1
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Zhao X, Zhang Y, Trejo-Cerro O, Kaplan E, Li Z, Albertsboer F, El Hammiri N, Mariz FC, Banks L, Ottonello S, Müller M. A safe and potentiated multi-type HPV L2-E7 nanoparticle vaccine with combined prophylactic and therapeutic activity. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:119. [PMID: 38926425 PMCID: PMC11208501 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00914-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is widely recognized as the primary cause of cervical and other malignant cancers. There are six licensed prophylactic vaccines available against HPV, but none of them shows any significant therapeutic effect on pre-existing infections or lesions. Thus, a prophylactic vaccine also endowed with therapeutic activity would afford protection regardless of the vaccine recipients HPV-infection status. Here, we describe the refinement and further potentiation of a dual-purpose HPV nanoparticle vaccine (hereafter referred to as cPANHPVAX) relying on eight different HPV L2 peptide epitopes and on the E7 oncoantigens from HPV16 and 18. cPANHPVAX not only induces anti-HPV16 E7 cytotoxic T-cell responses in C57BL/6 mice, but also anti-HPV18 E7 T-cell responses in transgenic mice with the A2.DR1 haplotype. These cytotoxic responses add up to a potent, broad-coverage humoral (HPV-neutralizing) response. cPANHPVAX safety was further improved by deletion of the pRb-binding domains of E7. Our dual-purpose vaccine holds great potential for clinical translation as an immune-treatment capable of targeting active infections as well as established HPV-related malignancies, thus benefiting both uninfected and infected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueer Zhao
- Tumorvirus-specific Vaccination Strategies, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Yueru Zhang
- Tumorvirus-specific Vaccination Strategies, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Oscar Trejo-Cerro
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy
| | - Ecem Kaplan
- Tumorvirus-specific Vaccination Strategies, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Zhe Li
- B Cell Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Femke Albertsboer
- Tumorvirus-specific Vaccination Strategies, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Neyla El Hammiri
- Tumorvirus-specific Vaccination Strategies, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Filipe Colaço Mariz
- Tumorvirus-specific Vaccination Strategies, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lawrence Banks
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy
| | - Simone Ottonello
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Martin Müller
- Tumorvirus-specific Vaccination Strategies, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.
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2
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Megantara S, Rusdin A, Budiman A, Shamsuddin S, Mohtar N, Muchtaridi M. Revolutionizing Antiviral Therapeutics: Unveiling Innovative Approaches for Enhanced Drug Efficacy. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:2889-2915. [PMID: 38525012 PMCID: PMC10961067 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s447721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in late 2019, viral infections have become one of the top three causes of mortality worldwide. Immunization and the use of immunomodulatory drugs are effective ways to prevent and treat viral infections. However, the primary therapy for managing viral infections remains antiviral and antiretroviral medication. Unfortunately, these drugs are often limited by physicochemical constraints such as low target selectivity and poor aqueous solubility. Although several modifications have been made to enhance the physicochemical characteristics and efficacy of these drugs, there are few published studies that summarize and compare these modifications. Our review systematically synthesized and discussed antiviral drug modification reports from publications indexed in Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. We examined various approaches that were investigated to address physicochemical issues and increase activity, including liposomes, cocrystals, solid dispersions, salt modifications, and nanoparticle drug delivery systems. We were impressed by how well each strategy addressed physicochemical issues and improved antiviral activity. In conclusion, these modifications represent a promising way to improve the physicochemical characteristics, functionality, and effectiveness of antivirals in clinical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Megantara
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, 45363, Indonesia
- Research Collaboration Centre for Theranostic Radio Pharmaceuticals, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Sumedang, 45363, Indonesia
| | - Agus Rusdin
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, 45363, Indonesia
| | - Arif Budiman
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, 45363, Indonesia
| | | | - Noratiqah Mohtar
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, 11800, Malaysia
| | - Muchtaridi Muchtaridi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, 45363, Indonesia
- Research Collaboration Centre for Theranostic Radio Pharmaceuticals, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Sumedang, 45363, Indonesia
- Functional Nano Powder University Center of Excellence (FiNder U CoE), Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, 45363, Indonesia
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3
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Zhang Y, Mariz FC, Sehr P, Spagnoli G, Koenig KM, Çelikyürekli S, Kreuziger T, Zhao X, Bolchi A, Ottonello S, Müller M. Inter-epitope spacer variation within polytopic L2-based human papillomavirus antigens affects immunogenicity. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:44. [PMID: 38402256 PMCID: PMC10894200 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00832-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The human papillomavirus minor capsid protein L2 is being extensively explored in pre-clinical studies as an attractive vaccine antigen capable of inducing broad-spectrum prophylactic antibody responses. Recently, we have developed two HPV vaccine antigens - PANHPVAX and CUT-PANHPVAX- both based on heptameric nanoparticle antigens displaying polytopes of the L2 major cross-neutralizing epitopes of eight mucosal and twelve cutaneous HPV types, respectively. Prompted by the variable neutralizing antibody responses against some of the HPV types targeted by the antigens observed in previous studies, here we investigated the influence on immunogenicity of six distinct glycine-proline spacers inserted upstream to a specific L2 epitope. We show that spacer variants differentially influence antigen immunogenicity in a mouse model, with the antigen constructs M8merV6 and C12merV6 displaying a superior ability in the induction of neutralizing antibodies as determined by pseudovirus-based neutralization assays (PBNAs). L2-peptide enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assessments determined the total anti-L2 antibody level for each antigen variant, showing for the majority of sera a correlation with their repective neutralizing antibody level. Surface Plasmon Resonance revealed that L2 epitope-specific, neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) display distinct avidities to different antigen spacer variants. Furthermore, mAb affinity toward individual spacer variants was well correlated with their neutralizing antibody induction capacity, indicating that the mAb affinity assay predicts L2-based antigen immunogenicity. These observations provide insights on the development and optimization of L2-based HPV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueru Zhang
- German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 242, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Filipe Colaco Mariz
- German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 242, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Sehr
- EMBL-DKFZ Chemical Biology Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gloria Spagnoli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Karl Moritz Koenig
- German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 242, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simay Çelikyürekli
- German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 242, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tim Kreuziger
- Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Xueer Zhao
- German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 242, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Angelo Bolchi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Simone Ottonello
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43124, Parma, Italy
| | - Martin Müller
- German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 242, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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4
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Qu W, Sui L, Li Y. Vaccine escape challenges virus prevention: The example of two vaccine-preventable oncogenic viruses. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29184. [PMID: 37943176 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Over the years, the pace of developing vaccines for HBV and HPV has never stopped. After more than 30 years of application, the HBV vaccine has reduced 80% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, vaccine escape variants occur under selective pressure induced by widespread vaccination and antiviral therapy, which results in fulminant infection and horizontal transmission. Several mechanisms have been studied to explain HBV vaccine escape, including vaccine escape mutations (VEMs) in the major hydrophilic region, which leads to a decrease in the binding ability to neutralize antibodies and is the primary escape mechanism, protein conformational and N-linked glycosylation sites changes caused by VEMs, differences in genotype distribution, gene recombination, and some temporarily unknown reasons. However, effective solutions are still being explored. The HPV vaccine has also been proven to prevent 70%-90% of cervical cancer worldwide. Cases of HPV infection after being vaccinated have been observed in clinical practice. However, few researchers have paid attention to the mechanism of HPV vaccine escape. Thus, we reviewed the literature on vaccine escape of both HBV and HPV to discuss the mechanism of the virus escaping from vaccine protection and possible solutions to this problem. We analyzed the gap between studies of HPV and HBV and made prospects for further research in HPV vaccine escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Qu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Long Sui
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanyun Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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5
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Tamburini S, Zhang Y, Gagliardi A, Di Lascio G, Caproni E, Benedet M, Tomasi M, Corbellari R, Zanella I, Croia L, Grandi G, Müller M, Grandi A. Bacterial Outer Membrane Vesicles as a Platform for the Development of a Broadly Protective Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Based on the Minor Capsid Protein L2. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1582. [PMID: 37896984 PMCID: PMC10611245 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11101582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are a large family of viruses with a capsid composed of the L1 and L2 proteins, which bind to receptors of the basal epithelial cells and promote virus entry. The majority of sexually active people become exposed to HPV and the virus is the most common cause of cervical cancer. Vaccines are available based on the L1 protein, which self-assembles and forms virus-like particles (VLPs) when expressed in yeast and insect cells. Although very effective, these vaccines are HPV type-restricted and their costs limit broad vaccination campaigns. Recently, vaccine candidates based on the conserved L2 epitope from serotypes 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 6, 51, and 59 were shown to elicit broadly neutralizing anti-HPV antibodies. In this study, we tested whether E. coli outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) could be successfully decorated with L2 polytopes and whether the engineered OMVs could induce neutralizing antibodies. OMVs represent an attractive vaccine platform owing to their intrinsic adjuvanticity and their low production costs. We show that strings of L2 epitopes could be efficiently expressed on the surface of the OMVs and a polypeptide composed of the L2 epitopes from serotypes 18, 33, 35, and 59 provided a broad cross-protective activity against a large panel of HPV serotypes as determined using pseudovirus neutralization assay. Considering the simplicity of the OMV production process, our work provides a highly effective and inexpensive solution to produce universal anti-HPV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Tamburini
- Department of Cellular, Computation and Integrative of Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.T.); (M.T.); (R.C.); (I.Z.); (L.C.)
| | - Yueru Zhang
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 242, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (Y.Z.); (M.M.)
| | - Assunta Gagliardi
- Toscana Life Sciences Foundation, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.G.); (G.D.L.); (E.C.); (M.B.); (A.G.)
| | - Gabriele Di Lascio
- Toscana Life Sciences Foundation, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.G.); (G.D.L.); (E.C.); (M.B.); (A.G.)
| | - Elena Caproni
- Toscana Life Sciences Foundation, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.G.); (G.D.L.); (E.C.); (M.B.); (A.G.)
| | - Mattia Benedet
- Toscana Life Sciences Foundation, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.G.); (G.D.L.); (E.C.); (M.B.); (A.G.)
| | - Michele Tomasi
- Department of Cellular, Computation and Integrative of Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.T.); (M.T.); (R.C.); (I.Z.); (L.C.)
| | - Riccardo Corbellari
- Department of Cellular, Computation and Integrative of Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.T.); (M.T.); (R.C.); (I.Z.); (L.C.)
| | - Ilaria Zanella
- Department of Cellular, Computation and Integrative of Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.T.); (M.T.); (R.C.); (I.Z.); (L.C.)
| | - Lorenzo Croia
- Department of Cellular, Computation and Integrative of Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.T.); (M.T.); (R.C.); (I.Z.); (L.C.)
| | - Guido Grandi
- Department of Cellular, Computation and Integrative of Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.T.); (M.T.); (R.C.); (I.Z.); (L.C.)
| | - Martin Müller
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 242, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (Y.Z.); (M.M.)
| | - Alberto Grandi
- Toscana Life Sciences Foundation, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy; (A.G.); (G.D.L.); (E.C.); (M.B.); (A.G.)
- BiOMViS Srl, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
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6
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Thiruvengadam R, Kim JH. Therapeutic strategy for oncovirus-mediated oral cancer: A comprehensive review. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115035. [PMID: 37364477 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115035] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral cancer is a neoplastic disorder of the oral cavities, including the lips, tongue, buccal mucosa, and lower and upper gums. Oral cancer assessment entails a multistep process that requires deep knowledge of the molecular networks involved in its progression and development. Preventive measures including public awareness of risk factors and improving public behaviors are necessary, and screening techniques should be encouraged to enable early detection of malignant lesions. Herpes simplex virus (HSV), human papillomavirus (HPV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) are associated with other premalignant and carcinogenic conditions leading to oral cancer. Oncogenic viruses induce chromosomal rearrangements; activate signal transduction pathways via growth factor receptors, cytoplasmic protein kinases, and DNA binding transcription factors; modulate cell cycle proteins, and inhibit apoptotic pathways. In this review, we present an up-to-date overview on the use of nanomaterials for regulating viral proteins and oral cancer as well as the role of phytocompounds on oral cancer. The targets linking oncoviral proteins and oral carcinogenesis were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rekha Thiruvengadam
- Department of Integrative Bioscience & Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Hee Kim
- Department of Integrative Bioscience & Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea.
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7
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Hegde YM, Theivendren P, Srinivas G, Palanivel M, Shanmugam N, Kunjiappan S, Vellaichamy S, Gopal M, Dharmalingam SR. A Recent Advancement in Nanotechnology Approaches for the Treatment of Cervical Cancer. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2023; 23:37-59. [PMID: 35570521 DOI: 10.2174/1871520622666220513160706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of female death, with a mortality rate of over 200,000 per year in developing countries. Despite a decrease in cervical cancer occurrences in developed countries over the last decade, the frequency of the disease in developing nations continues to rise at an alarming rate, particularly when it is linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV). With just a few highly invasive conventional therapies available, there is a clear need for novel treatment options such as nanotechnology-based chemotherapeutic drug delivery. METHODS Traditional anticancer therapy is limited by poor drug potency, non-specificity, unwanted side effects, and the development of multiple drug resistance (MDR), leading to a decrease in long-term anticancer therapeutic efficacy. An ideal cancer therapy requires a personalized and specialized medication delivery method capable of eradicating even the last cancer cell responsible for disease recurrence. RESULTS Nanotechnology provides effective drug delivery mechanisms, allowing it to serve both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. Nanotechnology-based formulations are widely used to accurately target the target organ, maintain drug load bioactivity, preferentially accumulate the drug at the target location, and reduce cytotoxicity. CONCLUSION The key benefits of this drug delivery are that it improves pharmacological activity, solubility, and bioavailability and reduces toxicity in the target tissue by targeting ligands, allowing for new innovative treatment methods in an area that is desperately required. The goal of this review is to highlight possible research on nanotechnologybased delivery systems for cancer detection and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashoda Mariappa Hegde
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Swamy Vivekananda College of Pharmacy, Elayampalayam, Namakkal, Tamilnadu 637205, India
| | - Panneerselvam Theivendren
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Swamy Vivekananda College of Pharmacy, Elayampalayam, Namakkal, Tamilnadu 637205, India
| | - Geetha Srinivas
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Swamy Vivekananda College of Pharmacy, Elayampalayam, Namakkal, Tamilnadu 637205, India
| | - Monashilpa Palanivel
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Swamy Vivekananda College of Pharmacy, Elayampalayam, Namakkal, Tamilnadu 637205, India
| | - Nivetha Shanmugam
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Swamy Vivekananda College of Pharmacy, Elayampalayam, Namakkal, Tamilnadu 637205, India
| | - Selvaraj Kunjiappan
- Department of Biotechnology, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil-626126, India
| | - Sivakumar Vellaichamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Arulmigu Kalasalingam College of Pharmacy, Krishnankoil-626126, India
| | - Murugananthan Gopal
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Swamy Vivekananda College of Pharmacy, Elayampalayam, Namakkal, Tamilnadu 637205, India
| | - Senthil Rajan Dharmalingam
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Swamy Vivekananda College of Pharmacy, Elayampalayam, Namakkal, Tamilnadu 637205, India
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8
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A broadly protective vaccine against cutaneous human papillomaviruses. NPJ Vaccines 2022; 7:116. [PMID: 36216845 PMCID: PMC9550855 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-022-00539-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin colonization by human papillomavirus (HPV) is typically related to inconspicuous cutaneous infections without major disease or complications in immunocompetent individuals. However, in immunosuppressed patients, especially organ transplanted recipients, cutaneous HPV infections may cause massive, highly spreading and recurrent skin lesions upon synergism with UV-exposure. Current HPV prophylactic vaccines are not effective against cutaneous HPV types (cHPV). By applying a modular polytope-based approach, in this work, we explored different vaccine candidates based on selected, tandemly arranged cHPV-L2 epitopes fused to thioredoxin (Trx) as a scaffold protein. Upon conversion to heptameric nanoparticles with the use of a genetically fused oligomerization domain, our candidate Trx-L2 vaccines induce broadly neutralizing immune responses against 19 cHPV in guinea pigs. Similar findings were obtained in mice, where protection against virus challenge was also achieved via passive transfer of immune sera. Remarkably, immunization with the candidate cHPV vaccines also induced immune responses against several mucosal low- and high-risk HPV types, including HPV16 and 18. Based on cumulative immunogenicity data but also on ease and yield of production, we identified a lead vaccine candidate bearing 12 different cHPV-L2 epitopes that holds great promise as a scalable and GMP production-compatible lead molecule for the prevention of post-transplantation skin lesions caused by cHPV infection.
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9
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Ahmels M, Mariz FC, Braspenning-Wesch I, Stephan S, Huber B, Schmidt G, Cao R, Müller M, Kirnbauer R, Rösl F, Hasche D. Next generation L2-based HPV vaccines cross-protect against cutaneous papillomavirus infection and tumor development. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1010790. [PMID: 36263027 PMCID: PMC9574214 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1010790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Licensed L1-VLP-based immunizations against high-risk mucosal human papillomavirus (HPV) types have been a great success in reducing anogenital cancers, although they are limited in their cross-protection against HPV types not covered by the vaccine. Further, their utility in protection against cutaneous HPV types, of which some contribute to non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) development, is rather low. Next generation vaccines achieve broadly cross-protective immunity against highly conserved sequences of L2. In this exploratory study, we tested two novel HPV vaccine candidates, HPV16 RG1-VLP and CUT-PANHPVAX, in the preclinical natural infection model Mastomys coucha. After immunization with either vaccines, a mock control or MnPV L1-VLPs, the animals were experimentally infected and monitored. Besides vaccine-specific seroconversion against HPV L2 peptides, the animals also developed cross-reactive antibodies against the cutaneous Mastomys natalensis papillomavirus (MnPV) L2, which were cross-neutralizing MnPV pseudovirions in vitro. Further, both L2-based vaccines also conferred in vivo protection as the viral loads in plucked hair after experimental infection were lower compared to mock-vaccinated control animals. Importantly, the formation of neutralizing antibodies, whether directed against L1-VLPs or L2, was able to prevent skin tumor formation and even microscopical signs of MnPV infection in the skin. For the first time, our study shows the proof-of-principle of next generation L2-based vaccines even across different PV genera in an infection animal model with its genuine PV. It provides fundamental insights into the humoral immunity elicited by L2-based vaccines against PV-induced skin tumors, with important implications to the design of next generation HPV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda Ahmels
- Division of Viral Transformation Mechanisms, Research Program “Infection, Inflammation and Cancer”, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Filipe C. Mariz
- Research Group Tumorvirus-specific Vaccination Strategies, Research Program “Infection, Inflammation and Cancer”, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ilona Braspenning-Wesch
- Division of Viral Transformation Mechanisms, Research Program “Infection, Inflammation and Cancer”, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sonja Stephan
- Division of Viral Transformation Mechanisms, Research Program “Infection, Inflammation and Cancer”, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bettina Huber
- Laboratory of Viral Oncology, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gabriele Schmidt
- Core Facility Unit Light Microscopy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rui Cao
- Division of Viral Transformation Mechanisms, Research Program “Infection, Inflammation and Cancer”, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Müller
- Research Group Tumorvirus-specific Vaccination Strategies, Research Program “Infection, Inflammation and Cancer”, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Reinhard Kirnbauer
- Laboratory of Viral Oncology, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Frank Rösl
- Division of Viral Transformation Mechanisms, Research Program “Infection, Inflammation and Cancer”, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniel Hasche
- Division of Viral Transformation Mechanisms, Research Program “Infection, Inflammation and Cancer”, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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10
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Delgado KN, Montezuma-Rusca JM, Orbe IC, Caimano MJ, La Vake CJ, Luthra A, Hennelly CM, Nindo FN, Meyer JW, Jones LD, Parr JB, Salazar JC, Moody MA, Radolf JD, Hawley KL. Extracellular Loops of the Treponema pallidum FadL Orthologs TP0856 and TP0858 Elicit IgG Antibodies and IgG +-Specific B-Cells in the Rabbit Model of Experimental Syphilis. mBio 2022; 13:e0163922. [PMID: 35862766 PMCID: PMC9426418 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01639-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The resurgence of syphilis in the new millennium has called attention to the importance of a vaccine for global containment strategies. Studies with immune rabbit serum (IRS) indicate that a syphilis vaccine should elicit antibodies (Abs) that promote opsonophagocytosis of treponemes by activated macrophages. The availability of three-dimensional models for Treponema pallidum's (Tp) repertoire of outer membrane proteins (OMPs) provides an architectural framework for identification of candidate vaccinogens with extracellular loops (ECLs) as the targets for protective Abs. Herein, we used Pyrococcus furiosus thioredoxin (PfTrx) as a scaffold to display Tp OMP ECLs to interrogate sera and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from immune rabbits for ECL-specific Abs and B cells. We validated this approach using a PfTrx scaffold presenting ECL4 from BamA, a known opsonic target. Using scaffolds displaying ECLs of the FadL orthologs TP0856 and TP0858, we determined that ECL2 and ECL4 of both proteins are strongly antigenic. Comparison of ELISA and immunoblot results suggested that the PfTrx scaffolds present conformational and linear epitopes. We then used the FadL ECL2 and ECL4 PfTrx constructs as "hooks" to confirm the presence of ECL-specific B cells in PBMCs from immune rabbits. Our results pinpoint immunogenic ECLs of two newly discovered OMPs, while advancing the utility of the rabbit model for circumventing bottlenecks in vaccine development associated with large-scale production of folded OMPs. They also lay the groundwork for production of rabbit monoclonal Abs (MAbs) to characterize potentially protective ECL epitopes at the atomic level. IMPORTANCE Recent identification and structural modeling of Treponema pallidum's (Tp) repertoire of outer membrane proteins (OMPs) represent a critical breakthrough in the decades long quest for a syphilis vaccine. However, little is known about the antigenic nature of these β-barrel-forming OMPs and, more specifically, their surface exposed regions, the extracellular loops (ECLs). In this study, using Pyrococcus furiosus thioredoxin (PfTrx) as a scaffold to display Tp OMP ECLs, we interrogated immune rabbit sera and peripheral blood mononuclear cells for the presence of antibodies (Abs) and circulating rare antigen-specific B cells. Our results pinpoint immunogenic ECLs of two newly discovered OMPs, while advancing the utility of the rabbit model for surveying the entire Tp OMPeome for promising OMP vaccinogens. This work represents a major advancement toward characterizing potentially protective OMP ECLs and future vaccine studies. Additionally, this strategy could be applied to OMPs of nonspirochetal bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jairo M Montezuma-Rusca
- Department of Medicine, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Isabel C Orbe
- Department of Pediatrics, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Melissa J Caimano
- Department of Medicine, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Carson J La Vake
- Department of Pediatrics, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Amit Luthra
- Department of Medicine, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Christopher M Hennelly
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, and Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Fredrick N Nindo
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, and Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jacob W Meyer
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Jonathan B Parr
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, and Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Juan C Salazar
- Department of Pediatrics, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Connecticut Children's, Hartford, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Immunology, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - M Anthony Moody
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Justin D Radolf
- Department of Medicine, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Immunology, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Kelly L Hawley
- Department of Medicine, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Connecticut Children's, Hartford, Connecticut, USA
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11
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Cavazzini D, Spagnoli G, Mariz FC, Reggiani F, Maggi S, Franceschi V, Donofrio G, Müller M, Bolchi A, Ottonello S. Enhanced immunogenicity of a positively supercharged archaeon thioredoxin scaffold as a cell-penetrating antigen carrier for peptide vaccines. Front Immunol 2022; 13:958123. [PMID: 36032169 PMCID: PMC9405434 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.958123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycationic resurfaced proteins hold great promise as cell-penetrating bioreagents but their use as carriers for the intracellular delivery of peptide immuno-epitopes has not thus far been explored. Here, we report on the construction and functional characterization of a positively supercharged derivative of Pyrococcus furiosus thioredoxin (PfTrx), a thermally hyperstable protein we have previously validated as a peptide epitope display and immunogenicity enhancing scaffold. Genetic conversion of 13 selected amino acids to lysine residues conferred to PfTrx a net charge of +21 (starting from the -1 charge of the wild-type protein), along with the ability to bind nucleic acids. In its unfused form, +21 PfTrx was readily internalized by HeLa cells and displayed a predominantly cytosolic localization. A different intracellular distribution was observed for a +21 PfTrx-eGFP fusion protein, which although still capable of cell penetration was predominantly localized within endosomes. A mixed cytosolic/endosomal partitioning was observed for a +21 PfTrx derivative harboring three tandemly repeated copies of a previously validated HPV16-L2 (aa 20-38) B-cell epitope grafted to the display site of thioredoxin. Compared to its wild-type counterpart, the positively supercharged antigen induced a faster immune response and displayed an overall superior immunogenicity, including a substantial degree of self-adjuvancy. Altogether, the present data point to +21 PfTrx as a promising novel carrier for intracellular antigen delivery and the construction of potentiated recombinant subunit vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Cavazzini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences & Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Gloria Spagnoli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences & Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Filipe Colaco Mariz
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Tumorvirus-specific Vaccination Strategies (F035), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Filippo Reggiani
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences & Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Stefano Maggi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences & Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Gaetano Donofrio
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center Biopharmanet-Tec, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Martin Müller
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Tumorvirus-specific Vaccination Strategies (F035), Heidelberg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Martin Müller, ; Angelo Bolchi,
| | - Angelo Bolchi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences & Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center Biopharmanet-Tec, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- *Correspondence: Martin Müller, ; Angelo Bolchi,
| | - Simone Ottonello
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences & Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center Biopharmanet-Tec, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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12
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Gardella B, Gritti A, Soleymaninejadian E, Pasquali MF, Riemma G, La Verde M, Schettino MT, Fortunato N, Torella M, Dominoni M. New Perspectives in Therapeutic Vaccines for HPV: A Critical Review. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58070860. [PMID: 35888579 PMCID: PMC9315585 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58070860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Papillomavirus is the main cause of cervical cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx, anus, rectum, penis, vagina, and vulva. In recent years, considerable effort has been made to control HPV-induced diseases using either prophylactic or therapeutic approaches. A critical review of the literature about the therapeutic Human Papillomavirus vaccine was performed to analyze its efficacy in the treatment of female lower genital tract lesions and its possible perspective application in clinical practice. The most important medical databases were consulted, and all papers published from 2000 until 2021 were considered. We retrieved a group of seven papers, reporting the role of anti HPV therapeutic vaccines against the L2 protein in the order of their efficacy and safety in female lower genital tract disease. In addition, the immune response due to vaccine administration was evaluated. The development of therapeutic vaccines represents an interesting challenge for the treatment of HPV infection of the lower genital tract. Literature data underline that the L2 protein may be an interesting and promising target in the development of therapeutic HPV vaccines, but the possible strengths and the unclear longevity of L2 immune responses are factors to be considered before clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Gardella
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (B.G.); (M.F.P.); (M.D.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Fundation Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Andrea Gritti
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (B.G.); (M.F.P.); (M.D.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Fundation Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-00382-503722
| | - Ehsan Soleymaninejadian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Fundation Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Marianna Francesca Pasquali
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (B.G.); (M.F.P.); (M.D.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Fundation Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Gaetano Riemma
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Naples, Italy; (G.R.); (M.L.V.); (M.T.S.); (N.F.); (M.T.)
| | - Marco La Verde
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Naples, Italy; (G.R.); (M.L.V.); (M.T.S.); (N.F.); (M.T.)
| | - Maria Teresa Schettino
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Naples, Italy; (G.R.); (M.L.V.); (M.T.S.); (N.F.); (M.T.)
| | - Nicola Fortunato
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Naples, Italy; (G.R.); (M.L.V.); (M.T.S.); (N.F.); (M.T.)
| | - Marco Torella
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 81100 Naples, Italy; (G.R.); (M.L.V.); (M.T.S.); (N.F.); (M.T.)
| | - Mattia Dominoni
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (B.G.); (M.F.P.); (M.D.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Fundation Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
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13
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Pinkham R, Eckery D, Mauldin R, Gomm M, Hill F, Vial F, Massei G. Longevity of an immunocontraceptive vaccine effect on fecundity in rats. Vaccine X 2022; 10:100138. [PMID: 35024602 PMCID: PMC8732792 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2021.100138] [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: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Increases in human-wildlife conflicts alongside cultural shifts against lethal control methods are driving the need for alternative wildlife management tools such as fertility control. Contraceptive formulations suitable for oral delivery would permit broader remote application in wildlife species. This study evaluated the contraceptive effect and immune response to two novel injectable immunocontraceptive formulations targeting the Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH): MAF-IMX294 and MAF-IMX294P conjugates, both identified as having potential as oral contraceptives. The study also explored whether in multiparous species immunocontraceptives may either totally prevent reproduction or also affect litter size. Female rats, chosen as a model species, were given three doses of either MAF-IMX294 or MAF-IMX294P to compare anti-GnRH immune response and reproductive output up to 310 days post-treatment. Both formulations induced anti-GnRH antibody titres in 100% of rats and significantly impaired fertility compared to control animals. Following treatment with MAF-IMX294 and MAF-IMX294P 0 of 9 and 1 of 10 females respectively produced litters following the first mating challenge 45 days post-treatment, compared to 9 of 9 control animals. Across the whole 310 day study period 7 of 9 females from the MAF-IMX294 group and 10 of 10 females in the MAF-IMX294P group became fertile, producing at least one litter throughout six mating challenges. No significant differences were found between the two formulations in antibody titre response or duration of contraceptive effect, with an average time to first pregnancy of 166 days for MAF-IMX294 and 177 days for MAF-IMX294P for all females that became fertile. Following treatment with MAF-IMX294 and MAF-IMX294P the first litter produced post-infertility in treated females was significantly smaller than in control animals. This indicates treatment with immunocontraceptives may induce an overall suppression of fecundity extending past an initial infertility effect. This increases the potential long-term impact of these immunocontraceptives in multiparous species such as commensal rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Pinkham
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, York YO41 1LZ, UK
| | - D Eckery
- USDA APHIS National Wildlife Research Center, 4101 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521 USA
| | - R Mauldin
- USDA APHIS National Wildlife Research Center, 4101 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521 USA
| | - M Gomm
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, York YO41 1LZ, UK
| | - F Hill
- Osivax, 99 rue de Gerland, Lyon, 69007 France
| | - F Vial
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, York YO41 1LZ, UK
| | - G Massei
- National Wildlife Management Centre, Animal and Plant Health Agency, York YO41 1LZ, UK
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14
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Pan L, Li B, Chen J, Zhang H, Wang X, Shou J, Yang D, Yan X. Nanotechnology-Based Weapons to Combat Human Papillomavirus Infection Associated Diseases. Front Chem 2021; 9:798727. [PMID: 34869242 PMCID: PMC8635520 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.798727] [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: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection will eventually lead to clinical problems, varying from verrucous lesions to malignancies like cervical cancer, oral cancer, anus cancer, and so on. To address the aforementioned problems, nanotechnology-based strategies have been applied to detect the virus, prevent the interaction between virus and mammalian cells, and treat the virus-infected cells, due mainly to the unique physicochemical properties of nanoparticles. In this regard, many nanotechnology-based chemotherapies, gene therapy, vaccination, or combination therapy have been developed. In this Minireview, we outline the pathogenesis of HPV infection and the recent advances in nanotechnology-based weapons that can be applied in combating HPV-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Pan
- Department of Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Bingxin Li
- Department of Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiahua Chen
- Department of Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Haofeng Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Shou
- Department of Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Dejun Yang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaojian Yan
- Department of Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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15
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Rossi I, Spagnoli G, Buttini F, Sonvico F, Stellari F, Cavazzini D, Chen Q, Müller M, Bolchi A, Ottonello S, Bettini R. A respirable HPV-L2 dry-powder vaccine with GLA as amphiphilic lubricant and immune-adjuvant. J Control Release 2021; 340:209-220. [PMID: 34740725 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Vaccines not requiring cold-chain storage/distribution and suitable for needle-free delivery are urgently needed. Pulmonary administration is one of the most promising non-parenteral routes for vaccine delivery. Through a multi-component excipient and spray-drying approach, we engineered highly respirable dry-powder vaccine particles containing a three-fold repeated peptide epitope derived from human papillomavirus (HPV16) minor capsid protein L2 displayed on Pyrococcus furious thioredoxin as antigen. A key feature of our engineering approach was the use of the amphiphilic endotoxin derivative glucopyranosyl lipid A (GLA) as both a coating agent enhancing particle de-aggregation and respirability as well as a built-in immune-adjuvant. Following an extensive characterization of the in vitro aerodynamic performance, lung deposition was verified in vivo by intratracheal administration in mice of a vaccine powder containing a fluorescently labeled derivative of the antigen. This was followed by a short-term immunization study that highlighted the ability of the GLA-adjuvanted vaccine powder to induce an anti-L2 systemic immune response comparable to (or even better than) that of the subcutaneously administered liquid-form vaccine. Despite the very short-term immunization conditions employed for this preliminary vaccination experiment, the intratracheally administered dry-powder, but not the subcutaneously injected liquid-state, vaccine induced consistent HPV neutralizing responses. Overall, the present data provide proof-of-concept validation of a new formulation design to produce a dry-powder vaccine that may be easily transferred to other antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Rossi
- Department of Food and Drug Sciences, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze Parma, Italy; Interdepartmental Center Biopharmanet-tec, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze Parma, Italy
| | - Gloria Spagnoli
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze Parma, Italy; Interdepartmental Center Biopharmanet-tec, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Buttini
- Department of Food and Drug Sciences, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze Parma, Italy; Interdepartmental Center Biopharmanet-tec, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze Parma, Italy
| | - Fabio Sonvico
- Department of Food and Drug Sciences, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze Parma, Italy; Interdepartmental Center Biopharmanet-tec, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze Parma, Italy
| | - Fabio Stellari
- Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA, Largo Belloli 11a, Parma, Italy
| | - Davide Cavazzini
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze Parma, Italy
| | - Quigxin Chen
- German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Müller
- German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Angelo Bolchi
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze Parma, Italy; Interdepartmental Center Biopharmanet-tec, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze Parma, Italy
| | - Simone Ottonello
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze Parma, Italy; Interdepartmental Center Biopharmanet-tec, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze Parma, Italy.
| | - Ruggero Bettini
- Department of Food and Drug Sciences, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze Parma, Italy; Interdepartmental Center Biopharmanet-tec, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze Parma, Italy.
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16
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Qi Y, Fox CB. Development of thermostable vaccine adjuvants. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:497-517. [PMID: 33724133 PMCID: PMC8292183 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1902314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The importance of vaccine thermostability has been discussed in the literature. Nevertheless, the challenge of developing thermostable vaccine adjuvants has sometimes not received appropriate emphasis. Adjuvants comprise an expansive range of particulate and molecular compositions, requiring innovative thermostable formulation and process development approaches. AREAS COVERED Reports on efforts to develop thermostable adjuvant-containing vaccines have increased in recent years, and substantial progress has been made in enhancing the stability of the major classes of adjuvants. This narrative review summarizes the current status of thermostable vaccine adjuvant development and looks forward to the next potential developments in the field. EXPERT OPINION As adjuvant-containing vaccines become more widely used, the unique challenges associated with developing thermostable adjuvant formulations merit increased attention. In particular, more focused efforts are needed to translate promising proof-of-concept technologies and formulations into clinical products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhi Qi
- Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI), 1616 Eastlake
Ave E, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Christopher B. Fox
- Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI), 1616 Eastlake
Ave E, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington,
Seattle, WA, USA
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17
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Huber B, Wang JW, Roden RBS, Kirnbauer R. RG1-VLP and Other L2-Based, Broad-Spectrum HPV Vaccine Candidates. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10051044. [PMID: 33802456 PMCID: PMC7959455 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10051044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Licensed human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines contain virus-like particles (VLPs) self-assembled from L1 major-capsid proteins that are remarkably effective prophylactic immunogens. However, the induced type-restricted immune response limits coverage to the included vaccine types, and costly multiplex formulations, restrictive storage and distribution conditions drive the need for next generation HPV vaccines. Vaccine candidates based upon the minor structural protein L2 are particularly promising because conserved N-terminal epitopes induce broadly cross-type neutralizing and protective antibodies. Several strategies to increase the immunological potency of such epitopes are being investigated, including concatemeric multimers, fusion to toll-like receptors ligands or T cell epitopes, as well as immunodominant presentation by different nanoparticle or VLP structures. Several promising L2-based vaccine candidates have reached or will soon enter first-in-man clinical studies. RG1-VLP present the HPV16L2 amino-acid 17–36 conserved neutralization epitope “RG1” repetitively and closely spaced on an immunodominant surface loop of HPV16 L1-VLP and small animal immunizations provide cross-protection against challenge with all medically-significant high-risk and several low-risk HPV types. With a successful current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) campaign and this promising breadth of activity, even encompassing cross-neutralization of several cutaneous HPV types, RG1-VLP are ready for a first-in-human clinical study. This review aims to provide a general overview of these candidates with a special focus on the RG1-VLP vaccine and its road to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Huber
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Joshua Weiyuan Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; (J.W.W.); (R.B.S.R.)
- PathoVax LLC, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Richard B. S. Roden
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; (J.W.W.); (R.B.S.R.)
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Reinhard Kirnbauer
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-1-40400-77680
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18
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Yang F, Mariz FC, Zhao X, Spagnoli G, Ottonello S, Müller M. Broad Neutralization Responses Against Oncogenic Human Papillomaviruses Induced by a Minor Capsid L2 Polytope Genetically Incorporated Into Bacterial Ferritin Nanoparticles. Front Immunol 2020; 11:606569. [PMID: 33343580 PMCID: PMC7746619 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.606569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer remains a global health burden despite the introduction of highly effective vaccines for the prophylaxis of causative human papillomavirus infection (HPV). Current efforts to eradicate cervical cancer focus on the development of broadly protective, cost-effective approaches. HPV minor capsid protein L2 is being recognized as a promising alternative to the major capsid protein L1 because of its ability to induce responses against a wider range of different HPV types. However, a major limitation of L2 as a source of cross-neutralizing epitopes is its lower immunogenicity compared to L1 when assembled into VLPs. Various approaches have been proposed to overcome this limitation, we developed and tested ferritin-based bio-nanoparticles displaying tandemly repeated L2 epitopes from eight different HPV types grafted onto the surface of Pyrococcus furiosus thioredoxin (Pf Trx). Genetic fusion of the Pf Trx-L2(8x) module to P. furiosus ferritin (Pf Fe) did not interfere with ferritin self-assembly into an octahedral structure composed by 24 protomers. In guinea pigs and mice, the ferritin super-scaffolded, L2 antigen induced a broadly neutralizing antibody response covering 14 oncogenic and two non-oncogenic HPV types. Immune-responsiveness lasted for at least one year and the resulting antibodies also conferred protection in a cervico-vaginal mouse model of HPV infection. Given the broad organism distribution of thioredoxin and ferritin, we also verified the lack of cross-reactivity of the antibodies elicited against the scaffolds with human thioredoxin or ferritin. Altogether, the results of this study point to P. furiosus ferritin nanoparticles as a robust platform for the construction of peptide-epitope-based HPV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- Research Group Tumorvirus-Specific Vaccination Strategies, Research Program Infection Inflammation & Cancer, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Filipe C Mariz
- Research Group Tumorvirus-Specific Vaccination Strategies, Research Program Infection Inflammation & Cancer, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Xueer Zhao
- Research Group Tumorvirus-Specific Vaccination Strategies, Research Program Infection Inflammation & Cancer, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gloria Spagnoli
- Department of Chemical Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Simone Ottonello
- Department of Chemical Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Martin Müller
- Research Group Tumorvirus-Specific Vaccination Strategies, Research Program Infection Inflammation & Cancer, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
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19
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Progress in L2-Based Prophylactic Vaccine Development for Protection against Diverse Human Papillomavirus Genotypes and Associated Diseases. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8040568. [PMID: 33019516 PMCID: PMC7712070 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8040568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are a family of small DNA tumor viruses including over 200 genotypes classified by phylogeny into several genera. Different genera of HPVs cause ano-genital and oropharyngeal cancers, skin cancers, as well as benign diseases including skin and genital warts. Licensed vaccines composed of L1 virus-like particles (VLPs) confer protection generally restricted to the ≤9 HPV types targeted. Here, we examine approaches aimed at broadening the protection against diverse HPV types by targeting conserved epitopes of the minor capsid protein, L2. Compared to L1 VLP, L2 is less immunogenic. However, with appropriate presentation to the immune system, L2 can elicit durable, broadly cross-neutralizing antibody responses and protection against skin and genital challenge with diverse HPV types. Such approaches to enhance the strength and breadth of the humoral response include the display of L2 peptides on VLPs or viral capsids, bacteria, thioredoxin and other platforms for multimerization. Neither L2 nor L1 vaccinations elicit a therapeutic response. However, fusion of L2 with early viral antigens has the potential to elicit both prophylactic and therapeutic immunity. This review of cross-protective HPV vaccines based on L2 is timely as several candidates have recently entered early-phase clinical trials.
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20
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Zhao X, Yang F, Mariz F, Osen W, Bolchi A, Ottonello S, Müller M. Combined prophylactic and therapeutic immune responses against human papillomaviruses induced by a thioredoxin-based L2-E7 nanoparticle vaccine. PLoS Pathog 2020; 16:e1008827. [PMID: 32886721 PMCID: PMC7498061 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1008827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Global burden of cervical cancer, the most common cause of mortality caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), is expected to increase during the next decade, mainly because current alternatives for HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening programs are costly to be established in low-and-middle income countries. Recently, we described the development of the broadly protective, thermostable vaccine antigen Trx-8mer-OVX313 based on the insertion of eight different minor capsid protein L2 neutralization epitopes into a thioredoxin scaffold from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus and conversion of the resulting antigen into a nanoparticle format (median radius ~9 nm) upon fusion with the heptamerizing OVX313 module. Here we evaluated whether the engineered thioredoxin scaffold, in addition to humoral immune responses, can induce CD8+ T-cell responses upon incorporation of MHC-I-restricted epitopes. By systematically examining the contribution of individual antigen modules, we demonstrated that B-cell and T-cell epitopes can be combined into a single antigen construct without compromising either immunogenicity. While CD8+ T-cell epitopes had no influence on B-cell responses, the L2 polytope (8mer) and OVX313-mediated heptamerization of the final antigen significantly increased CD8+ T-cell responses. In a proof-of-concept experiment, we found that vaccinated mice remained tumor-free even after two consecutive tumor challenges, while unvaccinated mice developed tumors. A cost-effective, broadly protective vaccine with both prophylactic and therapeutic properties represents a promising option to overcome the challenges associated with prevention and treatment of HPV-caused diseases. Currently, there are three licensed prophylactic vaccines available against HPV, but none of them shows a therapeutic effect on pre-existing infections. Thus, a prophylactic vaccine also endowed with a therapeutic activity presents application potentials to individuals regardless of their HPV-infection status. Such a dual-purpose vaccine would be particularly valuable for post-exposure prophylaxis and shields population from recurrent HPV infections. Here, we constructed a combined vaccine relying on L2- and E7-specific epitopes grafted onto the surface of a hyper-stable thioredoxin scaffold. The resulting antigen was converted into a nanoparticle format with the use of a heptamerization domain. Our data document that the modular design of the antigen allows combination of B-cell and T-cell epitopes in one antigen without compromising either’s immunogenicity. The antigen retains its ability to provide broad protection against different HPV types but also presents strong therapeutic effects in a mouse tumor model. Therefore, the vaccine is potentially capable of resolving productive infection as well as HPV-related malignancies, and thus benefitting both uninfected and already infected individuals. Moreover, our vaccine utilizes E. coli as protein producer and distribution does not require cold-chain, which reduces costs making it applicable to less-affluent countries.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Neoplasm/chemistry
- Antigens, Neoplasm/pharmacology
- Antigens, Viral/chemistry
- Antigens, Viral/pharmacology
- Archaeal Proteins/chemistry
- Archaeal Proteins/pharmacology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/pathology
- Cancer Vaccines/chemistry
- Cancer Vaccines/pharmacology
- Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte/chemistry
- Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte/pharmacology
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/chemistry
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/pharmacology
- Female
- Humans
- Immunity, Cellular/drug effects
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Nanoparticles/chemistry
- Nanoparticles/therapeutic use
- Papillomaviridae/chemistry
- Papillomaviridae/immunology
- Papillomavirus Vaccines/chemistry
- Papillomavirus Vaccines/pharmacology
- Pyrococcus furiosus/chemistry
- Thioredoxins/chemistry
- Thioredoxins/pharmacology
- Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/immunology
- Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/virology
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueer Zhao
- German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fan Yang
- German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Filipe Mariz
- German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wolfram Osen
- German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Angelo Bolchi
- Department of Chemical Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Simone Ottonello
- Department of Chemical Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Martin Müller
- German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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21
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Fu Y, Cao R, Schäfer M, Stephan S, Braspenning-Wesch I, Schmitt L, Bischoff R, Müller M, Schäfer K, Vinzón SE, Rösl F, Hasche D. Expression of different L1 isoforms of Mastomys natalensis papillomavirus as mechanism to circumvent adaptive immunity. eLife 2020; 9:e57626. [PMID: 32746966 PMCID: PMC7402679 DOI: 10.7554/elife.57626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Although many high-risk mucosal and cutaneous human papillomaviruses (HPVs) theoretically have the potential to synthesize L1 isoforms differing in length, previous seroepidemiological studies only focused on the short L1 variants, co-assembling with L2 to infectious virions. Using the multimammate mouse Mastomys coucha as preclinical model, this is the first study demonstrating seroconversion against different L1 isoforms during the natural course of papillomavirus infection. Intriguingly, positivity with the cutaneous MnPV was accompanied by a strong seroresponse against a longer L1 isoform, but to our surprise, the raised antibodies were non-neutralizing. Only after a delay of around 4 months, protecting antibodies against the short L1 appeared, enabling the virus to successfully establish an infection. This argues for a novel humoral immune escape mechanism that may also have important implications on the interpretation of epidemiological data in terms of seropositivity and protection of PV infections in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Fu
- Division of Viral Transformation Mechanisms, Research Program 'Infection, Inflammation and Cancer', German Cancer Research CenterHeidelbergGermany
| | - Rui Cao
- Division of Viral Transformation Mechanisms, Research Program 'Infection, Inflammation and Cancer', German Cancer Research CenterHeidelbergGermany
| | - Miriam Schäfer
- Division of Viral Transformation Mechanisms, Research Program 'Infection, Inflammation and Cancer', German Cancer Research CenterHeidelbergGermany
| | - Sonja Stephan
- Division of Viral Transformation Mechanisms, Research Program 'Infection, Inflammation and Cancer', German Cancer Research CenterHeidelbergGermany
| | - Ilona Braspenning-Wesch
- Division of Viral Transformation Mechanisms, Research Program 'Infection, Inflammation and Cancer', German Cancer Research CenterHeidelbergGermany
| | - Laura Schmitt
- Division of Viral Transformation Mechanisms, Research Program 'Infection, Inflammation and Cancer', German Cancer Research CenterHeidelbergGermany
| | - Ralf Bischoff
- Division of Functional Genome Analysis, Research Program 'Functional and Structural Genomics', German Cancer Research CenterHeidelbergGermany
| | - Martin Müller
- Research Group Tumorvirus-specific Vaccination Strategies, Research Program 'Infection, Inflammation and Cancer', German Cancer Research CenterHeidelbergGermany
| | - Kai Schäfer
- Division of Viral Transformation Mechanisms, Research Program 'Infection, Inflammation and Cancer', German Cancer Research CenterHeidelbergGermany
| | - Sabrina E Vinzón
- Division of Viral Transformation Mechanisms, Research Program 'Infection, Inflammation and Cancer', German Cancer Research CenterHeidelbergGermany
| | - Frank Rösl
- Division of Viral Transformation Mechanisms, Research Program 'Infection, Inflammation and Cancer', German Cancer Research CenterHeidelbergGermany
| | - Daniel Hasche
- Division of Viral Transformation Mechanisms, Research Program 'Infection, Inflammation and Cancer', German Cancer Research CenterHeidelbergGermany
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22
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Yadav R, Zhai L, Tumban E. Virus-like Particle-Based L2 Vaccines against HPVs: Where Are We Today? Viruses 2019; 12:v12010018. [PMID: 31877975 PMCID: PMC7019592 DOI: 10.3390/v12010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. Ninety percent of infected individuals clear the infection within two years; however, in the remaining 10% of infected individuals, the infection(s) persists and ultimately leads to cancers (anogenital cancers and head and neck cancers) and genital warts. Fortunately, three prophylactic vaccines have been approved to protect against HPV infections. The most recent HPV vaccine, Gardasil-9 (a nonavalent vaccine), protects against seven HPV types associated with ~90% of cervical cancer and against two HPV types associated with ~90% genital warts with little cross-protection against non-vaccine HPV types. The current vaccines are based on virus-like particles (VLPs) derived from the major capsid protein, L1. The L1 protein is not conserved among HPV types. The minor capsid protein, L2, on the other hand, is highly conserved among HPV types and has been an alternative target antigen, for over two decades, to develop a broadly protective HPV vaccine. The L2 protein, unlike the L1, cannot form VLPs and as such, it is less immunogenic. This review summarizes current studies aimed at developing HPV L2 vaccines by multivalently displaying L2 peptides on VLPs derived from bacteriophages and eukaryotic viruses. Recent data show that a monovalent HPV L1 VLP as well as bivalent MS2 VLPs displaying HPV L2 peptides (representing amino acids 17–36 and/or consensus amino acids 69–86) elicit robust broadly protective antibodies against diverse HPV types (6/11/16/18/26/31/33/34/35/39/43/44/45/51/52/53/56/58/59/66/68/73) associated with cancers and genital warts. Thus, VLP-based L2 vaccines look promising and may be favorable, in the near future, over current L1-based HPV vaccines and should be explored further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashi Yadav
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA; (R.Y.); (L.Z.)
| | - Lukai Zhai
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA; (R.Y.); (L.Z.)
- Current address: Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Ebenezer Tumban
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA; (R.Y.); (L.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-906-487-2256; Fax: +1-906-487-3167
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23
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Del Campo J, Pizzorno A, Djebali S, Bouley J, Haller M, Pérez-Vargas J, Lina B, Boivin G, Hamelin ME, Nicolas F, Le Vert A, Leverrier Y, Rosa-Calatrava M, Marvel J, Hill F. OVX836 a recombinant nucleoprotein vaccine inducing cellular responses and protective efficacy against multiple influenza A subtypes. NPJ Vaccines 2019; 4:4. [PMID: 30701093 PMCID: PMC6344521 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-019-0098-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Inactivated influenza vaccines (IIVs) lack broad efficacy. Cellular immunity to a conserved internal antigen, the nucleoprotein (NP), has been correlated to protection against pandemic and seasonal influenza and thus could have the potential to broaden vaccine efficacy. We developed OVX836, a recombinant protein vaccine based on an oligomerized NP, which shows increased uptake by dendritic cells and immunogenicity compared with NP. Intramuscular immunization in mice with OVX836 induced strong NP-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell systemic responses and established CD8+ tissue memory T cells in the lung parenchyma. Strikingly, OVX836 protected mice against viral challenge with three different influenza A subtypes, isolated several decades apart and induced a reduction in viral load. When co-administered with IIV, OVX836 was even more effective in reducing lung viral load. Circulating influenza A virus (IAV) strains differ in their surface proteins each year, and vaccines eliciting an immune response to these proteins are often only partially protective. Internal viral proteins, such as the nucleoprotein (NP), are highly conserved, and cellular immunity to NP has been correlated with protection from diverse strains. However, current IAV vaccines induce a poor immune response to NP. In this study, led by Fergal Hill from Osivax, researchers develop an oligomeric version of NP with improved immunogenicity. Vaccination of mice with oligomeric NP results in an improved NP-specific T-cell response, including CD8+ tissue memory T cells in the lung, and protects mice against three different IAV subtypes. Co-administration with the currently used inactivated influenza vaccine further improves protection against virus infection in mice. These results encourage further pre-clinical and clinical development for this vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andres Pizzorno
- 2Virologie et Pathologie Humaine - VirPath Team, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, CNRS UMR5308, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1. Université de Lyon, Lyon, F- 69008 France
| | - Sophia Djebali
- 3Immunity and Cytotoxic Lymphocytes, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon. Université de Lyon, F-69007 Lyon, France
| | | | | | - Jimena Pérez-Vargas
- Osivax, 99, rue de Gerland, 69007 Lyon, France.,6Present Address: Enveloped Viruses, Vectors and Immunotherapy Team, Centre International de Recherché en Infectiologie (CIRI), INSERM U1111, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Bruno Lina
- 2Virologie et Pathologie Humaine - VirPath Team, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, CNRS UMR5308, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1. Université de Lyon, Lyon, F- 69008 France.,Hospices Civils de Lyon, Centre National de Référence des Virus Influenza France Sud, Laboratoire de Virologie, Groupement Hospitalier Nord, Lyon, France
| | - Guy Boivin
- 5Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec and Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Marie-Eve Hamelin
- 5Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec and Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | | | | | - Yann Leverrier
- 3Immunity and Cytotoxic Lymphocytes, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon. Université de Lyon, F-69007 Lyon, France
| | - Manuel Rosa-Calatrava
- 2Virologie et Pathologie Humaine - VirPath Team, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, CNRS UMR5308, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1. Université de Lyon, Lyon, F- 69008 France
| | - Jacqueline Marvel
- 3Immunity and Cytotoxic Lymphocytes, Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon. Université de Lyon, F-69007 Lyon, France
| | - Fergal Hill
- Osivax, 99, rue de Gerland, 69007 Lyon, France
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24
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Vakili B, Eslami M, Hatam GR, Zare B, Erfani N, Nezafat N, Ghasemi Y. Immunoinformatics-aided design of a potential multi-epitope peptide vaccine against Leishmania infantum. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 120:1127-1139. [PMID: 30172806 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.08.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) or kala-azar, the most severe form of the disease, is endemic in more than eighty countries across the world. To date, there is no approved vaccine against VL in the market. Recent advances in reverse vaccinology could be promising approach in designing the efficient vaccine for VL treatment. In this study, an efficient multi-epitope vaccine against Leishmania infantum, the causative agent of VL, was designed using various computational vaccinology methods. Potential immunodominant epitopes were selected from four antigenic proteins, including histone H1, sterol 24-c-methyltransferase (SMT), Leishmania-specific hypothetical protein (LiHy), and Leishmania-specific antigenic protein (LSAP). To enhance vaccine immunogenicity, two resuscitation-promoting factor of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, RpfE and RpfB, were employed as adjuvants. All the aforesaid segments were joined using proper linkers. Homology modeling, followed by refinement and validation was performed to obtain a high-quality 3D structure of designed vaccine. Docking analyses and molecular dynamics (MD) studies indicated vaccine/TLR4 complex was in the stable form during simulation time. In sum, we expect our designed vaccine is able to induce humoral and cellular immune responses against L. infantum, and may be promising medication for VL, after in vitro and in vivo immunological assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Vakili
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahboobeh Eslami
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholam Reza Hatam
- Basic Sciences in Infectious Diseases Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bijan Zare
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Nasrollah Erfani
- Institute for Cancer Research (ICR), School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Navid Nezafat
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Younes Ghasemi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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25
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Minor Capsid Protein L2 Polytope Induces Broad Protection against Oncogenic and Mucosal Human Papillomaviruses. J Virol 2018; 92:JVI.01930-17. [PMID: 29212932 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01930-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The amino terminus of the human papillomavirus (HPV) minor capsid protein L2 contains a major cross-neutralization epitope which provides the basis for the development of a broadly protecting HPV vaccine. A wide range of protection against different HPV types would eliminate one of the major drawbacks of the commercial, L1-based prophylactic vaccines. Previously, we have reported that insertion of the L2 epitope into a scaffold composed of bacterial thioredoxin protein generates a potent antigen inducing comprehensive protection against different animal and human papillomaviruses. We also reported, however, that although protection is broad, some oncogenic HPV types escape the neutralizing antibody response, if L2 epitopes from single HPV types are used as immunogen. We were able to compensate for this by applying a mix of thioredoxin proteins carrying L2 epitopes from HPV16, -31, and -51. As the development of a cost-efficient HPV prophylactic vaccines is one of our objectives, this approach is not feasible as it requires the development of multiple good manufacturing production processes in combination with a complex vaccine formulation. Here, we report the development of a thermostable thioredoxin-based single-peptide vaccine carrying an L2 polytope of up to 11 different HPV types. The L2 polytope antigens have excellent abilities in respect to broadness of protection and robustness of induced immune responses. To further increase immunogenicity, we fused the thioredoxin L2 polytope antigen with a heptamerization domain. In the final vaccine design, we achieve protective responses against all 14 oncogenic HPV types that we have analyzed plus the low-risk HPVs 6 and 11 and a number of cutaneous HPVs.IMPORTANCE Infections by a large number of human papillomaviruses lead to malignant and nonmalignant disease. Current commercial vaccines based on virus-like particles (VLPs) effectively protect against some HPV types but fail to do so for most others. Further, only about a third of all countries have access to the VLP vaccines. The minor capsid protein L2 has been shown to contain so-called neutralization epitopes within its N terminus. We designed polytopes comprising the L2 epitope amino acids 20 to 38 of up to 11 different mucosal HPV types and inserted them into the scaffold of thioredoxin derived from a thermophile archaebacterium. The antigen induced neutralizing antibody responses in mice and guinea pigs against 26 mucosal and cutaneous HPV types. Further, addition of a heptamerization domain significantly increased the immunogenicity. The final vaccine design comprising a heptamerized L2 8-mer thioredoxin single-peptide antigen with excellent thermal stability might overcome some of the limitations of the current VLP vaccines.
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