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Sallam M, Khalil R. Contemporary Insights into Hepatitis C Virus: A Comprehensive Review. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1035. [PMID: 38930417 PMCID: PMC11205832 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061035] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a significant global health challenge. Approximately 50 million people were living with chronic hepatitis C based on the World Health Organization as of 2024, contributing extensively to global morbidity and mortality. The advent and approval of several direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens significantly improved HCV treatment, offering potentially high rates of cure for chronic hepatitis C. However, the promising aim of eventual HCV eradication remains challenging. Key challenges include the variability in DAA access across different regions, slightly variable response rates to DAAs across diverse patient populations and HCV genotypes/subtypes, and the emergence of resistance-associated substitutions (RASs), potentially conferring resistance to DAAs. Therefore, periodic reassessment of current HCV knowledge is needed. An up-to-date review on HCV is also necessitated based on the observed shifts in HCV epidemiological trends, continuous development and approval of therapeutic strategies, and changes in public health policies. Thus, the current comprehensive review aimed to integrate the latest knowledge on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic approaches, treatment options and preventive strategies for HCV, with a particular focus on the current challenges associated with RASs and ongoing efforts in vaccine development. This review sought to provide healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers with the necessary insights to address the HCV burden more effectively. We aimed to highlight the progress made in managing and preventing HCV infection and to highlight the persistent barriers challenging the prevention of HCV infection. The overarching goal was to align with global health objectives towards reducing the burden of chronic hepatitis, aiming for its eventual elimination as a public health threat by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malik Sallam
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Roaa Khalil
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
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Adugna A. Therapeutic strategies and promising vaccine for hepatitis C virus infection. Immun Inflamm Dis 2023; 11:e977. [PMID: 37647422 PMCID: PMC10461427 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.977] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is still a significant global health problem despite therapeutic advancements. Ribavirin and interferon therapy have been the sole available treatments for HCV infection for a number of years with low efficacy. Thus, currently, a number of therapeutic strategies are being used, including nanoparticles (NPs), micro-RNAs such as small interfering RNA (siRNA), RNAi-based gene silencing and antisense oligonucleotide-based microRNA-122, microRNA-155, and short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs), and immunotherapeutic approaches such as anti-programmed cell death 1(PD-1), monoclonal antibodies (mAb or moAb), and monocyte-derived dendritic cells (Mo-DCs). Furthermore, direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) and host-targeting agents (HTA) were also the current therapeutic approaches with great efficacy. In spite of different clinical trials on HCV vaccine developments, nowadays there is no effective HCV vaccine in opposition to virus due to various challenges including genetic diversity, lack of immunocompetent small animal models, shortage of HCV vaccination testing alternatives, lack of an effective tissue culture method for replicating HCV, and inadequate knowledge regarding to immune responses against HCV infection. Nowadays, mRNA vaccine, recombinant viral vector, peptides vaccine, virus-like particles, DNA vaccine, rational designed vaccine, and recombinant polyantigenic T-cell-based vaccine are novel promising candidates for HCV vaccine based on various clinical trials. This review summarizes the different therapeutic approaches and the advancements of vaccine candidates for HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adane Adugna
- Medical Microbiology, Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health SciencesDebre Markos UniversityDebre MarkosEthiopia
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3
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Malamba-Banda C, Mhango C, Benedicto-Matambo P, Mandolo JJ, Chinyama E, Kumwenda O, Barnes KG, Cunliffe NA, Iturriza-Gomara M, Jambo KC, Jere KC. Acute rotavirus infection is associated with the induction of circulating memory CD4 + T cell subsets. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9001. [PMID: 37268634 PMCID: PMC10238530 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35681-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Strong CD4+ T cell-mediated immune protection following rotavirus infection has been observed in animal models, but its relevance in humans remains unclear. Here, we characterized acute and convalescent CD4+ T cell responses in children who were hospitalized with rotavirus-positive and rotavirus-negative diarrhoea in Blantyre, Malawi. Children presenting with laboratory-confirmed rotavirus infection had higher proportions of effector and central memory T helper 2 cells during acute infection i.e., at disease presentation compared to convalescence, 28 days post-infection defined by a follow-up 28 days after acute infection. However, circulating cytokine-producing (IFN-γ and/or TNF-α) rotavirus-specific VP6-specific CD4+ T cells were rarely detectable in children with rotavirus infection at both acute and convalescent stages. Moreover, following whole blood mitogenic stimulation, the responding CD4+ T cells were predominantly non-cytokine producers of IFN-γ and/or TNF-α. Our findings demonstrate limited induction of anti-viral IFN-γ and/or TNF-α-producing CD4+ T cells in rotavirus-vaccinated Malawian children following the development of laboratory-confirmed rotavirus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chikondi Malamba-Banda
- Biological Sciences Departments, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Thyolo, Malawi
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme (MLW), Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Health Profession, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Chimwemwe Mhango
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme (MLW), Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Prisca Benedicto-Matambo
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme (MLW), Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Health Profession, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jonathan J Mandolo
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme (MLW), Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - End Chinyama
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme (MLW), Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Orpha Kumwenda
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme (MLW), Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Kayla G Barnes
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme (MLW), Blantyre, Malawi
- Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, USA
- University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Nigel A Cunliffe
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Miren Iturriza-Gomara
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kondwani C Jambo
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme (MLW), Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Khuzwayo C Jere
- Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme (MLW), Blantyre, Malawi.
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Health Profession, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi.
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
- National Institute for Health and Care Research, Health Protection Research Unit in Gastrointestinal Infections, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
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Mørk SK, Kongsted P, Westergaard MCW, Albieri B, Granhøj JS, Donia M, Martinenaite E, Holmström MO, Madsen K, Kverneland AH, Kjeldsen JW, Holmstroem RB, Lorentzen CL, Nørgaard N, Andreasen LV, Wood GK, Christensen D, Klausen MS, Hadrup SR, thor Straten P, Andersen MH, Svane IM. First in man study: Bcl-Xl_42-CAF®09b vaccines in patients with locally advanced prostate cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1122977. [PMID: 36999039 PMCID: PMC10043415 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1122977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe B-cell lymphoma-extra-large (Bcl-XL) protein plays an important role in cancer cells’ resistance to apoptosis. Pre-clinical studies have shown that vaccination with Bcl-XL-derived peptides can induce tumor-specific T cell responses that may lead to the elimination of cancer cells. Furthermore, pre-clinical studies of the novel adjuvant CAF®09b have shown that intraperitoneal (IP) injections of this adjuvant can improve the activation of the immune system. In this study, patients with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (PC) received a vaccine consisting of Bcl-XL-peptide with CAF®09b as an adjuvant. The primary aim was to evaluate the tolerability and safety of IP and intramuscular (IM) administration, determine the optimal route of administration, and characterize vaccine immunogenicity.Patients and methodsTwenty patients were included. A total of six vaccinations were scheduled: in Group A (IM to IP injections), ten patients received three vaccines IM biweekly; after a three-week pause, patients then received three vaccines IP biweekly. In Group B (IP to IM injections), ten patients received IP vaccines first, followed by IM under a similar vaccination schedule. Safety was assessed by logging and evaluating adverse events (AE) according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE v. 4.0). Vaccines-induced immune responses were analyzed by Enzyme-Linked Immunospot and flow cytometry.ResultsNo serious AEs were reported. Although an increase in T cell response against the Bcl-XL-peptide was found in all patients, a larger proportion of patients in group B demonstrated earlier and stronger immune responses to the vaccine compared to patients in group A. Further, we demonstrated vaccine-induced immunity towards patient-specific CD4, and CD8 T cell epitopes embedded in Bcl-XL-peptide and an increase in CD4 and CD8 T cell activation markers CD107a and CD137 following vaccination. At a median follow-up of 21 months, no patients had experienced clinically significant disease progression.ConclusionThe Bcl-XL-peptide-CAF®09b vaccination was feasible and safe in patients with l hormone-sensitive PC. In addition, the vaccine was immunogenic and able to elicit CD4 and CD8 T cell responses with initial IP administration eliciting early and high levels of vaccine-specific responses in a higher number og patients.Clinical trial registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT03412786.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Kirial Mørk
- Department of Oncology, National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Per Kongsted
- Department of Oncology, National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | | | - Benedetta Albieri
- Department of Oncology, National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Joachim Stoltenborg Granhøj
- Department of Oncology, National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Marco Donia
- Department of Oncology, National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Evelina Martinenaite
- Department of Oncology, National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
- IO Biotech Aps, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Orebo Holmström
- Department of Oncology, National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kasper Madsen
- Department of Oncology, National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Anders H. Kverneland
- Department of Oncology, National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Julie Westerlin Kjeldsen
- Department of Oncology, National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Rikke Boedker Holmstroem
- Department of Oncology, National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Cathrine Lund Lorentzen
- Department of Oncology, National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Nis Nørgaard
- Department of Urology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | | | - Grith Krøyer Wood
- Statens Serum Institut, Center for Vaccine Research, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dennis Christensen
- Statens Serum Institut, Center for Vaccine Research, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Sine Reker Hadrup
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), HEALTH TECH, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Per thor Straten
- Department of Oncology, National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mads Hald Andersen
- Department of Oncology, National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Inge Marie Svane
- Department of Oncology, National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
- *Correspondence: Inge Marie Svane,
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Zhou S, Luo Y, Lovell JF. Vaccine approaches for antigen capture by liposomes. Expert Rev Vaccines 2023; 22:1022-1040. [PMID: 37878481 PMCID: PMC10872528 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2023.2274479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Liposomes have been used as carriers for vaccine adjuvants and antigens due to their inherent biocompatibility and versatility as delivery vehicles. Two vial admixture of protein antigens with liposome-formulated immunostimulatory adjuvants has become a broadly used clinical vaccine preparation approach. Compared to freely soluble antigens, liposome-associated forms can enhance antigen delivery to antigen-presenting cells and co-deliver antigens with adjuvants, leading to improved vaccine efficacy. AREAS COVERED Several antigen-capture strategies for liposomal vaccines have been developed for proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids. Specific antigen delivery methodologies are discussed, including electrostatic adsorption, encapsulation inside the liposome aqueous core, and covalent and non-covalent antigen capture. EXPERT OPINION Several commercial vaccines include active lipid components, highlighting an increasingly prominent role of liposomes and lipid nanoparticles in vaccine development. Utilizing liposomes to associate antigens offers potential advantages, including antigen and adjuvant dose-sparing, co-delivery of antigen and adjuvant to immune cells, and enhanced immunogenicity. Antigen capture by liposomes has demonstrated feasibility in clinical testing. New antigen-capture techniques have been developed and appear to be of interest for vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Yuan Luo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan F Lovell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
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6
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Nadeem R, Maghraby AS, Abd-Elshafy DN, Barakat AB, Bahgat MM. Individual expression and processing of hepatitis C virus E1/E2 epitopes-based DNA vaccine candidate in healthy humans' peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Clin Exp Vaccine Res 2023; 12:47-59. [PMID: 36844691 PMCID: PMC9950224 DOI: 10.7774/cevr.2023.12.1.47] [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: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The development and study of hepatitis C virus (HCV) vaccine candidates' individualized responses are of great importance. Here we report on an HCV DNA vaccine candidate based on selected envelope (E1/E2) epitopes. Besides, we assessed its expression and processing in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and in vivo cellular response in mice. Materials and Methods HCV E1/E2 DNA construct (EC) was designed. The antigen expression of EC was assayed in PBMCs of five HCV-uninfected donors via a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Serum samples from 20 HCV antibody-positive patients were used to detect each individual PBMCs expressed antigens via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Two groups, five Swiss albino mice each, were immunized with the EC or a control construct. The absolute count of lymph nodes' CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes was assessed. Results Donors' PBMCs showed different levels of EC expression, ranging between 0.83-2.61-fold in four donors, while donor-3 showed 34.53-fold expression. The antigens expressed in PBMCs were significantly reactive to the 20 HCV antibody repertoire (all p=0.0001). All showed comparable reactivity except for donor-3 showing the lowest reactivity level. The absolute count % of the CD4+ T-cell significantly increased in four of the five EC-immunized mice compared to the control group (p=0.03). No significant difference in CD8+ T-cells % was observed (p=0.89). Conclusion The inter-individual variation in antigen expression and processing dominance was evident, showing independence in individuals' antigen expression and reactivity levels to antibodies. The described vaccine candidate might result in a promising natural immune response with a possibility of CD4+ T-cell early priming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rola Nadeem
- Department of Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt.,Immune- and Bio-markers for Infection Research Group, Center of Excellence for Advanced Sciences, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amany Sayed Maghraby
- Department of Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt.,Immune- and Bio-markers for Infection Research Group, Center of Excellence for Advanced Sciences, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Dina Nadeem Abd-Elshafy
- Immune- and Bio-markers for Infection Research Group, Center of Excellence for Advanced Sciences, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt.,Department of Water Pollution Research, Environmental Research Institute, National Research Center, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Mahmoud Mohamed Bahgat
- Department of Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt.,Immune- and Bio-markers for Infection Research Group, Center of Excellence for Advanced Sciences, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
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7
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Zhou H, Wu J, Yu Y, Dai Y, Jin X, Sun Q, Che F, Zhang Y, Cheng J. Establishment and Evaluation of Recombinant Expression of HCV Transmembrane Protein (p7) and Detection of Anti-p7 Antibody in Serum of HCV-Infected Patients by Chemiluminescence. Lab Med 2022; 54:299-307. [PMID: 36300840 DOI: 10.1093/labmed/lmac113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
Our aim was to establish a chemiluminescence method for detecting anti-transmembrane protein (p7) antibody in the serum of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
Methods
The p7 gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction using the plasmid PUC-p7 containing the p7 nucleic acid sequence of the HCV 1b genotype as the template, and recombinant plasmid pGEX-KG-p7 was constructed. After p7 fusion, the protein was induced and expressed in the prokaryote, extracted, and purified; the anti-p7 antibody detection kit was prepared, and its efficacy was evaluated.
Results
The plasmid pGEX-KG-p7 was constructed correctly, and p7 fusion protein was obtained. The methodological indexes of the kit, the precision test, blank limit and detection limit, etc, met the requirements. The positive rate of serum anti-p7 antibody in 45 patients with HCV infection was 20%.
Conclusions
The kit can be used in screening diagnosis, condition monitoring, prognosis, and disease mechanism and epidemiological study of HCV infection. The p7 protein has immune response in HCV-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajun Zhou
- Department of Clinical Research, The 903rd Hospital of the PLA , Hangzhou , China
| | - Jie Wu
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College , Bengbu , China
| | - Yu Yu
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College , Bengbu , China
| | - Yuzhu Dai
- Department of Clinical Research, The 903rd Hospital of the PLA , Hangzhou , China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College , Bengbu , China
| | - Xiaojuan Jin
- Department of Clinical Research, The 903rd Hospital of the PLA , Hangzhou , China
| | - Qingyang Sun
- Department of Clinical Research, The 903rd Hospital of the PLA , Hangzhou , China
| | - Feihu Che
- Department of Clinical Research, The 903rd Hospital of the PLA , Hangzhou , China
| | - Yingjie Zhang
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College , Bengbu , China
| | - Jun Cheng
- Department of Clinical Research, The 903rd Hospital of the PLA , Hangzhou , China
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College , Bengbu , China
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Zhao Q, He K, Zhang X, Xu M, Zhang X, Li H. Production and immunogenicity of different prophylactic vaccines for hepatitis C virus (Review). Exp Ther Med 2022; 24:474. [PMID: 35761816 PMCID: PMC9214603 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health challenge, and prophylactic vaccines are the most effective way to eliminate the infection. To date, numerous forms of preventive vaccines have entered the clinical trial stage, including the virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine, recombinant subunit vaccine, peptide vaccine and nucleic acid vaccine. The rational design makes it easier to obtain specific vaccine structures with a broad spectrum and strong immunogenicity. Different vaccine antigens can evoke different immune responses, including humoral and T-cell immune responses, and can be produced using different expression systems, such as bacteria, yeast, mammals, plants, insects or parasites. Intracellular and insoluble production and a narrow immune spectrum are two difficulties that limit the application of vaccines. The present study summarizes the immunogenicity of different preventive vaccines, evaluates the characteristics of different expression systems used for vaccine production, and analyzes the strategies to enhance the secretion and immune spectrum of vaccine proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Zhao
- Microbiology Department, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Kun He
- Microbiology Department, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Xiuhua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biological Drugs, Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Science, Jinan, Shandong 250101, P.R. China
| | - Mingjie Xu
- Microbiology Department, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Xiuping Zhang
- Microbiology Department, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Huanjie Li
- Medical Research and Laboratory Diagnostic Center, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
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9
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Recent advancement in small molecules as HCV inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 60:116699. [PMID: 35278819 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116699] [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: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has caused a considerable threat to human health. To date, no treatments are without side effects. The proteins and RNA associated with HCV have specific functions during the viral life cycle. The vulnerabilities to virus are associated with those proteins or RNA. Thus, targeting these proteins and RNA is an efficient strategy to develop anti-HCV therapeutics. The treatment for HCV-infected patients has been greatly improved after the approval of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). However, the cost of DAAs is unusually high, which adds to the economic burden on patients with chronic liver diseases. So far, many efforts have been devoted to the development of small molecules as novel HCV inhibitors. Investigations on the inhibitory activities of these small molecules have involved the target identification and the mechanism of action. In this mini-review, these small molecules divided into four kinds were elaborated, which focused on their targets and structural features. Furthermore, we raised the current challenges and promising prospects. This mini-review may facilitate the development of small molecules with improved activities targeting HCV based on the chemical scaffolds of HCV inhibitors.
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10
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Mørk SK, Kadivar M, Bol KF, Draghi A, Westergaard MCW, Skadborg SK, Overgaard N, Sørensen AB, Rasmussen IS, Andreasen LV, Yde CW, Trolle T, Garde C, Friis-Nielsen J, Nørgaard N, Christensen D, Kringelum JV, Donia M, Hadrup SR, Svane IM. Personalized therapy with peptide-based neoantigen vaccine (EVX-01) including a novel adjuvant, CAF®09b, in patients with metastatic melanoma. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2023255. [PMID: 35036074 PMCID: PMC8757480 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.2023255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The majority of neoantigens arise from unique mutations that are not shared between individual patients, making neoantigen-directed immunotherapy a fully personalized treatment approach. Novel technical advances in next-generation sequencing of tumor samples and artificial intelligence (AI) allow fast and systematic prediction of tumor neoantigens. This study investigates feasibility, safety, immunity, and anti-tumor potential of the personalized peptide-based neoantigen vaccine, EVX-01, including the novel CD8+ T-cell inducing adjuvant, CAF®09b, in patients with metastatic melanoma (NTC03715985). The AI platform PIONEERTM was used for identification of tumor-derived neoantigens to be included in a peptide-based personalized therapeutic cancer vaccine. EVX-01 immunotherapy consisted of 6 administrations with 5–10 PIONEERTM-predicted neoantigens as synthetic peptides combined with the novel liposome-based Cationic Adjuvant Formulation 09b (CAF®09b) to strengthen T-cell responses. EVX-01 was combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors to augment the activity of EVX-01-induced immune responses. The primary endpoint was safety, exploratory endpoints included feasibility, immunologic and objective responses. This interim analysis reports the results from the first dose-level cohort of five patients. We documented a short vaccine manufacturing time of 48–55 days which enabled the initiation of EVX-01 treatment within 60 days from baseline biopsy. No severe adverse events were observed. EVX-01 elicited long-lasting EVX-01-specific T-cell responses in all patients. Competitive manufacturing time was demonstrated. EVX-01 was shown to be safe and able to elicit immune responses targeting tumor neoantigens with encouraging early indications of a clinical and meaningful antitumor efficacy, warranting further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Kirial Mørk
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Mohammad Kadivar
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark- DTU, HEALTH TECH, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Kalijn Fredrike Bol
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Arianna Draghi
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | | | | | - Nana Overgaard
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark- DTU, HEALTH TECH, Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Nis Nørgaard
- Department of Urology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Dennis Christensen
- Center for Vaccine Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Marco Donia
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Sine Reker Hadrup
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark- DTU, HEALTH TECH, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Inge Marie Svane
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
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Ding J, Jiang N, Zheng Y, Wang J, Fang L, Li H, Yang J, Hu A, Xiao P, Zhang Q, Chai D, Zheng J, Wang G. Adenovirus vaccine therapy with CD137L promotes CD8 + DCs-mediated multifunctional CD8 + T cell immunity and elicits potent anti-tumor activity. Pharmacol Res 2022; 175:106034. [PMID: 34915126 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.106034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Renal carcinoma progresses aggressively in patients with metastatic disease while curative strategies are limited. Here, we constructed a recombinant non-replicating adenovirus (Ad) vaccine encoding an immune activator, CD137L, and a tumor antigen, CAIX, for treating renal carcinoma. In a subcutaneous tumor model, tumor growth was significantly suppressed in the Ad-CD137L/CAIX vaccine group compared with the single vaccine group. The induction and maturity of CD11C+ and CD8+CD11C+ dendritic cell (DC) subsets were promoted in Ad-CD137L/CAIX co-immunized mice. Furthermore, the Ad-CD137L/CAIX vaccine elicited stronger tumor-specific multifunctional CD8+ T cell immune responses as demonstrated by increased proliferation and cytolytic function of CD8+ T cells. Notably, depletion of CD8+ T cells greatly compromised the effective protection provided by Ad-CD137L/CAIX vaccine, suggesting an irreplaceable role of CD8+ T cells for the immunopotency of the vaccine. In both lung metastatic and orthotopic models, Ad-CD137L/CAIX vaccine treatment significantly decreased tumor metastasis and progression and increased the induction of tumor-specific multifunctional CD8+ T cells, in contrast to treatment with the Ad-CAIX vaccine alone. The Ad-CD137L/CAIX vaccine also augmented the tumor-specific multifunctional CD8+ T cell immune response in both orthotopic and metastatic models. These results indicated that Ad-CD137L/CAIX vaccine elicited a potent anti-tumor activity by inducing CD8+DC-mediated multifunctional CD8+ T cell immune responses. The potential strategy of CD137L-based vaccine might be served as a novel treatment for renal carcinoma or other malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiage Ding
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China
| | - Nan Jiang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China
| | - Yanyan Zheng
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China
| | - Lin Fang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China
| | - Huizhong Li
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China
| | - Jie Yang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China
| | - Ankang Hu
- Center of Animal laboratory, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002 PR China
| | - Pengli Xiao
- Department of Hematology, Luoyang Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Luoyang, Henan 471009, PR China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China
| | - Dafei Chai
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China.
| | - Junnian Zheng
- Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China.
| | - Gang Wang
- Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Jiangsu Center for the Collaboration and Innovation of Cancer Biotherapy, Cancer Institute, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China; Center of Clinical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, PR China.
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12
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Manne V, Ryan J, Wong J, Vengayil G, Basit SA, Gish RG. Hepatitis C Vaccination: Where We Are and Where We Need to Be. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10121619. [PMID: 34959574 PMCID: PMC8705661 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10121619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a common cause of chronic liver disease and liver cancer worldwide. Despite advances in curative therapies for HCV, the incidence of new infections is not decreasing at the expected rate to hit the World Health Organization (WHO) target for the elimination of HCV by 2030. In fact, there are still more new cases of infection in the United States and worldwide than are being cured. The reasons for the rise in new cases include poor access to care and the opioid epidemic. The clinical burden of HCV requires a multimodal approach to eradicating the infection. Vaccination would be an excellent tool to prevent incidence of new infections; however, the genetic diversity of HCV and its ability to generate quasispecies within an infected host make creating a broadly reactive vaccine difficult. Multiple vaccine candidates have been identified, but to date, there has not been a target that has led to a broadly reactive vaccine, though several of the candidates are promising. Additionally, the virus is very difficult to culture and testing candidates in humans or chimpanzees is ethically challenging. Despite the multiple barriers to creating a vaccine, vaccination still represents an important tool in the fight against HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vignan Manne
- HCA Healthcare Graduate Medical Education, Las Vegas, NV 89148, USA; (V.M.); (J.W.); (G.V.)
| | - John Ryan
- Comprehensive Digestive Institute of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89148, USA; (J.R.); (S.A.B.)
| | - Jonathan Wong
- HCA Healthcare Graduate Medical Education, Las Vegas, NV 89148, USA; (V.M.); (J.W.); (G.V.)
| | - Gayatri Vengayil
- HCA Healthcare Graduate Medical Education, Las Vegas, NV 89148, USA; (V.M.); (J.W.); (G.V.)
| | - Syed Abdul Basit
- Comprehensive Digestive Institute of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89148, USA; (J.R.); (S.A.B.)
| | - Robert G. Gish
- Liver Transplant Clinic, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-866-873-8877
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Kardani K, Sadat SM, Kardani M, Bolhassani A. The next generation of HCV vaccines: a focus on novel adjuvant development. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:839-855. [PMID: 34114513 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1941895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Considerable efforts have been made to treat and prevent acute and chronic infections caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Current treatments are unable to protect people from reinfection. Hence, there is a need for development of both preventive and therapeutic HCV vaccines. Many vaccine candidates are in development to fight against HCV, but their efficacy has so far proven limited partly due to low immunogenicity. AREAS COVERED We explore development of novel and powerful adjuvants to achieve an effective HCV vaccine. The basis for developing strong adjuvants is to understand the innate immunity pathway, which subsequently stimulates humoral and cellular immune responses. We have also investigated immunogenicity of developed adjuvants that have been used in recent studies available in online databases such as PubMed, PMC, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, etc. EXPERT OPINION Adjuvants are used as a part of vaccine formulation to boost vaccine immunogenicity and antigen delivery. Several FDA-approved adjuvants are used in licensed human vaccines. Unfortunately, no adjuvant has yet been proven to boost HCV immune responses to the extent needed for an effective vaccine. One of the promising approaches for developing an effective adjuvant is the combination of various adjuvants to trigger several innate immune responses, leading to activation of adaptive immunity.[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimia Kardani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mehdi Sadat
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mona Kardani
- Iranian Comprehensive Hemophilia Care Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Structure-Based and Rational Design of a Hepatitis C Virus Vaccine. Viruses 2021; 13:v13050837. [PMID: 34063143 PMCID: PMC8148096 DOI: 10.3390/v13050837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A hepatitis C virus (HCV) vaccine is a critical yet unfulfilled step in addressing the global disease burden of HCV. While decades of research have led to numerous clinical and pre-clinical vaccine candidates, these efforts have been hindered by factors including HCV antigenic variability and immune evasion. Structure-based and rational vaccine design approaches have capitalized on insights regarding the immune response to HCV and the structures of antibody-bound envelope glycoproteins. Despite successes with other viruses, designing an immunogen based on HCV glycoproteins that can elicit broadly protective immunity against HCV infection is an ongoing challenge. Here, we describe HCV vaccine design approaches where immunogens were selected and optimized through analysis of available structures, identification of conserved epitopes targeted by neutralizing antibodies, or both. Several designs have elicited immune responses against HCV in vivo, revealing correlates of HCV antigen immunogenicity and breadth of induced responses. Recent studies have elucidated the functional, dynamic and immunological features of key regions of the viral envelope glycoproteins, which can inform next-generation immunogen design efforts. These insights and design strategies represent promising pathways to HCV vaccine development, which can be further informed by successful immunogen designs generated for other viruses.
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15
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Immuno-Informatics Analysis of Pakistan-Based HCV Subtype-3a for Chimeric Polypeptide Vaccine Design. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9030293. [PMID: 33801143 PMCID: PMC8004085 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9030293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes chronic and acute hepatitis infections. As there is extreme variability in the HCV genome, no approved HCV vaccine has been available so far. An effective polypeptide vaccine based on the functionally conserved epitopes will be greatly helpful in curing disease. For this purpose, an immuno-informatics study is performed based on the published HCV subtype-3a from Pakistan. First, the virus genome was translated to a polyprotein followed by a subsequent prediction of T-cell epitopes. Non-allergenic, IFN-γ producer, and antigenic epitopes were shortlisted, including 5 HTL epitopes and 4 CTL, which were linked to the final vaccine by GPGPG and AAY linkers, respectively. Beta defensin was included as an adjuvant through the EAAAK linker to improve the immunogenicity of the polypeptide. To ensure its safety and immunogenicity profile, antigenicity, allergenicity, and various physiochemical attributes of the polypeptide were evaluated. Molecular docking was conducted between TLR4 and vaccine to evaluate the binding affinity and molecular interactions. For stability assessment and binding of the vaccine-TLR4 docked complex, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and MMGBSA binding free-energy analyses were conducted. Finally, the candidate vaccine was cloned in silico to ensure its effectiveness. The current vaccine requires future experimental confirmation to validate its effectiveness. The vaccine construct produced might be useful in providing immune protection against HCV-related infections.
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Inhibitor Development against p7 Channel in Hepatitis C Virus. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26051350. [PMID: 33802584 PMCID: PMC7961618 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26051350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is the key cause of chronic and severe liver diseases. The recent direct-acting antiviral agents have shown the clinical success on HCV-related diseases, but the rapid HCV mutations of the virus highlight the sustaining necessity to develop new drugs. p7, the viroporin protein from HCV, has been sought after as a potential anti-HCV drug target. Several classes of compounds, such as amantadine and rimantadine have been testified for p7 inhibition. However, the efficacies of these compounds are not high. Here, we screened some novel p7 inhibitors with amantadine scaffold for the inhibitor development. The dissociation constant (Kd) of 42 ARD-series compounds were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) titrations. The efficacies of the two best inhibitors, ARD87 and ARD112, were further confirmed using viral production assay. The binding mode analysis and binding stability for the strongest inhibitor were deciphered by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. These ARD-series compounds together with 49 previously published compounds were further analyzed by molecular docking. Key pharmacophores were identified among the structure-similar compounds. Our studies suggest that different functional groups are highly correlated with the efficacy for inhibiting p7 of HCV, in which hydrophobic interactions are the dominant forces for the inhibition potency. Our findings provide guiding principles for designing higher affinity inhibitors of p7 as potential anti-HCV drug candidates.
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Mohanty E, Mohanty A. Role of artificial intelligence in peptide vaccine design against RNA viruses. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2021; 26:100768. [PMID: 34722851 PMCID: PMC8536498 DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2021.100768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA viruses have high rate of replication and mutation that help them adapt and change according to their environmental conditions. Many viral mutants are the cause of various severe and lethal diseases. Vaccines, on the other hand have the capacity to protect us from infectious diseases by eliciting antibody or cell-mediated immune responses that are pathogen-specific. While there are a few reviews pertaining to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for SARS-COV-2 vaccine development, none focus on peptide vaccination for RNA viruses and the important role played by AI in it. Peptide vaccine which is slowly coming to be recognized as a safe and effective vaccination strategy has the capacity to overcome the mutant escape problem which is also being currently faced by SARS-COV-2 vaccines in circulation.Here we review the present scenario of peptide vaccines which are developed using mathematical and computational statistics methods to prevent the spread of disease caused by RNA viruses. We also focus on the importance and current stage of AI and mathematical evolutionary modeling using machine learning tools in the establishment of these new peptide vaccines for the control of viral disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileena Mohanty
- Trident School of Biotech Sciences, Trident Academy of Creative Technology (TACT), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751024, India
| | - Anima Mohanty
- School of Biotechnology (KSBT), KIIT University-2, Bhubaneswar, 751024, India
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18
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Sepulveda-Crespo D, Resino S, Martinez I. Innate Immune Response against Hepatitis C Virus: Targets for Vaccine Adjuvants. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8020313. [PMID: 32560440 PMCID: PMC7350220 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8020313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite successful treatments, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections continue to be a significant world health problem. High treatment costs, the high number of undiagnosed individuals, and the difficulty to access to treatment, particularly in marginalized susceptible populations, make it improbable to achieve the global control of the virus in the absence of an effective preventive vaccine. Current vaccine development is mostly focused on weakly immunogenic subunits, such as surface glycoproteins or non-structural proteins, in the case of HCV. Adjuvants are critical components of vaccine formulations that increase immunogenic performance. As we learn more information about how adjuvants work, it is becoming clear that proper stimulation of innate immunity is crucial to achieving a successful immunization. Several hepatic cell types participate in the early innate immune response and the subsequent inflammation and activation of the adaptive response, principally hepatocytes, and antigen-presenting cells (Kupffer cells, and dendritic cells). Innate pattern recognition receptors on these cells, mainly toll-like receptors, are targets for new promising adjuvants. Moreover, complex adjuvants that stimulate different components of the innate immunity are showing encouraging results and are being incorporated in current vaccines. Recent studies on HCV-vaccine adjuvants have shown that the induction of a strong T- and B-cell immune response might be enhanced by choosing the right adjuvant.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Salvador Resino
- Correspondence: (S.R.); (I.M.); Tel.: +34-91-8223266 (S.R.); +34-91-8223272 (I.M.); Fax: +34-91-5097919 (S.R. & I.M.)
| | - Isidoro Martinez
- Correspondence: (S.R.); (I.M.); Tel.: +34-91-8223266 (S.R.); +34-91-8223272 (I.M.); Fax: +34-91-5097919 (S.R. & I.M.)
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19
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Duncan JD, Urbanowicz RA, Tarr AW, Ball JK. Hepatitis C Virus Vaccine: Challenges and Prospects. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8010090. [PMID: 32079254 PMCID: PMC7157504 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8010090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes both acute and chronic infection and continues to be a global problem despite advances in antiviral therapeutics. Current treatments fail to prevent reinfection and remain expensive, limiting their use to developed countries, and the asymptomatic nature of acute infection can result in individuals not receiving treatment and unknowingly spreading HCV. A prophylactic vaccine is therefore needed to control this virus. Thirty years since the discovery of HCV, there have been major gains in understanding the molecular biology and elucidating the immunological mechanisms that underpin spontaneous viral clearance, aiding rational vaccine design. This review discusses the challenges facing HCV vaccine design and the most recent and promising candidates being investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D. Duncan
- School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (R.A.U.); (A.W.T.); (J.K.B.)
- NIHR Nottingham BRC, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Richard A. Urbanowicz
- School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (R.A.U.); (A.W.T.); (J.K.B.)
- NIHR Nottingham BRC, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Alexander W. Tarr
- School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (R.A.U.); (A.W.T.); (J.K.B.)
- NIHR Nottingham BRC, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Jonathan K. Ball
- School of Life Sciences, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (R.A.U.); (A.W.T.); (J.K.B.)
- NIHR Nottingham BRC, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
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