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Tak WY, Chuang WL, Chen CY, Tseng KC, Lim YS, Lo GH, Heo J, Agarwal K, Bussey L, Teo SL, Tria A, Brown A, Anderson K, Vardeu A, O'Brien S, Kopycinski J, Rutkowski K, Kolenovska R, Barnes E, Evans TG. Phase 1b/2a randomized study of heterologous ChAdOx1-HBV/MVA-HBV therapeutic vaccination (VTP-300) as monotherapy and combined with low-dose nivolumab in virally-suppressed patients with chronic hepatitis B. J Hepatol 2024:S0168-8278(24)02333-X. [PMID: 38972484 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The induction of effective CD8+ T cells is thought to play a critical role in the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Additionally, the use of checkpoint inhibitors is being evaluated to overcome T cell dysfunction during CHB. APPROACH AND RESULTS A chimpanzee adenoviral vector (ChAdOx1-HBV) and a Modified vaccinia Ankara boost (MVA-HBV) encoding the inactivated polymerase, core, and S region from a consensus genotype C HBV were studied. The trial enrolled 55 patients with virally-suppressed CHB virus infection and HBsAg <4,000 IU/mL Group 1 received MVA-HBV intramuscularly (IM) on Day 0 and 28, Group 2 received ChAdOx1-HBV on Day 0/MVA-HBV on Day 28 (VTP-300), Group 3 received VTP-300 + low-dose nivolumab (LDN) on Day 28, and Group 4 received VTP-300 plus LDN with both injections. VTP-300 alone and in combination with LDN was well tolerated with no treatment-related serious adverse events. Reductions of HBsAg were demonstrated in the VTP-300 group 2: 3 of 18 patients with starting HBsAg < 50 IU/ml had durable log10 declines > 0.7 log10 2 months post last-dose. Group 3 (N=18) had reductions in HBsAg of 0.76 log10 and 0.80 log10 3 (p<0.001) at 2 and 7 months post last dose. Two developed persistent non-detectable HBsAg levels. CD4+ and CD8+ antigen-specific T cell responses were generated and there was a correlation between IFN-y ELISpot response and HBsAg decline in Group 2. CONCLUSIONS VTP-300 induced CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and lowered HBsAg in a subset of patients with baseline values below 100 IU/ml. The addition of LDN resulted in significant reduction in surface antigen. VTP-300 is a promising immunotherapeutic to move forward alone or in combination therapies. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS The induction of potent, durable CD8+ T cells may be critical to achieving a functional cure in chronic hepatitis B virus infection. A prime-boost immunotherapeutic consisting of an adenoviral-vector encoding hepatitis B antigens followed by a pox virus boost was shown to induce CD8+ T cells and to lower HBsAg in CHB patients, either alone or more impactfully when administered in conjunction with a checkpoint inhibitor. The use of immunotherapeutics CLINTRIALS: NCT047789.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Y Tak
- School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital
| | - W-L Chuang
- Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - C-Y Chen
- Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi City, Taiwan
| | - K-C Tseng
- Dalin Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Y-S Lim
- Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - G-H Lo
- E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - J Heo
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Pusan National University and Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - K Agarwal
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London UK
| | | | | | | | - A Brown
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - E Barnes
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University, Oxford, UK; Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, UK
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Recombinant Viral Vectors for Therapeutic Programming of Tumour Microenvironment: Advantages and Limitations. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092142. [PMID: 36140243 PMCID: PMC9495732 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral vectors have been widely investigated as tools for cancer immunotherapy. Although many preclinical studies demonstrate significant virus-mediated tumour inhibition in synergy with immune checkpoint molecules and other drugs, the clinical success of viral vector applications in cancer therapy currently is limited. A number of challenges have to be solved to translate promising vectors to clinics. One of the key elements of successful virus-based cancer immunotherapy is the understanding of the tumour immune state and the development of vectors to modify the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME). Tumour-associated immune cells, as the main component of TME, support tumour progression through multiple pathways inducing resistance to treatment and promoting cancer cell escape mechanisms. In this review, we consider DNA and RNA virus vectors delivering immunomodulatory genes (cytokines, chemokines, co-stimulatory molecules, antibodies, etc.) and discuss how these viruses break an immunosuppressive cell development and switch TME to an immune-responsive “hot” state. We highlight the advantages and limitations of virus vectors for targeted therapeutic programming of tumour immune cell populations and tumour stroma, and propose future steps to establish viral vectors as a standard, efficient, safe, and non-toxic cancer immunotherapy approach that can complement other promising treatment strategies, e.g., checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T, and advanced chemotherapeutics.
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Lopez J, Anna F, Authié P, Pawlik A, Ku MW, Blanc C, Souque P, Moncoq F, Noirat A, Hardy D, Sougakoff W, Brosch R, Guinet F, Charneau P, Majlessi L. A lentiviral vector encoding fusion of light invariant chain and mycobacterial antigens induces protective CD4 + T cell immunity. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111142. [PMID: 35905717 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors (LVs) are highly efficient at inducing CD8+ T cell responses. However, LV-encoded antigens are processed inside the cytosol of antigen-presenting cells, which does not directly communicate with the endosomal major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) presentation pathway. LVs are thus poor at inducing CD4+ T cell response. To overcome this limitation, we devised a strategy whereby LV-encoded antigens are extended at their N-terminal end with the MHC-II-associated light invariant chain (li), which contains an endosome-targeting signal sequence. When evaluated with an LV-encoded polyantigen composed of CD4+ T cell targets from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, intranasal vaccination in mice triggers pulmonary polyfunctional CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses. Adjuvantation of these LVs extends the mucosal immunity to Th17 and Tc17 responses. A systemic prime and an intranasal boost with one of these LV induces protection against M. tuberculosis. This strategy improves the protective power of LVs against infections and cancers, where CD4+ T cell immunity plays an important role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie Lopez
- Institut Pasteur-TheraVectys Joint Lab, Université Paris Cité, 28 rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - François Anna
- Institut Pasteur-TheraVectys Joint Lab, Université Paris Cité, 28 rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Pierre Authié
- Institut Pasteur-TheraVectys Joint Lab, Université Paris Cité, 28 rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Alexandre Pawlik
- Institut Pasteur, Integrated Mycobacterial Pathogenomics Unit, CNRS UMR 3525, Université Paris Cité, 25 rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Min-Wen Ku
- Institut Pasteur-TheraVectys Joint Lab, Université Paris Cité, 28 rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Catherine Blanc
- Institut Pasteur-TheraVectys Joint Lab, Université Paris Cité, 28 rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Philippe Souque
- Institut Pasteur-TheraVectys Joint Lab, Université Paris Cité, 28 rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Fanny Moncoq
- Institut Pasteur-TheraVectys Joint Lab, Université Paris Cité, 28 rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Amandine Noirat
- Institut Pasteur-TheraVectys Joint Lab, Université Paris Cité, 28 rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - David Hardy
- Institut Pasteur, Histopathology Platform, Université Paris Cité, 28 rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Wladimir Sougakoff
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, CIMI-Paris, AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, CNR-MyRMA, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Roland Brosch
- Institut Pasteur, Integrated Mycobacterial Pathogenomics Unit, CNRS UMR 3525, Université Paris Cité, 25 rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Françoise Guinet
- Institut Pasteur, Lymphocytes and Immunity Unit, Université Paris Cité, 25 rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Pierre Charneau
- Institut Pasteur-TheraVectys Joint Lab, Université Paris Cité, 28 rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Laleh Majlessi
- Institut Pasteur-TheraVectys Joint Lab, Université Paris Cité, 28 rue du Dr. Roux, 75015 Paris, France.
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Marascio N, Rotundo S, Quirino A, Matera G, Liberto MC, Costa C, Russo A, Trecarichi EM, Torti C. Similarities, differences, and possible interactions between hepatitis E and hepatitis C viruses: Relevance for research and clinical practice. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:1226-1238. [PMID: 35431515 PMCID: PMC8968488 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i12.1226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are both RNA viruses with a tropism for liver parenchyma but are also capable of extrahepatic manifestations. Hepatitis E is usually a viral acute fecal-oral transmitted and self-limiting disease presenting with malaise, jaundice, nausea and vomiting. Rarely, HEV causes a chronic infection in immunocompromised persons and severe fulminant hepatitis in pregnant women. Parenteral HCV infection is typically asymptomatic for decades until chronic complications, such as cirrhosis and cancer, occur. Despite being two very different viruses in terms of phylogenetic and clinical presentations, HEV and HCV show many similarities regarding possible transmission through organ transplantation and blood transfusion, pathogenesis (production of antinuclear antibodies and cryoglobulins) and response to treatment with some direct-acting antiviral drugs. Although both HEV and HCV are well studied individually, there is a lack of knowledge about coinfection and its consequences. The aim of this review is to analyze current literature by evaluating original articles and case reports and to hypothesize some interactions that can be useful for research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Marascio
- Department of Health Sciences, Unit of Microbiology, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Salvatore Rotundo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Angela Quirino
- Department of Health Sciences, Unit of Microbiology, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Giovanni Matera
- Department of Health Sciences, Unit of Microbiology, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Maria Carla Liberto
- Department of Health Sciences, Unit of Microbiology, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Chiara Costa
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Alessandro Russo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Enrico Maria Trecarichi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
| | - Carlo Torti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100, Italy
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Neckermann P, Boilesen DR, Willert T, Pertl C, Schrödel S, Thirion C, Asbach B, Holst PJ, Wagner R. Design and Immunological Validation of Macaca fascicularis Papillomavirus Type 3 Based Vaccine Candidates in Outbred Mice: Basis for Future Testing of a Therapeutic Papillomavirus Vaccine in NHPs. Front Immunol 2021; 12:761214. [PMID: 34777375 PMCID: PMC8581358 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.761214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are causative for cervical neoplasia and carcinomas. Despite the availability of prophylactic vaccines, morbidity and mortality induced by HPV are still too high. Thus, an efficient therapy, such as a therapeutic vaccine, is urgently required. Herein, we describe the development and validation of Macaca fascicularis papillomavirus type 3 (MfPV3) antigens delivered via nucleic-acid and adenoviral vectors in outbred mouse models. Ten artificially fused polypeptides comprising early viral regulatory proteins were designed and optionally linked to the T cell adjuvant MHC-II-associated invariant chain. Transfected HEK293 cells and A549 cells transduced with recombinant adenoviruses expressing the same panel of artificial antigens proved proper and comparable expression, respectively. Immunization of outbred CD1 and OF1 mice led to CD8+ and CD4+ T cell responses against MfPV3 antigens after DNA- and adenoviral vector delivery. Moreover, in vivo cytotoxicity of vaccine-induced CD8+ T cells was demonstrated in BALB/c mice by quantifying specific killing of transferred peptide-pulsed syngeneic target cells. The use of the invariant chain as T cell adjuvant enhanced the T cell responses regarding cytotoxicity and in vitro analysis suggested an accelerated turnover of the antigens as causative. Notably, the fusion-polypeptide elicited the same level of T-cell responses as administration of the antigens individually, suggesting no loss of immunogenicity by fusing multiple proteins in one vaccine construct. These data support further development of the vaccine candidates in a follow up efficacy study in persistently infected Macaca fascicularis monkeys to assess their potential to eliminate pre-malignant papillomavirus infections, eventually instructing the design of an analogous therapeutic HPV vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Neckermann
- Institute of Medical Microbiology & Hygiene, Molecular Microbiology (Virology), University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ditte Rahbaek Boilesen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, the Panum Institute, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- InProTher APS, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | - Benedikt Asbach
- Institute of Medical Microbiology & Hygiene, Molecular Microbiology (Virology), University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Peter Johannes Holst
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, the Panum Institute, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- InProTher APS, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ralf Wagner
- Institute of Medical Microbiology & Hygiene, Molecular Microbiology (Virology), University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Echeverría N, Comas V, Aldunate F, Perbolianachis P, Moreno P, Cristina J. In the era of rapid mRNA-based vaccines: Why is there no effective hepatitis C virus vaccine yet? World J Hepatol 2021; 13:1234-1268. [PMID: 34786164 PMCID: PMC8568586 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i10.1234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is responsible for no less than 71 million people chronically infected and is one of the most frequent indications for liver transplantation worldwide. Despite direct-acting antiviral therapies fuel optimism in controlling HCV infections, there are several obstacles regarding treatment accessibility and reinfection continues to remain a possibility. Indeed, the majority of new HCV infections in developed countries occur in people who inject drugs and are more plausible to get reinfected. To achieve global epidemic control of this virus the development of an effective prophylactic or therapeutic vaccine becomes a must. The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic led to auspicious vaccine development against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, which has renewed interest on fighting HCV epidemic with vaccination. The aim of this review is to highlight the current situation of HCV vaccine candidates designed to prevent and/or to reduce HCV infectious cases and their complications. We will emphasize on some of the crossroads encountered during vaccine development against this insidious virus, together with some key aspects of HCV immunology which have, so far, hampered the progress in this area. The main focus will be on nucleic acid-based as well as recombinant viral vector-based vaccine candidates as the most novel vaccine approaches, some of which have been recently and successfully employed for SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Finally, some ideas will be presented on which methods to explore for the design of live-attenuated vaccines against HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Echeverría
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
| | - Victoria Comas
- Departamento de Desarrollo Biotecnológico, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - Fabián Aldunate
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
| | - Paula Perbolianachis
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
| | - Pilar Moreno
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
| | - Juan Cristina
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay.
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Sasso E, D'Alise AM, Zambrano N, Scarselli E, Folgori A, Nicosia A. New viral vectors for infectious diseases and cancer. Semin Immunol 2020; 50:101430. [PMID: 33262065 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2020.101430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Since the discovery in 1796 by Edward Jenner of vaccinia virus as a way to prevent and finally eradicate smallpox, the concept of using a virus to fight another virus has evolved into the current approaches of viral vectored genetic vaccines. In recent years, key improvements to the vaccinia virus leading to a safer version (Modified Vaccinia Ankara, MVA) and the discovery that some viruses can be used as carriers of heterologous genes encoding for pathological antigens of other infectious agents (the concept of 'viral vectors') has spurred a new wave of clinical research potentially providing for a solution for the long sought after vaccines against major diseases such as HIV, TB, RSV and Malaria, or emerging infectious diseases including those caused by filoviruses and coronaviruses. The unique ability of some of these viral vectors to stimulate the cellular arm of the immune response and, most importantly, T lymphocytes with cell killing activity, has also reawakened the interest toward developing therapeutic vaccines against chronic infectious diseases and cancer. To this end, existing vectors such as those based on Adenoviruses have been improved in immunogenicity and efficacy. Along the same line, new vectors that exploit viruses such as Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV), Measles Virus (MV), Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), have emerged. Furthermore, technological progress toward modifying their genome to render some of these vectors incompetent for replication has increased confidence toward their use in infant and elderly populations. Lastly, their production process being the same for every product has made viral vectored vaccines the technology of choice for rapid development of vaccines against emerging diseases and for 'personalised' cancer vaccines where there is an absolute need to reduce time to the patient from months to weeks or days. Here we review the recent developments in viral vector technologies, focusing on novel vectors based on primate derived Adenoviruses and Poxviruses, Rhabdoviruses, Paramixoviruses, Arenaviruses and Herpesviruses. We describe the rationale for, immunologic mechanisms involved in, and design of viral vectored gene vaccines under development and discuss the potential utility of these novel genetic vaccine approaches in eliciting protection against infectious diseases and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Sasso
- Nouscom srl, Via di Castel Romano 100, 00128 Rome, Italy; Ceinge-Biotecnologie Avanzate S.C. A.R.L., via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy.
| | | | - Nicola Zambrano
- Ceinge-Biotecnologie Avanzate S.C. A.R.L., via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | | | | | - Alfredo Nicosia
- Ceinge-Biotecnologie Avanzate S.C. A.R.L., via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
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Donnison T, von Delft A, Brown A, Swadling L, Hutchings C, Hanke T, Chinnakannan S, Barnes E. Viral vectored hepatitis C virus vaccines generate pan-genotypic T cell responses to conserved subdominant epitopes. Vaccine 2020; 38:5036-5048. [PMID: 32532545 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral genetic variability presents a major challenge to the development of a prophylactic hepatitis C virus (HCV) vaccine. A promising HCV vaccine using chimpanzee adenoviral vectors (ChAd) encoding a genotype (gt) 1b non-structural protein (ChAd-Gt1b-NS) generated high magnitude T cell responses. However, these T cells showed reduced cross-recognition of dominant epitope variants and the vaccine has recently been shown to be ineffective at preventing chronic HCV. To address the challenge of viral diversity, we developed ChAd vaccines encoding HCV genomic sequences that are conserved between all major HCV genotypes and adjuvanted by truncated shark invariant chain (sIitr). METHODS Age-matched female mice were immunised intramuscularly with ChAd (108 infectious units) encoding gt-1 and -3 (ChAd-Gt1/3) or gt-1 to -6 (ChAd-Gt1-6) conserved segments spanning the HCV proteome, or gt-1b (ChAd-Gt1b-NS control), with immunogenicity assessed 14-days post-vaccination. RESULTS Conserved segment vaccines, ChAd-Gt1/3 and ChAd-Gt1-6, generated high-magnitude, broad, and functional CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses. Compared to the ChAd-Gt1b-NS vaccine, these vaccines generated significantly greater responses against conserved non-gt-1 antigens, including conserved subdominant epitopes that were not targeted by ChAd-Gt1b-NS. Epitopes targeted by the conserved segment HCV vaccine induced T cells, displayed 96.6% mean sequence homology between all HCV subtypes (100% sequence homology for the majority of genotype-1, -2, -4 sequences and 94% sequence homology for gt-3, -6, -7, and -8) in contrast to 85.1% mean sequence homology for epitopes targeted by ChAd-Gt1b-NS induced T cells. The addition of truncated shark invariant chain (sIitr) increased the magnitude, breadth, and cross-reactivity of the T cell response. CONCLUSIONS We have demonstrated that genetically adjuvanted ChAd vectored HCV T cell vaccines encoding genetic sequences conserved between genotypes are immunogenic, activating T cells that target subdominant conserved HCV epitopes. These pre-clinical studies support the use of conserved segment HCV T cell vaccines in human clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy Donnison
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, OX1 3SY, United Kingdom
| | - Annette von Delft
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, OX1 3SY, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Brown
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, OX1 3SY, United Kingdom
| | - Leo Swadling
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, OX1 3SY, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Hutchings
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, OX1 3SY, United Kingdom
| | - Tomáš Hanke
- Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom; Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Senthil Chinnakannan
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, OX1 3SY, United Kingdom
| | - Eleanor Barnes
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, OX1 3SY, United Kingdom; Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom.
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Esposito I, Cicconi P, D'Alise AM, Brown A, Esposito M, Swadling L, Holst PJ, Bassi MR, Stornaiuolo M, Mori F, Vassilev V, Li W, Donnison T, Gentile C, Turner B, von Delft A, Del Sorbo M, Barra F, Contino AM, Abbate A, Novellino E, Thomsen AR, Christensen JP, Lahm A, Grazioli F, Ammendola V, Siani L, Colloca S, Klenerman P, Nicosia A, Dorrell L, Folgori A, Capone S, Barnes E. MHC class II invariant chain-adjuvanted viral vectored vaccines enhances T cell responses in humans. Sci Transl Med 2020; 12:12/548/eaaz7715. [PMID: 32554708 PMCID: PMC7610808 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaz7715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Strategies to enhance the induction of high magnitude T cell responses through vaccination are urgently needed. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II-associated invariant chain (Ii) plays a critical role in antigen presentation, forming MHC class II peptide complexes for the generation of CD4+ T cell responses. Preclinical studies evaluating the fusion of Ii to antigens encoded in vector delivery systems have shown that this strategy may enhance T cell immune responses to the encoded antigen. We now assess this strategy in humans, using chimpanzee adenovirus 3 and modified vaccinia Ankara vectors encoding human Ii fused to the nonstructural (NS) antigens of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a heterologous prime/boost regimen. Vaccination was well tolerated and enhanced the peak magnitude, breadth, and proliferative capacity of anti-HCV T cell responses compared to non-Ii vaccines in humans. Very high frequencies of HCV-specific T cells were elicited in humans. Polyfunctional HCV-specific CD8+ and CD4+ responses were induced with up to 30% of CD3+CD8+ cells targeting single HCV epitopes; these were mostly effector memory cells with a high proportion expressing T cell activation and cytolytic markers. No volunteers developed anti-Ii T cell or antibody responses. Using a mouse model and in vitro experiments, we show that Ii fused to NS increases HCV immune responses through enhanced ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. This strategy could be used to develop more potent HCV vaccines that may contribute to the HCV elimination targets and paves the way for developing class II Ii vaccines against cancer and other infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Esposito
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Paola Cicconi
- The Jenner Institute Laboratories, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | | | - Anthony Brown
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | | | - Leo Swadling
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Peter Johannes Holst
- Center for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.,InProTher ApS, BioInnovation Institute, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maria Rosaria Bassi
- Center for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mariano Stornaiuolo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Wenqin Li
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Timothy Donnison
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Chiara Gentile
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Bethany Turner
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Annette von Delft
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Allan Randrup Thomsen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Paul Klenerman
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK.,The Jenner Institute Laboratories, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Alfredo Nicosia
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy.,CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy.,Keires AG, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lucy Dorrell
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK.,Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Headington OX3 9DU, UK
| | | | | | - Eleanor Barnes
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK. .,The Jenner Institute Laboratories, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
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10
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Saylor K, Gillam F, Lohneis T, Zhang C. Designs of Antigen Structure and Composition for Improved Protein-Based Vaccine Efficacy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:283. [PMID: 32153587 PMCID: PMC7050619 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Today, vaccinologists have come to understand that the hallmark of any protective immune response is the antigen. However, it is not the whole antigen that dictates the immune response, but rather the various parts comprising the whole that are capable of influencing immunogenicity. Protein-based antigens hold particular importance within this structural approach to understanding immunity because, though different molecules can serve as antigens, only proteins are capable of inducing both cellular and humoral immunity. This fact, coupled with the versatility and customizability of proteins when considering vaccine design applications, makes protein-based vaccines (PBVs) one of today's most promising technologies for artificially inducing immunity. In this review, we follow the development of PBV technologies through time and discuss the antigen-specific receptors that are most critical to any immune response: pattern recognition receptors, B cell receptors, and T cell receptors. Knowledge of these receptors and their ligands has become exceptionally valuable in the field of vaccinology, where today it is possible to make drastic modifications to PBV structure, from primary to quaternary, in order to promote recognition of target epitopes, potentiate vaccine immunogenicity, and prevent antigen-associated complications. Additionally, these modifications have made it possible to control immune responses by modulating stability and targeting PBV to key immune cells. Consequently, careful consideration should be given to protein structure when designing PBVs in the future in order to potentiate PBV efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Saylor
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Frank Gillam
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- Locus Biosciences, Morrisville, NC, United States
| | - Taylor Lohneis
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- BioPharmaceutical Technology Department, GlaxoSmithKline, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Chenming Zhang
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
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11
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Neukirch L, Fougeroux C, Andersson AMC, Holst PJ. The potential of adenoviral vaccine vectors with altered antigen presentation capabilities. Expert Rev Vaccines 2020; 19:25-41. [PMID: 31889453 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2020.1711054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Despite their appeal as vaccine vectors, adenoviral vectors are yet unable to induce protective immune responses against some weakly immunogenic antigens. Additionally, the maximum doses of adenovirus-based vaccines are limited by vector-induced toxicity, causing vector elimination and diminished immune responses against the target antigen. In order to increase immune responses to the transgene, while maintaining a moderate vector dose, new technologies for improved transgene presentation have been developed for adenoviral vaccine vectors.Areas covered: This review provides an overview of different genetic-fusion adjuvants that aim to improve antigen presentation in the context of adenoviral vector-based vaccines. The influence on both T cell and B cell responses are discussed, with a main focus on two technologies: MHC class II-associated invariant chain and virus-like-vaccines.Expert opinion: Different strategies have been tested to improve adenovirus-based vaccinations with varying degrees of success. The reviewed genetic adjuvants were designed to increase antigen processing and MHC presentation, or promote humoral immune responses with an improved conformational antigen display. While none of the introduced technologies is universally applicable, this review shall give an overview to identify potential improvements for future vaccination approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lasse Neukirch
- Clinical Cooperation Unit "Applied Tumor Immunity", National Center for Tumor Diseases and German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.,Center for Medical Parasitology, Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cyrielle Fougeroux
- Center for Medical Parasitology, Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne-Marie Carola Andersson
- Center for Medical Parasitology, Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,InProTher ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Johannes Holst
- Center for Medical Parasitology, Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,InProTher ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark
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12
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Schwerdtfeger M, Andersson AMC, Neukirch L, Holst PJ. Virus-like vaccines against HIV/SIV synergize with a subdominant antigen T cell vaccine. J Transl Med 2019; 17:175. [PMID: 31126293 PMCID: PMC6534914 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-019-1924-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In non-human primates (NHPs) and humans, partial protection from HIV/SIV infection or suppression of replication is achievable by Env-binding antibodies and Gag-specific CD8+ T-cells targeting protective epitopes. Unfortunately, such T-cell responses are frequently dominated by responses to non-protective, variable epitopes. In this study we attempt to combine three independent approaches, each developed to prevent immunodominance of non-protective epitopes. These approaches were (1) vaccines consisting exclusively of putatively protective p24 Gag highly conserved elements (CEs), (2) vaccines using solely subdominant antigens which were acutely protective in a recent NHP trial, and (3) virus-encoded virus-like particle vaccines (virus-like vaccines/VLVs) using heterologous Env and Gag sequences to enable selection of broadly cross-reactive responses and to avoid immunodominance of non-conserved sequences in prime-boost regimens as previously observed. Methods We vaccinated outbred CD1 mice with HIV-1 clade B Gag/Env encoded in an adenoviral prime and SIVmac239 Gag/Env in an MVA boost. We combined this completely heterologous immunization regimen and the homologous SIVmac239 Gag/Env immunization regimen with an additional prime encoding SIV CEs and accessory antigens Rev, Vif and Vpr (Ad-Ii-SIVCErvv). T-cell responses were analyzed by intracellular cytokine staining of splenocytes and antibody responses by trimer-specific ELISA, avidity and isotype-specific ELISA. Results Env dominance could be avoided successfully in the completely heterologous prime-boost regimen, but Env immunodominance reappeared when Ad-Ii-SIVCErvv was added to the prime. This regimen did however still induce more cross-reactive Gag-specific CD8+ T-cells and Env-specific antibodies. Including Ad-Ii-SIVCErvv in the homologous prime-boost not only elicited accessory antigen-specific CD8+ memory T-cells, but also significantly increased the ratio of Gag- to Env-specific CD8+ T-cells. The CD4+ T-cell response shifted away from structural antigens previously associated with infection-enhancement. Conclusion The homologous Gag/Env prime-boost with Ad-Ii-SIVCErvv prime combined acutely protective CD8+ T-cell responses to subdominant antigens and Env-binding antibodies with chronically protective Gag-specific CD8+ T-cells in outbred mice. This vaccine regimen should be tested in an NHP efficacy trial. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12967-019-1924-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Schwerdtfeger
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Mærsk Tower 07-11, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark. .,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via L. Armanni 5, 80138, Naples, Italy.
| | - Anne-Marie Carola Andersson
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Mærsk Tower 07-11, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark.,InProTherApS, BioInnovation Institute, COBIS, Ole Maaløes Vej 3, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Lasse Neukirch
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Mærsk Tower 07-11, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark.,Clinical Cooperation Unit "Applied Tumor Immunity", National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Johannes Holst
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Mærsk Tower 07-11, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark.,InProTherApS, BioInnovation Institute, COBIS, Ole Maaløes Vej 3, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
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13
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Boilesen DR, Ragonnaud E, Laursen H, Andersson AMC, Tolver A, Spiess K, Holst PJ. CD8+ T cells induced by adenovirus-vectored vaccine are capable of preventing establishment of latent murine γ-herpesvirus 68 infection. Vaccine 2019; 37:2952-2959. [PMID: 31006497 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
CD8+ T cells are known to control infections, but their role in preventing latent infection from establishing has not been thoroughly investigated. We hypothesized that a potent CD8+ T cell response patrolling the mucosal viral entry points could kill the first infected cells and thereby abrogate the infection before latency is established. To investigate this, replication deficient adenovirus serotype 5 vectors encoding murine γ-herpesvirus-68 CD8+ T cell epitopes linkedto the T cell adjuvant Invariant chain, were developed. We show that intranasal vaccination of mice reduces the risk of establishment of latent infection from multiple intranasal ID50 challenges with murine γ-herpesvirus-68 by 81% per exposure at 14 days post vaccination. Protection waned over time, but immune responses were extended by heterologous prime-boost vaccination applied simultaneously intramuscularly and intranasally, and animals vaccinated 66 days prior to challenge showed a strong trend of long-term protection. Our data provides evidence that CD8+ T cells are able to protect against establishment of latent infection. Although the protective efficacy is difficult to maintain over time, this proof-of-concept study suggests a role for a CD8+ T cell arm in future vaccine strategies against latent human viral infections caused by pathogens such as HIV and multiple herpes virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ditte R Boilesen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; InProTher ApS, DK2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Emeline Ragonnaud
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; NIA, NIH, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Henriette Laursen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne-Marie C Andersson
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; InProTher ApS, DK2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Tolver
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katja Spiess
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter J Holst
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; InProTher ApS, DK2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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14
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Fougeroux C, Turner L, Bojesen AM, Lavstsen T, Holst PJ. Modified MHC Class II-Associated Invariant Chain Induces Increased Antibody Responses against Plasmodium falciparum Antigens after Adenoviral Vaccination. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 202:2320-2331. [PMID: 30833346 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1801210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Adenoviral vectors can induce T and B cell immune responses to Ags encoded in the recombinant vector. The MHC class II invariant chain (Ii) has been used as an adjuvant to enhance T cell responses to tethered Ag encoded in adenoviral vectors. In this study, we modified the Ii adjuvant by insertion of a furin recognition site (Ii-fur) to obtain a secreted version of the Ii. To test the capacity of this adjuvant to enhance immune responses, we recombined vectors to encode Plasmodium falciparum virulence factors: two cysteine-rich interdomain regions (CIDR) α1 (IT4var19 and PFCLINvar30 var genes), expressed as a dimeric Ag. These domains are members of a highly polymorphic protein family involved in the vascular sequestration and immune evasion of parasites in malaria. The Ii-fur molecule directed secretion of both Ags in African green monkey cells and functioned as an adjuvant for MHC class I and II presentation in T cell hybridomas. In mice, the Ii-fur adjuvant induced a similar T cell response, as previously demonstrated with Ii, accelerated and enhanced the specific Ab response against both CIDR Ags, with an increased binding capacity to the cognate endothelial protein C receptor, and enhanced the breadth of the response toward different CIDRs. We also demonstrate that the endosomal sorting signal, secretion, and the C-terminal part of Ii were needed for the full adjuvant effect for Ab responses. We conclude that engineered secretion of Ii adjuvant-tethered Ags establishes a single adjuvant and delivery vehicle platform for potent T and B cell-dependent immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrielle Fougeroux
- Center for Medical Parasitology, Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; and
| | - Louise Turner
- Center for Medical Parasitology, Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; and
| | - Anders Miki Bojesen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Thomas Lavstsen
- Center for Medical Parasitology, Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; and
| | - Peter Johannes Holst
- Center for Medical Parasitology, Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; and
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15
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Bailey JR, Barnes E, Cox AL. Approaches, Progress, and Challenges to Hepatitis C Vaccine Development. Gastroenterology 2019; 156:418-430. [PMID: 30268785 PMCID: PMC6340767 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.08.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Risk factors for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection vary, and there were an estimated 1.75 million new cases worldwide in 2015. The World Health Organization aims for a 90% reduction in new HCV infections by 2030. An HCV vaccine would prevent transmission, regardless of risk factors, and significantly reduce the global burden of HCV-associated disease. Barriers to development include virus diversity, limited models for testing vaccines, and our incomplete understanding of protective immune responses. Although highly effective vaccines could prevent infection altogether, immune responses that increase the rate of HCV clearance and prevent chronic infection may be sufficient to reduce disease burden. Adjuvant envelope or core protein and virus-vectored nonstructural antigen vaccines have been tested in healthy volunteers who are not at risk for HCV infection; viral vectors encoding nonstructural proteins are the only vaccine strategy to be tested in at-risk individuals. Despite development challenges, a prophylactic vaccine is necessary for global control of HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R. Bailey
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Eleanor Barnes
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine and the Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University, UK
| | - Andrea L. Cox
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland,Reprint requests Address requests for reprints to: Andrea L. Cox, MD, PhD, Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 551 Rangos Building, 855 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205. fax: (443)769-1221.
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16
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Halbroth BR, Sebastian S, Poyntz HC, Bregu M, Cottingham MG, Hill AVS, Spencer AJ. Development of a Molecular Adjuvant to Enhance Antigen-Specific CD8 + T Cell Responses. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15020. [PMID: 30301933 PMCID: PMC6177389 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33375-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite promising progress in malaria vaccine development, an efficacious subunit vaccine against P. falciparum remains to be licensed and deployed. This study aimed to improve on the immunogenicity of the leading liver-stage vaccine candidate (ChAd63-MVA ME-TRAP), known to confer protection by eliciting high levels of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. We previously showed fusion of ME-TRAP to the human MHC class II invariant chain (Ii) could enhance CD8+ T cell responses in non-human primates, but did not progress to clinical testing due to potential risk of auto-immunity by vaccination of humans with a self-antigen. Initial immunogenicity analyses of ME-TRAP fused to subdomains of the Ii showed that the Ii transmembrane domain alone can enhance CD8+ T cell responses. Subsequently, truncated Ii sequences with low homology to human Ii were developed and shown to enhance CD8+ T cell responses. By systematically mutating the TM domain sequence, multimerization of the Ii chain was shown to be important for immune enhancement. We subsequently identified several proteins from a variety of microbial pathogens with similar characteristics, that also enhance the CD8+ T cell response and could therefore be used in viral vector vaccines when potent cell mediated immunity is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedict R Halbroth
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, ORCRB, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, United Kingdom.
| | - Sarah Sebastian
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, ORCRB, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Hazel C Poyntz
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, ORCRB, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Migena Bregu
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, ORCRB, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew G Cottingham
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, ORCRB, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian V S Hill
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, ORCRB, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandra J Spencer
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, ORCRB, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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17
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Replication deficient human adenovirus vector serotype 19a/64: Immunogenicity in mice and female cynomolgus macaques. Vaccine 2018; 36:6212-6222. [PMID: 30190120 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.07.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The human adenovirus type 19a/64 (hAd19a) is a rare serotype in the human population that transduces human dendritic cells (DCs) and human muscle cells more efficiently than the well-characterized human adenovirus type 5 (hAd5). To further characterize the potential of this vector as a vaccine we designed replication deficient hAd19a, hAd5 and MVA vectors expressing a papillomavirus (PV) antigen fused to the human MHC class II associated invariant chain T cell adjuvant (hIi) and investigated their immunogenicity in vivo in mice and cynomolgus macaques. We initially showed that the hIi encoded in the hAd5 enhanced PV specific CD8+ T cell responses in mice. The T cell responses induced after hAd19a vaccination was similar to those induced by hAd5 vaccination. The hAd19a induced responses were not reduced in presence of preexisting Ad5 immunity in mice. In macaques both vaccines were equally potent at inducing CD8+ T cells after MVA boost, while the level of CD4+ T cell responses were found to be broader in hAd19a primed animals. These data demonstrate the potential of hAd19a as an alternative vector to hAd5 to elicit potent T cell responses to PV.
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18
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Shoukry NH. Hepatitis C Vaccines, Antibodies, and T Cells. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1480. [PMID: 30002657 PMCID: PMC6031729 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of vaccines that protect against persistent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remain a public health priority. The broad use of highly effective direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) is unlikely to achieve HCV elimination without vaccines that can limit viral transmission. Two vaccines targeting either the antibody or the T cell response are currently in preclinical or clinical trials. Next-generation vaccines will likely involve a combination of these two strategies. This review summarizes the state of knowledge about the immune protective role of HCV-specific antibodies and T cells and the current vaccine strategies. In addition, it discusses the potential efficacy of vaccination in DAA-cured individuals. Finally, it summarizes the challenges to vaccine development and the collaborative efforts required to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naglaa H Shoukry
- Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada.,Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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19
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Cappuccini F, Pollock E, Stribbling S, Hill AVS, Redchenko I. 5T4 oncofoetal glycoprotein: an old target for a novel prostate cancer immunotherapy. Oncotarget 2018; 8:47474-47489. [PMID: 28537896 PMCID: PMC5564579 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumour-associated antigen 5T4 is an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy. However to date, reported 5T4-specific cellular immune responses induced by various immunisation platforms have been largely weak or non-existent. In the present study, we have evaluated a heterologous prime boost regime based on the simian adenovirus ChAdOx1 and modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) expressing 5T4 for immunogenicity and tumour protective efficacy in a mouse cancer model. Vaccination-induced immune responses were strong, durable and attributable primarily to CD8+ T cells. By comparison, homologous MVA vaccination regimen did not induce detectable 5T4-specific T cell responses. ChAdOx1-MVA vaccinated mice were completely protected against subsequent B16 melanoma challenge, but in therapeutic settings this regime was only modestly effective in delaying tumour outgrowth. Concomitant delivery of the vaccine with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting immune checkpoint regulators LAG-3, PD-1 or PD-L1 demonstrated that the combination of vaccine with anti PD-1 mAb could significantly delay tumour growth and increase overall survival of tumour-bearing mice. Our findings support a translation of the combinatorial approach based on the heterologous ChAdOx1-MVA vaccination platform with immune checkpoint blockade into the clinic for the treatment of 5T4-positive tumours such as prostate, renal, colorectal, gastric, ovarian, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Cappuccini
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Pollock
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Stribbling
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian V S Hill
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Irina Redchenko
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
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20
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Vitelli A, Folgori A, Scarselli E, Colloca S, Capone S, Nicosia A. Chimpanzee adenoviral vectors as vaccines - challenges to move the technology into the fast lane. Expert Rev Vaccines 2017; 16:1241-1252. [PMID: 29047309 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2017.1394842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In recent years, replication-defective chimpanzee-derived adenoviruses have been extensively evaluated as genetic vaccines. These vectors share desirable properties with human adenoviruses like the broad tissue tropism and the ease of large-scale manufacturing. Additionally, chimpanzee adenoviruses have the advantage to overcome the negative impact of pre-existing anti-human adenovirus immunity. Areas covered: Here the authors review current pre-clinical research and clinical trials that utilize chimpanzee-derived adenoviral vectors as vaccines. A wealth of studies are ongoing to evaluate different vector backbones and administration routes with the aim of improving immune responses. The challenges associated with the identification of an optimal chimpanzee vector and immunization strategies for different immunological outcomes will be discussed. Expert commentary: The demonstration that chimpanzee adenoviruses can be safely used in humans has paved the way to the use of a whole new array of vectors of different serotypes. However, so far no predictive signature of vector immunity in humans has been identified. The high magnitude of T cell responses elicited by chimpanzee adenoviruses has allowed dissecting the qualitative aspects that may be important for protective immunity. Ultimately, only the results from the most clinically advanced products will help establish the efficacy of the vaccine vector platform in the field of disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Alfredo Nicosia
- a ReiThera , Rome , Italy.,c CEINGE , Naples , Italy.,d Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology , University of Naples Federico II , Naples , Italy
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21
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Robb ML, Bolton DL. Accessories to SIV Control: T Cell Vaccination Shows Potential. EBioMedicine 2017; 18:17-18. [PMID: 28427945 PMCID: PMC5405193 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2017.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Merlin L Robb
- US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, United States; Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20818, United States.
| | - Diane L Bolton
- US Military HIV Research Program, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, United States; Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20818, United States
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Ragonnaud E, Pedersen AG, Holst PJ. Breadth of T Cell Responses After Immunization with Adenovirus Vectors Encoding Ancestral Antigens or Polyvalent Papillomavirus Antigens. Scand J Immunol 2017; 85:182-190. [DOI: 10.1111/sji.12522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Ragonnaud
- Department of International Health Immunology and Microbiology; Center for Medical Parasitology; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - A. G. Pedersen
- Department of Systems Biology; Technical University of Denmark; Lyngby Denmark
| | - P. J. Holst
- Department of International Health Immunology and Microbiology; Center for Medical Parasitology; Copenhagen Denmark
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23
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Xu H, Andersson AM, Ragonnaud E, Boilesen D, Tolver A, Jensen BAH, Blanchard JL, Nicosia A, Folgori A, Colloca S, Cortese R, Thomsen AR, Christensen JP, Veazey RS, Holst PJ. Mucosal Vaccination with Heterologous Viral Vectored Vaccine Targeting Subdominant SIV Accessory Antigens Strongly Inhibits Early Viral Replication. EBioMedicine 2017; 18:204-215. [PMID: 28302457 PMCID: PMC5405164 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional HIV T cell vaccine strategies have not been successful in containing acute peak viremia, nor in providing long-term control. We immunized rhesus macaques intramuscularly and rectally using a heterologous adenovirus vectored SIV vaccine regimen encoding normally weakly immunogenic tat, vif, rev and vpr antigens fused to the MHC class II associated invariant chain. Immunizations induced broad T cell responses in all vaccinees. Following up to 10 repeated low-dose intrarectal challenges, vaccinees suppressed early viral replication (P = 0.01) and prevented the peak viremia in 5/6 animals. Despite consistently undetectable viremia in 2 out of 6 vaccinees, all animals showed evidence of infection induced immune responses indicating that infection had taken place. Vaccinees, with and without detectable viremia better preserved their rectal CD4 + T cell population and had reduced immune hyperactivation as measured by naïve T cell depletion, Ki-67 and PD-1 expression on T cells. These results indicate that vaccination towards SIV accessory antigens vaccine can provide a level of acute control of SIV replication with a suggestion of beneficial immunological consequences in infected animals of unknown long-term significance. In conclusion, our studies demonstrate that a vaccine encoding subdominant antigens not normally associated with virus control can exert a significant impact on acute peak viremia. Mucosal heterologousvirus-vectored vaccine used with MHC class II associated invariant chain linked SIV accessory antigens Mucosal vaccination targeting subdominant antigens delay SIV mac251 replication in rhesus macaques. Longterm reduction of immune hyperactivation following SIV infection of vaccinated macaques.
Mucosal immunization is used with heterologous viral vectors and a genetic adjuvant to raise responses against poorly immunogenic SIV antigens. Following repeated low-dose challenge we observed delayed establishment of chronic phase viremia and reduced immune hyperactivation 6 months after established infection. Vaccination was found to strongly reduce viremia at early, but not late time points, after detected infection and in 2 out of 6 animals infection could only observed as virus induced T cell responses. Subdominant antigen vaccines may thus be used to delay SIV mac251 infection and can enable control of chronic viremia in a minority of cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanbin Xu
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, Covington, LA 70433, USA
| | - Anne-Marie Andersson
- Center for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, 1014, Denmark
| | - Emeline Ragonnaud
- Center for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, 1014, Denmark
| | - Ditte Boilesen
- Center for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, 1014, Denmark
| | - Anders Tolver
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
| | | | - James L Blanchard
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, Covington, LA 70433, USA
| | - Alfredo Nicosia
- ReiThera, viale Città d'Europa 679, 00144 Rome, Italy; CEINGE, via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy; Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ronald S Veazey
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, Covington, LA 70433, USA
| | - Peter Johannes Holst
- Center for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, 1014, Denmark.
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25
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Andersson AMC, Holst PJ. Increased T cell breadth and antibody response elicited in prime-boost regimen by viral vector encoded homologous SIV Gag/Env in outbred CD1 mice. J Transl Med 2016; 14:343. [PMID: 27998269 PMCID: PMC5175304 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-016-1102-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A major obstacle for the development of HIV vaccines is the virus' worldwide sequence diversity. Nevertheless, the presence of T cell epitopes within conserved regions of the virus' structural Gag protein and conserved structures in the envelope (env) sequence raises the possibility that cross-reactive responses may be induced by vaccination. In this study, the aim was to investigate the importance of antigenic match on immunodominance and breadth of obtainable T cell responses. METHODS Outbred CD1 mice were immunized with either heterologous (SIVmac239 and HIV-1 clade B consensus) or homologous (SIVmac239) gag sequences using adenovirus (Ad5) and MVA vectors. Env (SIVmac239) was co-encoded in the vectors to study the induction of antibodies, which is a primary target of current HIV vaccine designs. All three vaccines were designed as virus-encoded virus-like particle vaccines. Antibody responses were analysed by ELISA, avidity ELISA, and neutralization assay. T cell responses were determined by intracellular cytokine staining of splenocytes. RESULTS The homologous Env/Gag prime-boost regimen induced higher Env binding antibodies, and induced stronger and broader Gag specific CD8+ T cell responses than the homologous Env/heterologous Gag prime-boost regimen. Homologous Env/heterologous Gag immunization resulted in selective boosting of Env specific CD8+ T cell responses and consequently a paradoxical decreased recognition of variant sequences including conserved elements of p24 Gag. CONCLUSIONS These results contrast with related studies using Env or Gag as the sole antigen and suggest that prime-boost immunizations based on homologous SIVmac239 Gag inserts is an efficient component of genetic VLP vaccines-both for induction of potent antibody responses and cross-reactive CD8+ T cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Marie Carola Andersson
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Center for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Peter Johannes Holst
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Center for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Crank MC, Wilson EMP, Novik L, Enama ME, Hendel CS, Gu W, Nason MC, Bailer RT, Nabel GJ, McDermott AB, Mascola JR, Koup RA, Ledgerwood JE, Graham BS. Safety and Immunogenicity of a rAd35-EnvA Prototype HIV-1 Vaccine in Combination with rAd5-EnvA in Healthy Adults (VRC 012). PLoS One 2016; 11:e0166393. [PMID: 27846256 PMCID: PMC5112788 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND VRC 012 was a Phase I study of a prototype recombinant adenoviral-vector serotype-35 (rAd35) HIV vaccine, the precursor to two recently published clinical trials, HVTN 077 and 083. On the basis of prior evaluation of multiclade rAd5 HIV vaccines, Envelope A (EnvA) was selected as the standard antigen for a series of prototype HIV vaccines to compare various vaccine platforms. In addition, prior studies of rAd5-vectored vaccines suggested pre-existing human immunity may be a confounding factor in vaccine efficacy. rAd35 is less seroprevalent across human populations and was chosen for testing alone and in combination with a rAd5-EnvA vaccine in the present two-part phase I study. METHODS First, five subjects each received a single injection of 109, 1010, or 1011 particle units (PU) of rAd35-EnvA in an open-label, dose-escalation study. Next, 20 Ad5/Ad35-seronegative subjects were randomized to blinded, heterologous prime-boost schedules combining rAd5-EnvA and rAd35-EnvA with a three month interval. rAd35-EnvA was given at 1010 or 1011 PU to ten subjects each; all rAd5-EnvA injections were 1010 PU. EnvA-specific immunogenicity was assessed four weeks post-injection. Solicited reactogenicity and clinical safety were followed after each injection. RESULTS Vaccinations were well tolerated at all dosages. Antibody responses measured by ELISA were detected at 4 weeks in 30% and 50% of subjects after single doses of 1010 or 1011 PU rAd35, respectively, and in 89% after a single rAd5-EnvA 1010 PU injection. EnvA-specific IFN-γ ELISpot responses were detected at four weeks in 0%, 70%, and 50% of subjects after the respective rAd35-EnvA dosages compared to 89% of subjects after rAd5. T cell responses were higher after a single rAd5-EnvA 1010 PU injection than after a single rAd35-EnvA 1010 PU injection, and humoral responses were low after a single dose of either vector. Of those completing the vaccine schedule, 100% of rAd5-EnvA recipients and 90% of rAd35-EnvA recipients had both T cell and humoral responses after boosting with the heterologous vector. ELISpot response magnitude was similar in both regimens and comparable to a single dose of rAd5. A trend toward more robust CD8 T cell responses using rAd5-EnvA prime and rAd35-EnvA boost was observed. Humoral response magnitude was also similar after either heterologous regimen, but was several fold higher than after a single dose of rAd5. Adverse events (AEs) related to study vaccines were in general mild and limited to one episode of hematuria, Grade two. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) AEs were consistent with an in vitro effect on the laboratory assay for aPTT due to a transient induction of anti-phospholipid antibody, a phenomenon that has been reported in other adenoviral vector vaccine trials. CONCLUSIONS Limitations of the rAd vaccine vectors, including the complex interactions among pre-existing adenoviral immunity and vaccine-induced immune responses, have prompted investigators to include less seroprevalent vectors such as rAd35-EnvA in prime-boost regimens. The rAd35-EnvA vaccine described here was well tolerated and immunogenic. While it effectively primed and boosted antibody responses when given in a reciprocal prime-boost regimen with rAd5-EnvA using a three-month interval, it did not significantly improve the frequency or magnitude of T cell responses above a single dose of rAd5. The humoral and cellular immunogenicity data reported here may inform future vaccine and study design. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00479999.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle C. Crank
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Eleanor M. P. Wilson
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Laura Novik
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mary E. Enama
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Cynthia S. Hendel
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Wenjuan Gu
- Clinical Research Directorate/Clinical Monitoring Research Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., NCI Campus at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, 21702, United States of America
| | - Martha C. Nason
- Biostatistics Research Branch, Division of Clinical Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Robert T. Bailer
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Gary J. Nabel
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Adrian B. McDermott
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - John R. Mascola
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Richard A. Koup
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Julie E. Ledgerwood
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Barney S. Graham
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
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Ewer KJ, Lambe T, Rollier CS, Spencer AJ, Hill AVS, Dorrell L. Viral vectors as vaccine platforms: from immunogenicity to impact. Curr Opin Immunol 2016; 41:47-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2016.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Revised: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Pierantoni A, Esposito ML, Ammendola V, Napolitano F, Grazioli F, Abbate A, del Sorbo M, Siani L, D’Alise AM, Taglioni A, Perretta G, Siccardi A, Soprana E, Panigada M, Thom M, Scarselli E, Folgori A, Colloca S, Taylor G, Cortese R, Nicosia A, Capone S, Vitelli A. Mucosal delivery of a vectored RSV vaccine is safe and elicits protective immunity in rodents and nonhuman primates. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2015; 2:15018. [PMID: 26015988 PMCID: PMC4441047 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2015.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a leading cause of severe respiratory disease in infants and the elderly. No vaccine is presently available to address this major unmet medical need. We generated a new genetic vaccine based on chimpanzee Adenovirus (PanAd3-RSV) and Modified Vaccinia Ankara RSV (MVA-RSV) encoding the F, N, and M2-1 proteins of RSV, for the induction of neutralizing antibodies and broad cellular immunity. Because RSV infection is restricted to the respiratory tract, we compared intranasal (IN) and intramuscular (M) administration for safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy in different species. A single IN or IM vaccination completely protected BALB/c mice and cotton rats against RSV replication in the lungs. However, only IN administration could prevent infection in the upper respiratory tract. IM vaccination with MVA-RSV also protected cotton rats from lower respiratory tract infection in the absence of detectable neutralizing antibodies. Heterologous prime boost with PanAd3-RSV and MVA-RSV elicited high neutralizing antibody titers and broad T-cell responses in nonhuman primates. In addition, animals primed in the nose developed mucosal IgA against the F protein. In conclusion, we have shown that our vectored RSV vaccine induces potent cellular and humoral responses in a primate model, providing strong support for clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alessandra Taglioni
- Cellular Biology and Neurobiology Institute (IBCN) National Research Council of Italy, Rome, Italy
| | - Gemma Perretta
- Cellular Biology and Neurobiology Institute (IBCN) National Research Council of Italy, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Riccardo Cortese
- ReiThera Srl, Rome, Italy (former Okairos Srl)
- Keires AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alfredo Nicosia
- ReiThera Srl, Rome, Italy (former Okairos Srl)
- CEINGE, Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Spencer AJ, Cottingham MG, Jenks JA, Longley RJ, Capone S, Colloca S, Folgori A, Cortese R, Nicosia A, Bregu M, Hill AVS. Enhanced vaccine-induced CD8+ T cell responses to malaria antigen ME-TRAP by fusion to MHC class ii invariant chain. PLoS One 2014; 9:e100538. [PMID: 24945248 PMCID: PMC4063960 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 05/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The orthodox role of the invariant chain (CD74; Ii) is in antigen presentation to CD4+ T cells, but enhanced CD8+ T cells responses have been reported after vaccination with vectored viral vaccines encoding a fusion of Ii to the antigen of interest. In this study we assessed whether fusion of the malarial antigen, ME-TRAP, to Ii could increase the vaccine-induced CD8+ T cell response. Following single or heterologous prime-boost vaccination of mice with a recombinant chimpanzee adenovirus vector, ChAd63, or recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA), higher frequencies of antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were observed, with the largest increases observed following a ChAd63-MVA heterologous prime-boost regimen. Studies in non-human primates confirmed the ability of Ii-fusion to augment the T cell response, where a 4-fold increase was maintained up to 11 weeks after the MVA boost. Of the numerous different approaches explored to increase vectored vaccine induced immunogenicity over the years, fusion to the invariant chain showed a consistent enhancement in CD8+ T cell responses across different animal species and may therefore find application in the development of vaccines against human malaria and other diseases where high levels of cell-mediated immunity are required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rhea J. Longley
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Riccardo Cortese
- Okairos, Rome, Italy
- Okairos AG, c/o OBC Suisse AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alfredo Nicosia
- Okairos, Rome, Italy
- CEINGE, Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Migena Bregu
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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