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Kamensek U, Cemazar M, Kranjc Brezar S, Jesenko T, Kos S, Znidar K, Markelc B, Modic Z, Komel T, Gorse T, Rebersek E, Jakopic H, Sersa G. What We Learned about the Feasibility of Gene Electrotransfer for Vaccination on a Model of COVID-19 Vaccine. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1981. [PMID: 37514166 PMCID: PMC10385748 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA vaccination is one of the emerging approaches for a wide range of applications, including prophylactic vaccination against infectious diseases and therapeutic vaccination against cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of our previously optimized protocols for gene electrotransfer (GET)-mediated delivery of plasmid DNA into skin and muscle tissues on a model of COVID-19 vaccine. Plasmids encoding the SARS-CoV-2 proteins spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) were used as the antigen source, and a plasmid encoding interleukin 12 (IL-12) was used as an adjuvant. Vaccination was performed in the skin or muscle tissue of C57BL/6J mice on days 0 and 14 (boost). Two weeks after the boost, blood, spleen, and transfected tissues were collected to determine the expression of S, N, IL-12, serum interferon-γ, the induction of antigen-specific IgG antibodies, and cytotoxic T-cells. In accordance with prior in vitro experiments that indicated problems with proper expression of the S protein, vaccination with S did not induce S-specific antibodies, whereas significant induction of N-specific antibodies was detected after vaccination with N. Intramuscular vaccination outperformed skin vaccination and resulted in significant induction of humoral and cell-mediated immunity. Moreover, both boost and adjuvant were found to be redundant for the induction of an immune response. Overall, the study confirmed the feasibility of the GET for DNA vaccination and provided valuable insights into this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urska Kamensek
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska Cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva Ulica 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska Cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, SI-6310 Izola, Slovenia
| | | | - Tanja Jesenko
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska Cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov Trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Spela Kos
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska Cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katarina Znidar
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska Cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bostjan Markelc
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska Cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena Pot 5, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ziva Modic
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska Cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov Trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tilen Komel
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska Cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov Trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tim Gorse
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva Ulica 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Eva Rebersek
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva Ulica 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Helena Jakopic
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva Ulica 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloska Cesta 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena Pot 5, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Maze D, Girardin C, Benz N, Montier T, Pichon C, Midoux P. CFTR and dystrophin encoding plasmids carrying both luciferase reporter gene, nuclear import specific sequences and triple helix sites. Plasmid 2023; 127:102686. [PMID: 37207938 DOI: 10.1016/j.plasmid.2023.102686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and Cystic Fibrosis are two major monogenetic diseases which could be treated by non-viral gene therapy. For this purpose, plasmid DNA (pDNA) coding for the functional genes requires its equipment with signal molecules favouring its intracellular trafficking and delivery in the nucleus of the target cells. Here, two novel constructions of large pDNAs encoding the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) and full-length dystrophin (DYS) genes are reported. The expression of CFTR and DYS genes are driven respectively by the hCEF1 airway epithelial cells and spc5-12 muscle cells specific promoter. Those pDNAs encode also the luciferase reporter gene driven by the CMV promoter to evaluate gene delivery in animals by bioluminescence. In addition, oligopurine • oligopyrimidine sequences are inserted to enable equipment of pDNAs with peptides conjugated with a triple helix forming oligonucleotide (TFO). Furthermore, specific κB sequences are also inserted to promote their NFκB-mediated nuclear import. pDNA constructions are reported; transfection efficiency, tissue specific expression of CFTR and dystrophin in target cells, and triple helix formation are demonstrated. These plasmids are tools of interest to develop non-viral gene therapy of Cystic Fibrosis and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Maze
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Inserm and University of Orléans, 45071 Orléans cedex 02, France
| | - Caroline Girardin
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Inserm and University of Orléans, 45071 Orléans cedex 02, France
| | - Nathalie Benz
- Univ Brest, INSERM, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB - GTCA Team, Brest F-29200, France
| | - Tristan Montier
- Univ Brest, INSERM, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB - GTCA Team, Brest F-29200, France; Service de Génétique Médicale et Biologie de la Reproduction, Centre de référence des maladies rares 'Maladies neuromusculaires', CHRU de Brest, Brest F-29200, France
| | - Chantal Pichon
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Inserm and University of Orléans, 45071 Orléans cedex 02, France
| | - Patrick Midoux
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Inserm and University of Orléans, 45071 Orléans cedex 02, France.
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Yick LW, Ma OKF, Chan EYY, Yau KX, Kwan JSC, Chan KH. T follicular helper cells contribute to pathophysiology in a model of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. JCI Insight 2023; 8:161003. [PMID: 36649074 PMCID: PMC9977492 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.161003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) are inflammatory autoimmune disorders of the CNS. IgG autoantibodies targeting the aquaporin-4 water channel (AQP4-IgGs) are the pathogenic effector of NMOSD. Dysregulated T follicular helper (Tfh) cells have been implicated in loss of B cell tolerance in autoimmune diseases. The contribution of Tfh cells to disease activity and therapeutic potential of targeting these cells in NMOSD remain unclear. Here, we established an autoimmune model of NMOSD by immunizing mice against AQP4 via in vivo electroporation. After AQP4 immunization, mice displayed AQP4 autoantibodies in blood circulation, blood-brain barrier disruption, and IgG infiltration in spinal cord parenchyma. Moreover, AQP4 immunization induced motor impairments and NMOSD-like pathologies, including astrocytopathy, demyelination, axonal loss, and microglia activation. These were associated with increased splenic Tfh, Th1, and Th17 cells; memory B cells; and plasma cells. Aqp4-deficient mice did not display motor impairments and NMOSD-like pathologies after AQP4 immunization. Importantly, abrogating ICOS/ICOS-L signaling using anti-ICOS-L antibody depleted Tfh cells and suppressed the response of Th1 and Th17 cells, memory B cells, and plasma cells in AQP4-immunized mice. These findings were associated with ameliorated motor impairments and spinal cord pathologies. This study suggests a role of Tfh cells in the pathophysiology of NMOSD in a mouse model with AQP4 autoimmunity and provides an animal model for investigating the immunological mechanisms underlying AQP4 autoimmunity and developing therapeutic interventions targeting autoimmune reactions in NMOSD.
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Girardin C, Maze D, Gonçalves C, Le Guen YT, Pluchon K, Pichon C, Montier T, Midoux P. Selective attachment of a microtubule interacting peptide to plasmid DNA via a triplex forming oligonucleotide for transfection improvement. Gene Ther 2022; 30:271-277. [PMID: 35794469 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00354-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In nonviral gene therapy approaches, the linkage of signal molecules to plasmid DNA (pDNA) is of interest for guiding its delivery to the nucleus. Here, we report its linkage to a peptide (P79-98) mediating migration on microtubules by using a triplex-forming oligonucleotide (TFO). pDNA of 5 kbp and 21 kbp containing 6 and 36 oligopurine • oligopyrimidine sites (TH), respectively, inserted outside the luciferase gene sequence were used. TFO with a dibenzocyclooctyl (DBCO) group in 3' end comprising some Bridged Nucleic Acid bases was conjugated by click chemistry with the peptide carrying an azide function in the C-terminal end. We found the formation of 6 and 18 triplex with pDNA of 5 kbp and 21 kbp, respectively. A twofold increase of the transfection efficiency was observed in the hind-limbs upon Hydrodynamic Limb Vein (HLV) injection in mice of naked P79-98 -pDNA of 21 kbp. This work paves the way for the selective equipping of pDNA with intracellular targeting molecules while preserving the full expression of the encoded gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Girardin
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Inserm and University of Orléans, 45071, Orléans cedex 02, France
| | - Delphine Maze
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Inserm and University of Orléans, 45071, Orléans cedex 02, France
| | - Cristine Gonçalves
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Inserm and University of Orléans, 45071, Orléans cedex 02, France
| | | | - Kevin Pluchon
- Univ Brest, INSERM, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB - GTCA Team, F-29200, Brest, France
| | - Chantal Pichon
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Inserm and University of Orléans, 45071, Orléans cedex 02, France
| | - Tristan Montier
- Univ Brest, INSERM, EFS, UMR 1078, GGB - GTCA Team, F-29200, Brest, France. .,Service de Génétique Médicale et Biologie de la Reproduction, Centre de référence des maladies rares 'Maladies neuromusculaires', CHRU de Brest, F-29200, Brest, France.
| | - Patrick Midoux
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, Inserm and University of Orléans, 45071, Orléans cedex 02, France.
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Petkov S, Starodubova E, Latanova A, Kilpeläinen A, Latyshev O, Svirskis S, Wahren B, Chiodi F, Gordeychuk I, Isaguliants M. DNA immunization site determines the level of gene expression and the magnitude, but not the type of the induced immune response. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197902. [PMID: 29864114 PMCID: PMC5986124 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Optimization of DNA vaccine delivery improves the potency of the immune response and is crucial to clinical success. Here, we inquired how such optimization impacts the magnitude of the response, its specificity and type. BALB/c mice were DNA-immunized with two model immunogens, HIV-1 protease and reverse transcriptase by intramuscular or intradermal injections with electroporation. DNA immunogens were co-delivered with DNA encoding luciferase. Delivery and expression were monitored by in vivo bioluminescence imaging (BLI). The endpoint immune responses were assessed by IFN-γ/IL-2 FluoroSpot, multiparametric flow cytometry and antibody ELISA. Expression and immunogenicity were compared in relation to the delivery route. Regardless of the route, protease generated mainly IFN-γ, and reverse transcriptase, IL-2 and antibody response. BLI of mice immunized with protease- or reverse transcriptase/reporter plasmid mixtures, demonstrated significant loss of luminescence over time. The rate of decline of luminescence strongly correlated with the magnitude of immunogen-specific response, and depended on the immunogenicity profile and the immunization route. In vitro and in vivo BLI-based assays demonstrated that intradermal delivery strongly improved the immunogenicity of protease, and to a lesser extent, of reverse transcriptase. Immune response polarization and epitope hierarchy were not affected. Thus, by changing delivery/immunogen expression sites, it is possible to modulate the magnitude, but not the type or fine specificity of the induced immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Petkov
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elizaveta Starodubova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and- Biological Products of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasia Latanova
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Stockholm, Sweden
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- NF Gamaleja Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Athina Kilpeläinen
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Oleg Latyshev
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and- Biological Products of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- NF Gamaleja Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Britta Wahren
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Francesca Chiodi
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ilya Gordeychuk
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and- Biological Products of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria Isaguliants
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Stockholm, Sweden
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and- Biological Products of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- NF Gamaleja Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Moscow, Russia
- Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
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Khademi F, Mostafaie A, Parvaneh S, Gholami Rad F, Mohammadi P, Bahrami G. Construction and characterization of monoclonal antibodies against the extracellular domain of B-lymphocyte antigen CD20 using DNA immunization method. Int Immunopharmacol 2016; 43:23-32. [PMID: 27939822 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2016.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
To date, several new anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been developed for potential efficacies compared with familiar mAb rituximab. Despite the recent advances in development of anti-CD20 mAbs for the treatment of B cell malignancies, the efforts should be continued to develop novel antibodies with improved properties. However, the development of mAbs against CD20 as a multi-transmembrane protein is challenging due to the difficulty of providing a lipid environment that can maintain native epitopes. To overcome this limitation, we describe a simple and efficient DNA immunization strategy for the construction of a novel anti-CD20 mAb with improved anti-tumour properties. Using a DNA immunization strategy that includes intradermal (i.d.) immunization with naked plasmid DNA encoding the CD20 gene, we generated the hybridoma cell line D4, which secretes functional mAbs against an extracellular epitope of CD20. Immunocytochemistry analysis and a cell-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using a Burkitt's lymphoma cell line showed that D4 mAbs are capable of binding to native extracellular epitopes of CD20. Moreover, the binding specificity of D4 mAbs was determined by western blot analysis. Cell proliferation was examined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Apoptosis was detected by the annexin V/propidium iodide staining and dye exclusion assay. The results showed that D4 anti-CD20 mAbs produced by DNA immunization exhibit potent growth inhibitory activity and have superior direct B-cell cytotoxicity compared to rituximab. We propose that antibody-induced apoptosis is one of the mechanisms of cell growth inhibition. Taken together, the data reported here open the path to DNA-based immunization for generating pharmacologically active monoclonal antibodies against CD20. In addition, the data support future in vivo animal testing and subsequent procedures to produce a potential therapeutic mAb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Khademi
- Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Ali Mostafaie
- Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Shahram Parvaneh
- Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Farah Gholami Rad
- Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Pantea Mohammadi
- Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Bahrami
- Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; School of Pharmacy, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
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Madi M, Rols MP, Gibot L. Efficient In Vitro Electropermeabilization of Reconstructed Human Dermal Tissue. J Membr Biol 2015; 248:903-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00232-015-9791-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Self-Amplifying mRNA Vaccines. NONVIRAL VECTORS FOR GENE THERAPY - PHYSICAL METHODS AND MEDICAL TRANSLATION 2015; 89:179-233. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.adgen.2014.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Hazen M, Bhakta S, Vij R, Randle S, Kallop D, Chiang V, Hötzel I, Jaiswal BS, Ervin KE, Li B, Weimer RM, Polakis P, Scheller RH, Junutula JR, Hongo JAS. An improved and robust DNA immunization method to develop antibodies against extracellular loops of multi-transmembrane proteins. MAbs 2014; 6:95-107. [PMID: 24121517 DOI: 10.4161/mabs.26761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Multi-transmembrane proteins are especially difficult targets for antibody generation largely due to the challenge of producing a protein that maintains its native conformation in the absence of a stabilizing membrane. Here, we describe an immunization strategy that successfully resulted in the identification of monoclonal antibodies that bind specifically to extracellular epitopes of a 12 transmembrane protein, multi-drug resistant protein 4 (MRP4). These monoclonal antibodies were developed following hydrodynamic tail vein immunization with a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter-based plasmid expressing MRP4 cDNA and were characterized by flow cytometry. As expected, the use of the immune modulators fetal liver tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor positively enhanced the immune response against MRP4. Imaging studies using CMV-based plasmids expressing luciferase showed that the in vivo half-life of the target antigen was less than 48 h using CMV-based plasmids, thus necessitating frequent boosting with DNA to achieve an adequate immune response. We also describe a comparison of plasmids, which contained MRP4 cDNA with either the CMV or CAG promoters, used for immunizations. The observed luciferase activity in this comparison demonstrated that the CAG promoter-containing plasmid pCAGGS induced prolonged constitutive expression of MRP4 and an increased anti-MRP4 specific immune response even when the plasmid was injected less frequently. The method described here is one that can be broadly applicable as a general immunization strategy to develop antibodies against multi-transmembrane proteins, as well as target antigens that are difficult to express or purify in native and functionally active conformation.
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Optimization of a gene electrotransfer procedure for efficient intradermal immunization with an hTERT-based DNA vaccine in mice. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2014; 1:14045. [PMID: 26015983 PMCID: PMC4362362 DOI: 10.1038/mtm.2014.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
DNA vaccination consists in administering an antigen-encoding plasmid in order to trigger a specific immune response. This specific vaccine strategy is of particular interest to fight against various infectious diseases and cancer. Gene electrotransfer is the most efficient and safest non-viral gene transfer procedure and specific electrical parameters have been developed for several target tissues. Here, a gene electrotransfer protocol into the skin has been optimized in mice for efficient intradermal immunization against the well-known telomerase tumor antigen. First, the luciferase reporter gene was used to evaluate gene electrotransfer efficiency into the skin as a function of the electrical parameters and electrodes, either non-invasive or invasive. In a second time, these parameters were tested for their potency to generate specific cellular CD8 immune responses against telomerase epitopes. These CD8 T-cells were fully functional as they secreted IFNγ and were endowed with specific cytotoxic activity towards target cells. This simple and optimized procedure for efficient gene electrotransfer into the skin using the telomerase antigen is to be used in cancer patients for the phase 1 clinical evaluation of a therapeutic cancer DNA vaccine called INVAC-1.
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Lee LH, Hui CF, Chuang CM, Chen JY. Electrotransfer of the epinecidin-1 gene into skeletal muscle enhances the antibacterial and immunomodulatory functions of a marine fish, grouper (Epinephelus coioides). FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 35:1359-1368. [PMID: 23973381 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2013.07.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2013] [Revised: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Electrotransfer of plasmid DNA into skeletal muscle is a common non-viral delivery system for the study of gene function and for gene therapy. However, the effects of epinecidin-1 (epi) on bacterial growth and immune system modulation following its electrotransfer into the muscle of grouper (Epinephelus coioides), a marine fish species, have not been addressed. In this study, pCMV-gfp-epi plasmid was electroporated into grouper muscle, and its effect on subsequent infection with Vibrio vulnificus was examined. Over-expression of epi efficiently reduced bacterial numbers at 24 and 48 h after infection, and augmented the expression of immune-related genes in muscle and liver, inducing a moderate innate immune response associated with pro-inflammatory infiltration. Furthermore, electroporation of pCMV-gfp-epi plasmid without V. vulnificus infection induced moderate expression of certain immune-related genes, particularly innate immune genes. These data suggest that electroporation-mediated gene transfer of epi into the muscle of grouper may hold potential as an antimicrobial therapy for pathogen infection in marine fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Han Lee
- Marine Research Station, Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, 23-10 Dahuen Road, Jiaushi, Ilan 262, Taiwan
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12
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Burgain A, Rochard A, Trollet C, Mazuet C, Popoff MR, Escriou V, Scherman D, Bigey P. DNA electroporation in rabbits as a method for generation of high-titer neutralizing antisera: examples of the botulinum toxins types A, B, and E. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2013; 9:2147-56. [PMID: 23877030 DOI: 10.4161/hv.25192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Raising high titer antibodies in animals is usually performed by protein immunization, which requires the long and sometimes difficult step of production of the recombinant protein. DNA immunization is an alternative to recombinant proteins, only requiring the building of an eukaryotic expression plasmid. Thanks to efficient DNA delivery techniques such as in vivo electroporation, DNA vaccination has proven useful the last few years. In this work, we have shown that it is possible to raise very high antibody titers in rabbit by DNA electroporation of an antigen encoding plasmid in the skeletal muscle with the right set of electrodes and rabbit strain. In a model of botulinum toxins types A and E, the neutralizing titers obtained after three treatments were high enough to fit the European Pharmacopeia, while it did not for type B toxin. Furthermore, the raised antibodies have high avidity and are suitable for in vitro and in vivo immunodetection of proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Burgain
- Université Paris Descartes; Paris, France; ENSCP Chimie ParisTech; Paris, France; CNRS UMR8151; Paris, France; Inserm U1022; Paris, France
| | - Alice Rochard
- Université Paris Descartes; Paris, France; ENSCP Chimie ParisTech; Paris, France; CNRS UMR8151; Paris, France; Inserm U1022; Paris, France
| | - Capucine Trollet
- Université Paris Descartes; Paris, France; ENSCP Chimie ParisTech; Paris, France; CNRS UMR8151; Paris, France; Inserm U1022; Paris, France
| | | | | | - Virginie Escriou
- Université Paris Descartes; Paris, France; ENSCP Chimie ParisTech; Paris, France; CNRS UMR8151; Paris, France; Inserm U1022; Paris, France
| | - Daniel Scherman
- Université Paris Descartes; Paris, France; ENSCP Chimie ParisTech; Paris, France; CNRS UMR8151; Paris, France; Inserm U1022; Paris, France
| | - Pascal Bigey
- Université Paris Descartes; Paris, France; ENSCP Chimie ParisTech; Paris, France; CNRS UMR8151; Paris, France; Inserm U1022; Paris, France
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13
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Gothelf A, Gehl J. What you always needed to know about electroporation based DNA vaccines. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2012; 8:1694-702. [PMID: 23111168 DOI: 10.4161/hv.22062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccinations are increasingly used to fight infectious disease, and DNA vaccines offer considerable advantages, including broader possibilities for vaccination and lack of need for cold storage. It has been amply demonstrated, that electroporation augments uptake of DNA in both skin and muscle, and it is foreseen that future DNA vaccination may to a large extent be coupled with and dependent upon electroporation based delivery. Understanding the basic science of electroporation and exploiting knowledge obtained on optimization of DNA electrotransfer to muscle and skin, may greatly augment efforts on vaccine development. The purpose of this review is to give a succinct but comprehensive overview of electroporation as a delivery modality including electrotransfer to skin and muscle. As well, this review will speculate and discuss future uses for this powerful electrotransfer technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Gothelf
- Center for Experimental Drug and Gene Electrotransfer (C*EDGE), Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Herlev, Denmark
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Liu HF, Li W, Lu MB, Yu LJ. Pharmacokinetics and risk evaluation of DNA vaccine against Schistosoma japonicum. Parasitol Res 2012; 112:59-67. [PMID: 22990210 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-3104-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2012] [Accepted: 08/24/2012] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
DNA plasmid immunization is a novel approach of preventive and therapeutic vaccine. More than 100 DNA vaccines have been on preclinical or clinical phase trials, and four kinds of DNA vaccines for livestock have been approved by USDA, CFIA, and APVMA. Schistosomiasis is a worldwide parasitic disease, and vaccine immunization is supposed to be a promising approach to control the health crisis. On the basis of former preclinical studies, we further focused on the pharmacokinetics and risk evaluation of DNA vaccine in vivo. In the present study, enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) report gene was fused with Schistosoma japonicum 23 kDa transmembrane protein antigen gene (Sj23) and constructed into DNA vaccine pVIVO2-Sj23.EGFP. After intramuscularly injecting 100 μg of purified DNA vaccine plasmid to immunizate BALB/c mice, we studied the tissue distribution of DNA plasmid and expressed Sj23.EGFP antigen, the persistence time of elicited antibodies, and the risk of DNA vaccine transferred into intestinal microorganisms. The results showed that DNA vaccine plasmid could be distributed into all tissues of the body after injection; however, only few organs including the injected muscle were detected DNA vaccine at postimmunization until the 100 days by PCR technology; the detection of green fluorescence protein displayed that DNA vaccine could be expressed in almost every tissue and organs; the ELISA assay indicated the immune antibody against Sj23 could persist over 70 days; and the DNA vaccine transferring intestinal flora results was negative. The results indicated that the DNA vaccine has systemic protection and long-lasting effectivity and is safe to intestinal flora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Feng Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430074, Wuhan, China.
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Satkauskas S, Ruzgys P, Venslauskas MS. Towards the mechanisms for efficient gene transfer into cells and tissues by means of cell electroporation. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2012; 12:275-86. [PMID: 22339479 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2012.654775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intracellular gene electrotransfer by means of electroporation has been on the increase during the past decade. Significant progress has been achieved both in characterizing mechanisms of gene electrotransfer and in optimizing the protocol in many preclinical trials. Recently this has led to initiation of clinical trials of gene electrotransfer to treat metastatic melanomas. Further progress with the method in various clinical trials requires better understanding of mechanisms of gene electrotransfer. AREAS COVERED A summary of recent progress in understanding mechanisms of gene electrotransfer, imparting general knowledge of cell electroporation and intracellular molecule electrotransfer. EXPERT OPINION Gene electrotransfer into cells and tissues is a complex process involving multiple steps that lead to plasmid DNA passage from the extracellular region to the cell nucleus crossing the barriers of the plasma membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus membrane. Electrical parameters of pulses used for gene electrotransfer affect the initial steps of DNA translocation through the plasma membrane and play a crucial role in determining the transfection efficiency. When considering gene electrotransfer into tissues it becomes clear that other nonelectrical conditions are also of primary importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saulius Satkauskas
- Vytautas Magnus University, Biology Department, Biophysical Research Group, Vileikos 8, Kaunas LT-44404, Lithuania.
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Bordbar B, Gnidehou S, Ndam NT, Doritchamou J, Moussiliou A, Quiviger M, Deloron P, Scherman D, Bigey P. Electroporation-mediated genetic vaccination for antigen mapping: application to Plasmodium falciparum VAR2CSA protein. Bioelectrochemistry 2011; 87:132-7. [PMID: 22265101 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2011.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2011] [Revised: 11/22/2011] [Accepted: 12/21/2011] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Genetic vaccination, consisting in delivering a genetically engineered plasmid DNA by a non-viral vector or technique into a tissue, is currently of great interest. New delivery technique including DNA transfer by electroporation recently greatly improved the potency of this concept. Because it avoids the step of producing a recombinant protein, it is particularly of use in studying the immunogenic properties of large proteins. Here we describe the use of electroporation mediated DNA immunization to identify important protective epitopes from the large VAR2CSA protein from Plasmodium falciparum implicated in the pathology of placental malaria. Immunizing mice and rabbit with DNA plasmids encoding different fragments of VAR2CSA leads to high titer antisera. Moreover an N-terminal region of the protein was found to induce protective functional antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bita Bordbar
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
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