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Nguyen HM, Watanabe S, Sharmin S, Kawaguchi T, Tan XE, Wannigama DL, Cui L. RNA and Single-Stranded DNA Phages: Unveiling the Promise from the Underexplored World of Viruses. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17029. [PMID: 38069353 PMCID: PMC10707117 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) phages make up an understudied subset of bacteriophages that have been rapidly expanding in the last decade thanks to advancements in metaviromics. Since their discovery, applications of genetic engineering to ssDNA and RNA phages have revealed their immense potential for diverse applications in healthcare and biotechnology. In this review, we explore the past and present applications of this underexplored group of phages, particularly their current usage as therapeutic agents against multidrug-resistant bacteria. We also discuss engineering techniques such as recombinant expression, CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing, and synthetic rebooting of phage-like particles for their role in tailoring phages for disease treatment, imaging, biomaterial development, and delivery systems. Recent breakthroughs in RNA phage engineering techniques are especially highlighted. We conclude with a perspective on challenges and future prospects, emphasizing the untapped diversity of ssDNA and RNA phages and their potential to revolutionize biotechnology and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huong Minh Nguyen
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke 329-0498, Tochigi, Japan; (H.M.N.); (S.W.); (S.S.); (T.K.); (X.-E.T.)
| | - Shinya Watanabe
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke 329-0498, Tochigi, Japan; (H.M.N.); (S.W.); (S.S.); (T.K.); (X.-E.T.)
| | - Sultana Sharmin
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke 329-0498, Tochigi, Japan; (H.M.N.); (S.W.); (S.S.); (T.K.); (X.-E.T.)
| | - Tomofumi Kawaguchi
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke 329-0498, Tochigi, Japan; (H.M.N.); (S.W.); (S.S.); (T.K.); (X.-E.T.)
| | - Xin-Ee Tan
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke 329-0498, Tochigi, Japan; (H.M.N.); (S.W.); (S.S.); (T.K.); (X.-E.T.)
| | - Dhammika Leshan Wannigama
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Yamagata Prefectural Central Hospital, Yamagata 990-2292, Yamagata, Japan;
| | - Longzhu Cui
- Division of Bacteriology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke 329-0498, Tochigi, Japan; (H.M.N.); (S.W.); (S.S.); (T.K.); (X.-E.T.)
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Zhu H, Luo H, Chang R, Yang Y, Liu D, Ji Y, Qin H, Rong H, Yin J. Protein-based delivery systems for RNA delivery. J Control Release 2023; 363:253-274. [PMID: 37741460 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
RNA-based therapeutics have emerged as promising approaches to modulate gene expression and generate therapeutic proteins or antigens capable of inducing immune responses to treat a variety of diseases, such as infectious diseases, cancers, immunologic disorders, and genetic disorders. However, the efficient delivery of RNA molecules into cells poses significant challenges due to their large molecular weight, negative charge, and susceptibility to degradation by RNase enzymes. To overcome these obstacles, viral and non-viral vectors have been developed, including lipid nanoparticles, viral vectors, proteins, dendritic macromolecules, among others. Among these carriers, protein-based delivery systems have garnered considerable attention due to their potential to address specific issues associated with nanoparticle-based systems, such as liver accumulation and immunogenicity. This review provides an overview of currently marketed RNA drugs, underscores the significance of RNA delivery vector development, delineates the essential characteristics of an ideal RNA delivery vector, and introduces existing protein carriers for RNA delivery. By offering valuable insights, this review aims to serve as a reference for the future development of protein-based delivery vectors for RNA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haichao Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hong Luo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ruilong Chang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yifan Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Dingkang Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yue Ji
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hai Qin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital Guizhou Hospital, No. 206, Sixian Street, Baiyun District, Guiyang City 550014, Guizhou Province, China.
| | - Haibo Rong
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Jun Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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Carboni F, Cozzi R, Romagnoli G, Tuscano G, Balocchi C, Buffi G, Bodini M, Brettoni C, Giusti F, Marchi S, Brogioni G, Brogioni B, Cinelli P, Cappelli L, Nocciolini C, Senesi S, Facciotti C, Frigimelica E, Fabbrini M, Stranges D, Savino S, Maione D, Adamo R, Wizel B, Margarit I, Romano MR. Proof of concept for a single-dose Group B Streptococcus vaccine based on capsular polysaccharide conjugated to Qβ virus-like particles. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:152. [PMID: 37803013 PMCID: PMC10558462 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00744-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A maternal vaccine to protect neonates against Group B Streptococcus invasive infection is an unmet medical need. Such a vaccine should ideally be offered during the third trimester of pregnancy and induce strong immune responses after a single dose to maximize the time for placental transfer of protective antibodies. A key target antigen is the capsular polysaccharide, an anti-phagocytic virulence factor that elicits protective antibodies when conjugated to carrier proteins. The most prevalent polysaccharide serotypes conjugated to tetanus or diphtheria toxoids have been tested in humans as monovalent and multivalent formulations, showing excellent safety profiles and immunogenicity. However, responses were suboptimal in unprimed individuals after a single shot, the ideal schedule for vaccination during the third trimester of pregnancy. In the present study, we obtained and optimized self-assembling virus-like particles conjugated to Group B Streptococcus capsular polysaccharides. The resulting glyco-nanoparticles elicited strong immune responses in mice already after one immunization, providing pre-clinical proof of concept for a single-dose vaccine.
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Tan JS, Jaffar Ali MNB, Gan BK, Tan WS. Next-generation viral nanoparticles for targeted delivery of therapeutics: Fundamentals, methods, biomedical applications, and challenges. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:955-978. [PMID: 37339432 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2228202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Viral nanoparticles (VNPs) are virus-based nanocarriers that have been studied extensively and intensively for biomedical applications. However, their clinical translation is relatively low compared to the predominating lipid-based nanoparticles. Therefore, this article describes the fundamentals, challenges, and solutions of the VNP-based platform, which will leverage the development of next-generation VNPs. AREAS COVERED Different types of VNPs and their biomedical applications are reviewed comprehensively. Strategies and approaches for cargo loading and targeted delivery of VNPs are examined thoroughly. The latest developments in controlled release of cargoes from VNPs and their mechanisms are highlighted too. The challenges faced by VNPs in biomedical applications are identified, and solutions are provided to overcome them. EXPERT OPINION In the development of next-generation VNPs for gene therapy, bioimaging and therapeutic deliveries, focus must be given to reduce their immunogenicity, and increase their stability in the circulatory system. Modular virus-like particles (VLPs) which are produced separately from their cargoes or ligands before all the components are coupled can speed up clinical trials and commercialization. In addition, removal of contaminants from VNPs, cargo delivery across the blood brain barrier (BBB), and targeting of VNPs to organelles intracellularly are challenges that will preoccupy researchers in this decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Sen Tan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhamad Norizwan Bin Jaffar Ali
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Bee Koon Gan
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wen Siang Tan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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Pang HH, Huang CY, Chen PY, Li NS, Hsu YP, Wu JK, Fan HF, Wei KC, Yang HW. Bioengineered Bacteriophage-Like Nanoparticles as RNAi Therapeutics to Enhance Radiotherapy against Glioblastomas. ACS NANO 2023; 17:10407-10422. [PMID: 37120837 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c01102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Since glioblastomas (GBMs) are radioresistant malignancies and most GBM recurrences occur in radiotherapy, increasing the effectiveness of radiotherapy by gene-silencing has recently attracted attention. However, the difficulty in precisely tuning the composition and RNA loading in nanoparticles leads to batch-to-batch variations of the RNA therapeutics, thus significantly restricting their clinical translation. Here, we bioengineer bacteriophage Qβ particles with a designed broccoli light-up three-way junction (b-3WJ) RNA scaffold (contains two siRNA/miRNA sequences and one light-up aptamer) packaging for the silencing of genes in radioresistant GBM cells. The in vitro results demonstrate that the cleavage of de novo designed b-3WJ RNA by Dicer enzyme can be easily monitored in real-time using fluorescence microscopy, and the TrQβ@b-3WJLet-7gsiEGFR successfully knocks down EGFR and IKKα simultaneously and thereby inactivates NF-κB signaling to inhibit DNA repair. Delivery of TrQβ@b-3WJLet-7gsiEGFR through convection-enhanced delivery (CED) infusion followed by 2Gy X-ray irradiation demonstrated that the median survival was prolonged to over 60 days compared with the 2Gy X-ray irradiated group (median survival: 31 days). Altogether, the results of this study could be critical for the design of RNAi-based genetic therapeutics, and CED infusion serves as a powerful delivery system for promoting radiotherapy against GBMs without evidence of systemic toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Han Pang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, University Rd., Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Yin Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neuroscience Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, 5 Fuxing St., Guishan Dist., Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Yuan Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neuroscience Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, 5 Fuxing St., Guishan Dist., Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, 259 Wenhua 1st Rd., Guishan Dist., Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, 222 Maijin Rd., Keelung 20401, Taiwan
| | - Nan-Si Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, University Rd., Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Pei Hsu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, University Rd., Tainan 70101, Taiwan
- Department of Materials and Optoelectronic Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, 70 Lienhai Rd., Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
| | - Jan-Kai Wu
- Department of Chemistry, National Sun Yat-sen University, 70 Lienhai Rd., Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Fang Fan
- Department of Chemistry, National Sun Yat-sen University, 70 Lienhai Rd., Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
- Institute of Medical Science and Technology, National Sun Yat-sen University, 70 Lienhai Rd., Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chen Wei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neuroscience Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, 5 Fuxing St., Guishan Dist., Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, 259 Wenhua 1st Rd., Guishan Dist., Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
- Department of Neurosurgery, New Taipei Municipal TuCheng Hospital, 6, Sec 2, JunCheng Rd., New Taipei City 23652, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Wei Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, University Rd., Tainan 70101, Taiwan
- Medical Device Innovation Center, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, University Rd., Tainan 70101, Taiwan
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Trashi I, Durbacz MZ, Trashi O, Wijesundara YH, Ehrman RN, Chiev AC, Darwin CB, Herbert FC, Gadhvi J, De Nisco NJ, Nielsen SO, Gassensmith JJ. Self-assembly of a fluorescent virus-like particle for imaging in tissues with high autofluorescence. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:4445-4452. [PMID: 37144595 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb00469d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are engineered nanoparticles that mimic the properties of viruses-like high tolerance to heat and proteases-but lack a viral genome, making them non-infectious. They are easily modified chemically and genetically, making them useful in drug delivery, enhancing vaccine efficacy, gene delivery, and cancer immunotherapy. One such VLP is Qβ, which has an affinity towards an RNA hairpin structure found in its viral RNA that drives the self-assembly of the capsid. It is possible to usurp the native way infectious Qβ self-assembles to encapsidate its RNA to place enzymes inside the VLP's lumen as a protease-resistant cage. Further, using RNA templates that mimic the natural self-assembly of the native capsid, fluorescent proteins (FPs) have been placed inside VLPs in a "one pot" expression system. Autofluorescence in tissues can lead to misinterpretation of results and unreliable science, so we created a single-pot expression system that uses the fluorescent protein smURFP, which avoids autofluorescence and has spectral properties compatible with standard commercial filter sets on confocal microscopes. In this work, we were able to simplify the existing "one-pot" expression system while creating high-yielding fluorescent VLP nanoparticles that could easily be imaged inside lung epithelial tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikeda Trashi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, USA.
| | - Mateusz Z Durbacz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Orikeda Trashi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, USA.
| | - Yalini H Wijesundara
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, USA.
| | - Ryanne N Ehrman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, USA.
| | - Alyssa C Chiev
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, USA.
| | - Cary B Darwin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, USA.
| | - Fabian C Herbert
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, USA.
| | - Jashkaran Gadhvi
- Department of Biological Science, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, USA
| | - Nicole J De Nisco
- Department of Biological Science, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, USA
| | - Steven O Nielsen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, USA.
| | - Jeremiah J Gassensmith
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, USA
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Wijesundara YH, Herbert FC, Kumari S, Howlett T, Koirala S, Trashi O, Trashi I, Al-Kharji NM, Gassensmith JJ. Rip it, stitch it, click it: A Chemist's guide to VLP manipulation. Virology 2022; 577:105-123. [PMID: 36343470 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2022.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Viruses are some of nature's most ubiquitous self-assembled molecular containers. Evolutionary pressures have created some incredibly robust, thermally, and enzymatically resistant carriers to transport delicate genetic information safely. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are human-engineered non-infectious systems that inherit the parent virus' ability to self-assemble under controlled conditions while being non-infectious. VLPs and plant-based viral nanoparticles are becoming increasingly popular in medicine as their self-assembly properties are exploitable for applications ranging from diagnostic tools to targeted drug delivery. Understanding the basic structure and principles underlying the assembly of higher-order structures has allowed researchers to disassemble (rip it), reassemble (stitch it), and functionalize (click it) these systems on demand. This review focuses on the current toolbox of strategies developed to manipulate these systems by ripping, stitching, and clicking to create new technologies in the biomedical space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalini H Wijesundara
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Fabian C Herbert
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Sneha Kumari
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Thomas Howlett
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Shailendra Koirala
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Orikeda Trashi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Ikeda Trashi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Noora M Al-Kharji
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX, 75080, USA
| | - Jeremiah J Gassensmith
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX, 75080, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell Rd. Richardson, TX, 75080, USA.
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8
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Ma XY, Hill BD, Hoang T, Wen F. Virus-inspired strategies for cancer therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:1143-1157. [PMID: 34182141 PMCID: PMC8710185 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The intentional use of viruses for cancer therapy dates back over a century. As viruses are inherently immunogenic and naturally optimized delivery vehicles, repurposing viruses for drug delivery, tumor antigen presentation, or selective replication in cancer cells represents a simple and elegant approach to cancer treatment. While early virotherapy was fraught with harsh side effects and low response rates, virus-based therapies have recently seen a resurgence due to newfound abilities to engineer and tune oncolytic viruses, virus-like particles, and virus-mimicking nanoparticles for improved safety and efficacy. However, despite their great potential, very few virus-based therapies have made it through clinical trials. In this review, we present an overview of virus-inspired approaches for cancer therapy, discuss engineering strategies to enhance their mechanisms of action, and highlight their application for overcoming the challenges of traditional cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Yin Ma
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Brett D Hill
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Trang Hoang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Fei Wen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
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Valentic A, Müller J, Hubbuch J. Effects of Different Lengths of a Nucleic Acid Binding Region and Bound Nucleic Acids on the Phase Behavior and Purification Process of HBcAg Virus-Like Particles. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:929243. [PMID: 35845397 PMCID: PMC9283707 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.929243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are macromolecular structures with great potential as vehicles for the targeted administration of functional molecules. Loaded with nucleic acids, VLPs are a promising approach for nanocarriers needed for gene therapy. There is broad knowledge of the manufacturing of the truncated wild-type lacking a nucleic acid binding region, which is mainly being investigated for vaccine applications. Whereas for their potential application as a nanocarrier for gene therapy, hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) VLPs with a nucleic acid binding region for efficient cargo-loading are being investigated. VLP structure, loading, and phase behavior are of central importance to their therapeutic efficacy and thereby considerably affecting the production process. Therefore, HBcAg VLPs with different lengths of the nucleic acid binding region were produced in E. coli. VLP attributes such as size, zeta potential, and loading with host cell-derived nucleic acids were evaluated. Capsid’s size and zeta potential of the VLP constructs did not differ remarkably, whereas the analysis of the loading with host cell-derived nucleic acids revealed strong differences in the binding of host cell-derived nucleic acids dependent on the length of the binding region of the constructs, with a non-linear correlation but a two-zone behavior. Moreover, the phase behavior and purification process of the HBcAg VLPs as a function of the liquid phase conditions and the presence of host cell-derived nucleic acids were investigated. Selective VLP precipitation using ammonium sulfate was scarcely affected by the encapsulated nucleic acids. However, the disassembly reaction, which is crucial for structure homogeneity, separation of encapsulated impurities, and effective loading of the VLPs with therapeutic nucleic acids, was affected both by the studied liquid phase conditions, varying pH and concentration of reducing agents, and the different VLP constructs and amount of bound nucleic acids, respectively. Thereby, capsid-stabilizing effects of the bound nucleic acids and capsid-destabilizing effects of the nucleic acid binding region were observed, following the two-zone behavior of the construct’s loading, and a resulting correlation between the capsid stability and disassembly yields could be derived.
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10
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Lee SS, Kim S, Yoo HM, Lee DH, Bae YK. Development of SARS-CoV-2 packaged RNA reference material for nucleic acid testing. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:1773-1785. [PMID: 34958396 PMCID: PMC8711077 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-021-03846-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Nucleic acid tests to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus have been performed worldwide since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. For the quality assessment of testing laboratories and the performance evaluation of molecular diagnosis products, reference materials (RMs) are required. In this work, we report the production of a lentiviral SARS-CoV-2 RM containing approximately 12 kilobases of its genome including common diagnostics targets such as RdRp, N, E, and S genes. The RM was measured with multiple assays using two different digital PCR platforms. To measure the homogeneity and stability of the lentiviral SARS-CoV-2 RM, reverse transcription droplet digital PCR (RT-ddPCR) was used with in-house duplex assays. The copy number concentration of each target gene in the extracted RNA solution was then converted to that of the RM solution. Their copy number values are measured to be from 1.5 × 105 to 2.0 × 105 copies/mL. The RM has a between-bottle homogeneity of 4.80-8.23% and is stable at 4 °C for 1 week and at -70 °C for 6 months. The lentiviral SARS-CoV-2 RM closely mimics real samples that undergo identical pre-analytical processes for SARS-CoV-2 molecular testing. By offering accurate reference values for the absolute copy number of viral target genes, the developed RM can be used to improve the reliability of SARS-CoV-2 molecular testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Soo Lee
- Bio-Metrology Group, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, 267 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Seil Kim
- Bio-Metrology Group, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, 267 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
- Department of Bio-Analytical Science, University of Science & Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Korea
- Convergent Research Center for Emerging Virus Infection, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, 34114, Korea
| | - Hee Min Yoo
- Bio-Metrology Group, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, 267 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
- Department of Bio-Analytical Science, University of Science & Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Korea
| | - Da-Hye Lee
- Bio-Metrology Group, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, 267 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea.
| | - Young-Kyung Bae
- Bio-Metrology Group, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, 267 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea.
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and Technology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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11
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Chan SK, Du P, Ignacio C, Mehta S, Newton IG, Steinmetz NF. Virus-Like Particles as Positive Controls for COVID-19 RT-LAMP Diagnostic Assays. Biomacromolecules 2021; 22:1231-1243. [PMID: 33539086 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c01727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) is a rapid and inexpensive isothermal alternative to the current gold standard reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, unlike RT-qPCR, there are no consensus detection regions or optimal RT-LAMP methods, and most protocols do not include internal controls to ensure reliability. Naked RNAs, plasmids, or even RNA from infectious COVID-19 patients have been used as external positive controls for RT-LAMP assays, but such reagents lack the stability required for full-process control. To overcome the lack of proper internal and external positive controls and the instability of the detection RNA, we developed virus-like particles (VLPs) using bacteriophage Qβ and plant virus cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV) for the encapsidation of target RNA, namely a so-called SARS-CoV-2 LAMP detection module (SLDM). The target RNA is a truncated segment of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) gene and human RNase P gene (internal control) as positive controls for RT-qPCR and RT-LAMP. Target RNAs stably encapsidated in Qβ and CCMV VLPs were previously shown to function as full-process controls in RT-qPCR assays, and here we show that SLDMs can fulfill the same function for RT-LAMP and swab-to-test (direct RT-LAMP with heat lysis) assays. The SLDM was validated in a clinical setting, highlighting the promise of VLPs as positive controls for molecular assays.
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Chan SK, Du P, Ignacio C, Mehta S, Newton IG, Steinmetz NF. Biomimetic Virus-Like Particles as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Diagnostic Tools. ACS NANO 2021; 15:1259-1272. [PMID: 33237727 PMCID: PMC7724985 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c08430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly transmissible disease that has affected more than 90% of the countries worldwide. At least 17 million individuals have been infected, and some countries are still battling first or second waves of the pandemic. Nucleic acid tests, especially reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), have become the workhorse for early detection of COVID-19 infection. Positive controls for the molecular assays have been developed to validate each test and to provide high accuracy. However, most available positive controls require cold-chain distribution and cannot serve as full-process control. To overcome these shortcomings, we report the production of biomimetic virus-like particles (VLPs) as SARS-CoV-2 positive controls. A SARS-CoV-2 detection module for RT-PCR was encapsidated into VLPs from a bacteriophage and a plant virus. The chimeric VLPs were obtained either by in vivo reconstitution and coexpression of the target detection module and coat proteins or by in vitro assembly of purified detection module RNA sequences and coat proteins. These VLP-based positive controls mimic SARS-CoV-2 packaged ribonucleic acid (RNA) while being noninfectious. Most importantly, we demonstrated that the positive controls are scalable, stable, and can serve broadly as controls, from RNA extraction to PCR in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Khim Chan
- Department of NanoEngineering,
Department of Medicine,
Department of Radiology,
Department of Bioengineering,
Center for Nano-ImmunoEngineering,
Moores Cancer Center, Institute for
Materials Discovery and Design, and Veterans
Administration San Diego Healthcare System, University of
California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla,
California 92039, United States
| | - Pinyi Du
- Department of NanoEngineering,
Department of Medicine,
Department of Radiology,
Department of Bioengineering,
Center for Nano-ImmunoEngineering,
Moores Cancer Center, Institute for
Materials Discovery and Design, and Veterans
Administration San Diego Healthcare System, University of
California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla,
California 92039, United States
| | - Caroline Ignacio
- Department of NanoEngineering,
Department of Medicine,
Department of Radiology,
Department of Bioengineering,
Center for Nano-ImmunoEngineering,
Moores Cancer Center, Institute for
Materials Discovery and Design, and Veterans
Administration San Diego Healthcare System, University of
California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla,
California 92039, United States
| | - Sanjay Mehta
- Department of NanoEngineering,
Department of Medicine,
Department of Radiology,
Department of Bioengineering,
Center for Nano-ImmunoEngineering,
Moores Cancer Center, Institute for
Materials Discovery and Design, and Veterans
Administration San Diego Healthcare System, University of
California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla,
California 92039, United States
| | - Isabel G. Newton
- Department of NanoEngineering,
Department of Medicine,
Department of Radiology,
Department of Bioengineering,
Center for Nano-ImmunoEngineering,
Moores Cancer Center, Institute for
Materials Discovery and Design, and Veterans
Administration San Diego Healthcare System, University of
California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla,
California 92039, United States
| | - Nicole F. Steinmetz
- Department of NanoEngineering,
Department of Medicine,
Department of Radiology,
Department of Bioengineering,
Center for Nano-ImmunoEngineering,
Moores Cancer Center, Institute for
Materials Discovery and Design, and Veterans
Administration San Diego Healthcare System, University of
California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla,
California 92039, United States
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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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Pang HH, Huang CY, Chou YW, Lin CJ, Zhou ZL, Shiue YL, Wei KC, Yang HW. Bioengineering fluorescent virus-like particle/RNAi nanocomplexes act synergistically with temozolomide to eradicate brain tumors. NANOSCALE 2019; 11:8102-8109. [PMID: 30982841 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr01247h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The proof-of-concept strategy in this study based on biodegradable and biocompatible self-assembling fluorescent virus-like particle/RNAi nanocomplexes (VLP/RNAi) produced in Escherichia coli (E. coli) followed by surface modification with a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) and an apolipoprotein E peptide (ApoEP) (dP@VLP/RNAi), which can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to inhibit the DNA repair mechanism and act synergistically with temozolomide (TMZ) for promoting clinical chemotherapy has achieved good therapeutic effects towards malignant brain tumors. The synergistic value of this study's design was verified in intracranial mouse models of glioblastomas (GBMs). Intravenous administration of this formulation enhanced the curative efficacy of TMZ by downregulating the hepatocyte growth factor receptor (c-MET) gene in GBM U87 cells. Furthermore, upon gene-chemotherapy, the methylated DNA in GBM U87 cells was significantly enhanced by inhibiting the DNA repair mechanism, leading to significant brain tumor suppression. The results of this study could be critical for the design of RNAi-based genetic therapeutics for promoting chemotherapy against brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Han Pang
- Institute of Medical Science and Technology, National Sun Yat-sen University, 70 Lienhai Rd., Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan.
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