1
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Nadeem R, Maghraby AS, Abd-Elshafy DN, Barakat AB, Bahgat MM. Individual expression and processing of hepatitis C virus E1/E2 epitopes-based DNA vaccine candidate in healthy humans' peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Clin Exp Vaccine Res 2023; 12:47-59. [PMID: 36844691 PMCID: PMC9950224 DOI: 10.7774/cevr.2023.12.1.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The development and study of hepatitis C virus (HCV) vaccine candidates' individualized responses are of great importance. Here we report on an HCV DNA vaccine candidate based on selected envelope (E1/E2) epitopes. Besides, we assessed its expression and processing in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and in vivo cellular response in mice. Materials and Methods HCV E1/E2 DNA construct (EC) was designed. The antigen expression of EC was assayed in PBMCs of five HCV-uninfected donors via a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Serum samples from 20 HCV antibody-positive patients were used to detect each individual PBMCs expressed antigens via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Two groups, five Swiss albino mice each, were immunized with the EC or a control construct. The absolute count of lymph nodes' CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes was assessed. Results Donors' PBMCs showed different levels of EC expression, ranging between 0.83-2.61-fold in four donors, while donor-3 showed 34.53-fold expression. The antigens expressed in PBMCs were significantly reactive to the 20 HCV antibody repertoire (all p=0.0001). All showed comparable reactivity except for donor-3 showing the lowest reactivity level. The absolute count % of the CD4+ T-cell significantly increased in four of the five EC-immunized mice compared to the control group (p=0.03). No significant difference in CD8+ T-cells % was observed (p=0.89). Conclusion The inter-individual variation in antigen expression and processing dominance was evident, showing independence in individuals' antigen expression and reactivity levels to antibodies. The described vaccine candidate might result in a promising natural immune response with a possibility of CD4+ T-cell early priming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rola Nadeem
- Department of Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt.,Immune- and Bio-markers for Infection Research Group, Center of Excellence for Advanced Sciences, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amany Sayed Maghraby
- Department of Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt.,Immune- and Bio-markers for Infection Research Group, Center of Excellence for Advanced Sciences, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Dina Nadeem Abd-Elshafy
- Immune- and Bio-markers for Infection Research Group, Center of Excellence for Advanced Sciences, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt.,Department of Water Pollution Research, Environmental Research Institute, National Research Center, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Mahmoud Mohamed Bahgat
- Department of Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical and Drug Industries Research Institute, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt.,Immune- and Bio-markers for Infection Research Group, Center of Excellence for Advanced Sciences, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
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2
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Manne V, Ryan J, Wong J, Vengayil G, Basit SA, Gish RG. Hepatitis C Vaccination: Where We Are and Where We Need to Be. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10121619. [PMID: 34959574 PMCID: PMC8705661 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10121619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a common cause of chronic liver disease and liver cancer worldwide. Despite advances in curative therapies for HCV, the incidence of new infections is not decreasing at the expected rate to hit the World Health Organization (WHO) target for the elimination of HCV by 2030. In fact, there are still more new cases of infection in the United States and worldwide than are being cured. The reasons for the rise in new cases include poor access to care and the opioid epidemic. The clinical burden of HCV requires a multimodal approach to eradicating the infection. Vaccination would be an excellent tool to prevent incidence of new infections; however, the genetic diversity of HCV and its ability to generate quasispecies within an infected host make creating a broadly reactive vaccine difficult. Multiple vaccine candidates have been identified, but to date, there has not been a target that has led to a broadly reactive vaccine, though several of the candidates are promising. Additionally, the virus is very difficult to culture and testing candidates in humans or chimpanzees is ethically challenging. Despite the multiple barriers to creating a vaccine, vaccination still represents an important tool in the fight against HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vignan Manne
- HCA Healthcare Graduate Medical Education, Las Vegas, NV 89148, USA; (V.M.); (J.W.); (G.V.)
| | - John Ryan
- Comprehensive Digestive Institute of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89148, USA; (J.R.); (S.A.B.)
| | - Jonathan Wong
- HCA Healthcare Graduate Medical Education, Las Vegas, NV 89148, USA; (V.M.); (J.W.); (G.V.)
| | - Gayatri Vengayil
- HCA Healthcare Graduate Medical Education, Las Vegas, NV 89148, USA; (V.M.); (J.W.); (G.V.)
| | - Syed Abdul Basit
- Comprehensive Digestive Institute of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV 89148, USA; (J.R.); (S.A.B.)
| | - Robert G. Gish
- Liver Transplant Clinic, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-866-873-8877
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3
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Hartlage AS, Kapoor A. Hepatitis C Virus Vaccine Research: Time to Put Up or Shut Up. Viruses 2021; 13:1596. [PMID: 34452460 PMCID: PMC8402855 DOI: 10.3390/v13081596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Unless urgently needed to prevent a pandemic, the development of a viral vaccine should follow a rigorous scientific approach. Each vaccine candidate should be designed considering the in-depth knowledge of protective immunity, followed by preclinical studies to assess immunogenicity and safety, and lastly, the evaluation of selected vaccines in human clinical trials. The recently concluded first phase II clinical trial of a human hepatitis C virus (HCV) vaccine followed this approach. Still, despite promising preclinical results, it failed to protect against chronic infection, raising grave concerns about our understanding of protective immunity. This setback, combined with the lack of HCV animal models and availability of new highly effective antivirals, has fueled ongoing discussions of using a controlled human infection model (CHIM) to test new HCV vaccine candidates. Before taking on such an approach, however, we must carefully weigh all the ethical and health consequences of human infection in the absence of a complete understanding of HCV immunity and pathogenesis. We know that there are significant gaps in our knowledge of adaptive immunity necessary to prevent chronic HCV infection. This review discusses our current understanding of HCV immunity and the critical gaps that should be filled before embarking upon new HCV vaccine trials. We discuss the importance of T cells, neutralizing antibodies, and HCV genetic diversity. We address if and how the animal HCV-like viruses can be used for conceptualizing effective HCV vaccines and what we have learned so far from these HCV surrogates. Finally, we propose a logical but narrow path forward for HCV vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex S. Hartlage
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA;
- Medical Scientist Training Program, College of Medicine and Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Amit Kapoor
- Center for Vaccines and Immunity, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
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4
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Khoshdel-Rad N, Zahmatkesh E, Bikmulina P, Peshkova M, Kosheleva N, Bezrukov EA, Sukhanov RB, Solovieva A, Shpichka A, Timashev P, Vosough M. Modeling Hepatotropic Viral Infections: Cells vs. Animals. Cells 2021; 10:1726. [PMID: 34359899 PMCID: PMC8305759 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The lack of an appropriate platform for a better understanding of the molecular basis of hepatitis viruses and the absence of reliable models to identify novel therapeutic agents for a targeted treatment are the two major obstacles for launching efficient clinical protocols in different types of viral hepatitis. Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites, and the development of model systems for efficient viral replication is necessary for basic and applied studies. Viral hepatitis is a major health issue and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Despite the extensive efforts that have been made on fundamental and translational research, traditional models are not effective in representing this viral infection in a laboratory. In this review, we discuss in vitro cell-based models and in vivo animal models, with their strengths and weaknesses. In addition, the most important findings that have been retrieved from each model are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloofar Khoshdel-Rad
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran 1665659911, Iran; (N.K.-R.); (E.Z.)
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran 1665659911, Iran
| | - Ensieh Zahmatkesh
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran 1665659911, Iran; (N.K.-R.); (E.Z.)
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran 1665659911, Iran
| | - Polina Bikmulina
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (P.B.); (M.P.); (A.S.)
- World-Class Research Center “Digital biodesign and personalized healthcare”, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Maria Peshkova
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (P.B.); (M.P.); (A.S.)
- World-Class Research Center “Digital biodesign and personalized healthcare”, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Nastasia Kosheleva
- World-Class Research Center “Digital biodesign and personalized healthcare”, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
- FSBSI ‘Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, 125315 Moscow, Russia
| | - Evgeny A. Bezrukov
- Department of Urology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (E.A.B.); (R.B.S.)
| | - Roman B. Sukhanov
- Department of Urology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (E.A.B.); (R.B.S.)
| | - Anna Solovieva
- Department of Polymers and Composites, N.N. Semenov Federal Research Center for Chemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Anastasia Shpichka
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (P.B.); (M.P.); (A.S.)
- World-Class Research Center “Digital biodesign and personalized healthcare”, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Peter Timashev
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (P.B.); (M.P.); (A.S.)
- World-Class Research Center “Digital biodesign and personalized healthcare”, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
- Department of Polymers and Composites, N.N. Semenov Federal Research Center for Chemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran 1665659911, Iran; (N.K.-R.); (E.Z.)
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran 1665659911, Iran
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5
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To Include or Occlude: Rational Engineering of HCV Vaccines for Humoral Immunity. Viruses 2021; 13:v13050805. [PMID: 33946211 PMCID: PMC8146105 DOI: 10.3390/v13050805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Direct-acting antiviral agents have proven highly effective at treating existing hepatitis C infections but despite their availability most countries will not reach the World Health Organization targets for elimination of HCV by 2030. A prophylactic vaccine remains a high priority. Whilst early vaccines focused largely on generating T cell immunity, attention is now aimed at vaccines that generate humoral immunity, either alone or in combination with T cell-based vaccines. High-resolution structures of hepatitis C viral glycoproteins and their interaction with monoclonal antibodies isolated from both cleared and chronically infected people, together with advances in vaccine technologies, provide new avenues for vaccine development.
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6
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Immuno-Informatics Analysis of Pakistan-Based HCV Subtype-3a for Chimeric Polypeptide Vaccine Design. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9030293. [PMID: 33801143 PMCID: PMC8004085 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9030293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes chronic and acute hepatitis infections. As there is extreme variability in the HCV genome, no approved HCV vaccine has been available so far. An effective polypeptide vaccine based on the functionally conserved epitopes will be greatly helpful in curing disease. For this purpose, an immuno-informatics study is performed based on the published HCV subtype-3a from Pakistan. First, the virus genome was translated to a polyprotein followed by a subsequent prediction of T-cell epitopes. Non-allergenic, IFN-γ producer, and antigenic epitopes were shortlisted, including 5 HTL epitopes and 4 CTL, which were linked to the final vaccine by GPGPG and AAY linkers, respectively. Beta defensin was included as an adjuvant through the EAAAK linker to improve the immunogenicity of the polypeptide. To ensure its safety and immunogenicity profile, antigenicity, allergenicity, and various physiochemical attributes of the polypeptide were evaluated. Molecular docking was conducted between TLR4 and vaccine to evaluate the binding affinity and molecular interactions. For stability assessment and binding of the vaccine-TLR4 docked complex, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and MMGBSA binding free-energy analyses were conducted. Finally, the candidate vaccine was cloned in silico to ensure its effectiveness. The current vaccine requires future experimental confirmation to validate its effectiveness. The vaccine construct produced might be useful in providing immune protection against HCV-related infections.
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7
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Hepatitis C virus vaccine design: focus on the humoral immune response. J Biomed Sci 2020; 27:78. [PMID: 32631318 PMCID: PMC7338099 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-020-00669-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the recent development of safe and highly effective direct-acting antivirals, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a significant health problem. In 2016, the World Health Organization set out to reduce the rate of new HCV infections by 90% by 2030. Still, global control of the virus does not seem to be achievable in the absence of an effective vaccine. Current approaches to the development of a vaccine against HCV include the production of recombinant proteins, synthetic peptides, DNA vaccines, virus-like particles, and viral vectors expressing various antigens. In this review, we focus on the development of vaccines targeting the humoral immune response against HCV based on the cumulative evidence supporting the important role of neutralizing antibodies in protection against HCV infection. The main targets of HCV-specific neutralizing antibodies are the glycoproteins E1 and E2. Recent advances in the knowledge of HCV glycoprotein structure and their epitopes, as well as the possibility of getting detailed information on the human antibody repertoire generated by the infection, will allow rational structure-based antigen design to target specific germline antibodies. Although obtaining a vaccine capable of inducing sterilizing immunity will be a difficult task, a vaccine that prevents chronic hepatitis C infections, a more realistic goal in the short term, would have a considerable health impact.
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8
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Masavuli MG, Wijesundara DK, Underwood A, Christiansen D, Earnest-Silveira L, Bull R, Torresi J, Gowans EJ, Grubor-Bauk B. A Hepatitis C Virus DNA Vaccine Encoding a Secreted, Oligomerized Form of Envelope Proteins Is Highly Immunogenic and Elicits Neutralizing Antibodies in Vaccinated Mice. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1145. [PMID: 31178869 PMCID: PMC6543710 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) persistently infects approximately 71 million people globally. To prevent infection a vaccine which elicits neutralizing antibodies against the virus envelope proteins (E1/E2) which are required for entry into host cells is desirable. DNA vaccines are cost-effective to manufacture globally and despite recent landmark studies highlighting the therapeutic efficacy of DNA vaccines in humans against cervical cancer, DNA vaccines encoding E1/E2 developed thus far are poorly immunogenic. We now report a novel and highly immunogenic DNA vaccination strategy that incorporates secreted E1 and E2 (sE1 and sE2) into oligomers by fusion with the oligomerization domain of the C4b-binding protein, IMX313P. The FDA approved plasmid, pVax, was used to encode sE1, sE2, or sE1E2 with or without IMX313P, and intradermal prime-boost vaccination studies in BALB/c mice showed that vaccines encoding IMX313P were the most effective in eliciting humoral and cell-mediated immunity against the envelope proteins. Further boosting with recombinant E1E2 proteins but not DNA nor virus-like particles (VLPs) expressing E1E2 increased the immunogenicity of the DNA prime-boost regimen. Nevertheless, the antibodies generated by the homologous DNA prime-boost vaccinations more effectively inhibited the binding of VLPs to target cells and neutralized transduction with HCV pseudoparticles (HCVpp) derived from different genotypes including genotypes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This report provides the first evidence that IMX313P can be used as an adjuvant for E1/E2-based DNA vaccines and represents a translatable approach for the development of a HCV DNA vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makutiro Ghislain Masavuli
- Virology Laboratory, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Medicine, Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Danushka K Wijesundara
- Virology Laboratory, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Medicine, Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Alexander Underwood
- Faculty of Medicine, The Kirby Institute, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dale Christiansen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Linda Earnest-Silveira
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Rowena Bull
- Faculty of Medicine, The Kirby Institute, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Joseph Torresi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Eric J Gowans
- Virology Laboratory, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Medicine, Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Branka Grubor-Bauk
- Virology Laboratory, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Medicine, Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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9
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Lombardi A, Mondelli MU. Hepatitis C: Is eradication possible? Liver Int 2019; 39:416-426. [PMID: 30472772 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C has a relevant global impact in terms of morbidity, mortality and economic costs, with more than 70 million people infected worldwide. In the resolution, "Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development" was included as a focus area in the health-related goal with world leaders pledging to "combat" it by 2030. In response, WHO drafted the Global Viral Hepatitis Strategy carrying the ambitious targets to reduce the number of deaths by two-thirds and to increase treatment rates up to 80%. Despite the availability of highly effective therapeutic regimens based on direct-acting antivirals many barriers to HCV eradication still remain. They are related to awareness of the infection, linkage to care, availability of the therapeutic drug regimens and reinfection. Overall, if an effective prophylactic vaccine will not be available, HCV eradication appears difficult to achieve in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Lombardi
- Division of Infectious Diseases II and Immunology, Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mario U Mondelli
- Division of Infectious Diseases II and Immunology, Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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10
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Bailey JR, Barnes E, Cox AL. Approaches, Progress, and Challenges to Hepatitis C Vaccine Development. Gastroenterology 2019; 156:418-430. [PMID: 30268785 PMCID: PMC6340767 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.08.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Risk factors for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection vary, and there were an estimated 1.75 million new cases worldwide in 2015. The World Health Organization aims for a 90% reduction in new HCV infections by 2030. An HCV vaccine would prevent transmission, regardless of risk factors, and significantly reduce the global burden of HCV-associated disease. Barriers to development include virus diversity, limited models for testing vaccines, and our incomplete understanding of protective immune responses. Although highly effective vaccines could prevent infection altogether, immune responses that increase the rate of HCV clearance and prevent chronic infection may be sufficient to reduce disease burden. Adjuvant envelope or core protein and virus-vectored nonstructural antigen vaccines have been tested in healthy volunteers who are not at risk for HCV infection; viral vectors encoding nonstructural proteins are the only vaccine strategy to be tested in at-risk individuals. Despite development challenges, a prophylactic vaccine is necessary for global control of HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R. Bailey
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Eleanor Barnes
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine and the Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University, UK
| | - Andrea L. Cox
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland,Reprint requests Address requests for reprints to: Andrea L. Cox, MD, PhD, Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 551 Rangos Building, 855 N Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205. fax: (443)769-1221.
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11
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Masavuli MG, Wijesundara DK, Torresi J, Gowans EJ, Grubor-Bauk B. Preclinical Development and Production of Virus-Like Particles As Vaccine Candidates for Hepatitis C. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:2413. [PMID: 29259601 PMCID: PMC5723323 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.02413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infects 2% of the world’s population and is the leading cause of liver disease and liver transplantation. It poses a serious and growing worldwide public health problem that will only be partially addressed with the introduction of new antiviral therapies. However, these treatments will not prevent re-infection particularly in high risk populations. The introduction of a HCV vaccine has been predicted, using simulation models in a high risk population, to have a significant effect on reducing the incidence of HCV. A vaccine with 50 to 80% efficacy targeted to high-risk intravenous drug users could dramatically reduce HCV incidence in this population. Virus like particles (VLPs) are composed of viral structural proteins which self-assemble into non-infectious particles that lack genetic material and resemble native viruses. Thus, VLPs represent a safe and highly immunogenic vaccine delivery platform able to induce potent adaptive immune responses. Currently, many VLP-based vaccines have entered clinical trials, while licensed VLP vaccines for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human papilloma virus (HPV) have been in use for many years. The HCV core, E1 and E2 proteins can self-assemble into immunogenic VLPs while inclusion of HCV antigens into heterogenous (chimeric) VLPs is also a promising approach. These VLPs are produced using different expression systems such as bacterial, yeast, mammalian, plant, or insect cells. Here, this paper will review HCV VLP-based vaccines and their immunogenicity in animal models as well as the different expression systems used in their production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makutiro Ghislain Masavuli
- Virology Laboratory, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Medicine, Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Danushka K Wijesundara
- Virology Laboratory, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Medicine, Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Joseph Torresi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Eric J Gowans
- Virology Laboratory, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Medicine, Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Branka Grubor-Bauk
- Virology Laboratory, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Medicine, Discipline of Surgery, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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12
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Taherkhani R, Farshadpour F. Global elimination of hepatitis C virus infection: Progresses and the remaining challenges. World J Hepatol 2017; 9:1239-1252. [PMID: 29312527 PMCID: PMC5745585 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v9.i33.1239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Today, with the introduction of interferon-free direct-acting antivirals and outstanding progresses in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the elimination of HCV infection seems more achievable. A further challenge is continued transmission of HCV infection in high-risk population specially injecting drug users (IDUs) as the major reservoir of HCV infection. Considering the fact that most of these infections remain undiagnosed, unidentified HCV-infected IDUs are potential sources for the rapid spread of HCV in the community. The continuous increase in the number of IDUs along with the rising prevalence of HCV infection among young IDUs is harbinger of a forthcoming public health dilemma, presenting a serious challenge to control transmission of HCV infection. Even the changes in HCV genotype distribution attributed to injecting drug use confirm this issue. These circumstances create a strong demand for timely diagnosis and proper treatment of HCV-infected patients through risk-based screening to mitigate the risk of HCV transmission in the IDUs community and, consequently, in the society. Meanwhile, raising general awareness of HCV infection, diagnosis and treatment through public education should be the core activity of any harm reduction intervention, as the root cause of failure in control of HCV infection has been lack of awareness among young drug takers. In addition, effective prevention, comprehensive screening programs with a specific focus on high-risk population, accessibility to the new anti-HCV treatment regimens and public education should be considered as the top priorities of any health policy decision to eliminate HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Taherkhani
- the Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr 7514633341, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Farshadpour
- the Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr 7514633341, Iran
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13
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Kulkarni S, Mukherjee S, Das KMP, Prabhudesai K, Deshpande N, Karnik S, Chowdhary AS, Padmanabhan U. Expression of domain III of the envelope protein from GP-78: a Japanese encephalitis virus. Virusdisease 2017; 28:209-212. [PMID: 28770248 DOI: 10.1007/s13337-017-0379-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute encephalitis caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) represents a growing epidemic and is a cause for concern in Southeast Asia. JEV is transmitted to humans through the bite of the Culicine mosquito species. The virus genome comprising of an RNA strand also encodes the envelope protein (E) which surrounds the virus. The E protein aids in fusion of virus with the cellular membrane of the host cell with the help of three structurally distinct domains (DI, DII, DIII) that are connected by flexible hinge regions. Of these domains, DIII (JEV-DIII) has been reported to interact with the cellular membrane, aid viral entry and viral replication. Hence JEV-DIII has the potential to be an antigen that can provide immune protection to a JEV infection. In this study, we describe the cloning and expression of DIII of GP-78, a virulent strain of JEV prevalent in India. Our data clearly shows that JEV-DIII expressed from pVAC1 in HEK293T cells is membrane targeted. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of a recombinant construct that may block JEV entry into the cells and/or evoke specific antibodies against JEV. Future studies will reveal if our construct will elicit significant immune responses which will alleviate or ameliorate the pro-inflammatory responses induced by JEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahil Kulkarni
- Department of Zoonosis, Haffkine Institute for Training, Research and Testing, Acharya Donde Marg, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012 India
| | - Sandeepan Mukherjee
- Department of Virology, Haffkine Institute for Training, Research and Testing, Acharya Donde Marg, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012 India
| | | | - Kaushiki Prabhudesai
- Department of Zoonosis, Haffkine Institute for Training, Research and Testing, Acharya Donde Marg, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012 India
| | - Nupur Deshpande
- Department of Zoonosis, Haffkine Institute for Training, Research and Testing, Acharya Donde Marg, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012 India
| | - Sushant Karnik
- Department of Zoonosis, Haffkine Institute for Training, Research and Testing, Acharya Donde Marg, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012 India
| | - Abhay S Chowdhary
- Department of Virology, Haffkine Institute for Training, Research and Testing, Acharya Donde Marg, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012 India
| | - Usha Padmanabhan
- Department of Cell Biology, Haffkine Institute for Training, Research and Testing, Acharya Donde Marg, Parel, Mumbai, 400 012 India
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14
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Bukh J. The history of hepatitis C virus (HCV): Basic research reveals unique features in phylogeny, evolution and the viral life cycle with new perspectives for epidemic control. J Hepatol 2016; 65:S2-S21. [PMID: 27641985 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.07.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in 1989 permitted basic research to unravel critical components of a complex life cycle for this important human pathogen. HCV is a highly divergent group of viruses classified in 7 major genotypes and a great number of subtypes, and circulating in infected individuals as a continuously evolving quasispecies destined to escape host immune responses and applied antivirals. Despite the inability to culture patient viruses directly in the laboratory, efforts to define the infectious genome of HCV resulted in development of experimental recombinant in vivo and in vitro systems, including replicons and infectious cultures in human hepatoma cell lines. And HCV has become a model virus defining new paradigms in virology, immunology and biology. For example, HCV research discovered that a virus could be completely dependent on microRNA for its replication since microRNA-122 is critical for the HCV life cycle. A number of other host molecules critical for HCV entry and replication have been identified. Thus, basic HCV research revealed important molecules for development of host targeting agents (HTA). The identification and characterization of HCV encoded proteins and their functional units contributed to the development of highly effective direct acting antivirals (DAA) against the NS3 protease, NS5A and the NS5B polymerase. In combination, these inhibitors have since 2014 permitted interferon-free therapy with cure rates above 90% among patients with chronic HCV infection; however, viral resistance represents a challenge. Worldwide control of HCV will most likely require the development of a prophylactic vaccine, and numerous candidates have been pursued. Research characterizing features critical for antibody-based virus neutralization and T cell based virus elimination from infected cells is essential for this effort. If the world community promotes an ambitious approach by applying current DAA broadly, continues to develop alternative viral- and host- targeted antivirals to combat resistant variants, and invests in the development of a vaccine, it would be possible to eradicate HCV. This would prevent about 500 thousand deaths annually. However, given the nature of HCV, the millions of new infections annually, a high chronicity rate, and with over 150 million individuals with chronic infection (which are frequently unidentified), this effort remains a major challenge for basic researchers, clinicians and communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Bukh
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Research Centre, Hvidovre Hospital and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
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15
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Wasilewski LN, Ray SC, Bailey JR. Hepatitis C virus resistance to broadly neutralizing antibodies measured using replication-competent virus and pseudoparticles. J Gen Virol 2016; 97:2883-2893. [PMID: 27667373 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.000608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A better understanding of natural variation in neutralization resistance and fitness of diverse hepatitis C virus (HCV) envelope (E1E2) variants will be critical to guide rational development of an HCV vaccine. This work has been hindered by inadequate genetic diversity in viral panels and by a lack of standardization of HCV entry assays. Neutralization assays generally use lentiviral pseudoparticles expressing HCV envelope proteins (HCVpp) or chimeric full-length viruses that are replication competent in cell culture (HCVcc). There have been few systematic comparisons of specific infectivities of E1E2-matched HCVcc and HCVpp, and to our knowledge, neutralization of E1E2-matched HCVpp and HCVcc has never been compared using a diverse panel of human broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (bNAbs) targeting distinct epitopes. Here, we describe an efficient method for introduction of naturally occurring E1E2 genes into a full-length HCV genome, producing replication-competent chimeric HCVcc. We generated diverse panels of E1E2-matched HCVcc and HCVpp and measured the entry-mediating fitness of E1E2 variants using the two systems. We also compared neutralization of E1E2-matched HCVcc and HCVpp by a diverse panel of human bNAbs targeting epitopes across E1E2. We found no correlation between specific infectivities of E1E2-matched HCVcc versus HCVpp, but found a very strong positive correlation between relative neutralization resistance of these same E1E2-matched HCVcc and HCVpp variants. These results suggest that quantitative comparisons of neutralization resistance of E1E2 variants can be made with confidence using either HCVcc or HCVpp, allowing the use of either or both systems to maximize diversity of neutralization panels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa N Wasilewski
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Stuart C Ray
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.,Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Justin R Bailey
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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16
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T- and B-cell responses to multivalent prime-boost DNA and viral vectored vaccine combinations against hepatitis C virus in non-human primates. Gene Ther 2016; 23:753-759. [PMID: 27416077 PMCID: PMC7091906 DOI: 10.1038/gt.2016.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Revised: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Immune responses against multiple epitopes are required for the prevention of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, and the progression to phase I trials of candidates may be guided by comparative immunogenicity studies in non-human primates. Four vectors, DNA, SFV, human serotype 5 adenovirus (HuAd5) and Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) poxvirus, all expressing hepatitis C virus Core, E1, E2 and NS3, were combined in three prime-boost regimen, and their ability to elicit immune responses against HCV antigens in rhesus macaques was explored and compared. All combinations induced specific T-cell immune responses, including high IFN-γ production. The group immunized with the SFV+MVA regimen elicited higher E2-specific responses as compared with the two other modalities, while animals receiving HuAd5 injections elicited lower IL-4 responses as compared with those receiving MVA. The IFN-γ responses to NS3 were remarkably similar between groups. Only the adenovirus induced envelope-specific antibody responses, but these failed to show neutralizing activity. Therefore, the two novel regimens failed to induce superior responses as compared with already existing HCV vaccine candidates. Differences were found in response to envelope proteins, but the relevance of these remain uncertain given the surprisingly poor correlation with immunogenicity data in chimpanzees, underlining the difficulty to predict efficacy from immunology studies.
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17
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Fauvelle C, Colpitts CC, Keck ZY, Pierce BG, Foung SKH, Baumert TF. Hepatitis C virus vaccine candidates inducing protective neutralizing antibodies. Expert Rev Vaccines 2016; 15:1535-1544. [PMID: 27267297 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2016.1194759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION With more than 150 million chronically infected people, hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a substantial global health burden. Direct-acting antivirals have dramatically improved viral cure. However, limited access to therapy, late stage detection of infection and re-infection following cure illustrate the need for a vaccine for global control of infection. Vaccines with induction of neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) have been shown to protect successfully against infections by multiple viruses and are currently developed for HCV. Areas covered: Here we review the progress towards the development of vaccines aiming to confer protection against chronic HCV infection by inducing broadly nAbs. The understanding or viral immune evasion in infected patients, the development of novel model systems and the recent structural characterization of viral envelope glycoprotein E2 has markedly advanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of virus neutralization with the concomitant development of several vaccine candidates. Expert commentary: While HCV vaccine development remains challenged by the high viral diversity and immune evasion, marked progress in HCV research has advanced vaccine design. Several vaccine candidates have shown robust induction of nAbs in animal models and humans. Randomized clinical trials are the next step to assess their clinical efficacy for protection against chronic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Fauvelle
- a Inserm, U1110 , Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques , Strasbourg , France.,b Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Che C Colpitts
- a Inserm, U1110 , Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques , Strasbourg , France.,b Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
| | - Zhen-Yong Keck
- c Department of Pathology , Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford , CA , USA
| | - Brian G Pierce
- d Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research , University of Maryland , Rockville , MD , USA
| | - Steven K H Foung
- c Department of Pathology , Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford , CA , USA
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- a Inserm, U1110 , Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques , Strasbourg , France.,b Université de Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France.,e Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Pôle Hépato-digestif , Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg , Strasbourg , France
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18
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Tarr AW, Khera T, Hueging K, Sheldon J, Steinmann E, Pietschmann T, Brown RJP. Genetic Diversity Underlying the Envelope Glycoproteins of Hepatitis C Virus: Structural and Functional Consequences and the Implications for Vaccine Design. Viruses 2015; 7:3995-4046. [PMID: 26193307 PMCID: PMC4517138 DOI: 10.3390/v7072809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Revised: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 07/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the 26 years since the discovery of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) a major global research effort has illuminated many aspects of the viral life cycle, facilitating the development of targeted antivirals. Recently, effective direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens with >90% cure rates have become available for treatment of chronic HCV infection in developed nations, representing a significant advance towards global eradication. However, the high cost of these treatments results in highly restricted access in developing nations, where the disease burden is greatest. Additionally, the largely asymptomatic nature of infection facilitates continued transmission in at risk groups and resource constrained settings due to limited surveillance. Consequently a prophylactic vaccine is much needed. The HCV envelope glycoproteins E1 and E2 are located on the surface of viral lipid envelope, facilitate viral entry and are the targets for host immunity, in addition to other functions. Unfortunately, the extreme global genetic and antigenic diversity exhibited by the HCV glycoproteins represents a significant obstacle to vaccine development. Here we review current knowledge of HCV envelope protein structure, integrating knowledge of genetic, antigenic and functional diversity to inform rational immunogen design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander W Tarr
- School of Life Sciences, Nottingham Digestive Diseases Biomedical Research Unit, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Tanvi Khera
- Institute of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, A Joint Venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centrefor Infection Research (HZI), Hannover D-30625, Germany.
| | - Kathrin Hueging
- Institute of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, A Joint Venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centrefor Infection Research (HZI), Hannover D-30625, Germany.
| | - Julie Sheldon
- Institute of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, A Joint Venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centrefor Infection Research (HZI), Hannover D-30625, Germany.
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Institute of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, A Joint Venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centrefor Infection Research (HZI), Hannover D-30625, Germany.
| | - Thomas Pietschmann
- Institute of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, A Joint Venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centrefor Infection Research (HZI), Hannover D-30625, Germany.
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hannover-Braunschweig, Braunschweig 38124, Germany.
| | - Richard J P Brown
- Institute of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, A Joint Venture between the Medical School Hannover (MHH) and the Helmholtz Centrefor Infection Research (HZI), Hannover D-30625, Germany.
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19
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Catanese MT, Dorner M. Advances in experimental systems to study hepatitis C virus in vitro and in vivo. Virology 2015; 479-480:221-33. [PMID: 25847726 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2015.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) represents a global health concern affecting over 185 million people worldwide. Chronic HCV infection causes liver fibrosis and cirrhosis and is the leading indication for liver transplantation. Recent advances in the field of direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs) promise a cure for HCV in over 90% of cases that will get access to these expensive treatments. Nevertheless, the lack of a protective vaccine and likely emergence of drug-resistant viral variants call for further studies of HCV biology. With chimpanzees being for a long time the only non-human in vivo model of HCV infection, strong efforts were put into establishing in vitro experimental systems. The initial models only enabled to study specific aspects of the HCV life cycle, such as viral replication with the subgenomic replicon and entry using HCV pseudotyped particles (HCVpp). Subsequent development of protocols to grow infectious HCV particles in cell-culture (HCVcc) ignited investigations on the full cycle of HCV infection and the virus-host interactions required for virus propagation. More recently, small animal models permissive to HCV were generated that allowed in vivo testing of novel antiviral therapies as well as vaccine candidates. This review provides an overview of the currently available in vitro and in vivo experimental systems to study HCV biology. Particular emphasis is given to how these model systems furthered our understanding of virus-host interactions, viral pathogenesis and immunological responses to HCV infection, as well as drug and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcus Dorner
- Section of Virology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Section of Hepatology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
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20
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Verstrepen BE, Boonstra A, Koopman G. Immune mechanisms of vaccine induced protection against chronic hepatitis C virus infection in chimpanzees. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:53-69. [PMID: 25624997 PMCID: PMC4295194 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i1.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Revised: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is characterized by a high propensity for development of life-long viral persistence. An estimated 170 million people suffer from chronic hepatitis caused by HCV. Currently, there is no approved prophylactic HCV vaccine available. With the near disappearance of the most relevant animal model for HCV, the chimpanzee, we review the progression that has been made regarding prophylactic vaccine development against HCV. We describe the results of the individual vaccine evaluation experiments in chimpanzees, in relation to what has been observed in humans. The results of the different studies indicate that partial protection against infection can be achieved, but a clear correlate of protection has thus far not yet been defined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babs E Verstrepen
- Babs E Verstrepen, Gerrit Koopman, Department of Virology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, 2280GH Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - André Boonstra
- Babs E Verstrepen, Gerrit Koopman, Department of Virology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, 2280GH Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Gerrit Koopman
- Babs E Verstrepen, Gerrit Koopman, Department of Virology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, 2280GH Rijswijk, The Netherlands
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21
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John M, Gaudieri S. Influence of HIV and HCV on T cell antigen presentation and challenges in the development of vaccines. Front Microbiol 2014; 5:514. [PMID: 25352836 PMCID: PMC4195390 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2014.00514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Some of the central challenges for developing effective vaccines against HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are similar. Both infections are caused by small, highly mutable, rapidly replicating RNA viruses with the ability to establish long-term chronic pathogenic infection in human hosts. HIV has caused 60 million infections globally and HCV 180 million and both viruses may co-exist among certain populations by virtue of common blood-borne, sexual, or vertical transmission. Persistence of both pathogens is achieved by evasion of intrinsic, innate, and adaptive immune defenses but with some distinct mechanisms reflecting their differences in evolutionary history, replication characteristics, cell tropism, and visibility to mucosal versus systemic and hepatic immune responses. A potent and durable antibody and T cell response is a likely requirement of future HIV and HCV vaccines. Perhaps the single biggest difference between the two vaccine design challenges is that in HCV, a natural model of protective immunity can be found in those who resolve acute infection spontaneously. Such spontaneous resolvers exhibit durable and functional CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses (Diepolder et al., 1995; Cooper et al., 1999; Thimme et al., 2001; Grakoui et al., 2003; Lauer et al., 2004; Schulze Zur Wiesch et al., 2012). However, frequent re-infection suggests partial or lack of protective immunity against heterologous HCV strains, possibly indicative of the degree of genetic diversity of circulating HCV genotypes and subtypes. There is no natural model of protective immunity in HIV, however, studies of “elite controllers,” or individuals who have durably suppressed levels of plasma HIV RNA without antiretroviral therapy, has provided the strongest evidence for CD8+ T cell responses in controlling viremia and limiting reservoir burden in established infection. Here we compare and contrast the specific mechanisms of immune evasion used by HIV and HCV, which subvert adaptive human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-restricted T cell immunity in natural infection, and the challenges these pose for designing effective preventative or therapeutic vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina John
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University Murdoch, WA, Australia ; Department of Clinical Immunology, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Royal Perth Hospital Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Silvana Gaudieri
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University Murdoch, WA, Australia ; School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, University of Western Australia Crawley, WA, Australia
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22
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Cox AL, Thomas DL. Hepatitis C virus vaccines among people who inject drugs. Clin Infect Dis 2014; 57 Suppl 2:S46-50. [PMID: 23884065 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cit329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Most people who inject drugs (PWID) are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), and PWID have the highest risk of HCV infection of any risk group. The incidence of HCV infection is 5%-25% per year, demonstrating continued need for HCV infection prevention in PWID. Existing data in chimpanzees and PWID suggest that protective immunity against persistent HCV infection is achievable. Due to the high incidence of infection, PWID are both the most likely to benefit from a vaccine and a population in which vaccine efficacy could be tested. Challenges to testing a vaccine in PWID are significant. However, the first HCV vaccine trial in at-risk HCV-uninfected PWID was initiated in 2012. The results will likely guide future vaccine development and strategies for vaccination of this and other high-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Cox
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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23
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Martinez-Donato G, Amador-Cañizares Y, Alvarez-Lajonchere L, Guerra I, Pérez A, Dubuisson J, Wychowsk C, Musacchio A, Aguilar D, Dueñas-Carrera S. Neutralizing antibodies and broad, functional T cell immune response following immunization with hepatitis C virus proteins-based vaccine formulation. Vaccine 2014; 32:1720-6. [PMID: 24486345 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2014.01.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Revised: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
HCV is a worldwide health problem despite the recent advances in the development of more effective therapies. No preventive vaccine is available against this pathogen. However, non-sterilizing immunity has been demonstrated and supports the potential success of HCV vaccines. Induction of cross-neutralizing antibodies and T cell responses targeting several conserved epitopes, have been related to hepatitis C virus (HCV) clearance. Therefore, in this work, the immunogenicity of a preparation (MixprotHC) based on protein variants of HCV Core, E1, E2 and NS3 was evaluated in mice and monkeys. IgG from MixprotHC immunized mice and monkeys neutralized the infectivity of heterologous HCVcc. Moreover, strong CD4+ and CD8+ T cells proliferative and IFN-γ secretion responses were elicited against HCV proteins. Remarkably, immunization with MixprotHC induced control of viremia in a surrogate challenge model in mice. These results suggest that MixprotHC might constitute an effective immunogen against HCV in humans with potential for reducing the likelihood of immune escape and viral persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Martinez-Donato
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba.
| | - Yalena Amador-Cañizares
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba
| | - Liz Alvarez-Lajonchere
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba
| | - Ivis Guerra
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba
| | - Angel Pérez
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba
| | - Jean Dubuisson
- Institut de Biologie de Lille (UMR8161), CNRS, Universite de Lille I & II and Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Czeslaw Wychowsk
- Institut de Biologie de Lille (UMR8161), CNRS, Universite de Lille I & II and Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Alexis Musacchio
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba
| | - Daylen Aguilar
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba
| | - Santiago Dueñas-Carrera
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba
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24
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Liang TJ. Current progress in development of hepatitis C virus vaccines. Nat Med 2013; 19:869-78. [PMID: 23836237 PMCID: PMC6263146 DOI: 10.1038/nm.3183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 02/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Despite major advances in the understanding and treatment of hepatitis C, a preventive vaccine remains elusive. The marked genetic diversity and multiple mechanisms of persistence of hepatitis C virus, combined with the relatively poor immune response of the infected host against the virus, are major barriers. The lack of robust and convenient model systems further hampers the effort to develop an effective vaccine. Advances in our understanding of virus-host interactions and protective immunity in hepatitis C virus infection provide an important roadmap to develop potent and broadly directed vaccine candidates targeting both humoral and cellular immune responses. Multiple approaches to generating and testing viral immunogens have met with variable success. Several candidates have advanced to clinical trials based on promising results in chimpanzees. The ultimate path to a successful preventive vaccine requires comprehensive evaluations of all aspects of protective immunity, innovative application of state-of-the-art vaccine technology and properly designed vaccine trials that can affirm definitive endpoints of efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Jake Liang
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, US National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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25
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Li M, Jiang Y, Xu C, Zhang Z, Sun X. Enhanced immune response against HIV-1 induced by a heterologous DNA prime-adenovirus boost vaccination using mannosylated polyethyleneimine as DNA vaccine adjuvant. Int J Nanomedicine 2013; 8:1843-54. [PMID: 23690682 PMCID: PMC3656813 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s43827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The heterologous deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) prime-adenovirus (AdV) boost vaccination approach has been widely applied as a promising strategy against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1. However, the problem of inefficient delivery and lack of specificity of DNA vaccine remains a major issue. In this paper, to improve the transfection of DNA vaccine and realize dendritic cell targeting, we used mannosylated polyethyleneimine (man-PEI) as a DNA vector carrier. Method The DNA plasmid encoding antigen HIV gag fragment was constructed by polymerase chain reaction. Then the DNA plasmid was complexed with man-PEI. The in vitro transfection efficiency of man-PEI/DNA was analyzed on DC 2.4 cells. Mice were primed with 25 μg pVAX1-HIV gag plasmid complexed with man-PEI, 100 μg naked pVAX1-HIV gag plasmid, or empty pVAX1 vector and boosted by AdV encoding the same antigen. The antibody titer, CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell response, as well as interferon-γ and interleukin-4 levels in serum and in splenocytes culture were analyzed using flow cytometry or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to evaluate the immune response. To test a long-term effect of the vaccination regimen, CD8+ memory T-cell was also detected by flow cytometry. Results The pVAX1-HIV gag was constructed successfully. The in vitro transfection efficiency in dendritic cells was significantly higher than naked DNA plasmid. Compared with 100 μg naked DNA/AdV group, the immunoglobulin G2a antibody titer, T-cell response percentage, and cytokine production level induced by man-PEI/DNA/AdV group were significantly higher at a lower DNA dose. Also, the man-PEI/DNA could stimulate a memory CD8+ T-cell response. Conclusion Owing to the adjuvant effect of man-PEI, the man-PEI/pVAX1-HIV gag priming plus AdV boosting strategy proved to be a potent vaccine candidate against HIV, which could induce a stronger immune response with a lower DNA dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
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26
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Shi C, Ploss A. Hepatitis C virus vaccines in the era of new direct-acting antivirals. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013; 7:171-85. [PMID: 23363265 DOI: 10.1586/egh.12.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major global health problem as it has a high propensity for establishing chronicity. Chronic HCV carriers are at risk of developing severe liver disease including fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. While treatment has considerably improved over the years, therapy is still only partially effective, and is plagued by side effects, which contribute to treatment failure and is expensive to manage. The drug development pipeline contains several compounds that hold promise to achieve the goal of a short and more tolerable therapy, and are also likely to improve treatment response rates. It remains to be seen, however, how potent antiviral drug cocktails will affect the hepatitis C burden worldwide. In resource-poor environments, considerable costs, inadequate infrastructure for medical supervision and distribution may diminish the impact of future therapies. Consequently, development of novel therapeutic and prophylactic strategies is imperative to contain HCV infection globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Shi
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, Center for the Study of Hepatitis C The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
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27
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Hepatitis C vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-1-4557-0090-5.00051-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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28
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Li L, Saade F, Petrovsky N. The future of human DNA vaccines. J Biotechnol 2012; 162:171-82. [PMID: 22981627 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2012.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Revised: 08/01/2012] [Accepted: 08/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
DNA vaccines have evolved greatly over the last 20 years since their invention, but have yet to become a competitive alternative to conventional protein or carbohydrate based human vaccines. Whilst safety concerns were an initial barrier, the Achilles heel of DNA vaccines remains their poor immunogenicity when compared to protein vaccines. A wide variety of strategies have been developed to optimize DNA vaccine immunogenicity, including codon optimization, genetic adjuvants, electroporation and sophisticated prime-boost regimens, with each of these methods having its advantages and limitations. Whilst each of these methods has contributed to incremental improvements in DNA vaccine efficacy, more is still needed if human DNA vaccines are to succeed commercially. This review foresees a final breakthrough in human DNA vaccines will come from application of the latest cutting-edge technologies, including "epigenetics" and "omics" approaches, alongside traditional techniques to improve immunogenicity such as adjuvants and electroporation, thereby overcoming the current limitations of DNA vaccines in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- Vaxine Pty Ltd, Bedford Park, Adelaide 5042, Australia
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Sabo MC, Luca VC, Ray SC, Bukh J, Fremont DH, Diamond MS. Hepatitis C virus epitope exposure and neutralization by antibodies is affected by time and temperature. Virology 2011; 422:174-84. [PMID: 22078164 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2011.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2011] [Revised: 10/14/2011] [Accepted: 10/22/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
A recent study with flaviviruses suggested that structural dynamics of the virion impact antibody neutralization via exposure of ostensibly cryptic epitopes. To determine whether this holds true for the distantly related hepatitis C virus (HCV), whose neutralizing epitopes may be obscured by a glycan shield, apolipoprotein interactions, and the hypervariable region on the E2 envelope protein, we assessed how time and temperature of pre-incubation altered monoclonal antibody (MAb) neutralization of HCV. Notably, several MAbs showed increased inhibitory activity when pre-binding was performed at 37°C or after longer pre-incubation periods, and a corresponding loss-of-neutralization was observed when pre-binding was performed at 4°C. A similar profile of changes was observed with acute and chronic phase sera from HCV-infected patients. Our data suggest that time and temperature of incubation modulate epitope exposure on the conformational ensembles of HCV virions and thus, alter the potency of antibody neutralization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle C Sabo
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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30
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Bailey J. An assessment of the use of chimpanzees in hepatitis C research past, present and future: 1. Validity of the chimpanzee model. Altern Lab Anim 2011; 38:387-418. [PMID: 21105756 DOI: 10.1177/026119291003800501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The USA is the only significant user of chimpanzees in biomedical research in the world, since many countries have banned or limited the practice due to substantial ethical, economic and scientific concerns. Advocates of chimpanzee use cite hepatitis C research as a major reason for its necessity and continuation, in spite of supporting evidence that is scant and often anecdotal. This paper examines the scientific and ethical issues surrounding chimpanzee hepatitis C research, and concludes that claims of the necessity of chimpanzees in historical and future hepatitis C research are exaggerated and unjustifiable, respectively. The chimpanzee model has several major scientific, ethical, economic and practical caveats. It has made a relatively negligible contribution to knowledge of, and tangible progress against, the hepatitis C virus compared to non-chimpanzee research, and must be considered scientifically redundant, given the array of alternative methods of inquiry now available. The continuation of chimpanzee use in hepatitis C research adversely affects scientific progress, as well as chimpanzees and humans in need of treatment. Unfounded claims of its necessity should not discourage changes in public policy regarding the use of chimpanzees in US laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarrod Bailey
- New England Anti-Vivisection Society, Boston, MA 02108-5100, USA.
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31
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Park SH, Song MY, Nam HJ, Im SJ, Sung YC. Codelivery of IL-7 Augments Multigenic HCV DNA Vaccine-induced Antibody as well as Broad T Cell Responses in Cynomolgus Monkeys. Immune Netw 2010; 10:198-205. [PMID: 21286380 PMCID: PMC3026939 DOI: 10.4110/in.2010.10.6.198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2010] [Revised: 11/09/2010] [Accepted: 11/12/2010] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A crucial limitation of DNA vaccines is its weak immunogenicity, especially in terms of eliciting antibody responses in non-human primates or humans; therefore, it is essential to enhance immune responses to vaccination for the development of successful DNA vaccines for humans. Methods Here, we approached this issue by evaluating interleukin-7 (IL-7) as a genetic adjuvant in cynomolgus monkeys immunized with multigenic HCV DNA vaccine. Results Codelivery of human IL-7 (hIL-7)-encoding DNA appeared to increase DNA vaccine-induced antibody responses specific for HCV E2 protein, which plays a critical role in protecting from HCV infection. HCV-specific T cell responses were also significantly enhanced by codelivery of hIL-7 DNA. Interestingly, the augmentation of T cell responses by codelivery of hIL-7 DNA was shown to be due to the enhancement of both the breadth and magnitude of immune responses against dominant and subdominant epitopes. Conclusion Taken together, these findings suggest that the hIL-7-expressing plasmid serves as a promising vaccine adjuvant capable of eliciting enhanced vaccine-induced antibody and broad T cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Hyung Park
- Division of Molecular and Life Science, Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, WCU, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang 790-784, Korea
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Candidate hepatitis C vaccine trials and people who inject drugs: challenges and opportunities. Vaccine 2010; 28:7273-8. [PMID: 20831914 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.08.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2010] [Revised: 08/17/2010] [Accepted: 08/24/2010] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
People who inject drugs (PWID) are at high risk of HCV. Limited evidence of the effectiveness of prevention interventions and low uptake of treatment in this group highlight the need for increased investment in biomedical interventions, notably safe and efficacious vaccines. While several candidates are currently in development, field trials in PWID present challenges, including ethical issues associated with trial literacy, informed consent and standards of care. Significant biological and social factors and differences between HIV and HCV suggest that HCV warrants targeted vaccine preparedness research to lay the groundwork for successful implementation of future trials.
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Dahari H, Feinstone SM, Major ME. Meta-analysis of hepatitis C virus vaccine efficacy in chimpanzees indicates an importance for structural proteins. Gastroenterology 2010; 139:965-74. [PMID: 20621699 PMCID: PMC3075980 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2010.05.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2010] [Revised: 05/06/2010] [Accepted: 05/26/2010] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Studies in patients and chimpanzees that spontaneously cleared hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections demonstrated that natural immunity to the virus is induced during primary infections and that this immunity can be cross protective. These discoveries led to optimism about prophylactic HCV vaccines, and several studies were performed in chimpanzees, although most included fewer than 6 animals. To draw meaningful conclusions about the efficacy of HCV vaccines in chimpanzees, we performed statistical analyses of data from previously published studies from different groups. METHODS We performed a meta-analysis that compared parameters among naïve (n = 63), vaccinated (n = 53), and rechallenged (n = 36) animals, including peak RNA titer postchallenge, time points of peak RNA titer, duration of viremia, and proportion of persistent infections. RESULTS Each vaccination study induced immune responses that were effective in rapidly controlling HCV replication. Levels of induced T-cell responses did not indicate vaccine success. There was no reduction in the rate of HCV persistence in vaccinated animals, compared with naïve animals, when nonstructural proteins were included in the vaccine. Vaccines that contained only structural proteins had clearance rates that were significantly higher than vaccines that contained nonstructural components (P = .015). CONCLUSIONS The inclusion of nonstructural proteins in HCV vaccines might be detrimental to protective immune responses, and/or structural proteins might activate T-cell responses that mediate viral clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harel Dahari
- Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Stephen M. Feinstone
- Division of Viral Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - Marian E. Major
- Division of Viral Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
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34
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Kang IJ, Wang LW, Yeh TK, Lee CC, Lee YC, Hsu SJ, Wu YS, Wang JC, Chao YS, Yueh A, Chern JH. Synthesis, activity, and pharmacokinetic properties of a series of conformationally-restricted thiourea analogs as novel hepatitis C virus inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2010; 18:6414-21. [PMID: 20675142 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2010.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2010] [Revised: 06/30/2010] [Accepted: 07/01/2010] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
A series of novel conformationally-restricted thiourea analogs were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their anti-HCV activity. Herein we report the synthesis, structure-activity relationships (SARs), and pharmacokinetic properties of this new class of thiourea compounds that showed potent inhibitory activities against HCV in the cell-based subgenomic HCV replicon assay. Among compounds tested, the fluorene compound 4b was found to possess the most potent activity (EC(50)=0.3 microM), lower cytotoxicity (CC(50)>50 microM), and significantly better pharmacokinetic properties compared to its corresponding fluorenone compound 4c.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iou-Jiun Kang
- Division of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, No. 35, Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli County 350, Taiwan, ROC
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Chimpanzees have been widely used in hepatitis C virus (HCV) research, but their endangered status and high financial and ethical costs have prompted a closer review. METHODS One hundred and nine articles published in 1998-2007 were analyzed for the number of chimpanzees involved, experimental procedures, objectives and other relevant issues. RESULTS The articles described the use of 852 chimpanzees, but accounting for likely multiple uses, the number of individual chimpanzees involved here is estimated to be approximately 500. Most articles addressed immunology and inoculation studies. A significant portion of studies lasted for several months or years. Approximately one half of the individual chimpanzees were each used in 2-10 studies. CONCLUSIONS Significant financial and scientific resources have been expended in these chimpanzee HCV studies. Discussion addresses troublesome questions presented by some of the reviewed articles, including statistical validity, repeatability, and biological relevance of this model. These concerns merit attention as future approaches to HCV research and research priorities are considered.
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36
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Kang IJ, Wang LW, Hsu SJ, Lee CC, Lee YC, Wu YS, Yueh A, Wang JC, Hsu TA, Chao YS, Chern JH. Design and efficient synthesis of novel arylthiourea derivatives as potent hepatitis C virus inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2009; 19:6063-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2009.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2009] [Revised: 09/10/2009] [Accepted: 09/11/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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37
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Page K, Hahn JA, Evans J, Shiboski S, Lum P, Delwart E, Tobler L, Andrews W, Avanesyan L, Cooper S, Busch MP. Acute hepatitis C virus infection in young adult injection drug users: a prospective study of incident infection, resolution, and reinfection. J Infect Dis 2009; 200:1216-26. [PMID: 19764883 DOI: 10.1086/605947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, clearance, and reinfection are best studied in injection drug users (IDUs), who have the highest incidence of HCV and are likely to represent most infections. METHODS A prospective cohort of HCV-negative young IDUs was followed up from January 2000 to September 2007, to identify acute and incident HCV and prospectively study infection outcomes. RESULTS Among 1,191 young IDUs screened, 731 (61.4%) were HCV negative, and 520 (71.1%) of the 731 were enrolled into follow-up. Cumulative HCV incidence was 26.7/100 person-years of observation (95% confidence interval [CI], 21.5-31.6). Of 135 acute/incident HCV infections, 95 (70.4%) were followed; 20 (21.1%) of the 95 infections cleared. Women had a significantly higher incidence of viral clearance than did men (age-adjusted hazard ratio, 2.91 [95% CI, 1.68-5.03]) and also showed a faster rate of early HCV viremia decline (P < .01). The estimated reinfection rate was 24.6/100 person-years of observation (95% CI, 11.7-51.6). Among 7 individuals, multiple episodes of HCV reinfection and reclearance were observed. CONCLUSIONS In this large sample of young IDUs, females show demonstrative differences in their rates of viral clearance and kinetics of early viral decline. Recurring reinfection and reclearance suggest possible protection against persistent infection. These results should inform HCV clinical care and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Page
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, 50 Beale St, Ste 1200, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA.
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Sällberg M, Frelin L, Weiland O. DNA vaccine therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection: immune control of a moving target. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2009; 9:805-15. [PMID: 19527105 DOI: 10.1517/14712590902988444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The use of DNA plasmids for DNA vaccination was first described in the early 1990 s. DNA vaccinations were successful in small animal models but in larger animals and humans problems appeared. One major obstacle, effective delivery, has been partly overcome by new delivery techniques, such as transdermal delivery with the gene gun, and in vivo electroporation. We are entering a new era of DNA vaccination, where such techniques can be tested in humans. DNA vaccination may be a useful therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. Patients with these infections have a reduced T cell response to the invading virus. The genetic variability of HCV, its immunomodulatory properties and high replication rate contribute to chronicity. By providing the correct stimulus T cells may be activated to clear the infection. The vaccination is intended to induce a coordinated immune-based attack on the continuously moving HCV target. If effective, this should help in clearing the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matti Sällberg
- Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Division of Clinical Microbiology, F68, Department of Laboratory Medicine, S-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden.
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39
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Major ME. Prophylactic and Therapeutic Vaccination against Hepatitis C Virus (HCV): Developments and Future Perspectives. Viruses 2009; 1:144-65. [PMID: 21994543 PMCID: PMC3185488 DOI: 10.3390/v1020144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2009] [Revised: 07/25/2009] [Accepted: 08/11/2009] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies in patients and chimpanzees that spontaneously clear Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) have demonstrated that natural immunity to the virus is induced during primary infections and that this immunity can be cross protective. These discoveries led to optimism regarding prophylactic HCV vaccines and a number of studies in the chimpanzee model have been performed, all of which resulted in modified infections after challenge but did not always prevent persistence of the virus. Therapeutic vaccine strategies have also been pursued in an effort to reduce the costs and side effects associated with anti-viral drug treatment. This review summarizes the studies performed thus far in both patients and chimpanzees for prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination, assesses the progress made and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian E Major
- Division of Viral Products, Center for Biologics, Food and Drug Administration, Bldg29A/Rm1D10, 8800 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; E-mail: ; Tel.: +1-301-827-1881
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40
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Kang IJ, Wang LW, Hsu SJ, Lee CC, Lee YC, Wu YS, Hsu TA, Yueh A, Chao YS, Chern JH. Design and synthesis of indole, 2,3-dihydro-indole, and 3,4-dihydro-2H-quinoline-1-carbothioic acid amide derivatives as novel HCV inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2009; 19:4134-8. [PMID: 19539472 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2009.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2009] [Revised: 05/19/2009] [Accepted: 06/01/2009] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
An efficient synthetic methodology to provide indole, 2,3-dihydro-indole, and 3,4-dihydro-2H-quinoline-1-carbothioic acid amide derivatives is described. These conformationally restricted heterobicyclic scaffolds were evaluated as a novel class of HCV inhibitors. Introduction of an acyl group at the NH(2) of the thiourea moiety has been found to enhance inhibitory activity. The chain length and the position of the alkyl group on the indoline aromatic ring markedly influenced anti-HCV activity. The indoline scaffold was more potent than the corresponding indole and tetrahydroquinoline scaffolds and analogue 31 displayed excellent activity (EC(50)=510nM) against HCV without significant cytotoxicity (CC(50) >50microM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Iou-Jiun Kang
- Division of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, No. 35, Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli County 350, Taiwan, ROC
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Stoll-Keller F, Barth H, Fafi-Kremer S, Zeisel MB, Baumert TF. Development of hepatitis C virus vaccines: challenges and progress. Expert Rev Vaccines 2009; 8:333-45. [PMID: 19249975 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.8.3.333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Development of an effective vaccine against the hepatitis C virus (HCV) has long been defined as a difficult challenge due to the considerable variability of this RNA virus and the observation that convalescent humans and chimpanzees could be re-infected after re-exposure. On the other hand, progress in the understanding of antiviral immune responses in patients with viral clearance has elucidated key mechanisms playing a role in the control of viral infection. Studies investigating prophylactic vaccine approaches in chimpanzees have confirmed that the induction and maintenance of strong helper and cytotoxic T-cell immune responses against multiple viral epitopes is necessary for protection against viral clearance and chronic infection. A multispecific B-cell response, resulting in rapid induction of cross-neutralizing antibodies may assist cellular responses. Therapeutic vaccine formulations currently being evaluated in clinical trials are facing the fact that the immune system of chronic carriers is impaired and needs the restoration of T-cell functions to enhance their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Françoise Stoll-Keller
- Inserm, U748 et Laboratoire de Virologie des Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 3 rue Koeberlé 67000 Strasbourg, France.
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Desjardins D, Huret C, Dalba C, Kreppel F, Kochanek S, Cosset FL, Tangy F, Klatzmann D, Bellier B. Recombinant retrovirus-like particle forming DNA vaccines in prime-boost immunization and their use for hepatitis C virus vaccine development. J Gene Med 2009; 11:313-25. [DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
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43
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Bodles-Brakhop AM, Heller R, Draghia-Akli R. Electroporation for the delivery of DNA-based vaccines and immunotherapeutics: current clinical developments. Mol Ther 2009; 17:585-92. [PMID: 19223870 PMCID: PMC2835112 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2009.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2008] [Accepted: 12/27/2008] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroporation (EP) has been used in basic research for the past 25 years to aid in the transfer of DNA into cells in vitro. EP in vivo enhances transfer of DNA vaccines and therapeutic plasmids to the skin, muscle, tumors, and other tissues resulting in high levels of expression, often with serological and clinical benefits. The recent interest in nonviral gene transfer as treatment options for a vast array of conditions has resulted in the refinement and optimization of EP technology. Current research has revealed that EP can be successfully used in many species, including humans. Clinical trials are currently under way. Herein, the transition of EP from basic science to clinical trials will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Bodles-Brakhop
- VGX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 2700 Research Forest Drive, Suite 180, The Woodlands, Texas 77381, USA.
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Zubkova I, Choi YH, Chang E, Pirollo K, Uren T, Watanabe H, Wells F, Kachko A, Krawczynski K, Major ME. T-cell vaccines that elicit effective immune responses against HCV in chimpanzees may create greater immune pressure for viral mutation. Vaccine 2009; 27:2594-602. [PMID: 19428866 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.02.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2008] [Revised: 12/18/2008] [Accepted: 02/12/2009] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
A prime/boost vaccine strategy that transfects antigen-presenting cells using ligand-modified immunoliposomes to efficiently deliver plasmid DNA, followed by boosting with non-replicating recombinant adenovirus was used in chimpanzees to generate HCV-specific memory T-cells. Three chimpanzees (two vaccines, one control) were immunized with immunoliposomes complexed with DNA expressing NS3-NS5B or complexed with empty vector. Animals were boosted with adenovirus expressing NS3-NS5B, or non-recombinant adenovirus (control). Using liposome delivery we were able to obtain specific HCV responses following DNA priming in the chimpanzees. This data and mouse immunization studies confirm this as a more efficient delivery system than direct intramuscular inoculations with naked DNA. Subsequent to the adenovirus boost significant increases in peripheral HCV-specific T-cell responses and intrahepatic IFN-gamma and CD3varepsilon mRNA were also observed in the two vaccinated animals. Following challenge (100 CID(50)) both vaccinated animals showed immediate and significant control of viral replication (peak titers 3.7x10(4) and 9x10(3)IU/mL at weeks 1 and 2), which coincided with increases in HCV-specific T-cell responses. Viral kinetics in the control animal were comparable to historical controls with exponential increases in titer during the first several weeks. One vaccinated animal developed a low-level persistent infection (2x10(3)IU/mL) which correlated with a decrease in HCV-specific T-cell responses. Circulating virus isolated from both vaccinated animals showed approximately 2-fold greater nonsynonymous mutation rates compared to controls and the nonsynonymous/synonymous mutation rate ratio was indicative of positive selection. These data suggest that although T-cell vaccines can induce immune responses capable of controlling HCV, they also induce high levels of immune pressure for the potential selection of escape mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Zubkova
- Laboratory of Hepatitis Viruses, Division of Viral Products, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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45
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Kang IJ, Wang LW, Lee CC, Lee YC, Chao YS, Hsu TA, Chern JH. Design, synthesis, and anti-HCV activity of thiourea compounds. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2009; 19:1950-5. [PMID: 19251415 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2009.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2008] [Revised: 02/09/2009] [Accepted: 02/12/2009] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
A series of thiourea derivatives were synthesized and their antiviral activity was evaluated in a cell-based HCV subgenomic replicon assay. SAR studies revealed that the chain length and the position of the alkyl linker largely influenced the in vitro anti-HCV activity of this class of potent antiviral agents. Among this series of compounds synthesized, the thiourea derivative with a six-carbon alkyl linker at the meta-position of the central phenyl ring (10) was identified as the most potent anti-HCV inhibitor (EC(50) = 0.047 microM) with a selectivity index of 596.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iou-Jiun Kang
- Division of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, No. 35, Keyan Road, Zhunan Town, Miaoli County 350, Taiwan, ROC
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46
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Evidence for protection against chronic hepatitis C virus infection in chimpanzees by immunization with replicating recombinant vaccinia virus. J Virol 2008; 82:10896-905. [PMID: 18753204 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01179-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the failures of nonreplicating vaccines against chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, we hypothesized that a replicating viral vector may provide protective immunity. Four chimpanzees were immunized transdermally twice with recombinant vaccinia viruses (rVV) expressing HCV genes. After challenge with 24 50% chimpanzee infective doses of homologous HCV, the two control animals that had received only the parental VV developed chronic HCV infection. All four immunized animals resolved HCV infection. The difference in the rate of chronicity between the immunized and the control animals was close to statistical significance (P = 0.067). Immunized animals developed vigorous gamma interferon enzyme-linked immunospot responses and moderate proliferative responses. To investigate cross-genotype protection, the immunized recovered chimpanzees were challenged with a pool of six major HCV genotypes. During the acute phase after the multigenotype challenge, all animals had high-titer viremia in which genotype 4 dominated (87%), followed by genotype 5 (13%). However, after fluctuating low-level viremia, the viremia finally turned negative or persisted at very low levels. This study suggests the potential efficacy of replicating recombinant vaccinia virus-based immunization against chronic HCV infection.
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Bukh J, Thimme R, Meunier JC, Faulk K, Spangenberg HC, Chang KM, Satterfield W, Chisari FV, Purcell RH. Previously infected chimpanzees are not consistently protected against reinfection or persistent infection after reexposure to the identical hepatitis C virus strain. J Virol 2008; 82:8183-95. [PMID: 18550671 PMCID: PMC2519567 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00142-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2008] [Accepted: 05/31/2008] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Protective immunity after resolved hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been reported. However, the breadth of this immunity has remained controversial, and the role of neutralizing antibodies has not been well-defined. In the present study, two chimpanzees (CH96A008 and CH1494) with resolved monoclonal H77C (genotype 1a) infection were rechallenged with low-dose homologous H77C virus about 12 months after viral clearance; CH96A008 became persistently infected, and CH1494 had transient viremia lasting 2 weeks. CH1494 was subsequently either partially or completely protected following five homologous rechallenges with monoclonal H77C or polyclonal H77 and after six heterologous rechallenges with HC-J4 (genotype 1b) or HC-J6 (genotype 2a) viruses. Subsequently, a final challenge with H77C resulted in persistent HCV infection. In both chimpanzees, serum neutralizing antibodies against retroviral pseudoparticles bearing the H77C envelope proteins were not detected during the initial infection or during rechallenge. However, anamnestic cellular immune responses developed during the initial homologous rechallenge, in particular in CH96A008, which developed a persistent infection. Polyprotein sequences of viruses recovered from CH1494 after the two homologous rechallenges that resulted in transient viremia were identical with the H77C virus. In contrast, the polyprotein sequences of viruses recovered from both chimpanzees after homologous rechallenge resulting in persistent infection had numerous changes. These findings have important implications for our understanding of immunity against HCV; even in the best-case scenario with autologous rechallenge, low-level viral persistence was seen in the presence of primed T-cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Bukh
- Hepatitis Viruses Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Building 50, Room 6531, 50 South Dr., MSC 8009, Bethesda, MD 20892-8009, USA.
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48
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Vanwolleghem T, Bukh J, Meuleman P, Desombere I, Meunier JC, Alter H, Purcell RH, Leroux-Roels G. Polyclonal immunoglobulins from a chronic hepatitis C virus patient protect human liver-chimeric mice from infection with a homologous hepatitis C virus strain. Hepatology 2008; 47:1846-55. [PMID: 18452146 DOI: 10.1002/hep.22244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The role of the humoral immune response in the natural course of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is widely debated. Most chronically infected patients have immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies capable of neutralizing HCV pseudoparticles (HCVpp) in vitro. It is, however, not clear whether these IgG can prevent a de novo HCV infection in vivo and contribute to the control of viremia in infected individuals. We addressed this question with homologous in vivo protection studies in human liver-urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA)(+/+) severe combined immune deficient (SCID) mice. Chimeric mice were loaded with chronic phase polyclonal IgG and challenged 3 days later with a 100% infectious dose of the acute phase H77C virus, both originating from patient H. Passive immunization induced sterilizing immunity in five of eight challenged animals. In the three nonprotected animals, the HCV infection was attenuated, as evidenced by altered viral kinetics in comparison with five control IgG-treated animals. Plasma samples obtained from the mice at viral challenge neutralized H77C-HCVpp at dilutions as high as 1/400. Infection was completely prevented when, before administration to naïve chimeric mice, the inoculum was pre-incubated in vitro at an IgG concentration normally observed in humans. CONCLUSION Polyclonal IgG from a patient with a long-standing HCV infection not only displays neutralizing activity in vitro using the HCVpp system, but also conveys sterilizing immunity toward the ancestral HCV strain in vivo, using the human liver-chimeric mouse model. Both experimental systems will be useful tools to identify neutralizing antibodies for future clinical use.
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Abstract
Molecular analyses have become an integral part of biomedical research as well as clinical medicine. The definition of the molecular and genetic basis of many human diseases has led to a better understanding of their pathogenesis and has in addition offered new perspectives for their diagnosis, therapy and prevention. Genetically, liver diseases can be classified as hereditary monogenic, acquired monogenic, complex genetic and diseases. Based on this classification, gene therapy is based on six concepts: gene repair, gene substitution, cell therapy, block of gene expression or function, DNA vaccination as well as gene augmentation. While recent developments are promising, various delivery, targeting and safety issues need to be addressed before gene therapy will enter clinical practice. In the future, molecular diagnosis and therapy liver diseases will be part of our patient management and complement existing diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- H E Blum
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany.
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Engle RE, Russell RS, Purcell RH, Bukh J. Development of a TaqMan assay for the six major genotypes of hepatitis C virus: comparison with commercial assays. J Med Virol 2008; 80:72-9. [PMID: 18041021 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.21043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A quantitative real-time PCR assay was developed that detects genomic RNA from reference strains representing the six major genotypes of hepatitis C virus (HCV) with equal sensitivity and accurately measured HCV RNA in JFH1 HCV-infected Huh7.5 cells. The method is indirectly calibrated to the first international (WHO 96/790) HCV standard preparation and has a linear dynamic range of 10(2.6)-10(6.5) IU/ml. In addition, the inter- and intra-assay precision were approximately 3% CV and <2% CV, respectively. Comparison with results obtained by commercially available HCV RNA Nucleic Acid Technology kits (Versant HCV RNA 3.0 b-DNA and Amplicor HCV Monitor), that also employ the WHO standard, allowed validation of the TaqMan assay against all major HCV genotypes. Both commercial methods detected HCV RNA over a wide dynamic range, but showed a consistent difference of about 0.3 log10 when evaluating samples of different HCV genotypes. The genome titers obtained with the three methods correlated with the infectivity titers previously determined for the HCV reference strains. TaqMan assays have become an essential tool to follow viral load in clinical samples and cell culture-based experiments and this technology offers significant advantages in linear dynamic range, sensitivity and customization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald E Engle
- Hepatitis Viruses Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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