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Pisuttinusart N, Rattanapisit K, Srisaowakarn C, Thitithanyanont A, Strasser R, Shanmugaraj B, Phoolcharoen W. Neutralizing activity of anti-respiratory syncytial virus monoclonal antibody produced in Nicotiana benthamiana. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2327142. [PMID: 38508690 PMCID: PMC10956629 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2327142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious virus that affects the lungs and respiratory passages of many vulnerable people. It is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections and clinical complications, particularly among infants and elderly. It can develop into serious complications such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis. The development of RSV vaccine or immunoprophylaxis remains highly active and a global health priority. Currently, GSK's Arexvy™ vaccine is approved for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease in older adults (>60 years). Palivizumab and currently nirsevimab are the approved monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for RSV prevention in high-risk patients. Many studies are ongoing to develop additional therapeutic antibodies for preventing RSV infections among newborns and other susceptible groups. Recently, additional antibodies have been discovered and shown greater potential for development as therapeutic alternatives to palivizumab and nirsevimab. Plant expression platforms have proven successful in producing recombinant proteins, including antibodies, offering a potential cost-effective alternative to mammalian expression platforms. Hence in this study, an attempt was made to use a plant expression platform to produce two anti-RSV fusion (F) mAbs 5C4 and CR9501. The heavy-chain and light-chain sequences of both these antibodies were transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana plants using a geminiviral vector and then purified using single-step protein A affinity column chromatography. Both these plant-produced mAbs showed specific binding to the RSV fusion protein and demonstrate effective viral neutralization activity in vitro. These preliminary findings suggest that plant-produced anti-RSV mAbs are able to neutralize RSV in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuttapat Pisuttinusart
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kaewta Rattanapisit
- Department of Research and Development, Baiya Phytopharm Co., Ltd., Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chanya Srisaowakarn
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Richard Strasser
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Balamurugan Shanmugaraj
- Department of Research and Development, Baiya Phytopharm Co., Ltd., Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India
| | - Waranyoo Phoolcharoen
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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2
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Pisuttinusart N, Shanmugaraj B, Srisaowakarn C, Ketloy C, Prompetchara E, Thitithanyanont A, Phoolcharoen W. Immunogenicity of a recombinant plant-produced respiratory syncytial virus F subunit vaccine in mice. BIOTECHNOLOGY REPORTS (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 41:e00826. [PMID: 38234330 PMCID: PMC10793081 DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2023.e00826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly infectious respiratory virus that causes serious illness, particularly in young children, elderly people, and those with immunocompromised individuals. RSV infection is the leading cause of infant hospitalization and can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis. Currently, there is an RSV vaccine approved exclusively for the elderly population, but no approved vaccine specifically designed for infants or any other age groups. Therefore, it is crucial to continue the development of an RSV vaccine specifically tailored for these populations. In this study, the immunogenicity of the two plant-produced RSV-F Fc fusion proteins (Native construct and structural stabilized construct) were examined to assess them as potential vaccine candidates for RSV. The RSV-F Fc fusion proteins were transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana and purified using protein A affinity column chromatography. The recombinant RSV-F Fc fusion protein was recognized by the monoclonal antibody Motavizumab specific against RSV-F protein. Moreover, the immunogenicity of the two purified RSV-F Fc proteins were evaluated in mice by formulating with different adjuvants. According to our results, the plant-produced RSV-F Fc fusion protein is immunogenic in mice. These preliminary findings, demonstrate the immunogenicity of plant-based RSV-F Fc fusion protein, however, further preclinical studies such as antigen dose and adjuvant optimization, safety, toxicity, and challenge studies in animal models are necessary in order to prove the vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuttapat Pisuttinusart
- Center of Excellence in Plant-produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Balamurugan Shanmugaraj
- Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore - 641046, Tamil Nadu, India
- Baiya Phytopharm Co., Ltd, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Chanya Srisaowakarn
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chutitorn Ketloy
- Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development (Chula VRC), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Eakachai Prompetchara
- Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development (Chula VRC), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | | | - Waranyoo Phoolcharoen
- Center of Excellence in Plant-produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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3
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Shanmugaraj B, Hefferon K. Editorial: Plant molecular farming for the production of next-generation vaccines and biologics - prospects and challenges. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 15:1381234. [PMID: 38476681 PMCID: PMC10927948 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1381234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Balamurugan Shanmugaraj
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kathleen Hefferon
- Department of Microbiology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
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Niederau PA, Eglé P, Willig S, Parsons J, Hoernstein SNW, Decker EL, Reski R. Multifactorial analysis of terminator performance on heterologous gene expression in Physcomitrella. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2024; 43:43. [PMID: 38246952 PMCID: PMC10800305 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-023-03088-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE Characterization of Physcomitrella 3'UTRs across different promoters yields endogenous single and double terminators for usage in molecular pharming. The production of recombinant proteins for health applications accounts for a large share of the biopharmaceutical market. While many drugs are produced in microbial and mammalian systems, plants gain more attention as expression hosts to produce eukaryotic proteins. In particular, the good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compliant moss Physcomitrella (Physcomitrium patens) has outstanding features, such as excellent genetic amenability, reproducible bioreactor cultivation, and humanized protein glycosylation patterns. In this study, we selected and characterized novel terminators for their effects on heterologous gene expression. The Physcomitrella genome contains 53,346 unique 3'UTRs (untranslated regions) of which 7964 transcripts contain at least one intron. Over 91% of 3'UTRs exhibit more than one polyadenylation site, indicating the prevalence of alternative polyadenylation in Physcomitrella. Out of all 3'UTRs, 14 terminator candidates were selected and characterized via transient Dual-Luciferase assays, yielding a collection of endogenous terminators performing equally high as established heterologous terminators CaMV35S, AtHSP90, and NOS. High performing candidates were selected for testing as double terminators which impact reporter levels, dependent on terminator identity and positioning. Testing of 3'UTRs among the different promoters NOS, CaMV35S, and PpActin5 showed an increase of more than 1000-fold between promoters PpActin5 and NOS, whereas terminators increased reporter levels by less than tenfold, demonstrating the stronger effect promoters play as compared to terminators. Among selected terminator attributes, the number of polyadenylation sites as well as polyadenylation signals were found to influence terminator performance the most. Our results improve the biotechnology platform Physcomitrella and further our understanding of how terminators influence gene expression in plants in general.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pauline Eglé
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sandro Willig
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Juliana Parsons
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Eva L Decker
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Reski
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
- Signalling Research Centre BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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5
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Xu Q, Ma F, Yang D, Li Q, Yan L, Ou J, Zhang L, Liu Y, Zhan Q, Li R, Wei Q, Hu H, Wang Y, Li X, Zhang S, Yang J, Chai S, Du Y, Wang L, Zhang E, Zhang G. Rice-produced classical swine fever virus glycoprotein E2 with herringbone-dimer design to enhance immune responses. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2023; 21:2546-2559. [PMID: 37572354 PMCID: PMC10651154 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Pestiviruses, including classical swine fever virus, remain a concern for global animal health and are responsible for major economic losses of livestock worldwide. Despite high levels of vaccination, currently available commercial vaccines are limited by safety concerns, moderate efficacy, and required high doses. The development of new vaccines is therefore essential. Vaccine efforts should focus on optimizing antigen presentation to enhance immune responses. Here, we describe a simple herringbone-dimer strategy for efficient vaccine design, using the classical swine fever virus E2 expressed in a rice endosperm as an example. The expression of rE2 protein was identified, with the rE2 antigen accumulating to 480 mg/kg. Immunological assays in mice, rabbits, and pigs showed high antigenicity of rE2. Two immunizations with 284 ng of the rE2 vaccine or one shot with 5.12 μg provided effective protection in pigs without interference from pre-existing antibodies. Crystal structure and small-angle X-ray scattering results confirmed the stable herringbone dimeric conformation, which had two fully exposed duplex receptor binding domains. Our results demonstrated that rice endosperm is a promising platform for precise vaccine design, and this strategy can be universally applied to other Flaviviridae virus vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianru Xu
- School of Basic Medical SciencesHenan UniversityKaifengChina
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary MedicineHenan Agriculture UniversityZhengzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Animal ImmunologyHenan Academy of Agricultural SciencesZhengzhouChina
| | - Fanshu Ma
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary MedicineHenan Agriculture UniversityZhengzhouChina
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano‐Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano‐Tech and Nano‐BionicsChinese Academy of SciencesSuzhouChina
| | - Daichang Yang
- College of Life ScienceWuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Wuhan Healthgen Biotechnology Corp.WuhanChina
| | - Qingmei Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal ImmunologyHenan Academy of Agricultural SciencesZhengzhouChina
| | - Liming Yan
- Laboratory of Structural Biology, School of MedicineTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jiquan Ou
- Wuhan Healthgen Biotechnology Corp.WuhanChina
| | - Longxian Zhang
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary MedicineHenan Agriculture UniversityZhengzhouChina
- Longhu LaboratoryZhengzhouChina
| | - Yunchao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal ImmunologyHenan Academy of Agricultural SciencesZhengzhouChina
| | - Quan Zhan
- Wuhan Healthgen Biotechnology Corp.WuhanChina
| | - Rui Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal ImmunologyHenan Academy of Agricultural SciencesZhengzhouChina
| | - Qiang Wei
- Key Laboratory of Animal ImmunologyHenan Academy of Agricultural SciencesZhengzhouChina
| | - Hui Hu
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary MedicineHenan Agriculture UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Yanan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal ImmunologyHenan Academy of Agricultural SciencesZhengzhouChina
| | - Xueyang Li
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary MedicineHenan Agriculture UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Shenli Zhang
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary MedicineHenan Agriculture UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Jifei Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal ImmunologyHenan Academy of Agricultural SciencesZhengzhouChina
| | - Shujun Chai
- Key Laboratory of Animal ImmunologyHenan Academy of Agricultural SciencesZhengzhouChina
| | - Yongkun Du
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary MedicineHenan Agriculture UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Li Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal ImmunologyHenan Academy of Agricultural SciencesZhengzhouChina
| | - Erqin Zhang
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary MedicineHenan Agriculture UniversityZhengzhouChina
- Longhu LaboratoryZhengzhouChina
| | - Gaiping Zhang
- International Joint Research Center of National Animal Immunology, College of Veterinary MedicineHenan Agriculture UniversityZhengzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Animal ImmunologyHenan Academy of Agricultural SciencesZhengzhouChina
- Longhu LaboratoryZhengzhouChina
- School of Advanced Agricultural SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
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6
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Parthiban S, Vijeesh T, Gayathri T, Shanmugaraj B, Sharma A, Sathishkumar R. Artificial intelligence-driven systems engineering for next-generation plant-derived biopharmaceuticals. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1252166. [PMID: 38034587 PMCID: PMC10684705 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1252166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant biopharmaceuticals including antigens, antibodies, hormones, cytokines, single-chain variable fragments, and peptides have been used as vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics. Plant molecular pharming is a robust platform that uses plants as an expression system to produce simple and complex recombinant biopharmaceuticals on a large scale. Plant system has several advantages over other host systems such as humanized expression, glycosylation, scalability, reduced risk of human or animal pathogenic contaminants, rapid and cost-effective production. Despite many advantages, the expression of recombinant proteins in plant system is hindered by some factors such as non-human post-translational modifications, protein misfolding, conformation changes and instability. Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a vital role in various fields of biotechnology and in the aspect of plant molecular pharming, a significant increase in yield and stability can be achieved with the intervention of AI-based multi-approach to overcome the hindrance factors. Current limitations of plant-based recombinant biopharmaceutical production can be circumvented with the aid of synthetic biology tools and AI algorithms in plant-based glycan engineering for protein folding, stability, viability, catalytic activity and organelle targeting. The AI models, including but not limited to, neural network, support vector machines, linear regression, Gaussian process and regressor ensemble, work by predicting the training and experimental data sets to design and validate the protein structures thereby optimizing properties such as thermostability, catalytic activity, antibody affinity, and protein folding. This review focuses on, integrating systems engineering approaches and AI-based machine learning and deep learning algorithms in protein engineering and host engineering to augment protein production in plant systems to meet the ever-expanding therapeutics market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subramanian Parthiban
- Plant Genetic Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India
| | - Thandarvalli Vijeesh
- Plant Genetic Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India
| | - Thashanamoorthi Gayathri
- Plant Genetic Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India
| | - Balamurugan Shanmugaraj
- Plant Genetic Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India
| | - Ashutosh Sharma
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Centre of Bioengineering, Queretaro, Mexico
| | - Ramalingam Sathishkumar
- Plant Genetic Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, India
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7
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Kulchar RJ, Singh R, Ding S, Alexander E, Leong KW, Daniell H. Delivery of biologics: Topical administration. Biomaterials 2023; 302:122312. [PMID: 37690380 PMCID: PMC10840840 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Biologics are unaffordable to a large majority of the global population because of prohibitively expensive fermentation systems, purification and the requirement for cold chain for storage and transportation. Limitations of current production and delivery systems of biologics were evident during the recent pandemic when <2.5% of vaccines produced were available to low-income countries and ∼19 million doses were discarded in Africa due to lack of cold-chain infrastructure. Among FDA-approved biologics since 2015, >90% are delivered using invasive methods. While oral or topical drugs are highly preferred by patients because of their affordability and convenience, only two oral drugs have been approved by FDA since 2015. A newly launched oral biologic costs only ∼3% of the average cost of injectable biologics because of the simplified regulatory approval process by elimination of prohibitively expensive fermentation, purification, cold storage/transportation. In addition, the cost of developing a new biologic injectable product (∼$2.5 billion) has been dramatically reduced through oral or topical delivery. Topical delivery has the unique advantage of targeted delivery of high concentration protein drugs, without getting diluted in circulating blood. However, only very few topical drugs have been approved by the FDA. Therefore, this review highlights recent advances in oral or topical delivery of proteins at early or advanced stages of human clinical trials using chewing gums, patches or sprays, or nucleic acid drugs directly, or in combination with, nanoparticles and offers future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel J. Kulchar
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| | - Rahul Singh
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| | - Suwan Ding
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York City NY 10032, USA
| | - Elena Alexander
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York City NY 10032, USA
| | - Kam W Leong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York City NY 10032, USA
| | - Henry Daniell
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
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8
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Shanmugaraj B, Jirarojwattana P, Phoolcharoen W. Molecular Farming Strategy for the Rapid Production of Protein-Based Reagents for Use in Infectious Disease Diagnostics. PLANTA MEDICA 2023; 89:1010-1020. [PMID: 37072112 DOI: 10.1055/a-2076-2034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant proteins are a major breakthrough in biomedical research with a wide range of applications from diagnostics to therapeutics. Strategic construct design, consistent expression platforms, and suitable upstream and downstream techniques are key considerations to produce commercially viable recombinant proteins. The recombinant antigenic protein production for use either as a diagnostic reagent or subunit vaccine formulation is usually carried out in prokaryotic or eukaryotic expression platforms. Microbial and mammalian systems dominate the biopharmaceutical industry for such applications. However, there is no universal expression system that can meet all the requirements for different types of proteins. The adoptability of any expression system is likely based on the quality and quantity of the proteins that can be produced from it. The huge demand of recombinant proteins for different applications requires an inexpensive production platform for rapid development. The molecular farming scientific community has been promoting the plant system for nearly 3 decades as a cost-effective alternative to produce high-quality proteins for research, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications. Here, we discuss how plant biotechnology could offer solutions for the rapid and scalable production of protein antigens as low-cost diagnostic reagents for use in functional assays.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Perawat Jirarojwattana
- Center of Excellence in Plant-produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Waranyoo Phoolcharoen
- Center of Excellence in Plant-produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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9
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Kaewbandit N, Malla A, Boonyayothin W, Rattanapisit K, Phetphoung T, Pisuttinusart N, Strasser R, Saetung R, Tawinwung S, Phoolcharoen W. Effect of plant produced Anti-hIL-6 receptor antibody blockade on pSTAT3 expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11927. [PMID: 37488213 PMCID: PMC10366097 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39106-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
As a response to invasion by pathogens, the secretion of interleukin 6 (IL-6) which is a cytokine, activates IL-6/JAKs/STAT3 intracellular signaling via., phosphorylation. Over expression of pSTAT3 induces IL-6 positive feedback loop causing cytokine release syndrome or cytokine storm. Plants have gained momentum as an alternative expression system. Hence, this study aims to produce mAb targeting human IL-6 receptor (hIL-6R) in Nicotiana benthamiana for down regulating its cellular signaling thus, decreasing the expression of pSTAT3. The variable regions of heavy and light chains of anti-hIL-6R mAb were constructed in pBYK2e geminiviral plant expression vector and transiently co-expressed in N. benthamiana. The results demonstrate the proper protein assembly of anti-hIL-6R mAb with highest expression level of 2.24 mg/g FW at 5 dpi, with a yield of 21.4 µg/g FW after purification. The purity and N-glycosylation of plant produced antibody was analyzed, including its specificity to human IL-6 receptor by ELISA. Additionally, we investigated the effect to pSTAT3 expression in human PBMC's by flow cytometry wherein, the results confirmed lower expression of pSTAT3 with increasing concentrations of plant produced anti-hIL-6R mAb. Although, further in vivo studies are key to unveil the absolute functionality of anti-hIL-6R, we hereby show the potential of the plant platform and its suitability for the production of this therapeutic antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namthip Kaewbandit
- Center of Excellence in Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Graduate Program of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Wanuttha Boonyayothin
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Graduate Program of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Thareeya Phetphoung
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Graduate Program of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nuttapat Pisuttinusart
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Graduate Program of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Richard Strasser
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rattana Saetung
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Supannikar Tawinwung
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
- Cellular Immunotherapy Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Waranyoo Phoolcharoen
- Center of Excellence in Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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10
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Daniell H, Singh R, Mangu V, Nair SK, Wakade G, Balashova N. Affordable oral proinsulin bioencapsulated in plant cells regulates blood sugar levels similar to natural insulin. Biomaterials 2023; 298:122142. [PMID: 37148757 PMCID: PMC10219636 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes Mellitus is a silent epidemic affecting >500 million, which claimed 6.7 million lives in 2021, a projected increase of >670% in <20 years old in the next two decades but insulin is unaffordable for the large majority of the globe. Therefore, we engineered proinsulin in plant cells to facilitate oral delivery. Stability of the proinsulin gene and expression in subsequent generations, after removal of the antibiotic-resistance gene, was confirmed using PCR, Southern and western blots. Proinsulin expression was high (up to 12 mg/g DW or 47.5% of total leaf protein), stable up to one year after storage of freeze-dried plant cells at ambient temperature and met FDA regulatory requirements of uniformity, moisture content and bioburden. GM1 receptor binding, required for uptake via gut epithelial cells was confirmed by pentameric assembly of CTB-Proinsulin. IP insulin injections (without C peptide) in STZ mice rapidly decreased blood glucose level leading to transient hypoglycemia, followed by hepatic glucose compensation. On the other hand, other than the 15-min lag period of oral proinsulin (transit time required to reach the gut), the kinetics of blood sugar regulation of oral CTB-Proinsulin in STZ mice was very similar to naturally secreted insulin in healthy mice (both contain C-peptide), without rapid decrease or hypoglycemia. Elimination of expensive fermentation, purification and cold storage/transportation should reduce cost and increase other health benefits of plant fibers. The recent approval of plant cell delivery of therapeutic proteins by FDA and approval of CTB-ACE2 for phase I/II human clinical studies augur well for advancing oral proinsulin to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Daniell
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Rahul Singh
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Venkata Mangu
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Smruti K Nair
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Geetanjali Wakade
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nataliya Balashova
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Development of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody detection assay by using recombinant plant-produced proteins. BIOTECHNOLOGY REPORTS 2023; 38:e00796. [PMID: 37056791 PMCID: PMC10077816 DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2023.e00796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Detecting immunity against SARS-CoV-2 is vital for evaluating vaccine response and natural infection, but conventional virus neutralization test (cVNT) requires BSL3 and live viruses, and pseudo-virus neutralization test (pVNT) needs specialized equipment and trained professionals in BSL2. The surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT) was developed to overcome these limitations. This study explored the use of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE2) produced from Nicotiana benthamiana for the development of an affordable neutralizing antibodies detection assay. The results showed that the plant-produced ACE2-His can bind to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2, and was used to develop sVNT with plant-produced RBD protein. The sVNT developed using plant-produced proteins showed high sensitivity and specificity when validated with a group of 30 RBD-Fc vaccinated mice sera and the results were correlated with cVNT titer. This preliminary finding suggests that the plants could offer a cost-effective platform for producing diagnostic reagents.
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12
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Su H, van Eerde A, Rimstad E, Bock R, Branza-Nichita N, Yakovlev IA, Clarke JL. Plant-made vaccines against viral diseases in humans and farm animals. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1170815. [PMID: 37056490 PMCID: PMC10086147 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1170815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Plants provide not only food and feed, but also herbal medicines and various raw materials for industry. Moreover, plants can be green factories producing high value bioproducts such as biopharmaceuticals and vaccines. Advantages of plant-based production platforms include easy scale-up, cost effectiveness, and high safety as plants are not hosts for human and animal pathogens. Plant cells perform many post-translational modifications that are present in humans and animals and can be essential for biological activity of produced recombinant proteins. Stimulated by progress in plant transformation technologies, substantial efforts have been made in both the public and the private sectors to develop plant-based vaccine production platforms. Recent promising examples include plant-made vaccines against COVID-19 and Ebola. The COVIFENZ® COVID-19 vaccine produced in Nicotiana benthamiana has been approved in Canada, and several plant-made influenza vaccines have undergone clinical trials. In this review, we discuss the status of vaccine production in plants and the state of the art in downstream processing according to good manufacturing practice (GMP). We discuss different production approaches, including stable transgenic plants and transient expression technologies, and review selected applications in the area of human and veterinary vaccines. We also highlight specific challenges associated with viral vaccine production for different target organisms, including lower vertebrates (e.g., farmed fish), and discuss future perspectives for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Su
- Division of Biotechnology and Plant Health, NIBIO - Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Ås, Norway
| | - André van Eerde
- Division of Biotechnology and Plant Health, NIBIO - Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Ås, Norway
| | - Espen Rimstad
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ralph Bock
- Department III, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, Potsdam-Golm, Germany
| | - Norica Branza-Nichita
- Department of Viral Glycoproteins, Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Igor A. Yakovlev
- Division of Biotechnology and Plant Health, NIBIO - Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Ås, Norway
| | - Jihong Liu Clarke
- Division of Biotechnology and Plant Health, NIBIO - Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Ås, Norway
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13
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Eidenberger L, Kogelmann B, Steinkellner H. Plant-based biopharmaceutical engineering. NATURE REVIEWS BIOENGINEERING 2023; 1:426-439. [PMID: 37317690 PMCID: PMC10030082 DOI: 10.1038/s44222-023-00044-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Plants can be engineered to recombinantly produce high-quality proteins such as therapeutic proteins and vaccines, also known as molecular farming. Molecular farming can be established in various settings with minimal cold-chain requirements and could thus ensure rapid and global-scale deployment of biopharmaceuticals, promoting equitable access to pharmaceuticals. State of the art plant-based engineering relies on rationally assembled genetic circuits, engineered to enable the high-throughput and rapid expression of multimeric proteins with complex post-translational modifications. In this Review, we discuss the design of expression hosts and vectors, including Nicotiana benthamiana, viral elements and transient expression vectors, for the production of biopharmaceuticals in plants. We examine engineering of post-translational modifications and highlight the plant-based expression of monoclonal antibodies and nanoparticles, such as virus-like particles and protein bodies. Techno-economic analyses suggest a cost advantage of molecular farming compared with mammalian cell-based protein production systems. However, regulatory challenges remain to be addressed to enable the widespread translation of plant-based biopharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Eidenberger
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benjamin Kogelmann
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- acib — Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Herta Steinkellner
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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14
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Bulaon CJI, Sun H, Malla A, Phoolcharoen W. Therapeutic efficacy of plant-produced Nivolumab in transgenic C57BL/6-hPD-1 mouse implanted with MC38 colon cancer. BIOTECHNOLOGY REPORTS 2023; 38:e00794. [PMID: 37064962 PMCID: PMC10090705 DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2023.e00794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
The therapeutic blockade of inhibitory PD-1 signaling has emerged as an effective approach for cancer immunotherapy. Nivolumab (Opdivo®), a monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting the PD-1 immune checkpoint, is approved for treatment of several cancer indications. It functions by blocking the PD-1-mediated T-cell inhibition thus reinstating anticancer immune responses. Tremendous advances in plant biotechnology offer an alternative and economical strategy to produce therapeutic mAbs for immune-based therapies. In this study, recombinant anti-PD-1 Nivolumab was produced in Nicotiana benthamiana and the plant-produced anti-PD-1 mAb was exploited for cancer treatment in syngeneic mice model C57BL/6 mice that were used to test the antitumor efficacy of plant produced Nivolumab, along with commercial Opdivo®. C57BL/6 syngeneic mice treated with plant produced anti-PD-1 mAb exhibited reduction in the growth of established MC38 tumors. The plant produced Nivolumab treatment showed 82.9% antitumor effect in decreasing the tumor volume along with 50% tumor-free mice, whereas Opdivo® showed 90.26% reduction in volume without any tumor-free mice. Finally, plant-derived anti-PD-1 therapy was also well tolerated in tumor-bearing mice that correlated with no significant body weight changes. Overall, our plant-produced Nivolumab elicits significant inhibition of tumor growth in vivo and provides a proof-of-concept for the production of immunotherapy targeting PD-1.
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15
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Guo Z, Hao K, Lv Z, Yu L, Bu Q, Ren J, Zhang H, Chen R, Zhang L. Profiling of phytohormone-specific microRNAs and characterization of the miR160-ARF1 module involved in glandular trichome development and artemisinin biosynthesis in Artemisia annua. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2023; 21:591-605. [PMID: 36478140 PMCID: PMC9946145 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in plant development and secondary metabolism through different modes of sequence-specific interaction with their targets. Artemisinin biosynthesis is extensively regulated by phytohormones. However, the function of phytohormone-responsive miRNAs in artemisinin biosynthesis remains enigmatic. Thus, we combined the analysis of transcriptomics, small RNAs, and the degradome to generate a comprehensive resource for identifying key miRNA-target circuits involved in the phytohormone-induced process of artemisinin biosynthesis in Artemisia annua. In total, 151 conserved and 52 novel miRNAs and their 4132 targets were determined. Based on the differential expression analysis, miR160 was selected as a potential miRNA involved in artemisinin synthesis. Overexpressing MIR160 significantly impaired glandular trichome formation and suppressed artemisinin biosynthesis in A. annua, while repressing its expression resulted in the opposite effect, indicating that miR160 negatively regulates glandular trichome development and artemisinin biosynthesis. RNA ligase-mediated 5' RACE and transient transformation assays showed that miR160 mediates the RNA cleavage of Auxin Response Factor 1 (ARF1) in A. annua. Furthermore, ARF1 was shown to increase artemisinin synthesis by activating AaDBR2 expression. Taken together, our results reveal the intrinsic link between the miR160-ARF1 module and artemisinin biosynthesis, and may expedite the innovation of metabolic engineering approaches for high and stable production of artemisinin in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiying Guo
- Medical School of Nantong UniversityNantongChina
- School of Food and BioengineeringFujian Polytechnic Normal UniversityFuqingChina
| | - Kai Hao
- Department of Pharmaceutical BotanySchool of Pharmacy, Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Zongyou Lv
- Research and Development Center of Chinese Medicine Resources and BiotechnologyShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Luyao Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutical BotanySchool of Pharmacy, Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Qitao Bu
- Department of Pharmaceutical BotanySchool of Pharmacy, Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Junze Ren
- Department of Pharmaceutical BotanySchool of Pharmacy, Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Henan Zhang
- Institute of Edible Fungi, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Engineering Research Center of Edible FungiShanghaiChina
- Key Laboratory of Edible Fungi Resources and Utilization (South), Ministry of AgricultureShanghaiChina
| | - Ruibing Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical BotanySchool of Pharmacy, Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Lei Zhang
- Medical School of Nantong UniversityNantongChina
- Department of Pharmaceutical BotanySchool of Pharmacy, Naval Medical UniversityShanghaiChina
- Innovative Drug R&D Center, College of Life SciencesHuaibei Normal UniversityHuaibeiChina
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16
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Wakade G, Lin S, Saha P, Kumari U, Daniell H. Abatement of microfibre pollution and detoxification of textile dye - Indigo by engineered plant enzymes. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2023; 21:302-316. [PMID: 36208023 PMCID: PMC9884014 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microfibres (diameter <5 mm) and textile dyes released from textile industries are ubiquitous, cause environmental pollution, and harm aquatic flora, fauna, animals and human life. Therefore, enzymatic abatement of microfibre pollution and textile dye detoxification is essential. Microbial enzymes for such application present major challenges of scale and affordability to clean up large scale pollution. Therefore, enzymes required for the biodegradation of microfibres and indigo dye were expressed in transplastomic tobacco plants through chloroplast genetic engineering. Integration of laccase and lignin peroxidase genes into the tobacco chloroplast genomes and homoplasmy was confirmed by Southern blots. Decolorization (up to 86%) of samples containing indigo dye (100 mg/L) was obtained using cp-laccase (0.5% plant enzyme powder). Significant (8-fold) reduction in commercial microbial cellulase cocktail was achieved in pretreated cotton fibre hydrolysis by supplementing cost effective cellulases (endoglucanases, ß-glucosidases) and accessory enzymes (swollenin, xylanase, lipase) and ligninases (laccase lignin peroxidase) expressed in chloroplasts. Microfibre hydrolysis using cocktail of Cp-cellulases and Cp-accessory enzymes along with minimal dose (0.25% and 0.5%) of commercial cellulase blend (Ctec2) showed 88%-89% of sugar release from pretreated cotton and microfibres. Cp-ligninases, Cp-cellulases and Cp-accessory enzymes were stable in freeze dried leaves up to 15 and 36 months respectively at room temperature, when protected from light. Use of plant powder for decolorization or hydrolysis eliminated the need for preservatives, purification or concentration or cold chain. Evidently, abatement of microfibre pollution and textile dye detoxification using Cp-enzymes is a novel and cost-effective approach to prevent their environmental pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetanjali Wakade
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Shina Lin
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Prasenjit Saha
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Uma Kumari
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Henry Daniell
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
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17
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Mathew M, Thomas J. Tobacco-Based Vaccines, Hopes, and Concerns: A Systematic Review. Mol Biotechnol 2022:10.1007/s12033-022-00627-5. [PMID: 36528727 PMCID: PMC9759281 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-022-00627-5] [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: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases have vigorously devastated the global economy and health sector; cost-effective plant-based vaccines (PBV) can be the potential solution to withstand the current health economic crisis. The prominent role of tobacco as an efficient expression system for PBV has been well-established for decades, through this review we highlight the importance of tobacco-based vaccines (TBV) against evolving infectious diseases in humans. Studies focusing on the use of TBV for human infectious diseases were searched in PubMed, Google Scholar, and science direct from 1995 to 2021 using the keywords Tobacco-based vaccines OR transgenic tobacco OR Nicotiana benthamiana vaccines AND Infectious diseases or communicable diseases. We carried out a critical review of the articles and studies that fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. Of 976 studies identified, only 63 studies fulfilling the eligibility criteria were included, which focused on either the in vitro, in vivo, or clinical studies on TBV for human infectious diseases. Around 43 in vitro studies of 23 different infectious pathogens expressed in tobacco-based systems were identified and 23 in vivo analysis studies were recognized to check the immunogenicity of vaccine candidates while only 10 of these were subjected to clinical trials. Viral infectious pathogens were studied more than bacterial pathogens. From our review, it was evident that TBV can be an effective health strategy to combat the emerging viral infectious diseases which are very difficult to manage with the current health facilities. The timely administration of cost-effective TBV can prevent the outburst of viral infections, thereby can protect the global healthcare system to a greater extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mintu Mathew
- Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Kochi, Kerala India
| | - Jaya Thomas
- Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Kochi, Kerala India
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18
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Plant Molecular Pharming and Plant-Derived Compounds towards Generation of Vaccines and Therapeutics against Coronaviruses. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10111805. [DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10111805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The current century has witnessed infections of pandemic proportions caused by Coronaviruses (CoV) including severe acute respiratory syndrome-related CoV (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome-related CoV (MERS-CoV) and the recently identified SARS-CoV2. Significantly, the SARS-CoV2 outbreak, declared a pandemic in early 2020, has wreaked devastation and imposed intense pressure on medical establishments world-wide in a short time period by spreading at a rapid pace, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, there is a compelling need to combat and contain the CoV infections. The current review addresses the unique features of the molecular virology of major Coronaviruses that may be tractable towards antiviral targeting and design of novel preventative and therapeutic intervention strategies. Plant-derived vaccines, in particular oral vaccines, afford safer, effectual and low-cost avenues to develop antivirals and fast response vaccines, requiring minimal infrastructure and trained personnel for vaccine administration in developing countries. This review article discusses recent developments in the generation of plant-based vaccines, therapeutic/drug molecules, monoclonal antibodies and phytochemicals to preclude and combat infections caused by SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 viruses. Efficacious plant-derived antivirals could contribute significantly to combating emerging and re-emerging pathogenic CoV infections and help stem the tide of any future pandemics.
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19
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Rebelo BA, Folgado A, Ferreira AC, Abranches R. Production of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein and its Receptor Binding Domain in plant cell suspension cultures. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:995429. [PMID: 36340353 PMCID: PMC9634662 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.995429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the worldwide spread of SARS-CoV-2, has prompted the scientific community to rapidly develop efficient and specific diagnostics and therapeutics. A number of avenues have been explored, including the manufacture of COVID-related proteins to be used as reagents for diagnostics or treatment. The production of RBD and Spike proteins was previously achieved in eukaryotic cells, mainly mammalian cell cultures, while the production in microbial systems has been unsuccessful until now. Here we report the effective production of SARS-CoV-2 proteins in two plant model systems. We established transgenic tobacco BY-2 and Medicago truncatula A17 cell suspension cultures stably producing the full-length Spike and RBD recombinant proteins. For both proteins, various glycoforms were obtained, with higher yields in Medicago cultures than BY-2. This work highlights that RBD and Spike can be secreted into the culture medium, which will impact subsequent purification and downstream processing costs. Analysis of the culture media indicated the presence of the high molecular weight Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Although the production yields still need improvement to compete with mammalian systems, this is the first report showing that plant cell suspension cultures are able to produce the high molecular weight Spike protein. This finding strengthens the potential of plant cell cultures as production platforms for large complex proteins.
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20
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Khorattanakulchai N, Srisutthisamphan K, Shanmugaraj B, Manopwisedjaroen S, Rattanapisit K, Panapitakkul C, Kemthong T, Suttisan N, Malaivijitnond S, Thitithanyanont A, Jongkaewwattana A, Phoolcharoen W. A recombinant subunit vaccine candidate produced in plants elicits neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants in macaques. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:901978. [PMID: 36247553 PMCID: PMC9555276 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.901978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Since the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID) pandemic in 2019, the development of effective vaccines to combat the infection has been accelerated. With the recent emergence of highly transmissible severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOC), there are concerns regarding the immune escape from vaccine-induced immunity. Hence an effective vaccine against VOC with a potent immune response is required. Our previous study confirmed that the two doses of the plant-produced receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 fused with the Fc region of human IgG1, namely Baiya SARS-CoV-2 Vax 1, showed high immunogenicity in mice and monkeys. Here, we aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity of a three-dose intramuscular injection of Baiya SARS-CoV-2 Vax 1 on days 0, 21, and 133 in cynomolgus monkeys. At 14 days after immunization, blood samples were collected to determine RBD-specific antibody titer, neutralizing antibody, and pseudovirus neutralizing antibody titers. Immunized monkeys developed significantly high levels of antigen-specific antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 compared to the control group. Interestingly, the sera collected from immunized monkeys also showed a neutralizing antibody response against the SARS-CoV-2 VOCs; Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron. These findings demonstrate that a three-dose regimen of Baiya SARS-CoV-2 Vax 1 vaccine elicits neutralizing immune response against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narach Khorattanakulchai
- Center of Excellence in Plant-produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kanjana Srisutthisamphan
- Virology and Cell Technology Laboratory, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | | | | | | | - Chalisa Panapitakkul
- Center of Excellence in Plant-produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Taratorn Kemthong
- National Primate Research Center of Thailand-Chulalongkorn University, Saraburi, Thailand
| | - Nutchanat Suttisan
- National Primate Research Center of Thailand-Chulalongkorn University, Saraburi, Thailand
| | | | | | - Anan Jongkaewwattana
- Virology and Cell Technology Laboratory, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency, Pathum Thani, Thailand
| | - Waranyoo Phoolcharoen
- Center of Excellence in Plant-produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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21
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Daniell H, Nair SK, Shi Y, Wang P, Montone KT, Shaw PA, Choi GH, Ghani D, Weaver J, Rader DJ, Margulies KB, Collman RG, Laudanski K, Bar KJ. Decrease in Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme activity but not concentration in plasma/lungs in COVID-19 patients offers clues for diagnosis/treatment. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 26:266-278. [PMID: 35818571 PMCID: PMC9258412 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Although several therapeutics are used to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, there is still no definitive metabolic marker to evaluate disease severity and recovery or a quantitative test to end quarantine. Because severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infects human cells via the angiotensin-converting-enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor and COVID-19 is associated with renin-angiotensin system dysregulation, we evaluated soluble ACE2 (sACE2) activity in the plasma/saliva of 80 hospitalized COVID-19 patients and 27 non-COVID-19 volunteers, and levels of ACE2/Ang (1-7) in plasma or membrane (mACE2) in lung autopsy samples. sACE2 activity was markedly reduced (p < 0.0001) in COVID-19 plasma (n = 59) compared with controls (n = 27). Nadir sACE2 activity in early hospitalization was restored during disease recovery, irrespective of patient age, demographic variations, or comorbidity; in convalescent plasma-administered patients (n = 45), restoration was statistically higher than matched controls (n = 22, p = 0.0021). ACE2 activity was also substantially reduced in the saliva of COVID-19 patients compared with controls (p = 0.0065). There is a strong inverse correlation between sACE2 concentration and sACE2 activity and Ang (1-7) levels in participant plasmas. However, there were no difference in membrane ACE2 levels in lungs of autopsy tissues of COVID-19 (n = 800) versus other conditions (n = 300). These clinical observations suggest sACE2 activity as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Daniell
- W. D. Miller Professor & Director of Translational Research, Vice Chair, Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 240 South 40th Street, 547 Levy Building, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6030, USA
| | - Smruti K. Nair
- W. D. Miller Professor & Director of Translational Research, Vice Chair, Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 240 South 40th Street, 547 Levy Building, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6030, USA
| | - Yao Shi
- W. D. Miller Professor & Director of Translational Research, Vice Chair, Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 240 South 40th Street, 547 Levy Building, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6030, USA
| | - Ping Wang
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kathleen T. Montone
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Pamela A. Shaw
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Group, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Grace H. Choi
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Danyal Ghani
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - JoEllen Weaver
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Daniel J. Rader
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kenneth B. Margulies
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ronald G. Collman
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Krzysztof Laudanski
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Katharine J. Bar
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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22
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Daniell H, Nair SK, Guan H, Guo Y, Kulchar RJ, Torres MD, Shahed-Al-Mahmud M, Wakade G, Liu YM, Marques A, Graham-Wooten J, Zhou W, Wang P, Molugu SK, de Araujo WR, de la Fuente-Nunez C, Ma C, Short WR, Tebas P, Margulies KB, Bushman FD, Mante FK, Ricciardi R, Collman RG, Wolff MS. Debulking different Corona (SARS-COV-2 delta, omicron, OC43) and influenza (H1N1, H3N2) virus strains by plant viral trap proteins in chewing gums to decrease infection and transmission. Biomaterials 2022; 288:121671. [PMID: 35953331 PMCID: PMC9290430 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Because oral transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is 3–5 orders of magnitude higher than nasal transmission, we investigated debulking of oral viruses using viral trap proteins (CTB-ACE2, FRIL) expressed in plant cells, delivered through the chewing gum. In omicron nasopharyngeal (NP) samples, the microbubble count (based on N-antigen) was significantly reduced by 20 μg of FRIL (p < 0.0001) and 0.925 μg of CTB-ACE2 (p = 0.0001). Among 20 delta or omicron NP samples, 17 had virus load reduced below the detection level of spike protein in the RAPID assay, after incubation with the CTB-ACE2 gum powder. A dose-dependent 50% plaque reduction with 50–100 ng FRIL or 600–800 μg FRIL gum against Influenza strains H1N1, H3N2, and Coronavirus HCoV-OC43 was observed with both purified FRIL, lablab bean powder or gum. In electron micrographs, large/densely packed clumps of overlapping influenza particles and FRIL protein were observed. Chewing simulator studies revealed that CTB-ACE2 release was time/dose-dependent and release was linear up to 20 min chewing. Phase I/II placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial (IND 154897) is in progress to evaluate viral load in saliva before or after chewing CTB-ACE2/placebo gum. Collectively, this study advances the concept of chewing gum to deliver proteins to debulk oral viruses and decrease infection/transmission.
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23
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Daniell H, Nair SK, Esmaeili N, Wakade G, Shahid N, Ganesan PK, Islam MR, Shepley-McTaggart A, Feng S, Gary EN, Ali AR, Nuth M, Cruz SN, Graham-Wooten J, Streatfield SJ, Montoya-Lopez R, Kaznica P, Mawson M, Green BJ, Ricciardi R, Milone M, Harty RN, Wang P, Weiner DB, Margulies KB, Collman RG. Debulking SARS-CoV-2 in saliva using angiotensin converting enzyme 2 in chewing gum to decrease oral virus transmission and infection. Mol Ther 2022; 30:1966-1978. [PMID: 34774754 PMCID: PMC8580552 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
To advance a novel concept of debulking virus in the oral cavity, the primary site of viral replication, virus-trapping proteins CTB-ACE2 were expressed in chloroplasts and clinical-grade plant material was developed to meet FDA requirements. Chewing gum (2 g) containing plant cells expressed CTB-ACE2 up to 17.2 mg ACE2/g dry weight (11.7% leaf protein), have physical characteristics and taste/flavor like conventional gums, and no protein was lost during gum compression. CTB-ACE2 gum efficiently (>95%) inhibited entry of lentivirus spike or VSV-spike pseudovirus into Vero/CHO cells when quantified by luciferase or red fluorescence. Incubation of CTB-ACE2 microparticles reduced SARS-CoV-2 virus count in COVID-19 swab/saliva samples by >95% when evaluated by microbubbles (femtomolar concentration) or qPCR, demonstrating both virus trapping and blocking of cellular entry. COVID-19 saliva samples showed low or undetectable ACE2 activity when compared with healthy individuals (2,582 versus 50,126 ΔRFU; 27 versus 225 enzyme units), confirming greater susceptibility of infected patients for viral entry. CTB-ACE2 activity was completely inhibited by pre-incubation with SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain, offering an explanation for reduced saliva ACE2 activity among COVID-19 patients. Chewing gum with virus-trapping proteins offers a general affordable strategy to protect patients from most oral virus re-infections through debulking or minimizing transmission to others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Daniell
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Smruti K Nair
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nardana Esmaeili
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Geetanjali Wakade
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Naila Shahid
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Prem Kumar Ganesan
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Md Reyazul Islam
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ariel Shepley-McTaggart
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sheng Feng
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ebony N Gary
- The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ali R Ali
- The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Manunya Nuth
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Selene Nunez Cruz
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jevon Graham-Wooten
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | | | - Paul Kaznica
- Fraunhofer USA, Center Mid-Atlantic, Newark, DE 19711, USA
| | | | - Brian J Green
- Fraunhofer USA, Center Mid-Atlantic, Newark, DE 19711, USA
| | - Robert Ricciardi
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michael Milone
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ronald N Harty
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David B Weiner
- The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kenneth B Margulies
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ronald G Collman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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24
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Armario-Najera V, Blanco-Perera A, Shenoy SR, Sun Y, Marfil S, Muñoz-Basagoiti J, Perez-Zsolt D, Blanco J, Izquierdo-Useros N, Capell T, O'Keefe BR, Christou P. Physicochemical characterization of the recombinant lectin scytovirin and microbicidal activity of the SD1 domain produced in rice against HIV-1. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2022; 41:1013-1023. [PMID: 35178612 PMCID: PMC9034974 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-022-02834-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
KEY MESSAGE Rice-produced SD1 retains its physicochemical properties and provides efficient pre-exposure HIV-1 prophylaxis against infection in vitro. Scytovirin (SVN) is an HIV-neutralizing lectin that features two structural domains (SD1 and SD2) that bind to HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins. We expressed SD1 in rice seeds as a potential large-scale production platform and confirmed that rice-derived SD1 binds the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 in vitro. We analyzed the thermodynamic properties of SD1 compared to full-size SVN (produced in E. coli) by isothermal titration and differential scanning calorimetry to characterize the specific interactions between SVN/SD1 and gp120 as well as to high-mannose oligosaccharides. SVN bound with moderate affinity (Kd = 1.5 µM) to recombinant gp120, with 2.5-fold weaker affinity to nonamannoside (Kd of 3.9 µM), and with tenfold weaker affinity to tetramannoside (13.8 µM). The melting temperature (Tm) of full-size SVN was 59.1 °C and the enthalpy of unfolding (ΔHunf) was 16.4 kcal/mol, but the Tm fell when SVN bound to nonamannoside (56.5 °C) and twice as much energy was required for unfolding (ΔHunf = 33.5 kcal/mol). Interestingly, binding to tetramannoside destabilized the structure of SD1 (ΔTm ~ 11.5 °C) and doubled the enthalpy of unfolding, suggesting a dimerization event. The similar melting phenomenon shared by SVN and SD1 in the presence of oligomannose confirmed their conserved oligosaccharide-binding mechanisms. SD1 expressed in transgenic rice was able to neutralize HIV-1 in vitro. SD1 expressed in rice, therefore, is suitable as a microbicide component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Armario-Najera
- Department of Plant Production and Forestry Science, School of Agrifood and Forestry Science and Engineering, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio CERCA Center, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Amaya Blanco-Perera
- Department of Plant Production and Forestry Science, School of Agrifood and Forestry Science and Engineering, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio CERCA Center, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Shilpa R Shenoy
- Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of Plant Production and Forestry Science, School of Agrifood and Forestry Science and Engineering, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio CERCA Center, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Silvia Marfil
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, 08916, Badalona, Spain
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Can Ruti Campus, 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | | | | | - Julià Blanco
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, 08916, Badalona, Spain
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Can Ruti Campus, 08916, Badalona, Spain
- Chair of AIDS and Related Diseases, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, 08500, Vic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nuria Izquierdo-Useros
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, 08916, Badalona, Spain
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Can Ruti Campus, 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | - Teresa Capell
- Department of Plant Production and Forestry Science, School of Agrifood and Forestry Science and Engineering, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio CERCA Center, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Barry R O'Keefe
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD, USA.
- Natural Products Branch, Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD, USA.
| | - Paul Christou
- Department of Plant Production and Forestry Science, School of Agrifood and Forestry Science and Engineering, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio CERCA Center, 25198, Lleida, Spain.
- Catalan Institute for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), 08010, Barcelona, Spain.
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25
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Lobato Gómez M, Huang X, Alvarez D, He W, Baysal C, Zhu C, Armario‐Najera V, Blanco Perera A, Cerda Bennasser P, Saba‐Mayoral A, Sobrino‐Mengual G, Vargheese A, Abranches R, Abreu IA, Balamurugan S, Bock R, Buyel J, da Cunha NB, Daniell H, Faller R, Folgado A, Gowtham I, Häkkinen ST, Kumar S, Ramalingam SK, Lacorte C, Lomonossoff GP, Luís IM, Ma JK, McDonald KA, Murad A, Nandi S, O’Keefe B, Oksman‐Caldentey K, Parthiban S, Paul MJ, Ponndorf D, Rech E, Rodrigues JCM, Ruf S, Schillberg S, Schwestka J, Shah PS, Singh R, Stoger E, Twyman RM, Varghese IP, Vianna GR, Webster G, Wilbers RHP, Capell T, Christou P. Contributions of the international plant science community to the fight against human infectious diseases - part 1: epidemic and pandemic diseases. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2021; 19:1901-1920. [PMID: 34182608 PMCID: PMC8486245 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Infectious diseases, also known as transmissible or communicable diseases, are caused by pathogens or parasites that spread in communities by direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials, through droplets and aerosols, or via vectors such as insects. Such diseases cause ˜17% of all human deaths and their management and control places an immense burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Traditional approaches for the prevention and control of infectious diseases include vaccination programmes, hygiene measures and drugs that suppress the pathogen, treat the disease symptoms or attenuate aggressive reactions of the host immune system. The provision of vaccines and biologic drugs such as antibodies is hampered by the high cost and limited scalability of traditional manufacturing platforms based on microbial and animal cells, particularly in developing countries where infectious diseases are prevalent and poorly controlled. Molecular farming, which uses plants for protein expression, is a promising strategy to address the drawbacks of current manufacturing platforms. In this review article, we consider the potential of molecular farming to address healthcare demands for the most prevalent and important epidemic and pandemic diseases, focussing on recent outbreaks of high-mortality coronavirus infections and diseases that disproportionately affect the developing world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lobato Gómez
- Department of Crop and Forest SciencesUniversity of Lleida‐Agrotecnio CERCA CenterLleidaSpain
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Crop and Forest SciencesUniversity of Lleida‐Agrotecnio CERCA CenterLleidaSpain
| | - Derry Alvarez
- Department of Crop and Forest SciencesUniversity of Lleida‐Agrotecnio CERCA CenterLleidaSpain
| | - Wenshu He
- Department of Crop and Forest SciencesUniversity of Lleida‐Agrotecnio CERCA CenterLleidaSpain
| | - Can Baysal
- Department of Crop and Forest SciencesUniversity of Lleida‐Agrotecnio CERCA CenterLleidaSpain
| | - Changfu Zhu
- Department of Crop and Forest SciencesUniversity of Lleida‐Agrotecnio CERCA CenterLleidaSpain
| | - Victoria Armario‐Najera
- Department of Crop and Forest SciencesUniversity of Lleida‐Agrotecnio CERCA CenterLleidaSpain
| | - Amaya Blanco Perera
- Department of Crop and Forest SciencesUniversity of Lleida‐Agrotecnio CERCA CenterLleidaSpain
| | - Pedro Cerda Bennasser
- Department of Crop and Forest SciencesUniversity of Lleida‐Agrotecnio CERCA CenterLleidaSpain
| | - Andera Saba‐Mayoral
- Department of Crop and Forest SciencesUniversity of Lleida‐Agrotecnio CERCA CenterLleidaSpain
| | | | - Ashwin Vargheese
- Department of Crop and Forest SciencesUniversity of Lleida‐Agrotecnio CERCA CenterLleidaSpain
| | - Rita Abranches
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António XavierUniversidade Nova de LisboaOeirasPortugal
| | - Isabel Alexandra Abreu
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António XavierUniversidade Nova de LisboaOeirasPortugal
| | - Shanmugaraj Balamurugan
- Plant Genetic Engineering LaboratoryDepartment of BiotechnologyBharathiar UniversityCoimbatoreIndia
| | - Ralph Bock
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant PhysiologyPotsdam‐GolmGermany
| | - Johannes.F. Buyel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IMEAachenGermany
- Institute for Molecular BiotechnologyRWTH Aachen UniversityAachenGermany
| | - Nicolau B. da Cunha
- Centro de Análise Proteômicas e Bioquímicas de BrasíliaUniversidade Católica de BrasíliaBrasíliaBrazil
| | - Henry Daniell
- School of Dental MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - Roland Faller
- Department of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of California, DavisDavisCAUSA
| | - André Folgado
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António XavierUniversidade Nova de LisboaOeirasPortugal
| | - Iyappan Gowtham
- Plant Genetic Engineering LaboratoryDepartment of BiotechnologyBharathiar UniversityCoimbatoreIndia
| | - Suvi T. Häkkinen
- Industrial Biotechnology and Food SolutionsVTT Technical Research Centre of Finland LtdEspooFinland
| | - Shashi Kumar
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and BiotechnologyNew DelhiIndia
| | - Sathish Kumar Ramalingam
- Plant Genetic Engineering LaboratoryDepartment of BiotechnologyBharathiar UniversityCoimbatoreIndia
| | - Cristiano Lacorte
- Brazilian Agriculture Research CorporationEmbrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology and National Institute of Science and Technology Synthetic in BiologyParque Estação BiológicaBrasiliaBrazil
| | | | - Ines M. Luís
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António XavierUniversidade Nova de LisboaOeirasPortugal
| | - Julian K.‐C. Ma
- Institute for Infection and ImmunitySt. George’s University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Karen. A. McDonald
- Department of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of California, DavisDavisCAUSA
- Global HealthShare InitiativeUniversity of California, DavisDavisCAUSA
| | - Andre Murad
- Brazilian Agriculture Research CorporationEmbrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology and National Institute of Science and Technology Synthetic in BiologyParque Estação BiológicaBrasiliaBrazil
| | - Somen Nandi
- Department of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of California, DavisDavisCAUSA
- Global HealthShare InitiativeUniversity of California, DavisDavisCAUSA
| | - Barry O’Keefe
- Molecular Targets ProgramCenter for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, and Natural Products BranchDevelopmental Therapeutics ProgramDivision of Cancer Treatment and DiagnosisNational Cancer Institute, NIHFrederickMDUSA
| | | | - Subramanian Parthiban
- Plant Genetic Engineering LaboratoryDepartment of BiotechnologyBharathiar UniversityCoimbatoreIndia
| | - Mathew J. Paul
- Institute for Infection and ImmunitySt. George’s University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Daniel Ponndorf
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António XavierUniversidade Nova de LisboaOeirasPortugal
- Department of Biological ChemistryJohn Innes CentreNorwichUK
| | - Elibio Rech
- Brazilian Agriculture Research CorporationEmbrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology and National Institute of Science and Technology Synthetic in BiologyParque Estação BiológicaBrasiliaBrazil
| | - Julio C. M. Rodrigues
- Brazilian Agriculture Research CorporationEmbrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology and National Institute of Science and Technology Synthetic in BiologyParque Estação BiológicaBrasiliaBrazil
| | - Stephanie Ruf
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant PhysiologyPotsdam‐GolmGermany
| | - Stefan Schillberg
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IMEAachenGermany
- Institute for PhytopathologyJustus‐Liebig‐University GiessenGiessenGermany
| | - Jennifer Schwestka
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell BiologyUniversity of Natural Resources and Life SciencesViennaAustria
| | - Priya S. Shah
- Department of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of California, DavisDavisCAUSA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of California, DavisDavisCAUSA
| | - Rahul Singh
- School of Dental MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - Eva Stoger
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell BiologyUniversity of Natural Resources and Life SciencesViennaAustria
| | | | - Inchakalody P. Varghese
- Plant Genetic Engineering LaboratoryDepartment of BiotechnologyBharathiar UniversityCoimbatoreIndia
| | - Giovanni R. Vianna
- Brazilian Agriculture Research CorporationEmbrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology and National Institute of Science and Technology Synthetic in BiologyParque Estação BiológicaBrasiliaBrazil
| | - Gina Webster
- Institute for Infection and ImmunitySt. George’s University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Ruud H. P. Wilbers
- Laboratory of NematologyPlant Sciences GroupWageningen University and ResearchWageningenThe Netherlands
| | - Teresa Capell
- Department of Crop and Forest SciencesUniversity of Lleida‐Agrotecnio CERCA CenterLleidaSpain
| | - Paul Christou
- Department of Crop and Forest SciencesUniversity of Lleida‐Agrotecnio CERCA CenterLleidaSpain
- ICREACatalan Institute for Research and Advanced StudiesBarcelonaSpain
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26
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Challenges and Prospects of Plant-Derived Oral Vaccines against Hepatitis B and C Viruses. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10102037. [PMID: 34685844 PMCID: PMC8537828 DOI: 10.3390/plants10102037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B and C viruses chronically affect approximately 3.5% of the global population, causing more than 800,000 deaths yearly due to severe liver pathogenesis. Current HBV vaccines have significantly contributed to the reduction of chronic HBV infections, supporting the notion that virus eradication is a feasible public health objective in the near future. In contrast to HBV, a prophylactic vaccine against HCV infection is not available yet; however, intense research efforts within the last decade have significantly advanced the field and several vaccine candidates are shortlisted for clinical trials. A successful vaccine against an infectious disease of global importance must not only be efficient and safe, but also easy to produce, distribute, administer, and economically affordable to ensure appropriate coverage. Some of these requirements could be fulfilled by oral vaccines that could complement traditional immunization strategies. In this review, we discuss the potential of edible plant-based oral vaccines in assisting the worldwide fight against hepatitis B and C infections. We highlight the latest research efforts to reveal the potential of oral vaccines, discuss novel antigen designs and delivery strategies, as well as the limitations and controversies of oral administration that remain to be addressed to make this approach successful.
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27
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Shanmugaraj B, Siriwattananon K, Malla A, Phoolcharoen W. Potential for Developing Plant-Derived Candidate Vaccines and Biologics against Emerging Coronavirus Infections. Pathogens 2021; 10:1051. [PMID: 34451516 PMCID: PMC8400130 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10081051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The emerging human coronavirus infections in the 21st century remain a major public health crisis causing worldwide impact and challenging the global health care system. The virus is circulating in several zoonotic hosts and continuously evolving, causing occasional outbreaks due to spill-over events occurring between animals and humans. Hence, the development of effective vaccines or therapeutic interventions is the current global priority in order to reduce disease severity, frequent outbreaks, and to prevent future infections. Vaccine development for newly emerging pathogens takes a long time, which hinders rapid immunization programs. The concept of plant-based pharmaceuticals can be readily applied to meet the recombinant protein demand by means of transient expression. Plants are evolved as an expression platform, and they bring a combination of unique interests in terms of rapid scalability, flexibility, and economy for industrial-scale production of effective vaccines, diagnostic reagents, and other biopharmaceuticals. Plants offer safe biologics to fulfill emergency demands, especially during pandemic situations or outbreaks caused by emerging strains. This review highlights the features of a plant expression platform for producing recombinant biopharmaceuticals to combat coronavirus infections with emphasis on COVID-19 vaccine and biologics development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Konlavat Siriwattananon
- Research Unit for Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Ashwini Malla
- Baiya Phytopharm Co., Ltd., Bangkok 10250, Thailand; (B.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Waranyoo Phoolcharoen
- Baiya Phytopharm Co., Ltd., Bangkok 10250, Thailand; (B.S.); (A.M.)
- Research Unit for Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
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28
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Ferreira SS, Antunes MS. Re-engineering Plant Phenylpropanoid Metabolism With the Aid of Synthetic Biosensors. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:701385. [PMID: 34603348 PMCID: PMC8481569 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.701385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Phenylpropanoids comprise a large class of specialized plant metabolites with many important applications, including pharmaceuticals, food nutrients, colorants, fragrances, and biofuels. Therefore, much effort has been devoted to manipulating their biosynthesis to produce high yields in a more controlled manner in microbial and plant systems. However, current strategies are prone to significant adverse effects due to pathway complexity, metabolic burden, and metabolite bioactivity, which still hinder the development of tailor-made phenylpropanoid biofactories. This gap could be addressed by the use of biosensors, which are molecular devices capable of sensing specific metabolites and triggering a desired response, as a way to sense the pathway's metabolic status and dynamically regulate its flux based on specific signals. Here, we provide a brief overview of current research on synthetic biology and metabolic engineering approaches to control phenylpropanoid synthesis and phenylpropanoid-related biosensors, advocating for the use of biosensors and genetic circuits as a step forward in plant synthetic biology to develop autonomously-controlled phenylpropanoid-producing plant biofactories.
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