1
|
Tan C, xiao Y, Liu T, Chen S, Zhou J, Zhang S, Hu Y, Wu A, Li C. Development of multi-epitope mRNA vaccine against Clostridioides difficile using reverse vaccinology and immunoinformatics approaches. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2024; 9:667-683. [PMID: 38817826 PMCID: PMC11137598 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2024.05.008] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile), as the major pathogen of diarrhea in healthcare settings, has become increasingly prevalent within community populations, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. However, the therapeutic options for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) remain limited, and as of now, no authorized vaccine is available to combat this disease. Therefore, the development of a novel vaccine against C. difficile is of paramount importance. In our study, the complete proteome sequences of 118 strains of C. difficile were downloaded and analyzed. We found four antigenic proteins that were highly conserved and can be used for epitope identification. We designed two vaccines, WLcd1 and WLcd2, that contain the ideal T-cell and B-cell epitopes, adjuvants, and the pan HLA DR-binding epitope (PADRE) sequences. The biophysical and chemical assessments of these vaccine candidates indicated that they were suitable for immunogenic applications. Molecular docking analyses revealed that WLcd1 bonded with higher affinity to Toll-like receptors (TLRs) than WLcd2. Furthermore, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, performed using Gmx_MMPBSA v1.56, confirmed the binding stability of WLcd1 with TLR2 and TLR4. The preliminary findings suggested that this multi-epitope vaccine could be a promising candidate for protection against CDI; however, experimental studies are necessary to confirm these predictions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caixia Tan
- Infection Control Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (XiangYa Hospital), Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Yuanyuan xiao
- Infection Control Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (XiangYa Hospital), Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Ting Liu
- Infection Control Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (XiangYa Hospital), Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Siyao Chen
- Infection Control Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (XiangYa Hospital), Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Juan Zhou
- Infection Control Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (XiangYa Hospital), Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Sisi Zhang
- Infection Control Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (XiangYa Hospital), Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Yiran Hu
- Infection Control Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (XiangYa Hospital), Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Anhua Wu
- Infection Control Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (XiangYa Hospital), Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| | - Chunhui Li
- Infection Control Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (XiangYa Hospital), Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yi XM, Lei YL, Li M, Zhong L, Li S. The monkeypox virus-host interplays. CELL INSIGHT 2024; 3:100185. [PMID: 39144256 PMCID: PMC11321328 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellin.2024.100185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is a DNA virus belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus within the Poxviridae family which can cause a zoonotic infection. The unexpected non-endemic outbreak of mpox in 2022 is considered as a new global threat. It is imperative to take proactive measures, including enhancing our understanding of MPXV's biology and pathogenesis, and developing novel antiviral strategies. The host immune responses play critical roles in defensing against MPXV infection while the virus has also evolved multiple strategies for immune escape. This review summarizes the biological features, antiviral immunity, immune evasion mechanisms, pathogenicity, and prevention strategies for MPXV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Mei Yi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Research Unit of Innate Immune and Inflammatory Diseases (2019RU063), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Ya-Li Lei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Research Unit of Innate Immune and Inflammatory Diseases (2019RU063), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Mi Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Research Unit of Innate Immune and Inflammatory Diseases (2019RU063), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Li Zhong
- Department of Pathology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shu Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Research Unit of Innate Immune and Inflammatory Diseases (2019RU063), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li E, Gong Q, Zhang J, Guo X, Xie W, Chen D, Shen Y, Hong D, Li Z, Wang Q, Wang C, Wang Y, Chiu S. An mpox quadrivalent mRNA vaccine protects mice from lethal vaccinia virus challenge. Antiviral Res 2024; 230:105974. [PMID: 39089331 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105974] [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: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
The outbreak of 2022 monkeypox virus (MPXV) infection in nonendemic regions is a global public health concern. A highly effective and safe MPXV vaccine that is available to the general public is urgently needed to control the mpox pandemic. Here, we developed a multivalent mRNA vaccine candidate, MPXV-1103, which expresses the full-length B6, A35, A29 and M1 proteins with three flexible linkers (G4S1)3 in a single sequence. Compared with the monovalent MPXV mRNA vaccine candidates or the quadrivalent mRNA vaccine from mixtures of the four monovalent MPXV mRNA vaccines, MPXV-1103 elicits a robust humoral response and an MPXV-specific T-cell response and protects mice from lethal vaccinia virus (VACV) challenge, with no live virus detected in the nasal or lungs even at dosages as low as 1 μg. Furthermore, analysis of complete blood counts and photomicrographs of tissue from the main organs of mice vaccinated with MPXV-1103 at doses of 5 μg and 20 μg revealed that two doses of MPXV-1103 did not cause any observable pathological changes in the mice. Collectively, our results suggest that MPXV-1103, with features of high efficacy, safety and a simplified manufacturing process, is a promising vaccine candidate for defending against MPXV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Entao Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China; Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Qizan Gong
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Jiachen Zhang
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Xiaoping Guo
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Wenyu Xie
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Da Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Yanqiong Shen
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Dongxiang Hong
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Zhihao Li
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
| | - Chao Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Cellular Dynamics, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China.
| | - Yucai Wang
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China.
| | - Sandra Chiu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China; Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China; Core Unit of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, China; Key Laboratory of Anhui Province for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li Y, Wang L, Chen S. An overview of the progress made in research into the Mpox virus. Med Res Rev 2024. [PMID: 39318037 DOI: 10.1002/med.22085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 09/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
Mpox is a zoonotic illness caused by the Mpox virus (MPXV), a member of the Orthopoxvirus family. Although a few cases have been reported outside Africa, it was originally regarded as an endemic disease limited to African countries. However, the Mpox outbreak of 2022 was remarkable in that the infection spread to more than 123 countries worldwide, causing thousands of infections and deaths. The ongoing Mpox outbreak has been declared as a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization. For a better management and control of the epidemic, this review summarizes the research advances and important scientific findings on MPXV by reviewing the current literature on epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnostic methods, prevention and treatment measures, and animal models of MPXV. This review provides useful information to raise awareness about the transmission, symptoms, and protective measures of MPXV, serving as a theoretical guide for relevant institutions to control MPXV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yansheng Li
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Microbiology in Genomic Modification & Editing and Application, Medical Innovation Technology Transformation Center of Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound lmaging, National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, Department of Critical Care Medicine, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lianrong Wang
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Institute of Pediatrics, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Shi Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Microbiology in Genomic Modification & Editing and Application, Medical Innovation Technology Transformation Center of Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound lmaging, National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, Department of Critical Care Medicine, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gong Y, Yong D, Liu G, Xu J, Ding J, Jia W. A Novel Self-Amplifying mRNA with Decreased Cytotoxicity and Enhanced Protein Expression by Macrodomain Mutations. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2402936. [PMID: 39313862 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202402936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
The efficacy and safety of self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) have been demonstrated in COVID-19 vaccine applications. Unlike conventional non-replicating mRNA (nrmRNA), saRNA offers a key advantage: its self-replication mechanism fosters efficient expression of the encoded protein, leading to substantial dose savings during administration. Consequently, there is a growing interest in further optimizing the expression efficiency of saRNA. In this study, in vitro adaptive passaging of saRNA is conducted under exogenous interferon pressure, which revealed several mutations in the nonstructural protein (NSP). Notably, two stable mutations, Q48P and I113F, situated in the NSP3 macrodomain (MD), attenuated its mono adenosine diphosphate ribose (MAR) hydrolysis activity and exhibited decreased replication but increased payload expression compared to wild-type saRNA (wt saRNA). Transcriptome sequencing analysis unveils diminished activation of the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) sensor and, consequently, a significantly reduced innate immune response compared to wt saRNA. Furthermore, the mutant saRNA demonstrated less translation inhibition and cell apoptosis than wt saRNA, culminating in higher protein expression both in vitro and in vivo. These findings underscore the potential of reducing saRNA replication-dependent dsRNA-induced innate immune responses through genetic modification as a valuable strategy for optimizing saRNA, enhancing payload translation efficiency, and mitigating saRNA cytotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Gong
- Shanghai Virogin Biotech Co. Ltd, Jiading District, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Danni Yong
- Shanghai Virogin Biotech Co. Ltd, Jiading District, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Gensheng Liu
- Shanghai Virogin Biotech Co. Ltd, Jiading District, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Jiang Xu
- Shanghai Virogin Biotech Co. Ltd, Jiading District, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Jun Ding
- Shanghai Virogin Biotech Co. Ltd, Jiading District, Shanghai, 200000, China
- Virogin Biotech Canada Ltd, Vancouver, BC, V6V 3A4, Canada
| | - William Jia
- Shanghai Virogin Biotech Co. Ltd, Jiading District, Shanghai, 200000, China
- Virogin Biotech Canada Ltd, Vancouver, BC, V6V 3A4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ganesan A, Arunagiri T, Mani S, Kumaran VR, Sk G, Elumalai S, Kannaiah KP, Chanduluru HK. Mpox treatment evolution: past milestones, present advances, and future directions. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03385-0. [PMID: 39225831 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03385-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
An underestimated worldwide health concern, Monkeypox (Mpox) is becoming a bigger menace to the world's population. After smallpox was eradicated in 1970, Mpox was found in a rural region of Africa and quickly spread to other African countries. The etiological agent of the Mpox infection, the Mpox virus, is constantly evolving, and its capability for cross-species transmission led to a global outbreak in 2022 which led to several deaths throughout the world. This review aims to showcase the progressive treatment methods and emerging innovations in the diagnostic and prevention strategies for controlling Mpox. The clinical trial data for antiviral drugs were systematically collected and analyzed using statistical tests to determine the most effective antiviral treatment. Emerging viral protein inhibitors that are under investigation for Mpox treatment were also scrutinized in this review. Additionally, modern diagnostic methods, such as the Streamlined CRISPR On Pod Evaluation platform (SCOPE) and graphene quantum rods were reviewed, and the efficacy of mRNA vaccines with traditional smallpox vaccines used for Mpox were compared. The statistical analysis revealed that tecovirimat (TCV) is the most effective antiviral drug among the other evaluated drugs, showing superior efficacy in clinical trials. Similarly, mRNA vaccines offer greater effectiveness compared to conventional smallpox vaccines. Furthermore, emerging nanomedicine and herbal drug candidates were highlighted as potential future treatments for Mpox. The findings underscore the effectiveness of TCV in treating Mpox and highlight significant advancements in preventive treatments. The review also points to innovative approaches in vaccine technology and potential future therapies, including nanomedicine and herbal remedies, which may enhance Mpox management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alagammai Ganesan
- SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Thirumalai Arunagiri
- SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Suganandhini Mani
- SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Vamsi Ravi Kumaran
- SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Gayathrii Sk
- SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Sandhiya Elumalai
- SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India
| | - Kanaka Parvathi Kannaiah
- SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India.
| | - Hemanth Kumar Chanduluru
- SRM College of Pharmacy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 603203, India.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fang D, Liu Y, Dou D, Su B. The unique immune evasion mechanisms of the mpox virus and their implication for developing new vaccines and immunotherapies. Virol Sin 2024:S1995-820X(24)00135-4. [PMID: 39181538 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2024.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Mpox is an infectious and contagious zoonotic disease caused by the mpox virus (MPXV), which belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus. Since 2022, MPXV has posed a significant threat to global public health. The emergence of thousands of cases across the Western Hemisphere prompted the World Health Organization to declare an emergency. The extensive coevolutionary history of poxviruses with humans has enabled these viruses to develop sophisticated mechanisms to counter the human immune system. Specifically, MPXV employs unique immune evasion strategies against a wide range of immunological elements, presenting a considerable challenge for treatment, especially following the discontinuation of routine smallpox vaccination among the general population. In this review, we start by discussing the entry of the mpox virus and the onset of early infection, followed by an introduction to the mechanisms by which the mpox virus can evade the innate and adaptive immune responses. Two caspase-1 inhibitory proteins and a PKR escape-related protein have been identified as phylogenomic hubs involved in modulating the immune environment during the MPXV infection. With respect to adaptive immunity, mpox viruses exhibit unique and exceptional T-cell inhibition capabilities, thereby comprehensively remodeling the host immune environment. The viral envelope also poses challenges for the neutralizing effects of antibodies and the complement system. The unique immune evasion mechanisms employed by MPXV make novel multi-epitope and nucleic acid-based vaccines highly promising research directions worth investigating. Finally, we briefly discuss the impact of MPXV infection on immunosuppressed patients and the current status of MPXV vaccine development. This review may provide valuable information for the development of new immunological treatments for mpox.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Fang
- Department of Health Sciences, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Dou Dou
- Department of Health Sciences, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Beijing, 100085, China
| | - Bin Su
- Department of Health Sciences, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Beijing, 100085, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Central Laboratory, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hao P, Li X, Li X, Zhong W. mRNA vaccine technology for infectious diseases and beyond. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024:10.1007/s11427-024-2639-3. [PMID: 38965140 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-024-2639-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Pei Hao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Shanghai Institute of Immunity and Infection, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Xiao Li
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130122, China.
| | - Xuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Wu Zhong
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100085, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ye T, Zhou J, Guo C, Zhang K, Wang Y, Liu Y, Zhou J, Xie Y, Li E, Gong R, Zhang J, Chuai X, Chiu S. Polyvalent mpox mRNA vaccines elicit robust immune responses and confer potent protection against vaccinia virus. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114269. [PMID: 38787725 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The 2022 mpox outbreak led the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare it a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). There is a need to develop more effective and safer mpox virus (MPXV)-specific vaccines in response to the mpox epidemic. The mRNA vaccine is a promising platform to protect against MPXV infection. In this study, we construct two bivalent MPXV mRNA vaccines, designated LBA (B6R-A29L) and LAM (A35R-M1R), and a quadrivalent mRNA vaccine, LBAAM (B6R-A35R-A29L-M1R). The immunogenicity and protective efficacy of these vaccines alone or in combination were evaluated in a lethal mouse model. All mRNA vaccine candidates could elicit potential antigen-specific humoral and cellular immune responses and provide protection against vaccinia virus (VACV) infection. The protective effect of the combination of two bivalent mRNA vaccines and the quadrivalent vaccine was superior to that of the individual bivalent mRNA vaccine. Our study provides valuable insights for the development of more efficient and safer mRNA vaccines against mpox.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianxi Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430207, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jinge Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430207, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chen Guo
- Guangzhou Henovcom Bioscience Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, Guangdong 510700, China
| | - Kaiyue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430207, China
| | - Yuping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430207, China
| | - Yanhui Liu
- Guangzhou Henovcom Bioscience Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, Guangdong 510700, China
| | - Junhui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430207, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yalin Xie
- Guangzhou Henovcom Bioscience Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, Guangdong 510700, China
| | - Entao Li
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China; Key Laboratory of Anhui Province for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China
| | - Rui Gong
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430207, China; Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Wuhan, Hubei 430200, China.
| | - Jiancun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Science, Guangzhou 510530, China.
| | - Xia Chuai
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430207, China.
| | - Sandra Chiu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China; Key Laboratory of Anhui Province for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhou J, Ye T, Yang Y, Li E, Zhang K, Wang Y, Chen S, Hu J, Zhang K, Liu F, Gong R, Chuai X, Wang Z, Chiu S. Circular RNA vaccines against monkeypox virus provide potent protection against vaccinia virus infection in mice. Mol Ther 2024; 32:1779-1789. [PMID: 38659224 PMCID: PMC11184329 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.04.028] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the outbreak of monkeypox (mpox) in 2022, widespread concern has been placed on imposing an urgent demand for specific vaccines that offer safer and more effective protection. Using an efficient and scalable circular RNA (circRNA) platform, we constructed four circRNA vaccines that could induce robust neutralizing antibodies as well as T cell responses by expressing different surface proteins of mpox virus (MPXV), resulting in potent protection against vaccinia virus (VACV) in mice. Strikingly, the combination of the four circular RNA vaccines demonstrated the best protection against VACV challenge among all the tested vaccines. Our study provides a favorable approach for developing MPXV-specific vaccines by using a circular mRNA platform and opens up novel avenues for future vaccine research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinge Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430207, Hubei, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tianxi Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430207, Hubei, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yun Yang
- Research and Development Department, Shanghai CirCode Biomedicine Co. Ltd, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Entao Li
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Anhui Province for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Kaiyue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430207, Hubei, China
| | - Yuping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430207, Hubei, China
| | - Shaohong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430207, Hubei, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jiang Hu
- Research and Development Department, Shanghai CirCode Biomedicine Co. Ltd, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Research and Development Department, Shanghai CirCode Biomedicine Co. Ltd, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Research and Development Department, Shanghai CirCode Biomedicine Co. Ltd, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Rui Gong
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens and Biosafety, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430207, Hubei, China; Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Wuhan 430200, Hubei, China.
| | - Xia Chuai
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430207, Hubei, China.
| | - Zefeng Wang
- Research and Development Department, Shanghai CirCode Biomedicine Co. Ltd, Shanghai 200131, China; School of Life Science, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Sandra Chiu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Anhui Province for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Yang Y, Niu S, Shen C, Yang L, Song S, Peng Y, Xu Y, Guo L, Shen L, Liao Z, Liu J, Zhang S, Cui Y, Chen J, Chen S, Huang T, Wang F, Lu H, Liu Y. Longitudinal viral shedding and antibody response characteristics of men with acute infection of monkeypox virus: a prospective cohort study. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4488. [PMID: 38802350 PMCID: PMC11130326 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48754-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding of infection dynamics is important for public health measures against monkeypox virus (MPXV) infection. Herein, samples from multiple body sites and environmental fomites of 77 acute MPXV infections (HIV co-infection: N = 42) were collected every two to three days and used for detection of MPXV DNA, surface protein specific antibodies and neutralizing titers. Skin lesions show 100% positivity rate of MPXV DNA, followed by rectum (88.16%), saliva (83.78%) and oropharynx (78.95%). Positivity rate of oropharynx decreases rapidly after 7 days post symptom onset (d.p.o), while the rectum and saliva maintain a positivity rate similar to skin lesions. Viral dynamics are similar among skin lesions, saliva and oropharynx, with a peak at about 6 d.p.o. In contrast, viral levels in the rectum peak at the beginning of symptom onset and decrease rapidly thereafter. 52.66% of environmental fomite swabs are positive for MPXV DNA, with highest positivity rate (69.89%) from air-conditioning air outlets. High seropositivity against A29L (100%) and H3L (94.74%) are detected, while a correlation between IgG endpoint titers and neutralizing titers is only found for A29L. Most indexes are similar between HIV and Non-HIV participants, while HIV and rectitis are associated with higher viral loads in rectum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, State Key Discipline of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Emerging Infectious diseases, Shenzhen, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Shiyu Niu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, State Key Discipline of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Emerging Infectious diseases, Shenzhen, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chenguang Shen
- BSL-3 Laboratory (Guangdong), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liuqing Yang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, State Key Discipline of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Emerging Infectious diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuo Song
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, State Key Discipline of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Emerging Infectious diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yun Peng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, State Key Discipline of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Emerging Infectious diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yifan Xu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, State Key Discipline of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Emerging Infectious diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liping Guo
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, State Key Discipline of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Emerging Infectious diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liang Shen
- Department of Central Laboratory, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei, China
| | - Zhonghui Liao
- School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Jiexiang Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, State Key Discipline of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Emerging Infectious diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shengjie Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, State Key Discipline of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Emerging Infectious diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yanxin Cui
- School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Jiayin Chen
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen, China
| | - Si Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, State Key Discipline of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Emerging Infectious diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ting Huang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, State Key Discipline of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Emerging Infectious diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fuxiang Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, State Key Discipline of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Emerging Infectious diseases, Shenzhen, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Hongzhou Lu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, State Key Discipline of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Emerging Infectious diseases, Shenzhen, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Yingxia Liu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Immunity, State Key Discipline of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Emerging Infectious diseases, Shenzhen, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chi H, Zhao SQ, Chen RY, Suo XX, Zhang RR, Yang WH, Zhou DS, Fang M, Ying B, Deng YQ, Qin CF. Rapid development of double-hit mRNA antibody cocktail against orthopoxviruses. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:69. [PMID: 38531869 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01766-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The Orthopoxvirus genus, especially variola virus (VARV), monkeypox virus (MPXV), remains a significant public health threat worldwide. The development of therapeutic antibodies against orthopoxviruses is largely hampered by the high cost of antibody engineering and manufacturing processes. mRNA-encoded antibodies have emerged as a powerful and universal platform for rapid antibody production. Herein, by using the established lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-encapsulated mRNA platform, we constructed four mRNA combinations that encode monoclonal antibodies with broad neutralization activities against orthopoxviruses. In vivo characterization demonstrated that a single intravenous injection of each LNP-encapsulated mRNA antibody in mice resulted in the rapid production of neutralizing antibodies. More importantly, mRNA antibody treatments showed significant protection from weight loss and mortality in the vaccinia virus (VACV) lethal challenge mouse model, and a unique mRNA antibody cocktail, Mix2a, exhibited superior in vivo protection by targeting both intracellular mature virus (IMV)-form and extracellular enveloped virus (EEV)-form viruses. In summary, our results demonstrate the proof-of-concept production of orthopoxvirus antibodies via the LNP-mRNA platform, highlighting the great potential of tailored mRNA antibody combinations as a universal strategy to combat orthopoxvirus as well as other emerging viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hang Chi
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, AMMS, 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Suo-Qun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, AMMS, 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Ru-Yi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, AMMS, 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Xing-Xing Suo
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, AMMS, 100071, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Rong-Rong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, AMMS, 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Hui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, AMMS, 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Dong-Sheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, AMMS, 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Min Fang
- School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Bo Ying
- Suzhou Abogen Biosciences Co., Ltd, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yong-Qiang Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, AMMS, 100071, Beijing, China.
| | - Cheng-Feng Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, AMMS, 100071, Beijing, China.
- Research Unit of Discovery and Tracing of Natural Focus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 100071, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zuiani A, Dulberger CL, De Silva NS, Marquette M, Lu YJ, Palowitch GM, Dokic A, Sanchez-Velazquez R, Schlatterer K, Sarkar S, Kar S, Chawla B, Galeev A, Lindemann C, Rothenberg DA, Diao H, Walls AC, Addona TA, Mensa F, Vogel AB, Stuart LM, van der Most R, Srouji JR, Türeci Ö, Gaynor RB, Şahin U, Poran A. A multivalent mRNA monkeypox virus vaccine (BNT166) protects mice and macaques from orthopoxvirus disease. Cell 2024; 187:1363-1373.e12. [PMID: 38366591 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
In response to the 2022 outbreak of mpox driven by unprecedented human-to-human monkeypox virus (MPXV) transmission, we designed BNT166, aiming to create a highly immunogenic, safe, accessible, and scalable next-generation vaccine against MPXV and related orthopoxviruses. To address the multiple viral forms and increase the breadth of immune response, two candidate multivalent mRNA vaccines were evaluated pre-clinically: a quadrivalent vaccine (BNT166a; encoding the MPXV antigens A35, B6, M1, H3) and a trivalent vaccine (BNT166c; without H3). Both candidates induced robust T cell responses and IgG antibodies in mice, including neutralizing antibodies to both MPXV and vaccinia virus. In challenge studies, BNT166a and BNT166c provided complete protection from vaccinia, clade I, and clade IIb MPXV. Furthermore, immunization with BNT166a was 100% effective at preventing death and at suppressing lesions in a lethal clade I MPXV challenge in cynomolgus macaques. These findings support the clinical evaluation of BNT166, now underway (NCT05988203).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Özlem Türeci
- BioNTech SE, Mainz, Germany; HI-TRON - Helmholtz Institute for Translational Oncology Mainz by DKFZ, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Uğur Şahin
- BioNTech SE, Mainz, Germany; TRON gGmbH - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tan C, Zhou J, Wu A, Li C. In silico development of a novel anti-mutation, multi-epitope mRNA vaccine against MPXV variants of emerging lineage and sub-lineages by using immunoinformatics approaches. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024:1-18. [PMID: 38450722 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2024.2325109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Over the past year, an unexpected surge in human monkeypox (hMPX) cases has been observed. This outbreak differs from previous ones, displaying distinct epidemiological characteristics and transmission patterns, believed to be influenced by a newly emerging monkeypox virus (MPXV) lineage. Notably, this emerging MPXV lineage has exhibited several non-synonymous mutations, some of which are linked to immunomodulatory activities and antigenic characteristics that aid in host detection. However, specific treatments or vaccines for human monkeypox are currently lacking. Hence, we aim to develop a multi-epitope mRNA vaccine by using immunoinformatics approaches against the MPXV, particularly its emerging variants. Six proteins (A29L, A35R, B6R, M1R, H3L, and E8L) were chosen for epitope and mutation site identification. Seventeen top-performing epitopes and eight epitopes containing mutation sites were selected and combined with adjuvants, the PADRE sequence, and linkers for vaccine development. The molecular and physical properties of the designed vaccine (WLmpx) were favorable. Immunological characteristics of WLmpx were assessed through molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and immune simulations. Finally, the vaccine sequence was utilized to formulate an mRNA-based vaccine. The informatics-based predicted results indicated that the designed vaccine exhibits significant potential in eliciting high-level humoral and cellular immune responses, but further validation through in vivo and vitro studies is warranted.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caixia Tan
- Infection Control Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (XiangYa Hospital), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jingxiang Zhou
- Infection Control Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (XiangYa Hospital), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Anhua Wu
- Infection Control Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (XiangYa Hospital), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Chunhui Li
- Infection Control Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders (XiangYa Hospital), Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wang H, Yin P, Zheng T, Qin L, Li S, Han P, Qu X, Wen J, Ding H, Wu J, Kong T, Gao Z, Hu S, Zhao X, Cao X, Fang M, Qi J, Xi JJ, Duan K, Yang X, Zhang Z, Wang Q, Tan W, Gao GF. Rational design of a 'two-in-one' immunogen DAM drives potent immune response against mpox virus. Nat Immunol 2024; 25:307-315. [PMID: 38182667 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01715-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
The global outbreak of the mpox virus (MPXV) in 2022 highlights the urgent need for safer and more accessible new-generation vaccines. Here, we used a structure-guided multi-antigen fusion strategy to design a 'two-in-one' immunogen based on the single-chain dimeric MPXV extracellular enveloped virus antigen A35 bivalently fused with the intracellular mature virus antigen M1, called DAM. DAM preserved the natural epitope configuration of both components and showed stronger A35-specific and M1-specific antibody responses and in vivo protective efficacy against vaccinia virus (VACV) compared to co-immunization strategies. The MPXV-specific neutralizing antibodies elicited by DAM were 28 times higher than those induced by live VACV vaccine. Aluminum-adjuvanted DAM vaccines protected mice from a lethal VACV challenge with a safety profile, and pilot-scale production confirmed the high yield and purity of DAM. Thus, our study provides innovative insights and an immunogen candidate for the development of alternative vaccines against MPXV and other orthopoxviruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, China.
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Peng Yin
- Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Zheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lanju Qin
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shihua Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Pu Han
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Qu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Wen
- Shanghai Junshi Biosciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoyi Ding
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
| | - Jiahao Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, China
- Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Taiyuan, China
| | | | - Zhengrong Gao
- Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Songtao Hu
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangyu Cao
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang, China
| | - Min Fang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxun Qi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianzhong Jeff Xi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Future Technology, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Duan
- Wuhan Institute of Biological Products, Wuhan, China
| | | | | | - Qihui Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Wenjie Tan
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, China CDC, Beijing, China.
| | - George Fu Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogen Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zheng M, Du M, Yang G, Yao Y, Qian X, Zhi Y, Ma L, Tao R, Zhu Z, Zhou F, Dai S, Yang J, Liu M, Liu J. Lower rate of mpox vaccination hesitancy and medical consultation among Chinese men who have sex with men living with HIV in comparison with those living without HIV: A national observational study. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2290788. [PMID: 38054460 PMCID: PMC10760384 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2290788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This anonymous cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationships between HIV infection and mpox-related focus issues among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM). This study involved in 27 MSM social organizations and was conducted from July 31 to August 4, 2023. Mpox vaccination hesitancy was defined as the proportion of participants who expressed unwillingness to receive self-funded and free vaccines. Logistic regression models were employed to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Of 7196 MSMs, the prevalence of mpox differed between people living with HIV (PLWH) (1.04%, 20/1920) and people living without HIV (PLWoH) (0.55%, 29/5276) (P = .037). However, after adjusting for all covariates, there was no significant association between HIV status and mpox (aOR = 1.17; 95%CI = 0.58, 2.39; P = .658). Furthermore, the crude rates of vaccination hesitation (PLWoH: 5.91%, PLWH: 4.11%; P = .004) and consultation hesitation (PLWoH: 16.22%, PLWH: 10.78%; P < .001) were both lower in the PLWH. Compared with PLWoH, PLWH had lower odds ratios of vaccination hesitation (aOR = 0.70; 95%CI = 0.53, 0.92; P = .011) and consultation hesitation (aOR = 0.74; 95%CI = 0.60, 0.90; P = .003) among MSM. The estimate of association between HIV status and consultation hesitation was even smaller among MSM who reported hepatitis C infection or uncertainty (aOR = 0.30; 95%CI = 0.15, 0.56), compared with those without hepatitis C (aOR = 0.73; 95%CI = 0.60, 0.89) (P for interaction = .037). MSM living with HIV in China demonstrated a greater willingness to accept mpox vaccination and medical consultation. In the future, it is recommended that medical institutions establish good medical environment to control the mpox epidemic, especially for PLWH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Zheng
- Guizhou Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- School of Public Health and Health, the key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Min Du
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Guanghong Yang
- Guizhou Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- School of Public Health and Health, the key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yongming Yao
- Guizhou Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiaohan Qian
- Guizhou Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yuan Zhi
- Guizhou Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Lin Ma
- Guizhou Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Rui Tao
- Guizhou Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Zhilin Zhu
- Guizhou Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Feng Zhou
- Guizhou Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Siqi Dai
- Guizhou Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Tianjin Shenlan Public Health Counselling Service Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases, Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jue Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Epidemiology of Major Diseases, Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Global Center for Infectious Disease and Policy Research & Global Health and Infectious Diseases Group, Peking University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Riccardo V, Pablo GC. Neutralization Determinants on Poxviruses. Viruses 2023; 15:2396. [PMID: 38140637 PMCID: PMC10747254 DOI: 10.3390/v15122396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Smallpox was a highly contagious disease caused by the variola virus. The disease affected millions of people over thousands of years and variola virus ranked as one of the deadliest viruses in human history. The complete eradication of smallpox in 1980, a major triumph in medicine, was achieved through a global vaccination campaign using a less virulent poxvirus, vaccinia virus. Despite this success, the herd immunity established by this campaign has significantly waned, and concerns are rising about the potential reintroduction of variola virus as a biological weapon or the emergence of zoonotic poxviruses. These fears were further fueled in 2022 by a global outbreak of monkeypox virus (mpox), which spread to over 100 countries, thereby boosting interest in developing new vaccines using molecular approaches. However, poxviruses are complex and creating modern vaccines against them is challenging. This review focuses on the structural biology of the six major neutralization determinants on poxviruses (D8, H3, A27, L1, B5, and A33), the localization of epitopes targeted by neutralizing antibodies, and their application in the development of subunit vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Guardado-Calvo Pablo
- Structural Biology of Infectious Diseases Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, F-75015 Paris, France;
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Meng N, Cheng X, Sun M, Zhang Y, Sun X, Liu X, Chen J. Screening, Expression and Identification of Nanobody Against Monkeypox Virus A35R. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:7173-7181. [PMID: 38076734 PMCID: PMC10710180 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s431619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The monkeypox (Mpox) virus epidemic presents a significant risk to global public health security. A35R, a crucial constituent of EEV, plays a pivotal role in virus transmission, serves as a vital target for vaccine development, and has potential for serological detection. Currently, there is a dearth of research on nanobodies targeting A35R. The purpose of this study is to identify specific nanobodies target A35R, so as to provide new antibody candidates for Mpox vaccine development and diagnostic kit development. Methods Three nanobodies specific to the monkeypox virus protein A35R were screened from a naïve phage display library. After four rounds of panning, positive phage clones were identified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Further, the nanobody fusion protein was constructed in pNFCG1-IgG1-Fc vector and expressed in HEK293F cells and purified by affinity chromatography. The specificity and affinity of the nanobodies were identified by ELISA. The binding kinetics of the VHH antibody to A35R were assessed via employment of a bio-layer interferometry (BLI) apparatus, thereby determining the nanobodies affinity. Results The three purified nanobodies showed specific high-affinity binding MPXV A35R, of them, VHH-1 had the best antigen binding affinity (EC50 = 0.010 ug/mL). In addition, VHH-1 on Protein A biosensor can bind Mpox virus A35R, with an affinity constant of 54 nM as determined in BLI assay. Conclusion In sum, we has obtained three nanobody strains against Mpox virus A35R with significant affinity and specificity, therefore laying an essential foundation for further research as well as the applications of diagnostic and therapeutic tools of Mpox virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ni Meng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology; Hebei Anti-Tumor Molecular Target Technology Innovation Center; Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology; College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaolong Cheng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology; Hebei Anti-Tumor Molecular Target Technology Innovation Center; Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology; College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mengyao Sun
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology; Hebei Anti-Tumor Molecular Target Technology Innovation Center; Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology; College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yushan Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology; Hebei Anti-Tumor Molecular Target Technology Innovation Center; Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology; College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xueke Sun
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology; Hebei Anti-Tumor Molecular Target Technology Innovation Center; Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology; College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xifu Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology; Hebei Anti-Tumor Molecular Target Technology Innovation Center; Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology; College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Chen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology; Hebei Anti-Tumor Molecular Target Technology Innovation Center; Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline of Cell Biology; College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, 050024, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hirani R, Noruzi K, Iqbal A, Hussaini AS, Khan RA, Harutyunyan A, Etienne M, Tiwari RK. A Review of the Past, Present, and Future of the Monkeypox Virus: Challenges, Opportunities, and Lessons from COVID-19 for Global Health Security. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2713. [PMID: 38004725 PMCID: PMC10673257 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Monkeypox, a rare but significant zoonotic and orthopoxviral disease, has garnered increasing attention due to its potential for human-to-human transmission and its recent resurgence in multiple countries throughout Europe, North America, and Oceania. The disease has emerged as a novel threat to the global health systems that are still striving to recover from the major shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic. The unusual manifestation of the illness highlights a substantial knowledge deficit and necessitates the immediate development of a public health action strategy, considering the epidemiological differences observed in the ongoing outbreak and the appearance of cases in non-endemic nations. This literature review aims to synthesize existing knowledge on monkeypox, encompassing its historical context, etiology, epidemiology, surveillance, prevention, transmission, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatments, and recent outbreak. Particular attention is given to both advances and gaps in our understanding of monkeypox, and we point toward future directions for research and intervention efforts as pertains to vaccine development and distribution. Lastly, we will also review the recent outbreak through a sociopolitical lens as relates to decision-making strategies, especially given the lessons learned from COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahim Hirani
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA; (R.H.); (A.I.); (R.A.K.)
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Kaleb Noruzi
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA; (R.H.); (A.I.); (R.A.K.)
| | - Aroubah Iqbal
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA; (R.H.); (A.I.); (R.A.K.)
| | - Anum S. Hussaini
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Rafay A. Khan
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA; (R.H.); (A.I.); (R.A.K.)
| | - Aleksandr Harutyunyan
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA; (R.H.); (A.I.); (R.A.K.)
| | - Mill Etienne
- School of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA; (R.H.); (A.I.); (R.A.K.)
- Department of Neurology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Raj K. Tiwari
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| |
Collapse
|