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Singh A, Boggiano C, Yin DE, Polakowski L, Majji SP, Leitner WW, Levy O, De Paris K. Precision adjuvants for pediatric vaccines. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eabq7378. [PMID: 39231242 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abq7378] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Elucidating optimal vaccine adjuvants for harnessing age-specific immune pathways to enhance magnitude, breadth, and durability of immunogenicity remains a key gap area in pediatric vaccine design. A better understanding of age-specific adjuvants will inform precision discovery and development of safe and effective vaccines for protecting children from preventable infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Singh
- Division of AIDS, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20852, USA
| | - César Boggiano
- Division of AIDS, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20852, USA
| | - Dwight E Yin
- Division of AIDS, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20852, USA
| | - Laura Polakowski
- Division of AIDS, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20852, USA
| | - Sai P Majji
- Maternal and Pediatric Infectious Disease Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
| | - Wolfgang W Leitner
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Transplantation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20852, USA
| | - Ofer Levy
- Precision Vaccines Program, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Kristina De Paris
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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2
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Felch KL, Crider JD, Bhattacharjee D, Huhn C, Wilson M, Bengtén E. TLR7 in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) is expressed in the endolysosome and is stimulated by synthetic ssRNA analogs, imiquimod, and resiquimod. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 157:105197. [PMID: 38763479 PMCID: PMC11234115 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2024.105197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are pivotal pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and key mediators of innate immunity. Despite the significance of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) in comparative immunology and aquaculture, its 20 TLR genes remain largely functionally uncharacterized. In this study, our aim was to determine the catfish TLR7 agonists, signaling potential, and cellular localization. Using a mammalian reporter system, we identified imiquimod and resiquimod, typical ssRNA analogs, as potent catfish TLR7 agonists. Notably, unlike grass carp TLR7, catfish TLR7 lacks the ability to respond to poly (I:C). Confocal microscopy revealed predominant catfish TLR7 expression in lysosomes, co-localizing with the endosomal chaperone protein, UNC93B1. Furthermore, imiquimod stimulation elicited robust IFNb transcription in peripheral blood leukocytes isolated from adult catfish. These findings underscore the conservation of TLR7 signaling in catfish, reminiscent of mammalian TLR7 responses. Our study sheds light on the functional aspects of catfish TLR7 and contributes to a better understanding of its role in immune defense mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristianna L Felch
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, 39216, Jackson, MS, USA.
| | - Jonathan D Crider
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, 39216, Jackson, MS, USA; Department of Biology, Belmont University, 1900 Belmont Blvd, 37212, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Debduti Bhattacharjee
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, 39216, Jackson, MS, USA.
| | - Cameron Huhn
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, 39216, Jackson, MS, USA.
| | - Melanie Wilson
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, 39216, Jackson, MS, USA; Center for Immunology and Microbial Research, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, 39216, Jackson, MS, USA.
| | - Eva Bengtén
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, 39216, Jackson, MS, USA; Center for Immunology and Microbial Research, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, 39216, Jackson, MS, USA.
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3
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Soni D, Borriello F, Scott DA, Feru F, DeLeon M, Brightman SE, Cheng WK, Melhem G, Smith JA, Ramirez JC, Barman S, Cameron M, Kelly A, Walker K, Nanishi E, van Haren SD, Phan T, Qi Y, Kinsey R, Raczy MM, Ozonoff A, Pettengill MA, Hubbell JA, Fox CB, Dowling DJ, Levy O. From hit to vial: Precision discovery and development of an imidazopyrimidine TLR7/8 agonist adjuvant formulation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadg3747. [PMID: 38959314 PMCID: PMC11221515 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg3747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Vaccination can help prevent infection and can also be used to treat cancer, allergy, and potentially even drug overdose. Adjuvants enhance vaccine responses, but currently, the path to their advancement and development is incremental. We used a phenotypic small-molecule screen using THP-1 cells to identify nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-activating molecules followed by counterscreening lead target libraries with a quantitative tumor necrosis factor immunoassay using primary human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Screening on primary cells identified an imidazopyrimidine, dubbed PVP-037. Moreover, while PVP-037 did not overtly activate THP-1 cells, it demonstrated broad innate immune activation, including NF-κB and cytokine induction from primary human leukocytes in vitro as well as enhancement of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 antigen-specific humoral responses in mice. Several de novo synthesis structural enhancements iteratively improved PVP-037's in vitro efficacy, potency, species-specific activity, and in vivo adjuvanticity. Overall, we identified imidazopyrimidine Toll-like receptor-7/8 adjuvants that act in synergy with oil-in-water emulsion to enhance immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dheeraj Soni
- Precision Vaccines Program, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Francesco Borriello
- Precision Vaccines Program, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David A. Scott
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Frederic Feru
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maria DeLeon
- Precision Vaccines Program, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Spencer E. Brightman
- Precision Vaccines Program, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wing Ki Cheng
- Precision Vaccines Program, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gandolina Melhem
- Precision Vaccines Program, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Juan C. Ramirez
- Precision Vaccines Program, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Soumik Barman
- Precision Vaccines Program, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Cameron
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Aisling Kelly
- Precision Vaccines Program, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kristina Walker
- Precision Vaccines Program, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Etsuro Nanishi
- Precision Vaccines Program, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Simon Daniel van Haren
- Precision Vaccines Program, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tony Phan
- Access to Advanced Health Institute (AAHI), Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yizhi Qi
- Access to Advanced Health Institute (AAHI), Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Robert Kinsey
- Access to Advanced Health Institute (AAHI), Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michal M. Raczy
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Al Ozonoff
- Precision Vaccines Program, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Matthew A. Pettengill
- Precision Vaccines Program, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffery A. Hubbell
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christopher B. Fox
- Access to Advanced Health Institute (AAHI), Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, 3980 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - David J. Dowling
- Precision Vaccines Program, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ofer Levy
- Precision Vaccines Program, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
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4
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Schüller SS, Barman S, Mendez-Giraldez R, Soni D, Daley J, Baden LR, Levy O, Dowling DJ. Immune profiling of age and adjuvant-specific activation of human blood mononuclear cells in vitro. Commun Biol 2024; 7:709. [PMID: 38851856 PMCID: PMC11162429 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06390-4] [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: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaccination reduces morbidity and mortality due to infections, but efficacy may be limited due to distinct immunogenicity at the extremes of age. This raises the possibility of employing adjuvants to enhance immunogenicity and protection. Early IFNγ production is a hallmark of effective vaccine immunogenicity in adults serving as a biomarker that may predict effective adjuvanticity. We utilized mass cytometry (CyTOF) to dissect the source of adjuvant-induced cytokine production in human blood mononuclear cells (BMCs) from newborns (~39-week-gestation), adults (~18-63 years old) and elders (>65 years of age) after stimulation with pattern recognition receptors agonist (PRRa) adjuvants. Dimensionality reduction analysis of CyTOF data mapped the BMC compartment, elucidated age-specific immune responses and profiled PRR-mediated activation of monocytes and DCs upon adjuvant stimulation. Furthermore, we demonstrated PRRa adjuvants mediated innate IFNγ induction and mapped NK cells as the key source of TLR7/8 agonist (TLR7/8a) specific innate IFNγ responses. Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed age and TLR7/8a-specific accumulation of innate IFNγ producing γδ T cells. Our study demonstrates the application of mass cytometry and cutting-edge computational approaches to characterize immune responses across immunologically distinct age groups and may inform identification of the bespoke adjuvantation systems tailored to enhance immunity in distinct vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone S Schüller
- Precision Vaccines Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Neonatal Directorate, Child and Adolescent Health Service, Perth, Australia
| | - Soumik Barman
- Precision Vaccines Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Dheeraj Soni
- Precision Vaccines Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Sanofi, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - John Daley
- Dana Farber CyTOF Core Facility, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lindsey R Baden
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ofer Levy
- Precision Vaccines Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - David J Dowling
- Precision Vaccines Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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5
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Mitchell AE, Scanlon KM, Flowers EM, Jordan CM, Tibbs EJ, Bukowski A, Gallop D, Carbonetti NH. Age-dependent natural killer cell and interferon γ deficits contribute to severe pertussis in infant mice. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 115:1143-1153. [PMID: 38285898 PMCID: PMC11135619 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiae020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Many respiratory infections are selectively injurious to infants, yet the etiology of age-associated susceptibility is unknown. One such bacterial pathogen is Bordetella pertussis. In adult mice, innate interferon γ (IFN-γ) is produced by natural killer (NK) cells and restricts infection to the respiratory tract. In contrast, infant pertussis resembles disease in NK cell- and IFN-γ-deficient adult mice that experience disseminated lethal infection. We hypothesized that infants exhibit age-associated deficits in NK cell frequency, maturation, and responsiveness to B. pertussis, associated with low IFN-γ levels. To delineate mechanisms behind age-dependent susceptibility, we compared infant and adult mouse models of infection. Infection in infant mice resulted in impaired upregulation of IFN-γ and substantial bacterial dissemination. B. pertussis-infected infant mice displayed fewer pulmonary NK cells than adult mice. Furthermore, the NK cells in the infant mouse lungs had an immature phenotype, and the infant lung showed no upregulation of the IFN-γ-inducing cytokine IL-12p70. Adoptive transfer of adult NK cells into infants, or treatment with exogenous IFN-γ, significantly reduced bacterial dissemination. These data indicate that the lack of NK cell-produced IFN-γ significantly contributes to infant fulminant pertussis and could be the basis for other pathogen-induced, age-dependent respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley E Mitchell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Karen M Scanlon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Emily M Flowers
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Cassandra M Jordan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Ellis J Tibbs
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Alicia Bukowski
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Danisha Gallop
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Nicholas H Carbonetti
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
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6
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Pawar K, Kawamura T, Kirino Y. The tRNA Val half: A strong endogenous Toll-like receptor 7 ligand with a 5'-terminal universal sequence signature. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2319569121. [PMID: 38683985 PMCID: PMC11087793 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2319569121] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are crucial components of the innate immune system. Endosomal TLR7 recognizes single-stranded RNAs, yet its endogenous ssRNA ligands are not fully understood. We previously showed that extracellular (ex-) 5'-half molecules of tRNAHisGUG (the 5'-tRNAHisGUG half) in extracellular vesicles (EVs) of human macrophages activate TLR7 when delivered into endosomes of recipient macrophages. Here, we fully explored immunostimulatory ex-5'-tRNA half molecules and identified the 5'-tRNAValCAC/AAC half, the most abundant tRNA-derived RNA in macrophage EVs, as another 5'-tRNA half molecule with strong TLR7 activation capacity. Levels of the ex-5'-tRNAValCAC/AAC half were highly up-regulated in macrophage EVs upon exposure to lipopolysaccharide and in the plasma of patients infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The 5'-tRNAValCAC/AAC half-mediated activation of TLR7 effectively eradicated bacteria infected in macrophages. Mutation analyses of the 5'-tRNAValCAC/AAC half identified the terminal GUUU sequence as a determinant for TLR7 activation. We confirmed that GUUU is the optimal ratio of guanosine and uridine for TLR7 activation; microRNAs or other RNAs with the terminal GUUU motif can indeed stimulate TLR7, establishing the motif as a universal signature for TLR7 activation. These results advance our understanding of endogenous ssRNA ligands of TLR7 and offer insights into diverse TLR7-involved pathologies and their therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamlesh Pawar
- Computational Medicine Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA19107
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Science, Shiv Nadar Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, Delhi National Capital Region, Greater Noida201314, India
| | - Takuya Kawamura
- Computational Medicine Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA19107
| | - Yohei Kirino
- Computational Medicine Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA19107
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7
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Parsons EL, Kim JS, Malloy AMW. Development of innate and adaptive immunity to RSV in young children. Cell Immunol 2024; 399-400:104824. [PMID: 38615612 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2024.104824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Infection of the respiratory tract with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is common and occurs repeatedly throughout life with most severe disease occurring at the extremes of age: in young infants and the elderly. Effective anti-viral therapeutics are not available and therefore prevention has been the primary strategy for reducing the disease burden. Our current understanding of respiratory mucosal cell biology and the immune response within the respiratory tract is inadequate to prevent infection caused by a pathogen like RSV that does not disseminate outside of this environment. Gaps in our understanding of the activation of innate and adaptive immunity in response to RSV and the role of age upon infection also limit improvements in the design of therapeutics and vaccines for young infants. However, advancements in structural biology have improved our ability to characterize antibodies against viral proteins and in 2023 the first vaccines for those over 60 years and pregnant women became available, potentially reducing the burden of disease. This review will examine our current understanding of the critical facets of anti-RSV immune responses in infants and young children as well as highlight areas where more research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jisung S Kim
- Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA; Henry M. Jackson Foundation, Bethesda, MD, USA
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8
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Gumas J, Kawamura T, Shigematsu M, Kirino Y. Immunostimulatory short non-coding RNAs in the circulation of patients with tuberculosis infection. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102156. [PMID: 38481936 PMCID: PMC10933579 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection is among the world's deadliest infectious diseases. Developing effective treatments and biomarkers for tuberculosis requires a deeper understanding of its pathobiology and host responses. Here, we report a comprehensive characterization of circulating short non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) in plasma samples from Mtb-infected patients. We achieved this by pre-treating plasma RNAs with T4 polynucleotide kinase to convert all RNA ends to those compatible with sncRNA sequencing. We discovered a global and drastic upregulation of plasma sncRNAs in Mtb-infected patients, with tRNA-derived sncRNAs representing the most dramatically elevated class. Most of these tRNA-derived sncRNAs originated from a limited subset of tRNAs, specifically from three tRNA isoacceptors, and exhibited skewed patterns to 5'-derived fragments, such as 5' halves, 5' tRNA fragments (tRFs), and internal tRFs (i-tRFs) from the 5' regions. Further, Mtb-infected patients displayed markedly upregulated and distinct profiles of both rRNA- and mRNA-derived sncRNAs. Some of these sncRNAs, which are abundant and specific to Mtb-infected patients, robustly activated human macrophages via Toll-like receptor 7 and induced cytokine production. This drastic accumulation of circulating, immunostimulatory sncRNAs in the plasma of Mtb-infected patients offers insights into the sncRNA-driven aspects of host immune response against infectious diseases and suggests a pool of potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Gumas
- Computational Medicine Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Takuya Kawamura
- Computational Medicine Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Megumi Shigematsu
- Computational Medicine Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Yohei Kirino
- Computational Medicine Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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D'Oro U, O'Hagan DT. The scientific journey of a novel adjuvant (AS37) from bench to bedside. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:26. [PMID: 38332005 PMCID: PMC10853242 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00810-6] [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: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
A decade ago, we described a new approach to discover next generation adjuvants, identifying small-molecule immune potentiators (SMIPs) as Toll-like receptor (TLR)7 agonists. We also optimally formulated these drugs through adsorption to aluminum salts (alum), allowing them to be evaluated with a range of established and early-stage vaccines. Early proof-of-concept studies showed that a TLR7 agonist (TLR7a)-based SMIP, when adsorbed to alum, could perform as an effective adjuvant for a variety of different antigens, in both small and large animals. Studies in rodents demonstrated that the adjuvant enhanced immunogenicity of a recombinant protein-based vaccine against Staphylococcus aureus, and also showed potential to improve existing vaccines against pertussis or meningococcal infection. Extensive evaluations showed that the adjuvant was effective in non-human primates (NHPs), exploiting a mechanism of action that was consistent across the different animal models. The adjuvant formulation (named AS37) has now been advanced into clinical evaluation. A systems biology-based evaluation of the phase I clinical data with a meningococcal C conjugate vaccine showed that the AS37-adjuvanted formulation had an acceptable safety profile, was potent, and activated the expected immune pathways in humans, which was consistent with observations from the NHP studies. In the intervening decade, several alternative TLR7 agonists have also emerged and advanced into clinical development, such as the alum adsorbed TLR7/8 SMIP present in a widely distributed COVID-19 vaccine. This review summarizes the research and early development of the new adjuvant AS37, with an emphasis on the steps taken to allow its progression into clinical evaluations.
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10
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Laera D, HogenEsch H, O'Hagan DT. Aluminum Adjuvants-'Back to the Future'. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1884. [PMID: 37514070 PMCID: PMC10383759 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Aluminum-based adjuvants will continue to be a key component of currently approved and next generation vaccines, including important combination vaccines. The widespread use of aluminum adjuvants is due to their excellent safety profile, which has been established through the use of hundreds of millions of doses in humans over many years. In addition, they are inexpensive, readily available, and are well known and generally accepted by regulatory agencies. Moreover, they offer a very flexible platform, to which many vaccine components can be adsorbed, enabling the preparation of liquid formulations, which typically have a long shelf life under refrigerated conditions. Nevertheless, despite their extensive use, they are perceived as relatively 'weak' vaccine adjuvants. Hence, there have been many attempts to improve their performance, which typically involves co-delivery of immune potentiators, including Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists. This approach has allowed for the development of improved aluminum adjuvants for inclusion in licensed vaccines against HPV, HBV, and COVID-19, with others likely to follow. This review summarizes the various aluminum salts that are used in vaccines and highlights how they are prepared. We focus on the analytical challenges that remain to allowing the creation of well-characterized formulations, particularly those involving multiple antigens. In addition, we highlight how aluminum is being used to create the next generation of improved adjuvants through the adsorption and delivery of various TLR agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatello Laera
- Technical Research & Development, Drug Product, GSK, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Global Manufacturing Division, Corporate Industrial Analytics, Chiesi Pharmaceuticals, 43122 Parma, Italy
| | - Harm HogenEsch
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
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11
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Lee B, Nanishi E, Levy O, Dowling DJ. Precision Vaccinology Approaches for the Development of Adjuvanted Vaccines Targeted to Distinct Vulnerable Populations. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1766. [PMID: 37376214 PMCID: PMC10305121 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061766] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection persists as one of the leading global causes of morbidity and mortality, with particular burden at the extremes of age and in populations who are immunocompromised or suffer chronic co-morbid diseases. By focusing discovery and innovation efforts to better understand the phenotypic and mechanistic differences in the immune systems of diverse vulnerable populations, emerging research in precision vaccine discovery and development has explored how to optimize immunizations across the lifespan. Here, we focus on two key elements of precision vaccinology, as applied to epidemic/pandemic response and preparedness, including (a) selecting robust combinations of adjuvants and antigens, and (b) coupling these platforms with appropriate formulation systems. In this context, several considerations exist, including the intended goals of immunization (e.g., achieving immunogenicity versus lessening transmission), reducing the likelihood of adverse reactogenicity, and optimizing the route of administration. Each of these considerations is accompanied by several key challenges. On-going innovation in precision vaccinology will expand and target the arsenal of vaccine components for protection of vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Branden Lee
- Precision Vaccines Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (B.L.); (E.N.); (O.L.)
| | - Etsuro Nanishi
- Precision Vaccines Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (B.L.); (E.N.); (O.L.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ofer Levy
- Precision Vaccines Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (B.L.); (E.N.); (O.L.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - David J. Dowling
- Precision Vaccines Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (B.L.); (E.N.); (O.L.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Nian X, Liu H, Cai M, Duan K, Yang X. Coping Strategies for Pertussis Resurgence. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:889. [PMID: 37242993 PMCID: PMC10220650 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11050889] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Pertussis (whooping cough) is a respiratory disease caused primarily by Bordetella pertussis, a Gram-negative bacteria. Pertussis is a relatively contagious infectious disease in people of all ages, mainly affecting newborns and infants under 2 months of age. Pertussis is undergoing a resurgence despite decades of high rates of vaccination. To better cope with the challenge of pertussis resurgence, we evaluated its possible causes and potential countermeasures in the narrative review. Expanded vaccination coverage, optimized vaccination strategies, and the development of a new pertussis vaccine may contribute to the control of pertussis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanxuan Nian
- National Engineering Technology Research Center for Combined Vaccines, Wuhan 430207, China
- Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430207, China
| | - Hongbo Liu
- National Engineering Technology Research Center for Combined Vaccines, Wuhan 430207, China
- Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430207, China
| | - Mengyao Cai
- National Engineering Technology Research Center for Combined Vaccines, Wuhan 430207, China
- Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430207, China
| | - Kai Duan
- National Engineering Technology Research Center for Combined Vaccines, Wuhan 430207, China
- Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430207, China
| | - Xiaoming Yang
- National Engineering Technology Research Center for Combined Vaccines, Wuhan 430207, China
- Wuhan Institute of Biological Products Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430207, China
- China National Biotech Group Company Limited, Bejing 100029, China
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