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Pagliari S, Dema B, Sanchez-Martinez A, Montalvo Zurbia-Flores G, Rollier CS. DNA Vaccines: History, Molecular Mechanisms and Future Perspectives. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168297. [PMID: 37797831 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
The history of DNA vaccine began as early as the 1960s with the discovery that naked DNA can transfect mammalian cells in vivo. In 1992, the evidence that such transfection could lead to the generation of antigen-specific antibody responses was obtained and supported the development of this technology as a novel vaccine platform. The technology then attracted immense interest and high hopes in vaccinology, as evidence of high immunogenicity and protection against virulent challenges accumulated from several animal models for several diseases. In particular, the capacity to induce T-cell responses was unprecedented in non-live vaccines. However, the technology suffered its major knock when the success in animals failed to translate to humans, where DNA vaccine candidates were shown to be safe but remained poorly immunogenic, or not associated with clinical benefit. Thanks to a thorough exploration of the molecular mechanisms of action of these vaccines, an impressive range of approaches have been and are currently being explored to overcome this major challenge. Despite limited success so far in humans as compared with later genetic vaccine technologies such as viral vectors and mRNA, DNA vaccines are not yet optimised for human use and may still realise their potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sthefany Pagliari
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK; Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Barbara Dema
- Pandemic Science Institute, Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine (IDRM), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Christine S Rollier
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
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2
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Colombani T, Haudebourg T, Pitard B. 704/DNA vaccines leverage cytoplasmic DNA stimulation to promote anti-HIV neutralizing antibody production in mice and strong immune response against alpha-fetoprotein in non-human primates. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2023; 32:743-757. [PMID: 37251693 PMCID: PMC10213191 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Genetic immunization is an attractive approach for prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination using synthetic vectors to deliver antigen-encoding nucleic acids. Recently, DNA delivered by a physical means or RNA by liposomes consisting of four different lipids demonstrated good protection in human phase III clinical trials and received Drugs Controller General of India and US FDA approval to protect against COVID-19, respectively. However, the development of a system allowing for efficient and simple delivery of nucleic acids while improving immune response priming has the potential to unleash the full therapeutic potential of genetic immunization. DNA-based gene therapies and vaccines have the potential for rapid development, as exemplified by the recent approval of Collategene, a gene therapy to treat human critical limb ischemia, and ZyCoV, a DNA vaccine delivered by spring-powered jet injector to protect against SARS-CoV2 infection. Recently, we reported amphiphilic block copolymer 704 as a promising synthetic vector for DNA vaccination in various models of human diseases. This vector allows dose sparing of antigen-encoding plasmid DNA. Here, we report the capacity of 704-mediated HIV and anti-hepatocellular carcinoma DNA vaccines to induce the production of specific antibodies against gp120 HIV envelope proteins in mice and against alpha-fetoprotein antigen in non-human primates, respectively. An investigation of the underlying mechanisms showed that 704-mediated vaccination did trigger a strong immune response by (1) allowing a direct DNA delivery into the cytosol, (2) promoting an intracytoplasmic DNA sensing leading to both interferon and NF-κB cascade stimulation, and (3) inducing antigen expression by muscle cells and presentation by antigen-presenting cells, leading to the induction of a robust adaptive response. Overall, our findings suggest that the 704-mediated DNA vaccination platform is an attractive method to develop both prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Colombani
- Nantes Université, University of Angers, INSERM, CNRS, Immunology and New Concepts in Immunotherapy, INSERM UMR1302, CNRS EMR6001, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Thomas Haudebourg
- Nantes Université, University of Angers, INSERM, CNRS, Immunology and New Concepts in Immunotherapy, INSERM UMR1302, CNRS EMR6001, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Bruno Pitard
- Nantes Université, University of Angers, INSERM, CNRS, Immunology and New Concepts in Immunotherapy, INSERM UMR1302, CNRS EMR6001, 44000 Nantes, France
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3
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Leiva-Rebollo R, Gémez-Mata J, Castro D, Borrego JJ, Labella AM. Immune response of DNA vaccinated-gilthead seabream ( Sparus aurata) against LCDV-Sa infection: relevance of the inflammatory process. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1209926. [PMID: 37346045 PMCID: PMC10279854 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1209926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymphocystis disease is one of the main viral pathologies affecting cultured gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) in the Mediterranean region. Recently, we have developed a DNA vaccine based on the major capsid protein (MCP) of the Lymphocystis disease virus 3 (LCDV-Sa). The immune response triggered by either LCDV-Sa infection or vaccination have been previously studied and seem to be highly related to the modulation of the inflammatory and the IFN response. However, a comprehensive evaluation of immune-related gene expression in vaccinated fish after viral infection to identify immunogenes involved in vaccine-induced protection have not been carried out to date. The present study aimed to fulfill this objective by analyzing samples of head-kidney, spleen, intestine, and caudal fin from fish using an OpenArray® platform containing targets related to the immune response of gilthead seabream. The results obtained showed an increase of deregulated genes in the hematopoietic organs between vaccinated and non-vaccinated fish. However, in the intestine and fin, the results showed the opposite trend. The global effect of fish vaccination was a significant decrease (p<0.05) of viral replication in groups of fish previously vaccinated, and the expression of the following immune genes related to viral recognition (tlr9), humoral and cellular response (rag1 and cd48), inflammation (csf1r, elam, il1β, and il6), antiviral response (isg15, mx1, mx2, mx3), cell-mediated cytotoxicity (nccrp1), and apoptosis (prf1). The exclusive modulation of the immune response provoked by the vaccination seems to control the progression of the infection in the experimentally challenged gilthead seabream.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Alejandro M. Labella
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
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4
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Ghosh CC, Heatherton KR, Connell KPO, Alexander IS, Greer DA, LaPorte J, Guha P, Cox BF, Katz SC. Regional infusion of a class C TLR9 agonist enhances liver tumor microenvironment reprogramming and MDSC reduction to improve responsiveness to systemic checkpoint inhibition. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:1854-1865. [PMID: 35697801 PMCID: PMC9750861 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-022-00484-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) expand in response to malignancy and suppress responsiveness to immunotherapy, including checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs). Within the liver, MDSCs have unique immunosuppressive features. While TLR9 agonists have shown promising activities in enhancing CPI responsiveness in superficial tumors amenable to direct needle injection, clinical success for liver tumors with TLR9 agonists has been limited by delivery challenges. Here, we report that regional intravascular infusion of ODN2395 into mice with liver metastasis (LM) partially eliminated liver MDSCs and reprogrammed residual MDSC. TLR9 agonist regional infusion also induced an increase in the M1/M2 macrophage ratio. Enhanced TLR9 signaling was demonstrated by an increased activation of in NFκB (pP65) and production of IL6 compared with systemic infusion. Further, PBMC-derived human MDSCs express TLR9, and treatment with class C TLR9 agonists (ODN2395 and SD101) reduced the expansion of MDSC population. TLR9 stimulation induced MDSC apoptosis and increased the M1/M2 macrophage ratio. Regional TLR9 agonist infusion along with systemic anti-PD-1 therapy improved control of LM. With effective delivery, TLR9 agonists have the potential to favorably reprogram the liver TME through reduction of MDSCs and favorable macrophage polarization, which may improve responsiveness to systemic CPI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra C. Ghosh
- grid.240606.60000 0004 0430 1740Roger Williams Medical Center, Immuno-oncology Institute, Providence, RI USA ,TriSalus™ Life Sciences, Inc., Westminster, CO USA
| | - Kara R. Heatherton
- grid.240606.60000 0004 0430 1740Roger Williams Medical Center, Immuno-oncology Institute, Providence, RI USA
| | - Kyle P. O’ Connell
- grid.240606.60000 0004 0430 1740Roger Williams Medical Center, Immuno-oncology Institute, Providence, RI USA
| | - Ian S. Alexander
- grid.240606.60000 0004 0430 1740Roger Williams Medical Center, Immuno-oncology Institute, Providence, RI USA ,TriSalus™ Life Sciences, Inc., Westminster, CO USA ,grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Northwestern University, Evanston, IL USA
| | - Deborah A. Greer
- grid.240606.60000 0004 0430 1740Roger Williams Medical Center, Immuno-oncology Institute, Providence, RI USA
| | - Jason LaPorte
- grid.240606.60000 0004 0430 1740Roger Williams Medical Center, Immuno-oncology Institute, Providence, RI USA ,TriSalus™ Life Sciences, Inc., Westminster, CO USA
| | - Prajna Guha
- grid.240606.60000 0004 0430 1740Roger Williams Medical Center, Immuno-oncology Institute, Providence, RI USA ,TriSalus™ Life Sciences, Inc., Westminster, CO USA ,grid.239424.a0000 0001 2183 6745Department of Surgery, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA USA
| | - Bryan F. Cox
- TriSalus™ Life Sciences, Inc., Westminster, CO USA
| | - Steven C. Katz
- grid.240606.60000 0004 0430 1740Roger Williams Medical Center, Immuno-oncology Institute, Providence, RI USA ,TriSalus™ Life Sciences, Inc., Westminster, CO USA ,grid.239424.a0000 0001 2183 6745Department of Surgery, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA USA ,grid.240606.60000 0004 0430 1740Department of Medicine, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, RI USA
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5
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Jacquet A. Nucleic acid vaccines and CpG oligodeoxynucleotides for allergen immunotherapy. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2021; 21:569-575. [PMID: 34387280 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Molecular forms of allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) are continuously emerging to improve the efficacy of the treatment, to shorten the duration of protocols and to prevent any side effects. The present review covers the recent progress in the development of AIT based on nucleic acid encoding allergens or CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODN). RECENT FINDINGS Therapeutic vaccinations with plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) encoding major shrimp Met e 1 or insect For t 2 allergen were effective for the treatment of food or insect bite allergy in respective animal models. DNA expressing hypoallergenic shrimp tropomyosin activated Foxp3+ T regulatory (Treg) cells whereas DNA encoding For t 2 down-regulated the expression of pruritus-inducing IL-31. Co-administrations of major cat allergen Fel d 1 with high doses of CpG-ODN reduced Th2 airway inflammation through tolerance induction mediated by GATA3+ Foxp3hi Treg cells as well as early anti-inflammatory TNF/TNFR2 signaling cascade. Non-canonical CpG-ODN derived from Cryptococcus neoformans as well as methylated CpG sites present in the genomic DNA from Bifidobacterium infantis mediated Th1 or Treg cell differentiation respectively. SUMMARY Recent studies on plasmid DNA encoding allergens evidenced their therapeutic potential for the treatment of food allergy and atopic dermatitis. Unmethylated or methylated CpG-ODNs were shown to activate dose-dependent Treg/Th1 responses. Large clinical trials need to be conducted to confirm these promising preclinical data. Moreover, tremendous success of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 must encourage as well the re-exploration of mRNA vaccine platform for innovative AIT.
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MESH Headings
- Allergens/administration & dosage
- Allergens/genetics
- Allergens/immunology
- Animals
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Desensitization, Immunologic/methods
- Desensitization, Immunologic/trends
- Disease Models, Animal
- Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
- Humans
- Hypersensitivity, Immediate/immunology
- Hypersensitivity, Immediate/therapy
- Oligodeoxyribonucleotides/administration & dosage
- Oligodeoxyribonucleotides/genetics
- Oligodeoxyribonucleotides/immunology
- Plasmids/administration & dosage
- Plasmids/genetics
- Plasmids/immunology
- Treatment Outcome
- Vaccines, DNA/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, DNA/genetics
- Vaccines, DNA/immunology
- Vaccines, Synthetic/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, Synthetic/genetics
- Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
- mRNA Vaccines
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Jacquet
- Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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6
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NUDT2 initiates viral RNA degradation by removal of 5'-phosphates. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6918. [PMID: 34824277 PMCID: PMC8616924 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27239-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
While viral replication processes are largely understood, comparably little is known on cellular mechanisms degrading viral RNA. Some viral RNAs bear a 5′-triphosphate (PPP-) group that impairs degradation by the canonical 5′-3′ degradation pathway. Here we show that the Nudix hydrolase 2 (NUDT2) trims viral PPP-RNA into monophosphorylated (P)-RNA, which serves as a substrate for the 5′-3′ exonuclease XRN1. NUDT2 removes 5′-phosphates from PPP-RNA in an RNA sequence- and overhang-independent manner and its ablation in cells increases growth of PPP-RNA viruses, suggesting an involvement in antiviral immunity. NUDT2 is highly homologous to bacterial RNA pyrophosphatase H (RppH), a protein involved in the metabolism of bacterial mRNA, which is 5′-tri- or diphosphorylated. Our results show a conserved function between bacterial RppH and mammalian NUDT2, indicating that the function may have adapted from a protein responsible for RNA turnover in bacteria into a protein involved in the immune defense in mammals. RNA of some viruses is protected from degradation by a 5′ triphosphate group. Here the authors identify nudix hydrolase 2 (NUDT2) as novel antiviral defense protein that dephosphorylates viral RNA and thereby enables its degradation.
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7
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Putzke S, Feldhues E, Heep I, Ilg T, Lamprecht A. Cationic lipid/pDNA complex formation as potential generic method to generate specific IRF pathway stimulators. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2020; 155:112-121. [PMID: 32798666 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2020.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Cationic liposome - CpG DNA complexes (lipoplexes) are known as stimulators of innate immunity via Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9)-triggered activation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. More recent reports suggest that DNA lipoplexes also engage DNA sensors in the cytosol leading to the stimulation of the interferon response factor (IRF) pathway. In this study a range of lipoplexes were formulated by using an invariable helper lipid, three different cationic lipids (DOTAP, DOTMA and DDA) and three different CpG-containing plasmids of different sizes. These lipoplexes exhibited similar hydrodynamic diameters, zeta-potentials and plasmid loading rates, despite the different lipid blends and CpG-containing plasmids. Binding and uptake of liposomal lipids by J774.A1 macrophages and JAWSII dendritic cells increased significantly (up to 4-fold) upon lipoplex formation. Cellular plasmid DNA uptake via lipoplexes compared to naked DNA was increased up to 18-fold. Analysis of signal transduction pathway activation in J774-DUAL™ reporter cells by liposomes or naked CpG plasmid DNA compared to their derived lipoplexes showed only minor activation of the NF-κB pathway, while the IRF pathway displayed massive activation factors of up to 46-fold. DOTAP- and DOTMA lipoplexes also led to massive interferon-alpha and -beta secretion of J774A.1 macrophages and JAWSII dendritic cells, which is a hallmark of IRF pathway activation. Cellular distribution studies on DOTAP lipoplexes suggest delivery of plasmid DNA via vesicular compartments into the cytosol. Taken together, the CpG plasmid DNA lipoplexes generated in this study appear to selectively stimulate DNA receptors activating the IRF pathway, while bypassing TLR9 and NF-κB activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Putzke
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany; Bayer Animal Health GmbH, 40789 Monheim am Rhein, Germany
| | | | - Iris Heep
- Bayer Animal Health GmbH, 40789 Monheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - Thomas Ilg
- Bayer Animal Health GmbH, 40789 Monheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - Alf Lamprecht
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Bonn, 53121 Bonn, Germany.
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8
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Chang CJ. Immune sensing of DNA and strategies for fish DNA vaccine development. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 101:252-260. [PMID: 32247047 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2020.03.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Studies of DNA vaccines have shown that understanding the mechanism of DNA vaccine-mediated action is the key for vaccine development. Current knowledge has shown the presence of antigen presenting cells (APCs) involving in B and T cells at the muscle injection site and the upregulation of type I interferon (IFN-I) that initiates antiviral response and benefits adaptive immunity in fish DNA vaccines. IFN-I may be triggered by expressed antigen such as the rhabdovirus G protein encoded DNA vaccine or by plasmid DNA itself through cytosolic DNA sensing. The investigating of Toll-like receptor 9, and 21 are the CpG-motif sensors in many fish species, and the cytosolic DNA receptors DDX41 and downstream STING signaling revealed the mechanisms for IFN-I production. This review article describes the recent finding of receptors for cytosolic DNA, the STING-TBK1-IRF signaling, and the possibility of turning these findings into strategies for the future development of DNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Jung Chang
- Laboratory of Fish Immunology, Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
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9
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Adam L, Tchitchek N, Todorova B, Rosenbaum P, Joly C, Poux C, Chapon C, Spetz AL, Ustav M, Le Grand R, Martinon F. Innate Molecular and Cellular Signature in the Skin Preceding Long-Lasting T Cell Responses after Electroporated DNA Vaccination. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 204:3375-3388. [PMID: 32385135 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1900517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
DNA vaccines delivered with electroporation (EP) have shown promising results in preclinical models and are evaluated in clinical trials. In this study, we aim to characterize early mechanisms occurring in the skin after intradermal injection and EP of the auxoGTUmultiSIV DNA vaccine in nonhuman primates. First, we show that EP acts as an adjuvant by enhancing local inflammation, notably via granulocytes, monocytes/macrophages, and CD1aint-expressing cell recruitment. EP also induced Langerhans cell maturation, illustrated by CD86, CD83, and HLA-DR upregulation and their migration out of the epidermis. Second, we demonstrate the crucial role of the DNA vaccine in soluble factors release, such as MCP-1 or IL-15. Transcriptomic analysis showed that EP played a major role in gene expression changes postvaccination. However, the DNA vaccine is required to strongly upregulate several genes involved in inflammatory responses (e.g., Saa4), cell migration (e.g., Ccl3, Ccl5, or Cxcl10), APC activation (e.g., Cd86), and IFN-inducible genes (e.g., Ifit3, Ifit5, Irf7, Isg15, orMx1), illustrating an antiviral response signature. Also, AIM-2, a cytosolic DNA sensor, appeared to be strongly upregulated only in the presence of the DNA vaccine and trends to positively correlate with several IFN-inducible genes, suggesting the potential role of AIM-2 in vaccine sensing and the subsequent innate response activation leading to strong adaptive T cell responses. Overall, these results demonstrate that a combined stimulation of the immune response, in which EP and the auxoGTUmultiSIV vaccine triggered different components of the innate immunity, led to strong and persistent cellular recall responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucille Adam
- Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases, Infectious Disease Models and Innovative Therapies Department, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Université Paris-Sud 11, INSERM U1184, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Nicolas Tchitchek
- Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases, Infectious Disease Models and Innovative Therapies Department, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Université Paris-Sud 11, INSERM U1184, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Biliana Todorova
- Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases, Infectious Disease Models and Innovative Therapies Department, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Université Paris-Sud 11, INSERM U1184, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Pierre Rosenbaum
- Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases, Infectious Disease Models and Innovative Therapies Department, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Université Paris-Sud 11, INSERM U1184, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Candie Joly
- Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases, Infectious Disease Models and Innovative Therapies Department, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Université Paris-Sud 11, INSERM U1184, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Candice Poux
- Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases, Infectious Disease Models and Innovative Therapies Department, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Université Paris-Sud 11, INSERM U1184, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Catherine Chapon
- Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases, Infectious Disease Models and Innovative Therapies Department, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Université Paris-Sud 11, INSERM U1184, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Anna-Lena Spetz
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden; and
| | - Mart Ustav
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Roger Le Grand
- Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases, Infectious Disease Models and Innovative Therapies Department, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Université Paris-Sud 11, INSERM U1184, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Frédéric Martinon
- Immunology of Viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases, Infectious Disease Models and Innovative Therapies Department, Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, Université Paris-Sud 11, INSERM U1184, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France;
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10
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Pratti JES, da Fonseca Martins AM, da Silva JP, Ramos TD, Pereira JC, Firmino-Cruz L, Oliveira-Maciel D, Vieira TSDS, Lacerda LL, Vale AM, Freire-de-Lima CG, Gomes DCO, Saraiva EM, Rossi-Bergmann B, de Matos Guedes HL. The role of TLR9 on Leishmania amazonensis infection and its influence on intranasal LaAg vaccine efficacy. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007146. [PMID: 30802247 PMCID: PMC6405171 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leishmania (L.) amazonensis is one of the etiological agents of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Brazil. Currently, there is no vaccine approved for human use against leishmaniasis, although several vaccine preparations are in experimental stages. One of them is Leishvacin, or LaAg, a first-generation vaccine composed of total L. amazonensis antigens that has consistently shown an increase of mouse resistance against CL when administered intranasally (i.n.). Since Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) is highly expressed in the nasal mucosa and LaAg is composed of TLR9-binding DNA CpG motifs, in this study we proposed to investigate the role of TLR9 in both L. amazonensis infection and in LaAg vaccine efficacy in C57BL/6 (WT) mice and TLR9-/- mice. First, we evaluated, the infection of macrophages by L. amazonensis in vitro, showing no significant difference between macrophages from WT and TLR9-/- mice in terms of both infection percentage and total number of intracellular amastigotes, as well as NO production. In addition, neutrophils from WT and TLR9-/- mice had similar capacity to produce neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in response to L. amazonensis. L. amazonensis did not activate dendritic cells from WT and TLR9-/- mice, analysed by MHCII and CD86 expression. However, in vivo, TLR9-/- mice were slightly more susceptible to L. amazonensis infection than WT mice, presenting a larger lesion and an increased parasite load at the peak of infection and in the chronic phase. The increased TLR9-/- mice susceptibility was accompanied by an increased IgG and IgG1 production; a decrease of IFN-γ in infected tissue, but not IL-4 and IL-10; and a decreased number of IFN-γ producing CD8+ T cells, but not CD4+ T cells in the lesion-draining lymph nodes. Also, TLR9-/- mice could not control parasite growth following i.n. LaAg vaccination unlike the WT mice. This protection failure was associated with a reduction of the hypersensitivity response induced by immunization. The TLR9-/- vaccinated mice failed to respond to antigen stimulation and to produce IFN-γ by lymph node cells. Together, these results suggest that TLR9 contributes to C57BL/6 mouse resistance against L. amazonensis, and that the TLR9-binding LaAg comprising CpG motifs may be important for intranasal vaccine efficacy against CL.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandra Marcia da Fonseca Martins
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Department of Immunology, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Juliana Paiva da Silva
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Tadeu Diniz Ramos
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Joyce Carvalho Pereira
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luan Firmino-Cruz
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Diogo Oliveira-Maciel
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Thiago Soares de Souza Vieira
- Department of Immunology, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Leandra Linhares Lacerda
- Department of Immunology, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Andre Macedo Vale
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Celio G. Freire-de-Lima
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Daniel C. Oliveira Gomes
- Laboratório de Imunobiologia, Núcleo de Doenças Infecciosas/ Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, ES, Brazil
| | - Elvira M. Saraiva
- Department of Immunology, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Bartira Rossi-Bergmann
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Herbert Leonel de Matos Guedes
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Núcleo Multidisciplinar de Pesquisa UFRJ–Xerém em Biologia (NUMPEX-BIO), Campus Duque de Caxias Professor Geraldo Cidade (Polo Avançado de Xerém), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Duque de Caxias, RJ, Brazil
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11
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Suschak JJ, Williams JA, Schmaljohn CS. Advancements in DNA vaccine vectors, non-mechanical delivery methods, and molecular adjuvants to increase immunogenicity. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2017. [PMID: 28604157 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
A major advantage of DNA vaccination is the ability to induce both humoral and cellular immune responses. DNA vaccines are currently used in veterinary medicine, but have not achieved widespread acceptance for use in humans due to their low immunogenicity in early clinical studies. However, recent clinical data have re-established the value of DNA vaccines, particularly in priming high-level antigen-specific antibody responses. Several approaches have been investigated for improving DNA vaccine efficacy, including advancements in DNA vaccine vector design, the inclusion of genetically engineered cytokine adjuvants, and novel non-mechanical delivery methods. These strategies have shown promise, resulting in augmented adaptive immune responses in not only mice, but also in large animal models. Here, we review advancements in each of these areas that show promise for increasing the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Suschak
- a U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases , Fort Detrick , MD , USA
| | | | - Connie S Schmaljohn
- a U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases , Fort Detrick , MD , USA
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12
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Ilg T. Investigations on the molecular mode of action of the novel immunostimulator ZelNate: Activation of the cGAS-STING pathway in mammalian cells. Mol Immunol 2017; 90:182-189. [PMID: 28802127 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2017.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is usually prevented or treated with vaccines and/or antibiotics. The use of antibiotics is, however, of concern due to the potential promotion of microbial resistance and the occurrence of residues. Recently an alternative aid in the treatment of BRD, the cationic lipid/bacterial plasmid DNA liposome-based immunomodulator ZelNate, has entered the veterinary market. In the present study, we provide data on the molecular mode of action of ZelNate. Despite the presence of numerous non-methylated CpG motifs in its plasmid DNA, ZelNate proved to be inactive on human and mouse toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) in cell culture, in both recombinant and natural cellular receptor settings. However, in the human monocyte cell line THP1 and in the mouse melanoma cell line B16, ZelNate activates strongly the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway, which is known to lead predominantly to interferon response factor 3 (IRF3) activation. Further analysis in THP1 cells suggests that the ZelNate plasmid DNA activates STING via interaction with cyclic guanylate adenylate synthase (cGAS), but not via interferon induced gene 16 (IFI16). Our in vitro observations suggest that ZelNate may act predominantly via the cGAS/STING/IRF3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ilg
- Bayer Animal Health GmbH, Alfred-Nobel-Strasse 50, 40789 Monheim, Germany.
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13
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Suschak JJ, Williams JA, Schmaljohn CS. Advancements in DNA vaccine vectors, non-mechanical delivery methods, and molecular adjuvants to increase immunogenicity. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2017; 13:2837-2848. [PMID: 28604157 PMCID: PMC5718814 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2017.1330236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A major advantage of DNA vaccination is the ability to induce both humoral and cellular immune responses. DNA vaccines are currently used in veterinary medicine, but have not achieved widespread acceptance for use in humans due to their low immunogenicity in early clinical studies. However, recent clinical data have re-established the value of DNA vaccines, particularly in priming high-level antigen-specific antibody responses. Several approaches have been investigated for improving DNA vaccine efficacy, including advancements in DNA vaccine vector design, the inclusion of genetically engineered cytokine adjuvants, and novel non-mechanical delivery methods. These strategies have shown promise, resulting in augmented adaptive immune responses in not only mice, but also in large animal models. Here, we review advancements in each of these areas that show promise for increasing the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Suschak
- a U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases , Fort Detrick , MD , USA
| | | | - Connie S Schmaljohn
- a U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases , Fort Detrick , MD , USA
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14
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Abstract
DNA vaccines offer many advantages over other anti-tumor vaccine approaches due to their simplicity, ease of manufacturing, and safety. Results from several clinical trials in patients with cancer have demonstrated that DNA vaccines are safe and can elicit immune responses. However, to date few DNA vaccines have progressed beyond phase I clinical trial evaluation. Studies into the mechanism of action of DNA vaccines in terms of antigen-presenting cell types able to directly present or cross-present DNA-encoded antigens, and the activation of innate immune responses due to DNA itself, have suggested opportunities to increase the immunogenicity of these vaccines. In addition, studies into the mechanisms of tumor resistance to anti-tumor vaccination have suggested combination approaches that can increase the anti-tumor effect of DNA vaccines. This review focuses on these mechanisms of action and mechanisms of resistance using DNA vaccines, and how this information is being used to improve the anti-tumor effect of DNA vaccines. These approaches are then specifically discussed in the context of human prostate cancer, a disease for which DNA vaccines have been and continue to be explored as treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D Zahm
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, United States
| | - Viswa Teja Colluru
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, United States
| | - Douglas G McNeel
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, United States.
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Bagley KC, Schwartz JA, Andersen H, Eldridge JH, Xu R, Ota-Setlik A, Geltz JJ, Halford WP, Fouts TR. An Interleukin 12 Adjuvanted Herpes Simplex Virus 2 DNA Vaccine Is More Protective Than a Glycoprotein D Subunit Vaccine in a High-Dose Murine Challenge Model. Viral Immunol 2017; 30:178-195. [PMID: 28085634 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2016.0136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccination is a proven intervention against human viral diseases; however, success against Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2) remains elusive. Most HSV-2 vaccines tested in humans to date contained just one or two immunogens, such as the virion attachment receptor glycoprotein D (gD) and/or the envelope fusion protein, glycoprotein B (gB). At least three factors may have contributed to the failures of subunit-based HSV-2 vaccines. First, immune responses directed against one or two viral antigens may lack sufficient antigenic breadth for efficacy. Second, the antibody responses elicited by these vaccines may have lacked necessary Fc-mediated effector functions. Third, these subunit vaccines may not have generated necessary protective cellular immune responses. We hypothesized that a polyvalent combination of HSV-2 antigens expressed from a DNA vaccine with an adjuvant that polarizes immune responses toward a T helper 1 (Th1) phenotype would compose a more effective vaccine. We demonstrate that delivery of DNA expressing full-length HSV-2 glycoprotein immunogens by electroporation with the adjuvant interleukin 12 (IL-12) generates substantially greater protection against a high-dose HSV-2 vaginal challenge than a recombinant gD subunit vaccine adjuvanted with alum and monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL). Our results further show that DNA vaccines targeting optimal combinations of surface glycoproteins provide better protection than gD alone and provide similar survival benefits and disease symptom reductions compared with a potent live attenuated HSV-2 0ΔNLS vaccine, but that mice vaccinated with HSV-2 0ΔNLS clear the virus much faster. Together, our data indicate that adjuvanted multivalent DNA vaccines hold promise for an effective HSV-2 vaccine, but that further improvements may be required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Rong Xu
- 3 Profectus Biosciences , Tarrytown, New York
| | | | - Joshua J Geltz
- 4 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine , Springfield, Illinois
| | - William P Halford
- 4 Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine , Springfield, Illinois
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Abstract
DNA plasmids can be used to induce a protective (or therapeutic) immune response by delivering genes encoding vaccine antigens. That naked DNA (without the refinement of coat proteins or host evasion systems) can cross from outside the cell into the nucleus and be expressed is particularly remarkable given the sophistication of the immune system in preventing infection by pathogens. As a result of the ease, low cost, and speed of custom gene synthesis, DNA vaccines dangle a tantalizing prospect of the next wave of vaccine technology, promising individual designer vaccines for cancer or mass vaccines with a rapid response time to emerging pandemics. There is considerable enthusiasm for the use of DNA vaccination as an approach, but this enthusiasm should be tempered by the successive failures in clinical trials to induce a potent immune response. The technology is evolving with the development of improved delivery systems that increase expression levels, particularly electroporation and the incorporation of genetically encoded adjuvants. This review will introduce some key concepts in the use of DNA plasmids as vaccines, including how the DNA enters the cell and is expressed, how it induces an immune response, and a summary of clinical trials with DNA vaccines. The review also explores the advances being made in vector design, delivery, formulation, and adjuvants to try to realize the promise of this technology for new vaccines. If the immunogenicity and expression barriers can be cracked, then DNA vaccines may offer a step change in mass vaccination.
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Abstract
In the two decades since their initial discovery, DNA vaccines technologies have come a long way. Unfortunately, when applied to human subjects inadequate immunogenicity is still the biggest challenge for practical DNA vaccine use. Many different strategies have been tested in preclinical models to address this problem, including novel plasmid vectors and codon optimization to enhance antigen expression, new gene transfection systems or electroporation to increase delivery efficiency, protein or live virus vector boosting regimens to maximise immune stimulation, and formulation of DNA vaccines with traditional or molecular adjuvants. Better understanding of the mechanisms of action of DNA vaccines has also enabled better use of the intrinsic host response to DNA to improve vaccine immunogenicity. This review summarizes recent advances in DNA vaccine technologies and related intracellular events and how these might impact on future directions of DNA vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- a Vaxine Pty Ltd, Bedford Park , Adelaide , Australia.,b Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology , Flinders University, Flinders Medical Centre , Adelaide , SA , Australia
| | - Nikolai Petrovsky
- a Vaxine Pty Ltd, Bedford Park , Adelaide , Australia.,b Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology , Flinders University, Flinders Medical Centre , Adelaide , SA , Australia
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Lambricht L, Lopes A, Kos S, Sersa G, Préat V, Vandermeulen G. Clinical potential of electroporation for gene therapy and DNA vaccine delivery. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2015; 13:295-310. [PMID: 26578324 DOI: 10.1517/17425247.2016.1121990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Electroporation allows efficient delivery of DNA into cells and tissues, thereby improving the expression of therapeutic or immunogenic proteins that are encoded by plasmid DNA. This simple and versatile method holds a great potential and could address unmet medical needs such as the prevention or treatment of many cancers or infectious diseases. AREAS COVERED This review explores the electroporation mechanism and the parameters affecting its efficacy. An analysis of past and current clinical trials focused on DNA electroporation is presented. The pathologies addressed, the protocol used, the treatment outcome and the tolerability are highlighted. In addition, several of the possible optimization strategies for improving patient compliance and therapeutic efficacy are discussed such as plasmid design, use of genetic adjuvants for DNA vaccines, choice of appropriate delivery site and electrodes as well as pulse parameters. EXPERT OPINION The growing number of clinical trials and the results already available underline the strong potential of DNA electroporation which combines both safety and efficiency. Nevertheless, it remains critical to further increase fundamental knowledge to refine future strategies, to develop concerted and common DNA electroporation protocols and to continue exploring new electroporation-based therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure Lambricht
- a Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute , Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Alessandra Lopes
- a Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute , Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Spela Kos
- b Institute of Oncology Ljubljana , Department of Experimental Oncology , Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- b Institute of Oncology Ljubljana , Department of Experimental Oncology , Ljubljana , Slovenia
| | - Véronique Préat
- a Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute , Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Gaëlle Vandermeulen
- a Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute , Advanced Drug Delivery and Biomaterials , Brussels , Belgium
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Suschak JJ, Wang S, Fitzgerald KA, Lu S. A cGAS-Independent STING/IRF7 Pathway Mediates the Immunogenicity of DNA Vaccines. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 196:310-6. [PMID: 26590319 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1501836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
It has been known since the discovery of DNA vaccines >20 y ago that DNA vaccines can function as adjuvants. Our recent study reported the involvement of Aim2 as the sensor of DNA vaccines in eliciting Ag-specific Ab responses. Our findings indicated the presence of previously unrecognized innate immune response pathways in addition to the TLR9 pathway, which is mainly activated by the CpG motifs of DNA vaccines. Our data further demonstrated the requirement of type I IFN in DNA vaccine-induced immune responses via the Aim2 pathway, but the exact downstream molecular mechanism was not characterized. In the present study, we investigated the roles of the putative DNA sensor cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGas), as well as the downstream IFN regulatory factors (IRF) 3 and 7 in type I IFN induction and Ag-specific immune responses elicited by DNA vaccination. Our results showed that DNA vaccine-induced, Irf7-dependent signaling, as part of the Sting pathway, was critical for generation of both innate cytokine signaling and Ag-specific B and T cell responses. In contrast, Irf3 was not as critical as expected in this pathway and, more surprisingly, immune responses elicited by DNA vaccines were not cGas-dependent in vivo. Data from this study provide more details on the innate immune mechanisms involved in DNA vaccination and further enrich our understanding on the potential utility of DNA vaccines in generating Ag-specific immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Suschak
- Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Vaccines, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655; and
| | - Shixia Wang
- Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Vaccines, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655; and
| | - Katherine A Fitzgerald
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655
| | - Shan Lu
- Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Vaccines, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655; and
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Wang Q, Liu X, Zhou Q, Wang C. Cytosolic sensing of aberrant DNA: arming STING on the endoplasmic reticulum. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2015. [PMID: 26220155 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2015.1067303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Detection of pathogen-derived nucleic acids is a general and effective strategy used by the host to perceive the presence of invading microorganisms and initiate an innate immune response. However, inappropriate detection of aberrant self nucleic acids is implicated in the development of autoimmune diseases. Recently, ER-resident stimulator of interferon genes (STING) has been uncovered as a key component in the innate immune response to cytosolic nucleic acids and a direct sensor for bacterial cyclic dinucleotides. The elucidation of STING-mediated signaling will provide insight into host-microbial interactions and contribute to the development of novel strategies for anti-infection therapies. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the cellular and molecular processes of host sensing and responding to microbial or endogenous aberrant DNA species, highlighting the essential function of STING and the corresponding regulatory mechanisms. The authors also attempt to delineate the role for the DNA-sensing signaling during the onset and progression of autoimmune diseases and suggest improvements in the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines. EXPERT OPINION It is essential to elucidate how the STING-dependent signaling mediates the DNA vaccines action as well as the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. The relevant knowledge will greatly benefit the treatment of infectious diseases and identify potential targets for effective drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wang
- a 1 Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xing Liu
- a 1 Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Qin Zhou
- b 2 Chongqing Medical University, The College of Laboratory Medicine , 1 Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Chen Wang
- a 1 Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 200031, China
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21
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Buaklin A, Palaga T, Hannaman D, Kerdkaew R, Patarakul K, Jacquet A. Optimization of the immunogenicity of a DNA vaccine encoding a bacterial outer membrane lipoprotein. Mol Biotechnol 2015; 56:903-10. [PMID: 24870617 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-014-9769-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial outer membrane lipoproteins represent potent immunogens for the design of recombinant subunit vaccines. However, recombinant lipoprotein production and purification could be a challenge notably in terms of expression yield, protein solubility, and post-translational acylation. Together with the cost effectiveness, facilitated production, and purification as well as good stability, DNA-based vaccines encoding lipoproteins could become an alternative strategy for antibacterial vaccinations. Although the immunogenicity and the efficacy of DNA-based vaccines can be demonstrated in small rodents, such vaccine candidates could request concrete optimization as they are weak immunogens in primates and humans and particularly when administered by conventional injection. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to optimize the immunogenicity of a DNA vaccine encoding an outer membrane lipoprotein. LipL32, the major outer membrane protein from pathogenic Leptospira, was selected as a model antigen. We evaluated the influence of antigen secretion, the in vivo DNA delivery by electroporation, the adjuvant co-administration, as well as the heterologous prime-boost regimen on the induction of anti-LipL32 specific immune responses. Our results clearly showed that, following transfections, a DNA construct based on the authentic full-length LipL32 gene (containing leader sequence and the N-terminus cysteine residue involved in the protein anchoring) drives antigen secretion with the same efficiency as a plasmid-encoding anchor-less LipL32 and for which the bacterial leader sequence was replaced with a viral signal peptide. The in vivo DNA delivery by electroporation drastically enhanced the production of strong Th1 responses characterized by specific IgG2a antibodies and the IFNγ secretion in a restimulation assay, regardless of the DNA constructs used. In comparison with the heterologous prime-boost regimen, the homologous prime-boost vaccinations with DNA co-administrated with polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) generated the highest specific IgG and IgG2a titers as well as the greatest IFNγ production. Taken together, these data suggest that optimization of outer membrane lipoprotein secretion is not critical for the induction of antigen-specific responses through DNA vaccination. Moreover, the potent antibody response induced by DNA plasmid encoding lipoprotein formulated with poly I:C and delivered through electroporation provides the rationale for the design of new prophylactic vaccines against pathogenic bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Buaklin
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Oor-Por-Ror Building, 15th floor, Room # 1510B2 1873 Rama IV Road, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
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23
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Suschak JJ, Wang S, Fitzgerald KA, Lu S. Identification of Aim2 as a sensor for DNA vaccines. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 194:630-6. [PMID: 25488991 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1402530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Recent human study data have re-established the value of DNA vaccines, especially in priming high-level Ag-specific Ab responses, but also raised questions about the mechanisms responsible for such effects. Whereas previous reports have shown involvement of downstream signaling molecules in the innate immune system, the current study investigated the role of absent in melanoma 2 (Aim2) as a sensor for DNA vaccines. The Aim2 inflammasome directs maturation of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 and an inflammatory form of cell death called pyroptosis. Both the humoral and cellular Ag-specific adaptive responses were significantly reduced in Aim2-deficient mice in an IL-1β/IL-18-independent manner after DNA vaccination. Surprisingly, Aim2-deficient mice also exhibited significantly lower levels of IFN-α/β at the site of injection. These results indicate a previously unreported link between DNA vaccine-induced pyroptotic cell death and vaccine immunogenicity that is instrumental in shaping the Ag-specific immune response to DNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Suschak
- Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Vaccines, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655; and
| | - Shixia Wang
- Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Vaccines, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655; and
| | - Katherine A Fitzgerald
- Program in Innate Immunity, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655
| | - Shan Lu
- Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Vaccines, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655; and
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Xu Y, Yuen PW, Lam JKW. Intranasal DNA Vaccine for Protection against Respiratory Infectious Diseases: The Delivery Perspectives. Pharmaceutics 2014; 6:378-415. [PMID: 25014738 PMCID: PMC4190526 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics6030378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Revised: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Intranasal delivery of DNA vaccines has become a popular research area recently. It offers some distinguished advantages over parenteral and other routes of vaccine administration. Nasal mucosa as site of vaccine administration can stimulate respiratory mucosal immunity by interacting with the nasopharyngeal-associated lymphoid tissues (NALT). Different kinds of DNA vaccines are investigated to provide protection against respiratory infectious diseases including tuberculosis, coronavirus, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) etc. DNA vaccines have several attractive development potential, such as producing cross-protection towards different virus subtypes, enabling the possibility of mass manufacture in a relatively short time and a better safety profile. The biggest obstacle to DNA vaccines is low immunogenicity. One of the approaches to enhance the efficacy of DNA vaccine is to improve DNA delivery efficiency. This review provides insight on the development of intranasal DNA vaccine for respiratory infections, with special attention paid to the strategies to improve the delivery of DNA vaccines using non-viral delivery agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Xu
- Department of Pharmacology & Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Pak-Wai Yuen
- Department of Pharmacology & Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Jenny Ka-Wing Lam
- Department of Pharmacology & Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, 21 Sassoon Road, Hong Kong, China.
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25
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Pulsawat P, Jacquet A. Is electroporation decisive for the efficacy of DNA vaccine against house dust mite allergy? Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 12:977-9. [PMID: 24053390 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2013.824710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pinya Pulsawat
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Chulalongkorn University, Faculty of Medicine, Pattayapat Building, 8th floor, Room # 807 1873 Rama IV Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand +66 2 2563659 +66 2 6523100
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Rivas-Santiago B, Cervantes-Villagrana AR. Novel approaches to tuberculosis prevention: DNA vaccines. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 46:161-8. [DOI: 10.3109/00365548.2013.871645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Pavlenko M, Leder C, Pisa P. Plasmid DNA vaccines against cancer: cytotoxic T-lymphocyte induction against tumor antigens. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 4:315-27. [PMID: 16026247 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.4.3.315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, a number of tumor vaccination strategies have been developed. Most of these rely on the identification of tumor antigens that can be recognized by the immune system. DNA vaccination represents one such approach for the induction of both humoral and cellular immune responses against tumor antigens. Studies in animal models have demonstrated the feasibility of utilizing DNA vaccination to elicit protective antitumor immune responses. However, most tumor antigens expressed by cancer cells in humans are weakly immunogenic, and therefore require the development of strategies to potentiate DNA vaccine efficacy in the clinical setting. This review focuses on recent advances in understanding of the immunology of DNA vaccines, as well as strategies used to increase DNA vaccine potency with respect to cytotoxic T-lymphocyte activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Pavlenko
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm S-171 76, Sweden.
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Abstract
Although safety concerns have been overcome, lower immunogenicity profiles of DNA vaccines have hindered their progress in humans. DNA vaccines need to make up for this limitation by altering plasmid construction through vector design innovations intended for enhancement of transgene expression and immunogenicity. The next-generation vectors also address safety issues such as selection markers. This chapter discusses (a) plasmid backbone design, (b) enhancement of antigenic protein expression and immunogenicity, and (c) vector modification to increase innate immunity. Modifications of the basic design, when combined with improved delivery devices and/or prime/boost regimens, may enhance DNA vaccine performance and clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Iurescia
- Section of Medical Biotechnology, Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133, Rome, Italy
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29
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Hafner AM, Corthésy B, Merkle HP. Particulate formulations for the delivery of poly(I:C) as vaccine adjuvant. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2013; 65:1386-99. [PMID: 23751781 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2013.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2013] [Revised: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Current research and development of antigens for vaccination often center on purified recombinant proteins, viral subunits, synthetic oligopeptides or oligosaccharides, most of them suffering from being poorly immunogenic and subject to degradation. Hence, they call for efficient delivery systems and potent immunostimulants, jointly denoted as adjuvants. Particulate delivery systems like emulsions, liposomes, nanoparticles and microspheres may provide protection from degradation and facilitate the co-formulation of both the antigen and the immunostimulant. Synthetic double-stranded (ds) RNA, such as polyriboinosinic acid-polyribocytidylic acid, poly(I:C), is a mimic of viral dsRNA and, as such, a promising immunostimulant candidate for vaccines directed against intracellular pathogens. Poly(I:C) signaling is primarily dependent on Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), and on melanoma differentiation-associated gene-5 (MDA-5), and strongly drives cell-mediated immunity and a potent type I interferon response. However, stability and toxicity issues so far prevented the clinical application of dsRNAs as they undergo rapid enzymatic degradation and bear the potential to trigger undue immune stimulation as well as autoimmune disorders. This review addresses these concerns and suggests strategies to improve the safety and efficacy of immunostimulatory dsRNA formulations. The focus is on technological means required to lower the necessary dosage of poly(I:C), to target surface-modified microspheres passively or actively to antigen-presenting cells (APCs), to control their interaction with non-professional phagocytes and to modulate the resulting cytokine secretion profile.
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Coban C, Kobiyama K, Jounai N, Tozuka M, Ishii KJ. DNA vaccines: a simple DNA sensing matter? Hum Vaccin Immunother 2013; 9:2216-21. [PMID: 23912600 PMCID: PMC3906407 DOI: 10.4161/hv.25893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the introduction of DNA vaccines two decades ago, this attractive strategy has been hampered by its low immunogenicity in humans. Studies conducted to improve the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines have shown that understanding the mechanism of action of DNA vaccines might be the key to successfully improving their immunogenicity. Our current understanding is that DNA vaccines induce innate and adaptive immune responses in two ways: (1) encoded protein (or polypeptide) antigen(s) by the DNA plasmid can be expressed in stromal cells (i.e., muscle cells) as well as DCs, where these antigens are processed and presented to naïve CD4 or CD8 T cells either by direct or cross presentation, respectively; and (2) the transfected DNA plasmid itself may bind to an un-identified cytosolic DNA sensor and activate the TBK1-STING pathway and the production of type I interferons (IFNs) which function as an adjuvant. Recent studies investigating double-stranded cytosolic DNA sensor(s) have highlighted new mechanisms in which cytosolic DNA may release secondary metabolites, which are in turn recognized by a novel DNA sensing machinery. Here, we discuss these new metabolites and the possibilities of translating this knowledge into improved immunogenicity for DNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cevayir Coban
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology; WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC); Osaka University; Osaka, Japan
| | - Kouji Kobiyama
- Laboratory of Adjuvant Innovation; National Institute of Biomedical Innovation; Osaka, Japan; Laboratory of Vaccine Science; IFReC; Osaka University; Osaka, Japan
| | - Nao Jounai
- Laboratory of Adjuvant Innovation; National Institute of Biomedical Innovation; Osaka, Japan
| | - Miyuki Tozuka
- Laboratory of Adjuvant Innovation; National Institute of Biomedical Innovation; Osaka, Japan
| | - Ken J Ishii
- Laboratory of Adjuvant Innovation; National Institute of Biomedical Innovation; Osaka, Japan; Laboratory of Vaccine Science; IFReC; Osaka University; Osaka, Japan
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Ligtenberg MA, Rojas-Colonelli N, Kiessling R, Lladser A. NF-κB activation during intradermal DNA vaccination is essential for eliciting tumor protective antigen-specific CTL responses. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2013; 9:2189-95. [PMID: 23884215 DOI: 10.4161/hv.25699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA vaccines have been shown to elicit tumor-protective cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) immunity in preclinical models, but have shown limited efficacy in cancer patients. Plasmids used for DNA vaccines can stimulate several innate immune receptors, triggering the activation of master transcription factors, including interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and nuclear factor κ B (NF-κB). These transcription factors drive the production of type I interferons (IFNs) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, which promote the induction of CTL responses. Understanding the innate immune signaling pathways triggered by DNA vaccines that control the generation of CTL responses will increase our ability to design more effective vaccines. To gain insight into the contribution of these pathways, we vaccinated mice lacking different signaling components with plasmids encoding tyrosinase-related protein 2 (TRP2) or ovalbumin (OVA) using intradermal electroporation. Antigen-specific CTL responses were detected by intracellular IFN-γ staining and in vivo cytotoxicity. Mice lacking IRF3, IFN-α receptor, IL-1β/IL-18, TLR9 or MyD88 showed similar CTL responses to wild-type mice, arguing that none of these molecules were required for the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines. To elucidate the role of NF-κB activation we co-vaccinated mice with pIκBα-SR, a plasmid encoding a mutant IκBα that blocks NF-κB activity. Mice vaccinated with pIκBα-SR and the TRP2-encoding plasmid (pTRP2) drastically reduced the frequencies of TRP2-specific CTLs and were unable to suppress lung melanoma metastasis in vivo, as compared with mice vaccinated only with pTRP2. Taken together these results indicate that the activation of NF-κB is essential for the immunogenicity of intradermal DNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarten A Ligtenberg
- Immune and Gene Therapy Laboratory; Cancer Center Karolinska; Department of Oncology and Pathology; Karolinska Institutet; Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nicole Rojas-Colonelli
- Laboratory of Gene Immunotherapy; Fundación Ciencia & Vida; Santiago, Chile; Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas; Universidad Andrés Bello; Santiago, Chile
| | - Rolf Kiessling
- Immune and Gene Therapy Laboratory; Cancer Center Karolinska; Department of Oncology and Pathology; Karolinska Institutet; Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alvaro Lladser
- Laboratory of Gene Immunotherapy; Fundación Ciencia & Vida; Santiago, Chile; Programa de Biomedicina; Universidad San Sebastián; Santiago, Chile
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Innate Immune Signaling by, and Genetic Adjuvants for DNA Vaccination. Vaccines (Basel) 2013; 1:278-92. [PMID: 26344113 PMCID: PMC4494227 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines1030278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2013] [Revised: 07/06/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA vaccines can induce both humoral and cellular immune responses. Although some DNA vaccines are already licensed for infectious diseases in animals, they are not licensed for human use because the risk and benefit of DNA vaccines is still controversial. Indeed, in humans, the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines is lower than that of other traditional vaccines. To develop the use of DNA vaccines in the clinic, various approaches are in progress to enhance or improve the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines. Recent studies have shown that immunogenicity of DNA vaccines are regulated by innate immune responses via plasmid DNA recognition through the STING-TBK1 signaling cascade. Similarly, molecules that act as dsDNA sensors that activate innate immune responses through STING-TBK1 have been identified and used as genetic adjuvants to enhance DNA vaccine immunogenicity in mouse models. However, the mechanisms that induce innate immune responses by DNA vaccines are still unclear. In this review, we will discuss innate immune signaling upon DNA vaccination and genetic adjuvants of innate immune signaling molecules.
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Hoque R, Farooq A, Malik A, Trawick BN, Berberich DW, McClurg JP, Galen KP, Mehal W. A novel small-molecule enantiomeric analogue of traditional (-)-morphinans has specific TLR9 antagonist properties and reduces sterile inflammation-induced organ damage. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 190:4297-304. [PMID: 23509352 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1202184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
TLR9 is a key determinant of the innate immune responses in both infectious and sterile injury. Specific antagonism of TLR9 is of great clinical interest to reduce tissue damage in a wide range of pathologies, and has been approached by modification of nucleic acids, the recognized ligand for TLR9. Such oligonucleotide-derived pharmacotherapeutics have limitations in specificity for nucleic acid receptors, significant potential for immunologic recognition with generation of innate and adaptive immune responses, and limited bioavailability. We have identified enantiomeric analogues of traditional (-)-morphinans as having TLR9 antagonist properties on reporter cell lines. One of these analogues (COV08-0064) is demonstrated to be a novel small-molecule antagonist of TLR9 with greater specificity for TLR9 than oligo-based antagonists. COV08-0064 has wide bioavailability, including the s.c. and oral routes. It specifically inhibits the action of TLR9 antagonists on reporter cells lines and the production of cytokines by TLR9 agonists from primary cells. It also has efficacy in limiting TLR9-mediated sterile inflammation in in vivo models of acute liver injury and acute pancreatitis. The identification of a morphinan-based novel small-molecule structure with TLR9 antagonism is a significant step in expanding therapeutic strategies in the field of sterile inflammatory injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaz Hoque
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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Li L, Saade F, Petrovsky N. The future of human DNA vaccines. J Biotechnol 2012; 162:171-82. [PMID: 22981627 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2012.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Revised: 08/01/2012] [Accepted: 08/06/2012] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
DNA vaccines have evolved greatly over the last 20 years since their invention, but have yet to become a competitive alternative to conventional protein or carbohydrate based human vaccines. Whilst safety concerns were an initial barrier, the Achilles heel of DNA vaccines remains their poor immunogenicity when compared to protein vaccines. A wide variety of strategies have been developed to optimize DNA vaccine immunogenicity, including codon optimization, genetic adjuvants, electroporation and sophisticated prime-boost regimens, with each of these methods having its advantages and limitations. Whilst each of these methods has contributed to incremental improvements in DNA vaccine efficacy, more is still needed if human DNA vaccines are to succeed commercially. This review foresees a final breakthrough in human DNA vaccines will come from application of the latest cutting-edge technologies, including "epigenetics" and "omics" approaches, alongside traditional techniques to improve immunogenicity such as adjuvants and electroporation, thereby overcoming the current limitations of DNA vaccines in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- Vaxine Pty Ltd, Bedford Park, Adelaide 5042, Australia
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35
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Desmet CJ, Ishii KJ. Nucleic acid sensing at the interface between innate and adaptive immunity in vaccination. Nat Rev Immunol 2012; 12:479-91. [PMID: 22728526 DOI: 10.1038/nri3247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 297] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The demand is currently high for new vaccination strategies, particularly to help combat problematic intracellular pathogens, such as HIV and malarial parasites. In the past decade, the identification of host receptors that recognize pathogen-derived nucleic acids has revealed an essential role for nucleic acid sensing in the triggering of immunity to intracellular pathogens. This Review first addresses our current understanding of the nucleic acid-sensing immune machinery. We then explain how the study of nucleic acid-sensing mechanisms not only has revealed their central role in driving the responses mediated by many current vaccines, but is also revealing how they could be harnessed for the design of new vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe J Desmet
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, GIGA-Research and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, B34, University of Liege, 1 Avenue de l'Hopital, B-4000 Liège, Belgium.
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Elnekave M, Furmanov K, Hovav AH. Intradermal naked plasmid DNA immunization: mechanisms of action. Expert Rev Vaccines 2012; 10:1169-82. [PMID: 21854310 DOI: 10.1586/erv.11.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Plasmid DNA is a promising vaccine modality that is regularly examined in prime-boost immunization regimens. Recent advances in skin immunity increased our understanding of the sophisticated cutaneous immune network, which revived scientific interest in delivering vaccines to the skin. Intradermal administration of plasmid DNA via needle injection is a simple and inexpensive procedure that exposes the plasmid and its encoded antigen to the dermal immune surveillance system. This triggers unique mechanisms for eliciting local and systemic immunity that can confer protection against pathogens and tumors. Understanding the mechanisms of intradermal plasmid DNA immunization is essential for enhancing and modulating its immunogenicity. With regard to vaccination, this is of greater importance as this routine injection technique is highly desirable for worldwide immunization. This article will focus on the current understanding of the mechanisms involved in antigen expression and presentation during primary and secondary syringe and needle intradermal plasmid DNA immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazal Elnekave
- Institute of Dental Sciences, Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, PO Box 122722, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
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37
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Single chain MHC I trimer-based DNA vaccines for protection against Listeria monocytogenes infection. Vaccine 2012; 30:2178-86. [PMID: 22285270 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2012.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2011] [Revised: 12/22/2011] [Accepted: 01/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
To circumvent limitations of poor antigen presentation and immunogenicity of DNA vaccines that target induction of CD8(+) T cell immunity, we have generated single chain MHC I trimers (MHC I SCTs) composed of a single polypeptide chain with a linear composition of antigenic peptide, β2-microglobulin, and heavy chain of a MHC class I molecule connected by flexible linkers. Because of its pre-assembled nature, the SCT presents enhanced expression and presentation of the antigenic peptide/MHC complexes at the cell surface. Furthermore, DNA vaccination with a plasmid DNA encoding an SCT incorporating an immunodominant viral epitope elicited protective CD8(+) T cell responses against lethal virus infection. To extend these findings, here we tested the efficacy of SCT DNA vaccines against bacterial infections. In a mouse infection model of Listeria monocytogenes, the SCT DNA vaccine encoding H-2K(d) and the immunodominant peptide LLO 91-99 generated functional primary and memory peptide-specific CD8(+) T cells that confer partial protection against L. monocytogenes infection. DNA immunization of K(d)/LLO(91-99) SCTs generated functional memory CD8(+) T cells independently of CD4(+) T cells, although the expression of cognate or non-cognate CD4(+) helper T cell epitopes further enhanced the protective efficacy of SCTs. Our study further demonstrates that the SCT serves as a potent platform for DNA vaccines against various infectious diseases.
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38
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Molecular signature of the immune and tissue response to non-coding plasmid DNA in skeletal muscle after electrotransfer. Gene Ther 2011; 19:1177-86. [DOI: 10.1038/gt.2011.198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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39
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Plasmid vector-linked maturation of natural killer (NK) cells is coupled to antigen-dependent NK cell activation during DNA-based immunization in mice. J Virol 2011; 85:10201-12. [PMID: 21775455 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00062-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasmid DNA vaccines serve in a wide array of applications ranging from prophylactic vaccines to potential therapeutic tools against infectious diseases and cancer. In this study, we analyzed the mechanisms underlying the activation of natural killer (NK) cells and their potential role in adaptive immunity during DNA-based immunization against hepatitis B virus surface antigen in mice. We observed that the mature Mac-1(+) CD27(-) NK cell subset increased in the liver of mice early after DNA injection, whereas the number of the less mature Mac-1(+) CD27(+) NK cells in the liver and spleen was significantly reduced. This effect was attributed to bacterial sequences present in the plasmid backbone rather than to the encoded antigen and was not observed in immunized MyD88-deficient mice. The activation of NK cells by plasmid-DNA injection was associated with an increase in their effector functions that depended on the expressed antigen. Maturation of NK cells was abrogated in the absence of T cells, suggesting that cross talk exists between NK cells and antigen-specific T cells. Taken together, our data unravel the mechanics of plasmid vector-induced maturation of NK cells and plasmid-encoded antigen-dependent activation of NK cells required for a crucial role of NK cells in DNA vaccine-induced immunogenicity.
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40
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Abstract
This review provides a detailed look at the attributes and immunologic mechanisms of plasmid DNA vaccines and their utility as laboratory tools as well as potential human vaccines. The immunogenicity and efficacy of DNA vaccines in a variety of preclinical models is used to illustrate how they differ from traditional vaccines in novel ways due to the in situ antigen production and the ease with which they are constructed. The ability to make new DNA vaccines without needing to handle a virulent pathogen or to adapt the pathogen for manufacturing purposes demonstrates the potential value of this vaccine technology for use against emerging and epidemic pathogens. Similarly, personalized anti-tumor DNA vaccines can also readily be made from a biopsy. Because DNA vaccines bias the T-helper (Th) cell response to a Th1 phenotype, DNA vaccines are also under development for vaccines against allergy and autoimmune diseases. The licensure of four animal health products, including two prophylactic vaccines against infectious diseases, one immunotherapy for cancer, and one gene therapy delivery of a hormone for a food animal, provides evidence of the efficacy of DNA vaccines in multiple species including horses and pigs. The size of these target animals provides evidence that the somewhat disappointing immunogenicity of DNA vaccines in a number of human clinical trials is not due simply to the larger mass of humans compared with most laboratory animals. The insights gained from the mechanisms of protection in the animal vaccines, the advances in the delivery and expression technologies for increasing the potency of DNA vaccines, and encouragingly potent human immune responses in certain clinical trials, provide insights for future efforts to develop DNA vaccines into a broadly useful vaccine and immunotherapy platform with applications for human and animal health.
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Electroporation-Mediated DNA Vaccination. CLINICAL ASPECTS OF ELECTROPORATION 2011. [PMCID: PMC7122510 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-8363-3_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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42
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Ortega-Villaizan M, Chico V, Martinez-Lopez A, Falco A, Perez L, Coll JM, Estepa A. In vitro analysis of the factors contributing to the antiviral state induced by a plasmid encoding the viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus glycoprotein G in transfected trout cells. Vaccine 2010; 29:737-43. [PMID: 21095250 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2010] [Revised: 11/06/2010] [Accepted: 11/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We have found out that transfection of the RTG-2 cell line with the viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) glycoprotein G (G(VHSV))-coding plasmid induces an anti-VHSV state, similar to that induced by poly I:C. Taking the advantage of the constitutive expression of toll-like receptor 9 gene (tlr9) in RTG-2 cells, we have investigated whether this antiviral state was induced by the cytosine-phosphodiester-guanine (CpG) motifs present in the plasmid DNA, by the endogenous expression of G(VHSV) protein or by both elements. For that, we have analysed the expression profile of the rainbow trout tlr9 and several genes related to TLR9-mediated immune response in the absence or presence of a lysosomotropic drug that specifically blocks TLR9-CpG DNA interaction. The results suggested that the high levels of cell protection conferred by a plasmid encoding G(VHSV) gene are due to G(VHSV) rather than to the CpG motifs within plasmid DNA. Therefore, plasmid DNA might not play a key role in the immune response elicited by DNA vaccines or perhaps other receptors instead TLR9 could be implicated in CpG motifs recognition and signalling. In addition, since RTG-2 cells express tlr9 gene, this cell line could be a good tool for screening TLR9 agonists, such as the immunomodulatory oligonucleotides (IMOs), as fish DNA vaccine adjuvants.
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Abstract
Efforts to make vaccines against infectious diseases as well as immunotherapies for cancer, autoimmune diseases and allergy have utilized a variety of heterologous expression systems, including viral and bacterial vectors, as well as DNA and RNA constructs. This review explores the immunologic rationale and provides an update of insights obtained from preclinical and clinical studies of such vaccines.
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Ni J, Schirrmacher V, Fournier P. The hemagglutinin-neuraminidase gene of Newcastle Disease Virus: a powerful molecular adjuvant for DNA anti-tumor vaccination. Vaccine 2010; 28:6891-900. [PMID: 20709006 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2010] [Revised: 07/07/2010] [Accepted: 08/02/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Plasmid-encoded DNA vaccine is a novel and potentially powerful tool for cancer therapy. Since the strength of immune responses induced by DNA vaccine is usually rather low, a major goal in DNA vaccine development is to enhance vaccine-induced immunity. In this study, we investigated an approach based on the use of a viral surface protein with pleiotropic function as a potential immune enhancer. To this end, we prepared bicistronic DNA plasmids encoding the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein of Newcastle Disease Virus in addition to a tumor target antigen. We demonstrate a higher tumor antigen-specific T cell-mediated immune response and a lower humoral response upon vaccination with a bicistronic DNA plasmid with incorporated HN gene. In a prophylactic immunization tumor model with the surrogate tumor antigen beta-galactosidase (β-gal) and in a therapeutic immunization tumor model with the xenogeneic tumor antigen human Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (hEpCAM), HN gene incorporation into the DNA vaccine led to better survival and tumor regression in mice. There was also cross protection in the therapeutic tumor model against a second challenge by the parental mouse mammary carcinoma cells in mice vaccinated with the bicistronic plasmids. This is the first report describing the HN protein as an immunomodulator for enhanced antigen-specific T cell responses via DNA plasmids. The results show that co-expression of HN with a tumor target antigen through bicistronic vectors ensures precise temporal and spatial co-delivery to direct anti-tumor immune responses preferentially towards Th1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ni
- Tumorimmunology Program, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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45
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Rottembourg D, Filippi CM, Bresson D, Ehrhardt K, Estes EA, Oldham JE, von Herrath MG. Essential role for TLR9 in prime but not prime-boost plasmid DNA vaccination to activate dendritic cells and protect from lethal viral infection. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2010; 184:7100-7. [PMID: 20483769 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0803935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
One of the requirements for efficient vaccination against infection is to achieve the best combination of an adequate adjuvant with the antigenic information to deliver. Although plasmid DNA is a promising tool bearing the unique potential to activate humoral and cellular immunity, an actual challenge is to increase plasmid immunogenicity in human vaccination protocols in which efficacy has proven rather limited. Previous work showed that the bacterial DNA backbone of the plasmid has potent adjuvant properties because it contains CpG motifs that are particular activating nucleotidic sequences. Among TLRs, which are key sensors of microbial products, TLR9 can detect CpG motifs and confer activation of APCs, such as dendritic cells. However, whether the immunogenic properties of plasmid DNA involve TLR9 signaling has not been clearly established. In the current study, we demonstrate that TLR9 determines the effectiveness of vaccination against lethal lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection using plasmid DNA in a prime, but not prime-boost, vaccination regimen. Furthermore, we provide evidence that the presence of TLR9 in dendritic cells is necessary for effective and functional priming of virus-specific CD8+ T cells upon plasmid exposure in vitro or single-dose vaccination in vivo. Therefore, at single or low vaccine doses that are often used in human-vaccination protocols, CpG/TLR9 interactions participate in the immunogenicity of plasmid DNA. These results suggest that the TLR9 signaling pathway is involved in the efficacy of plasmid vaccination; therefore, it should remain a focus in the development or amelioration of vaccines to treat infections in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Rottembourg
- La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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46
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Lenert P. Nucleic acid sensing receptors in systemic lupus erythematosus: development of novel DNA- and/or RNA-like analogues for treating lupus. Clin Exp Immunol 2010; 161:208-22. [PMID: 20456414 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2010.04176.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Double-stranded (ds) DNA, DNA- or RNA-associated nucleoproteins are the primary autoimmune targets in SLE, yet their relative inability to trigger similar autoimmune responses in experimental animals has fascinated scientists for decades. While many cellular proteins bind non-specifically negatively charged nucleic acids, it was discovered only recently that several intracellular proteins are involved directly in innate recognition of exogenous DNA or RNA, or cytosol-residing DNA or RNA viruses. Thus, endosomal Toll-like receptors (TLR) mediate responses to double-stranded RNA (TLR-3), single-stranded RNA (TLR-7/8) or unmethylated bacterial cytosine (phosphodiester) guanine (CpG)-DNA (TLR-9), while DNA-dependent activator of IRFs/Z-DNA binding protein 1 (DAI/ZBP1), haematopoietic IFN-inducible nuclear protein-200 (p202), absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2), RNA polymerase III, retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I) and melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) mediate responses to cytosolic dsDNA or dsRNA, respectively. TLR-induced responses are more robust than those induced by cytosolic DNA- or RNA- sensors, the later usually being limited to interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3)-dependent type I interferon (IFN) induction and nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB activation. Interestingly, AIM2 is not capable of inducing type I IFN, but rather plays a role in caspase I activation. DNA- or RNA-like synthetic inhibitory oligonucleotides (INH-ODN) have been developed that antagonize TLR-7- and/or TLR-9-induced activation in autoimmune B cells and in type I IFN-producing dendritic cells at low nanomolar concentrations. It is not known whether these INH-ODNs have any agonistic or antagonistic effects on cytosolic DNA or RNA sensors. While this remains to be determined in the future, in vivo studies have already shown their potential for preventing spontaneous lupus in various animal models of lupus. Several groups are exploring the possibility of translating these INH-ODNs into human therapeutics for treating SLE and bacterial DNA-induced sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Lenert
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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Faurez F, Dory D, Le Moigne V, Gravier R, Jestin A. Biosafety of DNA vaccines: New generation of DNA vectors and current knowledge on the fate of plasmids after injection. Vaccine 2010; 28:3888-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2010.03.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2009] [Revised: 03/09/2010] [Accepted: 03/21/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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48
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Immune Recognition of Nucleic Acids and Their Metabolites. NUCLEIC ACIDS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2010. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-12617-8_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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49
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Oosterhuis K, van den Berg JH, Schumacher TN, Haanen JBAG. DNA vaccines and intradermal vaccination by DNA tattooing. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2010; 351:221-50. [PMID: 21107792 DOI: 10.1007/82_2010_117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, DNA vaccination has been developed as a method for the induction of immune responses. However, in spite of high expectations based on their efficacy in preclinical models, immunogenicity of first generation DNA vaccines in clinical trials was shown to be poor, and no DNA vaccines have yet been licensed for human use. In recent years significant progress has been made in the development of second generation DNA vaccines and DNA vaccine delivery methods. Here we review the key characteristics of DNA vaccines as compared to other vaccine platforms, and recent insights into the prerequisites for induction of immune responses by DNA vaccines will be discussed. We illustrate the development of second generation DNA vaccines with the description of DNA tattooing as a novel DNA delivery method. This technique has shown great promise both in a small animal model and in non-human primates and is currently under clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Oosterhuis
- Division of Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Tang CK, Pietersz GA. Intracellular detection and immune signaling pathways of DNA vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines 2009; 8:1161-70. [PMID: 19722890 DOI: 10.1586/erv.09.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Parallel to attenuated and subunit vaccines, DNA vaccines require adjuvant signals in addition to antigen presentation for the induction of adaptive immune responses. As opposed to common beliefs, increasing evidence is showing that Toll-like receptor 9 activation by CpG motifs present in DNA vaccines are not vital for the induction of immune responses in vivo. Investigations on the signaling pathways of the adjuvant effect mediated by DNA vaccines have revealed other important mediators. DNA-dependent activator of interferon regulatory factors (DAI) and absent in melanoma (AIM)2 were recently identified as cytosolic DNA sensors that respond with the release of type I interferon and proinflammatory cytokines. Both are distinct molecules with different signaling pathways. AIM2 acts through inflammasomes to activate caspase-1, whilst DAI activates the transcription factors, NF-kappaB and interferon regulatory factor 3. Most significantly, the noncanonical IkappaB kinase, TANK-binding kinase-1, was identified as the essential signaling component in DNA vaccines that is responsible for the generation of immune responses. This review provides an update on the cellular detection and the subsequent signaling pathways mediated by DNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choon-Kit Tang
- Bio-organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Centre of Immunology, Burnet Institute, Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct (AMREP), Victoria, Australia.
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