grup d’Enginyeria de Bioprocessos i Biocatàlisi Aplicada, Escola d’Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus de Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesús Lavado-García
- Grup d’Enginyeria de Bioprocessos i Biocatàlisi Aplicada, Escola d’Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus de Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laia Bosch-Molist
- Grup d’Enginyeria de Bioprocessos i Biocatàlisi Aplicada, Escola d’Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus de Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elianet Lorenzo Romero
- Grup d’Enginyeria de Bioprocessos i Biocatàlisi Aplicada, Escola d’Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus de Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Cervera
- Grup d’Enginyeria de Bioprocessos i Biocatàlisi Aplicada, Escola d’Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus de Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Gòdia
- Grup d’Enginyeria de Bioprocessos i Biocatàlisi Aplicada, Escola d’Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus de Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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Lothert K, Wolff MW. Affinity and Pseudo-Affinity Membrane Chromatography for Viral Vector and Vaccine Purifications: A Review. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:770. [PMID: 37755191 PMCID: PMC10537005 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13090770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Several chromatographic approaches have been established over the last decades for the production of pharmaceutically relevant viruses. Due to the large size of these products compared to other biopharmaceuticals, e.g., proteins, convective flow media have proven to be superior to bead-based resins in terms of process productivity and column capacity. One representative of such convective flow materials is membranes, which can be modified to suit the particular operating principle and are also suitable for economical single-use applications. Among the different membrane variants, affinity surfaces allow for the most selective separation of the target molecule from other components in the feed solution, especially from host cell-derived DNA and proteins. A successful membrane affinity chromatography, however, requires the identification and implementation of ligands, which can be applied economically while at the same time being stable during the process and non-toxic in the case of any leaching. This review summarizes the current evaluation of membrane-based affinity purifications for viruses and virus-like particles, including traditional resin and monolith approaches and the advantages of membrane applications. An overview of potential affinity ligands is given, as well as considerations of suitable affinity platform technologies, e.g., for different virus serotypes, including a description of processes using pseudo-affinity matrices, such as sulfated cellulose membrane adsorbers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael W. Wolff
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, Department Life Science Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen (THM), 35390 Giessen, Germany
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Mazurov D, Ramadan L, Kruglova N. Packaging and Uncoating of CRISPR/Cas Ribonucleoproteins for Efficient Gene Editing with Viral and Non-Viral Extracellular Nanoparticles. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030690. [PMID: 36992399 PMCID: PMC10056905 DOI: 10.3390/v15030690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapid progress in gene editing based on clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR/Cas) has revolutionized functional genomic studies and genetic disease correction. While numerous gene editing applications have been easily adapted by experimental science, the clinical utility of CRISPR/Cas remains very limited due to difficulty in delivery to primary cells and possible off-target effects. The use of CRISPR in the form of a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex substantially reduces the time of DNA exposure to the effector nuclease and minimizes its off-target activity. The traditional electroporation and lipofection methods lack the cell-type specificity of RNP delivery, can be toxic for cells, and are less efficient when compared to nanoparticle transporters. This review focuses on CRISPR/Cas RNP packaging and delivery using retro/lentiviral particles and exosomes. First, we briefly describe the natural stages of viral and exosomal particle formation, release and entry into the target cells. This helps us understand the mechanisms of CRISPR/Cas RNP packaging and uncoating utilized by the current delivery systems, which we discuss afterward. Much attention is given to the exosomes released during viral particle production that can be passively loaded with RNPs as well as the mechanisms necessary for particle fusion, RNP release, and transportation inside the target cells. Collectively, together with specific packaging mechanisms, all these factors can substantially influence the editing efficiency of the system. Finally, we discuss ways to improve CRISPR/Cas RNP delivery using extracellular nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitriy Mazurov
- Cell and Gene Technology Group, Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology RAS, 119334 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: or
| | - Lama Ramadan
- Phystech School of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia Kruglova
- Cell and Gene Technology Group, Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Institute of Gene Biology RAS, 119334 Moscow, Russia
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Hausjell CS, Ernst W, Grünwald-Gruber C, Arcalis E, Grabherr R. Quantitative proteomic analysis of extracellular vesicles in response to baculovirus infection of a Trichoplusia ni cell line. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281060. [PMID: 36716331 PMCID: PMC9886248 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to its outstanding suitability to produce complex biopharmaceutical products including virus-like particles and subunit vaccines, the baculovirus/insect cell expression system has developed into a highly popular production platform in the biotechnological industry. For high productivity, virus-cell communication and an efficient spreading of the viral infection are crucial, and, in this context, extracellular vesicles (EVs) might play a significant role. EVs are small particles, utilized by cells to transfer biologically active compounds such as proteins, lipids as well as nucleic acids to recipient cells for intracellular communication. Studies in mammalian cells showed that the release of EVs is altered in response to infection with many viruses, ultimately either limiting or fostering infection spreading. In this study we isolated and characterized EVs, from both uninfected and baculovirus infected Tnms42 insect cells. Via quantitative proteomic analysis we identified more than 3000 T. ni proteins in Tnms42 cell derived EVs, of which more than 400 were significantly differentially abundant upon baculovirus infection. Subsequent gene set enrichment analysis revealed a depletion of proteins related to the extracellular matrix in EVs from infected cultures. Our findings show a significant change of EV protein cargo upon baculovirus infection, suggesting a major role of EVs as stress markers. Our study might serve in designing new tools for process monitoring and control to further improve biopharmaceutical production within the baculovirus/insect cell expression system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Sophie Hausjell
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Ernst
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Clemens Grünwald-Gruber
- Core Facility Mass Spectrometry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elsa Arcalis
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Reingard Grabherr
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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Carvalho SB, Silva RJS, Sousa MFQ, Peixoto C, Roldão A, Carrondo MJT, Alves PM. Bioanalytics for Influenza Virus-Like Particle Characterization and Process Monitoring. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:805176. [PMID: 35252128 PMCID: PMC8894879 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.805176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are excellent platforms for the development of influenza vaccine candidates. Nonetheless, their characterization is challenging due to VLPs’ unique biophysical and biochemical properties. To cope with such complexity, multiple analytical techniques have been developed to date (e.g., single-particle analysis, thermal stability, or quantification assays), most of which are rarely used or have been successfully demonstrated for being applicable for virus particle characterization. In this study, several biophysical and biochemical methods have been evaluated for thorough characterization of monovalent and pentavalent influenza VLPs from diverse groups (A and B) and subtypes (H1 and H3) produced in insect cells using the baculovirus expression vector system (IC-BEVS). Particle size distribution and purity profiles were monitored during the purification process using two complementary technologies — nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and tunable resistive pulse sensing (TRPS). VLP surface charge at the selected process pH was also assessed by this last technique. The morphology of the VLP (size, shape, and presence of hemagglutinin spikes) was evaluated using transmission electron microscopy. Circular dichroism was used to assess VLPs’ thermal stability. Total protein, DNA, and baculovirus content were also assessed. All VLPs analyzed exhibited similar size ranges (90–115 nm for NTA and 129–141 nm for TRPS), surface charges (average of −20.4 mV), and morphology (pleomorphic particles resembling influenza virus) exhibiting the presence of HA molecules (spikes) uniformly displayed on M1 protein scaffold. Our data shows that HA titers and purification efficiency in terms of impurity removal and thermal stability were observed to be particle dependent. This study shows robustness and generic applicability of the tools and methods evaluated, independent of VLP valency and group/subtype. Thus, they are most valuable to assist process development and enhance product characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia B. Carvalho
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Ricardo J. S. Silva
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Marcos F. Q. Sousa
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Cristina Peixoto
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - António Roldão
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | | | - Paula M. Alves
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Paula M. Alves,
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Lavado-García J, Zhang T, Cervera L, Gòdia F, Wuhrer M. Differential N- and O-glycosylation signatures of HIV-1 Gag virus-like particles and coproduced extracellular vesicles. Biotechnol Bioeng 2022; 119:1207-1221. [PMID: 35112714 PMCID: PMC9303603 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
HIV-1 virus-like particles (VLPs) are nanostructures derived from the self-assembly and cell budding of Gag polyprotein. Mimicking the native structure of the virus and being non-infectious, they represent promising candidates for the development of new vaccines as they elicit a strong immune response. In addition to this, the bounding membrane can be functionalized with exogenous antigens to target different diseases. Protein glycosylation depends strictly on the production platform and expression system used and the displayed glycosylation patterns may influence down-stream processing as well as the immune response. One of the main challenges for the development of Gag VLP production bioprocess is the separation of VLPs and coproduced extracellular vesicles (EVs). In this work, porous graphitized carbon separation method coupled with mass spectrometry was used to characterize the N- and O- glycosylation profiles of Gag VLPs produced in HEK293 cells. We identified differential glycan signatures between VLPs and EVs that could pave the way for further separation and purification strategies in order to optimize downstream processing and move forward in VLP-based vaccine production technology. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Lavado-García
- Grup d'Enginyeria Cel·lular i Bioprocessos, Escola d'Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus de Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tao Zhang
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Cervera
- Grup d'Enginyeria Cel·lular i Bioprocessos, Escola d'Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus de Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Gòdia
- Grup d'Enginyeria Cel·lular i Bioprocessos, Escola d'Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus de Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, 08193, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manfred Wuhrer
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Cao S, Peterson SM, Müller S, Reichelt M, McRoberts Amador C, Martinez-Martin N. A membrane protein display platform for receptor interactome discovery. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2025451118. [PMID: 34531301 PMCID: PMC8488672 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2025451118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell surface receptors are critical for cell signaling and constitute a quarter of all human genes. Despite their importance and abundance, receptor interaction networks remain understudied because of difficulties associated with maintaining membrane proteins in their native conformation and their typically weak interactions. To overcome these challenges, we developed an extracellular vesicle-based method for membrane protein display that enables purification-free and high-throughput detection of receptor-ligand interactions in membranes. We demonstrate that this platform is broadly applicable to a variety of membrane proteins, enabling enhanced detection of extracellular interactions over a wide range of binding affinities. We were able to recapitulate and expand the interactome for prominent members of the B7 family of immunoregulatory proteins such as PD-L1/CD274 and B7-H3/CD276. Moreover, when applied to the orphan cancer-associated fibroblast protein, LRRC15, we identified a membrane-dependent interaction with the tumor stroma marker TEM1/CD248. Furthermore, this platform enabled profiling of cellular receptors for target-expressing as well as endogenous extracellular vesicles. Overall, this study presents a sensitive and easy to use screening platform that bypasses membrane protein purification and enables characterization of interactomes for any cell surface-expressed target of interest in its native state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengya Cao
- Microchemistry, Proteomics and Lipidomics, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080;
| | - Sean M Peterson
- Microchemistry, Proteomics and Lipidomics, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080
| | - Sören Müller
- Oncology Bioinformatics, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080
| | - Mike Reichelt
- Pathology Labs, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080
| | | | - Nadia Martinez-Martin
- Microchemistry, Proteomics and Lipidomics, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA 94080;
- Biologics, Almirall, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
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Pulix M, Lukashchuk V, Smith DC, Dickson AJ. Molecular characterization of HEK293 cells as emerging versatile cell factories. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2021; 71:18-24. [PMID: 34058525 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2021.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
HEK293 cell lines are used for the production of recombinant proteins, virus-like particles and viral vectors. Recent work has generated molecular (systems level) characterisation of HEK293 variants that has enabled re-engineering of the cells towards enhanced use for manufacture-scale production of recombinant biopharmaceuticals (assessment of 'safe harbours' for gene insertion, engineering of new variants for stable, amplifiable expression). In parallel, there have been notable advances in the bioprocessing conditions (suspension adaptation, development of defined serum-free media) that offer the potential for large-scale manufacture, a feature especially important in the drive to produce viral vectors at large-scale and at commercially viable costs for gene therapy. The combination of cell-based and bioprocess-based modification of existing HEK293 cell processes, frequently informed by understandings transferred from developments with Chinese hamster ovary cell lines, seems destined to place the HEK293 cell systems firmly as a critical platform for production of future biologically based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Pulix
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering & Analytical Sciences, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, UK; Cobra Biologics, Stephenson Building, Keele Science Park, Keele ST5 5SP, UK
| | - Vera Lukashchuk
- Cobra Biologics, Stephenson Building, Keele Science Park, Keele ST5 5SP, UK
| | - Daniel C Smith
- Cobra Biologics, Stephenson Building, Keele Science Park, Keele ST5 5SP, UK
| | - Alan J Dickson
- Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering & Analytical Sciences, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, UK.
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12
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Characterization of Extracellular Vesicles Secreted in Lentiviral Producing HEK293SF Cell Cultures. Viruses 2021; 13:v13050797. [PMID: 33946875 PMCID: PMC8145507 DOI: 10.3390/v13050797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors (LVs) are a powerful tool for gene and cell therapy and human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) have been extensively used as a platform for production of these vectors. Like most cells and cellular tissues, HEK293 cells release extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs released by cells share similar size, biophysical characteristics and even a biogenesis pathway with cell-produced enveloped viruses, making it a challenge to efficiently separate EVs from LVs. Thus, EVs co-purified with LVs during downstream processing, are considered “impurities” in the context of gene and cell therapy. A greater understanding of EVs co-purifying with LVs is needed to enable improved downstream processing. To that end, EVs from an inducible lentivirus producing cell line were studied under two conditions: non-induced and induced. EVs were identified in both conditions, with their presence confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and Western blot. EV cargos from each condition were then further characterized by a multi-omic approach. Nineteen proteins were identified by mass spectrometry as potential EV markers to differentiate EVs in LV preparations. Lipid composition of EV preparations before and after LV induction showed similar enrichment in phosphatidylserine. RNA cargos in EVs showed enrichment in transcripts involved in viral processes and binding functions. These findings provide insights on the product profile of lentiviral preparations and could support the development of improved separation strategies aimed at removing co-produced EVs.
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13
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Lavado-García J, Jorge I, Boix-Besora A, Vázquez J, Gòdia F, Cervera L. Characterization of HIV-1 virus-like particles and determination of Gag stoichiometry for different production platforms. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 118:2660-2675. [PMID: 33844274 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The importance of developing new vaccine technologies towards versatile platforms that can cope with global virus outbreaks has been evidenced with the most recent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are a highly immunogenic, safe, and robust approach that can be used to base several vaccine candidates on. Particularly, HIV-1 Gag VLPs is a flexible system comprising a Gag core surrounded by a lipid bilayer that can be modified to present diverse types of membrane proteins or antigens against several diseases, like influenza, dengue, West Nile virus, or human papillomavirus, where it has been proven successful. The size distribution and structural characteristics of produced VLPs vary depending on the cell line used to produce them. In this study, we established an analytical method of characterization for the Gag protein core and clarified the current variability of Gag stoichiometry in HIV-1 VLPs depending on the cell-based production platform, directly determining the number of Gag molecules per VLP in each case. Three Gag peptides have been validated to quantify the number of monomers using parallel reaction monitoring, an accurate and fast, mass-spectrometry-based method that can be used to assess the quality of the produced Gag VLPs regardless of the cell line used. An average of 3617 ± 17 monomers per VLP was obtained for HEK293, substantially varying between platforms, including mammalian and insect cells. This offers a key advantage in quantification and quality control methods to characterize VLP production at a large scale to accelerate new recombinant vaccine production technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Lavado-García
- Grup d'Enginyeria Cel·lular i Bioprocessos, Department of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering, Escola d'Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus de Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Jorge
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Proteomics, Vascular Physiopathology area, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, Madrid, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Arnau Boix-Besora
- Grup d'Enginyeria Cel·lular i Bioprocessos, Department of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering, Escola d'Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus de Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesús Vázquez
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Proteomics, Vascular Physiopathology area, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, Madrid, Spain.,CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Francesc Gòdia
- Grup d'Enginyeria Cel·lular i Bioprocessos, Department of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering, Escola d'Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus de Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Cervera
- Grup d'Enginyeria Cel·lular i Bioprocessos, Department of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering, Escola d'Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Campus de Bellaterra, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
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Gonelli CA, King HAD, Mackenzie C, Sonza S, Center RJ, Purcell DFJ. Immunogenicity of HIV-1-Based Virus-Like Particles with Increased Incorporation and Stability of Membrane-Bound Env. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:239. [PMID: 33801906 PMCID: PMC8002006 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9030239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
An optimal prophylactic vaccine to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) transmission should elicit protective antibody responses against the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env). Replication-incompetent HIV-1 virus-like particles (VLPs) offer the opportunity to present virion-associated Env with a native-like structure during vaccination that closely resembles that encountered on infectious virus. Here, we optimized the incorporation of Env into previously designed mature-form VLPs (mVLPs) and assessed their immunogenicity in mice. The incorporation of Env into mVLPs was increased by replacing the Env transmembrane and cytoplasmic tail domains with those of influenza haemagglutinin (HA-TMCT). Furthermore, Env was stabilized on the VLP surface by introducing an interchain disulfide and proline substitution (SOSIP) mutations typically employed to stabilize soluble Env trimers. The resulting mVLPs efficiently presented neutralizing antibody epitopes while minimizing exposure of non-neutralizing antibody sites. Vaccination of mice with mVLPs elicited a broader range of Env-specific antibody isotypes than Env presented on immature VLPs or extracellular vesicles. The mVLPs bearing HA-TMCT-modified Env consistently induced anti-Env antibody responses that mediated modest neutralization activity. These mVLPs are potentially useful immunogens for eliciting neutralizing antibody responses that target native Env epitopes on infectious HIV-1 virions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A. Gonelli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; (C.A.G.); (H.A.D.K.); (C.M.); (S.S.); (R.J.C.)
| | - Hannah A. D. King
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; (C.A.G.); (H.A.D.K.); (C.M.); (S.S.); (R.J.C.)
- Viral Entry and Vaccines Laboratory, Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Charlene Mackenzie
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; (C.A.G.); (H.A.D.K.); (C.M.); (S.S.); (R.J.C.)
| | - Secondo Sonza
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; (C.A.G.); (H.A.D.K.); (C.M.); (S.S.); (R.J.C.)
| | - Rob J. Center
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; (C.A.G.); (H.A.D.K.); (C.M.); (S.S.); (R.J.C.)
- Viral Entry and Vaccines Laboratory, Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Damian F. J. Purcell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; (C.A.G.); (H.A.D.K.); (C.M.); (S.S.); (R.J.C.)
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Lavado-García J, Díaz-Maneh A, Canal-Paulí N, Pérez-Rubio P, Gòdia F, Cervera L. Metabolic engineering of HEK293 cells to improve transient transfection and cell budding of HIV-1 virus-like particles. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 118:1649-1663. [PMID: 33463716 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
HIV-1 Gag virus-like particles (VLPs) are promising candidates for the development of future vaccines. Recent viral outbreaks have manifested the need of robust vaccine production platforms able to adapt to new challenges while achieving mass production capacity. For the rapid production of VLPs, the method of transient gene expression (TGE) have proved highly efficient. Based on a previous characterization of the HEK293 cell line upon transient transfection using multiplexed quantitative proteomics, molecular production bottlenecks and metabolic pathways likely to be optimized were identified. In this study, these molecular components and metabolic pathways have been explored and modulated via transient metabolic engineering using approaches like design of experiments to fully exploit and optimize VLP production, transfection and budding efficiency. Upon overexpression of endosomal sorting complex required for transport accessory proteins like NEDD4L and CIT, VLP production increased 3.3 and 2.9-fold, respectively. Overexpression of glycosphingolipid precursor enzyme UGCG improved transfection efficiency by 17% and knocking-down the Gag-binding protein CNP improved 2.5-fold VLP specific productivity. Combining CNP inhibition and UGCG overexpression further improved budding efficiency by 37.3%. Modulating VLP production and accessory pathways like intracellular budding, demonstrated the potential of metabolic engineering to optimize and intensify the development of robust production platforms for future vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Lavado-García
- Grup d'Enginyeria Cellular i Bioprocessos, Escola d'Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andy Díaz-Maneh
- Grup d'Enginyeria Cellular i Bioprocessos, Escola d'Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Canal-Paulí
- Grup d'Enginyeria Cellular i Bioprocessos, Escola d'Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pol Pérez-Rubio
- Grup d'Enginyeria Cellular i Bioprocessos, Escola d'Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Gòdia
- Grup d'Enginyeria Cellular i Bioprocessos, Escola d'Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Cervera
- Grup d'Enginyeria Cellular i Bioprocessos, Escola d'Enginyeria, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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16
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Affiliation(s)
- Suman S. Thakur
- Proteomics and Cell Signaling, Lab
W110, Centre for Cellular & Molecular
Biology, Habsiguda, Uppal
Road, Hyderabad 500 007, Telangana, India
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