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Woolsey C, Cross RW, Prasad AN, Agans KN, Borisevich V, Deer DJ, Dobias NS, Fears AC, Harrison MB, Heinrich ML, Fenton KA, Garry RF, Branco LM, Geisbert TW. Monoclonal antibody therapy demonstrates increased virulence of a lineage VII strain of Lassa virus in nonhuman primates. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2301061. [PMID: 38164768 PMCID: PMC10810630 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2301061] [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: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) is a World Health Organization (WHO) priority pathogen that causes high morbidity and mortality. Recently, we showed that a combination of three broadly neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies known as Arevirumab-3 (8.9F, 12.1F, 37.2D) based on the lineage IV Josiah strain protected 100% of cynomolgus macaques against heterologous challenge with lineage II and III strains of LASV when therapy was initiated beginning at day 8 after challenge. LASV strains from Benin and Togo represent a new lineage VII that are more genetically diverse from lineage IV than strains from lineages II and III. Here, we tested the ability of Arevirumab-3 to protect macaques against a LASV lineage VII Togo isolate when treatment was administered beginning 8 days after exposure. Unexpectedly, only 40% of treated animals survived challenge. In a subsequent study we showed that Arevirumab-3 protected 100% of macaques from lethal challenge when treatment was initiated 7 days after LASV Togo exposure. Based on our transcriptomics data, successful Arevirumab-3 treatment correlated with diminished neutrophil signatures and the predicted development of T cell responses. As the in vitro antiviral activity of Arevirumab-3 against LASV Togo was equivalent to lineage II and III strains, the reduced protection in macaques against Togo likely reflects the faster disease course of LASV Togo in macaques than other strains. This data causes concern regarding the ability of heterologous vaccines and treatments to provide cross protection against lineage VII LASV isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney Woolsey
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Robert W. Cross
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Abhishek N. Prasad
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Krystle N. Agans
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Viktoriya Borisevich
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Daniel J. Deer
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Natalie S. Dobias
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Alyssa C. Fears
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Mack B. Harrison
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | | | - Karla A. Fenton
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Robert F. Garry
- Zalgen Labs, LLC, Frederick, MD, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Thomas W. Geisbert
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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2
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Scher G, Yankowski C, Kurup D, Josleyn NM, Wilkinson ER, Wells J, Steffens J, Lynn G, Vantongeren S, Zeng X, Twenhafel N, Cashman KA, Schnell MJ. Inactivated rabies-based Lassa fever virus vaccine candidate LASSARAB protects nonhuman primates from lethal disease. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:143. [PMID: 39122759 PMCID: PMC11315998 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00930-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever virus (LASV), a member of the Arenavirus family, is the etiological agent of Lassa fever, a severe hemorrhagic disease that causes considerable morbidity and mortality in the endemic areas of West Africa. LASV is a rodent-borne CDC Tier One biological threat agent and is on the World Health Organization's (WHO) Priority Pathogen list. Currently, no FDA-licensed vaccines or specific therapeutics are available. Here, we describe the efficacy of a deactivated rabies virus (RABV)-based vaccine encoding the glycoprotein precursor (GPC) of LASV (LASSARAB). Nonhuman primates (NHPs) were administered a two-dose regimen of LASSARAB or an irrelevant RABV-based vaccine to serve as a negative control. NHPs immunized with LASSARAB developed strong humoral responses to LASV-GPC. Upon challenge, NHPs vaccinated with LASSARAB survived to the study endpoint, whereas NHPs in the control group did not. This study demonstrates that LASSARAB is a worthy candidate for continued development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Scher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Catherine Yankowski
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Drishya Kurup
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Jefferson Center for Vaccines and Pandemic Preparedness, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nicole M Josleyn
- Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Eric R Wilkinson
- Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Jay Wells
- Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Jesse Steffens
- Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Ginger Lynn
- Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Sean Vantongeren
- Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Xiankun Zeng
- Pathology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Nancy Twenhafel
- Pathology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Kathleen A Cashman
- Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Fort Detrick, MD, 21702, USA.
| | - Matthias J Schnell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Jefferson Center for Vaccines and Pandemic Preparedness, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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3
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Smith DRM, Turner J, Fahr P, Attfield LA, Bessell PR, Donnelly CA, Gibb R, Jones KE, Redding DW, Asogun D, Ayodeji OO, Azuogu BN, Fischer WA, Jan K, Olayinka AT, Wohl DA, Torkelson AA, Dinkel KA, Nixon EJ, Pouwels KB, Hollingsworth TD. Health and economic impacts of Lassa vaccination campaigns in West Africa. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.02.26.24303394. [PMID: 38978680 PMCID: PMC11230338 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.26.24303394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Lassa fever is a zoonotic disease identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as having pandemic potential. This study estimates the health-economic burden of Lassa fever throughout West Africa and projects impacts of a series of vaccination campaigns. We also model the emergence of "Lassa-X" - a hypothetical pandemic Lassa virus variant - and project impacts of achieving 100 Days Mission vaccination targets. Our model predicted 2.7M (95% uncertainty interval: 2.1M-3.4M) Lassa virus infections annually, resulting over ten years in 2.0M (793.8K-3.9M) disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The most effective vaccination strategy was a population-wide preventive campaign primarily targeting WHO-classified "endemic" districts. Under conservative vaccine efficacy assumptions, this campaign averted $20.1M ($8.2M-$39.0M) in lost DALY value and $128.2M ($67.2M-$231.9M) in societal costs (International dollars 2021). Reactive vaccination in response to local outbreaks averted just one-tenth the health-economic burden of preventive campaigns. In the event of Lassa-X emerging, spreading throughout West Africa and causing approximately 1.2M DALYs within two years, 100 Days Mission vaccination averted 22% of DALYs given a vaccine 70% effective against disease, and 74% of DALYs given a vaccine 70% effective against both infection and disease. These findings suggest how vaccination could alleviate Lassa fever's burden and assist in pandemic preparedness.
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4
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Hashizume M, Takashima A, Iwasaki M. An mRNA-LNP-based Lassa virus vaccine induces protective immunity in mice. J Virol 2024; 98:e0057824. [PMID: 38767352 PMCID: PMC11237644 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00578-24] [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: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The mammarenavirus Lassa virus (LASV) causes the life-threatening hemorrhagic fever disease, Lassa fever. The lack of licensed medical countermeasures against LASV underscores the urgent need for the development of novel LASV vaccines, which has been hampered by the requirement for a biosafety level 4 facility to handle live LASV. Here, we investigated the efficacy of mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (mRNA-LNP)-based vaccines expressing the LASV glycoprotein precursor (LASgpc) or nucleoprotein (LCMnp) of the prototypic mammarenavirus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), in mice. Two doses of LASgpc- or LCMnp-mRNA-LNP administered intravenously (i.v.) protected C57BL/6 mice from a lethal challenge with a recombinant (r) LCMV expressing a modified LASgpc (rLCMV/LASgpc2m) inoculated intracranially. Intramuscular (i.m.) immunization with two doses of LASgpc- or LCMnp-mRNA-LNP significantly reduced the viral load in C57BL/6 mice inoculated i.v. with rLCMV/LASgpc2m. High levels of viremia and lethality were observed in CBA mice inoculated i.v. with rLCMV/LASgpc2m, which were abrogated by i.m. immunization with two doses of LASgpc-mRNA-LNP. The protective efficacy of two i.m. doses of LCMnp-mRNA-LNP was confirmed in a lethal hemorrhagic disease model of FVB mice i.v. inoculated with wild-type rLCMV. In all conditions tested, negligible and high levels of LASgpc- and LCMnp-specific antibodies were detected in mRNA-LNP-immunized mice, respectively, but robust LASgpc- and LCMnp-specific CD8+ T cell responses were induced. Accordingly, plasma from LASgpc-mRNA-LNP-immunized mice did not exhibit neutralizing activity. Our findings and surrogate mouse models of LASV infection, which can be studied at a reduced biocontainment level, provide a critical foundation for the rapid development of mRNA-LNP-based LASV vaccines.IMPORTANCELassa virus (LASV) is a highly pathogenic mammarenavirus responsible for several hundred thousand infections annually in West African countries, causing a high number of lethal Lassa fever (LF) cases. Despite its significant impact on human health, clinically approved, safe, and effective medical countermeasures against LF are not available. The requirement of a biosafety level 4 facility to handle live LASV has been one of the main obstacles to the research and development of LASV countermeasures. Here, we report that two doses of mRNA-lipid nanoparticle-based vaccines expressing the LASV glycoprotein precursor (LASgpc) or nucleoprotein (LCMnp) of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), a mammarenavirus genetically closely related to LASV, conferred protection to recombinant LCMV-based surrogate mouse models of lethal LASV infection. Notably, robust LASgpc- and LCMnp-specific CD8+ T cell responses were detected in mRNA-LNP-immunized mice, whereas no virus-neutralizing activity was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Hashizume
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Diseases, International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ayako Takashima
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Diseases, International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaharu Iwasaki
- Laboratory of Emerging Viral Diseases, International Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Advanced Modalities and Drug Delivery System, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- RNA Frontier Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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5
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Reyna RA, Littlefield KE, Shehu N, Makishima T, Maruyama J, Paessler S. The Importance of Lassa Fever and Its Disease Management in West Africa. Viruses 2024; 16:266. [PMID: 38400041 PMCID: PMC10892767 DOI: 10.3390/v16020266] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) is a zoonotic pathogen endemic throughout western Africa and is responsible for a human disease known as Lassa fever (LF). Historically, LASV has been emphasized as one of the greatest public health threats in West Africa, with up to 300,000 cases and 5000 associated deaths per year. This, and the fact that the disease has been reported in travelers, has driven a rapid production of various vaccine candidates. Several of these vaccines are currently in clinical development, despite limitations in understanding the immune response to infection. Alarmingly, the host immune response has been implicated in the induction of sensorineural hearing loss in LF survivors, legitimately raising safety questions about any future vaccines as well as efficacy in preventing potential hearing loss. The objective of this article is to revisit the importance and prevalence of LF in West Africa, with focus on Nigeria, and discuss current therapeutic approaches and ongoing vaccine development. In addition, we aim to emphasize the need for more scientific studies relating to LF-associated hearing loss, and to promote critical discussion about potential risks and benefits of vaccinating the population in endemic regions of West Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A. Reyna
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Kirsten E. Littlefield
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Nathan Shehu
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Medicine, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos P.M.B. 2076, Nigeria
| | - Tomoko Makishima
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Junki Maruyama
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Slobodan Paessler
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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6
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Brouwer PJ, Perrett HR, Beaumont T, Nijhuis H, Kruijer S, Burger JA, Lee WH, Müller-Kraüter H, Sanders RW, Strecker T, van Gils MJ, Ward AB. Defining bottlenecks and opportunities for Lassa virus neutralization by structural profiling of vaccine-induced polyclonal antibody responses. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.21.572918. [PMID: 38187682 PMCID: PMC10769344 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.21.572918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Lassa fever continues to be a major public health burden in endemic countries in West Africa, yet effective therapies or vaccines are lacking. The isolation of potent and protective neutralizing antibodies against the Lassa virus glycoprotein complex (GPC) justifies the development of vaccines that can elicit strong neutralizing antibody responses. However, Lassa vaccines candidates have generally been unsuccessful in doing so and the associated antibody responses to these vaccines remain poorly characterized. Here, we establish an electron-microscopy based epitope mapping pipeline that enables high-resolution structural characterization of polyclonal antibodies to GPC. By applying this method to rabbits vaccinated with a recombinant GPC vaccine and a GPC-derived virus-like particle, we reveal determinants of neutralization which involve epitopes of the GPC-C, GPC-A, and GP1-A competition clusters. Furthermore, by identifying previously undescribed immunogenic off-target epitopes, we expose challenges that recombinant GPC vaccines face. By enabling detailed polyclonal antibody characterization, our work ushers in a next generation of more rational Lassa vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J.M. Brouwer
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Hailee R. Perrett
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Tim Beaumont
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, the Netherlands
| | - Haye Nijhuis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, the Netherlands
| | - Sabine Kruijer
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, the Netherlands
| | - Judith A. Burger
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, the Netherlands
| | - Wen-Hsin Lee
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | | | - Rogier W. Sanders
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, the Netherlands
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Thomas Strecker
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Marit J. van Gils
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, the Netherlands
| | - Andrew B. Ward
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Lead contact
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7
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Lafoux B, Baillet N, Picard C, Fourcaud G, Borges-Cardoso V, Reynard S, Journeaux A, Germain C, Perthame E, Mateo M, Hortion J, Carnec X, Pietrosemoli N, Moroso M, Lacroix O, Jourjon O, Barron S, Vallve A, Duthey A, Jacquot F, Barrot L, Dirheimer M, Raoul H, Nougier C, Baize S. Hemostasis defects underlying the hemorrhagic syndrome caused by mammarenaviruses in a cynomolgus macaque model. Blood 2023; 142:2092-2104. [PMID: 37699247 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023020351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral hemorrhagic fevers (HF) are a group of acute febrile diseases with high mortality rates. Although hemostatic dysfunction appears to be a major determinant of the severity of the disease, it is still unclear what pathogenic mechanisms lead to it. In clinical studies it is found that arenaviruses, such as Lassa, Machupo, and Guanarito viruses cause HF that vary in symptoms and biological alterations. In this study we aimed to characterize the hemostatic dysfunction induced by arenaviral HF to determine its implication in the severity of the disease and to elucidate the origin of this syndrome. We found that lethal infection with Machupo, Guanarito, and Lassa viruses is associated with cutaneomucosal, cerebral, digestive, and pulmonary hemorrhages. The affected animals developed a severe alteration of the coagulation system, which was concomitant with acute hepatitis, minor deficit of hepatic factor synthesis, presence of a plasmatic inhibitor of coagulation, and dysfunction of the fibrinolytic system. Despite signs of increased vascular permeability, endothelial cell infection was not a determinant factor of the hemorrhagic syndrome. There were also alterations of the primary hemostasis during lethal infection, with moderate to severe thrombocytopenia and platelet dysfunction. Finally, we show that lethal infection is accompanied by a reduced hematopoietic potential of the bone marrow. This study provides an unprecedented characterization of the hemostasis defects induced by several highly pathogenic arenaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blaise Lafoux
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR5308, Lyon, France
| | - Nicolas Baillet
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR5308, Lyon, France
| | - Caroline Picard
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR5308, Lyon, France
| | - Gustave Fourcaud
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR5308, Lyon, France
| | - Virginie Borges-Cardoso
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR5308, Lyon, France
| | - Stéphanie Reynard
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR5308, Lyon, France
| | - Alexandra Journeaux
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR5308, Lyon, France
| | - Clara Germain
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR5308, Lyon, France
| | - Emeline Perthame
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Paris, France
| | - Mathieu Mateo
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR5308, Lyon, France
| | - Jimmy Hortion
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR5308, Lyon, France
| | - Xavier Carnec
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR5308, Lyon, France
| | - Natalia Pietrosemoli
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Paris, France
| | - Marie Moroso
- Laboratoire P4 INSERM-Jean Mérieux, INSERM US003, Lyon, France
| | - Orianne Lacroix
- Laboratoire P4 INSERM-Jean Mérieux, INSERM US003, Lyon, France
| | - Ophélie Jourjon
- Laboratoire P4 INSERM-Jean Mérieux, INSERM US003, Lyon, France
| | - Stéphane Barron
- Laboratoire P4 INSERM-Jean Mérieux, INSERM US003, Lyon, France
| | - Audrey Vallve
- Laboratoire P4 INSERM-Jean Mérieux, INSERM US003, Lyon, France
| | - Aurélie Duthey
- Laboratoire P4 INSERM-Jean Mérieux, INSERM US003, Lyon, France
| | | | - Laura Barrot
- Laboratoire P4 INSERM-Jean Mérieux, INSERM US003, Lyon, France
| | - Manon Dirheimer
- Laboratoire P4 INSERM-Jean Mérieux, INSERM US003, Lyon, France
| | - Hervé Raoul
- Laboratoire P4 INSERM-Jean Mérieux, INSERM US003, Lyon, France
| | - Christophe Nougier
- Service d'hématologie Biologique, Centre de Pathologie et Biologie Est, Groupement Hospitalier Est, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
| | - Sylvain Baize
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR5308, Lyon, France
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8
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Comes JDG, Pijlman GP, Hick TAH. Rise of the RNA machines - self-amplification in mRNA vaccine design. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:1417-1429. [PMID: 37328401 PMCID: PMC10266560 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
mRNA vaccines have won the race for early COVID-19 vaccine approval, yet improvements are necessary to retain this leading role in combating infectious diseases. A next generation of self-amplifying mRNAs, also known as replicons, form an ideal vaccine platform. Replicons induce potent humoral and cellular responses with few adverse effects upon a minimal, single-dose immunization. Delivery of replicons is achieved with virus-like replicon particles (VRPs), or in nonviral vehicles such as liposomes or lipid nanoparticles. Here, we discuss innovative advances, including multivalent, mucosal, and therapeutic replicon vaccines, and highlight novelties in replicon design. As soon as essential safety evaluations have been resolved, this promising vaccine concept can transform into a widely applied clinical platform technology taking center stage in pandemic preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome D G Comes
- Wageningen University and Research, Laboratory of Virology, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gorben P Pijlman
- Wageningen University and Research, Laboratory of Virology, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Tessy A H Hick
- Wageningen University and Research, Laboratory of Virology, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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9
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Mateo M, Baize S. [Recent advances in the development of vaccines against hemorrhagic fevers caused by arenaviruses]. Med Sci (Paris) 2023; 39:855-861. [PMID: 38018929 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2023162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Arenaviruses are a global threat, causing thousands of deaths each year in several countries around the world. Despite strong efforts in the development of vaccine candidates, vaccines against Lassa fever or Bolivian and Venezuelan hemorrhagic fevers are yet to be licensed for a use in humans. In this synthesis, we present the arenaviruses causing fatal diseases in humans and the main vaccine candidates that have been developed over the past decades with an emphasis on the measles-Lassa vaccine, the first Lassa vaccine ever tested in humans, and on the MOPEVAC platform that can potentially be used as a pan-arenavirus vaccine platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Mateo
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Unité de biologie des infections virales émergentes, Paris, France - Centre international de recherche en infectiologie (CIRI), université de Lyon, Inserm U1111, école normale supérieure de Lyon, université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, 69-007, Lyon, France
| | - Sylvain Baize
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Unité de biologie des infections virales émergentes, Paris, France - Centre international de recherche en infectiologie (CIRI), université de Lyon, Inserm U1111, école normale supérieure de Lyon, université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, 69-007, Lyon, France
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10
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Hastie KM, Melnik LI, Cross RW, Klitting RM, Andersen KG, Saphire EO, Garry RF. The Arenaviridae Family: Knowledge Gaps, Animal Models, Countermeasures, and Prototype Pathogens. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:S359-S375. [PMID: 37849403 PMCID: PMC10582522 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac266] [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] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV), Junin virus (JUNV), and several other members of the Arenaviridae family are capable of zoonotic transfer to humans and induction of severe viral hemorrhagic fevers. Despite the importance of arenaviruses as potential pandemic pathogens, numerous gaps exist in scientific knowledge pertaining to this diverse family, including gaps in understanding replication, immunosuppression, receptor usage, and elicitation of neutralizing antibody responses, that in turn complicates development of medical countermeasures. A further challenge to the development of medical countermeasures for arenaviruses is the requirement for use of animal models at high levels of biocontainment, where each model has distinct advantages and limitations depending on, availability of space, animals species-specific reagents, and most importantly the ability of the model to faithfully recapitulate human disease. Designation of LASV and JUNV as prototype pathogens can facilitate progress in addressing the public health challenges posed by members of this important virus family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M Hastie
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Lilia I Melnik
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Robert W Cross
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston National Laboratory, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Raphaëlle M Klitting
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
- Scripps Research Translational Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Kristian G Andersen
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
- Scripps Research Translational Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Erica Ollmann Saphire
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Robert F Garry
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Zalgen Labs LLC, Frederick, Maryland, USA
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11
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Schrauf S, Tomberger Y, Nambulli S, Duprex WP, Tschismarov R, Tauber E, Ramsauer K. Biodistribution and toxicology evaluation of a recombinant measles Schwarz-based Lassa vaccine in cynomolgus macaques. J Appl Toxicol 2023; 43:719-733. [PMID: 36480160 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4421] [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: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
MV-LASV is an investigational measles Schwarz-based vaccine for the prevention of Lassa fever. A repeated-dose toxicity study in cynomolgus macaques was performed to assess the biodistribution and local and systemic toxicological effects. Monkeys received three immunizations of MV-LASV or saline intramuscularly with a 2-week interval. An increase in anti-measles antibodies confirmed the reaction of the immune system to the vaccine backbone. Clinical observations, body weight, body temperature, local tolerance, electrocardiogram parameters, various clinical pathology parameters (hematology, coagulation urinalysis, serum chemistry, and C-reactive protein) were monitored. Gross pathology and histopathology of various tissues were evaluated. MV-LASV induced a mild increase in fibrinogen and C-reactive protein concentrations. This coincided with microscopic inflammation at the injection sites which partially or fully resolved following a 3-week recovery period. Viral RNA was found in secondary lymphoid organs and injection sites and gall bladder. No viral shedding to the environment was observed. Overall, the vaccine was locally and systemically well tolerated, supporting a first-in-human study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Schrauf
- Themis Bioscience GmbH, Vienna, Austria, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Yvonne Tomberger
- Themis Bioscience GmbH, Vienna, Austria, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Sham Nambulli
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - W Paul Duprex
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Roland Tschismarov
- Themis Bioscience GmbH, Vienna, Austria, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Erich Tauber
- Themis Bioscience GmbH, Vienna, Austria, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Katrin Ramsauer
- Themis Bioscience GmbH, Vienna, Austria, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA
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12
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Wang S, Liang B, Wang W, Li L, Feng N, Zhao Y, Wang T, Yan F, Yang S, Xia X. Viral vectored vaccines: design, development, preventive and therapeutic applications in human diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:149. [PMID: 37029123 PMCID: PMC10081433 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01408-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Human diseases, particularly infectious diseases and cancers, pose unprecedented challenges to public health security and the global economy. The development and distribution of novel prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines are the prioritized countermeasures of human disease. Among all vaccine platforms, viral vector vaccines offer distinguished advantages and represent prominent choices for pathogens that have hampered control efforts based on conventional vaccine approaches. Currently, viral vector vaccines remain one of the best strategies for induction of robust humoral and cellular immunity against human diseases. Numerous viruses of different families and origins, including vesicular stomatitis virus, rabies virus, parainfluenza virus, measles virus, Newcastle disease virus, influenza virus, adenovirus and poxvirus, are deemed to be prominent viral vectors that differ in structural characteristics, design strategy, antigen presentation capability, immunogenicity and protective efficacy. This review summarized the overall profile of the design strategies, progress in advance and steps taken to address barriers to the deployment of these viral vector vaccines, simultaneously highlighting their potential for mucosal delivery, therapeutic application in cancer as well as other key aspects concerning the rational application of these viral vector vaccines. Appropriate and accurate technological advances in viral vector vaccines would consolidate their position as a leading approach to accelerate breakthroughs in novel vaccines and facilitate a rapid response to public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Bo Liang
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Weiqi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ling Li
- China National Research Center for Exotic Animal Diseases, China Animal Health and Epidemiology Center, Qingdao, China
| | - Na Feng
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Yongkun Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Tiecheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China
| | - Feihu Yan
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China.
| | - Songtao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China.
| | - Xianzhu Xia
- Key Laboratory of Jilin Province for Zoonosis Prevention and Control, Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, China.
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13
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Tschismarov R, Van Damme P, Germain C, De Coster I, Mateo M, Reynard S, Journeaux A, Tomberger Y, Withanage K, Haslwanter D, Terler K, Schrauf S, Müllner M, Tauber E, Ramsauer K, Baize S. Immunogenicity, safety, and tolerability of a recombinant measles-vectored Lassa fever vaccine: a randomised, placebo-controlled, first-in-human trial. Lancet 2023; 401:1267-1276. [PMID: 36934733 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)00048-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lassa fever is a substantial health burden in west Africa. We evaluated the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of a recombinant, live-attenuated, measles-vectored Lassa fever vaccine candidate (MV-LASV). METHODS This first-in-human phase 1 trial-consisting of an open-label dose-escalation stage and an observer-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled treatment stage-was conducted at a single site at the University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium, and involved healthy adults aged 18-55 years. Participants in the dose-escalation stage were sequentially assigned to a low-dose group (two intramuscular doses of MV-LASV at 2 × 104 times the median tissue culture infectious dose) or a high-dose group (two doses at 1 × 105 times the median tissue culture infectious dose). Participants in the double-blinded treatment stage were randomly assigned in a 2:2:1 ratio to receive low dose, high dose, or placebo. The primary endpoint was the rate of solicited and unsolicited adverse events up to study day 56 and was assessed in all participants who received at least one dose of investigational product. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04055454, and the European Union Drug Regulating Authorities Clinical Trials Database, 2018-003647-40, and is complete. FINDINGS Between Sept 26, 2019, and Jan 20, 2020, 60 participants were enrolled and assigned to receive placebo (n=12) or MV-LASV (n=48). All 60 participants received at least one study treatment. Most adverse events occurred during the treatment phase, and frequencies of total solicited or unsolicited adverse events were similar between treatment groups, with 96% of participants in the low-dose group, 100% of those in the high-dose group, and 92% of those in the placebo group having any solicited adverse event (p=0·6751) and 76% of those in the low-dose group, 70% of those in the high-dose group, and 100% of those in the placebo group having any unsolicited adverse event (p=0·1047). The only significant difference related to local solicited adverse events, with higher frequencies observed in groups receiving MV-LASV (24 [96%] of 25 participants in the low-dose group; all 23 [100%] participants in the high-dose group) than in the placebo group (6 [50%] of 12 participants; p=0·0001, Fisher-Freeman-Halton test). Adverse events were mostly of mild or moderate severity, and no serious adverse events were observed. MV-LASV also induced substantial concentrations of LASV-specific IgG (geometric mean titre 62·9 EU/ml in the low-dose group and 145·9 EU/ml in the high-dose group on day 42). INTERPRETATION MV-LASV showed an acceptable safety and tolerability profile, and immunogenicity seemed to be unaffected by pre-existing immunity against the vector. MV-LASV is therefore a promising candidate for further development. FUNDING Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Tschismarov
- Themis Bioscience, Vienna, Austria, a subsidiary of Merck & Co, Rahway, NJ, USA.
| | - Pierre Van Damme
- Center for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Clara Germain
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France; Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Ilse De Coster
- Center for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Mateo
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France; Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Stephanie Reynard
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France; Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Alexandra Journeaux
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France
| | - Yvonne Tomberger
- Themis Bioscience, Vienna, Austria, a subsidiary of Merck & Co, Rahway, NJ, USA
| | - Kanchanamala Withanage
- Center for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Denise Haslwanter
- Themis Bioscience, Vienna, Austria, a subsidiary of Merck & Co, Rahway, NJ, USA
| | - Katherine Terler
- Themis Bioscience, Vienna, Austria, a subsidiary of Merck & Co, Rahway, NJ, USA
| | - Sabrina Schrauf
- Themis Bioscience, Vienna, Austria, a subsidiary of Merck & Co, Rahway, NJ, USA
| | - Matthias Müllner
- Themis Bioscience, Vienna, Austria, a subsidiary of Merck & Co, Rahway, NJ, USA
| | - Erich Tauber
- Themis Bioscience, Vienna, Austria, a subsidiary of Merck & Co, Rahway, NJ, USA
| | - Katrin Ramsauer
- Themis Bioscience, Vienna, Austria, a subsidiary of Merck & Co, Rahway, NJ, USA
| | - Sylvain Baize
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France; Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, Lyon, France
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14
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Saito T, Reyna RA, Taniguchi S, Littlefield K, Paessler S, Maruyama J. Vaccine Candidates against Arenavirus Infections. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:635. [PMID: 36992218 PMCID: PMC10057967 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11030635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The viral family Arenaviridae contains several members that cause severe, and often lethal, diseases in humans. Several highly pathogenic arenaviruses are classified as Risk Group 4 agents and must be handled in the highest biological containment facility, biosafety level-4 (BSL-4). Vaccines and treatments are very limited for these pathogens. The development of vaccines is crucial for the establishment of countermeasures against highly pathogenic arenavirus infections. While several vaccine candidates have been investigated, there are currently no approved vaccines for arenavirus infection except for Candid#1, a live-attenuated Junin virus vaccine only licensed in Argentina. Current platforms under investigation for use include live-attenuated vaccines, recombinant virus-based vaccines, and recombinant proteins. We summarize here the recent updates of vaccine candidates against arenavirus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Saito
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Rachel A. Reyna
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Satoshi Taniguchi
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Kirsten Littlefield
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Slobodan Paessler
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Junki Maruyama
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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15
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Mateo M, Reynard S, Pietrosemoli N, Perthame E, Journeaux A, Noy K, Germain C, Carnec X, Picard C, Borges-Cardoso V, Hortion J, Lopez-Maestre H, Regnard P, Fellmann L, Vallve A, Barron S, Jourjon O, Lacroix O, Duthey A, Dirheimer M, Daniau M, Legras-Lachuer C, Carbonnelle C, Raoul H, Tangy F, Baize S. Rapid protection induced by a single-shot Lassa vaccine in male cynomolgus monkeys. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1352. [PMID: 36906645 PMCID: PMC10008018 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37050-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever hits West African countries annually in the absence of licensed vaccine to limit the burden of this viral hemorrhagic fever. We previously developed MeV-NP, a single-shot vaccine protecting cynomolgus monkeys against divergent strains one month or more than a year before Lassa virus infection. Given the limited dissemination area during outbreaks and the risk of nosocomial transmission, a vaccine inducing rapid protection could be useful to protect exposed people during outbreaks in the absence of preventive vaccination. Here, we test whether the time to protection can be reduced after immunization by challenging measles virus pre-immune male cynomolgus monkeys sixteen or eight days after a single shot of MeV-NP. None of the immunized monkeys develop disease and they rapidly control viral replication. Animals immunized eight days before the challenge are the best controllers, producing a strong CD8 T-cell response against the viral glycoprotein. A group of animals was also vaccinated one hour after the challenge, but was not protected and succumbed to the disease as the control animals. This study demonstrates that MeV-NP can induce a rapid protective immune response against Lassa fever in the presence of MeV pre-existing immunity but can likely not be used as therapeutic vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Mateo
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, 69007, Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Stéphanie Reynard
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, 69007, Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Natalia Pietrosemoli
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Paris, France
| | - Emeline Perthame
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Paris, France
| | - Alexandra Journeaux
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, 69007, Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Kodie Noy
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, 69007, Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Clara Germain
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, 69007, Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Xavier Carnec
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, 69007, Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Caroline Picard
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, 69007, Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Virginie Borges-Cardoso
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, 69007, Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Jimmy Hortion
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, 69007, Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Hélène Lopez-Maestre
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Paris, France
| | - Pierrick Regnard
- SILABE, Université de Strasbourg, fort Foch, Niederhausbergen, France
| | - Lyne Fellmann
- SILABE, Université de Strasbourg, fort Foch, Niederhausbergen, France
| | - Audrey Vallve
- Laboratoire P4 INSERM - Jean Mérieux, INSERM US003, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Stéphane Barron
- Laboratoire P4 INSERM - Jean Mérieux, INSERM US003, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Ophélie Jourjon
- Laboratoire P4 INSERM - Jean Mérieux, INSERM US003, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Orianne Lacroix
- Laboratoire P4 INSERM - Jean Mérieux, INSERM US003, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Aurélie Duthey
- Laboratoire P4 INSERM - Jean Mérieux, INSERM US003, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Manon Dirheimer
- INSERM, Délégation Régionale Auvergne Rhône-Alpes, 69500, Bron, France
| | | | | | | | - Hervé Raoul
- Laboratoire P4 INSERM - Jean Mérieux, INSERM US003, 69007, Lyon, France
| | - Frédéric Tangy
- Vaccine Innovation Laboratory, Institut Pasteur, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Sylvain Baize
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, 69007, Lyon, France. .,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, 69007, Lyon, France.
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16
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Malik S, Bora J, Dhasmana A, Kishore S, Nag S, Preetam S, Uniyal P, Slama P, Mukherjee N, Haque S, Swed S. An update on current understanding of the epidemiology and management of the re-emerging endemic Lassa fever outbreaks. Int J Surg 2023; 109:584-586. [PMID: 37093095 PMCID: PMC10389424 DOI: 10.1097/js9.0000000000000178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sumira Malik
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Jharkhand, Ranchi, Jharkhand
| | - Jutishna Bora
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Jharkhand, Ranchi, Jharkhand
| | - Archna Dhasmana
- Himalayan School of Biosciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University
| | - Shristi Kishore
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Jharkhand, Ranchi, Jharkhand
| | - Sagnik Nag
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences & Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu
| | | | - Priyanka Uniyal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Sardar Bhagwan Singh University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
| | - Petr Slama
- Laboratory of Animal Immunology and Biotechnology, Department of Animal Morphology, Physiology and Genetics, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Nobendu Mukherjee
- Department of Microbiology, West Bengal State University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- Department of Health Sciences, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sarya Swed
- Faculty of Medicine, Aleppo University, Aleppo, Syria
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17
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Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) is endemic in the rodent populations of Sierra Leone, Nigeria and other countries in West Africa. Spillover to humans occurs frequently and results in Lassa fever, a viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) associated with a high case fatality rate. Despite advances, fundamental gaps in knowledge of the immunology, epidemiology, ecology and pathogenesis of Lassa fever persist. More frequent outbreaks, the potential for further geographic expansion of Mastomys natalensis and other rodent reservoirs, the ease of procurement and possible use and weaponization of LASV, the frequent importation of LASV to North America and Europe, and the emergence of novel LASV strains in densely populated West Africa have driven new initiatives to develop countermeasures for LASV. Although promising candidates are being evaluated, as yet there are no approved vaccines or therapeutics for human use. This Review discusses the virology of LASV, the clinical course of Lassa fever and the progress towards developing medical countermeasures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert F Garry
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
- Zalgen Labs, Frederick, MD, USA.
- Global Viral Network, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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18
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Aloke C, Obasi NA, Aja PM, Emelike CU, Egwu CO, Jeje O, Edeogu CO, Onisuru OO, Orji OU, Achilonu I. Combating Lassa Fever in West African Sub-Region: Progress, Challenges, and Future Perspectives. Viruses 2023; 15:146. [PMID: 36680186 PMCID: PMC9864412 DOI: 10.3390/v15010146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is a rodent-borne disease that threatens human health in the sub-region of West Africa where the zoonotic host of Lassa virus (LASV) is predominant. Currently, treatment options for LF are limited and since no preventive vaccine is approved for its infectivity, there is a high mortality rate in endemic areas. This narrative review explores the transmission, pathogenicity of LASV, advances, and challenges of different treatment options. Our findings indicate that genetic diversity among the different strains of LASV and their ability to circumvent the immune system poses a critical challenge to the development of LASV vaccines/therapeutics. Thus, understanding the biochemistry, physiology and genetic polymorphism of LASV, mechanism of evading host immunity are essential for development of effective LASV vaccines/therapeutics to combat this lethal viral disease. The LASV nucleoprotein (NP) is a novel target for therapeutics as it functions significantly in several aspects of the viral life cycle. Consequently, LASV NP inhibitors could be employed as effective therapeutics as they will potentially inhibit LASV replication. Effective preventive control measures, vaccine development, target validation, and repurposing of existing drugs, such as ribavirin, using activity or in silico-based and computational bioinformatics, would aid in the development of novel drugs for LF management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinyere Aloke
- Protein Structure-Function and Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki PMB 1010, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Nwogo Ajuka Obasi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki PMB 1010, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Patrick Maduabuchi Aja
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki PMB 053, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Mbarara P.O. Box 1410, Uganda
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Kampala International University, Bushenyi, Ishaka P.O. Box 71, Uganda
| | - Chinedum Uche Emelike
- Department of Physiology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki PMB 1010, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Chinedu Ogbonnia Egwu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Abakaliki PMB 1010, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Olamide Jeje
- Protein Structure-Function and Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
| | - Chuks Oswald Edeogu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki PMB 053, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Olalekan Olugbenga Onisuru
- Protein Structure-Function and Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
| | - Obasi Uche Orji
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki PMB 053, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
| | - Ikechukwu Achilonu
- Protein Structure-Function and Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2050, South Africa
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19
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Brouwer PJM, Antanasijevic A, Ronk AJ, Müller-Kräuter H, Watanabe Y, Claireaux M, Perrett HR, Bijl TPL, Grobben M, Umotoy JC, Schriek AI, Burger JA, Tejjani K, Lloyd NM, Steijaert TH, van Haaren MM, Sliepen K, de Taeye SW, van Gils MJ, Crispin M, Strecker T, Bukreyev A, Ward AB, Sanders RW. Lassa virus glycoprotein nanoparticles elicit neutralizing antibody responses and protection. Cell Host Microbe 2022; 30:1759-1772.e12. [PMID: 36400021 PMCID: PMC9794196 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2022.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The Lassa virus is endemic in parts of West Africa, and it causes hemorrhagic fever with high mortality. The development of a recombinant protein vaccine has been hampered by the instability of soluble Lassa virus glycoprotein complex (GPC) trimers, which disassemble into monomeric subunits after expression. Here, we use two-component protein nanoparticles consisting of trimeric and pentameric subunits to stabilize GPC in a trimeric conformation. These GPC nanoparticles present twenty prefusion GPC trimers on the surface of an icosahedral particle. Cryo-EM studies of GPC nanoparticles demonstrated a well-ordered structure and yielded a high-resolution structure of an unliganded GPC. These nanoparticles induced potent humoral immune responses in rabbits and protective immunity against the lethal Lassa virus challenge in guinea pigs. Additionally, we isolated a neutralizing antibody that mapped to the putative receptor-binding site, revealing a previously undefined site of vulnerability. Collectively, these findings offer potential approaches to vaccine and therapeutic design for the Lassa virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J M Brouwer
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Integrative, Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Aleksandar Antanasijevic
- Department of Integrative, Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; International AIDS Vaccine Initiative Neutralizing Antibody Center, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Adam J Ronk
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA; Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
| | | | - Yasunori Watanabe
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Mathieu Claireaux
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hailee R Perrett
- Department of Integrative, Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Tom P L Bijl
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marloes Grobben
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jeffrey C Umotoy
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Angela I Schriek
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Judith A Burger
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Khadija Tejjani
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nicole M Lloyd
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA; Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
| | - Thijs H Steijaert
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marlies M van Haaren
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kwinten Sliepen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Steven W de Taeye
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marit J van Gils
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Max Crispin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Thomas Strecker
- Institute of Virology, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Bukreyev
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA; Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
| | - Andrew B Ward
- Department of Integrative, Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; International AIDS Vaccine Initiative Neutralizing Antibody Center, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | - Rogier W Sanders
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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20
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Abstract
The development of Lassa virus (LASV) vaccines has been challenging due to the instability of recombinant immunogens. In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Brouwer et al. use a two-component nanoparticle strategy that enables stable trimeric presentation of the LASV glycoprotein complex (GPC) and induction of broadly neutralizing antibodies.
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21
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Abstract
Lassa Fever (LF) is a viral hemorrhagic fever endemic in West Africa. LF begins with flu-like symptoms that are difficult to distinguish from other common endemic diseases such as malaria, dengue, and yellow fever making it hard to diagnose clinically. Availability of a rapid diagnostic test and other serological and molecular assays facilitates accurate diagnosis of LF. Lassa virus therapeutics are currently in different stages of preclinical development. Arevirumab, a cocktail of monoclonal antibodies, demonstrates a great safety and efficacy profile in non-human primates. Major efforts have been made in the development of a Lassa virus vaccine. Two vaccine candidates, MeV-NP and pLASV-GPC are undergoing evaluation in phase I clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilia I Melnik
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA.
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22
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Murphy H, Ly H. Understanding Immune Responses to Lassa Virus Infection and to Its Candidate Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:1668. [PMID: 36298533 PMCID: PMC9612042 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10101668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is a deadly viral hemorrhagic fever disease that is endemic in several countries in West Africa. It is caused by Lassa virus (LASV), which has been estimated to be responsible for approximately 300,000 infections and 5000 deaths annually. LASV is a highly pathogenic human pathogen without effective therapeutics or FDA-approved vaccines. Here, we aim to provide a literature review of the current understanding of the basic mechanism of immune responses to LASV infection in animal models and patients, as well as to several of its candidate vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hinh Ly
- Comparative & Molecular Biosciences Graduate Program, Department of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, St Paul, MN 55108, USA
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23
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Klitting R, Kafetzopoulou LE, Thiery W, Dudas G, Gryseels S, Kotamarthi A, Vrancken B, Gangavarapu K, Momoh M, Sandi JD, Goba A, Alhasan F, Grant DS, Okogbenin S, Ogbaini-Emovo E, Garry RF, Smither AR, Zeller M, Pauthner MG, McGraw M, Hughes LD, Duraffour S, Günther S, Suchard MA, Lemey P, Andersen KG, Dellicour S. Predicting the evolution of the Lassa virus endemic area and population at risk over the next decades. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5596. [PMID: 36167835 PMCID: PMC9515147 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33112-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever is a severe viral hemorrhagic fever caused by a zoonotic virus that repeatedly spills over to humans from its rodent reservoirs. It is currently not known how climate and land use changes could affect the endemic area of this virus, currently limited to parts of West Africa. By exploring the environmental data associated with virus occurrence using ecological niche modelling, we show how temperature, precipitation and the presence of pastures determine ecological suitability for virus circulation. Based on projections of climate, land use, and population changes, we find that regions in Central and East Africa will likely become suitable for Lassa virus over the next decades and estimate that the total population living in ecological conditions that are suitable for Lassa virus circulation may drastically increase by 2070. By analysing geotagged viral genomes using spatially-explicit phylogeography and simulating virus dispersal, we find that in the event of Lassa virus being introduced into a new suitable region, its spread might remain spatially limited over the first decades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphaëlle Klitting
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
| | - Liana E. Kafetzopoulou
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium ,grid.424065.10000 0001 0701 3136Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wim Thiery
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Department of Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gytis Dudas
- grid.6441.70000 0001 2243 2806Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Sophie Gryseels
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Evolutionary Ecology group, Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium ,grid.20478.390000 0001 2171 9581Vertebrate group, Directorate Taxonomy and Phylogeny, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anjali Kotamarthi
- grid.214007.00000000122199231Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Bram Vrancken
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karthik Gangavarapu
- grid.214007.00000000122199231Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Mambu Momoh
- grid.442296.f0000 0001 2290 9707Eastern Technical University of Sierra Leone, Kenema, Sierra Leone ,grid.463455.50000 0004 1799 2069Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - John Demby Sandi
- grid.463455.50000 0004 1799 2069Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Augustine Goba
- grid.463455.50000 0004 1799 2069Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Foday Alhasan
- grid.463455.50000 0004 1799 2069Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Donald S. Grant
- grid.463455.50000 0004 1799 2069Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Kenema, Sierra Leone ,grid.442296.f0000 0001 2290 9707College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Sylvanus Okogbenin
- grid.508091.5Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Nigeria ,grid.411357.50000 0000 9018 355XFaculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria
| | | | - Robert F. Garry
- grid.265219.b0000 0001 2217 8588Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University, School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112 USA ,grid.505518.c0000 0004 5901 1919Zalgen Labs, LCC, Frederick, MD 21703 USA ,grid.475149.aGlobal Virus Network (GVN), Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
| | - Allison R. Smither
- grid.265219.b0000 0001 2217 8588Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University, School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112 USA
| | - Mark Zeller
- grid.214007.00000000122199231Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Matthias G. Pauthner
- grid.214007.00000000122199231Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Michelle McGraw
- grid.214007.00000000122199231Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Laura D. Hughes
- grid.214007.00000000122199231Department of Integrative, Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Sophie Duraffour
- grid.424065.10000 0001 0701 3136Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany ,grid.452463.2German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Hamburg–Lübeck–Borstel–Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Günther
- grid.424065.10000 0001 0701 3136Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany ,grid.452463.2German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Hamburg–Lübeck–Borstel–Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marc A. Suchard
- grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Biomathematics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA USA ,grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Philippe Lemey
- grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kristian G. Andersen
- grid.214007.00000000122199231Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA ,grid.214007.00000000122199231Scripps Research Translational Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Simon Dellicour
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. .,Spatial Epidemiology Lab (SpELL), Université Libre de Bruxelles, CP160/12 50, av. FD Roosevelt, 1050, Bruxelles, Belgium.
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24
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Abstract
Self-replicating RNA viral vectors have been engineered for both prophylactic and therapeutic applications. Mainly the areas of infectious diseases and cancer have been targeted. Both positive and negative strand RNA viruses have been utilized including alphaviruses, flaviviruses, measles viruses and rhabdoviruses. The high-level of RNA amplification has provided efficient expression of viral surface proteins and tumor antigens. Immunization studies in animal models have elicit robust neutralizing antibody responses. In the context of infectious diseases, immunization with self-replicating RNA viral vectors has provided protection against challenges with lethal doses of pathogens in animal models. Similarly, immunization with vectors expressing tumor antigens has resulted in tumor regression and eradication and protection against tumor challenges in animal models. The transient nature and non-integration of viral RNA into the host genome are ideal features for vaccine development. Moreover, self-replicating RNA viral vectors show great flexibility as they can be applied as recombinant viral particles, RNA replicons or DNA replicon plasmids. Several clinical trials have been conducted especially in the area of cancer immunotherapy.
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25
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A recombinant VSV-vectored vaccine rapidly protects nonhuman primates against heterologous lethal Lassa fever. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111094. [PMID: 35858566 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) is recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the top five pathogens likely to cause a severe outbreak. A recent unprecedented resurgence of LASV in Nigeria caused by genetically diverse strains underscores the need for licensed medical countermeasures. Single-injection vaccines that can rapidly control outbreaks and confer long-term immunity are needed. Vaccination of cynomolgus monkeys with a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus vector expressing the glycoprotein precursor of LASV lineage IV strain Josiah (rVSVΔG-LASV-GPC) induces fast-acting protection in monkeys challenged 3 or 7 days later with a genetically heterologous lineage II isolate of LASV from Nigeria, while nonspecifically vaccinated control animals succumb to challenge. The rVSVΔG-LASV-GPC vaccine induces rapid activation of adaptive immunity and the transcription of natural killer (NK) cell-affiliated mRNAs. This study demonstrates that rVSVΔG-LASV-GPC may provide rapid protection in humans against LASV infections in cases where immediate public-health intervention is required.
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26
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Mateo M, Hortion J, Perthame E, Picard C, Reynard S, Journeaux A, Germain C, Carnec X, Baillet N, Borges-Cardoso V, Pietrosemoli N, Vallve A, Barron S, Jourjon O, Lacroix O, Duthey A, Dirheimer M, Daniau M, Legras-Lachuer C, Jouvion G, Carbonnelle C, Raoul H, Baize S. Pathogenesis of recent Lassa virus isolates from lineages II and VII in cynomolgus monkeys. Virulence 2022; 13:654-669. [PMID: 35437094 PMCID: PMC9037461 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2022.2060170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The area of Lassa virus (LASV) circulation is expanding, with the emergence of highly pathogenic new LASV lineages. Benin recently became an endemic country for LASV and has seen the emergence of a new LASV lineage (VII). The first two outbreaks in 2014 and 2016 showed a relatively high mortality rate compared to other outbreaks. We infected cynomolgus monkeys with two strains belonging to lineage II and lineage VII that were isolated from deceased patients during the 2016 outbreak in Benin. The lineage VII strain (L7) caused uniform mortality. Death was associated with uncontrolled viral replication, unbalanced inflammatory responses characterized by increased concentrations of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, and the absence of efficient immune responses, resembling the pathogenesis associated with the prototypic Josiah strain in monkeys. The lineage II strain (L2) showed apparently lower virulence than its counterpart, with a prolonged time to death and a lower mortality rate. Prolonged survival was associated with better control of viral replication, a moderate inflammatory response, and efficient T-cell responses. Transcriptomic analyses also highlighted important differences in the immune responses associated with the outcome. Both strains caused strong inflammation in several organs. Notably, meningitis and encephalitis were observed in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum in all monkeys, independently of the outcome. Due to their apparently high pathogenicity, emerging strains from lineage VII should be considered in preclinical vaccine testing. Lineage II would also be beneficial in pathogenesis studies to study the entire spectrum of Lassa fever severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Mateo
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, Lyon France
| | - Jimmy Hortion
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, Lyon France
| | - Emeline Perthame
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Picard
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, Lyon France
| | - Stéphanie Reynard
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, Lyon France
| | - Alexandra Journeaux
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, Lyon France
| | - Clara Germain
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, Lyon France
| | - Xavier Carnec
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, Lyon France
| | - Nicolas Baillet
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, Lyon France
| | - Virginie Borges-Cardoso
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, Lyon France
| | - Natalia Pietrosemoli
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Audrey Vallve
- Laboratoire P4 INSERM-Jean Mérieux, INSERM US003, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Stéphane Barron
- Laboratoire P4 INSERM-Jean Mérieux, INSERM US003, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Ophélie Jourjon
- Laboratoire P4 INSERM-Jean Mérieux, INSERM US003, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Orianne Lacroix
- Laboratoire P4 INSERM-Jean Mérieux, INSERM US003, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Aurélie Duthey
- Laboratoire P4 INSERM-Jean Mérieux, INSERM US003, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Manon Dirheimer
- INSERM, Délégation Régionale Auvergne Rhône-Alpes, Bron, France
| | | | | | - Gregory Jouvion
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Unité d'Histologie et d'Anatomie Pathologique, Maisons-Alfort, France.,Dynamic Research Group, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaired'Alfort, USC ANSES, Université Paris Est Créteil, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Hervé Raoul
- Laboratoire P4 INSERM-Jean Mérieux, INSERM US003, 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Sylvain Baize
- Unité de Biologie des Infections Virales Emergentes, Institut Pasteur, Lyon, France.,Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Université de Lyon, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, Lyon France
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Raabe V, Mehta AK, Evans JD. Lassa Virus Infection: a Summary for Clinicians. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 119:187-200. [PMID: 35395384 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This summary on Lassa virus (LASV) infection and Lassa fever disease (LF) was developed from a clinical perspective to provide clinicians a condensed, accessible understanding of the current literature. The information provided highlights pathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnostics with an emphasis on therapies and vaccines that have demonstrated potential value for use in clinical or research environments. METHODS An integrative literature review was conducted on the clinical and pathological features, vaccines, and treatments for LASV infection, with a focus on recent studies and in vivo evidence from humans and/or non-human primates (NHPs), when available. RESULTS Two antiviral medications with potential benefit for the treatment of LASV infection and one for post-exposure prophylaxis were identified, although a larger number of potential candidates are currently being evaluated. Multiple vaccine platforms are in pre-clinical development for LASV prevention, but data from human clinical trials are not yet available. CONCLUSION We provide succinct summaries of medical countermeasures against LASV to give the busy clinician a rapid reference. Although there are no approved drugs or vaccines for LF, we provide condensed information from a literature review for measures that can be taken when faced with a suspected infection, including investigational treatment options and hospital engineering controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Raabe
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY.
| | | | - Jared D Evans
- Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD.
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28
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Utilization of Viral Vector Vaccines in Preparing for Future Pandemics. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10030436. [PMID: 35335068 PMCID: PMC8950656 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10030436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
As the global response to COVID-19 continues, government stakeholders and private partners must keep an eye on the future for the next emerging viral threat with pandemic potential. Many of the virus families considered to be among these threats currently cause sporadic outbreaks of unpredictable size and timing. This represents a major challenge in terms of both obtaining sufficient funding to develop vaccines, and the ability to evaluate clinical efficacy in the field. However, this also presents an opportunity in which vaccines, along with robust diagnostics and contact tracing, can be utilized to respond to outbreaks as they occur, and limit the potential for further spread of the disease in question. While mRNA-based vaccines have proven, during the COVID-19 response, to be an effective and safe solution in terms of providing a rapid response to vaccine development, virus vector-based vaccines represent a class of vaccines that can offer key advantages in certain performance characteristics with regard to viruses of pandemic potential. Here, we will discuss some of the key pros and cons of viral vector vaccines in the context of preparing for future pandemics.
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29
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To A, Lai CY, Wong TAS, Namekar M, Lieberman MM, Lehrer AT. Adjuvants Differentially Modulate the Immunogenicity of Lassa Virus Glycoprotein Subunits in Mice. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2022; 3. [PMID: 37034031 PMCID: PMC10081732 DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2022.847598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa Fever (LF) is an acute viral hemorrhagic fever caused by Lassa virus (LASV) that is primarily transmitted through contact with wild rodents in West Africa. Although several advanced vaccine candidates are progressing through clinical trials, some effective vaccines are virally vectored and thus require a stringent cold-chain, making distribution to rural and resource-poor areas difficult. Recombinant subunit vaccines are advantageous in this aspect as they can be thermostabilized and deployed with minimal storage and transportation requirements. However, antigen dose and adjuvant formulation must be carefully selected to ensure both the appropriate humoral and cell-mediated immune responses are elicited. In this study, we examine the immunogenicity of a two-step immunoaffinity-purified recombinant LASV glycoprotein (GP) with five clinical- and preclinical-grade adjuvants. Swiss Webster mice immunized intramuscularly with 2 or 3 doses of each vaccine formulation showed complete seroconversion and maximal GP-specific antibody response after two immunizations. Formulations with GPI-0100, LiteVax, Montanide™ ISA 51, and Montanide™ ISA 720 induced both IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies suggesting a balanced Th1/Th2 response, whereas formulation of LASV GP with Alhydrogel elicited a IgG1-dominant response. Splenocytes secreting both Th1 and Th2 cytokines i.e., IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-5, were observed from mice receiving both antigen doses formulated with ISA 720, LiteVax and GPI-0100. However, robust, multifunctional T-cells were only detected in mice receiving a higher dose of LASV GP formulated with GPI-0100. Our results emphasize the importance of careful adjuvant selection and lay the immunological basis for a recombinant subunit protein LF vaccine formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert To
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology, and Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, The University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Chih-Yun Lai
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology, and Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, The University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
- Pacific Center for Emerging Infectious Disease Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, The University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Teri Ann S. Wong
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology, and Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, The University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Madhuri Namekar
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology, and Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, The University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
- Pacific Center for Emerging Infectious Disease Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, The University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Michael M. Lieberman
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology, and Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, The University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Axel T. Lehrer
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Medical Microbiology, and Pharmacology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, The University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
- Pacific Center for Emerging Infectious Disease Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, The University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
- Correspondence: Axel T. Lehrer,
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30
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Current view on novel vaccine technologies to combat human infectious diseases. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:25-56. [PMID: 34889981 PMCID: PMC8661323 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11713-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Inactivated and live attenuated vaccines have improved human life and significantly reduced morbidity and mortality of several human infectious diseases. However, these vaccines have faults, such as reactivity or suboptimal efficacy and expensive and time-consuming development and production. Additionally, despite the enormous efforts to develop vaccines against some infectious diseases, the traditional technologies have not been successful in achieving this. At the same time, the concerns about emerging and re-emerging diseases urge the need to develop technologies that can be rapidly applied to combat the new challenges. Within the last two decades, the research of vaccine technologies has taken several directions to achieve safe, efficient, and economic platforms or technologies for novel vaccines. This review will give a brief overview of the current state of the novel vaccine technologies, new vaccine candidates in clinical trial phases 1-3 (listed by European Medicines Agency (EMA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA)), and vaccines based on the novel technologies which have already been commercially available (approved by EMA and FDA) with the special reference to pandemic COVID-19 vaccines. KEY POINTS: • Vaccines of the new generation follow the minimalist strategy. • Some infectious diseases remain a challenge for the vaccine development. • The number of new vaccine candidates in the late phase clinical trials remains low.
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31
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Murphy HL, Ly H. Pathogenicity and virulence mechanisms of Lassa virus and its animal modeling, diagnostic, prophylactic, and therapeutic developments. Virulence 2021; 12:2989-3014. [PMID: 34747339 PMCID: PMC8923068 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2021.2000290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is a deadly viral hemorrhagic disease that is endemic to West Africa. The causative agent of LF is Lassa virus (LASV), which causes approximately 300,000 infections and 5,000 deaths annually. There are currently no approved therapeutics or FDA-approved vaccines against LASV. The high genetic variability between LASV strains and immune evasion mediated by the virus complicate the development of effective therapeutics and vaccines. Here, we aim to provide a comprehensive review of the basic biology of LASV and its mechanisms of disease pathogenesis and virulence in various animal models, as well as an update on prospective vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics for LF. Until effective vaccines and/or therapeutics are available for use to prevent or treat LF, a better level of understanding of the basic biology of LASV, its natural genetic variations and immune evasion mechanisms as potential pathogenicity factors, and of the rodent reservoir-vector populations and their geographical distributions, is necessary for the development of accurate diagnostics and effective therapeutics and vaccines against this deadly human viral pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L Murphy
- Department of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences, Comparative & Molecular Biosciences Graduate Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
| | - Hinh Ly
- Department of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences, Comparative & Molecular Biosciences Graduate Program, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
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32
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A recombinant measles virus vaccine strongly reduces SHIV viremia and virus reservoir establishment in macaques. NPJ Vaccines 2021; 6:123. [PMID: 34686669 PMCID: PMC8536681 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-021-00385-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Replicative vectors derived from live-attenuated measles virus (MV) carrying additional non-measles vaccine antigens have long demonstrated safety and immunogenicity in humans despite pre-existing immunity to measles. Here, we report the vaccination of cynomolgus macaques with MV replicative vectors expressing simian-human immunodeficiency virus Gag, Env, and Nef antigens (MV-SHIV Wt) either wild type or mutated in the immunosuppressive (IS) domains of Nef and Env antigens (MV-SHIV Mt). We found that the inactivation of Nef and Env IS domains by targeted mutations led to the induction of significantly enhanced post-prime cellular immune responses. After repeated challenges with low doses of SHIV-SF162p3, vaccinees were protected against high viremia, resulting in a 2-Log reduction in peak viremia, accelerated viral clearance, and a decrease -even complete protection for nearly half of the monkeys- in reservoir cell infection. This study demonstrates the potential of a replicative viral vector derived from the safe and widely used measles vaccine in the development of a future human vaccine against HIV-1.
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