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Démoulins T, Schulze K, Ebensen T, Techakriengkrai N, Nedumpun T, Englezou PC, Gerber M, Hlushchuk R, Toledo D, Djonov V, von Gunten S, McCullough KC, Liniger M, Guzmán CA, Suradhat S, Ruggli N. Coatsome-replicon vehicles: Self-replicating RNA vaccines against infectious diseases. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2023; 49:102655. [PMID: 36681171 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2023.102655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we provide the first description of a synthetic delivery method for self-replicating replicon RNAs (RepRNA) derived from classical swine fever virus (CSFV) using a Coatsome-replicon vehicle based on Coatsome® SS technologies. This results in an unprecedented efficacy when compared to well-established polyplexes, with up to ∼65 fold-increase of the synthesis of RepRNA-encoded gene of interest (GOI). We demonstrated the efficacy of such Coatsome-replicon vehicles for RepRNA-mediated induction of CD8 T-cell responses in mice. Moreover, we provide new insights on physical properties of the RepRNA, showing that the removal of all CSFV structural protein genes has a positive effect on the translation of the GOI. Finally, we successfully engineered RepRNA constructs encoding a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) antigen, providing an example of antigen expression with potential application to combat viral diseases. The versatility and simplicity of modifying and manufacturing these Coatsome-replicon vehicle formulations represents a major asset to tackle foreseeable emerging pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Démoulins
- Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, Bern & Mittelhäusern, Switzerland; Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, Chulalongkorn University (CU-EIDAs), Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Kai Schulze
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Thomas Ebensen
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Navapon Techakriengkrai
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, Chulalongkorn University (CU-EIDAs), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Teerawut Nedumpun
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, Chulalongkorn University (CU-EIDAs), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pavlos C Englezou
- Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, Bern & Mittelhäusern, Switzerland; Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Markus Gerber
- Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, Bern & Mittelhäusern, Switzerland; Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Darien Toledo
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Kenneth C McCullough
- Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, Bern & Mittelhäusern, Switzerland; Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Liniger
- Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, Bern & Mittelhäusern, Switzerland; Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Carlos A Guzmán
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Sanipa Suradhat
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Center of Excellence in Emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, Chulalongkorn University (CU-EIDAs), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nicolas Ruggli
- Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, Bern & Mittelhäusern, Switzerland; Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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2
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Bertho N, Meurens F. The pig as a medical model for acquired respiratory diseases and dysfunctions: An immunological perspective. Mol Immunol 2021; 135:254-267. [PMID: 33933817 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
By definition no model is perfect, and this also holds for biology and health sciences. In medicine, murine models are, and will be indispensable for long, thanks to their reasonable cost and huge choice of transgenic strains and molecular tools. On the other side, non-human primates remain the best animal models although their use is limited because of financial and obvious ethical reasons. In the field of respiratory diseases, specific clinical models such as sheep and cotton rat for bronchiolitis, or ferret and Syrian hamster for influenza and Covid-19, have been successfully developed, however, in these species, the toolbox for biological analysis remains scarce. In this view the porcine medical model is appearing as the third, intermediate, choice, between murine and primate. Herein we would like to present the pros and cons of pig as a model for acquired respiratory conditions, through an immunological point of view. Indeed, important progresses have been made in pig immunology during the last decade that allowed the precise description of immune molecules and cell phenotypes and functions. These progresses might allow the use of pig as clinical model of human respiratory diseases but also as a species of interest to perform basic research explorations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - François Meurens
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon S7N5E3, Canada
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Käser T. Swine as biomedical animal model for T-cell research-Success and potential for transmittable and non-transmittable human diseases. Mol Immunol 2021; 135:95-115. [PMID: 33873098 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Swine is biologically one of the most relevant large animal models for biomedical research. With its use as food animal that can be exploited as a free cell and tissue source for research and its high susceptibility to human diseases, swine additionally represent an excellent option for both the 3R principle and One Health research. One of the previously most limiting factors of the pig model was its arguably limited immunological toolbox. Yet, in the last decade, this toolbox has vastly improved including the ability to study porcine T-cells. This review summarizes the swine model for biomedical research with focus on T cells. It first contrasts the swine model to the more commonly used mouse and non-human primate model before describing the current capabilities to characterize and extend our knowledge on porcine T cells. Thereafter, it not only reflects on previous biomedical T-cell research but also extends into areas in which more in-depth T-cell analyses could strongly benefit biomedical research. While the former should inform on the successes of biomedical T-cell research in swine, the latter shall inspire swine T-cell researchers to find collaborations with researchers working in other areas - such as nutrition, allergy, cancer, transplantation, infectious diseases, or vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Käser
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, 27607 Raleigh, NC, USA.
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Welner S, Ruggli N, Liniger M, Summerfield A, Larsen LE, Jungersen G. Reduced Virus Load in Lungs of Pigs Challenged with Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus after Vaccination with Virus Replicon Particles Encoding Conserved PRRSV Cytotoxic T-Cell Epitopes. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9030208. [PMID: 33801369 PMCID: PMC8000205 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9030208] [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: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) causes severe respiratory distress and reproductive failure in swine. Modified live virus (MLV) vaccines provide the highest degree of protection and are most often the preferred choice. While somewhat protective, the use of MLVs is accompanied by multiple safety issues, why safer alternatives are urgently needed. Here, we describe the generation of virus replicon particles (VRPs) based on a classical swine fever virus genome incapable of producing infectious progeny and designed to express conserved PRRSV-2 cytotoxic T-cell epitopes. Eighteen pigs matched with the epitopes by their swine leucocyte antigen-profiles were vaccinated (N = 11, test group) or sham-vaccinated (N = 7, control group) with the VRPs and subsequently challenged with PRRSV-2. The responses to vaccination and challenge were monitored using serological, immunological, and virological analyses. Challenge virus load in serum did not differ significantly between the groups, whereas the virus load in the caudal part of the lung was significantly lower in the test group compared to the control group. The number of peptide-induced interferon-γ secreting cells after challenge was higher and more frequent in the test group than in the control group. Together, our results provide indications of a shapeable PRRSV-specific cell-mediated immune response that may inspire future development of effective PRRSV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Welner
- Section for Veterinary Clinical Microbiology, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlægevej 88, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark;
- Correspondence:
| | - Nicolas Ruggli
- Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, Sensemattstrasse 293, 3147 Mittelhäusern, Switzerland; (N.R.); (M.L.); (A.S.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology (DIP), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 120, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Liniger
- Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, Sensemattstrasse 293, 3147 Mittelhäusern, Switzerland; (N.R.); (M.L.); (A.S.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology (DIP), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 120, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Artur Summerfield
- Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, Sensemattstrasse 293, 3147 Mittelhäusern, Switzerland; (N.R.); (M.L.); (A.S.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology (DIP), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 120, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lars Erik Larsen
- Section for Veterinary Clinical Microbiology, Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlægevej 88, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark;
| | - Gregers Jungersen
- Center for Vaccine Research, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark;
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Démoulins T, Ruggli N, Gerber M, Thomann-Harwood LJ, Ebensen T, Schulze K, Guzmán CA, McCullough KC. Self-Amplifying Pestivirus Replicon RNA Encoding Influenza Virus Nucleoprotein and Hemagglutinin Promote Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses in Pigs. Front Immunol 2021; 11:622385. [PMID: 33584723 PMCID: PMC7877248 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.622385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-amplifying replicon RNA (RepRNA) promotes expansion of mRNA templates encoding genes of interest through their replicative nature, thus providing increased antigen payloads. RepRNA derived from the non-cytopathogenic classical swine fever virus (CSFV) targets monocytes and dendritic cells (DCs), potentially promoting prolonged antigen expression in the DCs, contrasting with cytopathogenic RepRNA. We engineered pestivirus RepRNA constructs encoding influenza virus H5N1 (A/chicken/Yamaguchi/7/2004) nucleoprotein (Rep-NP) or hemagglutinin (Rep-HA). The inherent RNase-sensitivity of RepRNA had to be circumvented to ensure efficient delivery to DCs for intracellular release and RepRNA translation; we have reported how only particular synthetic delivery vehicle formulations are appropriate. The question remained concerning RepRNA packaged in virus replicon particles (VRPs); we have now compared an efficient polyethylenimine (PEI)-based formulation (polyplex) with VRP-delivery as well as naked RepRNA co-administered with the potent bis-(3’,5’)-cyclic dimeric adenosine monophosphate (c-di-AMP) adjuvant. All formulations contained a Rep-HA/Rep-NP mix, to assess the breadth of both humoral and cell-mediated defences against the influenza virus antigens. Assessment employed pigs for their close immunological relationship to humans, and as natural hosts for influenza virus. Animals receiving the VRPs, as well as PEI-delivered RepRNA, displayed strong humoral and cellular responses against both HA and NP, but with VRPs proving to be more efficacious. In contrast, naked RepRNA plus c-di-AMP could induce only low-level immune responses, in one out of five pigs. In conclusion, RepRNA encoding different influenza virus antigens are efficacious for inducing both humoral and cellular immune defences in pigs. Comparisons showed that packaging within VRP remains the most efficacious for delivery leading to induction of immune defences; however, this technology necessitates employment of expensive complementing cell cultures, and VRPs do not target human cells. Therefore, choosing the appropriate synthetic delivery vehicle still offers potential for rapid vaccine design, particularly in the context of the current coronavirus pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Démoulins
- The Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, Mittelhäusern, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Ruggli
- The Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, Mittelhäusern, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Markus Gerber
- The Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, Mittelhäusern, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lisa J Thomann-Harwood
- The Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, Mittelhäusern, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Ebensen
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Kai Schulze
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Carlos A Guzmán
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Kenneth C McCullough
- The Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, Mittelhäusern, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Mancera Gracia JC, Pearce DS, Masic A, Balasch M. Influenza A Virus in Swine: Epidemiology, Challenges and Vaccination Strategies. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:647. [PMID: 33195504 PMCID: PMC7536279 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza A viruses cause acute respiratory infections in swine that result in significant economic losses for global pig production. Currently, three different subtypes of influenza A viruses of swine (IAV-S) co-circulate worldwide: H1N1, H3N2, and H1N2. However, the origin, genetic background and antigenic properties of those IAV-S vary considerably from region to region. Pigs could also have a role in the adaptation of avian influenza A viruses to humans and other mammalian hosts, either as intermediate hosts in which avian influenza viruses may adapt to humans, or as a “mixing vessel” in which influenza viruses from various origins may reassort, generating novel progeny viruses capable of replicating and spreading among humans. These potential roles highlight the importance of controlling influenza A viruses in pigs. Vaccination is currently the main tool to control IAV-S. Vaccines containing whole inactivated virus (WIV) with adjuvant have been traditionally used to generate highly specific antibodies against hemagglutinin (HA), the main antigenic protein. WIV vaccines are safe and protect against antigenically identical or very similar strains in the absence of maternally derived antibodies (MDAs). Yet, their efficacy is reduced against heterologous strains, or in presence of MDAs. Moreover, vaccine-associated enhanced respiratory disease (VAERD) has been described in pigs vaccinated with WIV vaccines and challenged with heterologous strains in the US. This, together with the increasingly complex epidemiology of SIVs, illustrates the need to explore new vaccination technologies and strategies. Currently, there are two different non-inactivated vaccines commercialized for swine in the US: an RNA vector vaccine expressing the HA of a H3N2 cluster IV, and a bivalent modified live vaccine (MLV) containing H1N2 γ-clade and H3N2 cluster IV. In addition, recombinant-protein vaccines, DNA vector vaccines and alternative attenuation technologies are being explored, but none of these new technologies has yet reached the market. The aim of this article is to provide a thorough review of the current epidemiological scenario of IAV-S, the challenges faced in the control of IAV-S infection and the tools being explored to overcome those challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Douglas S Pearce
- Zoetis Inc., Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Aleksandar Masic
- Zoetis Inc., Veterinary Medicine Research and Development, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Monica Balasch
- Zoetis Manufacturing & Research Spain S.L. Ctra., Girona, Spain
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Bhide Y, Dong W, Gribonika I, Voshart D, Meijerhof T, de Vries-Idema J, Norley S, Guilfoyle K, Skeldon S, Engelhardt OG, Boon L, Christensen D, Lycke N, Huckriede A. Cross-Protective Potential and Protection-Relevant Immune Mechanisms of Whole Inactivated Influenza Virus Vaccines Are Determined by Adjuvants and Route of Immunization. Front Immunol 2019; 10:646. [PMID: 30984200 PMCID: PMC6450434 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Adjuvanted whole inactivated virus (WIV) influenza vaccines show promise as broadly protective influenza vaccine candidates. Using WIV as basis we assessed the relative efficacy of different adjuvants by carrying out a head-to-head comparison of the liposome-based adjuvants CAF01 and CAF09 and the protein-based adjuvants CTA1-DD and CTA1-3M2e-DD and evaluated whether one or more of the adjuvants could induce broadly protective immunity. Mice were immunized with WIV prepared from A/Puerto Rico/8/34 (H1N1) virus intramuscularly with or without CAF01 or intranasally with or without CAF09, CTA1-DD, or CTA1-3M2e-DD, followed by challenge with homologous, heterologous or heterosubtypic virus. In general, intranasal immunizations were significantly more effective than intramuscular immunizations in inducing virus-specific serum-IgG, mucosal-IgA, and splenic IFNγ-producing CD4 T cells. Intranasal immunizations with adjuvanted vaccines afforded strong cross-protection with milder clinical symptoms and better control of virus load in lungs. Mechanistic studies indicated that non-neutralizing IgG antibodies and CD4 T cells were responsible for the improved cross-protection while IgA antibodies were dispensable. The role of CD4 T cells was particularly pronounced for CTA1-3M2e-DD adjuvanted vaccine as evidenced by CD4 T cell-dependent reduction of lung virus titers and clinical symptoms. Thus, intranasally administered WIV in combination with effective mucosal adjuvants appears to be a promising broadly protective influenza vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshita Bhide
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Wei Dong
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Inta Gribonika
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Daniëlle Voshart
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Tjarko Meijerhof
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline de Vries-Idema
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Stephen Norley
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kate Guilfoyle
- Division of Virology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC), Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Potters Bar, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Skeldon
- Division of Virology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC), Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Potters Bar, United Kingdom
| | - Othmar G Engelhardt
- Division of Virology, National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC), Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Potters Bar, United Kingdom
| | | | - Dennis Christensen
- Adjuvant Research, Department of Infectious Diseases Immunology, Statens Serum Institut (SSI), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nils Lycke
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anke Huckriede
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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8
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Holzer B, Martini V, Edmans M, Tchilian E. T and B Cell Immune Responses to Influenza Viruses in Pigs. Front Immunol 2019; 10:98. [PMID: 30804933 PMCID: PMC6371849 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Influenza viruses are an ongoing threat to humans and are endemic in pigs, causing considerable economic losses to farmers. Pigs are also a source of new viruses potentially capable of initiating human pandemics. Many tools including monoclonal antibodies, recombinant cytokines and chemokines, gene probes, tetramers, and inbred pigs allow refined analysis of immune responses against influenza. Recent advances in understanding of the pig innate system indicate that it shares many features with that of humans, although there is a larger gamma delta component. The fine specificity and mechanisms of cross-protective T cell immunity have yet to be fully defined, although it is clear that the local immune response is important. The repertoire of pig antibody response to influenza has not been thoroughly explored. Here we review current understanding of adaptive immune responses against influenza in pigs and the use of the pig as a model to study human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Holzer
- Department of Mucosal Immunology, The Pirbright Institute (BBSRC), Pirbright, United Kingdom
| | - Veronica Martini
- Department of Mucosal Immunology, The Pirbright Institute (BBSRC), Pirbright, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Edmans
- Department of Mucosal Immunology, The Pirbright Institute (BBSRC), Pirbright, United Kingdom
| | - Elma Tchilian
- Department of Mucosal Immunology, The Pirbright Institute (BBSRC), Pirbright, United Kingdom
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