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Carreño-Campos C, Govea-Alonso DO, Villarreal ML, Caltempa AO, Gonzalez-Ortega O, Rosales-Mendoza S. Production and characterization of a chimeric protein targeting synuclein epitopes for immunotherapy against synucleinopathies. Biotechnol Prog 2023; 39:e3390. [PMID: 37702113 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.3390] [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: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
The aggregation and spread of alpha-synuclein (αSyn) is associated with several pathogenic pathways that lead to neurodegeneration and, ultimately, to synucleinopathies development. Hence, the establishment of a safe and effective disease-modifying therapy that limits or prevents the spread of toxic αSyn aggregation could lead to positive clinical outcomes. A rational vaccine design can be focused on the selection of specific epitopes able to induce the immune response desired, for example, antibodies able to mediate the clearance of αSyn aggregates without the induction of inflammatory responses. To develop a rapid system for the evaluation of a vaccine candidate against synucleinopathies, rLTB-Syn (an antigen based on three B cell epitopes from αSyn and the B subunit of the heat-labile Escherichia coli enterotoxin [LTB] as adjuvant/carrier) was produced using recombinant E. coli (Rosetta DE3) as the expression host. The bacterial version of rLTB-Syn was produced as soluble protein at yields up to 1.72 mg/g biomass. A method for the purification of rLTB-Syn (~18 kDa) was developed based on ion exchange chromatography, reaching purity >93% with a final concentration of 82.6 μg/mL. Furthermore, the purified soluble rLTB-Syn retained GM1 binding activity, suggesting proper folding and pentameric structure. The results from this study establish a fast and effective method to obtain rLTB-Syn, making it useful in the design of novel vaccine formulations targeting synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Carreño-Campos
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Dania O Govea-Alonso
- Sección de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Maria Luisa Villarreal
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Anabel O Caltempa
- Centro de Investigación en Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Omar Gonzalez-Ortega
- Sección de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Sergio Rosales-Mendoza
- Sección de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
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2
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Feng S, Xie X, Liu J, Li A, Wang Q, Guo D, Li S, Li Y, Wang Z, Guo T, Zhou J, Tang DYY, Show PL. A potential paradigm in CRISPR/Cas systems delivery: at the crossroad of microalgal gene editing and algal-mediated nanoparticles. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:370. [PMID: 37817254 PMCID: PMC10563294 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02139-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Microalgae as the photosynthetic organisms offer enormous promise in a variety of industries, such as the generation of high-value byproducts, biofuels, pharmaceuticals, environmental remediation, and others. With the rapid advancement of gene editing technology, CRISPR/Cas system has evolved into an effective tool that revolutionised the genetic engineering of microalgae due to its robustness, high target specificity, and programmability. However, due to the lack of robust delivery system, the efficacy of gene editing is significantly impaired, limiting its application in microalgae. Nanomaterials have become a potential delivery platform for CRISPR/Cas systems due to their advantages of precise targeting, high stability, safety, and improved immune system. Notably, algal-mediated nanoparticles (AMNPs), especially the microalgae-derived nanoparticles, are appealing as a sustainable delivery platform because of their biocompatibility and low toxicity in a homologous relationship. In addition, living microalgae demonstrated effective and regulated distribution into specified areas as the biohybrid microrobots. This review extensively summarised the uses of CRISPR/Cas systems in microalgae and the recent developments of nanoparticle-based CRISPR/Cas delivery systems. A systematic description of the properties and uses of AMNPs, microalgae-derived nanoparticles, and microalgae microrobots has also been discussed. Finally, this review highlights the challenges and future research directions for the development of gene-edited microalgae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuying Feng
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China.
| | - Xin Xie
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Junjie Liu
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Aifang Li
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Dandan Guo
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Shuxuan Li
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Yalan Li
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Zilong Wang
- Medical College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China
| | - Tao Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, Henan, China.
| | - Jin Zhou
- Institute for Ocean Engineering, Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
| | - Doris Ying Ying Tang
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500, Semenyih, Malaysia
| | - Pau Loke Show
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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Vaughan HJ, Green JJ. Recent Advances in Gene Therapy for Cancer Theranostics. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2021; 20:100300. [PMID: 34738046 PMCID: PMC8562678 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2021.100300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
There is great interest in developing gene therapies for many disease indications, including cancer. However, successful delivery of nucleic acids to tumor cells is a major challenge, and in vivo efficacy is difficult to predict. Cancer theranostics is an approach combining anti-tumor therapy with imaging or diagnostic capabilities, with the goal of monitoring successful delivery and efficacy of a therapeutic agent in a tumor. Successful theranostics must maintain a high degree of anticancer targeting and efficacy while incorporating high-contrast imaging agents that are nontoxic and compatible with clinical imaging modalities. This review highlights recent advancements in theranostic strategies, including imaging technologies and genetic engineering approaches. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J. Vaughan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 400 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Jordan J. Green
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, and the Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 400 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Oncology, Neurosurgery, Materials Science & Engineering, and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, and the Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 400 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
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5
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Jeon I, Lee JM, Shin KS, Kang T, Park MH, Seo H, Song B, Koh CH, Choi J, Shin YK, Kim BS, Kang CY. Enhanced Immunogenicity of Engineered HER2 Antigens Potentiates Antitumor Immune Responses. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8030403. [PMID: 32707803 PMCID: PMC7563373 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
For cancer vaccines, the selection of optimal tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) that can maximize the immunogenicity of the vaccine without causing unwanted adverse effects is challenging. In this study, we developed two engineered Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) antigens, K965 and K1117, and compared their immunogenicity to a previously reported truncated HER2 antigen, K684, within a B cell and monocyte-based vaccine (BVAC). We found that BVAC-K965 and BVAC-K1117 induced comparable antigen-specific antibody responses and antigen-specific T cell responses to BVAC-K684. Interestingly, BVAC-K1117 induced more potent antitumor activity than the other vaccines in murine CT26-HER2 tumor models. In addition, BVAC-K1117 showed enhanced antitumor effects against truncated p95HER2-expressing CT26 tumors compared to BVAC-K965 and BVAC-K684 based on the survival analysis by inducing T cell responses against intracellular domain (ICD) epitopes. The increased ICD epitope-specific T cell responses induced by BVAC-K1117 compared to BVAC-K965 and BVAC-K684 were recapitulated in human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-untyped human PBMCs and HLA-A*0201 PBMCs. Furthermore, we also observed synergistic antitumor effects between BVAC-K1117 and anti-PD-L1 antibody treatment against CT26-HER2 tumors. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that inclusion of a sufficient number of ICD epitopes of HER2 in cellular vaccines can improve the antitumor activity of the vaccine and provide a way to optimize the efficacy of anticancer cellular vaccines targeting HER2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Insu Jeon
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (I.J.); (K.-S.S.); (T.K.); (M.H.P.); (H.S.); (B.S.); (J.C.); (Y.K.S.)
| | - Jeong-Mi Lee
- Laboratory of Immunology, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (J.-M.L.); (C.-H.K.)
| | - Kwang-Soo Shin
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (I.J.); (K.-S.S.); (T.K.); (M.H.P.); (H.S.); (B.S.); (J.C.); (Y.K.S.)
| | - Taeseung Kang
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (I.J.); (K.-S.S.); (T.K.); (M.H.P.); (H.S.); (B.S.); (J.C.); (Y.K.S.)
| | - Myung Hwan Park
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (I.J.); (K.-S.S.); (T.K.); (M.H.P.); (H.S.); (B.S.); (J.C.); (Y.K.S.)
| | - Hyungseok Seo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (I.J.); (K.-S.S.); (T.K.); (M.H.P.); (H.S.); (B.S.); (J.C.); (Y.K.S.)
| | - Boyeong Song
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (I.J.); (K.-S.S.); (T.K.); (M.H.P.); (H.S.); (B.S.); (J.C.); (Y.K.S.)
| | - Choong-Hyun Koh
- Laboratory of Immunology, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (J.-M.L.); (C.-H.K.)
| | - Jeongwon Choi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (I.J.); (K.-S.S.); (T.K.); (M.H.P.); (H.S.); (B.S.); (J.C.); (Y.K.S.)
| | - Young Kee Shin
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (I.J.); (K.-S.S.); (T.K.); (M.H.P.); (H.S.); (B.S.); (J.C.); (Y.K.S.)
| | - Byung-Seok Kim
- Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Korea;
| | - Chang-Yuil Kang
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (I.J.); (K.-S.S.); (T.K.); (M.H.P.); (H.S.); (B.S.); (J.C.); (Y.K.S.)
- Laboratory of Immunology, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (J.-M.L.); (C.-H.K.)
- Cellid, Inc., Seoul 08826, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-880-7860
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Frederiksen LSF, Zhang Y, Foged C, Thakur A. The Long Road Toward COVID-19 Herd Immunity: Vaccine Platform Technologies and Mass Immunization Strategies. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1817. [PMID: 32793245 PMCID: PMC7385234 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need for effective countermeasures against the current emergence and accelerating expansion of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Induction of herd immunity by mass vaccination has been a very successful strategy for preventing the spread of many infectious diseases, hence protecting the most vulnerable population groups unable to develop immunity, for example individuals with immunodeficiencies or a weakened immune system due to underlying medical or debilitating conditions. Therefore, vaccination represents one of the most promising counter-pandemic measures to COVID-19. However, to date, no licensed vaccine exists, neither for SARS-CoV-2 nor for the closely related SARS-CoV or Middle East respiratory syndrome-CoV. In addition, a few vaccine candidates have only recently entered human clinical trials, which hampers the progress in tackling COVID-19 infection. Here, we discuss potential prophylactic interventions for SARS-CoV-2 with a focus on the challenges existing for vaccine development, and we review pre-clinical progress and ongoing human clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccine candidates. Although COVID-19 vaccine development is currently accelerated via so-called fast-track programs, vaccines may not be timely available to have an impact on the first wave of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, COVID-19 vaccines will be essential in the future for reducing morbidity and mortality and inducing herd immunity, if SARS-CoV-2 becomes established in the population like for example influenza virus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yibang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Camilla Foged
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Aneesh Thakur
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Using carrot cells as biofactories and oral delivery vehicles of LTB-Syn: A low-cost vaccine candidate against synucleinopathies. J Biotechnol 2020; 309:75-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2019.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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8
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Hernández-Ramírez J, Wong-Arce A, González-Ortega O, Rosales-Mendoza S. Expression in algae of a chimeric protein carrying several epitopes from tumor associated antigens. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 147:46-52. [PMID: 31923507 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.12.250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapies for cancer treatment constitute promising avenues to fight this global health issue. Algae can be used as both biofactories and delivery vehicles of vaccines; having low cost, fast growth, enhanced safety, and adjuvant effects as advantages. In the present study a multiepitope protein, called BCB, was designed as an attractive approach to develop new cancer immunotherapies. The BCB protein targets epitopes from the following tumor-associated antigens: human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2), mucin-like glycoprotein 1 (MUC1), Wilms' tumor antigen (WT1), and mammaglobin. Moreover, the BCB protein is based on the B subunit of the heat labile E. coli enterotoxin as immunogenic carrier to brake tolerance against self-antigens. A synthetic BCB-coding gene was obtained and expressed in Schizochytrium sp. using the Algevir system. The BCB protein was successfully expressed in transformed algae at levels up to 637 μg/g fresh weight, retaining the GM1-binding activity. The algae-made BCB showed reactivity towards an anti-serum against the tumor cell line 4T1; evidencing its antigenicity. Moreover the immunogenicity was evidenced in mice immunized with BCB, which developed serum IgG antibodies reacting against the 4T1 lysate. This study constitutes the first step in the development of innovative algae-based vaccines against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Hernández-Ramírez
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Dr. Manuel Nava 6, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico; Sección de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Sierra Leona 550, Lomas 2ª. Sección, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Wong-Arce
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Dr. Manuel Nava 6, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico; Sección de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Sierra Leona 550, Lomas 2ª. Sección, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico
| | - Omar González-Ortega
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Dr. Manuel Nava 6, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico
| | - Sergio Rosales-Mendoza
- Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Dr. Manuel Nava 6, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico; Sección de Biotecnología, Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud y Biomedicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Sierra Leona 550, Lomas 2ª. Sección, San Luis Potosí 78210, Mexico.
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Yousefi H, Yuan J, Keshavarz-Fathi M, Murphy JF, Rezaei N. Immunotherapy of cancers comes of age. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2017; 13:1001-1015. [PMID: 28795649 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2017.1366315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cancer immunotherapy has evolved and is aimed at generating the efficacious therapeutic modality to enhance the specificity and power of the immune system to combat tumors. Areas covered: Current efforts in cancer immunotherapy fall into three main approaches. One approach is through the blockade of immune checkpoints, another approach is through adoptive cellular therapy, and the last approach is through vaccination. The goal of this review is to summarize the current understanding and status of cancer immunotherapy in these three categories. Expert commentary: We foresee the development of therapeutic protocols combining these approaches with each other or conventional therapies to achieve the most appropriate guideline for management of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hila Yousefi
- a Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center , Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran.,b Department of Endodontics, Dental Branch , Tehran Azad University , Tehran , Iran
| | - Jianda Yuan
- c Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , New York , NY , USA
| | - Mahsa Keshavarz-Fathi
- a Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center , Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran.,d Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN) , Tehran , Iran.,e Students' Scientific Research Center , Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran
| | | | - Nima Rezaei
- a Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center , Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran.,g Department of Immunology, School of Medicine , Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran.,h Network of Immunity in Infection , Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN) , Boston , MA , USA
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Tiptiri-Kourpeti A, Spyridopoulou K, Pappa A, Chlichlia K. DNA vaccines to attack cancer: Strategies for improving immunogenicity and efficacy. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 165:32-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Lee SY, Sin JI. MC32 tumor cells acquire Ag-specific CTL resistance through the loss of CEA in a colon cancer model. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2016; 11:2012-20. [PMID: 25902414 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2015.1016669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously reported that MC32 cells resist carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) DNA vaccination by losing their antigen presentation to Ag-specific CTLs in the context of MHC class I antigens in a colon cancer therapeutic model. In this study, we selected 2 tumor cells, MC32-S2-2 and MC32-S4-2, which have the ability to form tumors in CEA DNA vaccine-immunized mice. Wild type MC32 cells grew significantly less in CEA-immunized mice (with Ag-specific CTL lytic activity) than in control mice (with no Ag-specific CTL lytic activity). However, MC32-S2-2 and MC32-S4-2 cells grew at a similar rate in both control and CEA-immunized mice, confirming their resistant status against CEA DNA vaccination. MC32-S2-2 and MC32-S4-2 cells were not susceptible to lysis by CEA-specific CD8+ T cells. Moreover, when MC32-S2-2 and MC32-S4-2 cells were used as stimulating agents of CEA-specific immune cells for IFN-γ production, these cells failed to stimulate the induction of Ag-specific IFN-γ, suggesting a loss of tumor cell recognition by Ag-specific immune cells. However, MC32-S2-2 and MC32-S4-2 cells expressed MHC class I antigens in a manner similar to that of wild type MC32 cells. Finally, Western blot assay confirmed that in MC32-S2-2 and MC32-S4-2 cells, CEA expression remained absent but mouse CEA was expressed. Taken together, these data show that MC32 cells may also be able to achieve resistance to CEA-specific CTLs by antigen loss in this model.
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Key Words
- Antitumor immunity
- CEA
- CEA, carcinoembryonic antigen
- CFSE, carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester
- DNA vaccines
- EP, electroporation
- GAPDH, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase
- HLA, human leukocyte antigen
- IM, intramuscular
- LDH, lactate dehydrogenase
- PBS, phosphate-buffered saline
- PCR, polymerase chain reaction
- UV, ultraviolet
- colon cancer
- i.v., intravenously
- immune evasion
- s.c., subcutaneously
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Yeul Lee
- a Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery ; School of Medicine; Kangwon National University ; Chuncheon , Gangwon-do , Korea
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Lee SH, Danishmalik SN, Sin JI. DNA vaccines, electroporation and their applications in cancer treatment. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2016; 11:1889-900. [PMID: 25984993 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2015.1035502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous animal studies and recent clinical studies have shown that electroporation-delivered DNA vaccines can elicit robust Ag-specific CTL responses and reduce disease severity. However, cancer antigens are generally poorly immunogenic, requiring special conditions for immune response induction. To date, many different approaches have been used to elicit Ag-specific CTL and anti-neoplastic responses to DNA vaccines against cancer. In vivo electroporation is one example, whereas others include DNA manipulation, xenogeneic antigen use, immune stimulatory molecule and immune response regulator application, DNA prime-boost immunization strategy use and different DNA delivery methods. These strategies likely increase the immunogenicity of cancer DNA vaccines, thereby contributing to cancer eradication. However, cancer cells are heterogeneous and might become CTL-resistant. Thus, understanding the CTL resistance mechanism(s) employed by cancer cells is critical to develop counter-measures for this immune escape. In this review, the use of electroporation as a DNA delivery method, the strategies used to enhance the immune responses, the cancer antigens that have been tested, and the escape mechanism(s) used by tumor cells are discussed, with a focus on the progress of clinical trials using cancer DNA vaccines.
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Key Words
- AFP, α-fetoprotein
- APCs, antigen presenting cells
- CEA, carcinoembryonic antigen
- CTLA-4, cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4
- DCs, dendritic cells
- DNA vaccine
- EP, electroporation
- GITR, glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor family-related gene
- HPV, human papillomavirus
- HSP, heat shock protein
- HSV, herpes simplex virus
- ID, intradermal
- IM, intramuscular
- MAGE, melanoma-associated antigen
- MART, melanoma antigen recognized by T cells
- PAP, prostatic acid phosphatase
- PD, programmed death
- PRAME, preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma
- PSA, prostate-specific antigen
- PSMA, prostate-specific membrane antigen
- WT1, Wilm's tumor
- anti-tumor immunity
- cancer
- hTERT, human telomerase reverse transcriptase
- tumor immune evasion
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Hyeong Lee
- a BK21 Plus Graduate Program; Department of Microbiology ; School of Medicine; Kangwon National University ; Chuncheon , Gangwon-do , Korea
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Aurisicchio L, Roscilli G, Marra E, Luberto L, Mancini R, La Monica N, Ciliberto G. Superior Immunologic and Therapeutic Efficacy of a Xenogeneic Genetic Cancer Vaccine Targeting Carcinoembryonic Human Antigen. Hum Gene Ther 2016; 26:386-98. [PMID: 25869226 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2014.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We have generated a xenogeneic vaccine against human carcinoembryonic antigen (hCEACAM-5 or commonly hCEA) using as immunogen rhesus CEA (rhCEA). RhCEA cDNA was codon-usage optimized (rhCEAopt) and delivered by sequential DNA electro-gene-transfer (DNA-EGT) and adenoviral (Ad) vector. RhCEAopt was capable to break tolerance to CEA in hCEA transgenic mice and immune responses were detected against epitopes distributed over the entire length of the protein. Xenovaccination with rhCEA resulted in the activation of CD4+ T-cell responses in addition to self-reactive CD8+ T-cells, the development of high-titer antibodies against hCEA, and significant antitumor effects upon challenge with hCEA+ tumor cells. The superior activity of rhCEAopt compared with hCEAopt was confirmed in hCEA/HHD double-transgenic mice, where potent CD8+ T-cell responses against specific human HLA A*0201 hCEA epitopes were detected. Our data show that xenogeneic gene-based vaccination with rhCEA is a viable approach to break tolerance against CEA, thus suggesting further development in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Laura Luberto
- 1 Takis srl, 00128 Rome, Italy .,2 Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia ," Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rita Mancini
- 3 Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza ," Rome, Italy .,4 Laboratory of Research and Diagnostics, Department of Surgery "P. Valdoni," University of Rome "La Sapienza ," Rome, Italy
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Abstract
Replication-defective adenovirus (Ad) vectors were initially developed for gene transfer for correction of genetic diseases. Although Ad vectors achieved high levels of transgene product expression in a variety of target cells, expression of therapeutic proteins was found to be transient as vigorous T cell responses directed to components of the vector as well as the transgene product rapidly eliminate Ad vector-transduced cells. This opened the use of Ad vectors as vaccine carriers and by now a multitude of preclinical as well as clinical studies has shown that Ad vectors induce very potent and sustained transgene product-specific T and B cell responses. This chapter provides guidance on developing E1-deleted Ad vectors based on available viral molecular clones. Specifically, it describes methods for cloning, viral rescue and purification as well as quality control studies.
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Abstract
DNA vaccination has emerged as an attractive immunotherapeutic approach against cancer
due to its simplicity, stability, and safety. Results from numerous clinical trials have
demonstrated that DNA vaccines are well tolerated by patients and do not trigger major
adverse effects. DNA vaccines are also very cost effective and can be administered
repeatedly for long-term protection. Despite all the practical advantages, DNA vaccines
face challenges in inducing potent antigen specific cellular immune responses as a result
of immune tolerance against endogenous self-antigens in tumors. Strategies to enhance
immunogenicity of DNA vaccines against self-antigens have been investigated including
encoding of xenogeneic versions of antigens, fusion of antigens to molecules that activate
T cells or trigger associative recognition, priming with DNA vectors followed by boosting
with viral vector, and utilization of immunomodulatory molecules. This review will focus
on discussing strategies that circumvent immune tolerance and provide updates on findings
from recent clinical trials.
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Key Words
- APCs, antigen presenting cells
- CEA, carcinoembryonic antigen
- CIN, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
- CT antigens, cancer-testis antigens
- CTLs, cytotoxic lymphocytes
- DNA vaccines
- DOM, fragment c domain
- EP, electroporation
- GITR, glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor family-related genes
- HER2, Her2/neu
- HSP70, heat shock protein 70
- IFNs, interferons
- IRF, interferon regulatory factor
- Id, idiotype
- MHC, major histocompatibility complex
- Mam-A, Mammaglobin-A
- NHP, non-human primate
- PAP, Prostatic acid phosphatase
- PMED, particle mediated epidermal delivery
- PSMA, prostate-specific membrane antigen
- SCT, single-chain trimer
- STING, stimulator of interferon genes
- TAAs, tumor-associated antigens
- TBK1, Tank-binding kinase 1
- TLRs, Toll-like receptors
- TT, tetanus toxin
- Trp2, tyrosinase related protein 2
- cellular immune response
- hTERT, human telomerase reverse transcriptase
- humoral immune response
- immune tolerance
- phTERT, optimized full-length hTERT
- tumor antigens
- vaccine delivery
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Yang
- a Department of Pathology ; Johns Hopkins University ; Baltimore , MD USA
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Wei WZ, Jones RF, Juhasz C, Gibson H, Veenstra J. Evolution of animal models in cancer vaccine development. Vaccine 2015; 33:7401-7407. [PMID: 26241945 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.07.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Advances in cancer vaccine development are facilitated by animal models reflecting key features of human cancer and its interface with host immunity. Several series of transplantable preneoplastic and neoplastic mouse mammary lesions have been used to delineate mechanisms of anti-tumor immunity. Mimicking immune tolerance to tumor-associated antigens (TAA) such as HER2/neu, transgenic mice developing spontaneous mammary tumors are strong model systems for pre-clinical vaccine testing. In these models, HER2 DNA vaccines are easily administered, well-tolerated, and induce both humoral and cellular immunity. Although engineered mouse strains have advanced cancer immunotherapy, basic shortcomings remain. For example, multiple mouse strains have to be tested to recapitulate genetic regulation of immune tolerance in humans. Outbred domestic felines more closely parallel humans in the natural development of HER2 positive breast cancer and their varying genetic background. Electrovaccination with heterologous HER2 DNA induces robust adaptive immune responses in cats. Importantly, homologous feline HER2 DNA with a single amino acid substitution elicits unique antibodies to feline mammary tumor cells, unlocking a new vaccine principle. As an alternative approach to targeted vaccination, non-surgical tumor ablation such as cryoablation induces anti-tumor immunity via in situ immunization, particularly when combined with toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist. As strategies for vaccination advance, non-invasive monitoring of host response becomes imperative. As an example, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scanning following administration of tryptophan metabolism tracer [11C]-alpha-methyl-tryptophan (AMT) provides non-invasive imaging of both tumor growth and metabolic activities. Because AMT is a substrate of indoleamine-pyrrole 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), an enzyme that produces the immune regulatory molecule kynurenine, AMT imaging can provide novel insight of host response. In conclusion, new feline models improve the predictive power of cancer immunotherapy and real-time PET imaging enables mechanistic monitoring of host immunity. Strategic utilization of these new tools will expedite cancer vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Zen Wei
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States.
| | - Richard F Jones
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Csaba Juhasz
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Heather Gibson
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
| | - Jesse Veenstra
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
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Aurisicchio L, Fridman A, Bagchi A, Scarselli E, La Monica N, Ciliberto G. A novel minigene scaffold for therapeutic cancer vaccines. Oncoimmunology 2014; 3:e27529. [PMID: 24790791 PMCID: PMC4002591 DOI: 10.4161/onci.27529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Revised: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic vaccines are emerging as a powerful modality to induce T-cell responses to target tumor associated antigens (TAA). Viral or plasmid DNA or RNA vectors harbor an expression cassette encoding the antigen of choice delivered in vivo by vaccination. In this context, immunizations with minigenes containing selected, highly antigenic, T-cell epitopes of TAAs may have several advantages relative to full-length proteins. The objective of this study was to identify an optimal scaffold for minigene construction. We generated a number of minigenes containing epitopes from the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) model TAA and utilized muscle DNA electro-gene-transfer (DNA-EGT) to vaccinate HLA-A*0201 (HHD) and CEA/HHD double transgenic mice. The components utilized to construct the minigenes included CD8+ T cell epitopes and (or) anchor modified analogs that were selected on the basis of their predicted binding to HLA-*A0201, their uniqueness in the human proteome, and the likelihood of cancer cell natural processing and presentation via MHC-I. Other candidate components comparatively tested included: helper CD4+ T-cell epitopes, flanking regions for optimal epitope processing (including both proteasome-dependent and furin-dependent polypeptide processing mechanisms), and immunoenhancing moieties. Through a series of comparative studies and iterations we have identified an optimal minigene scaffold comprising the following elements: human tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) signal peptide, T-cell epitopes connected by furin sensitive linkers, and the E. Coli enterotoxin B subunit. The selected epitope modified minigenes (EMM) delivered by DNA-EGT were able to break immune tolerance in CEA/HHD mice and induce a strong immune response against all epitopes tested, independently of their relative positions within the scaffold. Furthermore, the optimized EMMs delivered via DNA-EGT were more immunogenic and exerted more powerful antitumor effects in a B16-CEA/HHD metastatic melanoma model than a DNA vector encoding the full-length protein or a mixture of the same peptides injected subcutaneously. Our data may shed light on the optimal design of a universal vehicle for epitope-targeted, genetic cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Gennaro Ciliberto
- IRCCS, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione G. Pascale; Napoli, Italy
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