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Mohammadzadeh V, Rahiman N, Cabral H, Quader S, Zirak MR, Taghavizadeh Yazdi ME, Jaafari MR, Alavizadeh SH. Poly-γ-glutamic acid nanoparticles as adjuvant and antigen carrier system for cancer vaccination. J Control Release 2023; 362:278-296. [PMID: 37640110 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.08.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Vaccination is an innovative strategy for cancer treatment by leveraging various components of the patients' immunity to boost an anti-tumor immune response. Rationally designed nanoparticles are well suited to maximize cancer vaccination by the inclusion of immune stimulatory adjuvants. Also, nanoparticles might control the pharmacokinetics and destination of the immune potentiating compounds. Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) based nanoparticles (NPs), which have a natural origin, can be easily taken up by dendritic cells (DCs), which leads to the secretion of cytokines which ameliorates the stimulation capacity of T cells. The intrinsic adjuvant properties and antigen carrier properties of γ-PGA NPs have been the focus of recent investigations as they can modulate the tumor microenvironment, can contribute to systemic anti-tumor immunity and subsequently inhibit tumor growth. This review provides a comprehensive overview on the potential of γ-PGA NPs as antigen carriers and/or adjuvants for anti-cancer vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahideh Mohammadzadeh
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Niloufar Rahiman
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Sabina Quader
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Mohammad Reza Zirak
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Mahmoud Reza Jaafari
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Hoda Alavizadeh
- Nanotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Chen M, Chen L, Yuan D, Niu L, Hu J, Zhang X, Zhang X, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Ling P, Liu F, Zhang D. Preparation, function, and safety evaluation of a novel degradable dermal filler, the cross-linked poly-γ-glutamic acid hydrogel particles. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2023; 111:1407-1418. [PMID: 36930047 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.35245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Poly-γ-glutamic acid (PGA) is a naturally degradable hydrophilic linear microbial polymer with moisturizing, immunogenic, cross-linking, and hydrogel water absorption properties similar to hyaluronic acid, a biomaterial that is commonly used as a dermal filler. To explore the development feasibility of cross-linked PGA as a novel dermal filler, we studied the local skin response to PGA fillers and the effect of various cross-linking preparations on the average longevity of dermal injection. Injection site inflammation and the formation of collagen and elastin were also determined. PGA hydrogel particles prepared using 28% PGA and 10% 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether showed optimal filler properties, resistance to moist heat sterilization, and an average filling longevity of 94.7 ± 61.6 days in the dermis of rabbit ears. Local redness and swelling due to filler injection recovered within 14.2 ± 3.6 days. Local tissue necrosis or systemic allergic reactions were not observed, and local collagen formation was promoted. Preliminary results suggested that dermal injection of cross-linked PGA particles appeared safe and effective, suggesting that cross-linked PGA particles could be developed as a new hydrogel dermal filler.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mian Chen
- Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceuticals, Engineering Laboratory of Polysaccharide drugs, National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Polysaccharide drugs, Postdoctoral Scientific Research Workstation, Jinan, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceuticals, Engineering Laboratory of Polysaccharide drugs, National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Polysaccharide drugs, Postdoctoral Scientific Research Workstation, Jinan, China
| | - Dandan Yuan
- Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceuticals, Engineering Laboratory of Polysaccharide drugs, National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Polysaccharide drugs, Postdoctoral Scientific Research Workstation, Jinan, China
| | - Linlin Niu
- Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceuticals, Engineering Laboratory of Polysaccharide drugs, National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Polysaccharide drugs, Postdoctoral Scientific Research Workstation, Jinan, China
| | - Jianting Hu
- Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceuticals, Engineering Laboratory of Polysaccharide drugs, National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Polysaccharide drugs, Postdoctoral Scientific Research Workstation, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Zhang
- Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceuticals, Engineering Laboratory of Polysaccharide drugs, National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Polysaccharide drugs, Postdoctoral Scientific Research Workstation, Jinan, China
| | - Xiuhua Zhang
- Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceuticals, Engineering Laboratory of Polysaccharide drugs, National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Polysaccharide drugs, Postdoctoral Scientific Research Workstation, Jinan, China
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceuticals, Engineering Laboratory of Polysaccharide drugs, National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Polysaccharide drugs, Postdoctoral Scientific Research Workstation, Jinan, China
| | - Xiangjun Zhang
- Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceuticals, Engineering Laboratory of Polysaccharide drugs, National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Polysaccharide drugs, Postdoctoral Scientific Research Workstation, Jinan, China
| | - Peixue Ling
- Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceuticals, Engineering Laboratory of Polysaccharide drugs, National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Polysaccharide drugs, Postdoctoral Scientific Research Workstation, Jinan, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceuticals, Engineering Laboratory of Polysaccharide drugs, National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Polysaccharide drugs, Postdoctoral Scientific Research Workstation, Jinan, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Daizhou Zhang
- Shandong Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceuticals, Engineering Laboratory of Polysaccharide drugs, National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Polysaccharide drugs, Postdoctoral Scientific Research Workstation, Jinan, China
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Abstract
The Bacillus cereus group includes several Bacillus species with closely related phylogeny. The most well-studied members of the group, B. anthracis, B. cereus, and B. thuringiensis, are known for their pathogenic potential. Here, we present the historical rationale for speciation and discuss shared and unique features of these bacteria. Aspects of cell morphology and physiology, and genome sequence similarity and gene synteny support close evolutionary relationships for these three species. For many strains, distinct differences in virulence factor synthesis provide facile means for species assignment. B. anthracis is the causative agent of anthrax. Some B. cereus strains are commonly recognized as food poisoning agents, but strains can also cause localized wound and eye infections as well as systemic disease. Certain B. thuringiensis strains are entomopathogens and have been commercialized for use as biopesticides, while some strains have been reported to cause infection in immunocompromised individuals. In this article we compare and contrast B. anthracis, B. cereus, and B. thuringiensis, including ecology, cell structure and development, virulence attributes, gene regulation and genetic exchange systems, and experimental models of disease.
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Maslova OV, Senko OV, Efremenko EN. Aspartic and glutamic acids polymers: preparation and applications in medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutics. Russ Chem Bull 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s11172-018-2115-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Abstract
Most pathogens gain access to the human body and initiate systemic infections through mucosal sites. A large number of currently marketed licensed vaccines are parenterally administered; they generate strong systemic immunity but not mucosal immunity. Nasal vaccination is an appealing strategy for the induction of mucosal-specific immunity; however, its development is mostly challenged by several factors, such as inefficient antigen uptake, its rapid mucociliary clearance, size-restricted permeation across epithelial barriers and absence of safe human mucosal adjuvants. Therefore, a safer mucosal-adjuvanting strategy or efficient mucosal delivery platform is much warranted. This review summarizes challenges and the rationale for nasal vaccine development with a special focus on the use of nanoparticles based on polymers and lipids for mucosal vaccine delivery.
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Protection against inhalation anthrax by immunization with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi Ty21a stably producing protective antigen of Bacillus anthracis. NPJ Vaccines 2017; 2:17. [PMID: 29263873 PMCID: PMC5627300 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-017-0018-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The national blueprint for biodefense concluded that the United States is underprepared for biological threats. The licensed anthrax vaccine absorbed vaccine, BioThrax, requires administration of at least 3–5 intramuscular doses. The anthrax vaccine absorbed vaccine consists of complex cell-free culture filtrates of a toxigenic Bacillus anthracis strain and causes tenderness at the injection site and significant adverse events. We integrated a codon-optimized, protective antigen gene of B. anthracis (plus extracellular secretion machinery), into the chromosome of the licensed, oral, live-attenuated typhoid fever vaccineTy21a to form Ty21a-PA-01 and demonstrated excellent expression of the gene encoding protective antigen. We produced the vaccine in a 10-L fermenter; foam-dried and vialed it, and characterized the dried product. The vaccine retained ~50% viability for 20 months at ambient temperature. Sera from animals immunized by the intraperitoneal route had high levels of anti-protective antigen antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and anthrax lethal toxin-neutralizing activity. Immunized mice were fully protected against intranasal challenge with ~5 LD50 of B. anthracis Sterne spores, and 70% (7/10) of vaccinated rabbits were protected against aerosol challenge with 200 LD50 of B. anthracis Ames spores. There was a significant correlation between protection and antibody levels determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and toxin-neutralizing activity. These data provide the foundation for achievement of our ultimate goal, which is to develop an oral anthrax vaccine that is stable at ambient temperatures and induces the rapid onset of durable, high-level protection after a 1-week immunization regimen. A vaccine candidate for anthrax infection shows promise for improving preparedness for a biological attack. Bacillus anthracis, the bacterium responsible for anthrax is a top-tier bioterrorism agent due to its high lethality and spore stability. The current FDA-approved anthrax vaccine and other vaccine candidates in development lack ease of preparation, have short shelf lives and adverse effects. B. Kim Lee Sim of Protein Potential LLC and her collaborators combined key B. anthracis genetic material into an existing typhoid vaccine. The vaccine vector possesses high stability, a strong safety record, and offers long-term protection after oral administration, which Sim’s group hopes to preserve in their candidate anthrax vaccine. The team showed that their hybrid vaccine conferred excellent protection in rabbits and a short vaccination regimen, and suggest further studies into its suitability for human vaccine studies.
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Ljubimova JY, Sun T, Mashouf L, Ljubimov AV, Israel LL, Ljubimov VA, Falahatian V, Holler E. Covalent nano delivery systems for selective imaging and treatment of brain tumors. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2017; 113:177-200. [PMID: 28606739 PMCID: PMC5578712 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2017.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nanomedicine is a rapidly evolving form of therapy that holds a great promise for superior drug delivery efficiency and therapeutic efficacy than conventional cancer treatment. In this review, we attempt to cover the benefits and the limitations of current nanomedicines with special attention to covalent nano conjugates for imaging and drug delivery in the brain. The improvement in brain tumor treatment remains dismal despite decades of efforts in drug development and patient care. One of the major obstacles in brain cancer treatment is the poor drug delivery efficiency owing to the unique blood-brain barrier (BBB) in the CNS. Although various anti-cancer agents are available to treat tumors outside of the CNS, the majority fails to cross the BBB. In this regard, nanomedicines have increasingly drawn attention due to their multi-functionality and versatility. Nano drugs can penetrate BBB and other biological barriers, and selectively accumulate in tumor cells, while concurrently decreasing systemic toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Y Ljubimova
- Nanomedicine Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd., AHSP, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
| | - Tao Sun
- Nanomedicine Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd., AHSP, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Leila Mashouf
- Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Alexander V Ljubimov
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Liron L Israel
- Nanomedicine Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd., AHSP, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Vladimir A Ljubimov
- Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida, 2 Tampa General Circle, Tampa, FL 33606, USA
| | - Vida Falahatian
- Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Clinical Research Training Program (CRTP), 2424 Erwin Road, Suite 1102, Hock Plaza Box 2721, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Eggehard Holler
- Nanomedicine Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd., AHSP, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; Institut für Biophysik und Physikalische Biochemie, Universität Regensburg, D-93040 Regensburg, Germany
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8
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Dickey SW, Cheung GYC, Otto M. Different drugs for bad bugs: antivirulence strategies in the age of antibiotic resistance. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2017; 16:457-471. [PMID: 28337021 DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2017.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 452] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The rapid evolution and dissemination of antibiotic resistance among bacterial pathogens are outpacing the development of new antibiotics, but antivirulence agents provide an alternative. These agents can circumvent antibiotic resistance by disarming pathogens of virulence factors that facilitate human disease while leaving bacterial growth pathways - the target of traditional antibiotics - intact. Either as stand-alone medications or together with antibiotics, these drugs are intended to treat bacterial infections in a largely pathogen-specific manner. Notably, development of antivirulence drugs requires an in-depth understanding of the roles that diverse virulence factors have in disease processes. In this Review, we outline the theory behind antivirulence strategies and provide examples of bacterial features that can be targeted by antivirulence approaches. Furthermore, we discuss the recent successes and failures of this paradigm, and new developments that are in the pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth W Dickey
- Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
| | - Gordon Y C Cheung
- Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
| | - Michael Otto
- Pathogen Molecular Genetics Section, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA
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Kongklom N, Shi Z, Chisti Y, Sirisansaneeyakul S. Enhanced Production of Poly-γ-glutamic Acid by Bacillus licheniformis TISTR 1010 with Environmental Controls. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2016; 182:990-999. [DOI: 10.1007/s12010-016-2376-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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10
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Progress toward the Development of a NEAT Protein Vaccine for Anthrax Disease. Infect Immun 2016; 84:3408-3422. [PMID: 27647868 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00755-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 09/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis is a sporulating Gram-positive bacterium that is the causative agent of anthrax and a potential weapon of bioterrorism. The U.S.-licensed anthrax vaccine is made from an incompletely characterized culture supernatant of a nonencapsulated, toxigenic strain (anthrax vaccine absorbed [AVA]) whose primary protective component is thought to be protective antigen (PA). AVA is effective in protecting animals and elicits toxin-neutralizing antibodies in humans, but enthusiasm is dampened by its undefined composition, multishot regimen, recommended boosters, and potential for adverse reactions. Improving next-generation anthrax vaccines is important to safeguard citizens and the military. Here, we report that vaccination with recombinant forms of a conserved domain (near-iron transporter [NEAT]), common in Gram-positive pathogens, elicits protection in a murine model of B. anthracis infection. Protection was observed with both Freund's and alum adjuvants, given subcutaneously and intramuscularly, respectively, with a mixed composite of NEATs. Protection correlated with an antibody response against the NEAT domains and a decrease in the numbers of bacteria in major organs. Anti-NEAT antibodies promote opsonophagocytosis of bacilli by alveolar macrophages. To guide the development of inactive and safe NEAT antigens, we also report the crystal structure of one of the NEAT domains (Hal) and identify critical residues mediating its heme-binding and acquisition activity. These results indicate that we should consider NEAT proteins in the development of an improved antianthrax vaccine.
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Chabot DJ, Ribot WJ, Joyce J, Cook J, Hepler R, Nahas D, Chua J, Friedlander AM. Protection of rhesus macaques against inhalational anthrax with a Bacillus anthracis capsule conjugate vaccine. Vaccine 2016; 34:4012-6. [PMID: 27329184 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The efficacy of currently licensed anthrax vaccines is largely attributable to a single Bacillus anthracis immunogen, protective antigen. To broaden protection against possible strains resistant to protective antigen-based vaccines, we previously developed a vaccine in which the anthrax polyglutamic acid capsule was covalently conjugated to the outer membrane protein complex of Neisseria meningitidis serotype B and demonstrated that two doses of 2.5μg of this vaccine conferred partial protection of rhesus macaques against inhalational anthrax . Here, we demonstrate complete protection of rhesus macaques against inhalational anthrax with a higher 50μg dose of the same capsule conjugate vaccine. These results indicate that B. anthracis capsule is a highly effective vaccine component that should be considered for incorporation in future generation anthrax vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald J Chabot
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
| | - Wilson J Ribot
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | - Jennifer Chua
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
| | - Arthur M Friedlander
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
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Abstract
Anthrax is caused by the spore-forming, gram-positive bacterium Bacillus anthracis. The bacterium's major virulence factors are (a) the anthrax toxins and (b) an antiphagocytic polyglutamic capsule. These are encoded by two large plasmids, the former by pXO1 and the latter by pXO2. The expression of both is controlled by the bicarbonate-responsive transcriptional regulator, AtxA. The anthrax toxins are three polypeptides-protective antigen (PA), lethal factor (LF), and edema factor (EF)-that come together in binary combinations to form lethal toxin and edema toxin. PA binds to cellular receptors to translocate LF (a protease) and EF (an adenylate cyclase) into cells. The toxins alter cell signaling pathways in the host to interfere with innate immune responses in early stages of infection and to induce vascular collapse at late stages. This review focuses on the role of anthrax toxins in pathogenesis. Other virulence determinants, as well as vaccines and therapeutics, are briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahtab Moayeri
- Microbial Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892; , , , ,
| | - Stephen H Leppla
- Microbial Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892; , , , ,
| | - Catherine Vrentas
- Microbial Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892; , , , ,
| | - Andrei P Pomerantsev
- Microbial Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892; , , , ,
| | - Shihui Liu
- Microbial Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892; , , , ,
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Bacillus anthracis Capsular Conjugates Elicit Chimpanzee Polyclonal Antibodies That Protect Mice from Pulmonary Anthrax. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2015; 22:902-8. [PMID: 26041039 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00137-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The immunogenicity of Bacillus anthracis capsule (poly-γ-D-glutamic acid [PGA]) conjugated to recombinant B. anthracis protective antigen (rPA) or to tetanus toxoid (TT) was evaluated in two anthrax-naive juvenile chimpanzees. In a previous study of these conjugates, highly protective monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against PGA were generated. This study examines the polyclonal antibody response of the same animals. Preimmune antibodies to PGA with titers of >10(3) were detected in the chimpanzees. The maximal titer of anti-PGA was induced within 1 to 2 weeks following the 1st immunization, with no booster effects following the 2nd and 3rd immunizations. Thus, the anti-PGA response in the chimpanzees resembled a secondary immune response. Screening of sera from nine unimmunized chimpanzees and six humans revealed antibodies to PGA in all samples, with an average titer of 10(3). An anti-PA response was also observed following immunization with PGA-rPA conjugate, similar to that seen following immunization with rPA alone. However, in contrast to anti-PGA, preimmune anti-PA antibody titers and those following the 1st immunization were ≤300, with the antibodies peaking above 10(4) following the 2nd immunization. The polyclonal anti-PGA shared the MAb 11D epitope and, similar to the MAbs, exerted opsonophagocytic killing of B. anthracis. Most important, the PGA-TT-induced antibodies protected mice from a lethal challenge with virulent B. anthracis spores. Our data support the use of PGA conjugates, especially PGA-rPA targeting both toxin and capsule, as expanded-spectrum anthrax vaccines.
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Infection-mimicking poly(γ-glutamic acid) as adjuvant material for effective anti-tumor immune response. Int J Biol Macromol 2015; 75:495-504. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2015.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Revised: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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15
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Tork SE, Aly MM, Alakilli SY, Al-Seeni MN. Purification and characterization of gamma poly glutamic acid from newly Bacillus licheniformis NRC20. Int J Biol Macromol 2015; 74:382-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2014.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Revised: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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16
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Kodama Y, Nakamura T, Kurosaki T, Egashira K, Mine T, Nakagawa H, Muro T, Kitahara T, Higuchi N, Sasaki H. Biodegradable nanoparticles composed of dendrigraft poly-L-lysine for gene delivery. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2014; 87:472-9. [PMID: 24813391 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2014.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Revised: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
We developed novel gene vectors composed of dendrigraft poly-L-lysine (DGL). The transgene expression efficiency of the pDNA/DGL complexes (DGL complexes) was markedly higher than that of the control pDNA/poly-L-lysine complex. However, the DGL complexes caused cytotoxicity and erythrocyte agglutination at high doses. Therefore, γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA), which is a biodegradable anionic polymer, was added to the DGL complexes to decrease their toxicity. The resultant ternary complexes (DGL/γ-PGA complexes) were shown to be stable nanoparticles, and those with γ-PGA to pDNA charge ratios of >8 had anionic surface charges. The transgene expression efficiency of the DGL/γ-PGA complexes was similar to that of the DGL complexes; however, they exhibited lower cytotoxicity and did not induce erythrocyte agglutination at high doses. After being intravenously administered to mice, the DGL6 complex demonstrated high transfection efficiency in the liver, lungs, and spleen, whereas the DGL6/γ-PGA8 complex only displayed high transfection efficiency in the spleen. Future studies should examine the utility of DGL and DGL/γ-PGA complexes for clinical gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukinobu Kodama
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tadahiro Nakamura
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Kurosaki
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kanoko Egashira
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Toyoharu Mine
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hiroo Nakagawa
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Takahiro Muro
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Takashi Kitahara
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Norihide Higuchi
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Sasaki
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Nagasaki University Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan.
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Makam SS, Kingston JJ, Harischandra MS, Batra HV. Protective antigen and extractable antigen 1 based chimeric protein confers protection against Bacillus anthracis in mouse model. Mol Immunol 2014; 59:91-9. [PMID: 24513572 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2014.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Revised: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant bivalent chimeric protein was generated comprising of domain 4 of protective antigen (PA4) and carboxy terminal region of extractable antigen 1 (EA1C) by overlap extension PCR. The immunogenicity and protective efficacy of recombinant chimeric protein (PE) and protein mixture (PAEA) along with the individual components, PA4 and EA1C were evaluated in this study. We found that PE and PAEA exhibited higher endpoint titer and elevated IgG1 response. Compared to PA4 and EA1C, the chimeric protein PE and protein mixture PAEA exhibited 1.52 and 1.39 times more proliferative effect on lymphocytes in vitro. The spore uptake by anti-PE and anti-PAEA antibodies was significantly more than the individual components. We further evaluated the effects of antisera on the toxins in vitro and in vivo. Anti-PE and anti-PAEA antibodies displayed nearly 80% protection against crude toxin activity on RAW 264.7 cell lines. We further demonstrated that the anti-PE and anti-PAEA antibodies displayed better protection in controlling the edema induced by crude toxin. Passive immunization with anti-PE and anti-PAEA provided protection against toxin challenge in mice. The present study reveals that the chimeric protein consisting of heterologous regions of PA and EA1 can render better protection than PA4 or EA1C alone against toxins and bacilli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivakiran S Makam
- Microbiology Division, Defence Food Research Laboratory, Siddarthanagar, Mysore 570011, Karnataka, India
| | - Joseph J Kingston
- Microbiology Division, Defence Food Research Laboratory, Siddarthanagar, Mysore 570011, Karnataka, India
| | - Murali S Harischandra
- Microbiology Division, Defence Food Research Laboratory, Siddarthanagar, Mysore 570011, Karnataka, India
| | - Harsh V Batra
- Microbiology Division, Defence Food Research Laboratory, Siddarthanagar, Mysore 570011, Karnataka, India.
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Bouzianas DG. Potential biological targets ofBacillus anthracisin anti-infective approaches against the threat of bioterrorism. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2014; 5:665-84. [PMID: 17678429 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.5.4.665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The terrorist attacks of 2001 involving anthrax underscore the imperative that safe and effective medical countermeasures should be readily available. Vaccination appears to be the most effective form of mass protection against a biological attack, but the current vaccines have drawbacks that justify the enormous amount of effort currently being put into developing more effective vaccines and other treatment modalities. After providing a comprehensive overview of the organism Bacillus anthracis as a biological weapon and its pathogenicity, this review briefly summarizes the current knowledge vital to the management of anthrax disease. This knowledge has been acquired since 2001 as a result of the progress on anthrax research and focuses on the possible development of improved human anti-infective strategies targeting B. anthracis spore components, as well as strategies based on host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios G Bouzianas
- Department of Medical Laboratories, Faculty of Health and Care Professions, University-level Technological Educational Institute of Thessaloniki, Greece.
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19
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Weiner ZP, Ernst SM, Boyer AE, Gallegos-Candela M, Barr JR, Glomski IJ. Circulating lethal toxin decreases the ability of neutrophils to respond toBacillus anthracis. Cell Microbiol 2013; 16:504-18. [DOI: 10.1111/cmi.12232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Revised: 09/24/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zachary P. Weiner
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology; University of Virginia; Charlottesville VA USA
| | - Stephen M. Ernst
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology; University of Virginia; Charlottesville VA USA
| | - Anne E. Boyer
- National Center for Environmental Health; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Atlanta GA 30341 USA
| | - Maribel Gallegos-Candela
- National Center for Environmental Health; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Atlanta GA 30341 USA
| | - John R. Barr
- National Center for Environmental Health; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Atlanta GA 30341 USA
| | - Ian J. Glomski
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology; University of Virginia; Charlottesville VA USA
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20
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Ljubimova JY, Portilla-Arias J, Patil R, Ding H, Inoue S, Markman JL, Rekechenetskiy A, Konda B, Gangalum PR, Chesnokova A, Ljubimov AV, Black KL, Holler E. Toxicity and efficacy evaluation of multiple targeted polymalic acid conjugates for triple-negative breast cancer treatment. J Drug Target 2013; 21:956-967. [PMID: 24032759 DOI: 10.3109/1061186x.2013.837470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Engineered nanoparticles are widely used for delivery of drugs but frequently lack proof of safety for cancer patient's treatment. All-in-one covalent nanodrugs of the third generation have been synthesized based on a poly(β-L-malic acid) (PMLA) platform, targeting human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). They significantly inhibited tumor growth in nude mice by blocking synthesis of epidermal growth factor receptor, and α4 and β1 chains of laminin-411, the tumor vascular wall protein and angiogenesis marker. PMLA and nanodrug biocompatibility and toxicity at low and high dosages were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The dual-action nanodrug and single-action precursor nanoconjugates were assessed under in vitro conditions and in vivo with multiple treatment regimens (6 and 12 treatments). The monitoring of TNBC treatment in vivo with different drugs included blood hematologic and immunologic analysis after multiple intravenous administrations. The present study demonstrates that the dual-action nanoconjugate is highly effective in preclinical TNBC treatment without side effects, supported by hematologic and immunologic assays data. PMLA-based nanodrugs of the Polycefin™ family passed multiple toxicity and efficacy tests in vitro and in vivo on preclinical level and may prove to be optimized and efficacious for the treatment of cancer patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Y Ljubimova
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Arrogene, Inc., Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Jose Portilla-Arias
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rameshwar Patil
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hui Ding
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Satoshi Inoue
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Janet L Markman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Bindu Konda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Pallavi R Gangalum
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Alexander V Ljubimov
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Arrogene, Inc., Santa Monica, CA, USA.,Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Keith L Black
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Arrogene, Inc., Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Eggehard Holler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Arrogene, Inc., Santa Monica, CA, USA
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21
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Tomiya N, Jardim JG, Hou J, Pastrana-Mena R, Dinglasan RR, Lee YC. Liver-targeting of primaquine-(poly-γ-glutamic acid) and its degradation in rat hepatocytes. Bioorg Med Chem 2013; 21:5275-81. [PMID: 23859775 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2013.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Revised: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We have synthesized poly-γ-glutamic acid (PGA) modified with a synthetic trivalent glyco-ligand (TriGalNAc) for the hepatocyte asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGP-R). We investigated in vivo distribution of unmodified PGA and TriGalNAc-modified PGA (TriGalNAc-PGA) in mice after intravenous injection. Most of unmodified PGA administered was transported to the bladder over 20-80min, suggesting a rapid excretion of unmodified PGA into urine. In contrast, TriGalNAc-PGA was found exclusively in the liver over the same period of time. We further synthesized TriGalNAc-PGA-primaquine conjugate (TriGalNAc-PGA-PQ), and investigated binding, uptake, and catabolism of the conjugate by rat hepatocytes. Our studies indicated that approximately 250ng per million cells of the conjugate bound to one million rat hepatocytes at 0°C, and approximately 2μg per million cells of the conjugate was taken up over 7h incubation at 37°C. Furthermore, our results suggested that TriGalNAc-PGA-PQ was almost completely degraded over 24h, and small degradation products were secreted into cell culture medium. The results described in this report suggest that the TriGalNAc ligand can serve as an excellent targeting device for delivery of PGA-conjugates to the liver hepatocytes, and rat hepatocytes possess sufficient capacity to digest PGA even modified with other substituents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noboru Tomiya
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
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22
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Hovenden M, Hubbard MA, Aucoin DP, Thorkildson P, Reed DE, Welch WH, Lyons CR, Lovchik JA, Kozel TR. IgG subclass and heavy chain domains contribute to binding and protection by mAbs to the poly γ-D-glutamic acid capsular antigen of Bacillus anthracis. PLoS Pathog 2013; 9:e1003306. [PMID: 23637599 PMCID: PMC3630167 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2012] [Accepted: 03/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial capsules are common targets for antibody-mediated immunity. The capsule of Bacillus anthracis is unusual among capsules because it is composed of a polymer of poly-γ-d-glutamic acid (γdPGA). We previously generated murine IgG3 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to γdPGA that were protective in a murine model of pulmonary anthrax. IgG3 antibodies are characteristic of the murine response to polysaccharide antigens. The goal of the present study was to produce subclass switch variants of the γdPGA mAbs (IgG3 → IgG1 → IgG2b → IgG2a) and assess the contribution of subclass to antibody affinity and protection. Subclass switch antibodies had identical variable regions but differed in their heavy chains. The results showed that a switch from the protective IgG3 to IgG1, IgG2b or IgG2a was accompanied by i) a loss of protective activity ii) a change in mAb binding to the capsular matrix, and iii) a loss of affinity. These results identify a role for the heavy chain constant region in mAb binding. Hybrid mAbs were constructed in which the CH1, CH2 or CH3 heavy chain constant domains from a non-protective, low binding IgG2b mAb were swapped into the protective IgG3 mAb. The IgG3 mAb that contained the CH1 domain from IgG2b showed no loss of affinity or protection. In contrast, swapping the CH2 or CH3 domains from IgG2b into IgG3 produced a reduction in affinity and a loss of protection. These studies identify a role for the constant region of IgG heavy chains in affinity and protection against an encapsulated bacterial pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Hovenden
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada, United States of America
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23
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Ilisz I, Aranyi A, Pataj Z, Péter A. Enantiomeric separation of nonproteinogenic amino acids by high-performance liquid chromatography. J Chromatogr A 2012; 1269:94-121. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2012.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Revised: 07/02/2012] [Accepted: 07/06/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Candela T, Dumetz F, Tosi-Couture E, Mock M, Goossens PL, Fouet A. Cell-wall preparation containing poly-γ-D-glutamate covalently linked to peptidoglycan, a straightforward extractable molecule, protects mice against experimental anthrax infection. Vaccine 2012; 31:171-5. [PMID: 23122993 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2012.10.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2012] [Revised: 09/21/2012] [Accepted: 10/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis is the causative agent of anthrax that is characterized by septicemia and toxemia. Many vaccine strategies were described to counteract anthrax infection. In contrast with veterinary live vaccines, currently human vaccines are acellular with the protective antigen, a toxin component, as the main constituent. However, in animal models this vaccine is less efficient than the live vaccine. In this study, we analyzed the protection afforded by a single extractable surface element. The poly-γ-D-glutamate capsule is covalently linked to the peptidoglycan. A preparation of peptidoglycan-linked poly-γ-D-glutamate (GluPG) was tested for its immunogenicity and its protective effect. GluPG injection, in mice, elicited the production of specific antibodies directed against poly-glutamate and partially protected the animals against lethal challenges with a non-toxinogenic strain. When combined to protective antigen, GluPG immunization conferred full protection against cutaneous anthrax induced with a fully virulent strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Candela
- Institut Pasteur, Toxines et Pathogénie Bactériennes, 25 rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France.
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25
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Panning of a phage display library against a synthetic capsule for peptide ligands that bind to the native capsule of Bacillus anthracis. PLoS One 2012; 7:e45472. [PMID: 23029033 PMCID: PMC3446873 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0045472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2012] [Accepted: 08/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis is the causative agent of anthrax with the ability to not only produce a tripartite toxin, but also an enveloping capsule comprised primarily of γ-D-glutamic acid residues. The purpose of this study was to isolate peptide ligands capable of binding to the native capsule of B. anthracis from a commercial phage display peptide library using a synthetic form of the capsule consisting of 12 γ-D-glutamic acid residues. Following four rounds of selection, 80 clones were selected randomly and analysed by DNA sequencing. Four clones, each containing a unique consensus sequence, were identified by sequence alignment analysis. Phage particles were prepared and their derived 12-mer peptides were also chemically synthesized and conjugated to BSA. Both the phage particles and free peptide-BSA conjugates were evaluated by ELISA for binding to encapsulated cells of B. anthracis as well as a B. anthracis capsule extract. All the phage particles tested except one were able to bind to both the encapsulated cells and the capsule extract. However, the peptide-BSA conjugates could only bind to the encapsulated cells. One of the peptide-BSA conjugates, with the sequence DSSRIPMQWHPQ (termed G1), was fluorescently labelled and its binding to the encapsulated cells was further confirmed by confocal microscopy. The results demonstrated that the synthetic capsule was effective in isolating phage-displayed peptides with binding affinity for the native capsule of B. anthracis.
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Pereira CL, Antunes JC, Gonçalves RM, Ferreira-da-Silva F, Barbosa MA. Biosynthesis of highly pure poly-γ-glutamic acid for biomedical applications. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE. MATERIALS IN MEDICINE 2012; 23:1583-1591. [PMID: 22532096 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-012-4639-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2011] [Accepted: 03/29/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The remarkable properties of poly-aminoacids, mainly their biocompatibility and biodegradability, have prompted an increasing interest in these polymers for biomedical applications. Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) is one of the most interesting poly-aminoacids with potential applications as a biomaterial. Here we describe the production and characterization of γ-PGA by Bacillus subtilis natto. The γ-PGA was produced with low molecular weight (10-50 kDa), high purity grade (>99 %) and a D: -/L: -glutamate ratio of 50-60/50-40 %. To evaluate the feasibility of using this γ-PGA as a biomaterial, chitosan (Ch)/γ-PGA nanoparticles were prepared by the coacervation method at pH ranging from 3.0 to 5.0, with dimensions in the interval 214-221 nm with a poly-dispersion index of ca. 0.2. The high purity of γ-PGA produced by this method, which is firstly described here, renders this biopolymer suitable for biomedical applications. Moreover, the Ch/γ-PGA nanocomplexes developed in this investigation can be combined with biologically active substances for their delivery in the organism. The fact that the assembly between Ch and γ-PGA relies on electrostatic interactions enables addition of other molecules that can be released into the medium through changes from acidic to physiological pH, without loss in biological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Leite Pereira
- INEB-Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 823, 4150-180, Porto, Portugal.
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Expression of either lethal toxin or edema toxin by Bacillus anthracis is sufficient for virulence in a rabbit model of inhalational anthrax. Infect Immun 2012; 80:2414-25. [PMID: 22526673 DOI: 10.1128/iai.06340-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of therapeutics against biothreats requires that we understand the pathogenesis of the disease in relevant animal models. The rabbit model of inhalational anthrax is an important tool in the assessment of potential therapeutics against Bacillus anthracis. We investigated the roles of B. anthracis capsule and toxins in the pathogenesis of inhalational anthrax in rabbits by comparing infection with the Ames strain versus isogenic mutants with deletions of the genes for the capsule operon (capBCADE), lethal factor (lef), edema factor (cya), or protective antigen (pagA). The absence of capsule or protective antigen (PA) resulted in complete avirulence, while the presence of either edema toxin or lethal toxin plus capsule resulted in lethality. The absence of toxin did not influence the ability of B. anthracis to traffic to draining lymph nodes, but systemic dissemination required the presence of at least one of the toxins. Histopathology studies demonstrated minimal differences among lethal wild-type and single toxin mutant strains. When rabbits were coinfected with the Ames strain and the PA- mutant strain, the toxin produced by the Ames strain was not able to promote dissemination of the PA- mutant, suggesting that toxigenic action occurs in close proximity to secreting bacteria. Taken together, these findings suggest that a major role for toxins in the pathogenesis of anthrax is to enable the organism to overcome innate host effector mechanisms locally and that much of the damage during the later stages of infection is due to the interactions of the host with the massive bacterial burden.
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Sortase-conjugation generates a capsule vaccine that protects guinea pigs against Bacillus anthracis. Vaccine 2012; 30:3435-44. [PMID: 22449424 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2012.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2011] [Revised: 03/06/2012] [Accepted: 03/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Capsules protect bacteria against phagocytic clearance. Capsular polysaccharides or polyglutamates have evolved also to resist antigen presentation by immune cells, thereby interfering with the production of opsonophagocytic antibodies. Linking capsular material to a carrier protein stimulates its presentation to the immune system. For many conjugate vaccines this is achieved by a process of random chemical cross-linking. Here we describe a new technology, designated sortase-conjugation, which generates a single amide bond between the C-terminal end of a carrier protein and the capsular material. Sortase-conjugation was used to link the poly-D-γ-glutamic acid (PDGA) capsule of Bacillus anthracis to the receptor binding domain (D4) of protective antigen (PagA). When used as a vaccine, PDGA-D4 conjugate elicited robust antibody responses against both capsule and D4. Immunization with PDGA-D4 afforded guinea pigs complete protection against anthrax challenge with wild-type or pagA mutant B. anthracis Ames.
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29
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Updating perspectives on the initiation of Bacillus anthracis growth and dissemination through its host. Infect Immun 2012; 80:1626-33. [PMID: 22354031 DOI: 10.1128/iai.06061-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Since 1957, it has been proposed that the dissemination of inhalational anthrax required spores to be transported from the lumena of the lungs into the lymphatic system. In 2002, this idea was expanded to state that alveolar macrophages act as a "Trojan horse" capable of transporting spores across the lung epithelium into draining mediastinal lymph nodes. Since then, the Trojan horse model of dissemination has become the most widely cited model of inhalational infection as well as the focus of the majority of studies aiming to understand events initiating inhalational anthrax infections. However, recent observations derived from animal models of Bacillus anthracis infection are inconsistent with aspects of the Trojan horse model and imply that bacterial dissemination patterns during inhalational infection may be more similar to the cutaneous and gastrointestinal forms than previously thought. In light of these studies, it is of significant importance to reassess the mechanisms of inhalational anthrax dissemination, since it is this form of anthrax that is most lethal and of greatest concern when B. anthracis is weaponized. Here we propose a new "jailbreak" model of B. anthracis dissemination which applies to the dissemination of all common manifestations of the disease anthrax. The proposed model impacts the field by deemphasizing the role of host cells as conduits for dissemination and increasing the role of phagocytes as central players in innate defenses, while moving the focus toward interactions between B. anthracis and lymphoid and epithelial tissues.
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Phase 1 study of a recombinant mutant protective antigen of Bacillus anthracis. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2011; 19:140-5. [PMID: 22190398 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.05556-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A phase 1 study of a recombinant mutant protective antigen (rPA) vaccine was conducted in 186 healthy adults aged 18 to 45 years. Volunteers were randomized to receive one of three formulations of rPA (formalin treated, alum adsorbed, or both), in 10- or 20-μg dosages each, or the licensed vaccine, AVA. Three injections were given at 2-month intervals and a 4th 1 year after the 3rd. Vaccinees were examined at the clinic once following each injection, at 48 to 72 h postinjection. Adverse reactions were recorded in diaries for 7 days. Sera were collected before each injection and 1 week after the 1st, 2 weeks after the 3rd and 4th, and 1 year after the 4th. Serum anti-PA IgG was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and toxin neutralization assay (TNA). All formulations at both dosages were safe and immunogenic, inducing booster responses, with the highest antibody levels following the 4th injection (354 to 732 μg/ml). The lowest levels were induced by the formalin-only-treated rPA; there was no statistical difference between levels induced by alum-adsorbed and formalin-treated/alum-adsorbed rPA or by the two dosages. The antibody levels declined in all groups during the 1-year intervals after the 3rd and 4th injections but less so during the 2nd year, after the 4th injection (fold decreases were 10 to 25 versus 3.4 to 7.0, P < 0.001). There were too few AVA recipients for statistical comparisons, but their antibody levels followed those of rPA. Anti-rPA measured by ELISA correlated with TNA titers (r = 0.97). These data support studying alum-adsorbed rPA in children.
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Chabot DJ, Joyce J, Caulfield M, Cook J, Hepler R, Wang S, Vietri NJ, Ruthel G, Shoop W, Pitt L, Leffel E, Ribot W, Friedlander AM. Efficacy of a capsule conjugate vaccine against inhalational anthrax in rabbits and monkeys. Vaccine 2011; 30:846-52. [PMID: 22172509 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2011] [Revised: 12/01/2011] [Accepted: 12/03/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, is recognized as one of the most serious bioterrorism threats. The current human vaccines are based on the protective antigen component of the anthrax toxins. Concern about possible vaccine resistant strains and reliance on a single antigen has prompted the search for additional immunogens. Bacterial capsules, as surface-expressed virulence factors, are well-established components of several licensed vaccines. In a previous study we showed that an anthrax vaccine consisting of the B. anthracis poly-γ-D-glutamic acid capsule covalently conjugated to the outer membrane protein complex of Neisseria meningitidis serotype B protected mice against parenteral B. anthracis challenge. Here we tested this vaccine in rabbits and monkeys against an aerosol spore challenge. The vaccine induced anti-capsule antibody responses in both species, measured by ELISA and a macrophage opsono-adherence assay. While rabbits were not protected against a high aerosol challenge dose, significant protection was observed in monkeys receiving the capsule conjugate vaccine. The results confirm that the capsule is a protective immunogen against anthrax, being the first non-toxin antigen shown to be efficacious in monkeys and suggest that addition of capsule may broaden and enhance the protection afforded by protective antigen-based vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald J Chabot
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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32
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Antunes JC, Pereira CL, Molinos M, Ferreira-da-Silva F, Dessı̀ M, Gloria A, Ambrosio L, Gonçalves RM, Barbosa MA. Layer-by-Layer Self-Assembly of Chitosan and Poly(γ-glutamic acid) into Polyelectrolyte Complexes. Biomacromolecules 2011; 12:4183-95. [DOI: 10.1021/bm2008235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Mariagemiliana Dessı̀
- Institute of Composite and Biomedical Materials, National Research Council,
P.le Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Gloria
- Institute of Composite and Biomedical Materials, National Research Council,
P.le Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Ambrosio
- Institute of Composite and Biomedical Materials, National Research Council,
P.le Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Mário A. Barbosa
- Institute of Composite and Biomedical Materials, National Research Council,
P.le Tecchio 80, 80125 Naples, Italy
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33
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Ashiuchi M. Analytical approaches to poly-γ-glutamate: Quantification, molecular size determination, and stereochemistry investigation. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2011; 879:3096-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2011.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2010] [Revised: 03/15/2011] [Accepted: 03/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Akagi T, Baba M, Akashi M. Biodegradable Nanoparticles as Vaccine Adjuvants and Delivery Systems: Regulation of Immune Responses by Nanoparticle-Based Vaccine. ADVANCES IN POLYMER SCIENCE 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/12_2011_150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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35
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Monoclonal antibody therapies against anthrax. Toxins (Basel) 2011; 3:1004-19. [PMID: 22069754 PMCID: PMC3202866 DOI: 10.3390/toxins3081004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2011] [Revised: 08/06/2011] [Accepted: 08/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Anthrax is a highly lethal infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. It not only causes natural infection in humans but also poses a great threat as an emerging bioterror agent. The lethality of anthrax is primarily attributed to the two major virulence factors: toxins and capsule. An extensive effort has been made to generate therapeutically useful monoclonal antibodies to each of the virulence components: protective antigen (PA), lethal factor (LF) and edema factor (EF), and the capsule of B. anthracis. This review summarizes the current status of anti-anthrax mAb development and argues for the potential therapeutic advantage of a cocktail of mAbs that recognize different epitopes or different virulence factors.
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Chitlaru T, Altboum Z, Reuveny S, Shafferman A. Progress and novel strategies in vaccine development and treatment of anthrax. Immunol Rev 2011; 239:221-36. [PMID: 21198675 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-065x.2010.00969.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The lethal anthrax disease is caused by spores of the gram-positive Bacillus anthracis, a member of the cereus group of bacilli. Although the disease is very rare in the Western world, development of anthrax countermeasures gains increasing attention due to the potential use of B. anthracis spores as a bio-terror weapon. Protective antigen (PA), the non-toxic subunit of the bacterial secreted exotoxin, fulfills the role of recognizing a specific receptor and mediating the entry of the toxin into the host target cells. PA elicits a protective immune response and represents the basis for all current anthrax vaccines. Anti-PA neutralizing antibodies are useful correlates for protection and for vaccine efficacy evaluation. Post exposure anti-toxemic and anti-bacteremic prophylactic treatment of anthrax requires prolonged antibiotic administration. Shorter efficient postexposure treatments may require active or passive immunization, in addition to antibiotics. Although anthrax is acknowledged as a toxinogenic disease, additional factors, other than the bacterial toxin, may be involved in the virulence of B. anthracis and may be needed for the long-lasting protection conferred by PA immunization. The search for such novel factors is the focus of several high throughput genomic and proteomic studies that are already leading to identification of novel targets for therapeutics, for vaccine candidates, as well as biomarkers for detection and diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodor Chitlaru
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona, Israel
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Brenneman KE, Doganay M, Akmal A, Goldman S, Galloway DR, Mateczun AJ, Cross AS, Baillie LW. The early humoral immune response to Bacillus anthracis toxins in patients infected with cutaneous anthrax. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 62:164-72. [PMID: 21401726 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-695x.2011.00800.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, produces a tripartite toxin composed of two enzymatically active subunits, lethal factor (LF) and edema factor (EF), which, when associated with a cell-binding component, protective antigen (PA), form lethal toxin and edema toxin, respectively. In this preliminary study, we characterized the toxin-specific antibody responses observed in 17 individuals infected with cutaneous anthrax. The majority of the toxin-specific antibody responses observed following infection were directed against LF, with immunoglobulin G (IgG) detected as early as 4 days after the onset of symptoms in contrast to the later and lower EF- and PA-specific IgG responses. Unlike the case with infection, the predominant toxin-specific antibody response of those immunized with the US anthrax vaccine absorbed and UK anthrax vaccine precipitated licensed anthrax vaccines was directed against PA. We observed that the LF-specific human antibodies were, like anti-PA antibodies, able to neutralize toxin activity, suggesting the possibility that they may contribute to protection. We conclude that an antibody response to LF might be a more sensitive diagnostic marker of anthrax than to PA. The ability of human LF-specific antibodies to neutralize toxin activity supports the possible inclusion of LF in future anthrax vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen E Brenneman
- Biological Defense Research Directorate, Naval Medical Research Center, Rockville, MD, USA
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Chen Z, Schneerson R, Lovchik J, Lyons CR, Zhao H, Dai Z, Kubler-Kielb J, Leppla SH, Purcell RH. Pre- and postexposure protection against virulent anthrax infection in mice by humanized monoclonal antibodies to Bacillus anthracis capsule. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2011; 108:739-44. [PMID: 21187383 PMCID: PMC3021070 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1017677108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the two essential virulence factors of Bacillus anthracis is the poly-γ-D-glutamic acid (γDPGA) capsule. Five γDPGA-specific antibody antigen-binding fragments (Fabs) were generated from immunized chimpanzees. The two selected for further study, Fabs 11D and 4C, were both converted into full-length IgG1 and IgG3 mAbs having human IgG1 or IgG3 constant regions. These two mAbs had similar binding affinities, in vitro opsonophagocytic activities, and in vivo efficacies, with the IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses reacting similarly. The mAbs bound to γDPGA specifically with estimated binding affinities (K(d)) of 35-70 nM and effective affinities (effective K(d)) of 0.1-0.3 nM. The LD(50) in an opsonophagocytic bactericidal assay was ≈10 ng/mL of 11D or 4C. A single 30-μg dose of either mAb given to BALB/c mice 18 h before challenge conferred about 50% protection against a lethal intratracheal spore challenge by the virulent B. anthracis Ames strain. More importantly, either mAb given 8 h or 20 h after challenge provided significant protection against lethal infection. Thus, these anti-γDPGA mAbs should be useful, alone or in combination with antitoxin mAbs, for achieving a safe and efficacious postexposure therapy for anthrax.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel Schneerson
- Program on Developmental and Molecular Immunity, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and
| | - Julie Lovchik
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131
| | - C. Rick Lyons
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131
| | - Huaying Zhao
- National Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892; and
| | - Zhongdong Dai
- Program on Developmental and Molecular Immunity, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and
| | - Joanna Kubler-Kielb
- Program on Developmental and Molecular Immunity, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, and
| | - Stephen H. Leppla
- Laboratory of Bacterial Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
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39
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Klinman DM, Yamamoto M, Tross D, Tomaru K. Anthrax prevention and treatment: utility of therapy combining antibiotic plus vaccine. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2010; 9:1477-86. [PMID: 19769541 DOI: 10.1517/14712590903307347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The intentional release of anthrax spores in 2001 confirmed this pathogen's ability to cause widespread panic, morbidity and mortality. While individuals exposed to anthrax can be successfully treated with antibiotics, pre-exposure vaccination can reduce susceptibility to infection-induced illness. Concern over the safety and immunogenicity of the licensed US vaccine (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed (AVA)) has fueled research into alternatives. Second-generation anthrax vaccines based on purified recombinant protective antigen (rPA) have entered clinical trials. These rPA vaccines induce neutralizing antibodies that prevent illness, but the magnitude and duration of the resultant protective response is modest. Efforts are underway to bolster the immunogenicity of rPA by combining it with adjuvants and other immunostimulatory agents. Third generation vaccines are under development that utilize a wide variety of immunization platforms, antigens, adjuvants, delivery methods and routes of delivery to optimize the induction of a protective immunity. For the foreseeable future, vaccination will rely on first and second generation vaccines co-administered with immune adjuvants. Optimal post-exposure treatment of immunologically naive individuals should include a combination of vaccine plus antibiotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis M Klinman
- National Cancer Institute (NCI), NCI, NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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40
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Abstract
The Select Agents and Toxins List was created by the US Government to limit the possession of and access to particular microorganisms and toxins. Casadevall and Relman argue that this list, and others like it, could have the paradoxical effect of increasing our vulnerability to biological attack and natural epidemics. Anxiety about threats from the microbial world and about the deliberate misuse of microorganisms has led to efforts to define and control these dangers using lists and regulations. One list with tremendous legal implications and a potentially huge impact on research is the Select Agents and Toxins List, which was created by the US Government to limit the possession of and access to particular microorganisms and toxins. In this article, in addition to highlighting general problems with taxonomy-based, microorganism-centric lists, we discuss our view that such lists may have the paradoxical effect of increasing the societal vulnerability to biological attack and natural epidemics by interfering with the sharing of microbial samples and hindering research on vaccines and therapeutics.
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Abstract
Bacillus anthracis is a Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium representing the etiological cause of anthrax, a rare lethal disease of animals and humans. Development of anthrax countermeasures has gained increasing attention owing to the potential use of B. anthracis spores as a bioterror weapon. The various forms of infection by B. anthracis are characterized both by toxemia and septicemia, both of which are the result of spore entry into the host followed by their germination into rapidly multiplying, toxin-producing bacilli. Following the publication of the bacterial genome, proteomic studies were carried out to determine the protein composition of the spore and identify exposed vegetative (membrane-located or secreted) proteins. These studies included comparison of strains differing in their virulence, cultured under different conditions and, in some cases, were complemented by serological inspection, which addressed expression during infection of proteomically identified proteins and their immunogenicity. The proteomic approach emerged as a valuable strategy for the generation of a pool of potential B. anthracis protein targets for further evaluation in detection, diagnostics, therapy and prophylaxis, and contributed to the elucidation of some aspects of the pathogenesis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodor Chitlaru
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, PO Box 19, Ness-Ziona 74100, Israel
| | - Avigdor Shafferman
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics, Israel Institute for Biological Research, PO Box 19, Ness-Ziona 74100, Israel
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Bacillus anthracis capsule activates caspase-1 and induces interleukin-1beta release from differentiated THP-1 and human monocyte-derived dendritic cells. Infect Immun 2009; 78:387-92. [PMID: 19737897 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00956-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The poly-gamma-d-glutamic acid (PGA) capsule is one of the major virulence factors of Bacillus anthracis, which causes a highly lethal infection. The antiphagocytic PGA capsule disguises the bacilli from immune surveillance and allows unimpeded growth of bacilli in the host. Recently, efforts have been made to include PGA as a component of anthrax vaccine; however, the innate immune response of PGA itself has been poorly investigated. In this study, we characterized the innate immune response elicited by PGA in the human monocytic cell line THP-1, which was differentiated into macrophages with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (hMoDCs). PGA capsules were isolated from the culture supernatant of either the pXO1-cured strain of B. anthracis H9401 or B. licheniformis ATCC 9945a. PGA treatment of differentiated THP-1 cells and hMoDCs led to the specific extracellular release of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) in a dose-dependent manner. Evaluation of IL-1beta processing by Western blotting revealed that cleaved IL-1beta increased in THP-1 cells and hMoDCs after PGA treatment. Enhanced processing of IL-1beta directly correlated with increased activation of its upstream regulator, caspase-1, also known as IL-1beta-converting enzyme (ICE). The extracellular release of IL-1beta in response to PGA was ICE dependent, since the administration of an ICE inhibitor prior to PGA treatment blocked induction of IL-1beta. These results demonstrate that B. anthracis PGA elicits IL-1beta production through activation of ICE in PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells and hMoDCs, suggesting the potential for PGA as a therapeutic target for anthrax.
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43
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Cybulski RJ, Sanz P, O'Brien AD. Anthrax vaccination strategies. Mol Aspects Med 2009; 30:490-502. [PMID: 19729034 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2009.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2009] [Accepted: 08/24/2009] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The biological attack conducted through the US postal system in 2001 broadened the threat posed by anthrax from one pertinent mainly to soldiers on the battlefield to one understood to exist throughout our society. The expansion of the threatened population placed greater emphasis on the reexamination of how we vaccinate against Bacillus anthracis. The currently-licensed Anthrax Vaccine, Adsorbed (AVA) and Anthrax Vaccine, Precipitated (AVP) are capable of generating a protective immune response but are hampered by shortcomings that make their widespread use undesirable or infeasible. Efforts to gain US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for licensure of a second generation recombinant protective antigen (rPA)-based anthrax vaccine are ongoing. However, this vaccine's reliance on the generation of a humoral immune response against a single virulence factor has led a number of scientists to conclude that the vaccine is likely not the final solution to optimal anthrax vaccine design. Other vaccine approaches, which seek a more comprehensive immune response targeted at multiple components of the B. anthracis organism, are under active investigation. This review seeks to summarize work that has been done to build on the current PA-based vaccine methodology and to evaluate the search for future anthrax prophylaxis strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Cybulski
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799, United States
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44
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Lee DY, Chun JH, Ha HJ, Park J, Kim BS, Oh HB, Rhie GE. Poly-gamma-d-glutamic acid and protective antigen conjugate vaccines induce functional antibodies against the protective antigen and capsule of Bacillus anthracis in guinea-pigs and rabbits. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 57:165-72. [PMID: 19732139 DOI: 10.1111/j.1574-695x.2009.00595.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Anthrax is a lethal infectious disease caused by the spore-forming Bacillus anthracis. The two major virulence factors of B. anthracis are exotoxin and the poly-gamma-d-glutamic acid (PGA) capsule. The three components of the exotoxin, protective antigen (PA), lethal factor and edema factor act in a binary combination, which results in massive edema and organ failure in the progress of anthrax disease. The antiphagocytic PGA capsule disguises the bacilli from immune surveillance and allows unimpeded growth of bacilli in the host. Because PA can elicit a protective immune response, it has been a target of the anthrax vaccine. In addition to PA, efforts have been made to include PGA as a component of the anthrax vaccine. In this study, we report that PA-PGA conjugates induce expressions of anti-PA, anti-PGA and toxin-neutralizing antibodies in guinea-pigs and completely protect guinea-pigs against a 50 x LD(50) challenge with fully virulent B. anthracis spores. Polyclonal rabbit antisera produced against either PA or ovalbumin conjugated to a PGA-15mer offer a partial passive protection to guinea-pigs against B. anthracis infection, indicating that anti-PGA antibodies play a protective role. Our results demonstrate that PA-PGA conjugate vaccines are effective in the guinea-pig model, in addition to the previously reported mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deog-Yong Lee
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Division of High-Risk Pathogen Research, Korea National Institute of Health, Seoul, Korea
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45
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Kurosaki T, Kitahara T, Fumoto S, Nishida K, Nakamura J, Niidome T, Kodama Y, Nakagawa H, To H, Sasaki H. Ternary complexes of pDNA, polyethylenimine, and γ-polyglutamic acid for gene delivery systems. Biomaterials 2009; 30:2846-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2009.01.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2008] [Accepted: 01/29/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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46
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Efficacy of a vaccine based on protective antigen and killed spores against experimental inhalational anthrax. Infect Immun 2008; 77:1197-207. [PMID: 19114543 DOI: 10.1128/iai.01217-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Protective antigen (PA)-based anthrax vaccines acting on toxins are less effective than live attenuated vaccines, suggesting that additional antigens may contribute to protective immunity. Several reports indicate that capsule or spore-associated antigens may enhance the protection afforded by PA. Addition of formaldehyde-inactivated spores (FIS) to PA (PA-FIS) elicits total protection against cutaneous anthrax. Nevertheless, vaccines that are effective against cutaneous anthrax may not be so against inhalational anthrax. The aim of this work was to optimize immunization with PA-FIS and to assess vaccine efficacy against inhalational anthrax. We assessed the immune response to recombinant anthrax PA from Bacillus anthracis (rPA)-FIS administered by various immunization protocols and the protection provided to mice and guinea pigs infected through the respiratory route with spores of a virulent strain of B. anthracis. Combined subcutaneous plus intranasal immunization of mice yielded a mucosal immunoglobulin G response to rPA that was more than 20 times higher than that in lung mucosal secretions after subcutaneous vaccination. The titers of toxin-neutralizing antibody and antispore antibody were also significantly higher: nine and eight times higher, respectively. The optimized immunization elicited total protection of mice intranasally infected with the virulent B. anthracis strain 17JB. Guinea pigs were fully protected, both against an intranasal challenge with 100 50% lethal doses (LD(50)) and against an aerosol with 75 LD(50) of spores of the highly virulent strain 9602. Conversely, immunization with PA alone did not elicit protection. These results demonstrate that the association of PA and spores is very much more effective than PA alone against experimental inhalational anthrax.
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47
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Buescher JM, Margaritis A. Microbial Biosynthesis of Polyglutamic Acid Biopolymer and Applications in the Biopharmaceutical, Biomedical and Food Industries. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2008; 27:1-19. [PMID: 17364686 DOI: 10.1080/07388550601166458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This review article provides an updated critical literature review on the production and applications of Polyglutamic Acid (PGA). alpha-PGA is synthesized chemically, whereas gamma-PGA can be produced by a number of microbial species, most prominently various Bacilli. Great insight into the microbial formation of gamma-PGA has been gained thanks to the development of molecular biological techniques. Moreover, there is a great variety of applications for both isoforms of PGA, many of which have not been discovered until recently. These applications include: wastewater treatment, food products, drug delivery, medical adhesives, vaccines, PGA nanoparticles for on-site drug release in cancer chemotherapy, and tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joerg M Buescher
- Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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48
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Klas SD, Petrie CR, Warwood SJ, Williams MS, Olds CL, Stenz JP, Cheff AM, Hinchcliffe M, Richardson C, Wimer S. A single immunization with a dry powder anthrax vaccine protects rabbits against lethal aerosol challenge. Vaccine 2008; 26:5494-502. [PMID: 18703110 PMCID: PMC2742988 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.07.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2008] [Revised: 07/16/2008] [Accepted: 07/23/2008] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Here we confirm that intranasal (IN) dry powder anthrax vaccine formulations are able to protect rabbits against aerosol challenge 9 weeks after a single immunization. The optimum dose of rPA in our dry powder anthrax vaccine formulation in rabbits was experimentally determined to be 150microg and therefore was chosen as the target dose for all subsequent experiments. Rabbits received a single dose of either 150microg rPA, 150microg rPA+150microg of a conjugated 10-mer peptide representing the Bacillus anthracis capsule (conj), or 150microg of conj alone. All dry powder formulations contained MPL and chitosan (ChiSys). Significant anti-rPA titers and anthrax lethal toxin neutralizing antibody (TNA) levels were seen with both rPA containing vaccines, although rPA-specific IgG and TNA levels were reduced in rabbits immunized with rPA plus conj. Nine weeks after immunization, rabbits were exposed to a mean aerosol challenge dose of 278 LD50 of Ames spores. Groups immunized with rPA or with rPA+conj had significant increases in survivor proportions compared to the negative control group by Logrank test (p=0.0001 and 0.003, respectively), and survival was not statistically different for the rPA and rPA+conj immunized groups (p=0.63). These data demonstrate that a single immunization with our dry powder anthrax vaccine can protect against a lethal aerosol spore challenge 9 weeks later.
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MESH Headings
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/pharmacology
- Administration, Intranasal
- Aerosols
- Alum Compounds/pharmacology
- Animals
- Anthrax/immunology
- Anthrax/prevention & control
- Anthrax Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Anthrax Vaccines/immunology
- Antibodies, Bacterial/analysis
- Antibodies, Bacterial/biosynthesis
- Antigens, Bacterial/immunology
- Bacterial Capsules/immunology
- Chemistry, Pharmaceutical
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Female
- Immunoglobulin G/analysis
- Immunoglobulin G/biosynthesis
- Indicators and Reagents
- Neutralization Tests
- Powders
- Rabbits
- Solutions
- Vaccines, Subunit/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, Subunit/immunology
- Vaccines, Synthetic/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Klas
- LigoCyte Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 2155 Analysis Drive, Bozeman, MT 59718, United States.
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49
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Zarebski LM, Vaughan K, Sidney J, Peters B, Grey H, Janda KD, Casadevall A, Sette A. Analysis of epitope information related to Bacillus anthracis and Clostridium botulinum. Expert Rev Vaccines 2008; 7:55-74. [PMID: 18251694 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.7.1.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We have reviewed the information about epitopes of immunological interest from Clostridium botulinum and Bacillus anthracis, by mining the Immune Epitope Database and Analysis Resource. For both pathogens, the vast majority of epitopes reported to date are derived from a single protein: the protective antigen of B. anthracis and the neurotoxin type A of C. botulinum. A detailed analysis of the data was performed to characterize the function, localization and conservancy of epitopes identified as neutralizing and/or protective. In order to broaden the scope of this analysis, we have also included data describing immune responses against defined fragments (over 50 amino acids long) of the relevant antigens. The scarce information on T-cell determinants and on epitopes from other antigens besides the toxins, highlights a gap in our knowledge and identifies areas for future research. Despite this, several distinct structures at the epitope and fragment level are described herein, which could be potential additions to future vaccines or targets of novel immunotherapeutics and diagnostic reagents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Zarebski
- Immune Epitope Database and Analysis Resource, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, CA 9203,7 USA.
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50
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Hahn AC, Lyons CR, Lipscomb MF. Effect of Bacillus anthracis virulence factors on human dendritic cell activation. Hum Immunol 2008; 69:552-61. [PMID: 18662733 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2008.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2008] [Revised: 06/13/2008] [Accepted: 06/24/2008] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis possesses three primary virulence factors: capsule, lethal toxin (LT), and edema toxin (ET). Dendritic cells (DCs) are critical to innate and acquired immunity and represent potential targets for these factors. We examined the ability of B. anthracis spores and bacilli to stimulate human monocyte-derived DC (MDDC), primary myeloid DC (mDC), and plasmacytoid DC (pDC) cytokine secretion. Exposure of MDDCs and mDCs to spores or vegetative bacilli of the genetically complete strain UT500 induced significantly increased cytokine secretion. Spores lacking genes required for capsule biosynthesis stimulated significantly higher cytokine secretion than UT500 spores from mDCs, but not MDDCs. In contrast, bacilli lacking capsule stimulated significantly higher cytokine secretion than UT500 bacilli in both MDDCs and mDCs. Spores or bacilli lacking both LT and ET stimulated significantly higher cytokine secretion than UT500 spores or bacilli, respectively, in both mDCs and MDDCs. pDCs exposed to spores or bacilli did not produce significant amounts of cytokines even when virulence factors were absent. In conclusion, B. anthracis employs toxins as well as capsule to inhibit human MDDC and mDC cytokine secretion, whereas human pDCs respond poorly even when capsule or both toxins are absent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Hahn
- Center for Infectious Disease and Immunity, University of New Mexico Health Science Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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