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Giordani S, Marassi V, Placci A, Zattoni A, Roda B, Reschiglian P. Field-Flow Fractionation in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. Molecules 2023; 28:6201. [PMID: 37687030 PMCID: PMC10488451 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28176201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Field-flow fractionation (FFF) is a family of single-phase separative techniques exploited to gently separate and characterize nano- and microsystems in suspension. These techniques cover an extremely wide dynamic range and are able to separate analytes in an interval between a few nm to 100 µm size-wise (over 15 orders of magnitude mass-wise). They are flexible in terms of mobile phase and can separate the analytes in native conditions, preserving their original structures/properties as much as possible. Molecular biology is the branch of biology that studies the molecular basis of biological activity, while biotechnology deals with the technological applications of biology. The areas where biotechnologies are required include industrial, agri-food, environmental, and pharmaceutical. Many species of biological interest belong to the operational range of FFF techniques, and their application to the analysis of such samples has steadily grown in the last 30 years. This work aims to summarize the main features, milestones, and results provided by the application of FFF in the field of molecular biology and biotechnology, with a focus on the years from 2000 to 2022. After a theoretical background overview of FFF and its methodologies, the results are reported based on the nature of the samples analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Giordani
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy (V.M.)
| | - Valentina Marassi
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy (V.M.)
- byFlow srl, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Placci
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy (V.M.)
| | - Andrea Zattoni
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy (V.M.)
- byFlow srl, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - Barbara Roda
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy (V.M.)
- byFlow srl, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Reschiglian
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy (V.M.)
- byFlow srl, 40129 Bologna, Italy
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2
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Liu H, Teng Z, Dong H, Li J, Waheed Abdullah S, Zhang Y, Wu J, Guo H, Sun S. Poly(I:C) and CpG improve the assembly of foot-and-mouth disease virus-like particles and immune response in mice. Virology 2023; 579:94-100. [PMID: 36623353 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2022.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are extremely potent, safe, and serviceable vaccine platforms. Good assembly efficiency of VLPs is the key to reducing vaccine production costs and eliciting a robust immune response. This study adopted CpG and Poly (I:C) as scaffolds to facilitate the assembly of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) VLPs in vitro. The VLPs and the co-assembly products were characterized by particle size, zeta potential, gel retardation measurement, nuclease digestion experiments, size-exclusion chromatography, transmission electron microscopy and circular dichroism analysis. Our results indicated the successful encapsulation of CpG and Poly (I:C) inside VLPs without any effect on shape or size. Vaccination in mice also elicited a robust immune response. This study demonstrated that CpG and Poly (I:C) improved the efficiency of FMDV VLPs assembly and enhanced immune response, further proposing a new idea for improving the efficiency of VLPs assembly and enriching the in vitro VLPs assembly strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Reference Laboratory, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, PR China
| | - Zhidong Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Reference Laboratory, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, PR China
| | - Hu Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Reference Laboratory, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, PR China
| | - Jiajun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Reference Laboratory, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, PR China
| | - Sahibzada Waheed Abdullah
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Reference Laboratory, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, PR China
| | - Yun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Reference Laboratory, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, PR China
| | - Jinen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Reference Laboratory, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, PR China
| | - Huichen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Reference Laboratory, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, PR China
| | - Shiqi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, National Foot-and-Mouth Disease Reference Laboratory, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, 730046, PR China.
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3
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Gerstweiler L, Billakanti J, Bi J, Middelberg APJ. An integrated and continuous downstream process for microbial virus-like particle vaccine biomanufacture. Biotechnol Bioeng 2022; 119:2122-2133. [PMID: 35478403 PMCID: PMC9542101 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we present the first integrated and continuous downstream process for the production of microbial virus‐like particle vaccines. Modular murine polyomavirus major capsid VP1 with integrated J8 antigen was used as a model virus‐like particle vaccine. The integrated continuous downstream process starts with crude cell lysate and consists of a flow‐through chromatography step followed by periodic counter‐current chromatography (PCC) (bind‐elute) using salt‐tolerant mixed‐mode resin and subsequent in‐line assembly. The automated process showed a robust behavior over different inlet feed concentrations ranging from 1.0 to 3.2 mg ml−1 with only minimal adjustments needed, and produced continuously high‐quality virus‐like particles, free of nucleic acids, with constant purity over extended periods of time. The average size remained constant between 44.8 ± 2.3 and 47.2 ± 2.9 nm comparable to literature. The process had an overall product recovery of 88.6% and a process productivity up to 2.56 mg h−1 mlresin−1 in the PCC step, depending on the inlet concentration. Integrating a flow through step with a subsequent PCC step allowed streamlined processing, showing a possible continuous pathway for a wide range of products of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Gerstweiler
- The University of Adelaide, School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, 5005, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jagan Billakanti
- Global Life Sciences Solutions Australia Pty Ltd, Level 11, 32 Phillip St, Parramatta, NSW, 2150, Australia
| | - Jingxiu Bi
- The University of Adelaide, School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, 5005, Adelaide, Australia
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4
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Ventouri IK, Loeber S, Somsen GW, Schoenmakers PJ, Astefanei A. Field-flow fractionation for molecular-interaction studies of labile and complex systems: A critical review. Anal Chim Acta 2022; 1193:339396. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2021.339396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Gerstweiler L, Bi J, Middelberg APJ. Virus-like particle preparation is improved by control over capsomere-DNA interactions during chromatographic purification. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 118:1707-1720. [PMID: 33484156 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Expression of viral capsomeres in bacterial systems and subsequent in vitro assembly into virus-like particles is a possible pathway for affordable future vaccines. However, purification is challenging as viral capsomeres show poor binding to chromatography media. In this study, the behavior of capsomeres in unfractionated bacterial lysate was compared with that for purified capsomeres, with or without added microbial DNA, to better understand reasons for poor bioprocess behavior. We show that aggregates or complexes form through the interaction between viral capsomeres and DNA, especially in bacterial lysates rich in contaminating DNA. The formation of these complexes prevents the target protein capsomeres from accessing the pores of chromatography media. We find that protein-DNA interactions can be modulated by controlling the ionic strength of the buffer and that at elevated ionic strengths the protein-DNA complexes dissociate. Capsomeres thus released show enhanced bind-elute behavior on salt-tolerant chromatography media. DNA could therefore be efficiently removed. We believe this is the first report of the use of an optimized salt concentration that dissociates capsomere-DNA complexes yet enables binding to salt-tolerant media. Post purification, assembly experiments indicate that DNA-protein interactions can play a negative role during in vitro assembly, as DNA-protein complexes could not be assembled into virus-like particles, but formed worm-like structures. This study reveals that the control over DNA-protein interaction is a critical consideration during downstream process development for viral vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Gerstweiler
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jingxiu Bi
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Christiansen A, Weiel M, Winkler A, Schug A, Reinstein J. The Trimeric Major Capsid Protein of Mavirus is stabilized by its Interlocked N-termini Enabling Core Flexibility for Capsid Assembly. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:166859. [PMID: 33539884 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.166859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Icosahedral viral capsids assemble with high fidelity from a large number of identical buildings blocks. The mechanisms that enable individual capsid proteins to form stable oligomeric units (capsomers) while affording structural adaptability required for further assembly into capsids are mostly unknown. Understanding these mechanisms requires knowledge of the capsomers' dynamics, especially for viruses where no additional helper proteins are needed during capsid assembly like for the Mavirus virophage that despite its complexity (triangulation number T = 27) can assemble from its major capsid protein (MCP) alone. This protein forms the basic building block of the capsid namely a trimer (MCP3) of double-jelly roll protomers with highly intertwined N-terminal arms of each protomer wrapping around the other two at the base of the capsomer, secured by a clasp that is formed by part of the C-terminus. Probing the dynamics of the capsomer with HDX mass spectrometry we observed differences in conformational flexibility between functional elements of the MCP trimer. While the N-terminal arm and clasp regions show above average deuterium incorporation, the two jelly-roll units in each protomer also differ in their structural plasticity, which might be needed for efficient assembly. Assessing the role of the N-terminal arm in maintaining capsomer stability showed that its detachment is required for capsomer dissociation, constituting a barrier towards capsomer monomerisation. Surprisingly, capsomer dissociation was irreversible since it was followed by a global structural rearrangement of the protomers as indicated by computational studies showing a rearrangement of the N-terminus blocking part of the capsomer forming interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Christiansen
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Department of Biomolecular Mechanismsm Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marie Weiel
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Steinbuch Centre for Computing and Department of Physics, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Andreas Winkler
- Institute of Biochemistry, Graz University of Technology. Graz, Austria
| | - Alexander Schug
- Institute for Advanced Simulation, Jülich Supercomputing Center, Jülich, Germany
| | - Jochen Reinstein
- Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Department of Biomolecular Mechanismsm Heidelberg, Germany.
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Gerstweiler L, Billakanti J, Bi J, Middelberg A. Comparative evaluation of integrated purification pathways for bacterial modular polyomavirus major capsid protein VP1 to produce virus-like particles using high throughput process technologies. J Chromatogr A 2021; 1639:461924. [PMID: 33545579 PMCID: PMC7825977 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2021.461924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Modular virus-like particles and capsomeres are potential vaccine candidates that can induce strong immune responses. There are many described protocols for the purification of microbially-produced viral protein in the literature, however, they suffer from inherent limitations in efficiency, scalability and overall process costs. In this study, we investigated alternative purification pathways to identify and optimise a suitable purification pathway to overcome some of the current challenges. Among the methods, the optimised purification strategy consists of an anion exchange step in flow through mode followed by a multi modal cation exchange step in bind and elute mode. This approach allows an integrated process without any buffer adjustment between the purification steps. The major contaminants like host cell proteins, DNA and aggregates can be efficiently removed by the optimised strategy, without the need for a size exclusion polishing chromatography step, which otherwise could complicate the process scalability and increase overall cost. High throughput process technology studies were conducted to optimise binding and elution conditions for multi modal cation exchanger, Capto™ MMC and strong anion exchanger Capto™ Q. A dynamic binding capacity of 14 mg ml−1 was achieved for Capto™ MMC resin. Samples derived from each purification process were thoroughly characterized by RP-HPLC, SEC-HPLC, SDS-PAGE and LC-ESI-MS/MS Mass Spectrometry analytical methods. Modular polyomavirus major capsid protein could be purified within hours using the optimised process achieving purities above 87% and above 96% with inclusion of an initial precipitation step. Purified capsid protein could be easily assembled in-vitro into well-defined virus-like particles by lowering pH with addition of calcium chloride to the eluate. High throughout studies allowed the screening of a vast design space within weeks, rather than months, and unveiled complicated binding behaviour for CaptoTM MMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Gerstweiler
- The University of Adelaide, School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Jagan Billakanti
- Cytiva, Product and Application Specialist Downstream Design-In ANZ, Suite 547, Level 5, 7 Eden Park Drive, Macquarie Park, NSW 2113, Australia
| | - Jingxiu Bi
- The University of Adelaide, School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Anton Middelberg
- The University of Adelaide, Division of Research and Innovation, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
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8
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Hou Q, Li N, Chao Y, Li S, Zhang L. Design and regulation of the surface and interfacial behavior of protein molecules. Chin J Chem Eng 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjche.2020.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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9
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Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation on Virus and Virus-Like Particle Applications. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7110555. [PMID: 31726671 PMCID: PMC6921026 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7110555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) separates sample components based on their sizes in the absence of a stationary phase. It is well suited for high molecular weight samples such as virus-sized particles. The AF4 experiment can potentially separate molecules within a broad size range (~103−109 Da; particle diameter from 2 nm to 0.5−1 μm). When coupled to light scattering detectors, it enables rapid assays on the size, size distribution, degradation, and aggregation of the studied particle populations. Thus, it can be used to study the quality of purified viruses and virus-like particles. In addition to being an advanced analytical characterization technique, AF4 can be used in a semi-preparative mode. Here, we summarize and provide examples on the steps that need optimization for obtaining good separation with the focus on virus-sized particles.
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Charlton Hume HK, Vidigal J, Carrondo MJT, Middelberg APJ, Roldão A, Lua LHL. Synthetic biology for bioengineering virus-like particle vaccines. Biotechnol Bioeng 2019; 116:919-935. [PMID: 30597533 PMCID: PMC7161758 DOI: 10.1002/bit.26890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Vaccination is the most effective method of disease prevention and control. Many viruses and bacteria that once caused catastrophic pandemics (e.g., smallpox, poliomyelitis, measles, and diphtheria) are either eradicated or effectively controlled through routine vaccination programs. Nonetheless, vaccine manufacturing remains incredibly challenging. Viruses exhibiting high antigenic diversity and high mutation rates cannot be fairly contested using traditional vaccine production methods and complexities surrounding the manufacturing processes, which impose significant limitations. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are recombinantly produced viral structures that exhibit immunoprotective traits of native viruses but are noninfectious. Several VLPs that compositionally match a given natural virus have been developed and licensed as vaccines. Expansively, a plethora of studies now confirms that VLPs can be designed to safely present heterologous antigens from a variety of pathogens unrelated to the chosen carrier VLPs. Owing to this design versatility, VLPs offer technological opportunities to modernize vaccine supply and disease response through rational bioengineering. These opportunities are greatly enhanced with the application of synthetic biology, the redesign and construction of novel biological entities. This review outlines how synthetic biology is currently applied to engineer VLP functions and manufacturing process. Current and developing technologies for the identification of novel target-specific antigens and their usefulness for rational engineering of VLP functions (e.g., presentation of structurally diverse antigens, enhanced antigen immunogenicity, and improved vaccine stability) are described. When applied to manufacturing processes, synthetic biology approaches can also overcome specific challenges in VLP vaccine production. Finally, we address several challenges and benefits associated with the translation of VLP vaccine development into the industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley K. Charlton Hume
- The University of Queensland, Australian Institute of Bioengineering and NanotechnologySt LuciaQueenslandAustralia
| | - João Vidigal
- Health & Pharma Division, Animal Cell Technology Unit, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica (iBET)OeirasPortugal
- Health & Pharma Division, Animal Cell Technology Unit, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da RepúblicaOeirasPortugal
| | - Manuel J. T. Carrondo
- Health & Pharma Division, Animal Cell Technology Unit, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica (iBET)OeirasPortugal
| | - Anton P. J. Middelberg
- Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, The University of AdelaideAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - António Roldão
- Health & Pharma Division, Animal Cell Technology Unit, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica (iBET)OeirasPortugal
- Health & Pharma Division, Animal Cell Technology Unit, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da RepúblicaOeirasPortugal
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Thangavelu RM, Sundarajan D, Savaas Umar MR, Denison MIJ, Gunasekaran D, Rajendran G, Duraisamy N, Kathiravan K. Developing a Programmable, Self-Assembling Squash Leaf Curl China Virus (SLCCNV) Capsid Proteins into "Nanocargo"-like Architecture. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2018; 1:1741-1757. [PMID: 34996223 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.8b00543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A new era has begun in which pathogens have become useful scaffolds for nanotechnology applications. In this research/study, an attempt has been made to generate an empty cargo-like architecture from a plant pathogenic virus named Squash leaf curl China virus (SLCCNV). In this approach, SLCCNV coat protein monomers are obtained efficiently by using a yeast Pichia pastoris expression system. Further, dialysis of purified SLCCNV-CP monomers against various pH modified (5-10) disassembly and assembly buffers produced a self-assembled "Nanocargo"-like architecture, which also exhibited an ability to encapsulate magnetic nanoparticles in vitro. Bioinformatics tools were also utilized to predict the possible self-assembly kinetics and bioconjugation sites of coat protein monomers. Significantly, an in vitro biocompatibility study using SLCCNV-Nanocargo particles showed low toxicity to the cells, which eventually proved as a potential nanobiomaterial for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raja Muthuramalingam Thangavelu
- Plant Molecular Virology and Nanobiotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600025, India
| | - Deepan Sundarajan
- Plant Molecular Virology and Nanobiotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600025, India
| | - Mohammed Riyaz Savaas Umar
- Plant Molecular Virology and Nanobiotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600025, India
| | - Michael Immanuel Jesse Denison
- Plant Molecular Virology and Nanobiotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600025, India
| | - Dharanivasan Gunasekaran
- Plant Molecular Virology and Nanobiotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600025, India
| | - Ganapathy Rajendran
- Plant Molecular Virology and Nanobiotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600025, India
| | - Nallusamy Duraisamy
- Plant Molecular Virology and Nanobiotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600025, India
| | - Krishnan Kathiravan
- Plant Molecular Virology and Nanobiotechnology Research Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600025, India
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Controlled Disassembly and Purification of Functional Viral Subassemblies Using Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation (AF4). Viruses 2018; 10:v10110579. [PMID: 30360510 PMCID: PMC6265779 DOI: 10.3390/v10110579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses protect their genomes by enclosing them into protein capsids that sometimes contain lipid bilayers that either reside above or below the protein layer. Controlled dissociation of virions provides important information on virion composition, interactions, and stoichiometry of virion components, as well as their possible role in virus life cycles. Dissociation of viruses can be achieved by using various chemicals, enzymatic treatments, and incubation conditions. Asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) is a gentle method where the separation is based on size. Here, we applied AF4 for controlled dissociation of enveloped bacteriophage φ6. Our results indicate that AF4 can be used to assay the efficiency of the dissociation process and to purify functional subviral particles.
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Abstract
AbstractPrions are proteins that can self-propagate, leading to the misfolding of proteins. In addition to the previously demonstrated pathogenic roles of prions during the development of different mammalian diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, they have recently been shown to represent an important functional component in many prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms and bacteriophages, confirming the previously unexplored important regulatory and functional roles. However, an in-depth analysis of these domains in eukaryotic viruses has not been performed. Here, we examined the presence of prion-like proteins in eukaryotic viruses that play a primary role in different ecosystems and that are associated with emerging diseases in humans. We identified relevant functional associations in different viral processes and regularities in their presence at different taxonomic levels. Using the prion-like amino-acid composition computational algorithm, we detected 2679 unique putative prion-like domains within 2,742,160 publicly available viral protein sequences. Our findings indicate that viral prion-like proteins can be found in different viruses of insects, plants, mammals, and humans. The analysis performed here demonstrated common patterns in the distribution of prion-like domains across viral orders and families, and revealed probable functional associations with different steps of viral replication and interaction with host cells. These data allow the identification of the viral prion-like proteins as potential novel regulators of viral infections.
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14
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Abstract
Prions are proteins that can self-propagate, leading to the misfolding of proteins. In addition to the previously demonstrated pathogenic roles of prions during the development of different mammalian diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, they have recently been shown to represent an important functional component in many prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms and bacteriophages, confirming the previously unexplored important regulatory and functional roles. However, an in-depth analysis of these domains in eukaryotic viruses has not been performed. Here, we examined the presence of prion-like proteins in eukaryotic viruses that play a primary role in different ecosystems and that are associated with emerging diseases in humans. We identified relevant functional associations in different viral processes and regularities in their presence at different taxonomic levels. Using the prion-like amino-acid composition computational algorithm, we detected 2679 unique putative prion-like domains within 2,742,160 publicly available viral protein sequences. Our findings indicate that viral prion-like proteins can be found in different viruses of insects, plants, mammals, and humans. The analysis performed here demonstrated common patterns in the distribution of prion-like domains across viral orders and families, and revealed probable functional associations with different steps of viral replication and interaction with host cells. These data allow the identification of the viral prion-like proteins as potential novel regulators of viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Tetz
- Human Microbiology Institute, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
| | - Victor Tetz
- Human Microbiology Institute, New York, NY, 10027, USA
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15
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Dashti NH, Abidin RS, Sainsbury F. Programmable In Vitro Coencapsidation of Guest Proteins for Intracellular Delivery by Virus-like Particles. ACS NANO 2018; 12:4615-4623. [PMID: 29697964 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b01059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Bioinspired self-sorting and self-assembling systems using engineered versions of natural protein cages are being developed for biocatalysis and therapeutic delivery. The packaging and intracellular delivery of guest proteins is of particular interest for both in vitro and in vivo cell engineering. However, there is a lack of bionanotechnology platforms that combine programmable guest protein encapsidation with efficient intracellular uptake. We report a minimal peptide anchor for in vivo self-sorting of cargo-linked capsomeres of murine polyomavirus (MPyV) that enables controlled encapsidation of guest proteins by in vitro self-assembly. Using Förster resonance energy transfer, we demonstrate the flexibility in this system to support coencapsidation of multiple proteins. Complementing these ensemble measurements with single-particle analysis by super-resolution microscopy shows that the stochastic nature of coencapsidation is an overriding principle. This has implications for the design and deployment of both native and engineered self-sorting encapsulation systems and for the assembly of infectious virions. Taking advantage of the encoded affinity for sialic acids ubiquitously displayed on the surface of mammalian cells, we demonstrate the ability of self-assembled MPyV virus-like particles to mediate efficient delivery of guest proteins to the cytosol of primary human cells. This platform for programmable coencapsidation and efficient cytosolic delivery of complementary biomolecules therefore has enormous potential in cell engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor H Dashti
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology , The University of Queensland , St Lucia , QLD 4072 , Australia
| | - Rufika S Abidin
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology , The University of Queensland , St Lucia , QLD 4072 , Australia
| | - Frank Sainsbury
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology , The University of Queensland , St Lucia , QLD 4072 , Australia
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16
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Seth A, Kong IG, Lee SH, Yang JY, Lee YS, Kim Y, Wibowo N, Middelberg AP, Lua LH, Kweon MN. Modular virus-like particles for sublingual vaccination against group A streptococcus. Vaccine 2016; 34:6472-6480. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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17
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Waneesorn J, Wibowo N, Bingham J, Middelberg APJ, Lua LHL. Structural-based designed modular capsomere comprising HA1 for low-cost poultry influenza vaccination. Vaccine 2016; 36:3064-3071. [PMID: 27894719 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.11.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses cause a severe and lethal infection in domestic birds. The increasing number of HPAI outbreaks has demonstrated the lack of capabilities to control the rapid spread of avian influenza. Poultry vaccination has been shown to not only reduce the virus spread in animals but also reduce the virus transmission to humans, preventing potential pandemic development. However, existing vaccine technologies cannot respond to a new virus outbreak rapidly and at a cost and scale that is commercially viable for poultry vaccination. Here, we developed modular capsomere, subunits of virus-like particle, as a low-cost poultry influenza vaccine. Modified murine polyomavirus (MuPyV) VP1 capsomere was used to present structural-based influenza Hemagglutinin (HA1) antigen. Six constructs of modular capsomeres presenting three truncated versions of HA1 and two constructs of modular capsomeres presenting non-modified HA1 have been generated. These modular capsomeres were successfully produced in stable forms using Escherichia coli, without the need for protein refolding. Based on ELISA, this adjuvanted modular capsomere (CaptHA1-3C) induced strong antibody response (almost 105endpoint titre) when administered into chickens, similar to titres obtained in the group administered with insect cell-based HA1 proteins. Chickens that received adjuvanted CaptHA1-3C followed by challenge with HPAI virus were fully protected. The results presented here indicate that this platform for bacterially-produced modular capsomere could potentially translate into a rapid-response and low-cost vaccine manufacturing technology suitable for poultry vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarurin Waneesorn
- The University of Queensland, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Nani Wibowo
- The University of Queensland, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - John Bingham
- Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)-Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Geelong, VIC 3219, Australia
| | - Anton P J Middelberg
- The University of Queensland, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Linda H L Lua
- The University of Queensland, Protein Expression Facility, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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18
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Szurgot I, Jedynak M, Podsiadla-Bialoskorska M, Piwowarski J, Szolajska E, Chroboczek J. Adenovirus Dodecahedron, a VLP, Can be Purified by Size Exclusion Chromatography Instead of Time-Consuming Sucrose Density Gradient Centrifugation. Mol Biotechnol 2016; 57:565-73. [PMID: 25711740 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-015-9850-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Adenoviral dodecahedron (Dd) is a virus-like particle composed of twelve pentameric penton base (Pb) proteins, responsible for adenovirus cell penetration. It is generated spontaneously in the baculovirus system upon expression of the Pb gene of adenovirus serotype 3. This particle shows remarkable cell penetration ability with 2,00,000-3,00,000 Dd internalized into one cell in culture, conceivably delivering several millions of foreign cargo molecules to the target cell. We have used it in the past for delivery of small drugs as well as a vaccination platform, in which Dd serves as a particulate vaccine delivery system. Since development of new biomedicals depends strongly on the cost of their expression and purification, we attempted, albeit unsuccessfully, to obtain Dd expression in bacteria. We therefore retained its expression in the baculovirus/insect cells system but introduced significant improvements in the protocols for Dd expression and purification, leading to considerable savings in time and improved yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Szurgot
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics of Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5a, 02106, Warsaw, Poland
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19
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Gong X, Branford-White C, Tao L, Li S, Quan J, Nie H, Zhu L. Preparation and characterization of a novel sodium alginate incorporated self-assembled Fmoc-FF composite hydrogel. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2016; 58:478-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2015.08.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Revised: 08/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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20
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Abidin RS, Lua LHL, Middelberg APJ, Sainsbury F. Insert engineering and solubility screening improves recovery of virus-like particle subunits displaying hydrophobic epitopes. Protein Sci 2015; 24:1820-8. [PMID: 26401641 DOI: 10.1002/pro.2775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The Polyomavirus coat protein, VP1 has been developed as an epitope presentation system able to provoke humoral immunity against a variety of pathogens, such as Influenza and Group A Streptococcus. The ability of the system to carry cytotoxic T cell epitopes on a surface-exposed loop and the impact on protein solubility has not been examined. Four variations of three selected epitopes were cloned into surface-exposed loops of VP1, and expressed in Escherichia coli. VP1 pentamers, also known as capsomeres, were purified via a glutathione-S-transferase tag. Size exclusion chromatography indicated severe aggregation of the recombinant VP1 during enzymatic tag removal resulting from the introduction the hydrophobic epitopes. Inserts were modified to possess double aspartic acid residues at each end of the hydrophobic epitopes and a high-throughput buffer condition screen was implemented with protein aggregation monitored during tag removal by spectrophotometry and dynamic light scattering. These analyses showed that the insertion of charged residues at the extremities of epitopes could improve solubility of capsomeres and revealed multiple windows of opportunity for further condition optimization. A combination of epitope design, pH optimization, and the additive l-arginine permitted the recovery of soluble VP1 pentamers presenting hydrophobic epitopes and their subsequent assembly into virus-like particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- R S Abidin
- The University of Queensland, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology Centre for Biomolecular Engineering, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - L H L Lua
- Protein Expression Facility, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - A P J Middelberg
- The University of Queensland, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology Centre for Biomolecular Engineering, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - F Sainsbury
- The University of Queensland, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology Centre for Biomolecular Engineering, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
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21
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Synthetic biology design to display an 18 kDa rotavirus large antigen on a modular virus-like particle. Vaccine 2015; 33:5937-44. [PMID: 26387437 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2015] [Revised: 08/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Virus-like particles are an established class of commercial vaccine possessing excellent function and proven stability. Exciting developments made possible by modern tools of synthetic biology has stimulated emergence of modular VLPs, whereby parts of one pathogen are by design integrated into a less harmful VLP which has preferential physical and manufacturing character. This strategy allows the immunologically protective parts of a pathogen to be displayed on the most-suitable VLP. However, the field of modular VLP design is immature, and robust design principles are yet to emerge, particularly for larger antigenic structures. Here we use a combination of molecular dynamic simulation and experiment to reveal two key design principles for VLPs. First, the linkers connecting the integrated antigenic module with the VLP-forming protein must be well designed to ensure structural separation and independence. Second, the number of antigenic domains on the VLP surface must be sufficiently below the maximum such that a "steric barrier" to VLP formation cannot exist. This second principle leads to designs whereby co-expression of modular protein with unmodified VLP-forming protein can titrate down the amount of antigen on the surface of the VLP, to the point where assembly can proceed. In this work we elucidate these principles by displaying the 18.1 kDa VP8* domain from rotavirus on the murine polyomavirus VLP, and show functional presentation of the antigenic structure.
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22
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Adsorption of virus-like particles on ion exchange surface: Conformational changes at different pH detected by dual polarization interferometry. J Chromatogr A 2015; 1408:161-8. [PMID: 26189208 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2015.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2015] [Revised: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Disassembling of virus-like particles (VLPs) like hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HB-VLPs) during chromatographic process has been identified as a major cause of loss of antigen activity. In this study, dual polarization interferometry (DPI) measurement, together with chromatography experiments, were performed to study the adsorption and conformational change of HB-VLPs on ion exchange surface at three different pHs. Changes in pH values of buffer solution showed only minimal effect on the HB-VLPs assembly and antigen activity, while significantly different degree of HB-VLPs disassembling was observed after ion exchange chromatography (IEC) at different pHs, indicating the conformational change of HB-VLPs caused mainly by its interactions with the adsorbent surface. By creating an ion exchange surface on chip surface, the conformational changes of HB-VLPs during adsorption to the surface were monitored in real time by DPI for the first time. As pH increased from 7.0 to 9.0, strong electrostatic interactions between oppositely charged HB-VLPs and the ion exchange surface make the HB-VLPs spread thinly or even adsorbed in disassembled formation on the surface as revealed by significant decrease in thickness of the adsorbed layer measured by DPI. Such findings were consistent with the results of IEC experiments operated at different pHs, that more disassembled HB-VLPs were detected in the eluted proteins at pH 9.0. At low pH like pH 5.0, however, possible bi-layer adsorption was involved as evidenced by an adsorbed layer thickness higher than average diameter of the HB-VLPs. The "lateral" protein-protein interactions might be unfavorable and would make additional contribution to the disassembling of HB-VLPs besides the primary mechanism related to the protein-surface interactions; therefore, the lowest antigen activity was observed after IEC at pH 5.0. Such real-time information on conformational change of VLPs is helpful for better understanding the real mechanism for the disassembling of VLPs on the solid-liquid interface.
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23
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Zhang L, Lua LHL, Middelberg APJ, Sun Y, Connors NK. Biomolecular engineering of virus-like particles aided by computational chemistry methods. Chem Soc Rev 2015; 44:8608-18. [DOI: 10.1039/c5cs00526d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Multi-scale investigation of VLP self-assembly aided by computational methods is facilitating the design, redesign, and modification of functionalized VLPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering of the Ministry of Education
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin 300072, People's Republic of China
| | - Linda H. L. Lua
- Protein Expression Facility
- The University of Queensland
- Brisbane, Australia
| | - Anton P. J. Middelberg
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology
- The University of Queensland
- Brisbane, Australia
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering of the Ministry of Education
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology
- Tianjin University
- Tianjin 300072, People's Republic of China
| | - Natalie K. Connors
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology
- The University of Queensland
- Brisbane, Australia
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24
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Machida K, Imataka H. Production methods for viral particles. Biotechnol Lett 2014; 37:753-60. [DOI: 10.1007/s10529-014-1741-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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25
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Energetic changes caused by antigenic module insertion in a virus-like particle revealed by experiment and molecular dynamics simulations. PLoS One 2014; 9:e107313. [PMID: 25215874 PMCID: PMC4162605 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 08/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The success of recombinant virus-like particles (VLPs) for human papillomavirus and hepatitis B demonstrates the potential of VLPs as safe and efficacious vaccines. With new modular designs emerging, the effects of antigen module insertion on the self-assembly and structural integrity of VLPs should be clarified so as to better enabling improved design. Previous work has revealed insights into the molecular energetics of a VLP subunit, capsomere, comparing energetics within various solution conditions known to drive or inhibit self-assembly. In the present study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations coupled with the molecular mechanics-Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) method were performed to examine the molecular interactions and energetics in a modular capsomere of a murine polyomavirus (MPV) VLP designed to protect against influenza. Insertion of an influenza antigenic module is found to lower the binding energy within the capsomere, and a more active state is observed in Assembly Buffer as compared with that in Stabilization Buffer, which has been experimentally validated through measurements using differential scanning calorimetry. Further in-depth analysis based on free-energy decomposition indicates that destabilized binding can be attributed to electrostatic interaction induced by the chosen antigen module. These results provide molecular insights into the conformational stability of capsomeres and their abilities to be exploited for antigen presentation, and are expected to be beneficial for the biomolecular engineering of VLP vaccines.
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26
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27
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Saccardo P, Rodríguez-Carmona E, Villaverde A, Ferrer-Miralles N. Effect of the DnaK chaperone on the conformational quality of JCV VP1 virus-like particles produced inEscherichia coli. Biotechnol Prog 2014; 30:744-8. [DOI: 10.1002/btpr.1879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Revised: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Saccardo
- Inst. de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina and Dept. de Genètica i de Microbiologia; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and CIBER en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN); Bellaterra Barcelona 08193 Spain
| | - Escarlata Rodríguez-Carmona
- Inst. de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina and Dept. de Genètica i de Microbiologia; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and CIBER en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN); Bellaterra Barcelona 08193 Spain
| | - Antonio Villaverde
- Inst. de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina and Dept. de Genètica i de Microbiologia; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and CIBER en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN); Bellaterra Barcelona 08193 Spain
| | - Neus Ferrer-Miralles
- Inst. de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina and Dept. de Genètica i de Microbiologia; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and CIBER en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN); Bellaterra Barcelona 08193 Spain
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28
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Chuan YP, Wibowo N, Connors NK, Wu Y, Hughes FK, Batzloff MR, Lua LH, Middelberg AP. Microbially synthesized modular virus-like particles and capsomeres displaying group A streptococcus hypervariable antigenic determinants. Biotechnol Bioeng 2013; 111:1062-70. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.25172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Revised: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yap P. Chuan
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology; Centre for Biomolecular Engineering; University of Queensland; St. Lucia QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Nani Wibowo
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology; Centre for Biomolecular Engineering; University of Queensland; St. Lucia QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Natalie K. Connors
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology; Centre for Biomolecular Engineering; University of Queensland; St. Lucia QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Yang Wu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology; Centre for Biomolecular Engineering; University of Queensland; St. Lucia QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Fiona K. Hughes
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology; Centre for Biomolecular Engineering; University of Queensland; St. Lucia QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Michael R. Batzloff
- Institute for Glycomics, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University; Gold Coast QLD Australia
| | - Linda H.L. Lua
- Protein Expression Facility; University of Queensland; St. Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Anton P.J. Middelberg
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology; Centre for Biomolecular Engineering; University of Queensland; St. Lucia QLD 4072 Australia
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29
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Lua LHL, Connors NK, Sainsbury F, Chuan YP, Wibowo N, Middelberg APJ. Bioengineering virus-like particles as vaccines. Biotechnol Bioeng 2013; 111:425-40. [PMID: 24347238 DOI: 10.1002/bit.25159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Revised: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Virus-like particle (VLP) technology seeks to harness the optimally tuned immunostimulatory properties of natural viruses while omitting the infectious trait. VLPs that assemble from a single protein have been shown to be safe and highly efficacious in humans, and highly profitable. VLPs emerging from basic research possess varying levels of complexity and comprise single or multiple proteins, with or without a lipid membrane. Complex VLP assembly is traditionally orchestrated within cells using black-box approaches, which are appropriate when knowledge and control over assembly are limited. Recovery challenges including those of adherent and intracellular contaminants must then be addressed. Recent commercial VLPs variously incorporate steps that include VLP in vitro assembly to address these problems robustly, but at the expense of process complexity. Increasing research activity and translation opportunity necessitate bioengineering advances and new bioprocessing modalities for efficient and cost-effective production of VLPs. Emerging approaches are necessarily multi-scale and multi-disciplinary, encompassing diverse fields from computational design of molecules to new macro-scale purification materials. In this review, we highlight historical and emerging VLP vaccine approaches. We overview approaches that seek to specifically engineer a desirable immune response through modular VLP design, and those that seek to improve bioprocess efficiency through inhibition of intracellular assembly to allow optimal use of existing purification technologies prior to cell-free VLP assembly. Greater understanding of VLP assembly and increased interdisciplinary activity will see enormous progress in VLP technology over the coming decade, driven by clear translational opportunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda H L Lua
- Protein Expression Facility, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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30
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Teunissen EA, de Raad M, Mastrobattista E. Production and biomedical applications of virus-like particles derived from polyomaviruses. J Control Release 2013; 172:305-321. [PMID: 23999392 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2013.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Revised: 08/18/2013] [Accepted: 08/20/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs), aggregates of capsid proteins devoid of viral genetic material, show great promise in the fields of vaccine development and gene therapy. These particles spontaneously self-assemble after heterologous expression of viral structural proteins. This review will focus on the use of virus-like particles derived from polyomavirus capsid proteins. Since their first recombinant production 27 years ago these particles have been investigated for a myriad of biomedical applications. These virus-like particles are safe, easy to produce, can be loaded with a broad range of diverse cargoes and can be tailored for specific delivery or epitope presentation. We will highlight the structural characteristics of polyomavirus-derived VLPs and give an overview of their applications in diagnostics, vaccine development and gene delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik A Teunissen
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Markus de Raad
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Enrico Mastrobattista
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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31
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Zhang L, Tang R, Bai S, Connors NK, Lua LHL, Chuan YP, Middelberg APJ, Sun Y. Molecular Energetics in the Capsomere of Virus-Like Particle Revealed by Molecular Dynamics Simulations. J Phys Chem B 2013; 117:5411-21. [DOI: 10.1021/jp311170w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- Department
of Biochemical Engineering
and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering of the Ministry of Education,
School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Ronghong Tang
- Department
of Biochemical Engineering
and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering of the Ministry of Education,
School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Shu Bai
- Department
of Biochemical Engineering
and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering of the Ministry of Education,
School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Natalie K. Connors
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering
and Nanotechnology, Centre for Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072,
Australia
| | - Linda H. L. Lua
- Protein Expression
Facility, The University of Queensland,
St Lucia, QLD, 4072,
Australia
| | - Yap P. Chuan
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering
and Nanotechnology, Centre for Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072,
Australia
| | - Anton P. J. Middelberg
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering
and Nanotechnology, Centre for Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072,
Australia
| | - Yan Sun
- Department
of Biochemical Engineering
and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering of the Ministry of Education,
School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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32
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Chuan YP, Rivera-Hernandez T, Wibowo N, Connors NK, Wu Y, Hughes FK, Lua LHL, Middelberg APJ. Effects of pre-existing anti-carrier immunity and antigenic element multiplicity on efficacy of a modular virus-like particle vaccine. Biotechnol Bioeng 2013; 110:2343-51. [PMID: 23532896 DOI: 10.1002/bit.24907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2012] [Revised: 03/08/2013] [Accepted: 03/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Modularization of a peptide antigen for presentation on a microbially synthesized murine polyomavirus (MuPyV) virus-like particle (VLP) offers a new alternative for rapid and low-cost vaccine delivery at a global scale. In this approach, heterologous modules containing peptide antigenic elements are fused to and displayed on the VLP carrier, allowing enhancement of peptide immunogenicity via ordered and densely repeated presentation of the modules. This study addresses two key engineering questions pertaining to this platform, exploring the effects of (i) pre-existing carrier-specific immunity on modular VLP vaccine effectiveness and (ii) increase in the antigenic element number per VLP on peptide-specific immune response. These effects were studied in a mouse model and with modular MuPyV VLPs presenting a group A streptococcus (GAS) peptide antigen, J8i. The data presented here demonstrate that immunization with a modular VLP could induce high levels of J8i-specific antibodies despite a strong pre-existing anti-carrier immune response. Doubling of the J8i antigenic element number per VLP did not enhance J8i immunogenicity at a constant peptide dose. However, the strategy, when used in conjunction with increased VLP dose, could effectively increase the peptide dose up to 10-fold, leading to a significantly higher J8i-specific antibody titer. This study further supports feasibility of the MuPyV modular VLP vaccine platform by showing that, in the absence of adjuvant, modularized GAS antigenic peptide at a dose as low as 150 ng was sufficient to raise a high level of peptide-specific IgGs indicative of bactericidal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yap P Chuan
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Centre for Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
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33
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Rivera-Hernandez T, Hartas J, Wu Y, Chuan YP, Lua LHL, Good M, Batzloff MR, Middelberg APJ. Self-adjuvanting modular virus-like particles for mucosal vaccination against group A streptococcus (GAS). Vaccine 2013; 31:1950-5. [PMID: 23422147 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Revised: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Group A streptococcus (GAS) causes a wide range of diseases, some of them related to autoimmune diseases triggered by repeated GAS infections. Despite the fact that GAS primarily colonizes the mucosal epithelium of the pharynx, the main mechanism of action of most vaccine candidates is based on development of systemic antibodies that do not cross-react with host tissues, neglecting the induction of mucosal immunity that could potentially block disease transmission. Peptide antigens from GAS M-surface protein can confer protection against infection; however, translation of such peptides into immunogenic mucosal vaccines that can be easily manufactured remains a challenge. In this work, a modular murine polyomavirus (MuPyV) virus-like particle (VLP) was engineered to display a GAS antigenic peptide, J8i. Heterologous modules containing one or two J8i antigen elements were integrated with the MuPyV VLP, and produced using microbial protein expression, standard purification techniques and in vitro VLP assembly. Both modular VLPs, when delivered intranasally to outbred mice without adjuvant, induced significant titers of J8i-specific IgG and IgA antibodies, indicating significant systemic and mucosal responses, respectively. GAS colonization in the throats of mice challenged intranasally was reduced in these immunized mice, and protection against lethal challenge was observed. This study shows that modular MuPyV VLPs prepared using microbial synthesis have potential to facilitate cost-effective vaccine delivery to remote communities through the use of mucosal immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Rivera-Hernandez
- The University of Queensland, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, Centre for Biomolecular Engineering, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
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Zheng DD, Pan D, Zha X, Wu Y, Jiang C, Yu X. In vitro monitoring of the formation of pentamers from the monomer of GST fused HPV 16 L1. Chem Commun (Camb) 2013; 49:8546-8. [DOI: 10.1039/c3cc44986f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Liew MW, Chuan YP, Middelberg AP. Reactive diafiltration for assembly and formulation of virus-like particles. Biochem Eng J 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2012.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Liew MW, Chuan YP, Middelberg AP. High-yield and scalable cell-free assembly of virus-like particles by dilution. Biochem Eng J 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2012.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Berenson DF, Weiss AR, Wan ZL, Weiss MA. Insulin analogs for the treatment of diabetes mellitus: therapeutic applications of protein engineering. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2011; 1243:E40-E54. [PMID: 22641195 PMCID: PMC3360579 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06468.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The engineering of insulin analogs represents a triumph of structure-based protein design. A framework has been provided by structures of insulin hexamers. Containing a zinc-coordinated trimer of dimers, such structures represent a storage form of the active insulin monomer. Initial studies focused on destabilization of subunit interfaces. Because disassembly facilitates capillary absorption, such targeted destabilization enabled development of rapid-acting insulin analogs. Converse efforts were undertaken to stabilize the insulin hexamer and promote higher-order self-assembly within the subcutaneous depot toward the goal of enhanced basal glycemic control with reduced risk of hypoglycemia. Current products either operate through isoelectric precipitation (insulin glargine, the active component of Lantus(®); Sanofi-Aventis) or employ an albumin-binding acyl tether (insulin detemir, the active component of Levemir(®); Novo-Nordisk). To further improve pharmacokinetic properties, modified approaches are presently under investigation. Novel strategies have recently been proposed based on subcutaneous supramolecular assembly coupled to (a) large-scale allosteric reorganization of the insulin hexamer (the TR transition), (b) pH-dependent binding of zinc ions to engineered His-X(3)-His sites at hexamer surfaces, or (c) the long-range vision of glucose-responsive polymers for regulated hormone release. Such designs share with wild-type insulin and current insulin products a susceptibility to degradation above room temperature, and so their delivery, storage, and use require the infrastructure of an affluent society. Given the global dimensions of the therapeutic supply chain, we envisage that concurrent engineering of ultra-stable protein analog formulations would benefit underprivileged patients in the developing world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F. Berenson
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry Yale University. New Haven, CT
| | - Allison R. Weiss
- National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Zhu-li Wan
- Departments of Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering and Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
| | - Michael A. Weiss
- Departments of Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering and Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
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Middelberg APJ, Rivera-Hernandez T, Wibowo N, Lua LHL, Fan Y, Magor G, Chang C, Chuan YP, Good MF, Batzloff MR. A microbial platform for rapid and low-cost virus-like particle and capsomere vaccines. Vaccine 2011; 29:7154-62. [PMID: 21651936 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.05.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Studies on a platform technology able to deliver low-cost viral capsomeres and virus-like particles are described. The technology involves expression of the VP1 structural protein from murine polyomavirus (MuPyV) in Escherichia coli, followed by purification using scaleable units and optional cell-free VLP assembly. Two insertion sites on the surface of MuPyV VP1 are exploited for the presentation of the M2e antigen from influenza and the J8 peptide from Group A Streptococcus (GAS). Results from testing on mice following subcutaneous administration demonstrate that VLPs are self adjuvating, that adding adjuvant to VLPs provides no significant benefit in terms of antibody titre, and that adjuvanted capsomeres induce an antibody titre comparable to VLPs but superior to unadjuvanted capsomere formulations. Antibodies raised against GAS J8 peptide following immunization with chimeric J8-VP1 VLPs are bactericidal against a GAS reference strain. E. coli is easily and widely cultivated, and well understood, and delivers unparalleled volumetric productivity in industrial bioreactors. Indeed, recent results demonstrate that MuPyV VP1 can be produced in bioreactors at multi-gram-per-litre levels. The platform technology described here therefore has the potential to deliver safe and efficacious vaccine, quickly and cost effectively, at distributed manufacturing sites including those in less developed countries. Additionally, the unique advantages of VLPs including their stability on freeze drying, and the potential for intradermal and intranasal administration, suggest this technology may be suited to numerous diseases where adequate response requires large-scale and low-cost vaccine manufacture, in a way that is rapidly adaptable to temporal or geographical variation in pathogen molecular composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton P J Middelberg
- The University of Queensland, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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Ding Y, Chuan YP, He L, Middelberg AP. Modeling the competition between aggregation and self-assembly during virus-like particle processing. Biotechnol Bioeng 2010; 107:550-60. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.22821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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