1
|
Aguiar Santiago JA, Marrero Miragaya MA, Figueroa Oliva DA, Aguilar Juanes A, Idavoy Corona A, Martínez Fernández S, Morán Bertot I, Rodríguez Hernández M, Canales López E, Hernández Esteves I, Silva Girado JA, Estrada Vázquez RC, Gell Cuesta O, Mendoza-Marí Y, Valdés Prado I, Rodríguez Ibarra C, Palenzuela Gardon DO, Pentón Arias E, Guillén Nieto G, Aguilar Rubido JC. Preparing for the Next Pandemic: Increased Expression of Interferon-Stimulated Genes After Local Administration of Nasalferon or HeberNasvac. DNA Cell Biol 2024; 43:95-102. [PMID: 38118108 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2023.0283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023] Open
Abstract
HeberNasvac, a therapeutic vaccine for chronic hepatitis B, is able to safely stimulate multiple Toll-like receptors, increasing antigen presentation in vitro and in a phase II clinical trial (Profira) in elderly volunteers who were household contacts of respiratory infection patients. Thus, a new indication as a postexposure prophylaxis or early therapy for respiratory infections has been proposed. In this study, we evaluated the expression of several interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) after mucosal administration of HeberNasvac and compared this effect with the nasal delivery of interferon alpha 2b (Nasalferon). Molecular studies of blood samples of 50 subjects from the Profira clinical trial who were locally treated with HeberNasvac or Nasalferon and concurrent untreated individuals were compared based on their relative mRNA expression of OAS1, ISG15, ISG20, STAT1, STAT3, and DRB1-HLA II genes. In most cases, the gene expression induced by HeberNasvac was similar in profile and intensity to the expression induced by Nasalferon and significantly superior to that observed in untreated controls. The immune stimulatory effect of HeberNasvac on ISGs paved the way for its future use as an innate immunity stimulator in elderly persons and immunocompromised subjects or as part of Mambisa, a nasal vaccine to prevent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ivis Morán Bertot
- Plant Molecular Biology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Havana, Cuba
| | | | - Eduardo Canales López
- Plant Genomic Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Havana, Cuba
| | | | - José Angel Silva Girado
- Olinonucleotide Synthesis Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Havana, Cuba
| | | | - Omar Gell Cuesta
- Olinonucleotide Synthesis Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Havana, Cuba
| | - Yssel Mendoza-Marí
- Vaccine Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Havana, Cuba
| | - Iris Valdés Prado
- Vaccine Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Havana, Cuba
| | | | | | - Eduardo Pentón Arias
- Vaccine Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Havana, Cuba
| | - Gerardo Guillén Nieto
- Vaccine Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Havana, Cuba
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shiraishi K, Yoshida O, Imai Y, Akbar SMF, Sanada T, Kohara M, Miyazaki T, Kamishita T, Miyake T, Hirooka M, Tokumoto Y, Abe M, Rubido JCA, Nieto GG, Hiasa Y. Intranasal HBsAg/HBcAg-Containing Vaccine Induces Neutralizing Anti-HBs Production in Hepatitis B Vaccine Non-Responders. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1479. [PMID: 37766155 PMCID: PMC10535445 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11091479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B vaccine induces the production of antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) and prevents hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. However, 5-10% of individuals cannot develop anti-HBs even after multiple vaccinations (HB vaccine non-responders). We developed an intranasal vaccine containing both HBs antigen (HBsAg) and HB core antigen (HBcAg) and mixed it with a viscosity enhancer, carboxyl vinyl polymer (CVP-NASVAC). Here, we investigated the prophylactic capacity of CVP-NASVAC in HB vaccine non-responders. Thirty-four HB vaccine non-responders were administered three doses of intranasal CVP-NASVAC. The prophylactic capacity of CVP-NASVAC was assessed by evaluating the induction of anti-HBs and anti-HBc (IgA and IgG) production, HBV-neutralization activity of sera, and induction of HBs- and HBc-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). After CVP-NASVAC administration, anti-HBs and anti-HBc production were induced in 31/34 and 27/34 patients, respectively. IgA anti-HBs and anti-HBc titers significantly increased after CVP-NASVAC vaccination. HBV-neutralizing activity in vitro was confirmed in the sera of 26/29 CVP-NASVAC-administered participants. HBs- and HBc-specific CTL counts substantially increased after the CVP-NASVAC administration. Mild adverse events were observed in 9/34 participants; no serious adverse events were reported. Thus, CVP-NASVAC could be a beneficial vaccine for HB vaccine non-responders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kana Shiraishi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Toon 791-0295, Japan
| | - Osamu Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Toon 791-0295, Japan
| | - Yusuke Imai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Toon 791-0295, Japan
| | - Sheikh Mohammad Fazle Akbar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Toon 791-0295, Japan
| | - Takahiro Sanada
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Michinori Kohara
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | | | | | - Teruki Miyake
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Toon 791-0295, Japan
| | - Masashi Hirooka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Toon 791-0295, Japan
| | - Yoshio Tokumoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Toon 791-0295, Japan
| | - Masanori Abe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Toon 791-0295, Japan
| | - Julio Cesar Aguilar Rubido
- Vaccine Division, Biomedical Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana 10600, Cuba
| | - Gerardo Guillen Nieto
- Vaccine Division, Biomedical Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana 10600, Cuba
| | - Yoichi Hiasa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Toon 791-0295, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Giri-Rachman EA, Irasonia Tan M, Ramesh A, Fajar PA, Nurul Ilmi A, Retnoningrum DS, Hertadi R, Irawan A, Wojciechowska GEP, Yuan L. Development of Chimeric Hepatitis B (HBV) - Norovirus (NoV) P particle as candidate vaccine against Hepatitis B and norovirus infection. Vaccine X 2023; 14:100354. [PMID: 37519778 PMCID: PMC10372314 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2023.100354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hepatitis B remains a global problem with no effective treatment. Here, a mucosal vaccine candidate was developed with HBsAg and HBcAg, to provide both prophylactic and therapeutic protection against hepatitis B. The antigens were presented using the P particle of human norovirus (HuNov). As a result, the chimeric HBV - HuNoV P particle can act as a dual vaccine for hepatitis B and HuNoV. Methods The vaccine candidate was expressed and purified from Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) cells. HBV-HuNoV chimeric P particles were successfully expressed and isolated, with sizes of approximately 25.64 nm. Then, the HBV-HuNoV chimeric P particles were evaluated for safety and immunogenicity in mice and gnotobiotic (Gn) pigs. After three doses (5 µg/dose in mice and 200 µg/dose in Gn pigs) of intranasal immunization, humoral and cellular immune responses, as well as toxicity, were evaluated. Results The vaccine candidate induced strong HBV-HuNoV specific IFN-γ producing T-cell responses in the ileum, spleen, and blood of Gn pigs. Serum IgG and IgA antibodies against HBV-HuNoV chimeric P particles also increased significantly in Gn pigs. Increased HBsAg- and HuNoV-specific serum IgG responses were observed in mice and Gn pigs, although not statistically significant. The vaccine candidate did not show any toxicity in mice. Conclusions In summary, the chimeric HBV-HuNoV P particle vaccine given intranasally was safe and induced strong cellular and humoral immune responses in Gn pig. Modifications to the vaccine structure and dosage need to be evaluated in future studies to further enhance immunogenicity and induce more balanced humoral and cellular responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marselina Irasonia Tan
- School of Life Science and Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Ashwin Ramesh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Putri Ayu Fajar
- School of Life Science and Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Annisa Nurul Ilmi
- School of Life Science and Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Bandung, Indonesia
| | | | - Rukman Hertadi
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Apriliani Irawan
- School of Life Science and Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Gladys Emmanuella Putri Wojciechowska
- School of Life Science and Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Bandung, Indonesia
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Lijuan Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Freyre FM, Aguiar JA, Cinza Z, Figueroa N, Diaz PA, Muzio VL, Lemos G, Freyre G, Coizeau E, Rodríguez C, Pentón E, Campos M, Santos IL, Mahtab MA, Akbar SMF, Guillen GE, Aguilar JC. Impact of the Route and Schedule of Immunization on the Serological and Virological Response of Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Treated with HeberNasvac. Euroasian J Hepatogastroenterol 2023; 13:73-78. [PMID: 38222949 PMCID: PMC10785140 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10018-1402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
HeberNasvac is a recently developed therapeutic vaccine for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) administered by intranasal (IN) and subcutaneous (SC) routes in a 14 days/10 doses schedule. To compare different schedules and routes of immunizations, a group of patients received four different vaccination regimens in a placebo-controlled factorial study. Subsequently, patients were followed for a minimum time of 48 weeks. Samples collected at the end of the follow-up were compared with initial samples. Groups I and II received the product by IN/SC routes, every 14 and 7 days, respectively. Groups III and IV were treated by SC route alone following a 14 and 7 days schedule. A group of 21 CHB patients received the vaccine in four different schedules and eight patients received placebo for a total of 29 patients enrolled. The 61.9% of vaccinees reduced their VL ≥2Log compared with baseline levels and 25% in placebo group. The 47.6% of vaccines reduced HBV levels to undetectable, 25% in placebo. HBeAg loss and seroconversion to anti-HBeAg was only achieved in vaccinees, 4 out of 9 (44.4%), and 40% (8 out of 20) developed anti-HBs response, none in placebo group. Reduction of HBsAg level in ≥1Log was achieved in the 35.0% of vaccinees and in none of the placebo-treated patients. Considering the individual and factorial analysis, significant HBV DNA reduction was detected in groups I and II, immunized by IN/SC routes. A significantly higher proportion of patients reducing VL to ≥2Log was also detected grouping the patients treated by IN/SC routes (G I + II) and grouping those inoculated every 14 days (G I + III), with 72.7% and 63.6%, respectively, compared with the placebo group (25.0%). The patients immunized every 14 days (G I + G III) also reduced the HBsAg levels compared with baseline. In conclusion, after more than 48 weeks of treatment-free follow-up, HeberNasvac-treated patients demonstrated superior responses compared with the placebo group in terms of antiviral and serological responses. The factorial analysis evidenced that the schedule combining the IN route of immunization and the frequency of 14 days resulted in the stronger antiviral and serological responses. Present results support the study of IN-only immunization schedules in future and was consistent with previous results. Long-lasting follow-ups were done to explore histological variables and the progression of serological variables in order to detect late responders. How to cite this article Freyre FM, Aguiar JA, Cinza Z, et al. Impact of the Route and Schedule of Immunization on the Serological and Virological Response of Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Treated with HeberNasvac. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2023;13(2):73-78.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Freya Milagros Freyre
- Direction of Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Jorge A Aguiar
- Direction of Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Zurina Cinza
- Direction of Clinical Trials, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Nelvis Figueroa
- Direction of Clinical Trials, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Pablo Arsenio Diaz
- Direction of Clinical Trials, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Verena Lucila Muzio
- Direction of Clinical Trials, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Gilda Lemos
- Department of Regulatory Affairs, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Giselle Freyre
- Department of Regulatory Affairs, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Edelgis Coizeau
- Department of Regulatory Affairs, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Chabeli Rodríguez
- Direction of Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Eduardo Pentón
- Direction of Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Magalys Campos
- Direction of Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Iván Luis Santos
- Direction of Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Mamun Al Mahtab
- Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sheikh Mohammad Fazle Akbar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime, Japan; Research Center for Global and Local Infectious Diseases, Oita University, Oita, Japan; Miyakawa Memorial Research Foundation, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Gerardo E Guillen
- Direction of Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Julio Cesar Aguilar
- Direction of Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tian Y, Hu D, Li Y, Yang L. Development of therapeutic vaccines for the treatment of diseases. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:40. [PMID: 36477638 PMCID: PMC9729511 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00098-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines are one of the most effective medical interventions to combat newly emerging and re-emerging diseases. Prophylactic vaccines against rabies, measles, etc., have excellent effectiveness in preventing viral infection and associated diseases. However, the host immune response is unable to inhibit virus replication or eradicate established diseases in most infected people. Therapeutic vaccines, expressing specific endogenous or exogenous antigens, mainly induce or boost cell-mediated immunity via provoking cytotoxic T cells or elicit humoral immunity via activating B cells to produce specific antibodies. The ultimate aim of a therapeutic vaccine is to reshape the host immunity for eradicating a disease and establishing lasting memory. Therefore, therapeutic vaccines have been developed for the treatment of some infectious diseases and chronic noncommunicable diseases. Various technological strategies have been implemented for the development of therapeutic vaccines, including molecular-based vaccines (peptide/protein, DNA and mRNA vaccines), vector-based vaccines (bacterial vector vaccines, viral vector vaccines and yeast-based vaccines) and cell-based vaccines (dendritic cell vaccines and genetically modified cell vaccines) as well as combinatorial approaches. This review mainly summarizes therapeutic vaccine-induced immunity and describes the development and status of multiple types of therapeutic vaccines against infectious diseases, such as those caused by HPV, HBV, HIV, HCV, and SARS-CoV-2, and chronic noncommunicable diseases, including cancer, hypertension, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, that have been evaluated in recent preclinical and clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaomei Tian
- grid.412605.40000 0004 1798 1351College of Bioengineering, Sichuan University of Science & Engineering, No. 519, Huixing Road, Zigong, Sichuan 643000 The People’s Republic of China ,grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China No. 17, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 The People’s Republic of China
| | - Die Hu
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China No. 17, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 The People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuhua Li
- grid.410749.f0000 0004 0577 6238Department of Arboviral Vaccine, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Tiantan Xili, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100050 The People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Yang
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China No. 17, Section 3, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 The People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Action Mechanisms and Scientific Rationale of Using Nasal Vaccine (HeberNasvac) for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10122087. [PMID: 36560498 PMCID: PMC9787858 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10122087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nasvac (HeberNasvac®) is a novel therapeutic vaccine for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This product is a formulation of the core (HBcAg) and surface (HBsAg) antigens of the hepatitis B virus (HBV), administered by nasal and subcutaneous routes, in a distinctive schedule of immunizations. In the present review article, we discuss the action mechanisms of HeberNasvac, considering the immunological properties of the product and their antigens. Specifically, we discuss the capacity of HBcAg to activate different pathways of innate immunity and the signal transduction after a multi-TLR agonist effect, and we review the results of recent clinical trials and in vitro studies. Aimed at understanding the clinical results of Nasvac and other therapeutic vaccines under development, we discuss the rationale of administering a therapeutic vaccine through the nasal route and also the current alternatives to combine therapeutic vaccines and antivirals (NUCs). We also disclose potential applications of this product in novel fields of immunotherapy.
Collapse
|
7
|
Lang-Meli J, Neumann-Haefelin C, Thimme R. Immunotherapy and therapeutic vaccines for chronic HBV infection. Curr Opin Virol 2021; 51:149-157. [PMID: 34710645 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global health burden causing severe complications like liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Curative treatment options are lacking. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic options. Immunotherapy with the goal to restore dysfunctional HBV-specific T cell immunity is an interesting new therapeutic strategy. Based on current evidence on dysfunction of the HBV-specific CD8+ T cell response in chronic HBV infection, we will review the growing field of immunotherapeutic approaches for treatment of chronic HBV infection. The review will focus on therapies targeting T cells and will cover checkpoint inhibitors, T cell engineering, Toll-like receptor agonists and therapeutic vaccination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Lang-Meli
- Dept. of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg and Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany; IMM-PACT Programm, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Neumann-Haefelin
- Dept. of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg and Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Thimme
- Dept. of Medicine II, Medical Center - University of Freiburg and Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lobaina Y, Urquiza D, Garay H, Perera Y, Yang K. Evaluation of Cell-Penetrating Peptides as Mucosal Immune Enhancers for Nasal Vaccination. Int J Pept Res Ther 2021; 27:2873-2882. [PMID: 34658688 PMCID: PMC8511864 DOI: 10.1007/s10989-021-10296-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been evaluated as enhancers in drug delivery, their addition in medical formulations favors drug absorption allowing obtaining the pharmacological effect with lower doses. In vaccine formulations their inclusion has been also explored with interesting results. Currently mucosal vaccination constitutes a promising alternative with the main advantage of inducing both systemic and mucosal immune responses, which are crucial for control tumors and infections at mucosal tissues. In the present work the nasal immune-enhancing effect of four CPPs was evaluated in Balb/c mice. Animals were intranasally immunized with CPP and the recombinant hepatitis B surface protein (HBsAg) as model antigen. The antibody response in sera and mucosal tissue was measured by ELISA. The IFN-γ secretion response at spleen was also evaluated by ELISPOT and ELISA. Among the CPPs studied one novel peptide stand out by its ability to potentiate the humoral and cellular immune response against the co-administered antigen. Considering that the use of mucosal routes is a promising strategy in vaccination, which are gaining special relevance nowadays in the development of novel candidates against SARS-CoV-2 and other potential emerging respiratory virus, the searching and development of safe mucosal adjuvants constitute a current need.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yadira Lobaina
- Biomedical Research Division, Vaccine Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), 10600 Havana, Cuba.,China-Cuba Biotechnology Joint Innovation Center (CCBJIC), Yongzhou Zhong Gu Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou City, 425000 Hunan Province China
| | - Dioslaida Urquiza
- Animal Facilities, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 10600 Havana, Cuba
| | - Hilda Garay
- Biomedical Research Division, Peptide Synthesis Lab, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 10600 Havana, Cuba
| | - Yasser Perera
- Biomedical Research Division, Pharmaceutical Department, Molecular Oncology Group, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 10600 Havana, Cuba.,China-Cuba Biotechnology Joint Innovation Center (CCBJIC), Yongzhou Zhong Gu Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou City, 425000 Hunan Province China
| | - Ke Yang
- China-Cuba Biotechnology Joint Innovation Center (CCBJIC), Yongzhou Zhong Gu Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou City, 425000 Hunan Province China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Discovery and Selection of Hepatitis B Virus-Derived T Cell Epitopes for Global Immunotherapy Based on Viral Indispensability, Conservation, and HLA-Binding Strength. J Virol 2020; 94:JVI.01663-19. [PMID: 31852786 PMCID: PMC7081907 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01663-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple HBV-derived T cell epitopes have been reported, which can be useful in a therapeutic vaccination strategy. However, these epitopes are largely restricted to HLA-A*02, which is not dominantly expressed in populations with high HBV prevalence. Thus, current epitopes are falling short in the development of a global immunotherapeutic approach. Therefore, we aimed to identify novel epitopes for 6 HLA supertypes most prevalent in the infected population. Moreover, established epitopes might not all be equally effective as they can be subject to different levels of immune escape. It is therefore important to identify targets that are crucial in viral replication and conserved in the majority of the infected population. Here, we applied a stringent selection procedure to compose a combined overview of existing and novel HBV-derived T cell epitopes most promising for viral eradication. This set of T cell epitopes now lays the basis for the development of globally effective HBV antigen-specific immunotherapies. Immunotherapy represents an attractive option for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The HBV proteins polymerase (Pol) and HBx are of special interest for antigen-specific immunotherapy because they are essential for viral replication and have been associated with viral control (Pol) or are still expressed upon viral DNA integration (HBx). Here, we scored all currently described HBx- and Pol-derived epitope sequences for viral indispensability and conservation across all HBV genotypes. This yielded 7 HBx-derived and 26 Pol-derived reported epitopes with functional association and high conservation. We subsequently predicted novel HLA-binding peptides for 6 HLA supertypes prevalent in HBV-infected patients. Potential epitopes expected to be the least prone to immune escape were subjected to a state-of-the-art in vitro assay to validate their HLA-binding capacity. Using this method, a total of 13 HLA binders derived from HBx and 33 binders from Pol were identified across HLA types. Subsequently, we demonstrated interferon gamma (IFN-γ) production in response to 5 of the novel HBx-derived binders and 17 of the novel Pol-derived binders. In addition, we validated several infrequently described epitopes. Collectively, these results specify a set of highly potent T cell epitopes that represent a valuable resource for future HBV immunotherapy design. IMPORTANCE Multiple HBV-derived T cell epitopes have been reported, which can be useful in a therapeutic vaccination strategy. However, these epitopes are largely restricted to HLA-A*02, which is not dominantly expressed in populations with high HBV prevalence. Thus, current epitopes are falling short in the development of a global immunotherapeutic approach. Therefore, we aimed to identify novel epitopes for 6 HLA supertypes most prevalent in the infected population. Moreover, established epitopes might not all be equally effective as they can be subject to different levels of immune escape. It is therefore important to identify targets that are crucial in viral replication and conserved in the majority of the infected population. Here, we applied a stringent selection procedure to compose a combined overview of existing and novel HBV-derived T cell epitopes most promising for viral eradication. This set of T cell epitopes now lays the basis for the development of globally effective HBV antigen-specific immunotherapies.
Collapse
|
10
|
Pyrski M, Mieloch AA, Plewiński A, Basińska-Barczak A, Gryciuk A, Bociąg P, Murias M, Rybka JD, Pniewski T. Parenteral-Oral Immunization with Plant-Derived HBcAg as a Potential Therapeutic Vaccine against Chronic Hepatitis B. Vaccines (Basel) 2019; 7:E211. [PMID: 31835350 PMCID: PMC6963566 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines7040211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is the cause of severe liver damage, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma for over 240 million people worldwide. Nowadays, several types of treatment are being investigated, including immunotherapy using hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) assembled into highly immunogenic capsid-like particles (CLPs). Immunogenicity of plant-produced and purified HBcAg, administered parenterally or intranasally, was previously reported. In this study, a novel parenteral-oral vaccination scheme is proposed using plant-derived HBcAg preparations. The antigen for injection was obtained via transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana. HBcAg-producing transgenic lettuce was lyophilized and used as an orally delivered booster. The intracellular location of plant-produced HBcAg CLPs implies additional protection in the digestive tract during oral immunization. BALB/c mice were intramuscularly primed with 10 µg of the purified antigen and orally boosted twice with 5 or 200 ng of HBcAg. A long-lasting and significant systemic response after boosting with 200 ng HBcAg was induced, with anti-HBc titer of 25,000. Concomitantly, an insignificant mucosal response was observed, with an S-IgA titer of only 500. The profile of IgG isotypes indicates a predominant Th1 type of immune response, supplemented by Th2, after injection-oral vaccination. The results demonstrate that a low dose of parenteral-oral immunization with plant-derived HBcAg can elicit a specific and efficient response. This study presents a potential new pathway of CHB treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Pyrski
- Institute of Plant Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszyńska 34, 60-479 Poznań, Poland; (M.P.); (A.B.-B.); (A.G.); (P.B.)
| | - Adam Aron Mieloch
- Center for Advanced Technology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 10, 61-614 Poznań, Poland; (A.A.M.); (A.P.)
- Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Adam Plewiński
- Center for Advanced Technology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 10, 61-614 Poznań, Poland; (A.A.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Aneta Basińska-Barczak
- Institute of Plant Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszyńska 34, 60-479 Poznań, Poland; (M.P.); (A.B.-B.); (A.G.); (P.B.)
| | - Aleksandra Gryciuk
- Institute of Plant Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszyńska 34, 60-479 Poznań, Poland; (M.P.); (A.B.-B.); (A.G.); (P.B.)
| | - Piotr Bociąg
- Institute of Plant Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszyńska 34, 60-479 Poznań, Poland; (M.P.); (A.B.-B.); (A.G.); (P.B.)
| | - Marek Murias
- Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Dojazd 30, 60-631 Poznań, Poland;
| | - Jakub Dalibor Rybka
- Center for Advanced Technology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 10, 61-614 Poznań, Poland; (A.A.M.); (A.P.)
| | - Tomasz Pniewski
- Institute of Plant Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszyńska 34, 60-479 Poznań, Poland; (M.P.); (A.B.-B.); (A.G.); (P.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Nasal route for vaccine and drug delivery: Features and current opportunities. Int J Pharm 2019; 572:118813. [PMID: 31678521 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2019.118813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Mucosal administration, and specifically nasal route, constitutes an alternative and promising strategy for drug and vaccine delivery. Mucosal routes have several advantages supporting their selective use for different pathologies. Currently, many efforts are being made to develop effective drug formulations and novel devices for nasal delivery. This review described the structure and main characteristics of the nasal cavity. The advantages, achievements and challenges of the nasal route use for medical purposes are discussed, with particular focus on vaccine delivery. Compelling evidences support the potentialities and safety of the nasal delivery of vaccines and drugs. This alternative route could become a solution for many unmet medical issues and also may facilitate and cheapen massive immunization campaigns or long-lasting chronic treatments. Nowadays, in spite of certain remaining skepticism, the field of nasal delivery of drugs and vaccines is growing fast, bolstered by current developments in nanotechnology, imaging and administration devices. A notable increase in the number of approved drugs for nasal administration is envisaged.
Collapse
|
12
|
Sanada T, Yamamoto N, Kayesh MEH, Tsukiyama-Kohara K, Hasegawa H, Miyazaki T, Takano JI, Shiogama Y, Yasutomi Y, Goh Y, Yoshida O, Hiasa Y, Kohara M. Intranasal vaccination with HBs and HBc protein combined with carboxyl vinyl polymer induces strong neutralizing antibody, anti-HBs IgA, and IFNG response. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 520:86-92. [PMID: 31582218 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.09.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection causes acute and chronic hepatitis, which is a major public health concern worldwide. Immunization methods incorporating hepatitis B surface-small (HBs-S) antigen and hepatitis B core antigen (HBc) have been proposed as candidate therapeutic vaccines, but the elimination of existing HBV infection remains a challenge. To enhance the efficacy of HBs and HBc vaccination, we investigated HBs-large (HBs-L) as an immunogen, and carboxyl vinyl polymer (CVP) as an excipient. HBs-S or HBs-L, in combination with HBc antigen, was administered subcutaneously (without CVP) or intranasally (with or without CVP) for the evaluation of immune response in the tree shrew, which is considered to be a suitable small animal model of HBV infection. Immunization with HBs-L antigen by either route induced a rapid IgG response. Intranasal immunization with HBs-S or HBs-L and HBc formulated with CVP strongly induced neutralizing antibody activity, IgA response, and HBc-specific expression of the interferon gamma-encoding gene. These data indicated the potential of HBs-L and HBc intranasal immunization with CVP, not only as a therapeutic vaccine, but also as a prophylactic vaccine candidate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Sanada
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - Naoki Yamamoto
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | | | - Kyoko Tsukiyama-Kohara
- Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima-city, Kagoshima 890-8580, Japan
| | - Hideki Hasegawa
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan; Influenza Virus Research Center, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Gakuen, Musashimurayama-city, Tokyo 208-0011, Japan
| | - Takashi Miyazaki
- Toko Yakuhin Kogyo Co., Ltd., 20 Tsuji, Tateyama-machi, Toyama, 930-0211, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichiro Takano
- Tsukuba Primate Research Center, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Hachimandai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0843, Japan
| | - Yumiko Shiogama
- Tsukuba Primate Research Center, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Hachimandai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0843, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Yasutomi
- Tsukuba Primate Research Center, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Hachimandai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0843, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Goh
- Beacle, Inc., Yoshida-kawaracho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8305, Japan
| | - Osamu Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shizukawa, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Yoichi Hiasa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Shizukawa, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan
| | - Michinori Kohara
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Heterologous prime-boost immunization with vesiculovirus-based vectors expressing HBV Core antigen induces CD8 + T cell responses in naïve and persistently infected mice and protects from challenge. Antiviral Res 2019; 168:156-167. [PMID: 31153968 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections cause more than 800,000 deaths per year and currently approved treatments do not cure the disease. Because a hallmark of acute infection resolution is the presence of functional CD8+ T cells to the virus, activation of the immune system with therapeutic vaccines represents a potential approach for treating chronic hepatitis B. In this study, we evaluated the immunogenicity and efficacy of two attenuated vesiculovirus-based platforms expressing HBV Core antigen, the highly attenuated vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) N4CT1 and a unique vaccine platform [virus-like vesicles (VLV)] that is based on a Semliki Forest virus replicon expressing the VSV glycoprotein. We found that heterologous prime-boost immunization with VLV and N4CT1 induced Core-specific CD8+ T cell responses in naïve mice. When immunized mice were later challenged with AAV-HBV, functional Core-specific CD8+ T cells were present in the liver, and mice were protected from establishment of persistent infection. In contrast, when mice with pre-established persistent HBV replication received prime-boost immunization, functional Core-specific CD8+ T cells were found in the spleen but not in the liver. These results highlight the importance of investigating the therapeutic value of different HBV antigens alone and in combination using preclinical animal models, and understanding the correlation between anti-HBV efficacy in these models with human infection.
Collapse
|
14
|
Treatment of chronic hepatitis B naïve patients with a therapeutic vaccine containing HBs and HBc antigens (a randomized, open and treatment controlled phase III clinical trial). PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201236. [PMID: 30133478 PMCID: PMC6104936 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Context Current drugs for chronic hepatitis B therapy have a poor efficacy in terms of post-treatment sustained viral suppression and generate important side effects during and after therapy. Therapeutic vaccination with HBV antigens is an attractive alternative to test. Objective Evaluating the efficacy of a therapeutic vaccine candidate (designated NASVAC) containing both hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and core antigen (HBcAg) versus pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) in naïve chronic hepatitis B patients. Design, setting, participants An open phase III, randomised and treatment controlled clinical trial was conducted in a total of 160 CHB patients, allocated into two groups of 80 patients each to receive NASVAC or Peg-IFN. The vaccine formulation comprised 100 μg of each HBsAg and HBcAg, and was administered in 2 cycles of 5 doses. The control group received 48 subcutaneous injections of Peg-IFN alfa 2b, 180 μg per dose, every week, for 48 consecutive weeks. Main outcome measure The primary outcome measure was in relation with the proportion of patients showing reduction of the viral load under the limit of detection (250 copies/mL) after 24 weeks of treatment completion. Results Sustained control of HBV DNA was significantly more common in NASVAC group (p<0.05) at 24 weeks of follow up. NASVAC-induced increases of alanine aminotransferases (ALT) were detected in 85% patients after 5 nasal vaccinations, although seen in only 30% of patients receiving Peg-IFN. At the end of treatment (EOT) antiviral effect was comparable in both NASVAC and Peg-IFN groups. Clearance of Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) was also more frequent in NASVAC group compared to Peg-IFN recipients. A lower progression to cirrhosis was found in NASVAC group compared to Peg-IFN group. Conclusion Nasvac induced a superior reduction of the viral load under the limit of detection compared to Peg-IFN treatment. It is a safe and efficacious finite alternative of antiviral treatment for CHB patients. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT 01374308.
Collapse
|
15
|
Fernández G, L Sanchez A, Jerez E, E Anillo L, Freyre F, A Aguiar J, Leon Y, Cinza Z, A Diaz P, Figueroa N, Muzio V, G Nieto G, Lobaina Y, Aguilar A, Penton E, C Aguilar J. Five-year Follow-up of Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Immunized by Nasal Route with the Therapeutic Vaccine HeberNasvac. Euroasian J Hepatogastroenterol 2018; 8:133-139. [PMID: 30828555 PMCID: PMC6395482 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10018-1279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel therapeutic vaccine for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) treatment comprising the recombinant hepatitis B surface (HBsAg) and nucleocapsid (HBcAg) antigens has been developed. Preclinical and clinical trials (CT) evidenced safety and immunogenicity in animal models as well as in phases I, II, and III clinical trials. A phase I CT has conducted in Cuba in 6 CHB patients refractory or incomplete responders to α-IFN. Patients were immunized ten times every two weeks via. nasal spray, with 100 ug HBsAg and 100 ug HBcAg. Clinical efficacy was monitored by assessing the levels of hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid (HBV DNA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), HBeAg, and anti-HBeAg seroconversion as well as by qualitative/ quantitative HBsAg serology during this period. After a 5 year follow-up,HBeAg loss was verified in the three HBeAg (+) patients, in two cases with seroconversion to anti-HBeAg. A reduction to undetectable viral load was observed in 5 out of 6 patients, and in two cases HBsAg seroconversion was also detected. ALT increases above the 2X upper limit of normal (ULN) were only detected in HBeAg (+) patients and associated with HBe antigen loss. All patients had stiffness levels below 7.8 KPa by Fibroscan assessment at the end of this period. Although only a few patients were enrolled in this study, it seems that HeberNasvac may maintain some of the therapeutic effects for a prolonged period. How to cite this article: Fernandez G, Sanchez AL, Jerez E, Anillo LE, Freyre F, Aguiar JA, Leon Y, Cinza Z, Diaz PA, Figueroa N, Muzio V, Nieto GG, Lobaina Y, Aguilar A, Penton E, Aguilar JC. Five-year Follow-up of Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Immunized by Nasal Route with the Therapeutic Vaccine HeberNasvac. Euroasian J Hepatogastroenterol, 2018;8(2):133-139.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Fernández
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Abel Santamaría” Provincial Hospital, Pinar del Rio, Cuba
| | - Ana L Sanchez
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Abel Santamaría” Provincial Hospital, Pinar del Rio, Cuba
| | - Everardo Jerez
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Abel Santamaría” Provincial Hospital, Pinar del Rio, Cuba
| | - Luis E Anillo
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Abel Santamaría” Provincial Hospital, Pinar del Rio, Cuba
| | - Freya Freyre
- Department of Vaccine, Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Jorge A Aguiar
- Department of Vaccine, Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Yamila Leon
- Department of Vaccine, Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Zurina Cinza
- Department of Vaccine, Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Pablo A Diaz
- Department of Vaccine, Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Nelvis Figueroa
- Department of Vaccine, Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Verena Muzio
- Department of Vaccine, Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Gerardo G Nieto
- Department of Vaccine, Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Yadira Lobaina
- Department of Vaccine, Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Arístides Aguilar
- Department of Vaccine, Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Eduardo Penton
- Department of Vaccine, Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Julio C Aguilar
- Department of Vaccine, Biomedical Research, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Bourgine M, Crabe S, Lobaina Y, Guillen G, Aguilar JC, Michel ML. Nasal route favors the induction of CD4 + T cell responses in the liver of HBV-carrier mice immunized with a recombinant hepatitis B surface- and core-based therapeutic vaccine. Antiviral Res 2018; 153:23-32. [PMID: 29510155 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2018.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Immunization routes and number of doses remain largely unexplored in therapeutic vaccination. The aim of the present work is to evaluate their impact on immune responses in naïve and hepatitis B virus (HBV)-carrier mouse models following immunization with a non-adjuvanted recombinant vaccine comprising the hepatitis B surface (HBsAg) and core (HBcAg) antigens. Mice were immunized either by intranasal (i.n.), subcutaneous (s.c.) or simultaneous (i.n. + s.c.) routes. Humoral immunity was detected in all the animal models with the induction of a potent antibody (Ab) response against HBcAg, which was stronger than the anti-HBs response. In the HBV-carrier mouse model, the anti-HBs response was predominantly subtype-specific and preferentially induced by the i.n. route. However, the Ab titers were not sufficient to clear the high concentration of HBsAg present in the sera of these mice. The i.n. route was the most efficacious at inducing cellular immune responses, in particular CD4+ T cells. In naïve mice, cellular responses in spleen were strong and mainly due to CD4+ T cells whereas the CD8+ T-cell response was low. In HBV-carrier mice, high frequencies of HBs-specific CD4+ T cells secreting interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-2 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were found in liver only after i.n. immunization. Increased frequencies of CD4+ T cells expressing the integrin CD49a in liver suggest a role of nasal route in the cellular homing process. Multiple dose schedules appear to be a prerequisite for protein-based immunization in order to overcome immunotolerance in HBV-carrier mice. These findings provide new avenues for further preclinical and clinical development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryline Bourgine
- Unité de Virologie Moléculaire et Vaccinologie, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
| | | | - Yadira Lobaina
- Vaccine Division, Biomedical Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana City, Cuba
| | - Gerardo Guillen
- Vaccine Division, Biomedical Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana City, Cuba
| | - Julio Cesar Aguilar
- Vaccine Division, Biomedical Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana City, Cuba
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Rational design and evaluation of HBsAg polymeric nanoparticles as antigen delivery carriers. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 111:804-812. [PMID: 29343454 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.01.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The present work is focused on the development and evaluation of single dose sustained-release Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loaded nanovaccine for Hepatitis B. The conventional treatment suffers from repeated administration and hence requires a booster dose. Therefore, polymeric nanovaccine of HBsAg was developed by double emulsion solvent evaporation technique, utilizing central composite design for formulation optimization. The effects of independent variables (like polymer amount, stabilizer concentration, aqueous/organic phase ratio and homogenizer speed) were also studied on critical quality attributes like particle size and entrapment efficiency. Nanovaccine was characterized in terms of physicochemical parameters, release, internalization and in vivo immunological evaluation in BALB/c mice after administration by different routes such as oral, sub-cutaneous, nasal and intramuscular. The designed nanovaccine demonstrated nanometric size with smooth surface, negative zeta potential, maximum entrapment, sustained release and better internalization in macrophage and MRC-5 cell line. The immune-stimulating activity of nanovaccine administered by different routes was evaluated by measuring anti-HBsAg titre like specific immunoglobulin IgG and IgA response and cytokine level (interleukin-2, interferon-Y) measurement. The results indicated that the nanovaccine administered by intramuscular route produced better humoral as well as cellular responses and potential carriers for antigen delivery at single dose administration via intramuscular route.
Collapse
|
18
|
Lobaina Y, Michel ML. Chronic hepatitis B: Immunological profile and current therapeutic vaccines in clinical trials. Vaccine 2017; 35:2308-2314. [PMID: 28351734 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.03.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
More than 250million people worldwide are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (CHB), and over half a million die each year due to CHB-associated liver complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The translation of immunological knowledge about CHB into therapeutic strategies aiming to a sustainable hepatitis B virus (HBV) clearance has been challenging. In recent years, however, the understanding on the immune effectors required to overcome chronicity has notably increased thanks to preclinical and clinical research. Therapeutic vaccination may prove to be useful for treating CHB patients when coupled with current antiviral agents and other immunomodulatory strategies. This review summarizes current data and future perspectives on therapeutic vaccination. Other treatment alternatives that could be combined with vaccines for a complete cure from hepatitis B virus infection are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yadira Lobaina
- Vaccine Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba.
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Huang X, Wang X, Zhang J, Xia N, Zhao Q. Escherichia coli-derived virus-like particles in vaccine development. NPJ Vaccines 2017; 2:3. [PMID: 29263864 PMCID: PMC5627247 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-017-0006-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant virus-like particle-based vaccines are composed of viral structural proteins and mimic authentic native viruses but are devoid of viral genetic materials. They are the active components in highly safe and effective vaccines for the prevention of infectious diseases. Several expression systems have been used for virus-like particle production, ranging from Escherichia coli to mammalian cell lines. The prokaryotic expression system, especially Escherichia coli, is the preferred expression host for producing vaccines for global use. Hecolin, the first licensed virus-like particle vaccine derived from Escherichia coli, has been demonstrated to possess good safety and high efficacy. In this review, we focus on Escherichia coli-derived virus-like particle based vaccines and vaccine candidates that are used for prevention (immunization against microbial pathogens) or disease treatment (directed against cancer or non-infectious diseases). The native-like spatial or higher-order structure is essential for the function of virus-like particles. Thus, the tool box for analyzing the key physicochemical, biochemical and functional attributes of purified virus-like particles will also be discussed. In summary, the Escherichia coli expression system has great potentials for producing a range of proteins with self-assembling properties to be used as vaccine antigens given the proper epitopes were preserved when compared to those in the native pathogens or disease-related target molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofen Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102 PR China.,School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102 PR China
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102 PR China.,School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102 PR China
| | - Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102 PR China.,School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102 PR China
| | - Ningshao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102 PR China.,School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102 PR China.,School of Life Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102 PR China
| | - Qinjian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102 PR China.,School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102 PR China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Li J, Bao M, Ge J, Ren S, Zhou T, Qi F, Pu X, Dou J. Research progress of therapeutic vaccines for treating chronic hepatitis B. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2017; 13:986-997. [PMID: 28118084 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2016.1276125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a member of Hepadnavirus family, which leads to chronic infection in around 5% of patients with a high risk of developing liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. 1 Despite the availability of prophylactic vaccines against hepatitis B for over 3 decades, there are still more than 2 billion people have been infected and 240 million of them were chronic. Antiviral therapies currently used in the treatment of CHB (chronic hepatitis B) infection include peg-interferon, standard α-interferon and nucleos/tide analogs (NAs), but none of them can provide sustained control of viral replication. As an alternative strategy, therapeutic vaccines for CHB patients have been widely studied and showed some promising efficacies in dozens of preclinical and clinical trials. In this article, we review current research progress in several types of therapeutic vaccines for CHB treatment, including protein-based vaccines, DNA-based vaccines, live vector-based vaccines, peptide-based vaccines and cell-based therapies. These researches may provide some clues for developing new treatments in CHB infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianqiang Li
- a Jiangsu Theravac Bio-pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. , Nanjing , China
| | - Mengru Bao
- a Jiangsu Theravac Bio-pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. , Nanjing , China
| | - Jun Ge
- a Jiangsu Theravac Bio-pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. , Nanjing , China
| | - Sulin Ren
- a Jiangsu Theravac Bio-pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. , Nanjing , China
| | - Tong Zhou
- a Jiangsu Theravac Bio-pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. , Nanjing , China
| | - Fengchun Qi
- a Jiangsu Theravac Bio-pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. , Nanjing , China
| | - Xiuying Pu
- b School of Life Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology , Lanzhou , China
| | - Jia Dou
- c Dalian Institute for Drug Control , Dalian , China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Golsaz-Shirazi F, Shokri F. Hepatitis B immunopathogenesis and immunotherapy. Immunotherapy 2016; 8:461-77. [PMID: 26973127 DOI: 10.2217/imt.16.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide there are over 248 million chronic carriers of HBV of whom about a third eventually develop severe HBV-related complications. Due to the major limitations of current therapeutic approaches, the development of more effective strategies to improve therapeutic outcomes in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients seems crucial. Immune activation plays a critical role in spontaneous viral control; therefore, new modalities based on stimulation of the innate and adaptive immune responses could result in the resolution of infection and are promising approaches. Here, we summarize the HBV immunopathogenesis, and discuss the encouraging results obtained from the promising immune-based innovations, such as therapeutic vaccination, cytokine therapy, cell-based therapies and blocking inhibitory receptors, as current and future immunotherapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Forough Golsaz-Shirazi
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fazel Shokri
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Monoclonal Antibody Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Lobaina Mato Y, Aguilar Rubido J, Guillén Nieto G. ABX203, a novel therapeutic vaccine for chronic hepatitis B patients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.18786/2072-0505-2016-44-6-713-718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
23
|
Almeida FMF, Blanco A, Trujillo H, Hernández D, García D, Alba JS, Abad ML, Merino N, Lobaina Y, Aguilar Rubido JC. Dynamic of Immune Response induced in Hepatitis B Surface Antigen-transgenic Mice Immunized with a Novel Therapeutic Formulation. Euroasian J Hepatogastroenterol 2016; 6:25-30. [PMID: 29201720 PMCID: PMC5578554 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10018-1161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of therapeutic vaccines against chronic hepatitis B requires the capacity of the formulation to subvert a tolerated immune response as well as the evaluation of histopathological damage resulting from the treatment. In the present study, the dynamicity of induced immune response to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was evaluated in transgenic mice that constitutively express the HBsAg gene (HBsAg-tg mice). After immunization with a vaccine candidate containing both surface (HBsAg) and core (HBcAg) antigens of hepatitis B virus (HBV), the effect of vaccination on clearance of circulating HBsAg and the potential histological alterations were examined. Transgenic (tg) and non-transgenic (Ntg) mice were immunized by intranasal (IN) and subcutaneous (SC) routes simultaneously. A control group received phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) by IN route and aluminum by SC route. Positive responses, at both humoral and cellular levels, were obtained after five immunizations in HBsAg-tg mice. Such responses were delayed and of lower intensity in tg mice, compared to vaccinated Ntg mice. Serum IgG response was characterized by a similar IgG subclass pattern. Even when HBsAg-specific CD8+ T cell responses were clearly detectable by gamma-interferon ELISPOT assay, histopathological alterations were not detected in any organ, including the liver and kidneys. Our study demonstrated, that it is possible to subvert the immune tolerance against HBsAg in tg mice, opening a window for new studies to optimize the schedule, dose, and formulation to improve the immune response to the therapeutic vaccine candidate. These results can be considered a safety proof to support clinical developments for the formulation under study. How to cite this article Freyre FM, Blanco A, Trujillo H, Hernández D, García D, Alba JS, Lopez M, Merino N, Lobaina Y, Aguilar JC. Dynamic of Immune Response induced in Hepatitis B Surface Antigen-transgenic Mice Immunized with a Novel Therapeutic Formulation. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2016;6(1):25-30.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Aracelys Blanco
- Animal Facilities, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Heidy Trujillo
- Vaccine Division, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Dunia Hernández
- Vaccine Division, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Daymir García
- Vaccine Division, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - José S Alba
- Animal Facilities, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Matilde López Abad
- Technology Development Division, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Nelson Merino
- Food and Pharmacy Faculty, University of Havana, Havana, Cuba
| | - Yadira Lobaina
- Vaccine Division, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Manzoor S, Saalim M, Imran M, Resham S, Ashraf J. Hepatitis B virus therapy: What’s the future holding for us? World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:12558-12575. [PMID: 26640332 PMCID: PMC4658610 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i44.12558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Revised: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B is one of the leading causes of liver cancer worldwide and unfortunately the number of people affected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is still on the rise. Although the HBV has been known to cause fatal illness since decades but the population effected by this lethal virus have still only a few options for its management. The major treatment strategies include interferons and nucleos(t)ide analogues. These agents have so far produced unsatisfactory results in terms of complete virus eradication. Interferons cannot be used for long term therapy because of their potential side effects. Prolong treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogues has also been reported to cause serious side effects besides the increasing resistance by the virus. The need for new innovative solutions for treatment of HBV has been realized by global research institutes and pharmaceutical industry. Present review focuses in detail on the new ideas that are being transformed into therapeutic tools for use as future therapies in HBV infection. Modern drug designing and screening methods have made the drug discovery process shorter and more reliable. HBV therapeutics will take a new turn in coming years owing to these intelligent drug designing and screening methods. Future therapy of HBV is aiming to include the use of vaccines (both prophylactic and therapeutic), immunomodulators such as antibodies, non-nucleoside antivirals such as RNAi and inhibitors of viral life cycle.
Collapse
|
25
|
Shukla A, Mishra V, Bhoop BS, Katare OP. Alginate coated chitosan microparticles mediated oral delivery of diphtheria toxoid. (Part A). Systematic optimization, development and characterization. Int J Pharm 2015; 495:220-233. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2015.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Revised: 08/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
26
|
Toita R, Kawano T, Kang JH, Murata M. Applications of human hepatitis B virus preS domain in bio- and nanotechnology. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:7400-7411. [PMID: 26139986 PMCID: PMC4481435 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i24.7400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Revised: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a member of the family Hepadnaviridae, and causes acute and chronic infections of the liver. The hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) contains the large (L), middle (M), and small (S) surface proteins. The L protein consists of the S protein, preS1, and preS2. In HBsAg, the preS domain (preS1 + preS2) plays a key role in the infection of hepatocytic cells by HBV and has several immunogenic epitopes. Based on these characteristics of preS, several preS-based diagnostic and therapeutic materials and systems have been developed. PreS1-specific monoclonal antibodies (e.g., MA18/7 and KR127) can be used to inhibit HBV infection. A myristoylated preS1 peptide (amino acids 2-48) also inhibits the attachment of HBV to HepaRG cells, primary human hepatocytes, and primary tupaia hepatocytes. Antibodies and antigens related to the components of HBsAg, preS (preS1 + preS2), or preS1 can be available as diagnostic markers of acute and chronic HBV infections. Hepatocyte-targeting delivery systems for therapeutic molecules (drugs, genes, or proteins) are very important for increasing the clinical efficacy of these molecules and in reducing their adverse effects on other organs. The selective delivery of diagnostic molecules to target hepatocytic cells can also improve the efficiency of diagnosis. In addition to the full-length HBV vector, preS (preS1 + preS2), preS1, and preS1-derived fragments can be useful in hepatocyte-specific targeting. In this review, we discuss the literature concerning the applications of the HBV preS domain in bio- and nanotechnology.
Collapse
|
27
|
Li J, Ge J, Ren S, Zhou T, Sun Y, Sun H, Gu Y, Huang H, Xu Z, Chen X, Xu X, Zhuang X, Song C, Jia F, Xu A, Yin X, Du SX. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and core antigen (HBcAg) combine CpG oligodeoxynucletides as a novel therapeutic vaccine for chronic hepatitis B infection. Vaccine 2015; 33:4247-54. [PMID: 25858855 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.03.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Revised: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus infection is a non-cytopathic hepatotropic virus which can lead to chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Traditional therapies fail to provide sustained control of viral replication and liver damage in most patients. As an alternative strategy, immunotherapeutic approaches have shown promising efficacy in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B patients. Here, we investigated the efficacy of a novel therapeutic vaccine formulation consisting of two HBV antigens, HBsAg and HBcAg, and CpG adjuvant. This vaccine formulation elicits forceful humoral responses directed against HBsAg/HBcAg, and promotes a Th1/Th2 balance response against HBsAg and a Th1-biased response against HBcAg in both C57BL/6 and HBV transgenic mice. Vigorous cellular immune response was also detected in HBV transgenic mice, for a significantly higher number of HBs/HBc-specific IFN-γ secreting CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was generated. Moreover, vaccinated mice elicited significantly intense in vivo CTL attack, reduced serum HBsAg level without causing liver damage in HBV transgenic mice. In summary, this study demonstrates a novel therapeutic vaccine with the potential to elicit vigorous humoral and cellular response, overcoming tolerance in HBV transgenic mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianqiang Li
- Jiangsu Theravac Bio-pharmaceutical CO., Ltd, Nanjing 210042, China.
| | - Jun Ge
- Jiangsu Theravac Bio-pharmaceutical CO., Ltd, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Sulin Ren
- Jiangsu Theravac Bio-pharmaceutical CO., Ltd, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Tong Zhou
- Jiangsu Theravac Bio-pharmaceutical CO., Ltd, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Jiangsu Theravac Bio-pharmaceutical CO., Ltd, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Honglin Sun
- Jiangsu Theravac Bio-pharmaceutical CO., Ltd, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Yue Gu
- Jiangsu Theravac Bio-pharmaceutical CO., Ltd, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Hongying Huang
- Jiangsu Theravac Bio-pharmaceutical CO., Ltd, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Zhenxing Xu
- Jiangsu Theravac Bio-pharmaceutical CO., Ltd, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Chen
- Jiangsu Theravac Bio-pharmaceutical CO., Ltd, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Xiaowei Xu
- Jiangsu Theravac Bio-pharmaceutical CO., Ltd, Nanjing 210042, China; State Key Laboratory of Nature Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiaoqian Zhuang
- Jiangsu Simcere Pharmaceutical R&D Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Cuiling Song
- Jiangsu Simcere Pharmaceutical R&D Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Fangmiao Jia
- Jiangsu Simcere Pharmaceutical R&D Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Aiguo Xu
- Jiangsu Simcere Pharmaceutical R&D Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Xiaojin Yin
- Jiangsu Simcere Pharmaceutical R&D Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Sean X Du
- Jiangsu Simcere Pharmaceutical R&D Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210042, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Lee YB, Lee JH, Kim YJ, Yoon JH, Lee HS. The effect of therapeutic vaccination for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus infection. J Med Virol 2015; 87:575-82. [DOI: 10.1002/jmv.24091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Bin Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute; Seoul National University College of Medicine; Seoul Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine; CHA Bundang Medical Center; CHA University; Seongnam Korea
| | - Jeong-Hoon Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute; Seoul National University College of Medicine; Seoul Korea
| | - Yoon Jun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute; Seoul National University College of Medicine; Seoul Korea
| | - Jung-Hwan Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute; Seoul National University College of Medicine; Seoul Korea
| | - Hyo-Suk Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute; Seoul National University College of Medicine; Seoul Korea
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
In vitro stimulation with HBV therapeutic vaccine candidate Nasvac activates B and T cells from chronic hepatitis B patients and healthy donors. Mol Immunol 2014; 63:320-7. [PMID: 25193323 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2014.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Revised: 08/02/2014] [Accepted: 08/03/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) chronic infections remain a considerable health problem worldwide. The standard therapies have demonstrated limited efficacy, side effects or need life-long treatments. Nowadays therapeutic vaccination is a promising option. Recently, we developed a new vaccine formulation called Nasvac, based on the combination of surface and core antigens from HBV. Clinical trials already performed showed good efficacy in virus control. However, the exact mode of action of Nasvac formulation remains unclear. So far the functional impairment of DCs during persistent HBV infection is a controversial issue. On the other hand, it is known that B cells may function as antigen presenting cells (APC) activating T cells. The hepatitis B core antigen contained in Nasvac vaccine is able to bind and activate a high frequency of naive human B cells. In the present study the surface expression of activation and exhaustion markers on B cells and the subsequent activation of T cells after in vitro stimulation with Nasvac antigens were evaluated in chronic HBV patients and healthy donors. B- and T-cell phenotype and proliferation were assessed by flow cytometry. Our results indicate that in contrast to exhaustions markers B cell activation markers were increased on both study groups after Nasvac stimulation. A shift toward an activation phenotype was observed for both B and T cells. The present work suggests that B cells could act as efficient APCs for Nasvac antigens in humans, which might suggest the use of activated B cells as immunotherapeutic strategy for chronic hepatitis B.
Collapse
|
30
|
Trujillo H, Blanco A, García D, Freyre F, Aguiar J, Lobaina Y, Aguilar JC. Optimization of a Therapeutic Vaccine Candidate by Studying Routes, Immunization Schedules and Antigen Doses in HBsAg-positive Transgenic Mice. Euroasian J Hepatogastroenterol 2014; 4:70-78. [PMID: 29699351 PMCID: PMC5913899 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10018-1105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B core antigens (HBcAg) and hepatitis B surface antigens (HBsAg) are the main structural antigens of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Both antigens are potent immunogens for experimental animals as well as in acutely infected patients. A novel formulation based on the combination of HBsAg and HBcAg has been developed as a therapeutic vaccine candidate, aimed at inducing an immune response capable of controlling the infection. An immunization schedule was conducted to evaluate the immunogenicity of this formulation after simultaneous immunization by the intranasal and parenteral routes using different schedules and doses. Humoral and cellular immune responses generated in blood and spleen were evaluated by engyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and enzyme-liked immunospot (ELISPOT) assays respectively. A first experiment evaluated two groups of mice simultaneously immunized by intranasal (IN) and subcutaneous (SC) routes, one including alum by SC route and, in the other, the formulation was injected without adjuvant. As a result, alum adjuvant did not increase the immunogenicity under the studied conditions. In fact, the group without alum induced the most potent immune response. The immune response was enhanced by combining IN and SC immunization compared to the SC route alone. In a second experiment, mice were immunized by different mucosal routes at the same time, and compared to the simultaneously (IN/SC) immunized groups. It was demonstrated that there is no improvement on the resulting immune response by using multiple routes of immunizations simultaneously; however, the increase of the antigen dose induced a superior immune response. Interestingly, the increase of antigen dose only by SC route did not favor the resulting immunogenicity. In conclusion, the use of HBsAg transgenic mice has proven useful to optimize the formulation, avoiding the unnecessary use of alum as adjuvant as well as provided information of the role of different mucosal immunization routes and antigen dose on the resulting immune response. How to cite this article: Trujillo H, Blanco A, García D, Freyre F, Aguiar J, Lobaina Y, Aguilar JC. Optimization of a Therapeutic Vaccine Candidate by Studying Routes, Immunization Schedules and Antigen Doses in HBsAg-positive Transgenic Mice. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2014;4(2):70-78.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Trujillo
- Hepatitis B Department, Biomedical Research Unit, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - A Blanco
- Animal Facilities, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - D García
- Hepatitis B Department, Biomedical Research Unit, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - F Freyre
- Hepatitis B Department, Biomedical Research Unit, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - J Aguiar
- Hepatitis B Department, Biomedical Research Unit, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Y Lobaina
- Hepatitis B Department, Biomedical Research Unit, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - J C Aguilar
- Hepatitis B Department, Biomedical Research Unit, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Martinez-Donato G, Amador-Cañizares Y, Alvarez-Lajonchere L, Guerra I, Pérez A, Dubuisson J, Wychowsk C, Musacchio A, Aguilar D, Dueñas-Carrera S. Neutralizing antibodies and broad, functional T cell immune response following immunization with hepatitis C virus proteins-based vaccine formulation. Vaccine 2014; 32:1720-6. [PMID: 24486345 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2014.01.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Revised: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
HCV is a worldwide health problem despite the recent advances in the development of more effective therapies. No preventive vaccine is available against this pathogen. However, non-sterilizing immunity has been demonstrated and supports the potential success of HCV vaccines. Induction of cross-neutralizing antibodies and T cell responses targeting several conserved epitopes, have been related to hepatitis C virus (HCV) clearance. Therefore, in this work, the immunogenicity of a preparation (MixprotHC) based on protein variants of HCV Core, E1, E2 and NS3 was evaluated in mice and monkeys. IgG from MixprotHC immunized mice and monkeys neutralized the infectivity of heterologous HCVcc. Moreover, strong CD4+ and CD8+ T cells proliferative and IFN-γ secretion responses were elicited against HCV proteins. Remarkably, immunization with MixprotHC induced control of viremia in a surrogate challenge model in mice. These results suggest that MixprotHC might constitute an effective immunogen against HCV in humans with potential for reducing the likelihood of immune escape and viral persistence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Martinez-Donato
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba.
| | - Yalena Amador-Cañizares
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba
| | - Liz Alvarez-Lajonchere
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba
| | - Ivis Guerra
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba
| | - Angel Pérez
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba
| | - Jean Dubuisson
- Institut de Biologie de Lille (UMR8161), CNRS, Universite de Lille I & II and Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Czeslaw Wychowsk
- Institut de Biologie de Lille (UMR8161), CNRS, Universite de Lille I & II and Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Alexis Musacchio
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba
| | - Daylen Aguilar
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba
| | - Santiago Dueñas-Carrera
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Ave 31, P.O. Box 6162, Havana, 10 600, Cuba
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Mancini-Bourgine M, Guillen G, Michel ML, Aguilar JC. Impact of the Immunogen Nature on the Immune Response against the Major HBV Antigens in an HBsAg and HLA-humanized Transgenic Mouse Model. Euroasian J Hepatogastroenterol 2014; 4:36-44. [PMID: 29264317 PMCID: PMC5736954 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10018-1094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B chronic carriage remains as a major public health problem. Protein and DNA vaccines are now widely used in therapeutic vaccine candidates. Although, the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) based vaccines have been largely studied, candidates comprising both HBsAg and core (HBcAg) either protein- or DNA-based approaches deserve further immunological characterization. In the present study, a repeated dose administration schedule for protein or DNA immunogens was conducted in order to characterize the resulting immune response in a humanized and HBsAg-tolerized setting. A novel transgenic (Tg) mice that express the HBsAg, human MHC class I (HLA-A*0201) and MHC class II (HLA-DRB1*01) molecules and devoid of endogenous murine class I and II molecules was used as a model of HBV chronic carrier. Mice were immunized by subcutaneous (protein) or intramuscular (DNA) routes and the humoral and cellular responses were evaluated. Protein or DNA immunization induced humoral immune responses against both HBsAg and HBcAg. The systematic analysis of epitopes that activate CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes confirmed the accuracy of the model. Cellular immune responses were detected differing in their nature. CD8 T-cell responses were induced mostly after DNA immunization while CD4 T-cell responses were predominant in protein based immunizations. In addition, the intensity of HLA-A2-restricted CD8+ T cell responses was reduced in Tg mice expressing HBsAg when compared to control Tg mice. In conclusion, our results indicate that cellular immune responses necessary for the development of protective immunity can be achieved by DNA or protein immunization. However, important differences in their nature arise when immunogens are administered several times. How to cite this article: Mancini-Bourgine M, Guillen G, Michel ML, Aguilar JC. Impact of the Immunogen Nature on the Immune Response against the Major HBV Antigens in an HBsAg and HLA-humanized Transgenic Mouse Model. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2014;4(1):36-44.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Mancini-Bourgine
- Laboratoire de Pathogenese des virus de l'hepatite B, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; Inserm U845, Unite de Pathogenese des hepatites virales B et Immunotherapie, Paris, France
| | - G Guillen
- Vaccine Division, Clinical Trials Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana City, Cuba
| | - M L Michel
- Laboratoire de Pathogenese des virus de l'hepatite B, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France; Inserm U845, Unite de Pathogenese des hepatites virales B et Immunotherapie, Paris, France
| | - J C Aguilar
- Vaccine Division, Clinical Trials Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana City, Cuba
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Al-Mahtab M, Akbar SMF, Aguilar JC, Uddin MH, Khan MSI, Rahman S. Therapeutic potential of a combined hepatitis B virus surface and core antigen vaccine in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Hepatol Int 2013. [PMID: 26202028 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-013-9486-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The safety and clinical efficacy of a vaccine containing both hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) (HBsAg/HBcAg) were evaluated in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS Eighteen patients with CHB were administered a vaccine containing 100 μg of HBsAg and 100 μg of HBcAg. The vaccine was administered ten times at 2-weekly intervals, the first five times via the nasal route only and the subsequent five times via both nasal and subcutaneous routes. The safety and efficacy of this therapeutic approach were assessed by periodic assessment of the patients' general condition, viral kinetics, and biochemical parameters during treatment and 24 and 48 weeks after therapy. The production of cytokines by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and antigen-pulsed dendritic cells (DC) was evaluated to assess the immunomodulatory effects of the HBsAg/HBcAg vaccine in CHB patients. RESULTS The HBsAg/HBcAg vaccine was safe in all patients. No flare of HBV DNA or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was recorded in any patient. Sustained HBV DNA negativity and persistently normalized ALT were detected in 9 (50 %) and 18 (100 %) patients with CHB, respectively. PBMC and HBsAg/HBcAg-pulsed DCs from HBsAg/HBcAg-vaccinated CHB patients produced significantly higher levels of various cytokines [interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)] than those from control unvaccinated CHB patients (p < 0.05) after stimulation with HBsAg/HBcAg in vitro. CONCLUSION HBsAg/HBcAg vaccine seems a safe and efficient therapeutic approach for patients with CHB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mamun Al-Mahtab
- Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | | | | | | | | | - Salimur Rahman
- Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Samuelson DR, Eucker TP, Bell JA, Dybas L, Mansfield LS, Konkel ME. The Campylobacter jejuni CiaD effector protein activates MAP kinase signaling pathways and is required for the development of disease. Cell Commun Signal 2013; 11:79. [PMID: 24144181 PMCID: PMC3833307 DOI: 10.1186/1478-811x-11-79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Enteric pathogens utilize a distinct set of proteins to modulate host cell signaling events that promote host cell invasion, induction of the inflammatory response, and intracellular survival. Human infection with Campylobacter jejuni, the causative agent of campylobacteriosis, is characterized by diarrhea containing blood and leukocytes. The clinical presentation of acute disease, which is consistent with cellular invasion, requires the delivery of the Campylobacter invasion antigens (Cia) to the cytosol of host cells via a flagellar Type III Secretion System (T3SS). We identified a novel T3SS effector protein, which we termed CiaD that is exported from the C. jejuni flagellum and delivered to the cytosol of host cells. Results We show that the host cell kinases p38 and Erk 1/2 are activated by CiaD, resulting in the secretion of interleukin-8 (IL-8) from host cells. Additional experiments revealed that CiaD-mediated activation of p38 and Erk 1/2 are required for maximal invasion of host cells by C. jejuni. CiaD contributes to disease, as evidenced by infection of IL-10 knockout mice. Noteworthy is that CiaD contains a Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase-docking site that is found within effector proteins produced by other enteric pathogens. These findings indicate that C. jejuni activates the MAP kinase signaling pathways Erk 1/2 and p38 to promote cellular invasion and the release of the IL-8 pro-inflammatory chemokine. Conclusions The identification of a novel T3SS effector protein from C. jejuni significantly expands the knowledge of virulence proteins associated with C. jejuni pathogenesis and provides greater insight into the mechanism utilized by C. jejuni to invade host cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Michael E Konkel
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Life Sciences Bldg, Room 302c, Pullman, WA 99164-7520, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Yin Y, Zhang S, Cai C, Zhang J, Dong D, Guo Q, Fu L, Xu J, Chen W. Deletion modification enhances anthrax specific immunity and protective efficacy of a hepatitis B core particle-based anthrax epitope vaccine. Immunobiology 2013; 219:97-103. [PMID: 24054942 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2013.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2013] [Revised: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 08/16/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Protective antigen (PA) is one of the major virulence factors of anthrax and is also the major constituent of the current anthrax vaccine. Previously, we found that the 2β2-2β3 loop of PA contains a dominant neutralizing epitope, the SFFD. We successfully inserted the 2β2-2β3 loop of PA into the major immunodominant region (MIR) of hepatitis B virus core (HBc) protein. The resulting fusion protein, termed HBc-N144-PA-loop2 (HBcL2), can effectively produce anthrax specific protective antibodies in an animal model. However, the protective immunity caused by HBcL2 could still be improved. In this research, we removed amino acids 79-81 from the HBc MIR of the HBcL2. This region was previously reported to be the major B cell epitope of HBc, and in keeping with this finding, we observed that the short deletion in the MIR not only diminished the intrinsic immunogenicity of HBc but also stimulated a higher titer of anthrax specific immunity. Most importantly, this deletion led to the full protection of the immunized mice against a lethal dose anthrax toxin challenge. We supposed that the conformational changes which occurred after the short deletion and foreign insertion in the MIR of HBc were the most likely reasons for the improvement in the immunogenicity of the HBc-based anthrax epitope vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yin
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, 20 Dongdajie, Fengtai, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, 20 Dongdajie, Fengtai, Beijing 100071, China; Department of Pediatrics, BaYi Children's Hospital of The General Military Hospital of Beijing PLA, 5 Nanmencang Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Chenguang Cai
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, 20 Dongdajie, Fengtai, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, 20 Dongdajie, Fengtai, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Dayong Dong
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, 20 Dongdajie, Fengtai, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Qiang Guo
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, 20 Dongdajie, Fengtai, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Ling Fu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, 20 Dongdajie, Fengtai, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Junjie Xu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, 20 Dongdajie, Fengtai, Beijing 100071, China.
| | - Wei Chen
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, 20 Dongdajie, Fengtai, Beijing 100071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Chen Q, Lai H. Plant-derived virus-like particles as vaccines. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2013; 9:26-49. [PMID: 22995837 PMCID: PMC3667944 DOI: 10.4161/hv.22218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2012] [Revised: 09/06/2012] [Accepted: 09/13/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are self-assembled structures derived from viral antigens that mimic the native architecture of viruses but lack the viral genome. VLPs have emerged as a premier vaccine platform due to their advantages in safety, immunogenicity, and manufacturing. The particulate nature and high-density presentation of viral structure proteins on their surface also render VLPs as attractive carriers for displaying foreign epitopes. Consequently, several VLP-based vaccines have been licensed for human use and achieved significant clinical and economical success. The major challenge, however, is to develop novel production platforms that can deliver VLP-based vaccines while significantly reducing production times and costs. Therefore, this review focuses on the essential role of plants as a novel, speedy and economical production platform for VLP-based vaccines. The advantages of plant expression systems are discussed in light of their distinctive posttranslational modifications, cost-effectiveness, production speed, and scalability. Recent achievements in the expression and assembly of VLPs and their chimeric derivatives in plant systems as well as their immunogenicity in animal models are presented. Results of human clinical trials demonstrating the safety and efficacy of plant-derived VLPs are also detailed. Moreover, the promising implications of the recent creation of "humanized" glycosylation plant lines as well as the very recent approval of the first plant-made biologics by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for plant production and commercialization of VLP-based vaccines are discussed. It is speculated that the combined potential of plant expression systems and VLP technology will lead to the emergence of successful vaccines and novel applications of VLPs in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Chen
- Center for Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Blanco A, Trujillo H, Hernández D, García D, Lobaina Y, Freyre F, Merino N, Suarez J. The Adoptive Transfer of HBsAG-specific Splenocytes from Balb/c Congenic Donors into HBsAg Transgenic Mice is not associated to Histographological Damage. Euroasian J Hepatogastroenterol 2013. [DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10018-1074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
38
|
Bourgine M, Dion S, Godon O, Guillen G, Michel ML, Aguilar JC. Optimization of immune responses induced by therapeutic vaccination with cross-reactive antigens in a humanized hepatitis B surface antigen transgenic mouse model. Virology 2012; 430:10-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2012.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2012] [Revised: 01/21/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
39
|
Akbar SMF, Chen S, Al-Mahtab M, Abe M, Hiasa Y, Onji M. Strong and multi-antigen specific immunity by hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg)-based vaccines in a murine model of chronic hepatitis B: HBcAg is a candidate for a therapeutic vaccine against hepatitis B virus. Antiviral Res 2012; 96:59-64. [PMID: 22884884 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2012.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2012] [Revised: 07/24/2012] [Accepted: 07/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Experimental evidence suggests that hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg)-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) are essential for the control of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and prevention of liver damage in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, most immune therapeutic approaches in CHB patients have been accomplished with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-based prophylactic vaccines with unsatisfactory clinical outcomes. In this study, we prepared HBsAg-pulsed dendritic cells (DC) and HBcAg-pulsed DC by culturing spleen DC from HBV transgenic mice (HBV TM) and evaluated the immunomodulatory capabilities of these antigens, which may serve as a better therapy for CHB. The kinetics of HBsAg, antibody levels against HBsAg (anti-HBs), proliferation of HBsAg- and HBcAg-specific lymphocytes, production of antigen-specific CTL, and activation of endogenous DC were compared between HBV TM vaccinated with either HBsAg- or HBcAg-pulsed DC. Vaccination with HBsAg-pulsed DC induced HBsAg-specific immunity, but failed to induce HBcAg-specific immunity in HBV TM. However, immunization of HBV TM with HBcAg-pulsed DC resulted in: (1) HBsAg negativity, (2) production of anti-HBs, and (3) development of HBsAg- and HBcAg-specific T cells and CTL in the spleen and the liver. Additionally, significantly higher levels of activated endogenous DC were detected in HBV TM immunized with HBcAg-pulsed DC compared to HBsAg-pulsed DC (p<0.05). The capacity of HBcAg to modulate both HBsAg- and HBcAg-specific immunity in HBV TM, and activation of endogenous DC in HBV TM without inducing liver damage suggests that HBcAg should be an integral component of the therapeutic vaccine against CHB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh Mohammad Fazle Akbar
- Department of Medical Sciences, Toshiba General Hospital, Higashi Oi 6-3-22, Shinagawa, Tokyo 140-8522, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Kutscher S, Bauer T, Dembek C, Sprinzl M, Protzer U. Design of therapeutic vaccines: hepatitis B as an example. Microb Biotechnol 2012; 5:270-82. [PMID: 21958338 PMCID: PMC3815787 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-7915.2011.00303.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2011] [Revised: 08/22/2011] [Accepted: 08/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic vaccines are currently developed for chronic viral infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), herpesvirus and hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) virus infections. As an alternative to antiviral treatment or to support only partially effective therapy a therapeutic vaccine shall activate the patient's immune system to fight and finally control or ideally even eliminate the virus. Whereas the success of prophylactic vaccination is based on rapid neutralization of the invading pathogen by antibodies, virus control and elimination of infected cells require T cells. Therefore, induction of a multi-specific and multifunctional T-cell response against key viral antigens is a paradigm of therapeutic vaccination--besides activation of a humoral immune response to limit virus spread. In this review, we describe options to develop a therapeutic vaccine for chronic viral infections using HBV as a promising example.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, Trogerstr. 30, 81675 München, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Enhanced effect of DNA immunization plus in vivo electroporation with a combination of hepatitis B virus core-PreS1 and S-PreS1 plasmids. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2011; 18:1789-95. [PMID: 21900535 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.05113-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
To develop a novel, effective HBV therapeutic vaccine, we constructed two HBV DNA immunogens that contained PreS1, HBSS1, and HBCS1. Several delivery methods, such as intramuscular (i.m.) injection, intramuscular injection plus electroporation (i.m.-EP), and intradermal injection plus electroporation (i.d.-EP) were used in a murine model to analyze and compare the immune responses that were induced by the DNA immunogens. We found that i.d.-EP accelerated specific antibody seroconversion and produced high antibody (anti-PreS1, anti-S, and anti-C antibody) titers after HBSS1 and HBCS1 immunization. Combining the HBSS1 and HBCS1 DNA immunogens with i.d.-EP produced the strongest multiantigen (PreS1, S, and C)-specific cellular immune response and the highest specific PreS1 antibody levels. The results indicated that DNA immunization using HBSS1 and HBCS1 might be an ideal candidate, with its ability to elicit robust B and T cell immune responses against multiantigen when combined with optimized delivery technology. The present study provides a basis for the design and rational application of a novel HBV DNA vaccine.
Collapse
|
42
|
Therapeutic vaccines and immune-based therapies for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B: perspectives and challenges. J Hepatol 2011; 54:1286-96. [PMID: 21238516 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2010.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2010] [Revised: 11/23/2010] [Accepted: 12/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has greatly improved over the last 10 years, but alternative treatments are still needed. Therapeutic vaccination is a promising new strategy for controlling chronic infection. However, this approach has not been as successful as initially anticipated for chronic hepatitis B. General impairment of the immune responses generated during persistent HBV infection, with exhausted T cells not responding correctly to therapeutic vaccination, is probably responsible for the poor clinical responses observed to date. Intensive research efforts are now focusing on increasing the efficacy of therapeutic vaccination without causing liver disease. Here we describe new approaches to use with therapeutic vaccination, in order to overcome the inhibitory mechanisms impairing immune responses. We also describe innovative strategies for generating functional immune responses and inducing sustained control of this persistent infection.
Collapse
|
43
|
Heat shock protein gp96 enhances humoral and T cell responses, decreases Treg frequency and potentiates the anti-HBV activity in BALB/c and transgenic mice. Vaccine 2011; 29:6342-51. [PMID: 21600951 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2010] [Revised: 12/07/2010] [Accepted: 05/05/2011] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
More than 350 million people worldwide are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Broad repertoire and strong magnitude of HBV-specific T cell responses are thought to play key roles for virus control and clearance. Previous studies together with ours showed that heat shock protein gp96 as adjuvant induces antigen specific T cell responses, yet little is known for its anti-viral properties. Here, we investigated the role of gp96 mediated cellular and humoral immunity in antiviral effects in HBV transgenic mice. Immunization with HBV surface (HBsAg) and core (HBcAg) antigens combined formulation along with gp96 induced robust antiviral T-cell and antibody immunity against HBsAg and HBcAg. Compared with non-immunized control, immunization with gp96 adjuvant vaccine led to decrease of serum HBs level and HBc expression in hepatocyte by 45% and 90% at maximum, respectively, and decreased serum HBV-DNA level to below or close to the detection limit 4 weeks after the last immunization, suggesting the therapeutic effect. A significant enhancement in cellular responses towards HBcAg and increased infiltration of CD8+ T cells in liver of transgenic were observed under treatment with gp96 compared with no treatment (P<0.05 or 0.01). Treatment with gp96 was capable of reducing Tregs by overall 30-40%. The superior immune responses induced with the aid of gp96 correlated with improved antiviral effect by vaccination with HBsAg and HBcAg. We conclude that gp96 may contribute to enhanced antiviral immunity in transgenic mice at least partly by Treg down-regulation. HBcAg may act as potent adjuvant for Th1 response. Our study reveals the novel property of gp96 in immune modulation and its potential use for breaking immunotolerance in immunotherapy of chronic HBV infection.
Collapse
|
44
|
Lobaina Y, Trujillo H, García D, Gambe A, Chacon Y, Blanco A, Aguilar JC. The effect of the parenteral route of administration on the immune response to simultaneous nasal and parenteral immunizations using a new HBV therapeutic vaccine candidate. Viral Immunol 2011; 23:521-9. [PMID: 20883166 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2010.0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B is a major health problem, with more than 350 million people infected worldwide. Available therapies have limited efficacy and require long-term continuous and expensive treatments, which often lead to the selection of resistant viral variants and rarely eliminate the virus. Immunotherapies have been investigated as a promising new approach. Several vaccine formulations have been clinically tested in chronic patients, none of which have clearly demonstrated efficacy so far. In this study we evaluated a new vaccination strategy comprising the simultaneous co-administration by the nasal and parenteral routes of a multicomponent vaccine formulation in BALB/C and HBsAg-transgenic mice. The formulation under study contains the surface and nucleocapsid antigens of the HBV, and was co-administered by the nasal route and three parenteral routes. For parenteral administration we also evaluated the immunogenicity of the antigenic mixture with alum or without the adjuvant. The immune response was evaluated by ELISA and IFN-γ ELISPOT assays. Our results indicate that all variants generated a strong antibody response in the sera against both antigens, but differed in their capacity to induce cellular immune responses against the surface antigen. Mice immunized by the nasal and subcutaneous routes without alum generated the highest IFN-γ-secreting CD8+ T-cell response, and results in this transgenic mouse model showed that there is no need to include alum. In conclusion, our results indicate that the immunization routes have to be carefully selected before carrying out clinical trials to optimize the immune response and promote further clinical development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yadira Lobaina
- Hepatitis B Department, Biomedical Research Unit, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Akbar SMF, Yoshida O, Chen S, Cesar AJ, Abe M, Matsuura B, Hiasa Y, Onji M. Immune modulator and antiviral potential of dendritic cells pulsed with both hepatitis B surface antigen and core antigen for treating chronic HBV infection. Antivir Ther 2010; 15:887-95. [PMID: 20834101 DOI: 10.3851/imp1637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Commercially available prophylactic vaccines containing hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), which are used to prevent HBV infections, are not as effective as a therapeutic immune modulator for treating patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). In this study, the immunogenicity of dendritic cells (DC) loaded with both HBsAg and hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) was tested in HBV transgenic mice (TM; 1.2HB-BS10) in vivo and in patients with CHB in vitro. METHODS Spleen DC from HBV TM were cultured with a vaccine containing both HBsAg and HBcAg to produce HBsAg/HBcAg-pulsed DC. HBV TM were immunized twice at an interval of 4 weeks with HBsAg/HBcAg-pulsed DC and other immune modulators. Antibody titres to HBsAg (anti-HBs) were measured in sera. Antigen-specific T-cells and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) in the spleen and liver were detected by lymphoproliferative and ELISPOT assays, respectively. HBsAg/HBcAg-pulsed human blood DC were cultured with autologous T-cells from CHB patients to assess their antigen-specific immune modulatory capacities. RESULTS Significantly higher levels of anti-HBs, HBsAg-specific and HBcAg-specific T-cells and CTLs were detected in the spleen and liver of HBV TM immunized with HBsAg/HBcAg-pulsed DC compared with those immunized with other vaccine formulations (P<0.05). HBsAg/HBcAg-pulsed human blood DC also induced HBsAg- and HBcAg-specific proliferation of autologous T-cells from CHB patients. CONCLUSIONS The immune modulatory capacities of HBsAg/HBcAg-pulsed DC in HBV TM in vivo, and in patients with CHB in vitro, inspire optimism about a clinical trial with this cell-based vaccine in patients with CHB.
Collapse
|
46
|
Pandey RS, Dixit VK. Evaluation of ISCOM vaccines for mucosal immunization against hepatitis B. J Drug Target 2010; 18:282-91. [PMID: 19958131 DOI: 10.3109/10611860903450015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Immune stimulating complexes (ISCOMs) incorporating recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was prepared for induction of humoral, cellular and mucosal immunity by intranasal administration. Prepared ISCOMs were characterized for its size, shape, incorporation efficiency, zeta potential, and antigen integrity. Designed ISCOMs possessed negative zeta potential (-21.7 mV) and an average size of 44.1 nm with antigen incorporation efficiency approximately 39 %. Serum anti-HBsAg IgG titer after three high nasal doses of ISCOMs was comparable with titer recorded after alum-HBsAg administered subcutaneously. Similarly, modest but higher cellular response (cytokines level in spleen homogenates) and significantly higher secretory sIgA response in mucosal secretions was observed (P < 0.001) in case of HBsAg ISCOM vaccines. Whereas, alum-HBsAg vaccine did not elicit considerable cellular or mucosal response. Thus, ISCOMs produced humoral, mucosal, and cellular immune responses upon nasal administration although high and multidose administrations were required to elicit potent immune responses. These data demonstrate potential of ISCOMs in their use as a carrier adjuvant for nasal subunit vaccines against hepatitis B.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R S Pandey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Hari Singh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar - 470 003, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Lazo L, Gil L, Lopez C, Valdes I, Marcos E, Alvarez M, Blanco A, Romero Y, Falcon V, Guzmán MG, Guillén G, Hermida L. Nucleocapsid-like particles of dengue-2 virus enhance the immune response against a recombinant protein of dengue-4 virus. Arch Virol 2010; 155:1587-95. [PMID: 20640909 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-010-0734-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2009] [Accepted: 06/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we evaluate in mice a novel formulation containing nucleocapsid-like particles of dengue-2 virus (recNLP) co-immunized with a chimeric protein composed of the dengue-4 envelope domain III fused twice within the meningococcal P64k protein of Neisseria meningitidis (PD24). The animals receiving the PD24-recNLP mixture showed the highest levels of antiviral antibodies. Similar results were obtained for IFNγ secretion levels, indicating a functional Th1 cellular response. Consistently, the percentage of mice surviving after viral challenge was significantly higher for those immunized with the mixture than for those inoculated with PD24 protein alone. In addition, in vivo depletion experiments demonstrated the decisive role of CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells in the protection conferred by immunization with PD24-recNLP. In conclusion, this report demonstrates for the first time the adjuvant capacity of dengue-2 virus recNLP. Additionally, the evidence presented highlights the potential of these particles for enhancing the immune response against heterologous recombinant proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lazo
- Vaccine Division, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Havana 6, Cuba.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Pineau P, Tiollais P. [Hepatitis B vaccination: a major player in the control of primary liver cancer]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 58:444-53. [PMID: 19896296 DOI: 10.1016/j.patbio.2009.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2009] [Accepted: 03/06/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In worst cases, chronic hepatitis B ultimately leads to primary liver cancer. Populations the more at risk to develop hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), i.e. patients infected perinatally, reside essentially in Asia. A quarter of century after its introduction in medical practice, data coming from Eastern Asia demonstrate a strong impact of the vaccine on HCC incidence. Strikingly, universal immunization of Taiwanese newborns reduced fourfold pediatric HCC incidence. However, residual cases still appear though among children infected at birth by HBe antigen-carrying mothers. Epidemiologic models indicate that the continuation of universal vaccination policy will reduce chronic hepatitis B endemicity 50-fold in three generations. Recently, mutant forms of HBV potentially escaping to vaccine appeared as a potential consequence of large-scale vaccination. Finally, lack of early immunization of newborns in developing countries still represents a major limitation to the progresses against liver cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Pineau
- Inserm U579 Organisation nucléaire et oncogenèse, Institut Pasteur, 28, rue du Docteur-Roux, 75724 Paris cedex 15, France.
| | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Xie Q, Wang JH, Niu B. Dendritic cells and chronic hepatitis B. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2009; 17:1112-1116. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v17.i11.1112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune function disorders in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) lead to persistent damage of their liver cells and have impact on the ability to clear the virus. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most important antigen-presenting cells in body. They help to generate sufficient immune response by the invasion of pathogens. The quantity and functionality of DCs directly correlate with the normal function of the host's immune response. Not only can DCs be resistant to the virus, but also serve as vehicles for the virus to spread and escape immune injury. Therefore the research on DCs and improving their function under the state of CHB is quite significant.
Collapse
|
50
|
Makidon PE, Bielinska AU, Nigavekar SS, Janczak KW, Knowlton J, Scott AJ, Mank N, Cao Z, Rathinavelu S, Beer MR, Wilkinson JE, Blanco LP, Landers JJ, Baker JR. Pre-clinical evaluation of a novel nanoemulsion-based hepatitis B mucosal vaccine. PLoS One 2008; 3:e2954. [PMID: 18698426 PMCID: PMC2496893 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0002954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2008] [Accepted: 07/23/2008] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus infection remains an important global health concern despite the availability of safe and effective prophylactic vaccines. Limitations to these vaccines include requirement for refrigeration and three immunizations thereby restricting use in the developing world. A new nasal hepatitis B vaccine composed of recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in a novel nanoemulsion (NE) adjuvant (HBsAg-NE) could be effective with fewer administrations. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Physical characterization indicated that HBsAg-NE consists of uniform lipid droplets (349+/-17 nm) associated with HBsAg through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. Immunogenicity of HBsAg-NE vaccine was evaluated in mice, rats and guinea pigs. Animals immunized intranasally developed robust and sustained systemic IgG, mucosal IgA and strong antigen-specific cellular immune responses. Serum IgG reached > or = 10(6) titers and was comparable to intramuscular vaccination with alum-adjuvanted vaccine (HBsAg-Alu). Normalization showed that HBsAg-NE vaccination correlates with a protective immunity equivalent or greater than 1000 IU/ml. Th1 polarized immune response was indicated by IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha cytokine production and elevated levels of IgG(2) subclass of HBsAg-specific antibodies. The vaccine retains full immunogenicity for a year at 4 degrees C, 6 months at 25 degrees C and 6 weeks at 40 degrees C. Comprehensive pre-clinical toxicology evaluation demonstrated that HBsAg-NE vaccine is safe and well tolerated in multiple animal models. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that needle-free nasal immunization with HBsAg-NE could be a safe and effective hepatitis B vaccine, or provide an alternative booster administration for the parenteral hepatitis B vaccines. This vaccine induces a Th1 associated cellular immunity and also may provide therapeutic benefit to patients with chronic hepatitis B infection who lack cellular immune responses to adequately control viral replication. Long-term stability of this vaccine formulation at elevated temperatures suggests a direct advantage in the field, since potential excursions from cold chain maintenance could be tolerated without a loss in therapeutic efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul E. Makidon
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences (M-NIMBS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine (ULAM), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Anna U. Bielinska
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences (M-NIMBS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Shraddha S. Nigavekar
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences (M-NIMBS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Katarzyna W. Janczak
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences (M-NIMBS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Jessica Knowlton
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences (M-NIMBS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Alison J. Scott
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences (M-NIMBS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Nicholas Mank
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences (M-NIMBS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Zhengyi Cao
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences (M-NIMBS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Sivaprakash Rathinavelu
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences (M-NIMBS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Michael R. Beer
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences (M-NIMBS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - J. Erby Wilkinson
- Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine (ULAM), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Luz P. Blanco
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences (M-NIMBS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey J. Landers
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences (M-NIMBS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - James R. Baker
- Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences (M-NIMBS), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|