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Miranda-López A, González-Ortega O, Govea-Alonso DO, Betancourt-Mendiola L, Comas-García M, Rosales-Mendoza S. Rational design and production of a chimeric antigen targeting Zika virus that induces neutralizing antibodies in mice. Vaccine 2024; 42:3674-3683. [PMID: 38749821 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.04.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
The Zika virus (ZIKV) is considered a public health problem worldwide due to its association with the development of microcephaly and the Guillain-Barré syndrome. Currently, there is no specific treatment or vaccine approved to combat this disease, and thus, developing safe and effective vaccines is a relevant goal. In this study, a multi-epitope protein called rpZDIII was designed based on a series of ZIKV antigenic sequences, a bacterial carrier, and linkers. The analysis of the predicted 3D structure of the rpZDIII chimeric antigen was performed on the AlphaFold 2 server, and it was produced in E. coli and purified from inclusion bodies, followed by solubilization and refolding processes. The yield achieved for rpZDIII was 11 mg/L in terms of pure soluble recombinant protein per liter of fermentation. rpZDIII was deemed immunogenic since it induced serum IgG and IgM responses in mice upon subcutaneous immunization in a three-dose scheme. Moreover, sera from mice immunized with rpZDIII showed neutralizing activity against ZIKV. Therefore, this study reveals rpZDIII as a promising immunogen for the development of a rationally designed multi-epitope vaccine against ZIKV, and completion of its preclinical evaluation is guaranteed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arleth Miranda-López
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Dr. Manuel Nava 6, SLP 78210, México
| | - Omar González-Ortega
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Dr. Manuel Nava 6, SLP 78210, México; Sección de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Sierra Leona 550, Lomas 2ª. Sección, San Luis Potosí 78210 México
| | - Dania O Govea-Alonso
- Sección de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Sierra Leona 550, Lomas 2ª. Sección, San Luis Potosí 78210 México
| | - Lourdes Betancourt-Mendiola
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Dr. Manuel Nava 6, SLP 78210, México; Sección de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Sierra Leona 550, Lomas 2ª. Sección, San Luis Potosí 78210 México
| | - Mauricio Comas-García
- Sección de Microscopía de Alta Resolución, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Sierra Leona 550, Lomas 2ª. Sección, San Luis Potosí 78210, México; Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Parque Chapultepec 1570, San Luis, S.L.P., San Luis Potosí 78210, México.
| | - Sergio Rosales-Mendoza
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Dr. Manuel Nava 6, SLP 78210, México; Sección de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Sierra Leona 550, Lomas 2ª. Sección, San Luis Potosí 78210 México.
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Peng ZY, Yang S, Lu HZ, Wang LM, Li N, Zhang HT, Xing SY, Du YN, Deng SQ. A review on Zika vaccine development. Pathog Dis 2024; 82:ftad036. [PMID: 38192053 PMCID: PMC10901608 DOI: 10.1093/femspd/ftad036] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV), which belongs to the Flavivirus family, is mainly transmitted via the bite of Aedes mosquitoes. In newborns, ZIKV infection can cause severe symptoms such as microcephaly, while in adults, it can lead to Guillain‒Barré syndrome (GBS). Due to the lack of specific therapeutic methods against ZIKV, the development of a safe and effective vaccine is extremely important. Several potential ZIKV vaccines, such as live attenuated, inactivated, nucleic acid, viral vector, and recombinant subunit vaccines, have demonstrated promising outcomes in clinical trials involving human participants. Therefore, in this review, the recent developmental progress, advantages and disadvantages of these five vaccine types are examined, and practical recommendations for future development are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe-Yu Peng
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Zoon-oses of High Institutions in Anhui, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Song Yang
- Institute of Agro-products Processing, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei 230031, Anhui, China
| | - Hong-Zheng Lu
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Zoon-oses of High Institutions in Anhui, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Lin-Min Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Zoon-oses of High Institutions in Anhui, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ni Li
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Zoon-oses of High Institutions in Anhui, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Hai-Ting Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Zoon-oses of High Institutions in Anhui, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Si-Yu Xing
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Zoon-oses of High Institutions in Anhui, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yi-Nan Du
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Zoon-oses of High Institutions in Anhui, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Sheng-Qun Deng
- The Key Laboratory of Microbiology and Parasitology of Anhui Province, the Key Laboratory of Zoon-oses of High Institutions in Anhui, Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
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da Costa HHM, Bielavsky M, Orts DJB, Araujo S, Adriani PP, Nogueira JS, Astray RM, Pandey RP, Lancellotti M, Cunha-Junior JP, Prudencio CR. Production of Recombinant Zika Virus Envelope Protein by Airlift Bioreactor as a New Subunit Vaccine Platform. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13955. [PMID: 37762254 PMCID: PMC10531330 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813955] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The Zika Virus (ZIKV) is an emerging arbovirus of great public health concern, particularly in the Americas after its last outbreak in 2015. There are still major challenges regarding disease control, and there is no ZIKV vaccine currently approved for human use. Among many different vaccine platforms currently under study, the recombinant envelope protein from Zika Virus (rEZIKV) constitutes an alternative option for vaccine development and has great potential for monitoring ZIKV infection and antibody response. This study describes a method to obtain a bioactive and functional rEZIKV using an E. coli expression system, with the aid of a 5-L airlift bioreactor and following an automated fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) protocol, capable of obtaining high yields of approximately 20 mg of recombinant protein per liter of bacterium cultures. The purified rEZIKV presented preserved antigenicity and immunogenicity. Our results show that the use of an airlift bioreactor for the production of rEZIKV is ideal for establishing protocols and further research on ZIKV vaccines bioprocess, representing a promising system for the production of a ZIKV envelope recombinant protein-based vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hernan H. M. da Costa
- Immunology Center, Adolfo Lutz Institute, São Paulo 01246-902, Brazil
- Interunits Graduate Program in Biotechnology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Monica Bielavsky
- Immunology Center, Adolfo Lutz Institute, São Paulo 01246-902, Brazil
| | - Diego J. B. Orts
- Immunology Center, Adolfo Lutz Institute, São Paulo 01246-902, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cardiobiology, Department of Biophysics, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
| | - Sergio Araujo
- Immunology Center, Adolfo Lutz Institute, São Paulo 01246-902, Brazil
| | - Patrícia P. Adriani
- Skinzymes Biotechnology Ltd., São Paulo 05441-040, Brazil
- Laboratory of Nanopharmaceuticals and Delivery Systems, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | | | - Renato M. Astray
- Interunits Graduate Program in Biotechnology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
- Multi-Purpose Laboratory Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Ramendra P. Pandey
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES University, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Marcelo Lancellotti
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences—FCF, University of Campinas—UNICAMP, Campinas 13083-871, Brazil
| | - Jair P. Cunha-Junior
- Laboratory of Immunochemistry and Immunotechnology, Department of Immunology, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia 38405-317, Brazil
| | - Carlos R. Prudencio
- Immunology Center, Adolfo Lutz Institute, São Paulo 01246-902, Brazil
- Interunits Graduate Program in Biotechnology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
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Lunardelli VAS, Almeida BDS, Apostolico JDS, Rezende T, Yamamoto MM, Pereira SS, Bueno MFC, Pereira LR, Carvalho KI, Slhessarenko RD, de Souza Ferreira LC, Boscardin SB, Rosa DS. Diagnostic and vaccine potential of Zika virus envelope protein (E) derivates produced in bacterial and insect cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1071041. [PMID: 37006270 PMCID: PMC10060818 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1071041] [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: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionIn the present study we evaluated the features of different recombinant forms of Zika virus (ZIKV) proteins produced in either bacterial (Eschericha coli) or insect cells (Drosophila melanogaster). The ZIKV-envelope glycoprotein (EZIKV) is responsible for virus entry into host cells, is the main target of neutralizing antibodies and has been used as a target antigen either for serological tests or for the development of subunit vaccines. The EZIKV is composed of three structural and functional domains (EDI, EDII, and EDIII), which share extensive sequence conservation with the corresponding counterparts expressed by other flaviviruses, particularly the different dengue virus (DENV) subtypes.MethodsIn this study, we carried out a systematic comparison of the antigenicity and immunogenicity of recombinant EZIKV, EDI/IIZIKV and EDIIIZIKV produced in E. coli BL21 and Drosophila S2 cells. For the antigenicity analysis we collected 88 serum samples from ZIKV-infected participants and 57 serum samples from DENV-infected. For immunogenicity, C57BL/6 mice were immunized with two doses of EZIKV, EDI/IIZIKV and EDIIIZIKV produced in E. coli BL21 and Drosophila S2 cells to evaluate humoral and cellular immune response. In addition, AG129 mice were immunized with EZIKV and then challenge with ZIKV.ResultsTesting of samples collected from ZIKV-infected and DENV-infected participants demonstrated that the EZIKV and EDIIIZIKV produced in BL21 cells presented better sensitivity and specificity compared to proteins produced in S2 cells. In vivo analyses were carried out with C57BL/6 mice and the results indicated that, despite similar immunogenicity, antigens produced in S2 cells, particularly EZIKV and EDIIIZIKV, induced higher ZIKV-neutralizing antibody levels in vaccinated mice. In addition, immunization with EZIKV expressed in S2 cells delayed the onset of symptoms and increased survival rates in immunocompromised mice. All recombinant antigens, either produced in bacteria or insect cells, induced antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses.ConclusionIn conclusion, the present study highlights the differences in antigenicity and immunogenicity of recombinant ZIKV antigens produced in two heterologous protein expression systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victória Alves Santos Lunardelli
- Departmento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo- Escola Paulista de Medicina (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bianca da Silva Almeida
- Departmento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana de Souza Apostolico
- Departmento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo- Escola Paulista de Medicina (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thais Rezende
- Departmento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo- Escola Paulista de Medicina (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcio Massao Yamamoto
- Departmento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Samuel Santos Pereira
- Departmento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Fernanda Campagnari Bueno
- Departmento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo- Escola Paulista de Medicina (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lennon Ramos Pereira
- Departmento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Karina Inacio Carvalho
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | | | - Luis Carlos de Souza Ferreira
- Departmento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Plataforma Científica Pasteur- Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvia Beatriz Boscardin
- Departmento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia (INCT) de Investigação em Imunologia (iii), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniela Santoro Rosa
- Departmento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo- Escola Paulista de Medicina (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia (INCT) de Investigação em Imunologia (iii), São Paulo, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Daniela Santoro Rosa,
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Cheong HC, Cheok YY, Chan YT, Sulaiman S, Looi CY, Alshanon AF, Hassan J, Abubakar S, Wong WF. Zika Virus Vaccine: The Current State of Affairs and Challenges Posed by Antibody-Dependent Enhancement Reaction. Viral Immunol 2022; 35:586-596. [PMID: 36301533 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2022.0082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Heng Choon Cheong
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yi Ying Cheok
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yee Teng Chan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sofiah Sulaiman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chung Yeng Looi
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Subang Jaya, Malaysia
| | - Ahmed F. Alshanon
- Center of Biotechnology Researches, University of Al-Nahrain, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Jamiyah Hassan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sazaly Abubakar
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Educational Center (TIDREC), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Won Fen Wong
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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ZIKV-envelope proteins induce specific humoral and cellular immunity in distinct mice strains. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15733. [PMID: 36131132 PMCID: PMC9492693 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20183-x] [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: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent outbreaks of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection have highlighted the need for a better understanding of ZIKV-specific immune responses. The ZIKV envelope glycoprotein (EZIKV) is the most abundant protein on the virus surface and it is the main target of the protective immune response. EZIKV protein contains the central domain (EDI), a dimerization domain containing the fusion peptide (EDII), and a domain that binds to the cell surface receptor (EDIII). In this study, we performed a systematic comparison of the specific immune response induced by different EZIKV recombinant proteins (EZIKV, EDI/IIZIKV or EDIIIZIKV) in two mice strains. Immunization induced high titers of E-specific antibodies which recognized ZIKV-infected cells and neutralized the virus. Furthermore, immunization with EZIKV, EDI/IIZIKV and EDIIIZIKV proteins induced specific IFNγ-producing cells and polyfunctional CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Finally, we identified 4 peptides present in the envelope protein (E1-20, E51-70, E351-370 and E361-380), capable of inducing a cellular immune response to the H-2Kd and H-2Kb haplotypes. In summary, our work provides a detailed assessment of the immune responses induced after immunization with different regions of the ZIKV envelope protein.
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Selection and Characterization of Single-Stranded DNA Aptamers of Diagnostic Potential against the Whole Zika Virus. Viruses 2022; 14:v14091867. [PMID: 36146678 PMCID: PMC9504500 DOI: 10.3390/v14091867] [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: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus became a major public health problem in early 2015, when cases of Guillain–Barré syndrome and microcephaly were associated with viral infection. Currently, ZIKV is endemic in all tropical areas of the world, and the chance for future Zika epidemics remains very real and accurate diagnosis is crucial. The aim of this work was to select specific ssDNA aptamers that bind to the entire Zika virus and can be used to compose specific diagnostics, without cross-reactivity with other flaviviruses. Zika virus was cultivated in Vero cells and used as a target for aptamer selection. Aptamers specific for the ZIKV were selected using whole-virus SELEX, with counterselection for other flavivirus. Secondary and tertiary structures were evaluated and the molecular anchoring between the aptamers and target were simulated by the HDOCK server. Aptamer interaction was evaluated by ELISA/ELASA and the dissociation constant (Kd) was calculated by thermophoresis. Four ZIKV-specific aptamers were selected. The best two were further characterized and proved to be specific for ZIKV. Aptamers are capable of binding specifically to the ZIKV and differentiate from Dengue virus. The aptamers selected in this work can be used as capture agents in the composition of diagnostic tests to specifically detect ZIKV infection.
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Current Progress in the Development of Zika Virus Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9091004. [PMID: 34579241 PMCID: PMC8472938 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9091004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is an arbovirus first discovered in the Americas. ZIKV infection is insidious based on its mild clinical symptoms observed after infection. In Brazil, after 2015, ZIKV infection broke out on a large scale, and many infected pregnant women gave birth to babies with microcephaly. The teratogenic effects of the virus on the fetus and its effects on nerves and the immune system have attracted great attention. Currently, no specific prophylactics or therapeutics are clinically available to treat ZIKV infection. Development of a safe and effective vaccine is essential to prevent the rise of any potential pandemic. In this review, we summarize the latest research on Zika vaccine development based on different strategies, including DNA vaccines, subunit vaccines, live-attenuated vaccines, virus-vector-based vaccines, inactivated vaccines, virus-like particles (VLPs), mRNA-based vaccines, and others. We anticipate that this review will facilitate further progress toward the development of effective and safe vaccines against ZIKV infection.
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Development of a highly specific serodiagnostic ELISA for West Nile virus infection using subviral particles. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9213. [PMID: 33911132 PMCID: PMC8080695 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88777-5] [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: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) serocomplex group, causes lethal encephalitis in humans and horses. Because serodiagnosis of WNV and JEV is hampered by cross-reactivity, the development of a simple, secure, and WNV-specific serodiagnostic system is required. The coexpression of prM protein and E protein leads to the secretion of subviral particles (SPs). Deletion of the C-terminal region of E protein is reported to affect the production of SPs by some flaviviruses. However, the influence of such a deletion on the properties and antigenicity of WNV E protein is unclear. We analyzed the properties of full-length E protein and E proteins lacking the C-terminal region as novel serodiagnostics for WNV infection. Deletion of the C-terminal region of E protein suppressed the formation of SPs but did not affect the production of E protein. The sensitivity of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the full-length E protein was higher than that using the truncated E proteins. Furthermore, in the ELISA using full-length E protein, there was little cross-reactivity with anti-JEV antibodies, and the sensitivity was similar to that of the neutralization test.
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Yang R, Liu Q, Pang W, Gao F, Liang H, Zhang W, Lin Y, Li M, Liu Z, Gao GF, Zhang L, Xiao H, Zheng Y, Huang Z, Jin X. Two immunogenic recombinant protein vaccine candidates showed disparate protective efficacy against Zika virus infection in rhesus macaques. Vaccine 2021; 39:915-925. [PMID: 33451779 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.12.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection has caused major public health problems recently. To develop subunit vaccines for ZIKV, we have previously constructed recombinant ZIKV envelope protein domain III (EDIII), and the entire ectodomain (E80, which comprises EDI, EDII and EDIII), as vaccine candidates and showed both of them being immunogenic and protective in murine models. In this follow-up study, we compared these vaccine candidates in non-human primates. Both of them elicited neutralizing antibody responses, but only E80 immunization inhibited ZIKV infection in both peripheral blood and monkey tissues, whereas EDIII increased blood ZIKV RNA through possibly antibody-dependent enhancement. Further investigations revealed that the virion-binding antibody response in E80 immunized monkeys persisted longer and stronger than in EDIII immunized monkeys. These results demonstrate that E80 is superior to EDIII as a vaccine candidate, and that the magnitude, quality and durability of virion-binding neutralizing antibodies are correlates of protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoheng Yang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingwei Liu
- Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Pang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Comprehensive AIDS Research Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Huabin Liang
- Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yalong Lin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Min Li
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhihua Liu
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - George F Gao
- Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Linqi Zhang
- Comprehensive AIDS Research Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Xiao
- Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongtang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhong Huang
- Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xia Jin
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Zika Virus-Like Particles Bearing a Covalent Dimer of Envelope Protein Protect Mice from Lethal Challenge. J Virol 2020; 95:JVI.01415-20. [PMID: 33028720 PMCID: PMC7737734 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01415-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) envelope (E) protein is the major target of neutralizing antibodies in infected hosts and thus represents a candidate of interest for vaccine design. However, a major concern in the development of vaccines against ZIKV and the related dengue virus is the induction of cross-reactive poorly neutralizing antibodies that can cause antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of infection. This risk necessitates particular care in vaccine design. Specifically, the engineered immunogens should have their cross-reactive epitopes masked, and they should be optimized for eliciting virus-specific strongly neutralizing antibodies upon vaccination. Here, we developed ZIKV subunit- and virus-like particle (VLP)-based vaccines displaying E in its wild-type form or E locked in a covalently linked dimeric (cvD) conformation to enhance the exposure of E dimers to the immune system. Compared with their wild-type derivatives, cvD immunogens elicited antibodies with a higher capacity to neutralize virus infection in cultured cells. More importantly, these immunogens protected animals from lethal challenge with both the African and Asian lineages of ZIKV, impairing virus dissemination to brain and sexual organs. Moreover, the locked conformation of E reduced the exposure of epitopes recognized by cross-reactive antibodies and therefore showed a lower potential to induce ADE in vitro Our data demonstrated a higher efficacy of the VLPs in comparison with that of the soluble dimer and support VLP-cvD as a promising ZIKV vaccine.IMPORTANCE Infection with Zika virus (ZIKV) leads to the production by the host of antibodies that target the viral surface envelope (E) protein. A subset of these antibodies can inhibit virus infection, thus making E a suitable candidate for the development of vaccine against the virus. However, the anti-ZIKV E antibodies can cross-react with the E protein of the related dengue virus on account of the high level of similarity exhibited by the two viral proteins. Such a scenario may lead to severe dengue disease. Therefore, the design of a ZIKV vaccine requires particular care. Here, we tested two candidate vaccines containing a recombinant form of the ZIKV E protein that is forced in a covalently stable dimeric conformation (cvD). They were generated with an explicit aim to reduce the exposure of the cross-reactive epitopes. One vaccine is composed of a soluble form of the E protein (sE-cvD), the other is a more complex virus-like particle (VLP-cvD). We used the two candidate vaccines to immunize mice and later infected them with ZIKV. The animals produced a high level of inhibitory antibodies and were protected from the infection. The VLP-cvD was the most effective, and we believe it represents a promising ZIKV vaccine candidate.
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Pereira LR, Alves RPDS, Sales NS, Andreata-Santos R, Venceslau-Carvalho AA, Pereira SS, Castro-Amarante MF, Rodrigues-Jesus MJ, Favaro MTDP, Chura-Chambi RM, Morganti L, Ferreira LCDS. Enhanced Immune Responses and Protective Immunity to Zika Virus Induced by a DNA Vaccine Encoding a Chimeric NS1 Fused With Type 1 Herpes Virus gD Protein. FRONTIERS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 2020; 2:604160. [PMID: 35047887 PMCID: PMC8757838 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2020.604160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a globally-distributed flavivirus transmitted to humans by Aedes mosquitoes, usually causing mild symptoms that may evolve to severe conditions, including neurological alterations, such as neonatal microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Due to the absence of specific and effective preventive methods, we designed a new subunit vaccine based on a DNA vector (pgDNS1-ZIKV) encoding the non-structural protein 1 (NS1) genetically fused to the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) glycoprotein D (gD) protein. Recombinant plasmids were replicated in Escherichia coli and the expression of the target protein was confirmed in transfected HEK293 cells. C57BL/6 and AB6 (IFNAR1-/-) mice were i.m. immunized by electroporation in order to evaluate pgDNS1-ZIKV immunogenicity. After two doses, high NS1-specific IgG antibody titers were measured in serum samples collected from pgDNS1-ZIKV-immunized mice. The NS1-specific antibodies were capable to bind the native protein expressed in infected mammalian cells. Immunization with pgDNS1-ZIKV increased both humoral and cellular immune responses regarding mice immunized with a ZIKV NS1 encoding vaccine. Immunization with pgDNS1-ZIKV reduced viremia and morbidity scores leading to enhanced survival of immunodeficient AB6 mice challenged with a lethal virus load. These results give support to the use of ZIKV NS1 as a target antigen and further demonstrate the relevant adjuvant effects of HSV-1 gD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennon Ramos Pereira
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rúbens Prince dos Santos Alves
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Natiely Silva Sales
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Robert Andreata-Santos
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aléxia Adrianne Venceslau-Carvalho
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Samuel Santos Pereira
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Fernanda Castro-Amarante
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mônica Josiane Rodrigues-Jesus
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marianna Teixeira de Pinho Favaro
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Ligia Morganti
- Biotechnology Center, Institute of Energy and Nuclear Research (IPEN), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luís Carlos de Souza Ferreira
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil,*Correspondence: Luís Carlos de Souza Ferreira
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Berneck BS, Rockstroh A, Fertey J, Grunwald T, Ulbert S. A Recombinant Zika Virus Envelope Protein with Mutations in the Conserved Fusion Loop Leads to Reduced Antibody Cross-Reactivity upon Vaccination. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E603. [PMID: 33066262 PMCID: PMC7712286 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8040603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a zoonotic, human pathogenic, and mosquito-borne flavivirus. Its distribution is rapidly growing worldwide. Several attempts to develop vaccines for ZIKV are currently ongoing. Central to most vaccination approaches against flavivirus infections is the envelope (E) protein, which is the major target of neutralizing antibodies. Insect-cell derived, recombinantly expressed variants of E from the flaviviruses West Nile and Dengue virus have entered clinical trials in humans. Also for ZIKV, these antigens are promising vaccine candidates. Due to the structural similarity of flaviviruses, cross-reactive antibodies are induced by flavivirus antigens and have been linked to the phenomenon of antibody-dependent enhancement of infection (ADE). Especially the highly conserved fusion loop domain (FL) in the E protein is a target of such cross-reactive antibodies. In areas where different flaviviruses co-circulate and heterologous infections cannot be ruled out, this is of concern. To exclude the possibility that recombinant E proteins of ZIKV might induce ADE in infections with related flaviviruses, we performed an immunization study with an insect-cell derived E protein containing four mutations in and near the FL. Our data show that this mutant antigen elicits antibodies with equal neutralizing capacity as the wildtype equivalent. However, it induces much less serological cross-reactivity and does not cause ADE in vitro. These results indicate that mutated variants of the E protein might lead to ZIKV and other flavivirus vaccines with increased safety profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sebastian Ulbert
- Fraunhofer-Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; (B.S.B.); (A.R.); (J.F.); (T.G.)
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Araujo SC, Pereira LR, Alves RPS, Andreata-Santos R, Kanno AI, Ferreira LCS, Gonçalves VM. Anti-Flavivirus Vaccines: Review of the Present Situation and Perspectives of Subunit Vaccines Produced in Escherichia coli. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8030492. [PMID: 32878023 PMCID: PMC7564369 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This article aims to review the present status of anti-flavivirus subunit vaccines, both those at the experimental stage and those already available for clinical use. Aspects regarding development of vaccines to Yellow Fever virus, (YFV), Dengue virus (DENV), West Nile virus (WNV), Zika virus (ZIKV), and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) are highlighted, with particular emphasis on purified recombinant proteins generated in bacterial cells. Currently licensed anti-flavivirus vaccines are based on inactivated, attenuated, or virus-vector vaccines. However, technological advances in the generation of recombinant antigens with preserved structural and immunological determinants reveal new possibilities for the development of recombinant protein-based vaccine formulations for clinical testing. Furthermore, novel proposals for multi-epitope vaccines and the discovery of new adjuvants and delivery systems that enhance and/or modulate immune responses can pave the way for the development of successful subunit vaccines. Nonetheless, advances in this field require high investments that will probably not raise interest from private pharmaceutical companies and, therefore, will require support by international philanthropic organizations and governments of the countries more severely stricken by these viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio C. Araujo
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo–SP 05503-900, Brazil; (S.C.A.); (A.I.K.)
| | - Lennon R. Pereira
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo–SP 05508-000, Brazil; (L.R.P.); (R.P.S.A.); (R.A.-S.)
| | - Rubens P. S. Alves
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo–SP 05508-000, Brazil; (L.R.P.); (R.P.S.A.); (R.A.-S.)
| | - Robert Andreata-Santos
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo–SP 05508-000, Brazil; (L.R.P.); (R.P.S.A.); (R.A.-S.)
| | - Alex I. Kanno
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo–SP 05503-900, Brazil; (S.C.A.); (A.I.K.)
| | - Luis Carlos S. Ferreira
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo–SP 05508-000, Brazil; (L.R.P.); (R.P.S.A.); (R.A.-S.)
- Correspondence: (L.C.S.F.); (V.M.G.)
| | - Viviane M. Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo–SP 05503-900, Brazil; (S.C.A.); (A.I.K.)
- Correspondence: (L.C.S.F.); (V.M.G.)
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Qi J, Yin Y, Yu W, Shen L, Xu J, Hu T. Conjugation of β-Glucan with the Hydrazone and Disulfide Linkers Markedly Improves the Immunogenicity of Zika Virus E Protein. Mol Pharm 2020; 17:1933-1944. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jinming Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Ying Yin
- Laboratory of Vaccine and Antibody Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Weili Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Lijuan Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Junjie Xu
- Laboratory of Vaccine and Antibody Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Tao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
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Amaral MP, Apostolico JDS, Tomita N, Coirada FC, Lunardelli VAS, Fernandes ER, Souza HFS, Astray RM, Boscardin SB, Rosa DS. Homologous prime-boost with Zika virus envelope protein and poly (I:C) induces robust specific humoral and cellular immune responses. Vaccine 2020; 38:3653-3664. [PMID: 32247567 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The recent outbreaks of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection and the potential association with Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults and with congenital abnormalities have highlighted the urgency for an effective vaccine. The ZIKV Envelope glycoprotein (EZIKV) is the most abundant protein on the virus surface, and has been evaluated together with the pre-membrane protein (prM) of the viral coat as a vaccine candidate in clinical trials. In this study, we performed a head-to-head comparison of the immune response induced by different EZIKV-based vaccine candidates in mice. We compared different platforms (DNA, recombinant protein), adjuvants (poly (I:C), CpG ODN 1826) and immunization strategies (homologous, heterologous). The hierarchy of adjuvant potency showed that poly (I:C) was a superior adjuvant than CpG ODN. While poly (I:C) assisted immunization reached a plateau in antibody titers after two doses, the CpG ODN group required an extra immunization dose. Besides, the administration of poly (I:C) induced higher EZIKV-specific cellular immune responses than CpG ODN. We also show that immunization with homologous prime-boost EZIKV protein + poly (I:C) regimen induced a more robust humoral response than homologous DNA (pVAX-EZIKV) or heterologous regimens (DNA/protein or protein/DNA). A detailed analysis of cellular immune responses revealed that homologous (EZIKV + poly (I:C)) and heterologous (pVAX-EZIKV/EZIKV + poly (I:C)) prime-boost regimens induced the highest magnitude of IFN-γ secreting cells and cytokine-producing CD4+ T cells. Overall, our data demonstrate that homologous EZIKV + poly (I:C) prime-boost immunization is sufficient to induce more robust specific-EZIKV humoral and cellular immune responses than the other strategies that contemplate homologous DNA (pVAX-EZIKV) or heterologous (pVAX-EZIKV/EZIKV + poly (I:C), and vice-versa) immunizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Pires Amaral
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana de Souza Apostolico
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, Brazil; Institute for Investigation in Immunology (iii), INCT, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nádia Tomita
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Caroline Coirada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Victória Alves Santos Lunardelli
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, Brazil; Institute for Investigation in Immunology (iii), INCT, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edgar Ruz Fernandes
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Higo Fernando Santos Souza
- Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Silvia Beatriz Boscardin
- Institute for Investigation in Immunology (iii), INCT, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniela Santoro Rosa
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, Brazil; Institute for Investigation in Immunology (iii), INCT, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Mwale PF, Lee CH, Lin LT, Leu SJ, Huang YJ, Chiang LC, Mao YC, Yang YY. Expression, Purification, and Characterization of Anti- Zika virus Envelope Protein: Polyclonal and Chicken-Derived Single Chain Variable Fragment Antibodies. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020492. [PMID: 31940993 PMCID: PMC7014089 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a new and emerging virus that has caused outbreaks worldwide. The virus has been linked to congenital neurological malformations in neonates and Guillain-Barré syndrome in adults. Currently there are no effective vaccines available. As a result, there is a great need for ZIKV treatment. In this study, we developed single chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies that target the ZIKV envelope protein using phage display technology. We first induced an immune response in white leghorn laying hens against the ZIKV envelope (E) protein. Chickens were immunized and polyclonal immunoglobulin yolk (IgY) antibodies were extracted from egg yolks. A high-level titer of anti-ZIKV_E IgY antibodies was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) after the third immunization. The titer persisted for at least 9 weeks. We constructed two antibody libraries that contained 5.3 × 106 and 4.5 × 106 transformants. After biopanning, an ELISA phage assay confirmed the enrichment of specific clones. We randomly selected 26 clones that expressed ZIKV scFv antibodies and classified them into two groups, short-linker and long-linker. Of these, four showed specific binding activities toward ZIKV_E proteins. These data suggest that the polyclonal and monoclonal scFv antibodies have the diagnostic or therapeutic potential for ZIKV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pharaoh Fellow Mwale
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (P.F.M.); (C.-H.L.)
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
| | - Chi-Hsin Lee
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (P.F.M.); (C.-H.L.)
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
| | - Liang-Tzung Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (L.-T.L.); (S.-J.L.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Sy-Jye Leu
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (L.-T.L.); (S.-J.L.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ju Huang
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
| | - Liao-Chun Chiang
- College of Life Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan;
| | - Yan-Chiao Mao
- Division of Clinical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40705, Taiwan;
| | - Yi-Yuan Yang
- Ph.D. Program in Medical Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (P.F.M.); (C.-H.L.)
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
- Core Laboratory of Antibody Generation and Research, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-273-616-61 (ext. 3325); Fax: +886-2-273-245-10
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Therapeutic Advances Against ZIKV: A Quick Response, a Long Way to Go. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2019; 12:ph12030127. [PMID: 31480297 PMCID: PMC6789873 DOI: 10.3390/ph12030127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that spread throughout the American continent in 2015 causing considerable worldwide social and health alarm due to its association with ocular lesions and microcephaly in newborns, and Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) cases in adults. Nowadays, no licensed vaccines or antivirals are available against ZIKV, and thus, in this very short time, the scientific community has conducted enormous efforts to develop vaccines and antivirals. So that, different platforms (purified inactivated and live attenuated viruses, DNA and RNA nucleic acid based candidates, virus-like particles, subunit elements, and recombinant viruses) have been evaluated as vaccine candidates. Overall, these vaccines have shown the induction of vigorous humoral and cellular responses, the decrease of viremia and viral RNA levels in natural target organs, the prevention of vertical and sexual transmission, as well as that of ZIKV-associated malformations, and the protection of experimental animal models. Some of these vaccine candidates have already been assayed in clinical trials. Likewise, the search for antivirals have also been the focus of recent investigations, with dozens of compounds tested in cell culture and a few in animal models. Both direct acting antivirals (DAAs), directed to viral structural proteins and enzymes, and host acting antivirals (HAAs), directed to cellular factors affecting all steps of the viral life cycle (binding, entry, fusion, transcription, translation, replication, maturation, and egress), have been evaluated. It is expected that this huge collaborative effort will produce affordable and effective therapeutic and prophylactic tools to combat ZIKV and other related still unknown or nowadays neglected flaviviruses. Here, a comprehensive overview of the advances made in the development of therapeutic measures against ZIKV and the questions that still have to be faced are summarized.
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Corzo-Gómez J, García-Cordero J, Montes Gómez AE, Bernal-Siria K, Namorado-Tónix K, Gutierrez-Castañeda B, Cedillo-Barrón L. Expression and purification of domain III proteins from Dengue and Zika viruses. Protein Expr Purif 2019; 162:38-43. [PMID: 31112759 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The envelope (E) protein from Dengue and Zika viruses comprises three functional and structural domains (DI, DII, and DIII). Domain III induces most of the neutralizing antibodies and, as such, is considered as having the highest antigenic potential for the evaluation of population-level surveillance and for detecting past infections in both Dengue and Zika patients. The present study aimed to clone and express recombinant proteins of domain III from Dengue virus serotype 2 and from Zika virus in a prokaryotic system, as well as evaluate their immunogenicity and cross-reactivity. Both antigens were successfully purified and their antigenicity was assessed in mice. The antibodies elicited by domain III of Zika and Dengue virus antigens recognized specifically the native proteins in infected cells. Furthermore, the antigens showed a more specific immunogenic response than that of domain III proteins from Dengue virus. The generated recombinant proteins can be potentially used in subunit vaccines or for surveillance studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josselin Corzo-Gómez
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular CINVESTAV IPN, Av. IPN # 2508 Col, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360, México City, Mexico
| | - Julio García-Cordero
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular CINVESTAV IPN, Av. IPN # 2508 Col, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360, México City, Mexico
| | - Alfredo E Montes Gómez
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular CINVESTAV IPN, Av. IPN # 2508 Col, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360, México City, Mexico
| | - Karen Bernal-Siria
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular CINVESTAV IPN, Av. IPN # 2508 Col, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360, México City, Mexico
| | - Karime Namorado-Tónix
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular CINVESTAV IPN, Av. IPN # 2508 Col, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360, México City, Mexico
| | - Benito Gutierrez-Castañeda
- Immunology Department (UMF) Facultad de Estudios Superiores-Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México, Av. de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, 54090, Edo. de México, Mexico
| | - Leticia Cedillo-Barrón
- Departamento de Biomedicina Molecular CINVESTAV IPN, Av. IPN # 2508 Col, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360, México City, Mexico.
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Osuna CE, Whitney JB. Nonhuman Primate Models of Zika Virus Infection, Immunity, and Therapeutic Development. J Infect Dis 2019; 216:S928-S934. [PMID: 29267926 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus is a re-emerging flavivirus transmitted primarily by arthropod vectors. The recent devastating outbreak of Zika virus in Brazil was preceded by the slow global encroachment of this virus over many decades. To date, significant research efforts are underway to understand the spread and the unique pathogenesis of this virus; with the intent to rapidly develop vaccines and therapeutics. Several model systems have emerged to study Zika. This review will focus on the use of nonhuman primates to model Zika infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christa E Osuna
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - James B Whitney
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston.,Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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Pre-Clinical Pregnancy Models for Evaluating Zika Vaccines. Trop Med Infect Dis 2019; 4:tropicalmed4020058. [PMID: 30959955 PMCID: PMC6630727 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed4020058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy can result in a variety of developmental abnormalities in the fetus, referred to as Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS). The effects of CZS can range from the loss of the viable fetus to a variety of neurological defects in full-term infants, including microcephaly. The clinical importance of ZIKV-induced CZS has driven an intense effort to develop effective vaccines. Consequently, there are approximately 45 different ZIKV vaccine candidates at various stages of development with several undergoing phase I and II clinical trials. These vaccine candidates have been shown to effectively prevent infection in adult animal models, however, there has been less extensive testing for their ability to block vertical transmission to the fetus during pregnancy or prevent the development of CZS. In addition, it is becoming increasingly difficult to test vaccines in the field as the intensity of the ZIKV epidemic has declined precipitously, making clinical endpoint studies difficult. These ethical and practical challenges in determining efficacy of ZIKV vaccine candidates in preventing CZS have led to increased emphasis on pre-clinical testing in animal pregnancy models. Here we review the current status of pre-clinical pregnancy models for testing the ability of ZIKV vaccines to prevent CZS.
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Efficacy of a T Cell-Biased Adenovirus Vector as a Zika Virus Vaccine. Sci Rep 2018; 8:18017. [PMID: 30573745 PMCID: PMC6301965 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35755-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a major public health concern due to the risk of congenital Zika syndrome in developing fetuses and Guillain-Barre syndrome in adults. Currently, there are no approved vaccines available to protect against infection. Adenoviruses are safe and highly immunogenic vaccine vectors capable of inducing lasting humoral and cellular immune responses. Here, we developed two Adenovirus (Ad) vectored Zika virus vaccines by inserting a ZIKV prM-E gene expression cassette into human Ad types 4 (Ad4-prM-E) and 5 (Ad5-prM-E). Immune correlates indicate that Ad5-prM-E vaccination induces both an anti-ZIKV antibody and T-cell responses whereas Ad4-prM-E vaccination only induces a T-cell response. In a highly lethal challenge in an interferon α/β receptor knockout mice, 80% of Ad5 vaccinated animals and 33% of Ad4 vaccinated animals survived a lethal ZIKV challenge, whereas no animals in the sham vaccinated group survived. In an infection model utilizing immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice that were immunized and then treated with a blocking anti-IFNAR-1 antibody immediately before ZIKV challenge, 100% of Ad4-prM-E and Ad5-prM-E vaccinated mice survived. This indicates that Ad4-prM-E vaccination is protective without the development of detectable anti-ZIKV antibodies. The protection seen in these highly lethal mouse models demonstrate the efficacy of Ad vectored vaccines for use against ZIKV.
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Zhu X, Li C, Afridi SK, Zu S, Xu JW, Quanquin N, Yang H, Cheng G, Xu Z. E90 subunit vaccine protects mice from Zika virus infection and microcephaly. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2018; 6:77. [PMID: 30097059 PMCID: PMC6086021 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-018-0572-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) became a global threat due to its unprecedented outbreak and its association with congenital malformations such as microcephaly in developing fetuses and neonates. There are currently no effective vaccines or drugs available for the prevention or treatment of ZIKV infection. Although multiple vaccine platforms have been established, their effectiveness in preventing congenital microcephaly has not been addressed. Herein, we tested a subunit vaccine containing the 450 amino acids at the N-terminus of the ZIKV envelope protein (E90) in mouse models for either in utero or neonatal ZIKV infection. In one model, embryos of vaccinated dams were challenged with a contemporary ZIKV strain at embryonic day 13.5. The other model infects neonatal mice from vaccinated dams by direct injection of ZIKV into the developing brains. The vaccine led to a substantial reduction of ZIKV-infected cells measured in the brains of fetal or suckling mice, and successfully prevented the onset of microcephaly compared to unvaccinated controls. Furthermore, E90 could protect mice from ZIKV infection even at 140 days post-immunization. This work directly demonstrates that immunization of pregnant mice protects the developing brains of offspring both in utero and in the neonatal period from subsequent ZIKV infection and microcephaly. It also supports the further development of the E90 subunit vaccine towards clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingliang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Chunfeng Li
- Center for Systems Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
- Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Virology, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Shabbir Khan Afridi
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Shulong Zu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jesse W Xu
- Department of Virology, State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Natalie Quanquin
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Heng Yang
- Center for Systems Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China
- Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Genhong Cheng
- Center for Systems Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China.
- Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Zhiheng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Parkinson's Disease Center, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, 100101, China.
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Masmejan S, Baud D, Musso D, Panchaud A. Zika virus, vaccines, and antiviral strategies. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2018; 16:471-483. [PMID: 29897831 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2018.1483239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Zika virus (ZIKV) recently emerged as a global public health emergency of international concern. ZIKV is responsible for severe neurological complications in adults and infection during pregnancy and can lead to congenital Zika syndrome. There is no licensed vaccine or drug to prevent or treat ZIKV infection. Areas covered: The aim of this article is to provide an overview and update of the progress of research on anti-ZIKV vaccine and medications until the end of 2017, with a special emphasis on drugs that can be used during pregnancy. Expert commentary: Development of new vaccines and drugs is challenging and several points particular to ZIKV infections augment this difficulty: (1) Cross-reactions between ZIKV and other flaviviruses, the impact of ZIKV vaccination on subsequent flavivirus infections, and vice-versa, is unknown, (2) Drugs against ZIKV should be safe in pregnant women, and (3) Evaluation of the efficacy of vaccine and drugs against ZIKV in clinical trials phase II-IV will be complicated due to the decline of ZIKV circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Masmejan
- a Obstetrics unit, mother-child department , Lausanne University Hospital , Lausanne , Switzerland
| | - David Baud
- a Obstetrics unit, mother-child department , Lausanne University Hospital , Lausanne , Switzerland
| | - Didier Musso
- b Director of the Unit of Emerging Infectious Diseases , Institut Louis Malardé , Tahiti , French Polynesia.,c Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée Infection , Marseille , France
| | - Alice Panchaud
- d School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Geneva and Lausanne , Geneva , Switzerland.,e Swiss Teratogen Information Service (STIS) and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Laboratory Department , University Hospital , Lausanne , Switzerland.,f Pharmacy Service, Laboratory Department , University Hospital Lausanne , Lausanne , Switzerland
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Qu P, Zhang W, Li D, Zhang C, Liu Q, Zhang X, Wang X, Dai W, Xu Y, Leng Q, Zhong J, Jin X, Huang Z. Insect cell-produced recombinant protein subunit vaccines protect against Zika virus infection. Antiviral Res 2018; 154:97-103. [PMID: 29665376 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Infection with Zika virus (ZIKV) may lead to severe neurologic disorders. It is of significant importance and urgency to develop safe and effective vaccines to prevent ZIKV infection. Here we report the development of ZIKV subunit vaccines based on insect cell-produced recombinant proteins. The N-terminal approximately 80% region (designated as E80) and the domain III (designated as EDIII) of ZIKV envelope (E) protein were efficiently produced as secreted proteins in a Drosophila S2 cell expression system. Both E80 and EDIII could inhibit ZIKV infection in vitro, suggesting that they may have folded properly to display native conformations. Immunization studies demonstrated that both E80 and EDIII vaccines were able to trigger antigen-specific antibody and T-cell responses in mice. The resulting anti-E80 and anti-EDIII sera could potently neutralize ZIKV infection in vitro. More importantly, passive transfer of either anti-E80 or anti-EDIII sera protected recipient mice against lethal ZIKV challenge. It is worth noting that the anti-EDIII sera possessed higher neutralizing titers and conferred more complete protection than the anti-E80 sera, indicating that the S2 cell-produced EDIII is a superior ZIKV vaccine candidate compared with the E80. These data support further preclinical and clinical development of a ZIKV subunit vaccine based on S2 cell-produced EDIII.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panke Qu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Dapeng Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Qingwei Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xueyang Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xuesong Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Wenlong Dai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yongfen Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Qibin Leng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jin Zhong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xia Jin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Zhong Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
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Recombinant Zika virus envelope protein elicited protective immunity against Zika virus in immunocompetent mice. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0194860. [PMID: 29590178 PMCID: PMC5874044 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0194860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) has caused great public concerns due to its recent large outbreaks and a close association with microcephaly in fetus and Guillain-Barre syndrome in adults. Rapid development of vaccines against ZIKV is a public health priority. To this end, we have constructed and purified recombinant ZIKV envelope protein using both prokaryotic and eukaryotic expression systems, and then tested their immunogenicity and protective efficacy in immune competent mice. Both protein immunogens elicited humoral and cellular immune responses, and protected immune competent mice from ZIKV challenge in vivo. These products could be further evaluated either as stand-alone vaccine candidate, or used in a prime-and-boost regimen with other forms of ZIKV vaccine.
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Development of a chimeric Zika vaccine using a licensed live-attenuated flavivirus vaccine as backbone. Nat Commun 2018; 9:673. [PMID: 29445153 PMCID: PMC5813210 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-02975-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The global spread of Zika virus (ZIKV) and its unexpected association with congenital defects necessitates the rapid development of a safe and effective vaccine. Here we report the development and characterization of a recombinant chimeric ZIKV vaccine candidate (termed ChinZIKV) that expresses the prM-E proteins of ZIKV using the licensed Japanese encephalitis live-attenuated vaccine SA14-14-2 as the genetic backbone. ChinZIKV retains its replication activity and genetic stability in vitro, while exhibiting an attenuation phenotype in multiple animal models. Remarkably, immunization of mice and rhesus macaques with a single dose of ChinZIKV elicits robust and long-lasting immune responses, and confers complete protection against ZIKV challenge. Significantly, female mice immunized with ChinZIKV are protected against placental and fetal damage upon ZIKV challenge during pregnancy. Overall, our study provides an alternative vaccine platform in response to the ZIKV emergency, and the safety, immunogenicity, and protection profiles of ChinZIKV warrant further clinical development.
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28
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Basu R, Zhai L, Contreras A, Tumban E. Immunization with phage virus-like particles displaying Zika virus potential B-cell epitopes neutralizes Zika virus infection of monkey kidney cells. Vaccine 2018; 36:1256-1264. [PMID: 29395533 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.01.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that has re-emerged and is associated with many debilitating clinical manifestations. Research is currently being conducted to develop a prophylactic vaccine against the virus; however, there has not been any licensed ZIKV vaccine. Recent studies have identified potential B-cell epitopes (amino acids 241-259, 294-315, 317-327, 346-361, 377-388 and 421-437) on the envelope protein of ZIKV, which could be explored to develop peptide vaccines against ZIKV infection. Nevertheless, the immunogenicity of these epitopes has never been assessed. Here, we displayed these epitopes on highly immunogenic bacteriophage virus-like particles (VLPs; MS2, PP7 and Qβ) platforms and assessed their immunogenicity in mice. Mice immunized with a mixture of VLPs displaying ZIKV envelope B-cell epitopes elicited anti-ZIKV antibodies. Although, immunized mice were not protected against a high challenge dose of ZIKV, sera - albeit at low titers - from immunized mice neutralized (in vitro) a low dose of ZIKV. Taken together, these results show that these epitopes are B-cell epitopes and they are immunogenic when displayed on a Qβ VLP platform. Furthermore, the results also show that immunization with VLPs displaying a single B-cell epitope minimally reduces ZIKV infection whereas immunization with a mixture of VLPs displaying a combination of the B-cell epitopes neutralizes ZIKV infection. Thus, immunization with a mixture of VLPs displaying multiple ZIKV B-cell epitopes is a good strategy to enhance ZIKV neutralization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupsa Basu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
| | - Lukai Zhai
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
| | - Alice Contreras
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
| | - Ebenezer Tumban
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA.
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