1
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Imai M, Colas K, Suga H. Protein Grafting Techniques: From Peptide Epitopes to Lasso-Grafted Neobiologics. Chempluschem 2024:e202400152. [PMID: 38693599 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202400152] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Protein engineering techniques have vastly expanded their domain of impact, notably following the success of antibodies. Likewise, smaller peptide therapeutics have carved an increasingly significant niche for themselves in the pharmaceutical landscape. The concept of grafting such peptides onto larger protein scaffolds, thus harvesting the advantages of both, has given rise to a variety of protein engineering strategies that are reviewed herein. We also describe our own "Lasso-Grafting" approach, which combines traditional grafting concepts with mRNA display to streamline the production of multiple grafted drug candidates for virtually any target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikio Imai
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kilian Colas
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Suga
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
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2
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Yan H, Peng Y, Zhang J, Peng R, Feng X, Su J, Yi H, Lu Y, Gao S, Liu J, Yang M, Liu X, Gao S, Chen Z. Rapid and highly potent humoral responses to mpox nanovaccine candidates adjuvanted by thermostable scaffolds. Vaccine 2024; 42:2072-2080. [PMID: 38423815 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.02.027] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Monkeypox (mpox) is a zoonotic disease caused by monkeypox virus (MPXV) of the orthopoxvirus genus. The emergence and global spread of mpox in 2022 was declared as a public health emergency by World Health Organization. This mpox pandemic alarmed us that mpox still threaten global public health. Live vaccines could be used for immunization for this disease with side effects. New alternative vaccines are urgently needed for this re-emerging disease. Specific antibody responses play key roles for protection against MPXV, therefore, vaccines that induce high humoral immunity will be ideal candidates. In the present study, we developed thermostable nanovaccine candidates for mpox by conjugating MPXV antigens with thermostable nanoscafolds. Three MPXV protective antigens, L1, A29, and A33, and the thermostable Aquafex aeolicus lumazine synthase (AaLS), were expressed in E. coli and purified by Ni-NTA methods. The nanovaccines were generated by conjugation of the antigens with AaLS. Thermal stability test results showed that the nanovaccines remained unchanged after one week storage under 37℃ and only partial degradation under 60℃, indicating high thermostability. Very interesting, one dose immunization with the nanovaccine could induce high potent antibody responses, and two dose induced 2-month high titers of antibodes. In vitro virus neutralization test showed that nanovaccine candidates induced significantly higher levels of neutralization antibodies than monomers. These results indicated that the AaLS conjugation nanovaccines of MPXV antigens are highly thermostable in terms of storage and antigenic, being good alternative vaccine candidates for this re-emerging disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haozhen Yan
- One Health Center of Excellence for Research and Training, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Monitoring and Evaluation of Vaccines and Biological Products, Guangzhou 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control, Sun Yat-Sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yuanli Peng
- One Health Center of Excellence for Research and Training, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Monitoring and Evaluation of Vaccines and Biological Products, Guangzhou 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control, Sun Yat-Sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jinsong Zhang
- One Health Center of Excellence for Research and Training, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Monitoring and Evaluation of Vaccines and Biological Products, Guangzhou 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control, Sun Yat-Sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ruihao Peng
- One Health Center of Excellence for Research and Training, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Monitoring and Evaluation of Vaccines and Biological Products, Guangzhou 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control, Sun Yat-Sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - XiangNing Feng
- One Health Center of Excellence for Research and Training, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Monitoring and Evaluation of Vaccines and Biological Products, Guangzhou 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control, Sun Yat-Sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - JiaYue Su
- One Health Center of Excellence for Research and Training, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Monitoring and Evaluation of Vaccines and Biological Products, Guangzhou 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control, Sun Yat-Sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - HuaiMin Yi
- One Health Center of Excellence for Research and Training, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Monitoring and Evaluation of Vaccines and Biological Products, Guangzhou 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control, Sun Yat-Sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yuying Lu
- One Health Center of Excellence for Research and Training, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Monitoring and Evaluation of Vaccines and Biological Products, Guangzhou 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control, Sun Yat-Sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Shan Gao
- One Health Center of Excellence for Research and Training, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Monitoring and Evaluation of Vaccines and Biological Products, Guangzhou 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control, Sun Yat-Sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jinsong Liu
- One Health Center of Excellence for Research and Training, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Monitoring and Evaluation of Vaccines and Biological Products, Guangzhou 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control, Sun Yat-Sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Mingwei Yang
- One Health Center of Excellence for Research and Training, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Monitoring and Evaluation of Vaccines and Biological Products, Guangzhou 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control, Sun Yat-Sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xinrui Liu
- One Health Center of Excellence for Research and Training, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Monitoring and Evaluation of Vaccines and Biological Products, Guangzhou 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control, Sun Yat-Sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Shenyang Gao
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Zoonoses, Jinzhou Medical University. Jinzhou 121001, China
| | - Zeliang Chen
- One Health Center of Excellence for Research and Training, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Monitoring and Evaluation of Vaccines and Biological Products, Guangzhou 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control, Sun Yat-Sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China; Key Laboratory of Zoonose Prevention and Control at Universities of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Medical College, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao 028000, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Zoonoses, Jinzhou Medical University. Jinzhou 121001, China.
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3
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Wang C, Liu Q, Huang X, Zhuang J. Ferritin nanocages: a versatile platform for nanozyme design. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:4153-4170. [PMID: 37158014 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb00192j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Nanozymes are a class of nanomaterials with enzyme-like activities and have attracted increasing attention due to their potential applications in biomedicine. However, nanozyme design incorporating the desired properties remains challenging. Natural or genetically engineered protein scaffolds, such as ferritin nanocages, have emerged as a promising platform for nanozyme design due to their unique protein structure, natural biomineralization capacity, self-assembly properties, and high biocompatibility. In this review, we highlight the intrinsic properties of ferritin nanocages, especially for nanozyme design. We also discuss the advantages of genetically engineered ferritin in the versatile design of nanozymes over natural ferritin. Additionally, we summarize the bioapplications of ferritin-based nanozymes based on their enzyme-mimicking activities. In this perspective, we mainly provide potential insights into the utilization of ferritin nanocages for nanozyme design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Wang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, and Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Qiqi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, and Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Xinglu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, and Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
| | - Jie Zhuang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
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4
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Kaster M, Levasseur MD, Edwardson TGW, Caldwell MA, Hofmann D, Licciardi G, Parigi G, Luchinat C, Hilvert D, Meade TJ. Engineered Nonviral Protein Cages Modified for MR Imaging. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:591-602. [PMID: 36626688 PMCID: PMC9945100 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Diagnostic medical imaging utilizes magnetic resonance (MR) to provide anatomical, functional, and molecular information in a single scan. Nanoparticles are often labeled with Gd(III) complexes to amplify the MR signal of contrast agents (CAs) with large payloads and high proton relaxation efficiencies (relaxivity, r1). This study examined the MR performance of two structurally unique cages, AaLS-13 and OP, labeled with Gd(III). The cages have characteristics relevant for the development of theranostic platforms, including (i) well-defined structure, symmetry, and size; (ii) the amenability to extensive engineering; (iii) the adjustable loading of therapeutically relevant cargo molecules; (iv) high physical stability; and (v) facile manufacturing by microbial fermentation. The resulting conjugates showed significantly enhanced proton relaxivity (r1 = 11-18 mM-1 s-1 at 1.4 T) compared to the Gd(III) complex alone (r1 = 4 mM-1 s-1). Serum phantom images revealed 107% and 57% contrast enhancements for Gd(III)-labeled AaLS-13 and OP cages, respectively. Moreover, proton nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion (1H NMRD) profiles showed maximum relaxivity values of 50 mM-1 s-1. Best-fit analyses of the 1H NMRD profiles attributed the high relaxivity of the Gd(III)-labeled cages to the slow molecular tumbling of the conjugates and restricted local motion of the conjugated Gd(III) complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan
A. Kaster
- Departments
of Chemistry, Molecular Biosciences, Neurobiology and Radiology, Northwestern University, 2145 N. Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois60208, United States
| | - Mikail D. Levasseur
- Laboratory
of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, Zürich8093, Switzerland
| | - Thomas G. W. Edwardson
- Laboratory
of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, Zürich8093, Switzerland
| | - Michael A. Caldwell
- Departments
of Chemistry, Molecular Biosciences, Neurobiology and Radiology, Northwestern University, 2145 N. Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois60208, United States
| | - Daniela Hofmann
- Laboratory
of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, Zürich8093, Switzerland
| | - Giulia Licciardi
- Magnetic
Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, via Luigi Sacconi 6, Sesto Fiorentino50019Italy
- Department
of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino50019, Italy
- Consorzio
Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche Metallo Proteine (CIRMMP), via Luigi Sacconi 6, Sesto Fiorentino50019, Italy
| | - Giacomo Parigi
- Magnetic
Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, via Luigi Sacconi 6, Sesto Fiorentino50019Italy
- Department
of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino50019, Italy
- Consorzio
Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche Metallo Proteine (CIRMMP), via Luigi Sacconi 6, Sesto Fiorentino50019, Italy
| | - Claudio Luchinat
- Magnetic
Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence, via Luigi Sacconi 6, Sesto Fiorentino50019Italy
- Department
of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3, Sesto Fiorentino50019, Italy
- Consorzio
Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche Metallo Proteine (CIRMMP), via Luigi Sacconi 6, Sesto Fiorentino50019, Italy
| | - Donald Hilvert
- Laboratory
of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, Zürich8093, Switzerland
| | - Thomas J. Meade
- Departments
of Chemistry, Molecular Biosciences, Neurobiology and Radiology, Northwestern University, 2145 N. Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois60208, United States
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5
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Obozina AS, Komedchikova EN, Kolesnikova OA, Iureva AM, Kovalenko VL, Zavalko FA, Rozhnikova TV, Tereshina ED, Mochalova EN, Shipunova VO. Genetically Encoded Self-Assembling Protein Nanoparticles for the Targeted Delivery In Vitro and In Vivo. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15010231. [PMID: 36678860 PMCID: PMC9861179 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted nanoparticles of different origins are considered as new-generation diagnostic and therapeutic tools. However, there are no targeted drug formulations within the composition of nanoparticles approved by the FDA for use in the clinic, which is associated with the insufficient effectiveness of the developed candidates, the difficulties of their biotechnological production, and inadequate batch-to-batch reproducibility. Targeted protein self-assembling nanoparticles circumvent this problem since proteins are encoded in DNA and the final protein product is produced in only one possible way. We believe that the combination of the endless biomedical potential of protein carriers as nanoparticles and the standardized protein purification protocols will make significant progress in "magic bullet" creation possible, bringing modern biomedicine to a new level. In this review, we are focused on the currently existing platforms for targeted self-assembling protein nanoparticles based on transferrin, lactoferrin, casein, lumazine synthase, albumin, ferritin, and encapsulin proteins, as well as on proteins from magnetosomes and virus-like particles. The applications of these self-assembling proteins for targeted delivery in vitro and in vivo are thoroughly discussed, including bioimaging applications and different therapeutic approaches, such as chemotherapy, gene delivery, and photodynamic and photothermal therapy. A critical assessment of these protein platforms' efficacy in biomedicine is provided and possible problems associated with their further development are described.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Anna M. Iureva
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Vera L. Kovalenko
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Fedor A. Zavalko
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | | | | | - Elizaveta N. Mochalova
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Nanobiomedicine Division, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sochi, Russia
| | - Victoria O. Shipunova
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Nanobiomedicine Division, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sochi, Russia
- Correspondence:
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6
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Assembly of Protein Cages for Drug Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122609. [PMID: 36559102 PMCID: PMC9785872 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely used as target delivery vehicles for therapeutic goods; however, compared with inorganic and organic nanomaterials, protein nanomaterials have better biocompatibility and can self-assemble into highly ordered cage-like structures, which are more favorable for applications in targeted drug delivery. In this review, we concentrate on the typical protein cage nanoparticles drugs encapsulation processes, such as drug fusion expression, diffusion, electrostatic contact, covalent binding, and protein cage disassembly/recombination. The usage of protein cage nanoparticles in biomedicine is also briefly discussed. These materials can be utilized to transport small molecules, peptides, siRNA, and other medications for anti-tumor, contrast, etc.
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7
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Kim BR, Yoon JW, Choi H, Kim D, Kang S, Kim JH. Application of periostin peptide-decorated self-assembled protein cage nanoparticles for therapeutic angiogenesis. BMB Rep 2022. [PMID: 34814976 PMCID: PMC9058470 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2022.55.4.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides are gaining substantial attention as therapeutics for human diseases. However, they have limitations such as low bioavailability and poor pharmacokinetics. Periostin, a matricellular protein, can stimulate the repair of ischemic tissues by promoting angiogenesis. We have previously reported that a novel angiogenic peptide (amino acids 142-151) is responsible for the pro-angiogenic activity of periostin. To improve the in vivo delivery efficiency of periostin peptide (PP), we used proteins self-assembled into a hollow cage-like structure as a drug delivery nanoplatform in the present study. The periostin peptide was genetically inserted into lumazine synthase (isolated from Aquifex aeolicus) consisting of 60 identical subunits with an icosahedral capsid architecture. The periostin peptide-bearing lumazine synthase protein cage nanoparticle with 60 periostin peptides multivalently displayed was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity. Next, we examined angiogenic activities of this periostin peptide-bearing lumazine synthase protein cage nanoparticle. AaLS-periostin peptide (AaLS-PP), but not AaLS, promoted migration, proliferation, and tube formation of human endothelial colony-forming cells in vitro. Intramuscular injection of PP and AaLS-PP increased blood perfusion and attenuated severe limb loss in the ischemic hindlimb. However, AaLS did not increase blood perfusion or alleviate tissue necrosis. Moreover, in vivo administration of AaLS-PP, but not AaLS, stimulated angiogenesis in the ischemic hindlimb. These results suggest that AaLS is a highly useful nanoplatform for delivering pro-angiogenic peptides such as PP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ba Reun Kim
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75390-9071, TX, USA
| | - Jung Won Yoon
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea
| | - Hyukjun Choi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Korea
| | - Dasol Kim
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea
| | - Sebyung Kang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Korea
| | - Jae Ho Kim
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea
- Research Institute of Convergence Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan 50612, Korea
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8
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Edwardson TGW, Levasseur MD, Tetter S, Steinauer A, Hori M, Hilvert D. Protein Cages: From Fundamentals to Advanced Applications. Chem Rev 2022; 122:9145-9197. [PMID: 35394752 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Proteins that self-assemble into polyhedral shell-like structures are useful molecular containers both in nature and in the laboratory. Here we review efforts to repurpose diverse protein cages, including viral capsids, ferritins, bacterial microcompartments, and designed capsules, as vaccines, drug delivery vehicles, targeted imaging agents, nanoreactors, templates for controlled materials synthesis, building blocks for higher-order architectures, and more. A deep understanding of the principles underlying the construction, function, and evolution of natural systems has been key to tailoring selective cargo encapsulation and interactions with both biological systems and synthetic materials through protein engineering and directed evolution. The ability to adapt and design increasingly sophisticated capsid structures and functions stands to benefit the fields of catalysis, materials science, and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stephan Tetter
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Angela Steinauer
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mao Hori
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Donald Hilvert
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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9
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Kim BR, Yoon JW, Choi H, Kim D, Kang S, Kim JH. Application of periostin peptide-decorated self-assembled protein cage nanoparticles for therapeutic angiogenesis. BMB Rep 2022; 55:175-180. [PMID: 34814976 PMCID: PMC9058470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptides are gaining substantial attention as therapeutics for human diseases. However, they have limitations such as low bioavailability and poor pharmacokinetics. Periostin, a matricellular protein, can stimulate the repair of ischemic tissues by promoting angiogenesis. We have previously reported that a novel angiogenic peptide (amino acids 142-151) is responsible for the pro-angiogenic activity of periostin. To improve the in vivo delivery efficiency of periostin peptide (PP), we used proteins self-assembled into a hollow cage-like structure as a drug delivery nanoplatform in the present study. The periostin peptide was genetically inserted into lumazine synthase (isolated from Aquifex aeolicus) consisting of 60 identical subunits with an icosahedral capsid architecture. The periostin peptide-bearing lumazine synthase protein cage nanoparticle with 60 periostin peptides multivalently displayed was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity. Next, we examined angiogenic activities of this periostin peptide-bearing lumazine synthase protein cage nanoparticle. AaLS-periostin peptide (AaLS-PP), but not AaLS, promoted migration, proliferation, and tube formation of human endothelial colony-forming cells in vitro. Intramuscular injection of PP and AaLS-PP increased blood perfusion and attenuated severe limb loss in the ischemic hindlimb. However, AaLS did not increase blood perfusion or alleviate tissue necrosis. Moreover, in vivo administration of AaLS-PP, but not AaLS, stimulated angiogenesis in the ischemic hindlimb. These results suggest that AaLS is a highly useful nanoplatform for delivering pro-angiogenic peptides such as PP. [BMB Reports 2022; 55(4): 175-180].
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Affiliation(s)
- Ba Reun Kim
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea, Yangsan 50612, Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75390-9071, TX, USA, Yangsan 50612, Korea
| | - Jung Won Yoon
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea, Yangsan 50612, Korea
| | - Hyukjun Choi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Korea
| | - Dasol Kim
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea, Yangsan 50612, Korea
| | - Sebyung Kang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Korea
| | - Jae Ho Kim
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea, Yangsan 50612, Korea
- Research Institute of Convergence Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan 50612, Korea
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10
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Kim NH, Choi H, Shahzad ZM, Ki H, Lee J, Chae H, Kim YH. Supramolecular assembly of protein building blocks: from folding to function. NANO CONVERGENCE 2022; 9:4. [PMID: 35024976 PMCID: PMC8755899 DOI: 10.1186/s40580-021-00294-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Several phenomena occurring throughout the life of living things start and end with proteins. Various proteins form one complex structure to control detailed reactions. In contrast, one protein forms various structures and implements other biological phenomena depending on the situation. The basic principle that forms these hierarchical structures is protein self-assembly. A single building block is sufficient to create homogeneous structures with complex shapes, such as rings, filaments, or containers. These assemblies are widely used in biology as they enable multivalent binding, ultra-sensitive regulation, and compartmentalization. Moreover, with advances in the computational design of protein folding and protein-protein interfaces, considerable progress has recently been made in the de novo design of protein assemblies. Our review presents a description of the components of supramolecular protein assembly and their application in understanding biological phenomena to therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam Hyeong Kim
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hojae Choi
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Zafar Muhammad Shahzad
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Heesoo Ki
- Department of Nano Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaekyoung Lee
- Department of Nano Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Heeyeop Chae
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Ho Kim
- SKKU Advanced Institute of Nanotechnology (SAINT), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Nano Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
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11
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De novo peptide grafting to a self-assembling nanocapsule yields a hepatocyte growth factor receptor agonist. iScience 2021; 24:103302. [PMID: 34805784 PMCID: PMC8581506 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lasso-grafting (LG) technology is a method for generating de novo biologics (neobiologics) by genetically implanting macrocyclic peptide pharmacophores, which are selected in vitro against a protein of interest, into loops of arbitrary protein scaffolds. In this study, we have generated a neo-capsid that potently binds the hepatocyte growth factor receptor MET by LG of anti-MET peptide pharmacophores into a circularly permuted variant of Aquifex aeolicus lumazine synthase (AaLS), a self-assembling protein nanocapsule. By virtue of displaying multiple-pharmacophores on its surface, the neo-capsid can induce dimerization (or multimerization) of MET, resulting in phosphorylation and endosomal internalization of the MET-capsid complex. This work demonstrates the potential of the LG technology as a synthetic biology approach for generating capsid-based neobiologics capable of activating signaling receptors. Lasso-grafting enabled multiple display of peptide pharmacophore on protein capsid Engineered capsids induced dimerization of MET resulting in phosphorylation Engineered capsids were internalized into endosome via MET phosphorylation
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12
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Van de Steen A, Khalife R, Colant N, Mustafa Khan H, Deveikis M, Charalambous S, Robinson CM, Dabas R, Esteban Serna S, Catana DA, Pildish K, Kalinovskiy V, Gustafsson K, Frank S. Bioengineering bacterial encapsulin nanocompartments as targeted drug delivery system. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2021; 6:231-241. [PMID: 34541345 PMCID: PMC8435816 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of Drug Delivery Systems (DDS) has led to increasingly efficient therapies for the treatment and detection of various diseases. DDS use a range of nanoscale delivery platforms produced from polymeric of inorganic materials, such as micelles, and metal and polymeric nanoparticles, but their variant chemical composition make alterations to their size, shape, or structures inherently complex. Genetically encoded protein nanocages are highly promising DDS candidates because of their modular composition, ease of recombinant production in a range of hosts, control over assembly and loading of cargo molecules and biodegradability. One example of naturally occurring nanocompartments are encapsulins, recently discovered bacterial organelles that have been shown to be reprogrammable as nanobioreactors and vaccine candidates. Here we report the design and application of a targeted DDS platform based on the Thermotoga maritima encapsulin reprogrammed to display an antibody mimic protein called Designed Ankyrin repeat protein (DARPin) on the outer surface and to encapsulate a cytotoxic payload. The DARPin9.29 chosen in this study specifically binds to human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) on breast cancer cells, as demonstrated in an in vitro cell culture model. The encapsulin-based DDS is assembled in one step in vivo by co-expressing the encapsulin-DARPin9.29 fusion protein with an engineered flavin-binding protein mini-singlet oxygen generator (MiniSOG), from a single plasmid in Escherichia coli. Purified encapsulin-DARPin_miniSOG nanocompartments bind specifically to HER2 positive breast cancer cells and trigger apoptosis, indicating that the system is functional and specific. The DDS is modular and has the potential to form the basis of a multi-receptor targeted system by utilising the DARPin screening libraries, allowing use of new DARPins of known specificities, and through the proven flexibility of the encapsulin cargo loading mechanism, allowing selection of cargo proteins of choice.
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Key Words
- Annexin V-FITC, Annexin V-Fluorescein IsoThiocyanate Conjugate
- Cytotoxic protein
- DARPin
- DARPin9.29, Designed Ankyrin Repeat Protein 9.29
- DDS, Drug Delivery System
- Drug delivery system
- EPR, Enhanced Permeability and Retention effect
- Encapsulin
- HER2, Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2
- His6, Hexahistidine
- MSCs, Mesenchymal Stem Cells
- NPs, NanoParticles
- SK-BR-3, Sloan-Kettering Breast cancer cell line/HER2-overexpressing human breast cancer cell line
- STII, StrepII-tag, an eight-residue peptide sequence (Trp-Ser-His-Pro-Gln-Phe-Glu-Lys) with intrinsic affinity toward streptavidin that can be fused to recombinant protein in various fashions
- T. maritima, Thermotoga maritima
- VLPs, Virus-Like Particle
- iGEM, international Genetically Engineered Machine
- iLOV, improved Light, Oxygen or Voltage-sensing flavoprotein
- mScarlet, a bright monomeric red fluorescent protein
- miniSOG, mini-Singlet Oxygen Generator
- rTurboGFP, recombinant Turbo Green Fluorescent Protein
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rana Khalife
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, UK
| | - Noelle Colant
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, UK
| | | | - Matas Deveikis
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, UK
- UCL iGEM Student Team 2019, UK
| | - Saverio Charalambous
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, UK
- UCL iGEM Student Team 2019, UK
| | - Clare M. Robinson
- Natural Sciences, University College London, UK
- UCL iGEM Student Team 2019, UK
| | - Rupali Dabas
- Natural Sciences, University College London, UK
- UCL iGEM Student Team 2019, UK
| | - Sofia Esteban Serna
- Division of Biosciences, University College London, UK
- UCL iGEM Student Team 2019, UK
| | - Diana A. Catana
- Division of Biosciences, University College London, UK
- UCL iGEM Student Team 2019, UK
| | - Konstantin Pildish
- Division of Biosciences, University College London, UK
- UCL iGEM Student Team 2019, UK
| | - Vladimir Kalinovskiy
- Division of Biosciences, University College London, UK
- UCL iGEM Student Team 2019, UK
| | - Kenth Gustafsson
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, UK
| | - Stefanie Frank
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, UK
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13
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Choi H, Eom S, Kim HU, Bae Y, Jung HS, Kang S. Load and Display: Engineering Encapsulin as a Modular Nanoplatform for Protein-Cargo Encapsulation and Protein-Ligand Decoration Using Split Intein and SpyTag/SpyCatcher. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:3028-3039. [PMID: 34142815 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c00481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Protein cage nanoparticles have a unique spherical hollow structure that provides a modifiable interior space and an exterior surface. For full application, it is desirable to utilize both the interior space and the exterior surface simultaneously with two different functionalities in a well-combined way. Here, we genetically engineered encapsulin protein cage nanoparticles (Encap) as modular nanoplatforms by introducing a split-C-intein (IntC) fragment and SpyTag into the interior and exterior surfaces, respectively. A complementary split-N-intein (IntN) was fused to various protein cargoes, such as NanoLuc luciferase (Nluc), enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP), and Nluc-miniSOG, individually, which led to their successful encapsulation into Encaps to form Cargo@Encap through split intein-mediated protein ligation during protein coexpression and cage assembly in bacteria. Conversely, the SpyCatcher protein was fused to various protein ligands, such as a glutathione binder (GST-SC), dimerizing ligands (FKBP12-SC and FRB-SC), and a cancer-targeting affibody (SC-EGFRAfb); subsequently, they were displayed on Cargo@Encaps through SpyTag/SpyCatcher ligation to form Cargo@Encap/Ligands in a mix-and-match manner. Nluc@Encap/glutathione-S-transferase (GST) was effectively immobilized on glutathione (GSH)-coated solid supports exhibiting repetitive and long-term usage of the encapsulated luciferases. We also established luciferase-embedded layer-by-layer (LbL) nanostructures by alternately depositing Nluc@Encap/FKBP12 and Nluc@Encap/FRB in the presence of rapamycin and applied enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP)@Encap/EGFRAfb as a target-specific fluorescent imaging probe to visualize specific cancer cells selectively. Modular functionalization of the interior space and the exterior surface of a protein cage nanoparticle may offer the opportunity to develop new protein-based nanostructured devices and nanomedical tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyukjun Choi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Korea
| | - Soomin Eom
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Korea
| | - Han-Ul Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, 1, Kangwondaehak-gil, Chuncheon-si 24341, Gangwon-do, Korea
| | - Yoonji Bae
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Korea
| | - Hyun Suk Jung
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, 1, Kangwondaehak-gil, Chuncheon-si 24341, Gangwon-do, Korea
| | - Sebyung Kang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Korea
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14
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Aebischer A, Wernike K, König P, Franzke K, Wichgers Schreur PJ, Kortekaas J, Vitikainen M, Wiebe M, Saloheimo M, Tchelet R, Audonnet JC, Beer M. Development of a Modular Vaccine Platform for Multimeric Antigen Display Using an Orthobunyavirus Model. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9060651. [PMID: 34203630 PMCID: PMC8232151 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9060651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases represent an increasing threat to human and animal health. Therefore, safe and effective vaccines that could be available within a short time frame after an outbreak are required for adequate prevention and control. Here, we developed a robust and versatile self-assembling multimeric protein scaffold particle (MPSP) vaccine platform using lumazine synthase (LS) from Aquifex aeolicus. This scaffold allowed the presentation of peptide epitopes by genetic fusion as well as the presentation of large antigens by bacterial superglue-based conjugation to the pre-assembled particle. Using the orthobunyavirus model Schmallenberg virus (SBV) we designed MPSPs presenting major immunogens of SBV and assessed their efficacy in a mouse model as well as in cattle, a target species of SBV. All prototype vaccines conferred protection from viral challenge infection and the multivalent presentation of the selected antigens on the MPSP markedly improved their immunogenicity compared to the monomeric subunits. Even a single shot vaccination protected about 80% of mice from an otherwise lethal dose of SBV. Most importantly, the MPSPs induced a virtually sterile immunity in cattle. Altogether, LS represents a promising platform for modular and rapid vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Aebischer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (A.A.); (K.W.); (P.K.); (K.F.)
| | - Kerstin Wernike
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (A.A.); (K.W.); (P.K.); (K.F.)
| | - Patricia König
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (A.A.); (K.W.); (P.K.); (K.F.)
| | - Kati Franzke
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (A.A.); (K.W.); (P.K.); (K.F.)
| | - Paul J. Wichgers Schreur
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands; (P.J.W.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Jeroen Kortekaas
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands; (P.J.W.S.); (J.K.)
| | - Marika Vitikainen
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., 02150 Espoo, Finland; (M.V.); (M.W.); (M.S.)
| | - Marilyn Wiebe
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., 02150 Espoo, Finland; (M.V.); (M.W.); (M.S.)
| | - Markku Saloheimo
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., 02150 Espoo, Finland; (M.V.); (M.W.); (M.S.)
| | - Ronen Tchelet
- Dyadic Netherland B.V., 6709 PA Wageningen, The Netherlands;
| | | | - Martin Beer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (A.A.); (K.W.); (P.K.); (K.F.)
- Correspondence:
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15
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Levasseur MD, Mantri S, Hayashi T, Reichenbach M, Hehn S, Waeckerle-Men Y, Johansen P, Hilvert D. Cell-Specific Delivery Using an Engineered Protein Nanocage. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:838-843. [PMID: 33881303 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticle-based delivery systems have shown great promise for theranostics and bioimaging on the laboratory scale due to favorable pharmacokinetics and biodistribution. In this study, we examine the utility of a cage-forming variant of the protein lumazine synthase, which was previously designed and evolved to encapsulate biomacromolecular cargo. Linking antibody-binding domains to the exterior of the cage enabled binding of targeting immunoglobulins and cell-specific uptake of encapsulated cargo. Protein nanocages displaying antibody-binding domains appear to be less immunogenic than their unmodified counterparts, but they also recruit serum antibodies that can mask the efficacy of the targeting antibody. Our study highlights the strengths and limitations of a common targeting strategy for practical nanoparticle-based delivery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shiksha Mantri
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Takahiro Hayashi
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maria Reichenbach
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Svenja Hehn
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Pål Johansen
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Donald Hilvert
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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16
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Loo YS, Bose RJ, McCarthy JR, Mat Azmi ID, Madheswaran T. Biomimetic bacterial and viral-based nanovesicles for drug delivery, theranostics, and vaccine applications. Drug Discov Today 2020; 26:902-915. [PMID: 33383213 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Smart nanocarriers obtained from bacteria and viruses offer excellent biomimetic properties which has led to significant research into the creation of advanced biomimetic materials. Their versatile biomimicry has application as biosensors, biomedical scaffolds, immobilization, diagnostics, and targeted or personalized treatments. The inherent natural traits of biomimetic and bioinspired bacteria- and virus-derived nanovesicles show potential for their use in clinical vaccines and novel therapeutic drug delivery systems. The past few decades have seen significant progress in the bioengineering of bacteria and viruses to manipulate and enhance their therapeutic benefits. From a pharmaceutical perspective, biomimetics enable the safe integration of naturally occurring bacteria and virus particles to achieve high, stable rates of cellular transfection/infection and prolonged circulation times. In addition, biomimetic technologies can overcome safety concerns associated with live-attenuated and inactivated whole bacteria or viruses. In this review, we provide an update on the utilization of bacterial and viral particles as drug delivery systems, theranostic carriers, and vaccine/immunomodulation modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Shan Loo
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, 43400 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rajendran Jc Bose
- Masonic Medical Research Institute, 2150 Bleecker St, Utica, NY 13501, USA
| | - Jason R McCarthy
- Masonic Medical Research Institute, 2150 Bleecker St, Utica, NY 13501, USA
| | - Intan Diana Mat Azmi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, 43400 Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Thiagarajan Madheswaran
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, International Medical University, No. 126 Jalan Jalil Perkasa 19, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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17
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Chang H, Zou Z, Wang Q, Li J, Jin H, Yin Q, Xing D. Targeting and Specific Activation of Antigen-Presenting Cells by Endogenous Antigen-Loaded Nanoparticles Elicits Tumor-Specific Immunity. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2020; 7:1900069. [PMID: 31921548 PMCID: PMC6947714 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201900069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has shown tremendous promise for improving cancer treatment. Unfortunately, antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in cancer patients cannot effectively recognize and process tumor antigens to activate host immune responses. In this study, an approach is developed to improve cancer immunotherapy that utilizes endogenous antigen-carrying nanoparticles (EAC-NPs), which encompasses a set of antigens isolated from solid tumors and adjuvants. The EAC-NPs specifically target APCs and subsequently result in enhanced T cell responses and improved antitumor efficacy. Mechanistic studies reveal that the EAC-NPs enhance and prolong the presence of immune compounds in APCs, which ensure persistent antigen loading and stimulation, induce a rapid proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and significantly increase the ratios of intratumoral CD4+ T/Treg and CD8+ T/Treg. The work using nanotechnology provides a promising strategy in improving antitumor immunity by enhancing the immunogenicity and presentation of tumor self-antigens for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao‐Cai Chang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Institute of Laser Life ScienceSouth China Normal UniversityGuangzhou510631China
- College of BiophotonicsSouth China Normal UniversityGuangzhou510631China
| | - Zheng‐Zhi Zou
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Institute of Laser Life ScienceSouth China Normal UniversityGuangzhou510631China
- College of BiophotonicsSouth China Normal UniversityGuangzhou510631China
| | - Qiu‐Hong Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Institute of Laser Life ScienceSouth China Normal UniversityGuangzhou510631China
- College of BiophotonicsSouth China Normal UniversityGuangzhou510631China
| | - Jie Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Institute of Laser Life ScienceSouth China Normal UniversityGuangzhou510631China
- College of BiophotonicsSouth China Normal UniversityGuangzhou510631China
| | - Huan Jin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Institute of Laser Life ScienceSouth China Normal UniversityGuangzhou510631China
- College of BiophotonicsSouth China Normal UniversityGuangzhou510631China
| | - Qian‐Xia Yin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Institute of Laser Life ScienceSouth China Normal UniversityGuangzhou510631China
- College of BiophotonicsSouth China Normal UniversityGuangzhou510631China
| | - Da Xing
- MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Institute of Laser Life ScienceSouth China Normal UniversityGuangzhou510631China
- College of BiophotonicsSouth China Normal UniversityGuangzhou510631China
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18
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Kim H, Choi H, Bae Y, Kang S. Development of target‐tunable P22 VLP‐based delivery nanoplatforms using bacterial superglue. Biotechnol Bioeng 2019; 116:2843-2851. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.27129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hansol Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life SciencesUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) Ulsan Korea
| | - Hyukjun Choi
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life SciencesUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) Ulsan Korea
| | - Yoonji Bae
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life SciencesUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) Ulsan Korea
| | - Sebyung Kang
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life SciencesUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) Ulsan Korea
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19
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Edwardson TGW, Hilvert D. Virus-Inspired Function in Engineered Protein Cages. J Am Chem Soc 2019; 141:9432-9443. [PMID: 31117660 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.9b03705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The structural and functional diversity of proteins combined with their genetic programmability has made them indispensable modern materials. Well-defined, hollow protein capsules have proven to be particularly useful due to their ability to compartmentalize macromolecules and chemical processes. To this end, viral capsids are common scaffolds and have been successfully repurposed to produce a suite of practical protein-based nanotechnologies. Recently, the recapitulation of viromimetic function in protein cages of nonviral origin has emerged as a strategy to both complement physical studies of natural viruses and produce useful scaffolds for diverse applications. In this perspective, we review recent progress toward generation of virus-like behavior in nonviral protein cages through rational engineering and directed evolution. These artificial systems can aid our understanding of the emergence of viruses from existing cellular components, as well as provide alternative approaches to tackle current problems, and open up new opportunities, in medicine and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Donald Hilvert
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry , ETH Zurich , 8093 Zurich , Switzerland
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20
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Kundu B, Sarkar D, Ray N, Talukdar A. Understanding the riboflavin biosynthesis pathway for the development of antimicrobial agents. Med Res Rev 2019; 39:1338-1371. [PMID: 30927319 DOI: 10.1002/med.21576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Life on earth depends on the biosynthesis of riboflavin, which plays a vital role in biological electron transport processes. Higher mammals obtain riboflavin from dietary sources; however, various microorganisms, including Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria and yeast, lack an efficient riboflavin-uptake system and are dependent on endogenous riboflavin biosynthesis. Consequently, the inhibition of enzymes in the riboflavin biosynthesis pathway would allow selective toxicity to a pathogen and not the host. Thus, the riboflavin biosynthesis pathway is an attractive target for designing novel antimicrobial drugs, which are urgently needed to address the issue of multidrug resistance seen in various pathogens. The enzymes involved in riboflavin biosynthesis are lumazine synthase (LS) and riboflavin synthase (RS). Understanding the details of the mechanisms of the enzyme-catalyzed reactions and the structural changes that occur in the enzyme active sites during catalysis can facilitate the design and synthesis of suitable analogs that can specifically inhibit the relevant enzymes and stop the generation of riboflavin in pathogenic bacteria. The present review is the first compilation of the work that has been carried out over the last 25 years focusing on the design of inhibitors of the biosynthesis of riboflavin based on an understanding of the mechanisms of LS and RS. This review aimed to address the fundamental advances in our understanding of riboflavin biosynthesis as applied to the rational design of a novel class of inhibitors. These advances have been aided by X-ray structures of ligand-enzyme complexes, rotational-echo, double-resonance nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, high-throughput screening, virtual screenings, and various mechanistic probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biswajit Kundu
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Dipayan Sarkar
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Namrata Ray
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India.,Department of Chemistry, Adamas University, Kolkata, India
| | - Arindam Talukdar
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Kolkata, India
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21
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Panahandeh S, Li S, Zandi R. The equilibrium structure of self-assembled protein nano-cages. NANOSCALE 2018; 10:22802-22809. [PMID: 30516220 DOI: 10.1039/c8nr07202g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Understanding how highly symmetric, robust, monodisperse protein nano-cages self-assemble can have major applications in various areas of bio-nanotechnology, such as drug delivery, biomedical imaging and gene therapy. We develop a model to investigate the assembly of protein subunits into the structures with different sizes and symmetries. Using Monte Carlo simulation, we obtain global minimum energy structures. Our results suggest that the physical properties including the spontaneous curvature, flexibility and bending rigidity of coat proteins are sufficient to predict the size, symmetry and shape selectivity of the assembly products. Further, on a thermodynamic basis, we discuss the polymorphism of nano-cages observed in assembly experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz Panahandeh
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, USA.
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22
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Wei Y, Kumar P, Wahome N, Mantis NJ, Middaugh CR. Biomedical Applications of Lumazine Synthase. J Pharm Sci 2018; 107:2283-2296. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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23
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Choi H, Choi B, Kim GJ, Kim HU, Kim H, Jung HS, Kang S. Fabrication of Nanoreaction Clusters with Dual-Functionalized Protein Cage Nanobuilding Blocks. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2018; 14:e1801488. [PMID: 30066359 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201801488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Fabrication of functional nanostructures is a prominent issue in nanotechnology, because they often exhibit unique properties that are different from the individual building blocks. Protein cage nanoparticles are attractive nanobuilding blocks for constructing nanostructures due to their well-defined symmetric spherical structures, polyvalent nature, and functional plasticity. Here, a lumazine synthase protein cage nanoparticle is genetically modified to be used as a template to generate functional nanobuilding blocks and covalently display enzymes (β-lactamase) and protein ligands (FKBP12/FRB) on its surface, making dual-functional nanobuilding blocks. Nanoreaction clusters are subsequently created by ligand-mediated alternate deposition of two complementary building blocks using layer-by-layer (LbL) assemblies. 3D nanoreaction clusters provide enhanced enzymatic activity compared with monolayered building block arrays. The approaches described here may provide new opportunities for fabricating functional nanostructures and nanoreaction clusters, leading to the development of new protein nanoparticle-based nanostructured biosensor devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyukjun Choi
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, South Korea
| | - Bongseo Choi
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, South Korea
| | - Gwang Joong Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, 1, Kangwondaehak-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, 24341, South Korea
| | - Han-Ul Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, 1, Kangwondaehak-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, 24341, South Korea
| | - Hansol Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, South Korea
| | - Hyun Suk Jung
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, 1, Kangwondaehak-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, 24341, South Korea
| | - Sebyung Kang
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, South Korea
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24
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Diaz D, Care A, Sunna A. Bioengineering Strategies for Protein-Based Nanoparticles. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:E370. [PMID: 30041491 PMCID: PMC6071185 DOI: 10.3390/genes9070370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the practical application of protein-based nanoparticles (PNPs) has expanded rapidly into areas like drug delivery, vaccine development, and biocatalysis. PNPs possess unique features that make them attractive as potential platforms for a variety of nanobiotechnological applications. They self-assemble from multiple protein subunits into hollow monodisperse structures; they are highly stable, biocompatible, and biodegradable; and their external components and encapsulation properties can be readily manipulated by chemical or genetic strategies. Moreover, their complex and perfect symmetry have motivated researchers to mimic their properties in order to create de novo protein assemblies. This review focuses on recent advances in the bioengineering and bioconjugation of PNPs and the implementation of synthetic biology concepts to exploit and enhance PNP's intrinsic properties and to impart them with novel functionalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Diaz
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Andrew Care
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Anwar Sunna
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
- Biomolecular Discovery and Design Research Centre, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
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25
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Wang S, Al-Soodani AT, Thomas GC, Buck-Koehntop BA, Woycechowsky KJ. A Protein-Capsid-Based System for Cell Delivery of Selenocysteine. Bioconjug Chem 2018; 29:2332-2342. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.8b00302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shuxin Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Aneesa T. Al-Soodani
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Geoffrey C. Thomas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Bethany A. Buck-Koehntop
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Kenneth J. Woycechowsky
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300072, China
- Department of Chemistry, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
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26
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Laboratory evolution of virus-like nucleocapsids from nonviral protein cages. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:5432-5437. [PMID: 29735682 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1800527115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses are remarkable nanomachines that efficiently hijack cellular functions to replicate and self-assemble their components within a complex biological environment. As all steps of the viral life cycle depend on formation of a protective proteinaceous shell that packages the DNA or RNA genome, bottom-up construction of virus-like nucleocapsids from nonviral materials could provide valuable insights into virion assembly and evolution. Such constructs could also serve as safe alternatives to natural viruses for diverse nano- and biotechnological applications. Here we show that artificial virus-like nucleocapsids can be generated-rapidly and surprisingly easily-by engineering and laboratory evolution of a nonviral protein cage formed by Aquifex aeolicus lumazine synthase (AaLS) and its encoding mRNA. Cationic peptides were appended to the engineered capsid proteins to enable specific recognition of packaging signals on cognate mRNAs, and subsequent evolutionary optimization afforded nucleocapsids with expanded spherical structures that encapsulate their own full-length RNA genome in vivo and protect the cargo molecules from nucleases. These findings provide strong experimental support for the hypothesis that subcellular protein-bounded compartments may have facilitated the emergence of ancient viruses.
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27
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Azuma Y, Edwardson TGW, Terasaka N, Hilvert D. Modular Protein Cages for Size-Selective RNA Packaging in Vivo. J Am Chem Soc 2018; 140:566-569. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.7b10798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Azuma
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Naohiro Terasaka
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Donald Hilvert
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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28
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Azuma Y, Herger M, Hilvert D. Diversification of Protein Cage Structure Using Circularly Permuted Subunits. J Am Chem Soc 2018; 140:558-561. [PMID: 29257675 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.7b10513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembling protein cages are useful as nanoscale molecular containers for diverse applications in biotechnology and medicine. To expand the utility of such systems, there is considerable interest in customizing the structures of natural cage-forming proteins and designing new ones. Here we report that a circularly permuted variant of lumazine synthase, a cage-forming enzyme from Aquifex aeolicus (AaLS) affords versatile building blocks for the construction of nanocompartments that can be easily produced, tailored, and diversified. The topologically altered protein, cpAaLS, self-assembles into spherical and tubular cage structures with morphologies that can be controlled by the length of the linker connecting the native termini. Moreover, cpAaLS proteins integrate into wild-type and other engineered AaLS assemblies by coproduction in Escherichia coli to form patchwork cages. This coassembly strategy enables encapsulation of guest proteins in the lumen, modification of the exterior through genetic fusion, and tuning of the size and electrostatics of the compartments. This addition to the family of AaLS cages broadens the scope of this system for further applications and highlights the utility of circular permutation as a potentially general strategy for tailoring the properties of cage-forming proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Azuma
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich , 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Herger
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich , 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Donald Hilvert
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich , 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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29
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Azuma Y, Edwardson TGW, Hilvert D. Tailoring lumazine synthase assemblies for bionanotechnology. Chem Soc Rev 2018; 47:3543-3557. [DOI: 10.1039/c8cs00154e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The cage-forming protein lumazine synthase is readily modified, evolved and assembled with other components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Azuma
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry
- ETH Zurich
- 8093 Zurich
- Switzerland
| | | | - Donald Hilvert
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry
- ETH Zurich
- 8093 Zurich
- Switzerland
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30
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Choi B, Kim H, Choi H, Kang S. Protein Cage Nanoparticles as Delivery Nanoplatforms. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1064:27-43. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-0445-3_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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31
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Wei Y, Wahome N, Kumar P, Whitaker N, Picking WL, Middaugh CR. Effect of Phosphate Ion on the Structure of Lumazine Synthase, an Antigen Presentation System From Bacillus anthracis. J Pharm Sci 2017; 107:814-823. [PMID: 29045884 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2017.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Lumazine synthase (LS) is an oligomeric enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of riboflavin in microorganisms, fungi, and plants. LS has become of significant interest to biomedical science because of its critical biological role and attractive structural properties for antigen presentation in vaccines. LS derived from Bacillus anthracis (BaLS) consists of 60 identical subunits forming an icosahedron. Its crystal structure has been solved, but its dynamic conformational properties have not yet been studied. We investigated the conformation of BaLS in response to different stress conditions (e.g., chemical denaturants, pH, and temperature) using a variety of biophysical techniques. The physical basis for these thermal transitions was studied, indicating that a molten globular state was present during chemical unfolding by guanidine HCl. In addition, BaLS showed 2 distinct thermal transitions in phosphate-containing buffers. The first transition was due to the dissociation of phosphate ions from BaLS and the second one came from the dissociation and conformational alteration of its icosahedral structure. A small conformational alteration was induced by the binding/dissociation of phosphate ions to BaLS. This work provides a closer view of the conformational behavior of BaLS and provides important information for the formulation of vaccines which use this protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangjie Wei
- Macromolecule and Vaccine Stabilization Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 2030 Becker Drive, Lawrence, Kansas 66047; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 2030 Becker Drive, Lawrence, Kansas 66047
| | - Newton Wahome
- Macromolecule and Vaccine Stabilization Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 2030 Becker Drive, Lawrence, Kansas 66047; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 2030 Becker Drive, Lawrence, Kansas 66047
| | - Prashant Kumar
- Macromolecule and Vaccine Stabilization Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 2030 Becker Drive, Lawrence, Kansas 66047; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 2030 Becker Drive, Lawrence, Kansas 66047
| | - Neal Whitaker
- Macromolecule and Vaccine Stabilization Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 2030 Becker Drive, Lawrence, Kansas 66047; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 2030 Becker Drive, Lawrence, Kansas 66047
| | - Wendy L Picking
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 2030 Becker Drive, Lawrence, Kansas 66047
| | - C Russell Middaugh
- Macromolecule and Vaccine Stabilization Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 2030 Becker Drive, Lawrence, Kansas 66047; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 2030 Becker Drive, Lawrence, Kansas 66047.
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32
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Wei Y, Wahome N, VanSlyke G, Whitaker N, Kumar P, Barta ML, Picking WL, Volkin DB, Mantis NJ, Middaugh CR. Evaluation of lumazine synthase from Bacillus anthracis as a presentation platform for polyvalent antigen display. Protein Sci 2017; 26:2059-2072. [PMID: 28736824 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Revised: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Polyvalent antigen display is an effective strategy to enhance the immunogenicity of subunit vaccines by clustering them in an array-like manner on a scaffold system. This strategy results in a higher local density of antigens, increased high avidity interactions with B cells and other antigen presenting cells, and therefore a more effective presentation of vaccine antigens. In this study, we used lumazine synthase (LS), an icosahedral symmetry capsid derived from Bacillus anthracis, as a scaffold to present 60 copies of a linear B cell epitope (PB10) from the ricin toxin fused to the C terminus of LS via four different linkers. We then investigated the effects of linker length, linker rigidity and formaldehyde crosslinking on the protein assembly, conformational integrity, thermal stability, in vitro antibody binding, and immunogenicity in mice. Fusion of the PB10 peptide onto LS, with varying linker lengths, did not affect protein assembly, thermal stability or exposure of the epitope, but had a minor impact on protein conformation. Formaldehyde crosslinking considerably improved protein thermal stability with only minor impact on protein conformation. All LS_PB10 constructs, when administered to mice by injection without adjuvant, elicited measurable anti-ricin serum IgG titers, although the titers were not sufficient to confer protection against a 10× lethal dose ricin challenge. This work sheds light on the biophysical properties, immunogenicity and potential feasibility of LS from B. anthracis as a scaffold system for polyvalent antigen display.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangjie Wei
- Macromolecule and Vaccine Stabilization Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, 66047.,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, 66047
| | - Newton Wahome
- Macromolecule and Vaccine Stabilization Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, 66047.,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, 66047
| | - Greta VanSlyke
- Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, 12208
| | - Neal Whitaker
- Macromolecule and Vaccine Stabilization Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, 66047.,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, 66047
| | - Prashant Kumar
- Macromolecule and Vaccine Stabilization Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, 66047.,Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, 12208
| | - Michael L Barta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, 66047
| | - Wendy L Picking
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, 66047
| | - David B Volkin
- Macromolecule and Vaccine Stabilization Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, 66047.,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, 66047
| | - Nicholas J Mantis
- Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York, 12208
| | - C Russell Middaugh
- Macromolecule and Vaccine Stabilization Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, 66047.,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, 66047
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33
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Azuma Y, Zschoche R, Hilvert D. The C-terminal peptide of Aquifex aeolicus riboflavin synthase directs encapsulation of native and foreign guests by a cage-forming lumazine synthase. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:10321-10327. [PMID: 28515315 PMCID: PMC5481547 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.c117.790311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Encapsulation of specific enzymes in self-assembling protein cages is a hallmark of bacterial compartments that function as counterparts to eukaryotic organelles. The cage-forming enzyme lumazine synthase (LS) from Bacillus subtilis (BsLS), for example, encapsulates riboflavin synthase (BsRS), enabling channeling of lumazine from the site of its generation to the site of its conversion to vitamin B2 Elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the assembly of these supramolecular complexes could help inform new approaches for metabolic engineering, nanotechnology, and drug delivery. To that end, we investigated a thermostable LS from Aquifex aeolicus (AaLS) and found that it also forms cage complexes with the cognate riboflavin synthase (AaRS) when both proteins are co-produced in the cytosol of Escherichia coli A 12-amino acid-long peptide at the C terminus of AaRS serves as a specific localization sequence responsible for targeting the guest to the protein compartment. Sequence comparisons suggested that analogous peptide segments likely direct RS complexation by LS cages in other bacterial species. Covalent fusion of this peptide tag to heterologous guest molecules led to their internalization into AaLS assemblies both in vivo and in vitro, providing a firm foundation for creating tailored biomimetic nanocompartments for medical and biotechnological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Azuma
- From the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Reinhard Zschoche
- From the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Donald Hilvert
- From the Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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34
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Bioengineered protein-based nanocage for drug delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2016; 106:157-171. [PMID: 26994591 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Revised: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Nature, in its wonders, presents and assembles the most intricate and delicate protein structures and this remarkable phenomenon occurs in all kingdom and phyla of life. Of these proteins, cage-like multimeric proteins provide spatial control to biological processes and also compartmentalizes compounds that may be toxic or unstable and avoids their contact with the environment. Protein-based nanocages are of particular interest because of their potential applicability as drug delivery carriers and their perfect and complex symmetry and ideal physical properties, which have stimulated researchers to engineer, modify or mimic these qualities. This article reviews various existing types of protein-based nanocages that are used for therapeutic purposes, and outlines their drug-loading mechanisms and bioengineering strategies via genetic and chemical functionalization. Through a critical evaluation of recent advances in protein nanocage-based drug delivery in vitro and in vivo, an outlook for de novo and in silico nanocage design, and also protein-based nanocage preclinical and future clinical applications will be presented.
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35
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Choi B, Moon H, Hong SJ, Shin C, Do Y, Ryu S, Kang S. Effective Delivery of Antigen-Encapsulin Nanoparticle Fusions to Dendritic Cells Leads to Antigen-Specific Cytotoxic T Cell Activation and Tumor Rejection. ACS NANO 2016; 10:7339-50. [PMID: 27390910 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.5b08084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
In cancer immunotherapy, robust and efficient activation of cytotoxic CD8(+) T cell immune responses is a promising, but challenging task. Dendritic cells (DCs) are well-known professional antigen presenting cells that initiate and regulate antigen-specific cytotoxic CD8(+) T cells that kill their target cells directly as well as secrete IFN-γ, a cytokine critical in tumor rejection. Here, we employed recently established protein cage nanoparticles, encapsulin (Encap), as antigenic peptide nanocarriers by genetically incorporating the OT-1 peptide of ovalbumin (OVA) protein to the three different positions of the Encap subunit. With them, we evaluated their efficacy in activating DC-mediated antigen-specific T cell cytotoxicity and consequent melanoma tumor rejection in vivo. DCs efficiently engulfed Encap and its variants (OT-1-Encaps), which carry antigenic peptides at different positions, and properly processed them within phagosomes. Delivered OT-1 peptides were effectively presented by DCs to naïve CD8(+) T cells successfully, resulting in the proliferation of antigen-specific cytotoxic CD8(+) T cells. OT-1-Encap vaccinations in B16-OVA melanoma tumor bearing mice effectively activated OT-1 peptide specific cytotoxic CD8(+) T cells before or even after tumor generation, resulting in significant suppression of tumor growth in prophylactic as well as therapeutic treatments. A large number of cytotoxic CD8(+) T cells that actively produce both intracellular and secretory IFN-γ were observed in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes collected from B16-OVA tumor masses originally vaccinated with OT-1-Encap-C upon tumor challenges. The approaches we describe herein may provide opportunities to develop epitope-dependent vaccination systems that stimulate and/or modulate efficient and epitope-specific cytotoxic T cell immune responses in nonpathogenic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bongseo Choi
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) , Ulsan, 689-798, Korea
| | - Hyojin Moon
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) , Ulsan, 689-798, Korea
| | - Sung Joon Hong
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) , Ulsan, 689-798, Korea
| | - Changsik Shin
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) , Ulsan, 689-798, Korea
| | - Yoonkyung Do
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) , Ulsan, 689-798, Korea
| | - Seongho Ryu
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science (SIMS), Soonchunhyang University , Cheonan, 336-745, Korea
| | - Sebyung Kang
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) , Ulsan, 689-798, Korea
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36
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Lee J, Song EK, Bae Y, Min J, Rhee HW, Park TJ, Kim M, Kang S. An enhanced ascorbate peroxidase 2/antibody-binding domain fusion protein (APEX2-ABD) as a recombinant target-specific signal amplifier. Chem Commun (Camb) 2016; 51:10945-8. [PMID: 26063640 DOI: 10.1039/c5cc02409a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A recombinant target-specific signal amplifier was constructed by genetically fusing the enhanced ascorbate peroxidase 2 (APEX2) and an antibody-binding domain (ABD). The fusion protein APEX2-ABD possessed the peroxidase activity and the antibody-binding capability simultaneously and replaced the conventional HRP-conjugated secondary antibodies in a TSA assay for amplifying fluorescence signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jisu Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 689-798, Korea.
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37
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Kim H, Kang YJ, Min J, Choi H, Kang S. Development of an antibody-binding modular nanoplatform for antibody-guided targeted cell imaging and delivery. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra00233a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A polyvalent antibody-binding lumazine synthase protein cage nanoparticle (ABD–AaLS) is constructed by genetically fusing lumazine synthase and antibody-binding domains. ABD–AaLS effectively displays targeting antibodies in an orientation-controlled manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hansol Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences
- School of Life Sciences
- Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)
- Ulsan
- Korea
| | - Young Ji Kang
- Department of Biological Sciences
- School of Life Sciences
- Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)
- Ulsan
- Korea
| | - Junseon Min
- Department of Biological Sciences
- School of Life Sciences
- Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)
- Ulsan
- Korea
| | - Hyeokjune Choi
- Department of Biological Sciences
- School of Life Sciences
- Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)
- Ulsan
- Korea
| | - Sebyung Kang
- Department of Biological Sciences
- School of Life Sciences
- Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)
- Ulsan
- Korea
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38
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Moon H, Bae Y, Kim H, Kang S. Plug-and-playable fluorescent cell imaging modular toolkits using the bacterial superglue, SpyTag/SpyCatcher. Chem Commun (Camb) 2016; 52:14051-14054. [DOI: 10.1039/c6cc07363h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Simple plug-and-playable fluorescent cell imaging modular toolkits are established and target cells are visualized with selective colors on demand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyojin Moon
- Department of Biological Sciences
- School of Life Sciences
- Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)
- Ulsan
- Korea
| | - Yoonji Bae
- Department of Biological Sciences
- School of Life Sciences
- Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)
- Ulsan
- Korea
| | - Hansol Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences
- School of Life Sciences
- Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)
- Ulsan
- Korea
| | - Sebyung Kang
- Department of Biological Sciences
- School of Life Sciences
- Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST)
- Ulsan
- Korea
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39
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Zschoche R, Hilvert D. Diffusion-Limited Cargo Loading of an Engineered Protein Container. J Am Chem Soc 2015; 137:16121-32. [PMID: 26637019 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.5b10588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The engineered bacterial nanocompartment AaLS-13 is a promising artificial encapsulation system that exploits electrostatic interactions for cargo loading. In order to study its ability to take up and retain guests, a pair of fluorescent proteins was developed which allows spectroscopic determination of the extent of encapsulation by Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). The encapsulation process is generally complete within a second, suggesting low energetic barriers for proteins to cross the capsid shell. Formation of intermediate aggregates upon mixing host and guest in vitro complicates capsid loading at low ionic strength, but can be sidestepped by increasing salt concentrations or diluting the components. Encapsulation of guests is completely reversible, and the position of the equilibrium is easily tuned by varying the ionic strength. These results, which challenge the notion that AaLS-13 is a continuous rigid shell, provide valuable information about cargo loading that will guide ongoing efforts to engineer functional host-guest complexes. Moreover, it should be possible to adapt the protein FRET pair described in this report to characterize functional capsid-cargo complexes generated by other encapsulation systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhard Zschoche
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zürich , 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Donald Hilvert
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, ETH Zürich , 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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40
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Song Y, Kang YJ, Jung H, Kim H, Kang S, Cho H. Lumazine Synthase Protein Nanoparticle-Gd(III)-DOTA Conjugate as a T1 contrast agent for high-field MRI. Sci Rep 2015; 5:15656. [PMID: 26493381 PMCID: PMC4616051 DOI: 10.1038/srep15656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
With the applications of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at higher magnetic fields increasing, there is demand for MRI contrast agents with improved relaxivity at higher magnetic fields. Macromolecule-based contrast agents, such as protein-based ones, are known to yield significantly higher r1 relaxivity at low fields, but tend to lose this merit when used as T1 contrast agents (r1/r2 = 0.5 ~ 1), with their r1 decreasing and r2 increasing as magnetic field strength increases. Here, we developed and characterized an in vivo applicable magnetic resonance (MR) positive contrast agent by conjugating Gd(III)-chelating agent complexes to lumazine synthase isolated from Aquifex aeolicus (AaLS). The r1 relaxivity of Gd(III)-DOTA-AaLS-R108C was 16.49 mM(-1)s(-1) and its r1/r2 ratio was 0.52 at the magnetic field strength of 7 T. The results of 3D MR angiography demonstrated the feasibility of vasculature imaging within 2 h of intravenous injection of the agent and a significant reduction in T1 values were observed in the tumor region 7 h post-injection in the SCC-7 flank tumor model. Our findings suggest that Gd(III)-DOTA-AaLS-R108C could serve as a potential theranostic nanoplatform at high magnetic field strength.
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Affiliation(s)
- YoungKyu Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, South Korea
| | - Young Ji Kang
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Science, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, South Korea
| | - Hoesu Jung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, South Korea
| | - Hansol Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Science, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, South Korea
| | - Sebyung Kang
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Science, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, South Korea
| | - HyungJoon Cho
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, South Korea
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Moon H, Lee J, Kim H, Heo S, Min J, Kang S. Genetically engineering encapsulin protein cage nanoparticle as a SCC-7 cell targeting optical nanoprobe. Biomater Res 2014; 18:21. [PMID: 26331071 PMCID: PMC4552281 DOI: 10.1186/2055-7124-18-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protein cage nanoparticles are promising nanoplatform candidates for efficient delivery systems of diagnostics and/or therapeutics because of their uniform size and structure as well as high biocompatibility and biodegradability. Encapsulin protein cage nanoparticle is used to develop a cell-specific targeting optical nanoprobe. RESULTS FcBPs are genetically inserted and successfully displayed on the surface of encapsulin to form FcBP-encapsulin. Selectively binding of FcBP-encapsulin to SCC-7 is visualized with fluorescent microscopy. CONCLUSIONS Encapsulin protein cage nanoparticle is robust enough to maintain their structure at high temperature and easily acquires multifunctions on demand through the combination of genetic and chemical modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyojin Moon
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 689-798 South Korea
| | - Jisu Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 689-798 South Korea
| | - Hansol Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 689-798 South Korea
| | - Somin Heo
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 689-798 South Korea
| | - Junseon Min
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 689-798 South Korea
| | - Sebyung Kang
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, 689-798 South Korea
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