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Fu C, Gobbooru S, Martino AT, Low WK. Production of VP3-only virus-like particles of Adeno-associated virus 2 in E. coli cells. Protein Expr Purif 2024; 220:106502. [PMID: 38754753 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2024.106502] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Adeno-associated Virus (AAV) is a promising vector for gene therapy. However, few studies have focused on producing virus-like particles (VLPs) of AAV in cells, especially in E. coli. In this study, we describe a method to produce empty VP3-only VLPs of AAV2 in E. coli by co-expressing VP3 and assembly-activating protein (AAP) of AAV2. Although the yields of VLPs produced with our method were low, the VLPs were able to self-assemble in E. coli without the need of in vitro capsid assembly. The produced VLPs were characterized by immunological detection and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that capsid assembly of AAV2 is possible in E. coli, and E. coli may be a candidate system for production of VLPs of AAV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengyu Fu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, NY, 11439, USA
| | - Shruthi Gobbooru
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, NY, 11439, USA
| | - Ashley T Martino
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, NY, 11439, USA
| | - Woon-Kai Low
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, 8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, NY, 11439, USA.
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2
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Sun X, Lian Y, Tian T, Cui Z. Advancements in Functional Nanomaterials Inspired by Viral Particles. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2402980. [PMID: 39058214 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202402980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are nanostructures composed of one or more structural proteins, exhibiting stable and symmetrical structures. Their precise compositions and dimensions provide versatile opportunities for modifications, enhancing their functionality. Consequently, VLP-based nanomaterials have gained widespread adoption across diverse domains. This review focuses on three key aspects: the mechanisms of viral capsid protein self-assembly into VLPs, design methods for constructing multifunctional VLPs, and strategies for synthesizing multidimensional nanomaterials using VLPs. It provides a comprehensive overview of the advancements in virus-inspired functional nanomaterials, encompassing VLP assembly, functionalization, and the synthesis of multidimensional nanomaterials. Additionally, this review explores future directions, opportunities, and challenges in the field of VLP-based nanomaterials, aiming to shed light on potential advancements and prospects in this exciting area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianxun Sun
- College of Life Science, Jiang Han University, Wuhan, 430056, China
| | - Yindong Lian
- College of Life Science, Jiang Han University, Wuhan, 430056, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Tao Tian
- College of Life Science, Jiang Han University, Wuhan, 430056, China
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zongqiang Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
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Travassos R, Martins SA, Fernandes A, Correia JDG, Melo R. Tailored Viral-like Particles as Drivers of Medical Breakthroughs. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6699. [PMID: 38928403 PMCID: PMC11204272 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126699] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the recognized potential of nanoparticles, only a few formulations have progressed to clinical trials, and an even smaller number have been approved by the regulatory authorities and marketed. Virus-like particles (VLPs) have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional nanoparticles due to their safety, biocompatibility, immunogenicity, structural stability, scalability, and versatility. Furthermore, VLPs can be surface-functionalized with small molecules to improve circulation half-life and target specificity. Through the functionalization and coating of VLPs, it is possible to optimize the response properties to a given stimulus, such as heat, pH, an alternating magnetic field, or even enzymes. Surface functionalization can also modulate other properties, such as biocompatibility, stability, and specificity, deeming VLPs as potential vaccine candidates or delivery systems. This review aims to address the different types of surface functionalization of VLPs, highlighting the more recent cutting-edge technologies that have been explored for the design of tailored VLPs, their importance, and their consequent applicability in the medical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Travassos
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; (R.T.); (S.A.M.); (A.F.)
| | - Sofia A. Martins
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; (R.T.); (S.A.M.); (A.F.)
| | - Ana Fernandes
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; (R.T.); (S.A.M.); (A.F.)
| | - João D. G. Correia
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; (R.T.); (S.A.M.); (A.F.)
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal
| | - Rita Melo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; (R.T.); (S.A.M.); (A.F.)
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4
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Sánchez-Moguel I, Coffeen CF, Bustos-Jaimes I. On-column refolding and off-column assembly of parvovirus B19 virus-like particles from bacteria-expressed protein. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:160. [PMID: 38252281 PMCID: PMC10803429 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13004-w] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are nanometric structures composed of structural components of virions, keeping most of the cellular recognition and internalization properties, but are non-infective as they are deprived of their genetic material. VLPs have been a versatile platform for developing vaccines by carrying their own or heterologous antigenic epitopes. Moreover, VLPs can also be used as nanovessels for encapsulating molecules with therapeutic applications, like enzymes, nucleic acids, and drugs. Parvovirus B19 (B19V) VLPs can be self-assembled in vitro from the denatured major viral particle protein VP2 by equilibrium dialysis. Despite its fair productivity, this process is currently a time-consuming task. Affinity chromatography is used as an efficient step for concentration and purification, but it is only sometimes seen as a method that facilitates the oligomerization of proteins. In this research, we report a novel approach for the in vitro assembly of B19V VLPs through the immobilization of the denatured VP2 into an immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) column, followed by the on-column folding and the final VLP assembly upon protein elution. This method is suitable for the fast production of B19V VLPs. KEY POINTS: • Biotechnological applications for inclusion bodies • Efficient single-step purification and immobilization strategies • Rapid VLP assembly strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Sánchez-Moguel
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Carlos Francisco Coffeen
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ismael Bustos-Jaimes
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Sion E, Ab-Rahim S, Muhamad M. Trends on Human Norovirus Virus-like Particles (HuNoV-VLPs) and Strategies for the Construction of Infectious Viral Clones toward In Vitro Replication. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1447. [PMID: 37511822 PMCID: PMC10381778 DOI: 10.3390/life13071447] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Most acute gastroenteritis (AGE) outbreaks and sporadic cases in developing countries are attributable to infection by human norovirus (HuNoV), the enteric virus mainly transmitted via fecal-contaminated water. However, it has been challenging to study HuNoV due to the lack of suitable systems to cultivate and replicate the virus, hindering the development of treatments and vaccines. Researchers have been using virus-like particles (VLPs) and infectious viral clones to overcome this challenge as alternatives to fresh virus isolates in various in vitro and ex vivo models. VLPs are multiprotein structures that mimic the wild-type virus but cannot replicate in host cells due to the lack of genetic materials for replication, limiting downstream analysis of the virus life cycle and pathogenesis. The development of in vitro cloning systems has shown promise for HuNoV replication studies. This review discusses the approaches for constructing HuNoV-VLPs and infectious viral clones, the techniques involved, and the challenges faced. It also highlights the relationship between viral genes and their protein products and provides a perspective on technical considerations for producing efficient HuNoV-VLPs and infectious viral clones, which could substitute for native human noroviruses in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilly Sion
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sharaniza Ab-Rahim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mudiana Muhamad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor Branch, Sungai Buloh Campus, Sungai Buloh 47000, Selangor, Malaysia
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6
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Golm SK, Hübner W, Müller KM. Fluorescence Microscopy in Adeno-Associated Virus Research. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051174. [PMID: 37243260 DOI: 10.3390/v15051174] [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: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Research on adeno-associated virus (AAV) and its recombinant vectors as well as on fluorescence microscopy imaging is rapidly progressing driven by clinical applications and new technologies, respectively. The topics converge, since high and super-resolution microscopes facilitate the study of spatial and temporal aspects of cellular virus biology. Labeling methods also evolve and diversify. We review these interdisciplinary developments and provide information on the technologies used and the biological knowledge gained. The emphasis lies on the visualization of AAV proteins by chemical fluorophores, protein fusions and antibodies as well as on methods for the detection of adeno-associated viral DNA. We add a short overview of fluorescent microscope techniques and their advantages and challenges in detecting AAV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne K Golm
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Technology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hübner
- Biomolecular Photonics, Faculty of Physics, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Kristian M Müller
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Technology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
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7
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Kraj P, Hewagama ND, Douglas T. Diffusion and molecular partitioning in hierarchically complex virus-like particles. Virology 2023; 580:50-60. [PMID: 36764014 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.01.012] [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: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Viruses are diverse infectious agents found in virtually every type of natural environment. Due to the range of conditions in which viruses have evolved, they exhibit a wide range of structure and function which has been exploited for biotechnology. The self-assembly process of virus-like particles (VLPs), derived from structural virus components, allows for the assembly of a hierarchy of materials. Because VLPs are robust in both their assembly and the final product, functionality can be incorporated through design of their building blocks or chemical modification after their synthesis and assembly. In particular, encapsulation of active enzymes inside VLP results in macromolecular concentration approximating that of cells, introducing excluded volume effects on encapsulated cargo which are not present in traditional experiments done on dilute proteins. This work reviews the hierarchical assembly of VLPs, experiments investigating diffusion in VLP systems, and methods for partitioning of chemical species in VLPs as functional biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Kraj
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Nathasha D Hewagama
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Trevor Douglas
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, 800 E Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
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8
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Srivastava V, Nand KN, Ahmad A, Kumar R. Yeast-Based Virus-like Particles as an Emerging Platform for Vaccine Development and Delivery. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020479. [PMID: 36851356 PMCID: PMC9965603 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are empty, nanoscale structures morphologically resembling viruses. Internal cavity, noninfectious, and particulate nature with a high density of repeating epitopes, make them an ideal platform for vaccine development and drug delivery. Commercial use of Gardasil-9 and Cervarix showed the usefulness of VLPs in vaccine formulation. Further, chimeric VLPs allow the raising of an immune response against different immunogens and thereby can help reduce the generation of medical or clinical waste. The economically viable production of VLPs significantly impacts their usage, application, and availability. To this end, several hosts have been used and tested. The present review will discuss VLPs produced using different yeasts as fermentation hosts. We also compile a list of studies highlighting the expression and purification of VLPs using a yeast-based platform. We also discuss the advantages of using yeast to generate VLPs over other available systems. Further, the issues or limitations of yeasts for producing VLPs are also summarized. The review also compiles a list of yeast-derived VLP-based vaccines that are presently in public use or in different phases of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vartika Srivastava
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Kripa N. Nand
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
| | - Aijaz Ahmad
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
- Infection Control, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Ravinder Kumar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12180, USA
- Correspondence:
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9
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Zaman H, Khan A, Khan K, Toheed S, Abdullah M, Zeeshan HM, Hameed A, Umar M, Shahid M, Malik K, Afzal S. Adeno-Associated Virus-Mediated Gene Therapy. Crit Rev Eukaryot Gene Expr 2023; 33:87-100. [PMID: 37522547 DOI: 10.1615/critreveukaryotgeneexpr.2023048135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Choice of vector is the most critical step in gene therapy. Adeno-associated viruses (AAV); third generation vectors, are getting much attention of scientists to be used as vehicles due to their non-pathogenicity, excellent safety profile, low immune responses, great efficiency to transduce non-dividing cells, large capacity to transfer genetic material and long-term expression of genetic payload. AAVs have multiple serotypes and each serotype shows tropism for a specific cell. Different serotypes are used to target liver, lungs, muscles, retina, heart, CNS, kidneys, etc. Furthermore, AAV based gene therapies have tremendous marketing applications that can be perfectly incorporated in the anticipated sites of the host target genome resulting in life long expression of transgenes. Some therapeutic products use AAV vectors that are used to treat lipoprotein lipase deficiency (LPLD) and it is injected intramuscularly, to treat mutated retinal pigment epithelium RPE65 (RPE65) that is introduced to subretinal space, an intravenous infusion to treat spinal muscular atrophy and rAAV2-CFTR vector is introduced into nasal epithelial cells to treat cystic fibrosis. AAV therapies and other such interdisciplinary methodologies can create the miracles for the generation of precision gene therapies for the treatment of most serious and sometimes fatal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Zaman
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Aakif Khan
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Khalid Khan
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Shazma Toheed
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Abdullah
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Abdul Hameed
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Umar
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shahid
- Division of Molecular Virology and Infectious Diseases, Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), 87-West Canal Bank Road Thokar Niaz Baig, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Kausar Malik
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Samia Afzal
- Center of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), 87-West Canal Bank Road Thokar Niaz Baig, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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10
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Le DT, Radukic MT, Teschner K, Becker L, Müller KM. Synthesis and Concomitant Assembly of Adeno-Associated Virus-like Particles in Escherichia coli. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:3601-3607. [PMID: 36279242 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) have been used for numerous pharmaceutical applications, particularly vaccination and drug delivery. Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV), a leading candidate in gene therapy, has been proposed as a vaccine scaffold, but high production costs limit its use. Here we establish intracellular production of AAV VLPs in Escherichia coli. VP3 capsid proteins of AAV serotype 5 (AAV5) were expressed, and VLPs were readily purified. The correct assembly was confirmed by ELISA with an intact-capsid AAV5 antibody and an AAVR domain as well as by atomic force microscopy. Biological functionality was demonstrated with a HeLa cell internalization assay. Coexpression of the assembly-activating protein (AAP) of AAV5 in E. coli improved capsid yield. This work provides the first evidence that AAV VLPs form in E. coli, opening new opportunities for production and exploration of AAV VLPs for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinh To Le
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Technology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Marco T Radukic
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Technology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Kathrin Teschner
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Technology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Lukas Becker
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Technology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Kristian M Müller
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Technology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
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11
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Nain A, Kumar M, Banerjee M. Oligomers of hepatitis A virus (HAV) capsid protein VP1 generated in a heterologous expression system. Microb Cell Fact 2022; 21:53. [PMID: 35392916 PMCID: PMC8991588 DOI: 10.1186/s12934-022-01780-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The quasi-enveloped picornavirus, Hepatitis A Virus (HAV), causes acute hepatitis in humans and infects approximately 1.5 million individuals a year, which does not include the asymptomatically infected population. Several severe outbreaks in developing nations in recent years have highlighted the reduction in HAV endemicity, which increases the risk of infections in the vulnerable population. The current HAV vaccines are based on growing wildtype or attenuated virus in cell culture, which raises the cost of production. For generation of cheaper, subunit vaccines or strategies for antibody-based diagnostics, production of viral structural proteins in recombinant form in easily accessible expression systems is a priority. Results We attempted several strategies for recombinant production of one of the major capsid proteins VP1, from HAV, in the E. coli expression system. Several efforts resulted in the formation of soluble aggregates or tight association of VP1 with the bacterial chaperone GroEL. Correctly folded VP1 was eventually generated in a discrete oligomeric form upon purification of the protein from inclusion bodies and refolding. The oligomers resemble oligomers of capsid proteins from other picornaviruses and appear to have the correct secondary and antigenic surface structure. Conclusions VP1 oligomers generated in the bacterial expression system can be utilized for understanding the molecular pathway of HAV capsid assembly and may also have potential biomedical usages in prevention and diagnostics of HAV infections. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12934-022-01780-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anshu Nain
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Mohit Kumar
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Manidipa Banerjee
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India.
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12
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Dobrowsky T, Gianni D, Pieracci J, Suh J. AAV manufacturing for clinical use: Insights on current challenges from the upstream process perspective. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2021.100353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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13
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Kim SH, Park YC, Song JM. Evaluation of the antigenic stability of influenza virus like particles after exposure to acidic or basic pH. Clin Exp Vaccine Res 2021; 10:252-258. [PMID: 34703808 PMCID: PMC8511596 DOI: 10.7774/cevr.2021.10.3.252] [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: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Virus-like particles (VLPs) are being developed as a promising vaccine platform and therapeutic delivery. Various strategies for effectively constructing VLPs have been studied, but relatively few studies have been done on various factors affecting storage. In this study, we investigated the antigenic changes of VLPs in an acidic or basic pH environment using influenza VLPs as an experimental model. Materials and Methods Influenza VLPs containing hemagglutination and M1 proteins were generated and their antigenicity and protective immunity in vitro and in vivo were evaluated after exposure to acidic (pH 4 and 5) or basic (pH 9 and 10) pH buffers. Results VLP exposed to basic pH showed similar levels of antigenicity to those stored in neutral pH, while antigenicity of VLP exposed to acidic pH was found to be significantly reduced compared to those expose neutral or basic pH. All groups of mice responded effectively to low concentrations of virus infections; however, VLP vaccine groups exposed to acid pH were found not to induce sufficient protective immune responses when a high concentration of influenza virus infection. Conclusion In order for VLP to be used as a more powerful vaccine platform, it should be developed in a strategic way to respond well to external changes such as acidic pH conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Hwa Kim
- Department of Next Generation Applied Sciences, Graduate School, Sungshin Women's University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Chan Park
- Department of Next Generation Applied Sciences, Graduate School, Sungshin Women's University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Min Song
- Department of Next Generation Applied Sciences, Graduate School, Sungshin Women's University, Seoul, Korea.,School of Biopharmaceutical and Medical Sciences, Sungshin Women's University, Seoul, Korea
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14
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Balkrishna A, Arya V, Rohela A, Kumar A, Verma R, Kumar D, Nepovimova E, Kuca K, Thakur N, Thakur N, Kumar P. Nanotechnology Interventions in the Management of COVID-19: Prevention, Diagnosis and Virus-Like Particle Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1129. [PMID: 34696237 PMCID: PMC8537718 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9101129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 claimed numerous lives and put nations on high alert. The lack of antiviral medications and the small number of approved vaccines, as well as the recurrence of adverse effects, necessitates the development of novel treatment ways to combat COVID-19. In this context, using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct, we gathered information about nanotechnology's involvement in the prevention, diagnosis and virus-like particle vaccine development. This review revealed that various nanomaterials like gold, polymeric, graphene and poly amino ester with carboxyl group coated magnetic nanoparticles have been explored for the fast detection of SARS-CoV-2. Personal protective equipment fabricated with nanoparticles, such as gloves, masks, clothes, surfactants, and Ag, TiO2 based disinfectants played an essential role in halting COVID-19 transmission. Nanoparticles are used not only in vaccine delivery, such as lipid nanoparticles mediated transport of mRNA-based Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, but also in the development of vaccine as the virus-like particles elicit an immune response. There are now 18 virus-like particle vaccines in pre-clinical development, with one of them, developed by Novavax, reported being in phase 3 trials. Due to the probability of upcoming COVID-19 waves, and the rise of new diseases, the future relevance of virus-like particles is imperative. Furthermore, psychosocial variables linked to vaccine reluctance constitute a critical problem that must be addressed immediately to avert pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Acharya Balkrishna
- Patanjali Herbal Research Department, Patanjali Research Institute, Haridwar 249405, India; (A.B.); (V.A.); (A.R.)
- Department of Allied Sciences, University of Patanjali, Haridwar 249405, India
| | - Vedpriya Arya
- Patanjali Herbal Research Department, Patanjali Research Institute, Haridwar 249405, India; (A.B.); (V.A.); (A.R.)
- Department of Allied Sciences, University of Patanjali, Haridwar 249405, India
| | - Akansha Rohela
- Patanjali Herbal Research Department, Patanjali Research Institute, Haridwar 249405, India; (A.B.); (V.A.); (A.R.)
| | - Ashwani Kumar
- Patanjali Herbal Research Department, Patanjali Research Institute, Haridwar 249405, India; (A.B.); (V.A.); (A.R.)
| | - Rachna Verma
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan 173229, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar
- School of Bioengineering and Food Technology, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan 173229, India;
| | - Eugenie Nepovimova
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, 50003 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic;
| | - Kamil Kuca
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, 50003 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic;
- Biomedical Research Center, University Hospital in Hradec Kralove, Sokolska 581, 50005 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Naveen Thakur
- Department of Physics, Career Point University, Hamirpur 177001, India; (N.T.); (N.T.); (P.K.)
| | - Nikesh Thakur
- Department of Physics, Career Point University, Hamirpur 177001, India; (N.T.); (N.T.); (P.K.)
| | - Pankaj Kumar
- Department of Physics, Career Point University, Hamirpur 177001, India; (N.T.); (N.T.); (P.K.)
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15
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Lim J, Cheong Y, Kim YS, Chae W, Hwang BJ, Lee J, Jang YH, Roh YH, Seo SU, Seong BL. RNA-dependent assembly of chimeric antigen nanoparticles as an efficient H5N1 pre-pandemic vaccine platform. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2021; 37:102438. [PMID: 34256061 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2021.102438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) pose a significant threat to human health, with high mortality rates, and require effective vaccines. We showed that, harnessed with novel RNA-mediated chaperone function, hemagglutinin (HA) of H5N1 HPAIV could be displayed as an immunologically relevant conformation on self-assembled chimeric nanoparticles (cNP). A tri-partite monomeric antigen was designed including: i) an RNA-interaction domain (RID) as a docking tag for RNA to enable chaperna function (chaperna: chaperone + RNA), ii) globular head domain (gd) of HA as a target antigen, and iii) ferritin as a scaffold for 24 mer-assembly. The immunization of mice with the nanoparticles (~46 nm) induced a 25-30 fold higher neutralizing capacity of the antibody and provided cross-protection from homologous and heterologous lethal challenges. This study suggests that cNP assembly is conducive to eliciting antibodies against the conserved region in HA, providing potent and broad protective efficacy.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/therapeutic use
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Antibodies, Viral/therapeutic use
- Birds/virology
- Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/genetics
- Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/immunology
- Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus/therapeutic use
- Humans
- Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/drug effects
- Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/immunology
- Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/pathogenicity
- Influenza Vaccines/chemistry
- Influenza Vaccines/immunology
- Influenza Vaccines/therapeutic use
- Influenza in Birds/immunology
- Influenza in Birds/prevention & control
- Influenza in Birds/virology
- Mice
- Nanoparticles/chemistry
- Nanoparticles/therapeutic use
- Pandemics
- RNA/genetics
- RNA/immunology
- RNA/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongkwan Lim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yucheol Cheong
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Seok Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonil Chae
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom Jeung Hwang
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhee Lee
- Department of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yo Han Jang
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Andong National University, Andong, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hoon Roh
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sang-Uk Seo
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Baik L Seong
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Vaccine Innovative Technology Alliance-Korea, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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16
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Le DT, Müller KM. In Vitro Assembly of Virus-Like Particles and Their Applications. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:334. [PMID: 33920215 PMCID: PMC8069851 DOI: 10.3390/life11040334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are increasingly used for vaccine development and drug delivery. Assembly of VLPs from purified monomers in a chemically defined reaction is advantageous compared to in vivo assembly, because it avoids encapsidation of host-derived components and enables loading with added cargoes. This review provides an overview of ex cella VLP production methods focusing on capsid protein production, factors that impact the in vitro assembly, and approaches to characterize in vitro VLPs. The uses of in vitro produced VLPs as vaccines and for therapeutic delivery are also reported.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristian M. Müller
- Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology, Faculty of Technology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany;
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17
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Srivastava A, Mallela KMG, Deorkar N, Brophy G. Manufacturing Challenges and Rational Formulation Development for AAV Viral Vectors. J Pharm Sci 2021; 110:2609-2624. [PMID: 33812887 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2021.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has emerged as a leading platform for gene delivery for treating various diseases due to its excellent safety profile and efficient transduction to various target tissues. However, the large-scale production and long-term storage of viral vectors is not efficient resulting in lower yields, moderate purity, and shorter shelf-life compared to recombinant protein therapeutics. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of upstream, downstream and formulation unit operation challenges encountered during AAV vector manufacturing, and discusses how desired product quality attributes can be maintained throughout product shelf-life by understanding the degradation mechanisms and formulation strategies. The mechanisms of various physical and chemical instabilities that the viral vector may encounter during its production and shelf-life because of various stressed conditions such as thermal, shear, freeze-thaw, and light exposure are highlighted. The role of buffer, pH, excipients, and impurities on the stability of viral vectors is also discussed. As such, the aim of this review is to outline the tools and a potential roadmap for improving the quality of AAV-based drug products by stressing the need for a mechanistic understanding of the involved processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvind Srivastava
- Biopharma Production, Avantor, Inc., 1013 US Highway, 202/206, Bridgewater, NJ, United States.
| | - Krishna M G Mallela
- Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12850 East Montview Boulevard, MS C238-V20, Aurora, CO 80045, United States.
| | - Nandkumar Deorkar
- Biopharma Production, Avantor, Inc., 1013 US Highway, 202/206, Bridgewater, NJ, United States
| | - Ger Brophy
- Biopharma Production, Avantor, Inc., 1013 US Highway, 202/206, Bridgewater, NJ, United States
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18
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Nooraei S, Bahrulolum H, Hoseini ZS, Katalani C, Hajizade A, Easton AJ, Ahmadian G. Virus-like particles: preparation, immunogenicity and their roles as nanovaccines and drug nanocarriers. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:59. [PMID: 33632278 PMCID: PMC7905985 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-00806-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 317] [Impact Index Per Article: 105.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are virus-derived structures made up of one or more different molecules with the ability to self-assemble, mimicking the form and size of a virus particle but lacking the genetic material so they are not capable of infecting the host cell. Expression and self-assembly of the viral structural proteins can take place in various living or cell-free expression systems after which the viral structures can be assembled and reconstructed. VLPs are gaining in popularity in the field of preventive medicine and to date, a wide range of VLP-based candidate vaccines have been developed for immunization against various infectious agents, the latest of which is the vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, the efficacy of which is being evaluated. VLPs are highly immunogenic and are able to elicit both the antibody- and cell-mediated immune responses by pathways different from those elicited by conventional inactivated viral vaccines. However, there are still many challenges to this surface display system that need to be addressed in the future. VLPs that are classified as subunit vaccines are subdivided into enveloped and non- enveloped subtypes both of which are discussed in this review article. VLPs have also recently received attention for their successful applications in targeted drug delivery and for use in gene therapy. The development of more effective and targeted forms of VLP by modification of the surface of the particles in such a way that they can be introduced into specific cells or tissues or increase their half-life in the host is likely to expand their use in the future. Recent advances in the production and fabrication of VLPs including the exploration of different types of expression systems for their development, as well as their applications as vaccines in the prevention of infectious diseases and cancers resulting from their interaction with, and mechanism of activation of, the humoral and cellular immune systems are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saghi Nooraei
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), P. O. BOX: 14155-6343, Tehran, 1497716316, Iran
| | - Howra Bahrulolum
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), P. O. BOX: 14155-6343, Tehran, 1497716316, Iran
| | - Zakieh Sadat Hoseini
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), P. O. BOX: 14155-6343, Tehran, 1497716316, Iran
| | - Camellia Katalani
- Sari Agriculture Science and Natural Resource University (SANRU), Genetics and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute of Tabarestan (GABIT), Sari, Iran
| | - Abbas Hajizade
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Andrew J Easton
- School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
| | - Gholamreza Ahmadian
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), P. O. BOX: 14155-6343, Tehran, 1497716316, Iran.
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19
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Gimpel AL, Katsikis G, Sha S, Maloney AJ, Hong MS, Nguyen TNT, Wolfrum J, Springs SL, Sinskey AJ, Manalis SR, Barone PW, Braatz RD. Analytical methods for process and product characterization of recombinant adeno-associated virus-based gene therapies. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2021; 20:740-754. [PMID: 33738328 PMCID: PMC7940698 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The optimization of upstream and downstream processes for production of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) with consistent quality depends on the ability to rapidly characterize critical quality attributes (CQAs). In the context of rAAV production, the virus titer, capsid content, and aggregation are identified as potential CQAs, affecting the potency, purity, and safety of rAAV-mediated gene therapy products. Analytical methods to measure these attributes commonly suffer from long turnaround times or low throughput for process development, although rapid, high-throughput methods are beginning to be developed and commercialized. These methods are not yet well established in academic or industrial practice, and supportive data are scarce. Here, we review both established and upcoming analytical methods for the quantification of rAAV quality attributes. In assessing each method, we highlight the progress toward rapid, at-line characterization of rAAV. Furthermore, we identify that a key challenge for transitioning from traditional to newer methods is the scarcity of academic and industrial experience with the latter. This literature review serves as a guide for the selection of analytical methods targeting quality attributes for rapid, high-throughput process characterization during process development of rAAV-mediated gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas L Gimpel
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Georgios Katsikis
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sha Sha
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Center for Biomedical Innovation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Andrew John Maloney
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Moo Sun Hong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Tam N T Nguyen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jacqueline Wolfrum
- Center for Biomedical Innovation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Stacy L Springs
- Center for Biomedical Innovation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Anthony J Sinskey
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Center for Biomedical Innovation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Scott R Manalis
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Paul W Barone
- Center for Biomedical Innovation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Richard D Braatz
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Center for Biomedical Innovation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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20
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Gerstweiler L, Billakanti J, Bi J, Middelberg A. Comparative evaluation of integrated purification pathways for bacterial modular polyomavirus major capsid protein VP1 to produce virus-like particles using high throughput process technologies. J Chromatogr A 2021; 1639:461924. [PMID: 33545579 PMCID: PMC7825977 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2021.461924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Modular virus-like particles and capsomeres are potential vaccine candidates that can induce strong immune responses. There are many described protocols for the purification of microbially-produced viral protein in the literature, however, they suffer from inherent limitations in efficiency, scalability and overall process costs. In this study, we investigated alternative purification pathways to identify and optimise a suitable purification pathway to overcome some of the current challenges. Among the methods, the optimised purification strategy consists of an anion exchange step in flow through mode followed by a multi modal cation exchange step in bind and elute mode. This approach allows an integrated process without any buffer adjustment between the purification steps. The major contaminants like host cell proteins, DNA and aggregates can be efficiently removed by the optimised strategy, without the need for a size exclusion polishing chromatography step, which otherwise could complicate the process scalability and increase overall cost. High throughput process technology studies were conducted to optimise binding and elution conditions for multi modal cation exchanger, Capto™ MMC and strong anion exchanger Capto™ Q. A dynamic binding capacity of 14 mg ml−1 was achieved for Capto™ MMC resin. Samples derived from each purification process were thoroughly characterized by RP-HPLC, SEC-HPLC, SDS-PAGE and LC-ESI-MS/MS Mass Spectrometry analytical methods. Modular polyomavirus major capsid protein could be purified within hours using the optimised process achieving purities above 87% and above 96% with inclusion of an initial precipitation step. Purified capsid protein could be easily assembled in-vitro into well-defined virus-like particles by lowering pH with addition of calcium chloride to the eluate. High throughout studies allowed the screening of a vast design space within weeks, rather than months, and unveiled complicated binding behaviour for CaptoTM MMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Gerstweiler
- The University of Adelaide, School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Jagan Billakanti
- Cytiva, Product and Application Specialist Downstream Design-In ANZ, Suite 547, Level 5, 7 Eden Park Drive, Macquarie Park, NSW 2113, Australia
| | - Jingxiu Bi
- The University of Adelaide, School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Anton Middelberg
- The University of Adelaide, Division of Research and Innovation, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
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21
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Hwang BJ, Jang Y, Kwon SB, Yu JE, Lim J, Roh YH, Seong BL. RNA-assisted self-assembly of monomeric antigens into virus-like particles as a recombinant vaccine platform. Biomaterials 2021; 269:120650. [PMID: 33465537 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Representing highly ordered repetitive structures of antigen macromolecular assemblies, virus-like particles (VLPs) serve as a high-priority vaccine platform against emerging viral infections, as alternatives to traditional cell culture-based vaccines. RNAs can function as chaperones (Chaperna) and are extremely effective in promoting protein folding. Beyond their canonical function as translational adaptors, tRNAs may moonlight as chaperones for the kinetic control of macromolecular antigen assembly. Capitalizing on genomic RNA co-assembly in infectious virions, we present the first report of a biomimetic assembly of viral capsids that was assisted by non-viral host RNAs into genome-free, non-infectious empty particles. Here, we demonstrate the assembly of bacterially-produced soluble norovirus VP1 forming VLPs (n = 180) in vitro. A tRNA-interacting domain (tRID) was genetically fused with the VP1 capsid protein, as a tRNA docking tag, in the bacterial host to transduce chaperna function for de novo viral antigen folding. tRID/tRNA removal prompted the in vitro assembly of monomeric antigens into highly ordered repetitive structures that elicited robust protective immune responses after immunization. The chaperna-based assembly of monomeric antigens will impact the development and deployment of VLP vaccines for emerging and re-emerging viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beom Jeung Hwang
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea; Vaccine Innovative Technology Alliance-Korea, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Yohan Jang
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology Major in Bio-Vaccine Engineering, Andong National University, Andong, South Korea
| | - Soon Bin Kwon
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Eun Yu
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongkwan Lim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hoon Roh
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
| | - Baik L Seong
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea; Vaccine Innovative Technology Alliance-Korea, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
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22
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Lazutka J, Simutis K, Matulis P, Petraitytė-Burneikienė R, Kučinskaitė-Kodzė I, Simanavičius M, Tamošiunas PL. Antigenicity study of the yeast-generated human parvovirus 4 (PARV4) virus-like particles. Virus Res 2020; 292:198236. [PMID: 33242523 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2020.198236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Human parvovirus 4 (PARV4) is a novel tetraparvovirus that was isolated from intravenous drug users in 2005. Recombinant PARV4 capsid protein VP2 can form stable virus-like particles (VLPs) in yeast. These VLPs could act as antigen carriers during vaccine development. Therefore, the information about PARV4 VP2 VLP antigenic sites could advance further research in this area. In this work, human parvovirus 4 VLPs obtained from yeast were used to generate monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in mice. Epitope mapping of the obtained mAbs showed at least three distinct antigenic sites of the VP2 protein. On top of that, molecular cloning was used to replace PARV4 VP2 antigenic sites with heterologous peptides. The chimeric PARV4 VLPs bearing polyhistidine inserts obtained from yeast were observed using electron microscopy while polyhistidine-specific antibodies detected heterologous peptides of the chimeric VP2 proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justas Lazutka
- Department of Eukaryote Gene Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Sauletekio al. 7, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Karolis Simutis
- Department of Eukaryote Gene Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Sauletekio al. 7, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Paulius Matulis
- Department of Eukaryote Gene Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Sauletekio al. 7, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Rasa Petraitytė-Burneikienė
- Department of Eukaryote Gene Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Sauletekio al. 7, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Indrė Kučinskaitė-Kodzė
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Sauletekio al.7, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Martynas Simanavičius
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Sauletekio al.7, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Paulius Lukas Tamošiunas
- Department of Eukaryote Gene Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Sauletekio al. 7, Vilnius, Lithuania
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23
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Demchuk AM, Patel TR. The biomedical and bioengineering potential of protein nanocompartments. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 41:107547. [PMID: 32294494 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Protein nanocompartments (PNCs) are self-assembling biological nanocages that can be harnessed as platforms for a wide range of nanobiotechnology applications. The most widely studied examples of PNCs include virus-like particles, bacterial microcompartments, encapsulin nanocompartments, enzyme-derived nanocages (such as lumazine synthase and the E2 component of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex), ferritins and ferritin homologues, small heat shock proteins, and vault ribonucleoproteins. Structural PNC shell proteins are stable, biocompatible, and tolerant of both interior and exterior chemical or genetic functionalization for use as vaccines, therapeutic delivery vehicles, medical imaging aids, bioreactors, biological control agents, emulsion stabilizers, or scaffolds for biomimetic materials synthesis. This review provides an overview of the recent biomedical and bioengineering advances achieved with PNCs with a particular focus on recombinant PNC derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey M Demchuk
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive West, Lethbridge, AB, Canada.
| | - Trushar R Patel
- Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive West, Lethbridge, AB, Canada; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming, School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology and Discovery Lab, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, 6-010 Katz Center for Health Research, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada.
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