1
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Mouzannar K, Schauer A, Liang TJ. The Post-Transcriptional Regulatory Element of Hepatitis B Virus: From Discovery to Therapy. Viruses 2024; 16:528. [PMID: 38675871 PMCID: PMC11055085 DOI: 10.3390/v16040528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The post-transcriptional regulatory element (PRE) is present in all HBV mRNAs and plays a major role in their stability, nuclear export, and enhancement of viral gene expression. Understanding PRE's structure, function, and mode of action is essential to leverage its potential as a therapeutic target. A wide range of PRE-based reagents and tools have been developed and assessed in preclinical and clinical settings for therapeutic and biotechnology applications. This manuscript aims to provide a systematic review of the characteristics and mechanism of action of PRE, as well as elucidating its current applications in basic and clinical research. Finally, we discuss the promising opportunities that PRE may provide to antiviral development, viral biology, and potentially beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Mouzannar
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetics and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | | | - T. Jake Liang
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetics and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
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2
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Babuadze GG, Echanove J, Lamarre C, deLaVega MA, Fausther-Bovendo H, Racine T, M Gomez A, Azizi H, Wade M, Kozak R, Kobinger GP. A novel DNA platform designed for vaccine use with high transgene expression and immunogenicity. Vaccine 2021; 39:7175-7181. [PMID: 34774358 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The development of new, low-cost vaccines and effective gene therapies requires accurate delivery and high-level expression of candidate genes. We developed a plasmid vector, pIDV-II, that allows for both easy manipulation and high expression of exogenous genes in mammalian cells. This plasmid is based upon the pVax1 plasmid and shares a common structure with typical mammalian transcription units. It is composed of a chicken β-actin promoter (CAG), followed by an intron and flanked by two restriction sites, and also includes a post-transcriptional regulatory element, followed by a transcriptional termination signal. While the modification of pVax1 elements either decreased eGFP expression levels or had no effect at all, replacement of the promoter, the poly-A signal, deletion of the T7 and AmpR promoters, and inversion of the ORI-Neo/Kan cassette, significantly increased in vitro eGFP expression with the modified plasmid called pIDV-II. To further evaluate our vector, expression levels of three viral antigens were compared in cell lines transfected either with pVax1 or pCAGGS backbones as controls. Higher transgene expression was consistently observed with pIDV-II. The humoral and cellular responses generated in mice immunized with pIDV-II vs pVax1 expressing each viral antigen individually were superior by 2-fold or more as measured by ELISA and ELISPOT assays. Overall these results indicate that pIDV-II induces robust transgene expression, with concomitant improved cellular and humoral immune responses against the transgene of interest over pVax1. The new vector, pIDV-II, offers an additional alternative for DNA based vaccination and gene therapy for animal and human use.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Giorgi Babuadze
- Axe des Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Jose Echanove
- Axe des Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Claude Lamarre
- Axe des Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Marc-Antoine deLaVega
- Axe des Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 4G2, Canada; Département de Microbiologie-Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Hugues Fausther-Bovendo
- Axe des Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Trina Racine
- Axe des Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 4G2, Canada; Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization - International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac), Canada
| | - Alejandro M Gomez
- Axe des Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Hiva Azizi
- Axe des Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Mathew Wade
- Axe des Maladies Infectieuses et Immunitaires, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Robert Kozak
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Molecular Diagnostics, Division of Microbiology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gary P Kobinger
- Département de Microbiologie-Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada; Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
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Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic has substantially accelerated the demands for efficient vaccines. A wide spectrum of approaches includes live attenuated and inactivated viruses, protein subunits and peptides, viral vector-based delivery, DNA plasmids, and synthetic mRNA. Preclinical studies have demonstrated robust immune responses, reduced viral loads and protection against challenges with SARS-CoV-2 in rodents and primates. Vaccine candidates based on all delivery systems mentioned above have been subjected to clinical trials in healthy volunteers. Phase I clinical trials have demonstrated in preliminary findings good safety and tolerability. Evaluation of immune responses in a small number of individuals has demonstrated similar or superior levels of neutralizing antibodies in comparison to immunogenicity detected in COVID-19 patients. Both adenovirus- and mRNA-based vaccines have entered phase II and study protocols for phase III trials with 30,000 participants have been finalized.
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Lee Y, Kim H, Kim E, Park S, Ryu KH, Lee EG. Rational design of transient gene expression process with lipoplexes for high-level therapeutic protein production in HEK293 cells. Process Biochem 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2019.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Lee J, Arun Kumar S, Jhan YY, Bishop CJ. Engineering DNA vaccines against infectious diseases. Acta Biomater 2018; 80:31-47. [PMID: 30172933 PMCID: PMC7105045 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Engineering vaccine-based therapeutics for infectious diseases is highly challenging, as trial formulations are often found to be nonspecific, ineffective, thermally or hydrolytically unstable, and/or toxic. Vaccines have greatly improved the therapeutic landscape for treating infectious diseases and have significantly reduced the threat by therapeutic and preventative approaches. Furthermore, the advent of recombinant technologies has greatly facilitated growth within the vaccine realm by mitigating risks such as virulence reversion despite making the production processes more cumbersome. In addition, seroconversion can also be enhanced by recombinant technology through kinetic and nonkinetic approaches, which are discussed herein. Recombinant technologies have greatly improved both amino acid-based vaccines and DNA-based vaccines. A plateau of interest has been reached between 2001 and 2010 for the scientific community with regard to DNA vaccine endeavors. The decrease in interest may likely be attributed to difficulties in improving immunogenic properties associated with DNA vaccines, although there has been research demonstrating improvement and optimization to this end. Despite improvement, to the extent of our knowledge, there are currently no regulatory body-approved DNA vaccines for human use (four vaccines approved for animal use). This article discusses engineering DNA vaccines against infectious diseases while discussing advantages and disadvantages of each, with an emphasis on applications of these DNA vaccines. Statement of Significance This review paper summarizes the state of the engineered/recombinant DNA vaccine field, with a scope entailing “Engineering DNA vaccines against infectious diseases”. We endeavor to emphasize recent advances, recapitulating the current state of the field. In addition to discussing DNA therapeutics that have already been clinically translated, this review also examines current research developments, and the challenges thwarting further progression. Our review covers: recombinant DNA-based subunit vaccines; internalization and processing; enhancing immune protection via adjuvants; manufacturing and engineering DNA; the safety, stability and delivery of DNA vaccines or plasmids; controlling gene expression using plasmid engineering and gene circuits; overcoming immunogenic issues; and commercial successes. We hope that this review will inspire further research in DNA vaccine development.
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Zhao K, Han J, Zhang Y, Wei L, Yu S, Wang X, Jin Z, Wang Y. Enhancing Mucosal Immune Response of Newcastle Disease Virus DNA Vaccine Using N-2-Hydroxypropyl Trimethylammonium Chloride Chitosan and N,O-Carboxymethyl Chitosan Nanoparticles as Delivery Carrier. Mol Pharm 2017; 15:226-237. [PMID: 29172532 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.7b00826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Because mucosal sites are the entry ports of pathogens, immunization via mucosal routes can extremely enhance the immunity. To elevate the potential of N-2-hydroxypropyl trimethylammonium chloride chitosan (N-2-HACC) and N,O-carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) nanoparticles as a mucosal immune delivery carrier for DNA vaccines, we prepared the NDV F gene plasmid DNA with C3d6 molecular adjuvant (pVAX I-F(o)-C3d6) encapsulated in the N-2-HACC-CMC nanoparticles (N-2-HACC-CMC/pFDNA-C3d6 NPs). The N-2-HACC-CMC/pFDNA-C3d6 NPs had regular spherical morphology and low toxicity with a mean diameter of 309.7 ± 6.52 nm, zeta potential of 49.9 ± 4.93 mV, encapsulation efficiency of 92.27 ± 1.48%, and loading capacity of 50.75 ± 1.35%. The N-2-HACC-CMC had high stability and safety. The pVAX I-F(o)-C3d6 could be sustainably released from the N-2-HACC-CMC/pFDNA-C3d6 NPs after an initial burst release. Immunization intranasally of chickens with N-2-HACC-CMC/pFDNA-C3d6 NPs not only produced higher anti-NDV IgG and sIgA antibody than chickens in other groups did, but also significantly stimulated lymphocyte proliferation and triggered higher the IL-2, IL-4, and IFN-γ levels. These findings indicated that the N-2-HACC-CMC could be used as an efficient delivery carrier for the mucosal immunity of Newcastle disease virus DNA vaccine. The work laid a basis for the quaternized chitosan nanoparticles as efficient mucosal immunity delivery carrier for DNA vaccines and had immense application promise and potential for vaccines and drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Life Science, Heilongjiang University , Harbin 150080, China
| | - Jinyu Han
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering Process and Technology for High-efficiency Conversion, College of Chemistry and Material Sciences, Heilongjiang University , Harbin 150080, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Life Science, Heilongjiang University , Harbin 150080, China
| | - Lin Wei
- Key Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Life Science, Heilongjiang University , Harbin 150080, China
| | - Shuang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Life Science, Heilongjiang University , Harbin 150080, China
| | - Xiaohua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Life Science, Heilongjiang University , Harbin 150080, China
| | - Zheng Jin
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering Process and Technology for High-efficiency Conversion, College of Chemistry and Material Sciences, Heilongjiang University , Harbin 150080, China
| | - Yunfeng Wang
- Division of Avian Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, CAAS , Harbin 150001, China
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Jin Z, Li D, Dai C, Cheng G, Wang X, Zhao K. Response of live Newcastle disease virus encapsulated in N -2-hydroxypropyl dimethylethyl ammonium chloride chitosan nanoparticles. Carbohydr Polym 2017; 171:267-280. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Revised: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Liu X, Xu J, Zhang H, Liu Q, Xiao J, Zhang Y. Design and evaluation of an Edwardsiella tarda DNA vaccine co-encoding antigenic and adjuvant peptide. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 59:189-195. [PMID: 27765700 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2016.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Revised: 10/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/15/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Edwardsiella tarda is associated with edwardsiellosis in cultured fish, resulting in heavy losses in aquaculture. So far, different types of vaccine have been attempted against E. tarda. In this study, an optimized eukaryotic expression plasmid was developed and an optimized DNA vaccine co-encoding antigenic and adjuvant peptide using a bicistronic expression system was designed. As a result, a modified plasmid harbored cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter attached with R region of long terminal repeat from human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (CMV/R) and woodchuck hepatitis virus post-transcriptional response element (WPRE) component showed an increased antigenic gene expression compared with unmodified plasmid. Moreover, the designed system based on bicistronic system exhibited a stronger ability to express antigenic gene and the RPS achieved 87.3% compared with plasmid encoding antigentic gene. Finally, immunological analysis showed that the DNA vaccine induced both innate and adaptive immune responses. These results suggest that co-encoding antigenic and adjuvant proteins might be an efficient strategy to develop DNA vaccines in aquaculture in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, PR China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Maricultured Animal Vaccines, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jinmei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, PR China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Maricultured Animal Vaccines, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Qin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, PR China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Maricultured Animal Vaccines, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jingfan Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, PR China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Maricultured Animal Vaccines, Shanghai, PR China.
| | - Yuanxing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, PR China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Maricultured Animal Vaccines, Shanghai, PR China
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9
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IgA response and protection following nasal vaccination of chickens with Newcastle disease virus DNA vaccine nanoencapsulated with Ag@SiO2 hollow nanoparticles. Sci Rep 2016; 6:25720. [PMID: 27170532 PMCID: PMC4864420 DOI: 10.1038/srep25720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Newcastle disease caused by ND virus (NDV) is a highly contagious disease of birds. Vaccine for effective protection of poultry animals from NDV infection is urgently needed. Mucosal immunity plays a very important role in the antiviral immune response. In this study, a NDV F gene-containing DNA vaccine encapsulated in Ag@SiO2 hollow nanoparticles (pFDNA-Ag@SiO2-NPs) with an average diameter of 500 nm were prepared to assess the mucosal immune response. These nanoparticles exhibited low cytotoxicity and did not destroy the bioactivity of plasmid DNA, which could be expressed in vitro. The plasmid DNA was sustainably released after an initial burst release. In vivo immunization showed that the intranasal immunization of chickens with pFDNA-Ag@SiO2-NPs induced high titers of serum antibody, significantly promoted lymphocyte proliferation and induced higher expression levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicated that the Ag@SiO2 hollow nanoparticles could serve as an efficient and safe delivery carrier for NDV DNA vaccine to induce mucosal immunity. This study has provided promising results for the further development of mucosal vaccines encapsulated in inorganic nanoparticles.
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Jiang DB, Sun YJ, Cheng LF, Zhang GF, Dong C, Jin BQ, Song CJ, Ma Y, Zhang FL, Yang K. Construction and evaluation of DNA vaccine encoding Hantavirus glycoprotein N-terminal fused with lysosome-associated membrane protein. Vaccine 2015; 33:3367-76. [PMID: 26027907 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Revised: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hantaviral diseases can have a high case fatality rate within the absence of broadly effective antiviral treatments or vaccines. We developed a DNA vaccine targeting the Hantavirus glycoprotein N-terminal (Gn) to major histocompatibility complex class II compartment by fusing the antigen with lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1), which altered antigen presenting pathway and activated the CD4+ T cells. METHODS The segments of Gn and LAMP1 were cloned into vector pVAX1, and recombinant plasmid was constructed by inserting Gn sequence into LAMP1, between luminal and the transmembrane/cytoplasmic domains. Subsequently, the protein expression was identified through immunoprecipitation, western blot and Immunofluorescent assay. Adaptive immune responses were assessed by the presence of specific and neutralizing antibodies, interferon (ELISpot results, and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) cytotoxicity. Epitope mapping was performed to study the T-cell epitopes. Protective immunity in vivo was evaluated using a novel HTNV-challenging model, and safety evaluation was based on histological and behavioral observations. RESULTS Native or LAMP1 targeting HTNV Gn was successfully identified. Humoral immune responses were enhanced, featuring with satisfying titers of specific and neutralizing antibody production. The boosted activities of IFN-γ and CTL cytotoxicity witnessed enhanced cellular immune responses. Effective protection against HTNV in vivo was conferred in all three vaccine groups by the challenge model. Safety was confirmed and one dominant T-cell epitope screened from immunized mice overlapped the specific T-cell hot spot in HFRS patients. CONCLUSION LAMP1 targeting strategy successfully enhanced the efficacy of HTNV Gn-based vaccine, which is highly immunogenic and safe, showing promise for immunoprophylaxis against HFRS. Further investigations are warranted in the future.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/blood
- Antibodies, Viral/blood
- Cytotoxicity Tests, Immunologic
- Disease Models, Animal
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Enzyme-Linked Immunospot Assay
- Female
- Glycoproteins/genetics
- Glycoproteins/immunology
- Hantavirus Infections/immunology
- Hantavirus Infections/prevention & control
- Interferons/metabolism
- Lysosomal Membrane Proteins/genetics
- Lysosomal Membrane Proteins/immunology
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Neutralization Tests
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/immunology
- Survival Analysis
- Vaccines, DNA/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, DNA/adverse effects
- Vaccines, DNA/genetics
- Vaccines, DNA/immunology
- Vaccines, Synthetic/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, Synthetic/adverse effects
- Vaccines, Synthetic/genetics
- Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
- Viral Proteins/genetics
- Viral Proteins/immunology
- Viral Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Viral Vaccines/adverse effects
- Viral Vaccines/genetics
- Viral Vaccines/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Bo Jiang
- Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Brigade of Cadet, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yuan-Jie Sun
- Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Lin-Feng Cheng
- Department of Microbiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Ge-Fei Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Brigade of Cadet, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Chen Dong
- Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Department of Microbiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Bo-Quan Jin
- Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Chao-Jun Song
- Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Ying Ma
- Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Fang-Lin Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
| | - Kun Yang
- Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
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Zhao K, Rong G, Guo C, Luo X, Kang H, Sun Y, Dai C, Wang X, Wang X, Jin Z, Cui S, Sun Q. Synthesis, characterization, and immune efficacy of layered double hydroxide@SiO2 nanoparticles with shell-core structure as a delivery carrier for Newcastle disease virus DNA vaccine. Int J Nanomedicine 2015; 10:2895-911. [PMID: 25926734 PMCID: PMC4403701 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s76312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Layered double hydroxide (LDH)@SiO2 nanoparticles were developed as a delivery carrier for the plasmid DNA expressing the Newcastle disease virus F gene. The LDH was hydrotalcite-like materials. The plasmid DNA encapsulated in the LDH@SiO2 nanoparticles (pFDNA-LDH@SiO2-NPs) was prepared by the coprecipitation method, and the properties of pFDNA-LDH@SiO2-NPs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, zeta potential analyzer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The results demonstrated that the pFDNA-LDH@SiO2-NPs had a regular morphology and high stability with a mean diameter of 371.93 nm, loading capacity of 39.66%±0.45%, and a zeta potential of +31.63 mV. A release assay in vitro showed that up to 91.36% of the total plasmid DNA could be sustainably released from the pFDNA-LDH@SiO2-NPs within 288 hours. The LDH@SiO2 nanoparticles had very low toxicity. Additionally, their high transfection efficiency in vitro was detected by fluorescent microscopy. Intranasal immunization of specific pathogen-free chickens with pFDNA-LDH@SiO2-NPs induced stronger cellular, humoral, and mucosal immune responses and achieved a greater sustained release effect than intramuscular naked plasmid DNA, and the protective efficacy after challenge with the strain F48E9 with highly virulent (mean death time of chicken embryos ≤60 hours, intracerebral pathogenicity index in 1 -day-old chickens >1.6) was 100%. Based on the results, LDH@SiO2 nanoparticles can be used as a delivery carrier for mucosal immunity of Newcastle disease DNA vaccine, and have great application potential in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Life Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangyu Rong
- Key Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Life Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, People's Republic of China ; Department of Avian Infectious Disease, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Guo
- Key Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Life Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaomei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Life Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Kang
- Key Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Life Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanwei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Life Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, People's Republic of China ; Division of Swine Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunxiao Dai
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering Process and Technology for High-efficiency Conversion, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Life Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Life Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng Jin
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering Process and Technology for High-efficiency Conversion, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Shangjin Cui
- Division of Swine Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingshen Sun
- Key Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Life Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
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Zhao K, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Shi C, Wang X, Wang X, Jin Z, Cui S. Chitosan-coated poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid nanoparticles as an efficient delivery system for Newcastle disease virus DNA vaccine. Int J Nanomedicine 2014; 9:4609-19. [PMID: 25356070 PMCID: PMC4207079 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s70633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
We determined the efficacy and safety of chitosan (CS)-coated poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid
(PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) as a delivery system for a vaccine to protect chickens against Newcastle
disease virus (NDV). The newly constructed vaccine contained DNA (the F gene) of NDV. The Newcastle
disease virus (NDV) F gene deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) plasmid (pFDNA)-CS/PLGA-NPs were spherical
(diameter =699.1±5.21 nm [mean ± standard deviation]) and smooth,
with an encapsulation efficiency of 98.1% and a Zeta potential of +6.35 mV. An in vitro release
assay indicated that CS controlled the burst release of plasmid DNA, such that up to 67.4% of the
entire quantity of plasmid DNA was steadily released from the pFDNA-CS/PLGA-NPs. An in vitro
expression assay indicated that the expression of nanoparticles (NPs) was maintained in the NPs. In
an immunization test with specific pathogen-free chickens, the pFDNA-CS/PLGA-NPs induced stronger
cellular, humoral, and mucosal immune responses than the plasmid DNA vaccine alone. The
pFDNA-CS/PLGA-NPs did not harm 293T cells in an in vitro assay and did not harm chickens in an in
vivo assay. Overall, the results indicated that CS-coated PLGA NPs can serve as an efficient and
safe mucosal immune delivery system for NDV DNA vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhao
- Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Life Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Life Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, People's Republic of China ; Division of Swine Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Life Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Ci Shi
- Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Life Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, People's Republic of China ; Division of Swine Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Wang
- Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Life Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohua Wang
- Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Life Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng Jin
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering Process and Technology for High-efficiency Conversion, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Shangjin Cui
- Division of Swine Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Harbin, People's Republic of China
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Hou J, Liu Y, Hsi J, Wang H, Tao R, Shao Y. Cholera toxin B subunit acts as a potent systemic adjuvant for HIV-1 DNA vaccination intramuscularly in mice. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2014; 10:1274-83. [PMID: 24633335 PMCID: PMC4896579 DOI: 10.4161/hv.28371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Revised: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) was investigated as a classical mucosal adjuvant that can increase vaccine immunogenicity. In this study, we found out the in vitro efficacy of cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) in activating mice bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) through Toll-like receptor signaling pathways. In vitro RNA and transcriptional level profiling arrays revealed that CTB guides high levels of Th1 and Th2 type cytokines, inflammatory cytokines, and chemokines. Based on the robustness of these profiling results, we examined the induction of HIV Env-specific immunity by CTB co-inoculated with HIV Env DNA vaccine intramuscularly in vivo. CTB enhanced HIV-Env specific cellular immune responses in Env-specific IFN-γ ELISPOT, compared with DNA vaccine alone. Moreover, CTB induced high levels of Env specific humoral response and promoted antibody maturation after the third round of vaccination. This combination immunization strategy induced a Th2-type bias response which is indicative of a high ratio of IgG1/IgG2a. This study reports that CTB as a classical mucosal adjuvant could enhance HIV-1 DNA-based vaccine immunogenicity intramuscularly; therefore, these findings suggest that CTB could serve as an effective candidate adjuvant for DNA vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jue Hou
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control; National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention; Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Beijing, PR China
- Center of Medical Physics and Technology; Hefei Institutes of Physical Science; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Hefei, PR China
| | - Ying Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control; National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention; Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Beijing, PR China
| | - Jenny Hsi
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control; National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention; Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Beijing, PR China
| | - Hongzhi Wang
- Center of Medical Physics and Technology; Hefei Institutes of Physical Science; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Hefei, PR China
| | - Ran Tao
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University; Hefei, PR China
| | - Yiming Shao
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control; National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention; Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention; Beijing, PR China
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14
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Zhao K, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Li W, Shi C, Guo C, Dai C, Chen Q, Jin Z, Zhao Y, Cui H, Wang Y. Preparation and efficacy of Newcastle disease virus DNA vaccine encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles. Int J Nanomedicine 2014; 9:389-402. [PMID: 24426783 PMCID: PMC3890423 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s54226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Optimal preparation conditions of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) F gene deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) vaccine encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles (pFNDV-CS-NPs) were determined. The pFNDV-CS-NPs were prepared according to a complex coacervation method. The pFNDV-CS-NPs were produced with good morphology, high stability, a mean diameter of 199.5 nm, encapsulation efficiency of 98.37%±0.87%, loading capacity of 36.12%±0.19%, and a zeta potential of +12.11 mV. The in vitro release assay showed that the plasmid DNA was sustainably released from the pFNDV-CS-NPs, up to 82.9%±2.9% of the total amount. Cell transfection test indicated that the vaccine expressed the F gene in cells and maintained good bioactivity. Additionally, the safety of mucosal immunity delivery system of the pFNDV-CS-NPs was also tested in vitro by cell cytotoxicity and in vivo by safety test in chickens. In vivo immunization showed that better immune responses of specific pathogen-free chickens immunized with the pFNDV-CS-NPs were induced, and prolonged release of the plasmid DNA was achieved compared to the chickens immunized with the control plasmid. This study lays the foundation for the further development of mucosal vaccines and drugs encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhao
- College of Life Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, People's Republic of China ; Division of Avian Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Zhang
- College of Life Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, People's Republic of China ; Division of Avian Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- College of Life Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Li
- College of Life Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Ci Shi
- College of Life Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, People's Republic of China ; Division of Avian Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Guo
- College of Life Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunxiao Dai
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering Process and Technology for High-Efficiency Conversion, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Chen
- College of Life Science, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng Jin
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering Process and Technology for High-Efficiency Conversion, Heilongjiang University, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Division of Avian Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyu Cui
- Division of Avian Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunfeng Wang
- Division of Avian Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Harbin, People's Republic of China
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15
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Intraganglionic AAV6 results in efficient and long-term gene transfer to peripheral sensory nervous system in adult rats. PLoS One 2013; 8:e61266. [PMID: 23613824 PMCID: PMC3628918 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0061266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously demonstrated safe and reliable gene transfer to the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) using a direct microinjection procedure to deliver recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector. In this study, we proceed to compare the in vivo transduction patterns of self-complementary (sc) AAV6 and AAV8 in the peripheral sensory pathway. A single, direct microinjection of either AAV6 or AAV8 expressing EGFP, at the adjusted titer of 2×109 viral particle per DRG, into the lumbar (L) 4 and L5 DRGs of adult rats resulted in efficient EGFP expression (48±20% for AAV6 and 25±4% for AAV8, mean ± SD) selectively in sensory neurons and their axonal projections 3 weeks after injection, which remained stable for up to 3 months. AAV6 efficiently transfers EGFP to all neuronal size groups without differential neurotropism, while AAV8 predominantly targets large-sized neurons. Neurons transduced with AAV6 penetrate into the spinal dorsal horn (DH) and terminate predominantly in superficial DH laminae, as well as in the dorsal columns and deeper laminae III-V. Only few AAV8-transduced afferents were evident in the superficial laminae, and spinal EGFP was mostly present in the deeper dorsal horn (lamina III-V) and dorsal columns, with substantial projections to the ventral horn. AAV6-mediated EGFP-positive nerve fibers were widely observed in the medial plantar skin of ipsilateral hindpaws. No apparent inflammation, tissue damage, or major pain behaviors were observed for either AAV serotype. Taken together, both AAV6 and AAV8 are efficient and safe vectors for transgene delivery to primary sensory neurons, but they exhibit distinct functional features. Intraganglionic delivery of AAV6 is more uniform and efficient compared to AAV8 in gene transfer to peripheral sensory neurons and their axonal processes.
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16
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Chen CY, Lin SY, Cheng MC, Tsai CP, Hung CL, Lo KW, Hwang Y, Hu YC. Baculovirus vector as an avian influenza vaccine: hemagglutinin expression and presentation augment the vaccine immunogenicity. J Biotechnol 2013; 164:143-50. [PMID: 23313887 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2012.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2012] [Revised: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 12/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Baculovirus simultaneously displaying and expressing the avian influenza virus (AIV) hemagglutinin (HA) protein can induce potent anti-HA humoral and cellular immune responses. Based on the hypothesis that improving the antigen expression and presentation can further boost the AIV vaccine efficacies, we first constructed a baculoviral vector (Bac-HAW) with HA gene fused with the woodchuck hepatitis virus post-transcriptional regulatory element (WPRE) near its 3' end and expressed under the control of the hybrid CAG promoter. The WPRE fusion improved the HA expression and augmented the humoral and Th1 cellular immune responses after intramuscular administration into BALB/c mice. With Bac-HAW as the backbone, we next constructed Bac-HAMW which harbored the HA gene flanked with the signal sequence (MHCIss) and trafficking domain (MITD) of MHC class I molecule. In comparison with Bac-HAW, Bac-HAMW ameliorated the HA peptide presentation, significantly elevated the HA-specific humoral response (total IgG, IgG2a and hemagglutination inhibition titers) and favorably boosted the Th1 and IFN-γ(+)/CD8(+) T cell responses without extraneous adjuvants. These data collectively confirmed that enhancement of antigen expression and presentation by combining the WPRE and MHCIss/MITD fusion can potentiate the immunogenicity of the baculovirus-based vaccine, and implicates the potential of Bac-HAMW as an appealing AIV vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Yuan Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
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17
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Sun J, Hou J, Li D, Liu Y, Hu N, Hao Y, Fu J, Hu Y, Shao Y. Enhancement of HIV-1 DNA vaccine immunogenicity by BCG-PSN, a novel adjuvant. Vaccine 2012; 31:472-9. [PMID: 23174201 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2012.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2012] [Revised: 11/06/2012] [Accepted: 11/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Although the importance of DNA vaccines, especially as a priming immunization has been well established in numerous HIV vaccine studies, the immunogenictiy of DNA vaccines is generally moderate. Novel adjuvant is in urgent need for improving the immunogenicity of DNA vaccine. Polysaccharide and nucleic acid fraction extracted by hot phenol method from Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guérin, known as BCG-PSN, is a widely used immunomodulatory product in China clinical practice. In this study, we evaluated whether the BCG-PSN could serve as a novel adjuvant of DNA vaccine to trigger better cellular and humoral immune responses against the HIV-1 Env antigen in Balb/C mouse model. The BCG-PSN was mixed with 10 μg or 100 μg of pDRVI1.0gp145 (HIV-1 CN54 gp145 gene) DNA vaccine and intramuscularly immunized two or three times. We found that BCG-PSN could significantly improve the immunogenicity of DNA vaccine when co-administered with DNA vaccine. Further, at the same vaccination schedule, BCG-PSN co-immunization with 10 μg DNA vaccine could elicit cellular and humoral immune responses which were comparable to that induced by 100 μg DNA vaccine alone. Moreover, our results demonstrate that BCG-PSN can activate TLR signaling pathways and induce Th1-type cytokines secretion. These findings suggest that BCG-PSN can serve as a novel and effective adjuvant for DNA vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Sun
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China.
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18
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Lanza AM, Cheng JK, Alper HS. Emerging synthetic biology tools for engineering mammalian cell systems and expediting cell line development. Curr Opin Chem Eng 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coche.2012.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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19
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Cotugno G, Annunziata P, Barone MV, Karali M, Banfi S, Auricchio A. Impact of age at administration, lysosomal storage, and transgene regulatory elements on AAV2/8-mediated rat liver transduction. PLoS One 2012; 7:e33286. [PMID: 22428010 PMCID: PMC3302848 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2011] [Accepted: 02/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver-directed gene transfer is being investigated for the treatment of systemic or liver-specific diseases. Recombinant vectors based on adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV2/8) efficiently transduce liver cells allowing long term transgene expression after a single administration in animal models and in patients.We evaluated the impact on AAV2/8-mediated rat liver transduction of the following variables: i) age at vector administration, ii) presence of lysosomal storage in liver cells, and iii) regulatory elements included in the transgene expression cassette. We found that systemic administration of AAV2/8 to newborn rats results in vector genome dilution and reduced transduction efficacy when compared to adult injected animals, presumably due to hepatocyte proliferation. Accumulation of glycosaminoglycans in lysosomes does not impact on levels and distribution of AAV2/8-mediated liver transduction. Transgene expression occurs in hepatocytes but not in Kupffer or liver endothelial cells when the liver-specific thyroxine-binding-globulin promoter is used. However, extra-hepatic transduction is observed in the spleen and kidney of animals injected at birth. The use of target sequences for the hematopoietic-specific microRNA miR142-3p does not improve liver transduction efficacy neither reduce immune responses to the lysosomal enzyme arylsulfatase B. The inclusion of a variant of the Woodchuck hepatitis virus post-transcriptional regulatory element (WPRE-m) decreases AAV2/8-mediated liver transduction levels.As AAV2/8-mediated liver gene transfer is entering in the clinical arena, these data will provide relevant information to the design of efficient AAV2/8-based therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Cotugno
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Naples, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Dept. of Pediatrics, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
| | - Patrizia Annunziata
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Naples, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Dept. of Pediatrics, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Vittoria Barone
- Department of Pediatrics and European Laboratory for the Investigation of Food-Induced Diseases, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Sandro Banfi
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Naples, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Dept. of General Pathology, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Alberto Auricchio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Naples, Italy
- Medical Genetics, Dept. of Pediatrics, “Federico II” University, Naples, Italy
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20
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Improvement of lentiviral transfer vectors using cis-acting regulatory elements for increased gene expression. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2011; 91:1581-91. [PMID: 21674167 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-011-3392-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2011] [Revised: 05/16/2011] [Accepted: 05/16/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Lentiviral vectors are an important tool for gene delivery in vivo and in vitro. The success of gene transfer approaches relies on high and stable levels of gene expression. To this end, several molecular strategies have been employed to manipulate these vectors towards improving gene expression in the targeted animal cells. Low gene expression can be accepted due to the weak transcription from the majority of available mammalian promoters; however, this obstacle can be in part overcome by the insertion of cis-acting elements that enhance gene expression in various expression contexts. In this work, we created different lentiviral vectors in which several posttranscriptional regulatory elements, namely the Woodchuck hepatitis posttranscriptional regulatory element (WPRE) and different specialized poly(A) termination sequences (BGH and SV40) were used to develop vectors leading to improved transgene expression. These vectors combine the advantages of restriction enzyme/ligation-independent cloning eliminating the instability and recombinogenic problems occurring from traditional cloning methods in lentiviral expression vectors and were tested by expressing GFP and the firefly Luciferase reporter gene from different cellular promoters in different cell lines. We show that the promoter activity varies between cell lines and is affected by the lentiviral genomic context. Moreover, we show that the combination of the WPRE element with the BGH poly(A) signal significantly enhances transgene expression. The vectors herein created can be easily modified and adapted without the need for extensive recloning making them a valuable tool for viral vector development.
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21
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The inside out of lentiviral vectors. Viruses 2011; 3:132-159. [PMID: 22049307 PMCID: PMC3206600 DOI: 10.3390/v3020132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2010] [Revised: 01/25/2011] [Accepted: 02/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Lentiviruses induce a wide variety of pathologies in different animal species. A common feature of the replicative cycle of these viruses is their ability to target non-dividing cells, a property that constitutes an extremely attractive asset in gene therapy. In this review, we shall describe the main basic aspects of the virology of lentiviruses that were exploited to obtain efficient gene transfer vectors. In addition, we shall discuss some of the hurdles that oppose the efficient genetic modification mediated by lentiviral vectors and the strategies that are being developed to circumvent them.
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22
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HIV fragment gag vaccine induces broader T cell response in mice. Vaccine 2011; 29:2582-9. [PMID: 21292005 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.01.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2010] [Revised: 12/21/2010] [Accepted: 01/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Broad T-cell response is considered critical for HIV-1 vaccines to compensate viral diversity. Usually, a limited number of immunodominant epitopes are recognized in natural infections, as well as in vaccinations. Here, we seek to overcome immunofocusing of CD8 T Cell responses to HIV-1 CN54 gag DNA (delivered as a plasmid) in BalB/C mice by splitting it into fragments for reducing competition of recognition between dominant and sub-dominant epitopes. As expected, mice immunized with mixture of DNA fragments elicited significantly broader T cell responses than whole-length gag. We also further studied the effects when fragments and full-length DNA vaccines are combined for prime-boost vaccination. Interestingly, mice primed with full-length gag and boosted with DNA vaccine fragments induced similar T-cell response breadth as mice both primed and boosted by fragments DNA. In contrast, mice primed with DNA vaccine fragments and boosted with full-length gag failed to broaden T cell responses, once again, only the dominant epitopes were recognized. In summary, our study demonstrated that "fragmentation strategy" can indeed broaden T cell responses. This enhancement is more likely achieved in boosting stage. This study offers a promising way to design a vaccine with higher chance covering the highly diversified circulating strains.
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An adeno-associated virus vector efficiently and specifically transduces mouse skeletal muscle. Mol Biotechnol 2011; 49:1-10. [PMID: 21197588 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-010-9369-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Expression of a therapeutic gene in the skeletal muscle is a practical strategy to compensate a patients' insufficient circulating factor. Its clinical application requires a muscle-targeting vector capable of inducing a continuous high-level transgene expression. We modified an adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (AAV2) vector expressing luciferase from the mouse muscle creatine kinase gene promoter-enhancer (Ckm). First, AAVS1 insulator was inserted into the vector genome for transcriptional enhancement. This increased transduction of mouse quadriceps muscle by 11-fold at 4 weeks after intramuscular injection. Second, two capsid modifications were combined (21F capsid): incorporation of a segment of AAV1 capsid to produce a hybrid capsid and substitution of a tyrosine with a phenylalanine. Use of 21F capsid increased muscle transduction further by 18-fold, resulting in 200-fold higher efficacy than that of the unmodified vector. Compared with a vector having human elongation factor 1α promoter which showed similar efficacy in the muscle, this vector having Ckm transduced non-muscle organs less efficiently after intravenous administration. The AAV2 vector composed of the modified genome and capsid provides a backbone to develop a clinical vector expressing a therapeutic gene in the muscle.
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Oosterhuis K, van den Berg JH, Schumacher TN, Haanen JBAG. DNA vaccines and intradermal vaccination by DNA tattooing. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2010; 351:221-50. [PMID: 21107792 DOI: 10.1007/82_2010_117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, DNA vaccination has been developed as a method for the induction of immune responses. However, in spite of high expectations based on their efficacy in preclinical models, immunogenicity of first generation DNA vaccines in clinical trials was shown to be poor, and no DNA vaccines have yet been licensed for human use. In recent years significant progress has been made in the development of second generation DNA vaccines and DNA vaccine delivery methods. Here we review the key characteristics of DNA vaccines as compared to other vaccine platforms, and recent insights into the prerequisites for induction of immune responses by DNA vaccines will be discussed. We illustrate the development of second generation DNA vaccines with the description of DNA tattooing as a novel DNA delivery method. This technique has shown great promise both in a small animal model and in non-human primates and is currently under clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Oosterhuis
- Division of Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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