1
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Esler MA, Belica CA, Rollie JA, Brown WL, Moghadasi SA, Shi K, Harki DA, Harris RS, Aihara H. A compact stem-loop DNA aptamer targets a uracil-binding pocket in the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid RNA-binding domain. Nucleic Acids Res 2024:gkae874. [PMID: 39380503 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/24/2024] [Indexed: 10/10/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein is a structural component of the virus with essential roles in the replication and packaging of the viral RNA genome. The N protein is also an important target of COVID-19 antigen tests and a promising vaccine candidate along with the spike protein. Here, we report a compact stem-loop DNA aptamer that binds tightly to the N-terminal RNA-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 N protein. Crystallographic analysis shows that a hexanucleotide DNA motif (5'-TCGGAT-3') of the aptamer fits into a positively charged concave surface of N-NTD and engages essential RNA-binding residues including Tyr109, which mediates a sequence-specific interaction in a uracil-binding pocket. Avid binding of the DNA aptamer allows isolation and sensitive detection of full-length N protein from crude cell lysates, demonstrating its selectivity and utility in biochemical applications. We further designed a chemically modified DNA aptamer and used it as a probe to examine the interaction of N-NTD with various RNA motifs, which revealed a strong preference for uridine-rich sequences. Our studies provide a high-affinity chemical probe for the SARS-CoV-2 N protein RNA-binding domain, which may be useful for diagnostic applications and investigating novel antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan A Esler
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Christopher A Belica
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Joseph A Rollie
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - William L Brown
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Seyed Arad Moghadasi
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Ke Shi
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Daniel A Harki
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Reuben S Harris
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Hideki Aihara
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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2
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Hojo-Souza NS, de Castro JT, Rivelli GG, Azevedo PO, Oliveira ER, Faustino LP, Salazar N, Bagno FF, Carvalho AF, Rattis B, Lourenço KL, Gomes IP, Assis BRD, Piccin M, Fonseca FG, Durigon E, Silva JS, de Souza RP, Goulart GAC, Santiago H, Fernandes APS, Teixeira SR, Gazzinelli RT. SpiN-Tec: A T cell-based recombinant vaccine that is safe, immunogenic, and shows high efficacy in experimental models challenged with SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Vaccine 2024; 42:126394. [PMID: 39368129 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.126394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2024] [Accepted: 09/21/2024] [Indexed: 10/07/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern associated with waning immunity induced by natural infection or vaccines currently in use suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic will become endemic. Investing in new booster vaccines using different platforms is a promising way to enhance protection and keep the disease under control. Here, we evaluated the immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety of the SpiN-Tec vaccine, based on a chimeric recombinant protein (SpiN) adjuvanted with CTVad1 (MF59-based adjuvant), aiming at boosting immunity against variants of concern of SARS-CoV-2. Immunization of K18-hACE-2 transgenic mice and hamsters induced high antibody titers and cellular immune response to the SpiN protein as well as to its components, RBD and N proteins. Importantly in a heterologous prime/boost protocol with a COVID-19 vaccine approved for emergency use (ChAdOx1), SpiN-Tec enhanced the level of circulation neutralizing antibodies (nAb). In addition to protection against the Wuhan isolate, protection against the Delta and Omicron variants was also observed as shown by reduced viral load and lung pathology. Toxicity and safety tests performed in rats demonstrated that the SpiN-Tec vaccine was safe and, based on these results, the SpiN-Tec phase I/II clinical trial was approved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natália S Hojo-Souza
- Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil; Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Minas, Brazil
| | - Júlia T de Castro
- Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil; Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Minas, Brazil; Plataforma Bi-Institucional de Pesquisa em Medicina Translacional, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Graziella G Rivelli
- Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Patrick O Azevedo
- Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil; Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Minas, Brazil
| | | | - Lídia P Faustino
- Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil; Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Minas, Brazil
| | - Natália Salazar
- Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Flávia F Bagno
- Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Alex F Carvalho
- Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bruna Rattis
- Plataforma Bi-Institucional de Pesquisa em Medicina Translacional, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Karine L Lourenço
- Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Isabela P Gomes
- Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bruna R D Assis
- Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil; Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Mariela Piccin
- Plataforma Bi-Institucional de Pesquisa em Medicina Translacional, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flávio G Fonseca
- Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Microbiologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Edison Durigon
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João S Silva
- Plataforma Bi-Institucional de Pesquisa em Medicina Translacional, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renan P de Souza
- Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Gisele A C Goulart
- Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil; Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Helton Santiago
- Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula S Fernandes
- Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil; Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Santuza R Teixeira
- Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ricardo T Gazzinelli
- Centro de Tecnologia de Vacinas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil; Instituto René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz-Minas, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil.
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3
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Muraoka D, Moi ML, Muto O, Nakatsukasa T, Deng S, Takashima C, Yamaguchi R, Sawada SI, Hayakawa H, Nguyen TTN, Haseda Y, Soga T, Matsushita H, Ikeda H, Akiyoshi K, Harada N. Low-frequency CD8 + T cells induced by SIGN-R1 + macrophage-targeted vaccine confer SARS-CoV-2 clearance in mice. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:173. [PMID: 39294173 PMCID: PMC11411095 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00961-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaccine-induced T cells and neutralizing antibodies are essential for protection against SARS-CoV-2. Previously, we demonstrated that an antigen delivery system, pullulan nanogel (PNG), delivers vaccine antigen to lymph node medullary macrophages and thereby enhances the induction of specific CD8+ T cells. In this study, we revealed that medullary macrophage-selective delivery by PNG depends on its binding to a C-type lectin SIGN-R1. In a K18-hACE2 mouse model of SARS-CoV-2 infection, vaccination with a PNG-encapsulated receptor-binding domain of spike protein decreased the viral load and prolonged the survival in the CD8+ T cell- and B cell-dependent manners. T cell receptor repertoire analysis revealed that although the vaccine induced T cells at various frequencies, low-frequency specific T cells mainly promoted virus clearance. Thus, the induction of specific CD8+ T cells that respond quickly to viral infection, even at low frequencies, is important for vaccine efficacy and can be achieved by SIGN-R1+ medullary macrophage-targeted antigen delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Muraoka
- Department of Oncology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan.
- Division of Translational Oncoimmunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan.
| | - Meng Ling Moi
- School of International Health, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan.
| | - Osamu Muto
- Division of Cancer Systems Biology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
- Division of Cancer Informatics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takaaki Nakatsukasa
- Department of Oncology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Situo Deng
- Department of Oncology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Chieko Takashima
- Division of Translational Oncoimmunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Rui Yamaguchi
- Division of Cancer Systems Biology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
- Division of Cancer Informatics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Sawada
- Synergy Institute for Futuristic Mucosal Vaccine Research and Development (cSIMVa), Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Haruka Hayakawa
- School of International Health, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Hirokazu Matsushita
- Division of Translational Oncoimmunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Ikeda
- Department of Oncology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kazunari Akiyoshi
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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4
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Hajnik RL, Plante JA, Reddy Bonam S, Rafael GH, Liang Y, Hazell NC, Walker J, Reyna RA, Walker DH, Alameh MG, Weissman D, Weaver SC, Plante KS, Hu H. Broad protection and respiratory immunity of dual mRNA vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 variants. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:160. [PMID: 39232020 PMCID: PMC11374988 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00957-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
While first-generation, spike (S)-based COVID-19 vaccines were effective against early SARS-CoV-2 strains, the rapid evolution of novel Omicron subvariants have substantially reduced vaccine efficacy. As such, broadly protective vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are needed to prevent future viral emergence. In addition, it remains less clear whether peripheral immunization, especially with mRNA vaccines, elicits effective respiratory immunity. Our group has developed a nucleoside-modified mRNA vaccine expressing the nucleocapsid (N) protein of the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 virus and has tested its use in combination with the S-based mRNA vaccine (mRNA-S). In this study, we examined efficacy of mRNA-N alone or in combination with mRNA-S (mRNA-S+N) against more immune evasive Omicron variants in hamsters. Our data show that mRNA-N alone induces a modest but significant protection against BA.5 and that dual mRNA-S+N vaccination confers complete protection against both BA.5 and BQ.1, preventing detection of virus in the hamster lungs. Analysis of respiratory immune response in mice shows that intramuscular mRNA-S+N immunization effectively induces respiratory S- and N-specific T cell responses in the lungs and in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), as well as antigen-specific binding IgG in BAL. Together, our data further support mRNA-S+N as a potential pan-COVID-19 vaccine for broad protection against current and emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee L Hajnik
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jessica A Plante
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Srinivasa Reddy Bonam
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Grace H Rafael
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Yuejin Liang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Nicholas C Hazell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jordyn Walker
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Rachel A Reyna
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - David H Walker
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Mohamad-Gabriel Alameh
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Scott C Weaver
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Kenneth S Plante
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
| | - Haitao Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
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5
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Liu X, Xie R, Li K, Zhu Z, Huang X, He Q, Sun Z, He H, Ge Y, Zhang Q, Chen H, Wang Y. On-mask detection of SARS-CoV-2 related substances by surface enhanced Raman scattering. Talanta 2024; 277:126403. [PMID: 38878511 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.126403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
We have developed a convenient surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) platform based on vertical standing gold nanowires (v-AuNWs) which enabled the on-mask detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) related substances such as the Spike-1 protein and the corresponding pseudo-virus. The Spike-1 protein was clearly distinguished from BSA protein with an accuracy above 99 %, and the detection limit could be achieved down to 0.01 μg/mL. Notably, a similar accuracy was achieved for the pseudo-SARS-CoV-2 (pSARS-2) virus as compared to the pseudo-influenza H7N9 (pH7N9) virus. The sensing strategy and setups could be easily adapted to the real SARS-CoV-2 virus and other highly contagious viruses. It provided a promising way to screen the virus carriers by a fast evaluation of their wearing v-AuNWs integrated face-mask which was mandatory during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohu Liu
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Xueyuan Road 270, Wenzhou, 325027, China; Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jinlian Road 1, Wenzhou, 325001, China
| | - Ruifeng Xie
- School of Optoelectronic Engineering, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Weixing Road 7089, Changchun, 130013, China
| | - Kang Li
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Xueyuan Road 270, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Zhelei Zhu
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Xueyuan Road 270, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Xi Huang
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Xueyuan Road 270, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Qian He
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Xueyuan Road 270, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Zhe Sun
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Xueyuan Road 270, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Haiyang He
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Xueyuan Road 270, Wenzhou, 325027, China
| | - Yuancai Ge
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Xueyuan Road 270, Wenzhou, 325027, China; Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jinlian Road 1, Wenzhou, 325001, China
| | - Qingwen Zhang
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jinlian Road 1, Wenzhou, 325001, China
| | - Hu Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hunan Institute of Technology, Henghua Road 18, Hengyang, 421002, China.
| | - Yi Wang
- National Engineering Research Center of Ophthalmology and Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Xueyuan Road 270, Wenzhou, 325027, China; Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Jinlian Road 1, Wenzhou, 325001, China; School of Optoelectronic Engineering, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Weixing Road 7089, Changchun, 130013, China.
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6
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Wang G, Kato K, Ichinose S, Inoue D, Kobayashi A, Terui H, Tottori S, Kanzaki M, Nishizawa M. Bilaterally Aligned Electroosmotic Flow Generated by Porous Microneedle Device for Dual-Mode Delivery. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2401181. [PMID: 38734966 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202401181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Here, a novel porous microneedle (PMN) device with bilaterally aligned electroosmotic flow (EOF) enabling controllable dual-mode delivery of molecules is developed. The PMNs placed at anode and cathode compartments are modified with anionic poly-2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid and cationic poly-(3-acrylamidopropyl) trimethylammonium, respectively. The direction of EOF generated by PMN at the cathode compartment is, therefore, reversed from cathode to anode, countering the unwanted cathodal suctioning of interstitial fluid caused by reverse iontophoresis. With the bilateral alignment of EOF, the versatility of the proposed device is evaluated by delivering molecules with different charges and sizes using Franz cell. In addition, a 3D printed probe device is developed to ease practical handling and minimize electrical stimulation by integrating two PMNs in closed proximity. Finally, the performance of the integrated probe device is demonstrated by dual delivery of a variety of molecules (methylene blue, rhodamine B, and fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran) using pig skin and vaccination using mice with delivered ovalbumin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaobo Wang
- Department of Finemechanics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-1 Aramaki Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8579, Japan
| | - Kosuke Kato
- Department of Finemechanics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-1 Aramaki Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8579, Japan
| | - Sae Ichinose
- Department of Finemechanics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-1 Aramaki Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8579, Japan
| | - Daisuke Inoue
- Department of Finemechanics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-1 Aramaki Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8579, Japan
| | - Airi Kobayashi
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Terui
- Department of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Soichiro Tottori
- Department of Finemechanics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-1 Aramaki Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8579, Japan
| | - Makoto Kanzaki
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-4 Aramaki Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8579, Japan
| | - Matsuhiko Nishizawa
- Department of Finemechanics, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-1 Aramaki Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8579, Japan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-4 Aramaki Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8579, Japan
- Division for the Establishment of Frontier Sciences of the Organization for Advanced Studies, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8577, Japan
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7
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Yamamoto S, Oshiro Y, Inamura N, Nemoto T, Tan T, Horii K, Okudera K, Konishi M, Mizoue T, Sugiyama H, Aoyanagi N, Sugiura W, Ohmagari N. Correlates of Nucleocapsid Antibodies and a Combination of Spike and Nucleocapsid Antibodies Against Protection of SARS-CoV-2 Infection During the Omicron XBB.1.16/EG.5-Predominant Wave. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae455. [PMID: 39220657 PMCID: PMC11363870 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background We aimed to examine the association among nucleocapsid (N) antibodies, a combination of N and spike (S) antibodies, and protection against SARS-CoV-2 reinfection. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study among staff at a national medical research center in Tokyo and followed them for the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection between June and September 2023 (Omicron XBB.1.16/EG.5 wave). At baseline, participants donated blood samples to measure N- and S-specific antibodies. Cox regression was used to estimate the hazard ratio and protection ([1 - hazard ratio] × 100) against subsequent SARS-CoV-2 infection across these antibody levels. Results Among participants with previous infection, higher pre-reinfection N antibodies were associated with a lower risk of reinfection, even after adjusting S antibody levels (P < .01 for trend). Estimation of the protection matrix for N and S antibodies revealed that high levels in N and S antibodies conferred robust protection (>90%) against subsequent infection. In addition, a pattern of low pre-reinfection N antibodies but high vaccine-enhanced S antibodies showed high protection (>80%). Conclusions Pre-reinfection N antibody levels correlated with protection against reinfection, independent of S antibodies. If the N antibodies were low, vaccine-boosted S antibodies might enhance the reinfection protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohei Yamamoto
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Center for Clinical Sciences, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Oshiro
- Department of Laboratory Testing, Center Hospital of the National Center for the Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Natsumi Inamura
- Department of Laboratory Testing, Center Hospital of the National Center for the Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Nemoto
- Department of Laboratory Testing, Center Hospital of the National Center for the Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomofumi Tan
- Department of Laboratory Testing, Center Hospital of the National Center for the Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kumi Horii
- Infection Control Office, Center Hospital of the National Center for the Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kaori Okudera
- Infection Control Office, Kohnodai Hospital of the National Center for the Global Health and Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Maki Konishi
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Center for Clinical Sciences, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Mizoue
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Center for Clinical Sciences, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Haruhito Sugiyama
- Center Hospital of the National Center for the Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuyoshi Aoyanagi
- Kohnodai Hospital of the National Center for the Global Health and Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Wataru Sugiura
- Center for Clinical Sciences, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norio Ohmagari
- Disease Control and Prevention Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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8
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El-Maradny YA, Badawy MA, Mohamed KI, Ragab RF, Moharm HM, Abdallah NA, Elgammal EM, Rubio-Casillas A, Uversky VN, Redwan EM. Unraveling the role of the nucleocapsid protein in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis: From viral life cycle to vaccine development. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 279:135201. [PMID: 39216563 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.135201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 08/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The nucleocapsid protein (N protein) is the most abundant protein in SARS-CoV-2. Viral RNA and this protein are bound by electrostatic forces, forming cytoplasmic helical structures known as nucleocapsids. Subsequently, these nucleocapsids interact with the membrane (M) protein, facilitating virus budding into early secretory compartments. SCOPE OF REVIEW Exploring the role of the N protein in the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle, pathogenesis, post-sequelae consequences, and interaction with host immunity has enhanced our understanding of its function and potential strategies for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection. MAJOR CONCLUSION This review provides an overview of the N protein's involvement in SARS-CoV-2 infectivity, highlighting its crucial role in the virus-host protein interaction and immune system modulation, which in turn influences viral spread. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Understanding these aspects identifies the N protein as a promising target for developing effective antiviral treatments and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousra A El-Maradny
- Pharmaceutical and Fermentation Industries Development Center, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg EL-Arab, Alexandria 21934, Egypt; Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT), El Alamein 51718, Egypt.
| | - Moustafa A Badawy
- Industrial Microbiology and Applied Chemistry program, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Egypt.
| | - Kareem I Mohamed
- Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT), El Alamein 51718, Egypt.
| | - Renad F Ragab
- Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT), El Alamein 51718, Egypt.
| | - Hamssa M Moharm
- Genetics, Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Egypt.
| | - Nada A Abdallah
- Medicinal Plants Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Egypt.
| | - Esraa M Elgammal
- Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT), El Alamein 51718, Egypt.
| | - Alberto Rubio-Casillas
- Autlan Regional Hospital, Health Secretariat, Autlan, JAL 48900, Mexico; Biology Laboratory, Autlan Regional Preparatory School, University of Guadalajara, Autlan, JAL 48900, Mexico.
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | - Elrashdy M Redwan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Centre of Excellence in Bionanoscience Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; Therapeutic and Protective Proteins Laboratory, Protein Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg EL-Arab, 21934 Alexandria, Egypt.
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9
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Lee P, Kim J, Oh H, Kim CU, Jeong AY, Lee MS, Jang MS, Hong JJ, Park JE, Kim DJ. Coronavirus nucleocapsid-based vaccine provides partial protection against hetero-species coronavirus in murine models. Antiviral Res 2024; 231:105991. [PMID: 39181216 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Most coronavirus vaccines focus on the spike (S) antigen, but the frequent mutations in S raise concerns about the vaccine efficacy against new variants. Although additional antigens with conserved sequences are have been tested, the extent to which these vaccines can provide immunity against different coronavirus species remains unclear. In this study, we assessed the potential of nucleocapsid (N) as a coronavirus vaccine antigen. Immunization with MERS-CoV N induced robust immune responses, providing significant protection against MERS-CoV. Notably, MERS-CoV N elicited cross-reactive T cell responses to SARS-CoV-2 N and significantly reduced lung inflammation following a SARS-CoV-2 challenge in the transient hACE2 mouse model. However, in K18-hACE transgenic mice, the vaccine showed limited protection. Collectively, our findings suggest that coronavirus N can be an effective vaccine antigen against homologous viruses, but its efficacy may vary across different coronaviruses, highlighting the need for further research on pan-coronavirus vaccines using conserved antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pureum Lee
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, South Korea; University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jihee Kim
- Chungnam National University College of Veterinary Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hanseul Oh
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, South Korea; Chungbuk National University College of Veterinary Medicine, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Chang-Ung Kim
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Ahn Young Jeong
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, South Korea; Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Moo-Seung Lee
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, South Korea; University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | | | - Jung Joo Hong
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, South Korea.
| | - Jung-Eun Park
- Chungnam National University College of Veterinary Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea.
| | - Doo-Jin Kim
- Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, South Korea; Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju, South Korea; Biomedical Research Institute, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Cheongju, South Korea.
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10
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Yang D, Wang X, Yang X, Qi S, Zhao F, Guo D, Li C, Zhu Q, Xing X, Cao Y, Sun D. Construction and immune effect evaluation of the S protein heptad repeat-based nanoparticle vaccine against porcine epidemic diarrhea virus. Virology 2024; 596:110113. [PMID: 38801794 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2024.110113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), a highly virulent enteropathogenic coronavirus, is a significant threat to the pig industry. High frequency mutations in the PEDV genome have limited the effectiveness of current vaccines in providing immune protection. Developing efficient vaccines that can quickly adapt to mutant strains is a challenging but crucial task. In this study, we chose the pivotal protein heptad repeat (HR) responsible for coronavirus entry into host cells, as the vaccine antigen. HR-Fer nanoparticles prepared using ferritin were evaluated them as PEDV vaccine candidates. Nanoparticle vaccines elicited stronger neutralizing antibody responses in mice compared to monomer vaccines. Additionally, HR protein delivered via nanoparticles increased antigen uptake by antigen-presenting cells in vitro by 2.75-fold. The collective results suggest that HR can be used as antigens for vaccines, and the HR vaccine based on ferritin nanoparticles significantly enhances immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, No. 5 Xinfeng Road, Sartu District, Daqing, 163319, China
| | - Xinglin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, No. 5 Xinfeng Road, Sartu District, Daqing, 163319, China
| | - Xu Yang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, No. 5 Xinfeng Road, Sartu District, Daqing, 163319, China
| | - Shanshan Qi
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, No. 5 Xinfeng Road, Sartu District, Daqing, 163319, China
| | - Feiyu Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, No. 5 Xinfeng Road, Sartu District, Daqing, 163319, China
| | - Donghua Guo
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, No. 5 Xinfeng Road, Sartu District, Daqing, 163319, China
| | - Chunqiu Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, No. 5 Xinfeng Road, Sartu District, Daqing, 163319, China
| | - Qinghe Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, No. 5 Xinfeng Road, Sartu District, Daqing, 163319, China
| | - Xiaoxu Xing
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, No. 5 Xinfeng Road, Sartu District, Daqing, 163319, China
| | - Yang Cao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, No. 5 Xinfeng Road, Sartu District, Daqing, 163319, China.
| | - Dongbo Sun
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, No. 5 Xinfeng Road, Sartu District, Daqing, 163319, China.
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11
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Rzymski P, Niedziela J, Poniedziałek B, Rosińska J, Zarębska-Michaluk D, Sobala-Szczygieł B, Flisiak R, Gąsior M, Jaroszewicz J. Humoral anti-SARS-CoV-2 response in patients with different long COVID phenotypes. Virology 2024; 596:110118. [PMID: 38805803 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2024.110118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Long COVID (LC) is characterized by persistent symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection, with various mechanisms offered to explain its pathogenesis. This study explored whether adaptive humoral anti-SARS-CoV-2 responses differ in LC. Unvaccinated COVID-19 convalescents (n = 200) were enrolled, with 21.5% (n = 43) presenting LC three months post-infection. LC diagnosis was based on persistent symptom(s) and alterations in biochemical/clinical markers; three phenotypes were distinguished: cardiological, pulmonary, and psychiatric LC. All three phenotypes were characterized by significantly decreased seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against nucleocapsid (anti-NP). LC was associated with decreased odds of testing positive for anti-NP (OR = 0.35, 95%CI: 0.16-0.78, p = 0.001). Seropositive LC patients had lower anti-S1 and anti-S2 levels than individuals without LC, and those with pulmonary and psychological phenotypes also revealed decreased anti-RBD concentrations. The results indicate that LC can be characterized by diminished humoral response to SARS-CoV-2. The potential implication of this phenomenon in post-acute viral sequelae is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Jacek Niedziela
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Barbara Poniedziałek
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Joanna Rosińska
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | | | | | - Robert Flisiak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Białystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Mariusz Gąsior
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Jerzy Jaroszewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Silesia, Bytom, Poland
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12
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Leekha A, Saeedi A, Sefat KMSR, Kumar M, Martinez-Paniagua M, Damian A, Kulkarni R, Reichel K, Rezvan A, Masoumi S, Liu X, Cooper LJN, Sebastian M, Sands CM, Das VE, Patel NB, Hurst B, Varadarajan N. Multi-antigen intranasal vaccine protects against challenge with sarbecoviruses and prevents transmission in hamsters. Nat Commun 2024; 15:6193. [PMID: 39043645 PMCID: PMC11266618 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50133-2] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunization programs against SARS-CoV-2 with commercial intramuscular vaccines prevent disease but are less efficient in preventing infections. Mucosal vaccines can provide improved protection against transmission, ideally for different variants of concern (VOCs) and related sarbecoviruses. Here, we report a multi-antigen, intranasal vaccine, NanoSTING-SN (NanoSTING-Spike-Nucleocapsid), eliminates virus replication in both the lungs and the nostrils upon challenge with the pathogenic SARS-CoV-2 Delta VOC. We further demonstrate that NanoSTING-SN prevents transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron VOC (BA.5) to vaccine-naïve hamsters. To evaluate protection against other sarbecoviruses, we immunized mice with NanoSTING-SN. We showed that immunization affords protection against SARS-CoV, leading to protection from weight loss and 100% survival in mice. In non-human primates, animals immunized with NanoSTING-SN show durable serum IgG responses (6 months) and nasal wash IgA responses cross-reactive to SARS-CoV-2 (XBB1.5), SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV antigens. These observations have two implications: (1) mucosal multi-antigen vaccines present a pathway to reducing transmission of respiratory viruses, and (2) eliciting immunity against multiple antigens can be advantageous in engineering pan-sarbecovirus vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Leekha
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Arash Saeedi
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - K M Samiur Rahman Sefat
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Monish Kumar
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Melisa Martinez-Paniagua
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Adrian Damian
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rohan Kulkarni
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kate Reichel
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ali Rezvan
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shalaleh Masoumi
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xinli Liu
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | - Vallabh E Das
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nimesh B Patel
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Brett Hurst
- Institute of Antiviral Research, Utah State University, UT, Logan, USA
| | - Navin Varadarajan
- William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
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13
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Kumari M, Liang KH, Su SC, Lin HT, Lu YF, Wu MJ, Chen WY, Wu HC. Multivalent mRNA Vaccine Elicits Broad Protection against SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:714. [PMID: 39066352 PMCID: PMC11281580 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12070714] [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: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 new waves are primarily caused by changes to the spike protein (S), which can substantially decrease the efficacy of vaccines. Therefore, we tested several multivalent mRNA-LNP vaccines, targeting the full-length S proteins of different variants, and identified an optimal combination for protection against VOCs in BALB/c mice. The tested formulations included trivalent (WT + BA.5 + XBB.1.5), pentavalent (WT + BA.5 + XBB.1.5 + BQ.1.1 + CH.1.1), and octavalent (WT + BA.5 + XBB.1.5 + BQ.1.1 + CH.1.1 + Alpha + Delta + BA.2) vaccines. Among these multivalent vaccines, the pentavalent vaccine showed superior protection for almost all tested variants. Despite this, each multivalent vaccine elicited greater broad-spectrum neutralizing antibodies than the previously evaluated bivalent vaccine (WT + BA.5). Subsequently, we redesigned the multivalent vaccine to efficiently generate neutralizing antibodies against recent VOCs, including EG.5.1. Immunization with the redesigned pentavalent vaccine (WT + EG.5.1 + XBB.1.16 + Delta + BA.5) showed moderate levels of protection against recent Omicron VOCs. Results suggest that the neutralization activity of multivalent vaccines is better than those of the tested bivalent vaccines against WT + BA.5 and WT + EG.5.1. Moreover, the pentavalent vaccine we developed may be highly useful for neutralizing new Omicron VOCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Kumari
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan; (M.K.); (S.-C.S.); (H.-T.L.); (Y.-F.L.); (M.-J.W.); (W.-Y.C.)
| | - Kang-Hao Liang
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan;
| | - Shih-Chieh Su
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan; (M.K.); (S.-C.S.); (H.-T.L.); (Y.-F.L.); (M.-J.W.); (W.-Y.C.)
| | - Hsiu-Ting Lin
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan; (M.K.); (S.-C.S.); (H.-T.L.); (Y.-F.L.); (M.-J.W.); (W.-Y.C.)
| | - Yu-Feng Lu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan; (M.K.); (S.-C.S.); (H.-T.L.); (Y.-F.L.); (M.-J.W.); (W.-Y.C.)
| | - Ming-Jane Wu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan; (M.K.); (S.-C.S.); (H.-T.L.); (Y.-F.L.); (M.-J.W.); (W.-Y.C.)
| | - Wan-Yu Chen
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan; (M.K.); (S.-C.S.); (H.-T.L.); (Y.-F.L.); (M.-J.W.); (W.-Y.C.)
| | - Han-Chung Wu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan; (M.K.); (S.-C.S.); (H.-T.L.); (Y.-F.L.); (M.-J.W.); (W.-Y.C.)
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan;
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14
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Bean DJ, Monroe J, Liang YM, Borberg E, Senussi Y, Swank Z, Chalise S, Walt D, Weinberg J, Sagar M. Heterotypic immunity from prior SARS-CoV-2 infection but not COVID-19 vaccination associates with lower endemic coronavirus incidence. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eado7588. [PMID: 38865483 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.ado7588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Immune responses from prior severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and COVID-19 vaccination mitigate disease severity, but they do not fully prevent subsequent infections, especially from genetically divergent strains. We examined the incidence of and immune differences against human endemic coronaviruses (eCoVs) as a proxy for response against future genetically heterologous coronaviruses (CoVs). We assessed differences in symptomatic eCoV and non-CoV respiratory disease incidence among those with known prior SARS-CoV-2 infection or previous COVID-19 vaccination but no documented SARS-CoV-2 infection or neither exposure. Retrospective cohort analyses suggest that prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, but not previous COVID-19 vaccination alone, associates with a lower incidence of subsequent symptomatic eCoV infection. There was no difference in non-CoV incidence, implying that the observed difference was eCoV specific. In a second cohort where both cellular and humoral immunity were measured, those with prior SARS-CoV-2 spike protein exposure had lower eCoV-directed neutralizing antibodies, suggesting that neutralization is not responsible for the observed decreased eCoV disease. The three groups had similar cellular responses against the eCoV spike protein and nucleocapsid antigens. However, CD8+ T cell responses to the nonstructural eCoV proteins nsp12 and nsp13 were higher in individuals with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection as compared with the other groups. This association between prior SARS-CoV-2 infection and decreased incidence of eCoV disease may therefore be due to a boost in CD8+ T cell responses against eCoV nsp12 and nsp13, suggesting that incorporation of nonstructural viral antigens in a future pan-CoV vaccine may improve vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Bean
- Department of Virology, Immunology and Microbiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Janet Monroe
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Yan Mei Liang
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Ella Borberg
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Yasmeen Senussi
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Zoe Swank
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Sujata Chalise
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - David Walt
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Janice Weinberg
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Manish Sagar
- Department of Virology, Immunology and Microbiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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15
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Brudenell EL, Pohare MB, Zafred D, Phipps J, Hornsby HR, Darby JF, Dai J, Liggett E, Cain KM, Barran PE, de Silva TI, Sayers JR. Efficient overexpression and purification of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 nucleocapsid proteins in Escherichia coli. Biochem J 2024; 481:669-682. [PMID: 38713013 PMCID: PMC11346444 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20240019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The fundamental biology of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleocapsid protein (Ncap), its use in diagnostic assays and its potential application as a vaccine component have received considerable attention since the outbreak of the Covid19 pandemic in late 2019. Here we report the scalable expression and purification of soluble, immunologically active, SARS-CoV-2 Ncap in Escherichia coli. Codon-optimised synthetic genes encoding the original Ncap sequence and four common variants with an N-terminal 6His affinity tag (sequence MHHHHHHG) were cloned into an inducible expression vector carrying a regulated bacteriophage T5 synthetic promoter controlled by lac operator binding sites. The constructs were used to express Ncap proteins and protocols developed which allow efficient production of purified Ncap with yields of over 200 mg per litre of culture media. These proteins were deployed in ELISA assays to allow comparison of their responses to human sera. Our results suggest that there was no detectable difference between the 6His-tagged and untagged original Ncap proteins but there may be a slight loss of sensitivity of sera to other Ncap isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L. Brudenell
- Sheffield Institute for Nucleic Acids and Florey Institute, Section of Infection and Immunity, Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health, The University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, U.K
| | - Manoj B. Pohare
- Sheffield Institute for Nucleic Acids and Florey Institute, Section of Infection and Immunity, Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health, The University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, U.K
| | - Domen Zafred
- Sheffield Institute for Nucleic Acids and Florey Institute, Section of Infection and Immunity, Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health, The University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, U.K
| | - Janine Phipps
- Sheffield Institute for Nucleic Acids and Florey Institute, Section of Infection and Immunity, Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health, The University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, U.K
| | - Hailey R. Hornsby
- Sheffield Institute for Nucleic Acids and Florey Institute, Section of Infection and Immunity, Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health, The University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, U.K
| | - John F. Darby
- Sheffield Institute for Nucleic Acids and Florey Institute, Section of Infection and Immunity, Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health, The University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, U.K
| | - Junxiao Dai
- Michael Barber Centre for Collaborative Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, UK
| | - Ellen Liggett
- Michael Barber Centre for Collaborative Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, UK
| | - Kathleen M. Cain
- Michael Barber Centre for Collaborative Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, UK
| | - Perdita E. Barran
- Michael Barber Centre for Collaborative Mass Spectrometry, Department of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, UK
| | - Thushan I. de Silva
- Sheffield Institute for Nucleic Acids and Florey Institute, Section of Infection and Immunity, Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health, The University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, U.K
| | - Jon R. Sayers
- Sheffield Institute for Nucleic Acids and Florey Institute, Section of Infection and Immunity, Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health, The University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, U.K
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16
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Montoya B, Melo-Silva CR, Tang L, Kafle S, Lidskiy P, Bajusz C, Vadovics M, Muramatsu H, Abraham E, Lipinszki Z, Chatterjee D, Scher G, Benitez J, Sung MMH, Tam YK, Catanzaro NJ, Schäfer A, Andino R, Baric RS, Martinez DR, Pardi N, Sigal LJ. mRNA-LNP vaccine-induced CD8 + T cells protect mice from lethal SARS-CoV-2 infection in the absence of specific antibodies. Mol Ther 2024; 32:1790-1804. [PMID: 38605519 PMCID: PMC11184341 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.04.019] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of CD8+ T cells in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis or mRNA-LNP vaccine-induced protection from lethal COVID-19 is unclear. Using mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2 virus (MA30) in C57BL/6 mice, we show that CD8+ T cells are unnecessary for the intrinsic resistance of female or the susceptibility of male mice to lethal SARS-CoV-2 infection. Also, mice immunized with a di-proline prefusion-stabilized full-length SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S-2P) mRNA-LNP vaccine, which induces Spike-specific antibodies and CD8+ T cells specific for the Spike-derived VNFNFNGL peptide, are protected from SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced lethality and weight loss, while mice vaccinated with mRNA-LNPs encoding only VNFNFNGL are protected from lethality but not weight loss. CD8+ T cell depletion ablates protection in VNFNFNGL but not in S-2P mRNA-LNP-vaccinated mice. Therefore, mRNA-LNP vaccine-induced CD8+ T cells are dispensable when protective antibodies are present but essential for survival in their absence. Hence, vaccine-induced CD8+ T cells may be critical to protect against SARS-CoV-2 variants that mutate epitopes targeted by protective antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Montoya
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bluemle Life Science Building, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Carolina R Melo-Silva
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bluemle Life Science Building, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Lingjuan Tang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bluemle Life Science Building, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Samita Kafle
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bluemle Life Science Building, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Peter Lidskiy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Csaba Bajusz
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; National Laboratory for Biotechnology, Institute of Genetics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Máté Vadovics
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hiromi Muramatsu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Edit Abraham
- National Laboratory for Biotechnology, Institute of Genetics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary; MTA SZBK Lendület Laboratory of Cell Cycle Regulation, Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Institute of Biochemistry, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Lipinszki
- National Laboratory for Biotechnology, Institute of Genetics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary; MTA SZBK Lendület Laboratory of Cell Cycle Regulation, Synthetic and Systems Biology Unit, Institute of Biochemistry, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Debotri Chatterjee
- Department of Neurosciences, Thomas Jefferson University Vickie and Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gabrielle Scher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bluemle Life Science Building, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Juliana Benitez
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bluemle Life Science Building, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | | | - Ying K Tam
- Acuitas Therapeutics, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Nicholas J Catanzaro
- Department of Epidemiology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Alexandra Schäfer
- Department of Epidemiology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Raul Andino
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Ralph S Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - David R Martinez
- Department of Immunobiology, Center for Infection and Immunity, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Luis J Sigal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Bluemle Life Science Building, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
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17
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Guan X, Verma AK, Wang G, Roy A, Perlman S, Du L. A Unique mRNA Vaccine Elicits Protective Efficacy against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant and SARS-CoV. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:605. [PMID: 38932334 PMCID: PMC11209356 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060605] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The highly pathogenic coronaviruses SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV have led to the COVID-19 pandemic and SARS outbreak, respectively. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2, particularly the Omicron variant, has frequent mutations, resulting in the reduced efficiency of current COVID-19 vaccines against new variants. Here, we designed two lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated mRNA vaccines by deleting the mutant RBD of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (SARS2-S (RBD-del)) or by replacing this mutant RBD with the conserved and potent RBD of SARS-CoV (SARS2-S (SARS-RBD)). Both mRNA vaccines were stable at various temperatures for different time periods. Unlike SARS2-S (RBD-del) mRNA, SARS2-S (SARS-RBD) mRNA elicited effective T-cell responses and potent antibodies specific to both SARS-CoV-2 S and SARS-CoV RBD proteins. It induced strong neutralizing antibodies against pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV infections and protected immunized mice from the challenge of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and SARS-CoV by significantly reducing the viral titers in the lungs after Omicron challenge and by completely preventing SARS-CoV-induced weight loss and death. SARS2-S (SARS-RBD)-immunized serum antibodies protected naïve mice from the SARS-CoV challenge, with its protective efficacy positively correlating with the neutralizing antibody titers. These findings indicate that this mRNA vaccine has the potential for development as an effective vaccine against current and future SARS-CoV-2 variants and SARS-CoV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Guan
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Abhishek K. Verma
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Gang Wang
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Abhijeet Roy
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Stanley Perlman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Lanying Du
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
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18
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Mendoza-Ramírez NJ, García-Cordero J, Shrivastava G, Cedillo-Barrón L. The Key to Increase Immunogenicity of Next-Generation COVID-19 Vaccines Lies in the Inclusion of the SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein. J Immunol Res 2024; 2024:9313267. [PMID: 38939745 PMCID: PMC11208798 DOI: 10.1155/2024/9313267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaccination is one of the most effective prophylactic public health interventions for the prevention of infectious diseases such as coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Considering the ongoing need for new COVID-19 vaccines, it is crucial to modify our approach and incorporate more conserved regions of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to effectively address emerging viral variants. The nucleocapsid protein is a structural protein of SARS-CoV-2 that is involved in replication and immune responses. Furthermore, this protein offers significant advantages owing to the minimal accumulation of mutations over time and the inclusion of key T-cell epitopes critical for SARS-CoV-2 immunity. A novel strategy that may be suitable for the new generation of vaccines against COVID-19 is to use a combination of antigens, including the spike and nucleocapsid proteins, to elicit robust humoral and potent cellular immune responses, along with long-lasting immunity. The strategic use of multiple antigens aims to enhance vaccine efficacy and broaden protection against viruses, including their variants. The immune response against the nucleocapsid protein from other coronavirus is long-lasting, and it can persist up to 11 years post-infection. Thus, the incorporation of nucleocapsids (N) into vaccine design adds an important dimension to vaccination efforts and holds promise for bolstering the ability to combat COVID-19 effectively. In this review, we summarize the preclinical studies that evaluated the use of the nucleocapsid protein as antigen. This study discusses the use of nucleocapsid alone and its combination with spike protein or other proteins of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noe Juvenal Mendoza-Ramírez
- Departamento de Biomedicina MolecularCINVESTAV IPN, Av. IPN # 2508 Col, San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Julio García-Cordero
- Departamento de Biomedicina MolecularCINVESTAV IPN, Av. IPN # 2508 Col, San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Gaurav Shrivastava
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector ResearchNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesNational Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Leticia Cedillo-Barrón
- Departamento de Biomedicina MolecularCINVESTAV IPN, Av. IPN # 2508 Col, San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
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19
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Huang Y, Chen J, Chen S, Huang C, Li B, Li J, Jin Z, Zhang Q, Pan P, Du W, Liu L, Liu Z. Molecular characterization of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1415885. [PMID: 38846351 PMCID: PMC11153676 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1415885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly prevalent and potent infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Until now, the world is still endeavoring to develop new ways to diagnose and treat COVID-19. At present, the clinical prevention and treatment of COVID-19 mainly targets the spike protein on the surface of SRAS-CoV-2. However, with the continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of concern (VOC), targeting the spike protein therapy shows a high degree of limitation. The Nucleocapsid Protein (N protein) of SARS-CoV-2 is highly conserved in virus evolution and is involved in the key process of viral infection and assembly. It is the most expressed viral structural protein after SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans and has high immunogenicity. Therefore, N protein as the key factor of virus infection and replication in basic research and clinical application has great potential research value. This article reviews the research progress on the structure and biological function of SARS-CoV-2 N protein, the diagnosis and drug research of targeting N protein, in order to promote researchers' further understanding of SARS-CoV-2 N protein, and lay a theoretical foundation for the possible outbreak of new and sudden coronavirus infectious diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Junkai Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Siwei Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Congcong Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Bei Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Zhixiong Jin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Qiwei Zhang
- Central Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pan Pan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weixing Du
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Long Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Zhixin Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Shiyan Key Laboratory of Virology, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
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20
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Bonam SR, Hazell NC, Mathew MJ, Liang Y, Zhang X, Wei Z, Alameh MG, Weissman D, Hu H. Innate and Adaptive Immune Parameters following mRNA Vaccination in Mice. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:543. [PMID: 38793794 PMCID: PMC11125668 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12050543] [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: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has raised the standard regarding the current vaccine development pace, as several messenger RNA (mRNA)-lipid nanoparticle (LNP) vaccines have proved their ability to induce strong immunogenicity and protective efficacy. We developed 1-methylpseudouridine-containing mRNA-LNP vaccines, expressing either the more conserved SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein (mRNA-N) or spike protein (mRNA-S), both based on the prototypic viral sequences. When combining both mRNA-S and mRNA-N together (mRNA-S+N), the vaccine showed high immunogenicity and broad protection against different SARS-CoV-2 variants, including wildtype, Delta, BA.1, BA.5, and BQ.1. To better understand the mechanisms behind this broad protection obtained by mRNA-S+N, we analyzed innate and adaptive immune parameters following vaccination in mice. Compared to either mRNA-S or mRNA-N alone, mice vaccinated with mRNA-S+N exhibited an increase in the innate immune response, as depicted by the higher cytokine (IL-6 and chemokine (MCP-1) levels. In addition, lymph node immunophenotyping showed the maturation and activation of dendritic cells and natural killer cells, respectively. To understand the adaptive immune response, RNA-Seq analyses of the lung and spleen samples of the vaccinated mice were performed in parallel and revealed a stronger immune gene-expression profile in the lung than that in the spleen. Compared to mRNA-S alone, mRNA-S+N vaccination elicited higher levels of expression for genes involved in multiple immune pathways, including T cells, cytokine signaling, antigen presentation, B cells, and innate immunity. Together, our studies provide immunological insights into the mechanisms of broad protection conferred by dual mRNA vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivasa Reddy Bonam
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (N.C.H.); (Y.L.)
| | - Nicholas C. Hazell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (N.C.H.); (Y.L.)
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Mano Joseph Mathew
- EFREI Research Lab, Panthéon Assas University, 30-32 Avenue de la République, 94800 Villejuif, France;
- Laboratoire Génomique, Bioinformatique et Chimie Moléculaire, EA7528, Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers, HESAM Université, 2 rue Conté, 75003 Paris, France
| | - Yuejin Liang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (N.C.H.); (Y.L.)
| | - Xuxiang Zhang
- Department of Computer Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA; (X.Z.); (Z.W.)
| | - Zhi Wei
- Department of Computer Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA; (X.Z.); (Z.W.)
| | - Mohamad-Gabriel Alameh
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (M.-G.A.); (D.W.)
| | - Drew Weissman
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (M.-G.A.); (D.W.)
| | - Haitao Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (N.C.H.); (Y.L.)
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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21
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Abbasi S, Matsui-Masai M, Yasui F, Hayashi A, Tockary TA, Mochida Y, Akinaga S, Kohara M, Kataoka K, Uchida S. Carrier-free mRNA vaccine induces robust immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in mice and non-human primates without systemic reactogenicity. Mol Ther 2024; 32:1266-1283. [PMID: 38569556 PMCID: PMC11081875 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Carrier-free naked mRNA vaccines may reduce the reactogenicity associated with delivery carriers; however, their effectiveness against infectious diseases has been suboptimal. To boost efficacy, we targeted the skin layer rich in antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and utilized a jet injector. The jet injection efficiently introduced naked mRNA into skin cells, including APCs in mice. Further analyses indicated that APCs, after taking up antigen mRNA in the skin, migrated to the lymph nodes (LNs) for antigen presentation. Additionally, the jet injection provoked localized lymphocyte infiltration in the skin, serving as a physical adjuvant for vaccination. Without a delivery carrier, our approach confined mRNA distribution to the injection site, preventing systemic mRNA leakage and associated systemic proinflammatory reactions. In mouse vaccination, the naked mRNA jet injection elicited robust antigen-specific antibody production over 6 months, along with germinal center formation in LNs and the induction of both CD4- and CD8-positive T cells. By targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, this approach provided protection against viral challenge. Furthermore, our approach generated neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in non-human primates at levels comparable to those observed in mice. In conclusion, our approach offers a safe and effective option for mRNA vaccines targeting infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saed Abbasi
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Miki Matsui-Masai
- Department of Research, NANO MRNA Co., Ltd., 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Yasui
- Department of Diseases and Infection, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6, Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Akimasa Hayashi
- Department of Pathology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, 6-20-2 Shinkawa, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo 181-8611, Japan
| | - Theofilus A Tockary
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Yuki Mochida
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan; Department of Advanced Nanomedical Engineering, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Shiro Akinaga
- Department of Research, NANO MRNA Co., Ltd., 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan
| | - Michinori Kohara
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6, Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Kazunori Kataoka
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Uchida
- Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan; Department of Advanced Nanomedical Engineering, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan.
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22
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Bykonia EN, Kleymenov DA, Gushchin VA, Siniavin AE, Mazunina EP, Kozlova SR, Zolotar AN, Usachev EV, Kuznetsova NA, Shidlovskaya EV, Pochtovyi AA, Kustova DD, Ivanov IA, Dmitriev SE, Ivanov RA, Logunov DY, Gintsburg AL. Major Role of S-Glycoprotein in Providing Immunogenicity and Protective Immunity in mRNA Lipid Nanoparticle Vaccines Based on SARS-CoV-2 Structural Proteins. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:379. [PMID: 38675761 PMCID: PMC11053793 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12040379] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 variants have evolved over time in recent years, demonstrating immune evasion of vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies directed against the original S protein. Updated S-targeted vaccines provide a high level of protection against circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2, but this protection declines over time due to ongoing virus evolution. To achieve a broader protection, novel vaccine candidates involving additional antigens with low mutation rates are currently needed. Based on our recently studied mRNA lipid nanoparticle (mRNA-LNP) platform, we have generated mRNA-LNP encoding SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins M, N, S from different virus variants and studied their immunogenicity separately or in combination in vivo. As a result, all mRNA-LNP vaccine compositions encoding the S and N proteins induced excellent titers of RBD- and N-specific binding antibodies. The T cell responses were mainly specific CD4+ T cell lymphocytes producing IL-2 and TNF-alpha. mRNA-LNP encoding the M protein did not show a high immunogenicity. High neutralizing activity was detected in the sera of mice vaccinated with mRNA-LNP encoding S protein (alone or in combinations) against closely related strains, but was undetectable or significantly lower against an evolutionarily distant variant. Our data showed that the addition of mRNAs encoding S and M antigens to mRNA-N in the vaccine composition enhanced the immunogenicity of mRNA-N and induced a more robust immune response to the N protein. Based on our results, we suggested that the S protein plays a key role in enhancing the immune response to the N protein when they are both encoded in the mRNA-LNP vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeniia N. Bykonia
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N. F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow 123098, Russia; (D.A.K.); (A.E.S.); (E.P.M.); (S.R.K.); (A.N.Z.); (E.V.U.); (N.A.K.); (E.V.S.); (A.A.P.); (D.D.K.); (I.A.I.); (S.E.D.); (D.Y.L.); (A.L.G.)
| | - Denis A. Kleymenov
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N. F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow 123098, Russia; (D.A.K.); (A.E.S.); (E.P.M.); (S.R.K.); (A.N.Z.); (E.V.U.); (N.A.K.); (E.V.S.); (A.A.P.); (D.D.K.); (I.A.I.); (S.E.D.); (D.Y.L.); (A.L.G.)
| | - Vladimir A. Gushchin
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N. F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow 123098, Russia; (D.A.K.); (A.E.S.); (E.P.M.); (S.R.K.); (A.N.Z.); (E.V.U.); (N.A.K.); (E.V.S.); (A.A.P.); (D.D.K.); (I.A.I.); (S.E.D.); (D.Y.L.); (A.L.G.)
- Department of Virology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119234, Russia
- Department of Medical Genetics, Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education I M Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Andrei E. Siniavin
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N. F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow 123098, Russia; (D.A.K.); (A.E.S.); (E.P.M.); (S.R.K.); (A.N.Z.); (E.V.U.); (N.A.K.); (E.V.S.); (A.A.P.); (D.D.K.); (I.A.I.); (S.E.D.); (D.Y.L.); (A.L.G.)
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Elena P. Mazunina
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N. F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow 123098, Russia; (D.A.K.); (A.E.S.); (E.P.M.); (S.R.K.); (A.N.Z.); (E.V.U.); (N.A.K.); (E.V.S.); (A.A.P.); (D.D.K.); (I.A.I.); (S.E.D.); (D.Y.L.); (A.L.G.)
| | - Sofia R. Kozlova
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N. F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow 123098, Russia; (D.A.K.); (A.E.S.); (E.P.M.); (S.R.K.); (A.N.Z.); (E.V.U.); (N.A.K.); (E.V.S.); (A.A.P.); (D.D.K.); (I.A.I.); (S.E.D.); (D.Y.L.); (A.L.G.)
| | - Anastasia N. Zolotar
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N. F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow 123098, Russia; (D.A.K.); (A.E.S.); (E.P.M.); (S.R.K.); (A.N.Z.); (E.V.U.); (N.A.K.); (E.V.S.); (A.A.P.); (D.D.K.); (I.A.I.); (S.E.D.); (D.Y.L.); (A.L.G.)
| | - Evgeny V. Usachev
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N. F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow 123098, Russia; (D.A.K.); (A.E.S.); (E.P.M.); (S.R.K.); (A.N.Z.); (E.V.U.); (N.A.K.); (E.V.S.); (A.A.P.); (D.D.K.); (I.A.I.); (S.E.D.); (D.Y.L.); (A.L.G.)
| | - Nadezhda A. Kuznetsova
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N. F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow 123098, Russia; (D.A.K.); (A.E.S.); (E.P.M.); (S.R.K.); (A.N.Z.); (E.V.U.); (N.A.K.); (E.V.S.); (A.A.P.); (D.D.K.); (I.A.I.); (S.E.D.); (D.Y.L.); (A.L.G.)
| | - Elena V. Shidlovskaya
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N. F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow 123098, Russia; (D.A.K.); (A.E.S.); (E.P.M.); (S.R.K.); (A.N.Z.); (E.V.U.); (N.A.K.); (E.V.S.); (A.A.P.); (D.D.K.); (I.A.I.); (S.E.D.); (D.Y.L.); (A.L.G.)
| | - Andrei A. Pochtovyi
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N. F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow 123098, Russia; (D.A.K.); (A.E.S.); (E.P.M.); (S.R.K.); (A.N.Z.); (E.V.U.); (N.A.K.); (E.V.S.); (A.A.P.); (D.D.K.); (I.A.I.); (S.E.D.); (D.Y.L.); (A.L.G.)
- Department of Virology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119234, Russia
- Department of Medical Genetics, Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education I M Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Daria D. Kustova
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N. F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow 123098, Russia; (D.A.K.); (A.E.S.); (E.P.M.); (S.R.K.); (A.N.Z.); (E.V.U.); (N.A.K.); (E.V.S.); (A.A.P.); (D.D.K.); (I.A.I.); (S.E.D.); (D.Y.L.); (A.L.G.)
- Department of Virology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119234, Russia
| | - Igor A. Ivanov
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N. F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow 123098, Russia; (D.A.K.); (A.E.S.); (E.P.M.); (S.R.K.); (A.N.Z.); (E.V.U.); (N.A.K.); (E.V.S.); (A.A.P.); (D.D.K.); (I.A.I.); (S.E.D.); (D.Y.L.); (A.L.G.)
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Sergey E. Dmitriev
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N. F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow 123098, Russia; (D.A.K.); (A.E.S.); (E.P.M.); (S.R.K.); (A.N.Z.); (E.V.U.); (N.A.K.); (E.V.S.); (A.A.P.); (D.D.K.); (I.A.I.); (S.E.D.); (D.Y.L.); (A.L.G.)
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119234, Russia
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Roman A. Ivanov
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi 354340, Russia;
| | - Denis Y. Logunov
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N. F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow 123098, Russia; (D.A.K.); (A.E.S.); (E.P.M.); (S.R.K.); (A.N.Z.); (E.V.U.); (N.A.K.); (E.V.S.); (A.A.P.); (D.D.K.); (I.A.I.); (S.E.D.); (D.Y.L.); (A.L.G.)
| | - Alexander L. Gintsburg
- Federal State Budget Institution “National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology Named after Honorary Academician N. F. Gamaleya” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow 123098, Russia; (D.A.K.); (A.E.S.); (E.P.M.); (S.R.K.); (A.N.Z.); (E.V.U.); (N.A.K.); (E.V.S.); (A.A.P.); (D.D.K.); (I.A.I.); (S.E.D.); (D.Y.L.); (A.L.G.)
- Infectiology Department, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
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23
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Clever S, Limpinsel L, Meyer zu Natrup C, Schünemann LM, Beythien G, Rosiak M, Hülskötter K, Gregor KM, Tuchel T, Kalodimou G, Freudenstein A, Kumar S, Baumgärtner W, Sutter G, Tscherne A, Volz A. Single MVA-SARS-2-ST/N Vaccination Rapidly Protects K18-hACE2 Mice against a Lethal SARS-CoV-2 Challenge Infection. Viruses 2024; 16:417. [PMID: 38543782 PMCID: PMC10974247 DOI: 10.3390/v16030417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The sudden emergence of SARS-CoV-2 demonstrates the need for new vaccines that rapidly protect in the case of an emergency. In this study, we developed a recombinant MVA vaccine co-expressing SARS-CoV-2 prefusion-stabilized spike protein (ST) and SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein (N, MVA-SARS-2-ST/N) as an approach to further improve vaccine-induced immunogenicity and efficacy. Single MVA-SARS-2-ST/N vaccination in K18-hACE2 mice induced robust protection against lethal respiratory SARS-CoV-2 challenge infection 28 days later. The protective outcome of MVA-SARS-2-ST/N vaccination correlated with the activation of SARS-CoV-2-neutralizing antibodies (nABs) and substantial amounts of SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells especially in the lung of MVA-SARS-2-ST/N-vaccinated mice. Emergency vaccination with MVA-SARS-2-ST/N just 2 days before lethal SARS-CoV-2 challenge infection resulted in a delayed onset of clinical disease outcome in these mice and increased titers of nAB or SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells in the spleen and lung. These data highlight the potential of a multivalent COVID-19 vaccine co-expressing S- and N-protein, which further contributes to the development of rapidly protective vaccination strategies against emerging pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Clever
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany; (S.C.); (C.M.z.N.); (L.-M.S.)
| | - Leonard Limpinsel
- Division of Virology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany; (L.L.); (G.K.); (A.F.); (S.K.); (G.S.); (A.T.)
| | - Christian Meyer zu Natrup
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany; (S.C.); (C.M.z.N.); (L.-M.S.)
| | - Lisa-Marie Schünemann
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany; (S.C.); (C.M.z.N.); (L.-M.S.)
| | - Georg Beythien
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany; (G.B.); (M.R.); (K.H.); (K.M.G.); (W.B.)
| | - Malgorzata Rosiak
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany; (G.B.); (M.R.); (K.H.); (K.M.G.); (W.B.)
| | - Kirsten Hülskötter
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany; (G.B.); (M.R.); (K.H.); (K.M.G.); (W.B.)
| | - Katharina Manuela Gregor
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany; (G.B.); (M.R.); (K.H.); (K.M.G.); (W.B.)
| | - Tamara Tuchel
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany; (S.C.); (C.M.z.N.); (L.-M.S.)
| | - Georgia Kalodimou
- Division of Virology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany; (L.L.); (G.K.); (A.F.); (S.K.); (G.S.); (A.T.)
| | - Astrid Freudenstein
- Division of Virology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany; (L.L.); (G.K.); (A.F.); (S.K.); (G.S.); (A.T.)
| | - Satendra Kumar
- Division of Virology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany; (L.L.); (G.K.); (A.F.); (S.K.); (G.S.); (A.T.)
| | - Wolfgang Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany; (G.B.); (M.R.); (K.H.); (K.M.G.); (W.B.)
| | - Gerd Sutter
- Division of Virology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany; (L.L.); (G.K.); (A.F.); (S.K.); (G.S.); (A.T.)
| | - Alina Tscherne
- Division of Virology, Department of Veterinary Sciences, LMU Munich, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany; (L.L.); (G.K.); (A.F.); (S.K.); (G.S.); (A.T.)
| | - Asisa Volz
- Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany; (S.C.); (C.M.z.N.); (L.-M.S.)
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24
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Patel DR, Minns AM, Sim DG, Field CJ, Kerr AE, Heinly TA, Luley EH, Rossi RM, Bator CM, Moustafa IM, Norton EB, Hafenstein SL, Lindner SE, Sutton TC. Intranasal SARS-CoV-2 RBD decorated nanoparticle vaccine enhances viral clearance in the Syrian hamster model. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0499822. [PMID: 38334387 PMCID: PMC10923206 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04998-22] [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: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple vaccines have been developed and licensed for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). While these vaccines reduce disease severity, they do not prevent infection. To prevent infection and limit transmission, vaccines must be developed that induce immunity in the respiratory tract. Therefore, we performed proof-of-principle studies with an intranasal nanoparticle vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. The vaccine candidate consisted of the self-assembling 60-subunit I3-01 protein scaffold covalently decorated with the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) using the SpyCatcher-SpyTag system. We verified the intended antigen display features by reconstructing the I3-01 scaffold to 3.4 A using cryogenicelectron microscopy. Using this RBD-grafted SpyCage scaffold (RBD + SpyCage), we performed two intranasal vaccination studies in the "gold-standard" pre-clinical Syrian hamster model. The initial study focused on assessing the immunogenicity of RBD + SpyCage combined with the LTA1 intranasal adjuvant. These studies showed RBD + SpyCage vaccination induced an antibody response that promoted viral clearance but did not prevent infection. Inclusion of the LTA1 adjuvant enhanced the magnitude of the antibody response but did not enhance protection. Thus, in an expanded study, in the absence of an intranasal adjuvant, we evaluated if covalent bonding of RBD to the scaffold was required to induce an antibody response. Covalent grafting of RBD was required for the vaccine to be immunogenic, and animals vaccinated with RBD + SpyCage more rapidly cleared SARS-CoV-2 from both the upper and lower respiratory tract. These findings demonstrate the intranasal SpyCage vaccine platform can induce protection against SARS-CoV-2 and, with additional modifications to improve immunogenicity, is a versatile platform for the development of intranasal vaccines targeting respiratory pathogens.IMPORTANCEDespite the availability of efficacious COVID vaccines that reduce disease severity, SARS-CoV-2 continues to spread. To limit SARS-CoV-2 transmission, the next generation of vaccines must induce immunity in the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract. Therefore, we performed proof-of-principle, intranasal vaccination studies with a recombinant protein nanoparticle scaffold, SpyCage, decorated with the RBD of the S protein (SpyCage + RBD). We show that SpyCage + RBD was immunogenic and enhanced SARS-CoV-2 clearance from the nose and lungs of Syrian hamsters. Moreover, covalent grafting of the RBD to the scaffold was required to induce an immune response when given via the intranasal route. These proof-of-concept findings indicate that with further enhancements to immunogenicity (e.g., adjuvant incorporation and antigen optimization), the SpyCage scaffold has potential as a versatile, intranasal vaccine platform for respiratory pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devanshi R. Patel
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- The Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Allen M. Minns
- The Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- The Huck Center for Malaria Research, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Derek G. Sim
- The Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cassandra J. Field
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- The Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Abigail E. Kerr
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- The Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Talia A. Heinly
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- The Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Erin H. Luley
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Randall M. Rossi
- The Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Carol M. Bator
- The Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ibrahim M. Moustafa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elizabeth B. Norton
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Susan L. Hafenstein
- The Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Medicine, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Scott E. Lindner
- The Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- The Huck Center for Malaria Research, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Troy C. Sutton
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- The Huck Institutes of Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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25
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Chen Z, Liu Z, Feng Y, Shi A, Wu L, Sang Y, Li C. Global research on RNA vaccines for COVID-19 from 2019 to 2023: a bibliometric analysis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1259788. [PMID: 38426106 PMCID: PMC10902429 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1259788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Since the global pandemic of COVID-19 has broken out, thousands of pieces of literature on COVID-19 RNA vaccines have been published in various journals. The overall measurement and analysis of RNA vaccines for COVID-19, with the help of sophisticated mathematical tools, could provide deep insights into global research performance and the collaborative architectural structure within the scientific community of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. In this bibliometric analysis, we aim to determine the extent of the scientific output related to COVID-19 RNA vaccines between 2019 and 2023. Methods We applied the Bibliometrix R package for comprehensive science mapping analysis of extensive bibliographic metadata retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. On January 11th, 2024, the Web of Science database was searched for COVID-19 RNA vaccine-related publications using predetermined search keywords with specific restrictions. Bradford's law was applied to evaluate the core journals in this field. The data was analyzed with various bibliometric indicators using the Bibliometrix R package. Results The final analysis included 2962 publications published between 2020 and 2023 while there is no related publication in 2019. The most productive year was 2022. The most relevant leading authors in terms of publications were Ugur Sahin and Pei-Yong, Shi, who had the highest total citations in this field. The core journals were Vaccines, Frontiers in Immunology, and Viruses-Basel. The most frequently used author's keywords were COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, and vaccine. Recent COVID-19 RNA vaccine-related topics included mental health, COVID-19 vaccines in humans, people, and the pandemic. Harvard University was the top-ranked institution. The leading country in terms of publications, citations, corresponding author country, and international collaboration was the United States. The United States had the most robust collaboration with China. Conclusion The research hotspots include COVID-19 vaccines and the pandemic in people. We identified international collaboration and research expenditure strongly associated with COVID-19 vaccine research productivity. Researchers' collaboration among developed countries should be extended to low-income countries to expand COVID-19 vaccine-related research and understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Chen
- Center for Molecular Diagnosis and Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis and Precision Treatment, the First Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhiliang Liu
- Department of Pathology, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Yali Feng
- Department of Pathology, Jiangxi Provincial Chest Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Aochen Shi
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis and Precision Treatment, the First Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang, China
| | - Liqing Wu
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis and Precision Treatment, the First Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang, China
| | - Yi Sang
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis and Precision Treatment, the First Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang, China
| | - Chenxi Li
- Center for Molecular Diagnosis and Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis and Precision Treatment, the First Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang, China
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26
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Prakash S, Dhanushkodi NR, Singer M, Quadiri A, Zayou L, Vahed H, Coulon PG, Ibraim IC, Tafoya C, Hitchcock L, Landucci G, Forthal DN, El Babsiri A, Tifrea DF, Figueroa CJ, Nesburn AB, Kuppermann BD, Gil D, Jones TM, Ulmer JB, BenMohamed L. A Broad-Spectrum Multi-Antigen mRNA/LNP-Based Pan-Coronavirus Vaccine Induced Potent Cross-Protective Immunity Against Infection and Disease Caused by Highly Pathogenic and Heavily Spike-Mutated SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern in the Syrian Hamster Model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.14.580225. [PMID: 38405942 PMCID: PMC10888826 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.14.580225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The first-generation Spike-alone-based COVID-19 vaccines have successfully contributed to reducing the risk of hospitalization, serious illness, and death caused by SARS-CoV-2 infections. However, waning immunity induced by these vaccines failed to prevent immune escape by many variants of concern (VOCs) that emerged from 2020 to 2024, resulting in a prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. We hypothesize that a next-generation Coronavirus (CoV) vaccine incorporating highly conserved non-Spike SARS-CoV-2 antigens would confer stronger and broader cross-protective immunity against multiple VOCs. In the present study, we identified ten non-Spike antigens that are highly conserved in 8.7 million SARS-CoV-2 strains, twenty-one VOCs, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, Common Cold CoVs, and animal CoVs. Seven of the 10 antigens were preferentially recognized by CD8+ and CD4+ T-cells from unvaccinated asymptomatic COVID-19 patients, irrespective of VOC infection. Three out of the seven conserved non-Spike T cell antigens belong to the early expressed Replication and Transcription Complex (RTC) region, when administered to the golden Syrian hamsters, in combination with Spike, as nucleoside-modified mRNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNP) (i.e., combined mRNA/LNP-based pan-CoV vaccine): (i) Induced high frequencies of lung-resident antigen-specific CXCR5+CD4+ T follicular helper (TFH) cells, GzmB+CD4+ and GzmB+CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (TCYT), and CD69+IFN-γ+TNFα+CD4+ and CD69+IFN-γ+TNFα+CD8+ effector T cells (TEFF); and (ii) Reduced viral load and COVID-19-like symptoms caused by various VOCs, including the highly pathogenic B.1.617.2 Delta variant and the highly transmittable heavily Spike-mutated XBB1.5 Omicron sub-variant. The combined mRNA/LNP-based pan-CoV vaccine could be rapidly adapted for clinical use to confer broader cross-protective immunity against emerging highly mutated and pathogenic VOCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swayam Prakash
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Nisha R. Dhanushkodi
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Mahmoud Singer
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Afshana Quadiri
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Latifa Zayou
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Hawa Vahed
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
- Department of Vaccines and Immunotherapies, TechImmune, LLC, University Lab Partners, Irvine, CA 92660, USA
| | - Pierre-Gregoire Coulon
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Izabela Coimbra Ibraim
- BSL-3 Laboratories, High Containment Core Facility, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine
| | - Christine Tafoya
- BSL-3 Laboratories, High Containment Core Facility, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine
| | - Lauren Hitchcock
- BSL-3 Laboratories, High Containment Core Facility, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine
| | - Gary Landucci
- BSL-3 Laboratories, High Containment Core Facility, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine
| | - Donald N. Forthal
- BSL-3 Laboratories, High Containment Core Facility, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Assia El Babsiri
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Delia F. Tifrea
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Cesar J. Figueroa
- Department of Surgery, Divisions of Trauma, Burns & Critical Care, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Anthony B. Nesburn
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Baruch D. Kuppermann
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Daniel Gil
- Department of Vaccines and Immunotherapies, TechImmune, LLC, University Lab Partners, Irvine, CA 92660, USA
| | - Trevor M. Jones
- Department of Vaccines and Immunotherapies, TechImmune, LLC, University Lab Partners, Irvine, CA 92660, USA
| | - Jeffrey B. Ulmer
- Department of Vaccines and Immunotherapies, TechImmune, LLC, University Lab Partners, Irvine, CA 92660, USA
| | - Lbachir BenMohamed
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
- Institute for Immunology; University of California Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA 92697
- Department of Vaccines and Immunotherapies, TechImmune, LLC, University Lab Partners, Irvine, CA 92660, USA
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Gupta S, Gupta D, Bhatnagar S. Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 genome evolutionary patterns. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0265423. [PMID: 38197644 PMCID: PMC10846092 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02654-23] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus accompanied by public availability of abundant sequence data provides a window for the determination of viral evolutionary patterns. In this study, SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences were collected from seven countries in the period January 2020-December 2022. The sequences were classified into three phases, namely, pre-vaccination, post-vaccination, and recent period. Comparison was performed between these phases based on parameters like mutation rates, selection pressure (dN/dS ratio), and transition to transversion ratios (Ti/Tv). Similar comparisons were performed among SARS-CoV-2 variants. Statistical significance was tested using Graphpad unpaired t-test. The analysis showed an increase in the percent genomic mutation rates post-vaccination and in recent periods across all countries from the pre-vaccination sequences. Mutation rates were highest in NSP3, S, N, and NSP12b before and increased further after vaccination. NSP4 showed the largest change in mutation rates after vaccination. The dN/dS ratios showed purifying selection that shifted toward neutral selection after vaccination. N, ORF8, ORF3a, and ORF10 were under highest positive selection before vaccination. Shift toward neutral selection was driven by E, NSP3, and ORF7a in the after vaccination set. In recent sequences, the largest dN/dS change was observed in E, NSP1, and NSP13. The Ti/Tv ratios decreased with time. C→U and G→U were the most frequent transitions and transversions. However, U→G was the most frequent transversion in recent period. The Omicron variant had the highest genomic mutation rates, while Delta showed the highest dN/dS ratio. Protein-wise dN/dS ratio was also seen to vary across the different variants.IMPORTANCETo the best of our knowledge, there exists no other large-scale study of the genomic and protein-wise mutation patterns during the time course of evolution in different countries. Analyzing the SARS-CoV-2 evolutionary patterns in view of the varying spatial, temporal, and biological signals is important for diagnostics, therapeutics, and pharmacovigilance of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhangi Gupta
- Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Computational and Structural Biology Laboratory, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
| | - Deepanshu Gupta
- Division of Biotechnology, Computational and Structural Biology Laboratory, Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
| | - Sonika Bhatnagar
- Department of Biological Sciences and Engineering, Computational and Structural Biology Laboratory, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
- Division of Biotechnology, Computational and Structural Biology Laboratory, Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology, Dwarka, New Delhi, India
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28
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Li R, Chang Z, Liu H, Wang Y, Li M, Chen Y, Fan L, Wang S, Sun X, Liu S, Cheng A, Ding P, Zhang G. Double-layered N-S1 protein nanoparticle immunization elicits robust cellular immune and broad antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:44. [PMID: 38291444 PMCID: PMC10825999 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02293-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic is a persistent global threat to public health. As for the emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2, it is necessary to develop vaccines that can induce broader immune responses, particularly vaccines with weak cellular immunity. METHODS In this study, we generated a double-layered N-S1 protein nanoparticle (N-S1 PNp) that was formed by desolvating N protein into a protein nanoparticle as the core and crosslinking S1 protein onto the core surface against SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS Vaccination with N-S1 PNp elicited robust humoral and vigorous cellular immune responses specific to SARS-CoV-2 in mice. Compared to soluble protein groups, the N-S1 PNp induced a higher level of humoral response, as evidenced by the ability of S1-specific antibodies to block hACE2 receptor binding and neutralize pseudovirus. Critically, N-S1 PNp induced Th1-biased, long-lasting, and cross-neutralizing antibodies, which neutralized the variants of SARS-CoV-2 with minimal loss of activity. N-S1 PNp induced strong responses of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, mDCs, Tfh cells, and GCs B cells in spleens. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that N-S1 PNp vaccination is a practical approach for promoting protection, which has the potential to counteract the waning immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 variants and confer broad efficacy against future new variants. This study provides a new idea for the design of next-generation SARS-CoV-2 vaccines based on the B and T cells response coordination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqi Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
- School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences , Peking University, Beijing, 100080, China
- Longhu Laboratory, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Zejie Chang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
- College of Animal Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Hongliang Liu
- School of Life Sciences , Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
- College of Animal Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Minghui Li
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
- College of Animal Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Yilan Chen
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Lu Fan
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Siqiao Wang
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Xueke Sun
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
- College of Animal Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Siyuan Liu
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
- College of Animal Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
| | - Anchun Cheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Peiyang Ding
- School of Life Sciences , Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Gaiping Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
- School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences , Peking University, Beijing, 100080, China.
- Longhu Laboratory, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
- College of Animal Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
- School of Life Sciences , Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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29
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Weingarten-Gabbay S, Chen DY, Sarkizova S, Taylor HB, Gentili M, Hernandez GM, Pearlman LR, Bauer MR, Rice CM, Clauser KR, Hacohen N, Carr SA, Abelin JG, Saeed M, Sabeti PC. The HLA-II immunopeptidome of SARS-CoV-2. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113596. [PMID: 38117652 PMCID: PMC10860710 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113596] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted synthetic vaccines have the potential to transform our response to viral outbreaks, yet the design of these vaccines requires a comprehensive knowledge of viral immunogens. Here, we report severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) peptides that are naturally processed and loaded onto human leukocyte antigen-II (HLA-II) complexes in infected cells. We identify over 500 unique viral peptides from canonical proteins as well as from overlapping internal open reading frames. Most HLA-II peptides colocalize with known CD4+ T cell epitopes in coronavirus disease 2019 patients, including 2 reported immunodominant regions in the SARS-CoV-2 membrane protein. Overall, our analyses show that HLA-I and HLA-II pathways target distinct viral proteins, with the structural proteins accounting for most of the HLA-II peptidome and nonstructural and noncanonical proteins accounting for the majority of the HLA-I peptidome. These findings highlight the need for a vaccine design that incorporates multiple viral elements harboring CD4+ and CD8+ T cell epitopes to maximize vaccine effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shira Weingarten-Gabbay
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Da-Yuan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Hannah B Taylor
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Matteo Gentili
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Leah R Pearlman
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Matthew R Bauer
- Harvard Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Division of Medical Sciences, Harvard University Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Charles M Rice
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Karl R Clauser
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nir Hacohen
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Steven A Carr
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Mohsan Saeed
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pardis C Sabeti
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogen Readiness, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
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30
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Mir S, Mir M. The mRNA vaccine, a swift warhead against a moving infectious disease target. Expert Rev Vaccines 2024; 23:336-348. [PMID: 38369742 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2024.2320327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The rapid development of mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 has revolutionized vaccinology, offering hope for swift responses to emerging infectious diseases. Initially met with skepticism, mRNA vaccines have proven effective and safe, reducing vaccine hesitancy amid the evolving COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that the time required to modify mRNA vaccines to counter new mutant strains is significantly shorter than the time it takes for pathogens to mutate and generate new variants that can thrive in vaccinated populations. This highlights the notion that mRNA vaccine technology appears to be outpacing viruses in the ongoing evolutionary race. AREAS COVERED This review article offers valuable insights into several crucial aspects of mRNA vaccine development and deployment, including the fundamentals of mRNA vaccine design and synthesis, the utilization of delivery systems, considerations regarding vaccine safety, the longevity of the immune response, strategies for modifying the original mRNA vaccine to address emerging mutant strains, as well as addressing vaccine hesitancy and potential approaches to mitigate reluctance. EXPERT OPINION Challenges such as stability, storage, manufacturing complexities, production capacity, allergic reactions, long-term effects, accessibility, and misinformation must be addressed. Despite these hurdles, mRNA vaccine technology holds promise for revolutionizing future vaccination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheema Mir
- College of Veterinary Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - Mohammad Mir
- College of Veterinary Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
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31
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Wen Z, Fang C, Liu X, Liu Y, Li M, Yuan Y, Han Z, Wang C, Zhang T, Sun C. A recombinant Mycobacterium smegmatis-based surface display system for developing the T cell-based COVID-19 vaccine. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2171233. [PMID: 36785935 PMCID: PMC10012901 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2171233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune escape mutations of SARS-CoV-2 variants emerged frequently, posing a new challenge to weaken the protective efficacy of current vaccines. Thus, the development of novel SARS-CoV-2 vaccines is of great significance for future epidemic prevention and control. We herein reported constructing the attenuated Mycobacterium smegmatis (M. smegmatis) as a bacterial surface display system to carry the spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) of SARS-CoV-2. To mimic the native localization on the surface of viral particles, the S or N antigen was fused with truncated PE_PGRS33 protein, which is a transportation component onto the cell wall of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb). The sub-cellular fraction analysis demonstrated that S or N protein was exactly expressed onto the surface (cell wall) of the recombinant M. smegmatis. After the immunization of the M. smegmatis-based COVID-19 vaccine candidate in mice, S or N antigen-specific T cell immune responses were effectively elicited, and the subsets of central memory CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells were significantly induced. Further analysis showed that there were some potential cross-reactive CTL epitopes between SARS-CoV-2 and M.smegmatis. Overall, our data provided insights that M. smegmatis-based bacterial surface display system could be a suitable vector for developing T cell-based vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Wen
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cuiting Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health (GIBH), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Guangzhou, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Respiratory Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou, China.,China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinglai Liu
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health (GIBH), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Guangzhou, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Respiratory Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minchao Li
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yue Yuan
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zirong Han
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Congcong Wang
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tianyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health (GIBH), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Guangzhou, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Beijing, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Respiratory Infectious Diseases, Guangzhou, China.,China-New Zealand Joint Laboratory on Biomedicine and Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Caijun Sun
- School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.,Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Guangzhou, China
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32
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Liu S, Hu M, Liu X, Liu X, Chen T, Zhu Y, Liang T, Xiao S, Li P, Ma X. Nanoparticles and Antiviral Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 12:30. [PMID: 38250843 PMCID: PMC10819235 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12010030] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Viruses have threatened human lives for decades, causing both chronic and acute infections accompanied by mild to severe symptoms. During the long journey of confrontation, humans have developed intricate immune systems to combat viral infections. In parallel, vaccines are invented and administrated to induce strong protective immunity while generating few adverse effects. With advancements in biochemistry and biophysics, different kinds of vaccines in versatile forms have been utilized to prevent virus infections, although the safety and effectiveness of these vaccines are diverse from each other. In this review, we first listed and described major pathogenic viruses and their pandemics that emerged in the past two centuries. Furthermore, we summarized the distinctive characteristics of different antiviral vaccines and adjuvants. Subsequently, in the main body, we reviewed recent advances of nanoparticles in the development of next-generation vaccines against influenza viruses, coronaviruses, HIV, hepatitis viruses, and many others. Specifically, we described applications of self-assembling protein polymers, virus-like particles, nano-carriers, and nano-adjuvants in antiviral vaccines. We also discussed the therapeutic potential of nanoparticles in developing safe and effective mucosal vaccines. Nanoparticle techniques could be promising platforms for developing broad-spectrum, preventive, or therapeutic antiviral vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Liu
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou 510005, China; (S.L.); (M.H.); (X.L.); (X.L.); (T.C.); (Y.Z.); (T.L.); (S.X.); (P.L.)
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Meilin Hu
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou 510005, China; (S.L.); (M.H.); (X.L.); (X.L.); (T.C.); (Y.Z.); (T.L.); (S.X.); (P.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511400, China
| | - Xiaoqing Liu
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou 510005, China; (S.L.); (M.H.); (X.L.); (X.L.); (T.C.); (Y.Z.); (T.L.); (S.X.); (P.L.)
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xingyu Liu
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou 510005, China; (S.L.); (M.H.); (X.L.); (X.L.); (T.C.); (Y.Z.); (T.L.); (S.X.); (P.L.)
| | - Tao Chen
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou 510005, China; (S.L.); (M.H.); (X.L.); (X.L.); (T.C.); (Y.Z.); (T.L.); (S.X.); (P.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511400, China
| | - Yiqiang Zhu
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou 510005, China; (S.L.); (M.H.); (X.L.); (X.L.); (T.C.); (Y.Z.); (T.L.); (S.X.); (P.L.)
| | - Taizhen Liang
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou 510005, China; (S.L.); (M.H.); (X.L.); (X.L.); (T.C.); (Y.Z.); (T.L.); (S.X.); (P.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511400, China
| | - Shiqi Xiao
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou 510005, China; (S.L.); (M.H.); (X.L.); (X.L.); (T.C.); (Y.Z.); (T.L.); (S.X.); (P.L.)
| | - Peiwen Li
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou 510005, China; (S.L.); (M.H.); (X.L.); (X.L.); (T.C.); (Y.Z.); (T.L.); (S.X.); (P.L.)
| | - Xiancai Ma
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou 510005, China; (S.L.); (M.H.); (X.L.); (X.L.); (T.C.); (Y.Z.); (T.L.); (S.X.); (P.L.)
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511400, China
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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Ye Z, Bonam SR, McKay LGA, Plante JA, Walker J, Zhao Y, Huang C, Chen J, Xu C, Li Y, Liu L, Harmon J, Gao S, Song D, Zhang Z, Plante KS, Griffiths A, Chen J, Hu H, Xu Q. Monovalent SARS-COV-2 mRNA vaccine using optimal UTRs and LNPs is highly immunogenic and broadly protective against Omicron variants. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2311752120. [PMID: 38134199 PMCID: PMC10756290 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2311752120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of highly transmissible severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs) that are resistant to the current COVID-19 vaccines highlights the need for continued development of broadly protective vaccines for the future. Here, we developed two messenger RNA (mRNA)-lipid nanoparticle (LNP) vaccines, TU88mCSA and ALCmCSA, using the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 spike sequence, optimized 5' and 3' untranslated regions (UTRs), and LNP combinations. Our data showed that these nanocomplexes effectively activate CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses and humoral immune response and provide complete protection against WA1/2020, Omicron BA.1 and BQ.1 infection in hamsters. Critically, in Omicron BQ.1 challenge hamster models, TU88mCSA and ALCmCSA not only induced robust control of virus load in the lungs but also enhanced protective efficacy in the upper respiratory airways. Antigen-specific immune analysis in mice revealed that the observed cross-protection is associated with superior UTRs [Carboxylesterase 1d (Ces1d)/adaptor protein-3β (AP3B1)] and LNP formulations that elicit robust lung tissue-resident memory T cells. Strong protective effects of TU88mCSA or ALCmCSA against both WA1/2020 and VOCs suggest that this mRNA-LNP combination can be a broadly protective vaccine platform in which mRNA cargo uses the ancestral antigen sequence regardless of the antigenic drift. This approach could be rapidly adapted for clinical use and timely deployment of vaccines against emerging and reemerging VOCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongfeng Ye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA02155
| | - Srinivasa Reddy Bonam
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
| | - Lindsay G. A. McKay
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories and Department of Virology, Immunology, and Microbiology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA02215
| | - Jessica A. Plante
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
| | - Jordyn Walker
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
| | - Yu Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA02155
| | - Changfeng Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA02155
| | - Jinjin Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA02155
| | - Chutian Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA02155
| | - Yamin Li
- Department of Pharmacology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY13210
| | - Lihan Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA02155
| | - Joseph Harmon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA02155
| | - Shuliang Gao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA02155
| | - Donghui Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA02155
| | - Zhibo Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA02155
| | - Kenneth S. Plante
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
| | - Anthony Griffiths
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories and Department of Virology, Immunology, and Microbiology, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA02215
| | - Jianzhu Chen
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
| | - Haitao Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
| | - Qiaobing Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA02155
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34
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Rak A, Isakova-Sivak I, Rudenko L. Overview of Nucleocapsid-Targeting Vaccines against COVID-19. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1810. [PMID: 38140214 PMCID: PMC10747980 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121810] [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: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which emerged in late 2019, is a highly variable causative agent of COVID-19, a contagious respiratory disease with potentially severe complications. Vaccination is considered the most effective measure to prevent the spread and complications of this infection. Spike (S) protein-based vaccines were very successful in preventing COVID-19 caused by the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain; however, their efficacy was significantly reduced when coronavirus variants antigenically different from the original strain emerged in circulation. This is due to the high variability of this major viral antigen caused by escape from the immunity caused by the infection or vaccination with spike-targeting vaccines. The nucleocapsid protein (N) is a much more conserved SARS-CoV-2 antigen than the spike protein and has therefore attracted the attention of scientists as a promising target for broad-spectrum vaccine development. Here, we summarized the current data on various N-based COVID-19 vaccines that have been tested in animal challenge models or clinical trials. Despite the high conservatism of the N protein, escape mutations gradually occurring in the N sequence can affect its protective properties. During the three years of the pandemic, at least 12 mutations have arisen in the N sequence, affecting more than 40 known immunogenic T-cell epitopes, so the antigenicity of the N protein of recent SARS-CoV-2 variants may be altered. This fact should be taken into account as a limitation in the development of cross-reactive vaccines based on N-protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Rak
- Department of Virology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, St. Petersburg 197022, Russia; (I.I.-S.); (L.R.)
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35
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Yu H, Guan F, Miller H, Lei J, Liu C. The role of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein in antiviral immunity and vaccine development. Emerg Microbes Infect 2023; 12:e2164219. [PMID: 36583642 PMCID: PMC9980416 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2022.2164219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACTThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused enormous health risks and global economic disruption. This disease is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein is a structural protein involved in viral replication and assembly. There is accumulating evidence indicating that the nucleocapsid protein is multi-functional, playing a key role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and antiviral immunity against SARS-CoV-2. Here, we summarize its potential application in the prevention of COVID-19, which is based on its role in inflammation, cell death, antiviral innate immunity, and antiviral adaptive immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyun Yu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fei Guan
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Heather Miller
- Laboratory of Intracellular Parasites, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Jiahui Lei
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chaohong Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China, Chaohong Liu
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Wu Y, Shi J, He X, Lu J, Gao X, Zhu X, Chen X, Zhang M, Fang L, Zhang J, Yuan Z, Xiao G, Zhou P, Pan X. Protection of the receptor binding domain (RBD) dimer against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. J Virol 2023; 97:e0127923. [PMID: 37843372 PMCID: PMC10688353 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01279-23] [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: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants achieved immune escape and became less virulent and easily transmissible through rapid mutation in the spike protein, thus the efficacy of vaccines on the market or in development continues to be challenged. Updating the vaccine, exploring compromise vaccination strategies, and evaluating the efficacy of candidate vaccines for the emerging variants in a timely manner are important to combat complex and volatile SARS-CoV-2. This study reports that vaccines prepared from the dimeric receptor-binding domain (RBD) recombinant protein, which can be quickly produced using a mature and stable process platform, had both good immunogenicity and protection in vivo and could completely protect rodents from lethal challenge by SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, including the emerging Omicron XBB.1.16, highlighting the value of dimeric recombinant vaccines in the post-COVID-19 era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian Shi
- Wuhan YZY Biopharma Co., Ltd., Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoxue He
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuerui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinlan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Man Zhang
- Wuhan YZY Biopharma Co., Ltd., Wuhan, China
| | | | - Jing Zhang
- Wuhan YZY Biopharma Co., Ltd., Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiming Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Gengfu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | | | - Xiaoyan Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
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37
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Yang H, Xie Y, Lu S, Sun Y, Wang K, Li S, Wang J, Liao G, Li C. Independent Protection and Influence of the Spike-Specific Antibody Response of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein (N) in Whole-Virion Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1681. [PMID: 38006013 PMCID: PMC10675215 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11111681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Of all of the components in SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccines, nucleocapsid protein (N) is the most abundant and highly conserved protein. However, the function of N in these vaccines, especially its influence on the targeted spike protein's response, remains unknown. In this study, the immunization of mice with the N protein alone was shown to reduce the viral load, alleviating pulmonary pathological lesions after challenge with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In addition, co-immunization and pre-immunization with N were found to induce higher S-specific antibody titers rather than compromise them. Remarkably, the same trend was also observed when N was administered as the booster dose after whole inactivated virus vaccination. N-specific IFN-γ-secreting T cell response was detected in all groups and exhibited a certain relationship with S-specific IgG antibody improvements. Together, these data indicate that N has an independent role in vaccine-induced protection and improves the S-specific antibody response to inactivated vaccines, revealing that an interplay mechanism may exist in the immune responses to complex virus components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijie Yang
- Divsion of Respiratory Virus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102629, China; (H.Y.); (K.W.); (S.L.)
| | - Ying Xie
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650108, China; (Y.X.); (S.L.); (G.L.)
| | - Shuaiyao Lu
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650108, China; (Y.X.); (S.L.); (G.L.)
| | - Yufang Sun
- Graduate School, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511495, China
| | - Kaiqin Wang
- Divsion of Respiratory Virus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102629, China; (H.Y.); (K.W.); (S.L.)
| | - Shuyan Li
- Divsion of Respiratory Virus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102629, China; (H.Y.); (K.W.); (S.L.)
| | - Junzhi Wang
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Biological Products, Beijing 102629, China;
| | - Guoyang Liao
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650108, China; (Y.X.); (S.L.); (G.L.)
| | - Changgui Li
- Divsion of Respiratory Virus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102629, China; (H.Y.); (K.W.); (S.L.)
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38
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Misplon JA, Lo CY, Crabbs TA, Price GE, Epstein SL. Adenoviral-vectored universal influenza vaccines administered intranasally reduce lung inflammatory responses upon viral challenge 15 months post-vaccination. J Virol 2023; 97:e0067423. [PMID: 37830821 PMCID: PMC10617573 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00674-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Vaccines targeting highly conserved proteins can protect broadly against diverse viral strains. When a vaccine is administered to the respiratory tract, protection against disease is especially powerful. However, it is important to establish that this approach is safe. When vaccinated animals later encounter viruses, does reactivation of powerful local immunity, including T cell responses, damage the lungs? This study investigates the safety of mucosal vaccination of the respiratory tract. Non-replicating adenoviral vaccine vectors expressing conserved influenza virus proteins were given intranasally. This vaccine-induced protection persists for at least 15 months. Vaccination did not exacerbate inflammatory responses or tissue damage upon influenza virus infection. Instead, vaccination with nucleoprotein reduced cytokine responses and histopathology, while neutrophil and T cell responses resolved earlier. The results are promising for safe vaccination at the site of infection and thus have implications for the control of influenza and other respiratory viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A. Misplon
- Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies, Office of Tissues and Advanced Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Chia-Yun Lo
- Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies, Office of Tissues and Advanced Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Torrie A. Crabbs
- Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Graeme E. Price
- Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies, Office of Tissues and Advanced Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Suzanne L. Epstein
- Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies, Office of Tissues and Advanced Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
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Bean DJ, Monroe J, Liang YM, Borberg E, Senussi Y, Swank Z, Chalise S, Walt D, Weinberg J, Sagar M. Heterotypic responses against nsp12/nsp13 from prior SARS-CoV-2 infection associates with lower subsequent endemic coronavirus incidence. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.23.563621. [PMID: 37961343 PMCID: PMC10634759 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.23.563621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Immune responses from prior SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination do not prevent re-infections and may not protect against future novel coronaviruses (CoVs). We examined the incidence of and immune differences against human endemic CoVs (eCoV) as a proxy for response against future emerging CoVs. Assessment was among those with known SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 vaccination but no documented SARS-CoV-2 infection, or neither exposure. Retrospective cohort analyses suggest that prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, but not COVID-19 vaccination alone, protects against subsequent symptomatic eCoV infection. CD8+ T cell responses to the non-structural eCoV proteins, nsp12 and nsp13, were significantly higher in individuals with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection as compared to the other groups. The three groups had similar cellular responses against the eCoV spike and nucleocapsid, and those with prior spike exposure had lower eCoV-directed neutralizing antibodies. Incorporation of non-structural viral antigens in a future pan-CoV vaccine may improve protection against future heterologous CoV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J. Bean
- Department of Virology, Immunology and Microbiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Janet Monroe
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Yan Mei Liang
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Ella Borberg
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA
| | - Yasmeen Senussi
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA
| | - Zoe Swank
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA
| | - Sujata Chalise
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA
| | - David Walt
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA
| | - Janice Weinberg
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Manish Sagar
- Department of Virology, Immunology and Microbiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
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40
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Cao J, Gu H, Zhang X, Yun H, Li J, Si CY, Zhang J, Wang H. Intranasal inoculation of female BALB/c mice with replication-deficient human adenovirus type 5 expressing SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein aggravates lung pathology upon re-encountering the antigen. Virus Res 2023; 335:199201. [PMID: 37595663 PMCID: PMC10470087 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Preclinical studies indicate that SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N)-based vaccines, along with other viral protein(s), confer protection in various animal models against infection by SARS-CoV-2 ancestral virus and variants of concern. However, the optimal vaccination procedure and the role of N-specific host adaptive immune responses remain elusive. Here, we report that intranasal inoculation with replication-deficient human adenovirus type 5 expressing SARS-CoV-2 N protein (Ad5-N) conferred no protection in the lung of female BALB/c mice upon re-encountering the antigen, either by 10-fold Ad5-N re-exposure or sublethal infection of mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2. By contrast, this procedure led to aggravated lung pathology with more necroptotic CD3+ T cells and Ly6G+ granulocytes, which was associated with the accumulation of IFN-γ-expressing antigen-experienced CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. These findings pre-caution the clinical application of this vaccination procedure. Furthermore, our data suggest that excessive host adaptive immune responses against N protein contributes to COVID-19 pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxia Cao
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Hongjing Gu
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Xueting Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Hongfang Yun
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Jiarong Li
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China; University of South China, Hengyang Medical School, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Chuan-Yimu Si
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Jiyan Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China; University of South China, Hengyang Medical School, Hengyang 421001, China; Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 102206, China.
| | - Hui Wang
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China.
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41
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Goswami A, Kumar M, Ullah S, Gore MM. De novo design of anti-variant COVID-19 vaccine. Biol Methods Protoc 2023; 8:bpad021. [PMID: 37854896 PMCID: PMC10580973 DOI: 10.1093/biomethods/bpad021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies highlight the effectiveness of hybrid Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines combining wild-type nucleocapsid and Spike proteins. We have further enhanced this strategy by incorporating delta and omicron variants' spike protein mutations. Both delta and omicron mark the shifts in viral transmissibility and severity in unvaccinated and vaccinated patients. So their mutations are highly crucial for future viral variants also. Omicron is particularly adept at immune evasion by mutating spike epitopes. The rapid adaptations of Omicron and sub-variants to spike-based vaccines and simultaneous transmissibility underline the urgency for new vaccines in the continuous battle against SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, we have added three persistent T-cell-stimulating nucleocapsid peptides similar to homologous sequences from seasonal Human Coronaviruses (HuCoV) and an envelope peptide that elicits a strong T-cell immune response. These peptides are clustered in the hybrid spike's cytoplasmic region with non-immunogenic linkers, enabling systematic arrangement. AlphaFold (Artificial intelligence-based model building) analysis suggests omitting the transmembrane domain enhances these cytoplasmic epitopes' folding efficiency which can ensure persistent immunity for CD4+ structural epitopes. Further molecular dynamics simulations validate the compact conformation of the modeled structures and a flexible C-terminus region. Overall, the structures show stability and less conformational fluctuation throughout the simulation. Also, the AlphaFold predicted structural epitopes maintained their folds during simulation to ensure the specificity of CD4+ T-cell response after vaccination. Our proposed approach may provide options for incorporating diverse anti-viral T-cell peptides, similar to HuCoV, into linker regions. This versatility can be promising to address outbreaks and challenges posed by various viruses for effective management in this era of innovative vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpita Goswami
- Kshamalab, Leo’s Research Services and Suppliers, Mysuru 570016, India
| | - Madan Kumar
- Department of Chemistry-BMC Biochemistry, University of Uppsala, Uppsala 75237, Sweden
| | - Samee Ullah
- National Center for Bioinformatics (NCB), Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Milind M Gore
- 5/1B, Krutika Co-Op Housing Society, Kothrud, Pune 411039, India
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Rzymski P, Pokorska-Śpiewak M, Jackowska T, Kuchar E, Nitsch-Osuch A, Pawłowska M, Babicki M, Jaroszewicz J, Szenborn L, Wysocki J, Flisiak R. Key Considerations during the Transition from the Acute Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1502. [PMID: 37766178 PMCID: PMC10537111 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11091502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has been met with an unprecedented response from the scientific community, leading to the development, investigation, and authorization of vaccines and antivirals, ultimately reducing the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on global public health. However, SARS-CoV-2 is far from being eradicated, continues to evolve, and causes substantial health and economic burdens. In this narrative review, we posit essential points on SARS-CoV-2 and its responsible management during the transition from the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. As discussed, despite Omicron (sub)variant(s) causing clinically milder infections, SARS-CoV-2 is far from being a negligible pathogen. It requires continued genomic surveillance, particularly if one considers that its future (sub)lineages do not necessarily have to be milder. Antivirals and vaccines remain the essential elements in COVID-19 management. However, the former could benefit from further development and improvements in dosing, while the seasonal administration of the latter requires simplification to increase interest and tackle vaccine hesitancy. It is also essential to ensure the accessibility of COVID-19 pharmaceuticals and vaccines in low-income countries and improve the understanding of their use in the context of the long-term goals of SARS-CoV-2 management. Regardless of location, the primary role of COVID-19 awareness and education must be played by healthcare workers, who directly communicate with patients and serve as role models for healthy behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznań, Poland
| | - Maria Pokorska-Śpiewak
- Department of Children’s Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Teresa Jackowska
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre for Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Ernest Kuchar
- Department of Pediatrics with Clinical Assessment Unit, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Aneta Nitsch-Osuch
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-007 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Pawłowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 85-067 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Mateusz Babicki
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 51-141 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Jerzy Jaroszewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Silesia, 41-902 Bytom, Poland;
| | - Leszek Szenborn
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Wrocław Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Jacek Wysocki
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznań, Poland;
| | - Robert Flisiak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland;
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Chiuppesi F, Ortega-Francisco S, Gutierrez MA, Li J, Ly M, Faircloth K, Mack-Onyeike J, La Rosa C, Thomas S, Zhou Q, Drake J, Slape C, Fernando P, Rida W, Kaltcheva T, Grifoni A, Sette A, Patterson A, Dempsey S, Ball B, Ali H, Salhotra A, Stein A, Nathwani N, Rosenzweig M, Nikolaenko L, Al Malki MM, Dickter J, Nanayakkara DD, Puing A, Forman SJ, Taplitz RA, Zaia JA, Nakamura R, Wussow F, Diamond DJ, Dadwal SS. Stimulation of Potent Humoral and Cellular Immunity via Synthetic Dual-Antigen MVA-Based COVID-19 Vaccine COH04S1 in Cancer Patients Post Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1492. [PMID: 37766168 PMCID: PMC10538048 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11091492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell patients are immunocompromised, remain at high risk following SARS-CoV-2 infection, and are less likely than immunocompetent individuals to respond to vaccination. As part of the safety lead-in portion of a phase 2 clinical trial in patients post HCT/CAR-T for hematological malignancies (HM), we tested the immunogenicity of the synthetic modified vaccinia Ankara-based COVID-19 vaccine COH04S1 co-expressing spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) antigens. Thirteen patients were vaccinated 3-12 months post HCT/CAR-T with two to four doses of COH04S1. SARS-CoV-2 antigen-specific humoral and cellular immune responses, including neutralizing antibodies to ancestral virus and variants of concern (VOC), were measured up to six months post vaccination and compared to immune responses in historical cohorts of naïve healthy volunteers (HV) vaccinated with COH04S1 and naïve healthcare workers (HCW) vaccinated with the FDA-approved mRNA vaccine Comirnaty® (Pfizer, New York, NY, USA). After one or two COH04S1 vaccine doses, HCT/CAR-T recipients showed a significant increase in S- and N-specific binding antibody titers and neutralizing antibodies with potent activity against SARS-CoV-2 ancestral virus and VOC, including the highly immune evasive Omicron XBB.1.5 variant. Furthermore, vaccination with COH04S1 resulted in a significant increase in S- and N-specific T cells, predominantly CD4+ T lymphocytes. Elevated S- and N-specific immune responses continued to persist at six months post vaccination. Furthermore, both humoral and cellular immune responses in COH04S1-vaccinated HCT/CAR-T patients were superior or comparable to those measured in COH04S1-vaccinated HV or Comirnaty®-vaccinated HCW. These results demonstrate robust stimulation of SARS-CoV-2 S- and N-specific immune responses including cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies by COH04S1 in HM patients post HCT/CAR-T, supporting further testing of COH04S1 in immunocompromised populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Chiuppesi
- Department of Hematology and HCT, Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (F.C.); (S.O.-F.); (M.-A.G.); (J.L.); (K.F.); (J.M.-O.); (C.L.R.); (S.T.); (Q.Z.); (T.K.); (A.P.); (S.D.); (B.B.); (H.A.); (A.S.); (A.S.); (N.N.); (M.R.); (L.N.); (M.M.A.M.); (J.D.); (D.D.N.); (S.J.F.); (R.N.); (F.W.)
| | - Sandra Ortega-Francisco
- Department of Hematology and HCT, Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (F.C.); (S.O.-F.); (M.-A.G.); (J.L.); (K.F.); (J.M.-O.); (C.L.R.); (S.T.); (Q.Z.); (T.K.); (A.P.); (S.D.); (B.B.); (H.A.); (A.S.); (A.S.); (N.N.); (M.R.); (L.N.); (M.M.A.M.); (J.D.); (D.D.N.); (S.J.F.); (R.N.); (F.W.)
| | - Miguel-Angel Gutierrez
- Department of Hematology and HCT, Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (F.C.); (S.O.-F.); (M.-A.G.); (J.L.); (K.F.); (J.M.-O.); (C.L.R.); (S.T.); (Q.Z.); (T.K.); (A.P.); (S.D.); (B.B.); (H.A.); (A.S.); (A.S.); (N.N.); (M.R.); (L.N.); (M.M.A.M.); (J.D.); (D.D.N.); (S.J.F.); (R.N.); (F.W.)
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Hematology and HCT, Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (F.C.); (S.O.-F.); (M.-A.G.); (J.L.); (K.F.); (J.M.-O.); (C.L.R.); (S.T.); (Q.Z.); (T.K.); (A.P.); (S.D.); (B.B.); (H.A.); (A.S.); (A.S.); (N.N.); (M.R.); (L.N.); (M.M.A.M.); (J.D.); (D.D.N.); (S.J.F.); (R.N.); (F.W.)
| | - Minh Ly
- Department of Hematology and HCT, Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (F.C.); (S.O.-F.); (M.-A.G.); (J.L.); (K.F.); (J.M.-O.); (C.L.R.); (S.T.); (Q.Z.); (T.K.); (A.P.); (S.D.); (B.B.); (H.A.); (A.S.); (A.S.); (N.N.); (M.R.); (L.N.); (M.M.A.M.); (J.D.); (D.D.N.); (S.J.F.); (R.N.); (F.W.)
| | - Katelyn Faircloth
- Department of Hematology and HCT, Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (F.C.); (S.O.-F.); (M.-A.G.); (J.L.); (K.F.); (J.M.-O.); (C.L.R.); (S.T.); (Q.Z.); (T.K.); (A.P.); (S.D.); (B.B.); (H.A.); (A.S.); (A.S.); (N.N.); (M.R.); (L.N.); (M.M.A.M.); (J.D.); (D.D.N.); (S.J.F.); (R.N.); (F.W.)
| | - Jada Mack-Onyeike
- Department of Hematology and HCT, Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (F.C.); (S.O.-F.); (M.-A.G.); (J.L.); (K.F.); (J.M.-O.); (C.L.R.); (S.T.); (Q.Z.); (T.K.); (A.P.); (S.D.); (B.B.); (H.A.); (A.S.); (A.S.); (N.N.); (M.R.); (L.N.); (M.M.A.M.); (J.D.); (D.D.N.); (S.J.F.); (R.N.); (F.W.)
| | - Corinna La Rosa
- Department of Hematology and HCT, Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (F.C.); (S.O.-F.); (M.-A.G.); (J.L.); (K.F.); (J.M.-O.); (C.L.R.); (S.T.); (Q.Z.); (T.K.); (A.P.); (S.D.); (B.B.); (H.A.); (A.S.); (A.S.); (N.N.); (M.R.); (L.N.); (M.M.A.M.); (J.D.); (D.D.N.); (S.J.F.); (R.N.); (F.W.)
| | - Sandra Thomas
- Department of Hematology and HCT, Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (F.C.); (S.O.-F.); (M.-A.G.); (J.L.); (K.F.); (J.M.-O.); (C.L.R.); (S.T.); (Q.Z.); (T.K.); (A.P.); (S.D.); (B.B.); (H.A.); (A.S.); (A.S.); (N.N.); (M.R.); (L.N.); (M.M.A.M.); (J.D.); (D.D.N.); (S.J.F.); (R.N.); (F.W.)
| | - Qiao Zhou
- Department of Hematology and HCT, Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (F.C.); (S.O.-F.); (M.-A.G.); (J.L.); (K.F.); (J.M.-O.); (C.L.R.); (S.T.); (Q.Z.); (T.K.); (A.P.); (S.D.); (B.B.); (H.A.); (A.S.); (A.S.); (N.N.); (M.R.); (L.N.); (M.M.A.M.); (J.D.); (D.D.N.); (S.J.F.); (R.N.); (F.W.)
| | - Jennifer Drake
- Clinical Trials Office, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (J.D.); (C.S.); (P.F.)
| | - Cynthia Slape
- Clinical Trials Office, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (J.D.); (C.S.); (P.F.)
| | - Paolo Fernando
- Clinical Trials Office, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (J.D.); (C.S.); (P.F.)
| | - Wasima Rida
- Independent Researcher, Arlington, VA 22205, USA;
| | - Teodora Kaltcheva
- Department of Hematology and HCT, Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (F.C.); (S.O.-F.); (M.-A.G.); (J.L.); (K.F.); (J.M.-O.); (C.L.R.); (S.T.); (Q.Z.); (T.K.); (A.P.); (S.D.); (B.B.); (H.A.); (A.S.); (A.S.); (N.N.); (M.R.); (L.N.); (M.M.A.M.); (J.D.); (D.D.N.); (S.J.F.); (R.N.); (F.W.)
| | - Alba Grifoni
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute of Allergy and Immunology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (A.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Alessandro Sette
- Division of Vaccine Discovery, La Jolla Institute of Allergy and Immunology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; (A.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Angela Patterson
- Department of Hematology and HCT, Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (F.C.); (S.O.-F.); (M.-A.G.); (J.L.); (K.F.); (J.M.-O.); (C.L.R.); (S.T.); (Q.Z.); (T.K.); (A.P.); (S.D.); (B.B.); (H.A.); (A.S.); (A.S.); (N.N.); (M.R.); (L.N.); (M.M.A.M.); (J.D.); (D.D.N.); (S.J.F.); (R.N.); (F.W.)
| | - Shannon Dempsey
- Department of Hematology and HCT, Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (F.C.); (S.O.-F.); (M.-A.G.); (J.L.); (K.F.); (J.M.-O.); (C.L.R.); (S.T.); (Q.Z.); (T.K.); (A.P.); (S.D.); (B.B.); (H.A.); (A.S.); (A.S.); (N.N.); (M.R.); (L.N.); (M.M.A.M.); (J.D.); (D.D.N.); (S.J.F.); (R.N.); (F.W.)
| | - Brian Ball
- Department of Hematology and HCT, Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (F.C.); (S.O.-F.); (M.-A.G.); (J.L.); (K.F.); (J.M.-O.); (C.L.R.); (S.T.); (Q.Z.); (T.K.); (A.P.); (S.D.); (B.B.); (H.A.); (A.S.); (A.S.); (N.N.); (M.R.); (L.N.); (M.M.A.M.); (J.D.); (D.D.N.); (S.J.F.); (R.N.); (F.W.)
| | - Haris Ali
- Department of Hematology and HCT, Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (F.C.); (S.O.-F.); (M.-A.G.); (J.L.); (K.F.); (J.M.-O.); (C.L.R.); (S.T.); (Q.Z.); (T.K.); (A.P.); (S.D.); (B.B.); (H.A.); (A.S.); (A.S.); (N.N.); (M.R.); (L.N.); (M.M.A.M.); (J.D.); (D.D.N.); (S.J.F.); (R.N.); (F.W.)
| | - Amandeep Salhotra
- Department of Hematology and HCT, Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (F.C.); (S.O.-F.); (M.-A.G.); (J.L.); (K.F.); (J.M.-O.); (C.L.R.); (S.T.); (Q.Z.); (T.K.); (A.P.); (S.D.); (B.B.); (H.A.); (A.S.); (A.S.); (N.N.); (M.R.); (L.N.); (M.M.A.M.); (J.D.); (D.D.N.); (S.J.F.); (R.N.); (F.W.)
| | - Anthony Stein
- Department of Hematology and HCT, Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (F.C.); (S.O.-F.); (M.-A.G.); (J.L.); (K.F.); (J.M.-O.); (C.L.R.); (S.T.); (Q.Z.); (T.K.); (A.P.); (S.D.); (B.B.); (H.A.); (A.S.); (A.S.); (N.N.); (M.R.); (L.N.); (M.M.A.M.); (J.D.); (D.D.N.); (S.J.F.); (R.N.); (F.W.)
| | - Nitya Nathwani
- Department of Hematology and HCT, Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (F.C.); (S.O.-F.); (M.-A.G.); (J.L.); (K.F.); (J.M.-O.); (C.L.R.); (S.T.); (Q.Z.); (T.K.); (A.P.); (S.D.); (B.B.); (H.A.); (A.S.); (A.S.); (N.N.); (M.R.); (L.N.); (M.M.A.M.); (J.D.); (D.D.N.); (S.J.F.); (R.N.); (F.W.)
| | - Michael Rosenzweig
- Department of Hematology and HCT, Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (F.C.); (S.O.-F.); (M.-A.G.); (J.L.); (K.F.); (J.M.-O.); (C.L.R.); (S.T.); (Q.Z.); (T.K.); (A.P.); (S.D.); (B.B.); (H.A.); (A.S.); (A.S.); (N.N.); (M.R.); (L.N.); (M.M.A.M.); (J.D.); (D.D.N.); (S.J.F.); (R.N.); (F.W.)
| | - Liana Nikolaenko
- Department of Hematology and HCT, Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (F.C.); (S.O.-F.); (M.-A.G.); (J.L.); (K.F.); (J.M.-O.); (C.L.R.); (S.T.); (Q.Z.); (T.K.); (A.P.); (S.D.); (B.B.); (H.A.); (A.S.); (A.S.); (N.N.); (M.R.); (L.N.); (M.M.A.M.); (J.D.); (D.D.N.); (S.J.F.); (R.N.); (F.W.)
| | - Monzr M. Al Malki
- Department of Hematology and HCT, Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (F.C.); (S.O.-F.); (M.-A.G.); (J.L.); (K.F.); (J.M.-O.); (C.L.R.); (S.T.); (Q.Z.); (T.K.); (A.P.); (S.D.); (B.B.); (H.A.); (A.S.); (A.S.); (N.N.); (M.R.); (L.N.); (M.M.A.M.); (J.D.); (D.D.N.); (S.J.F.); (R.N.); (F.W.)
| | - Jana Dickter
- Department of Hematology and HCT, Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (F.C.); (S.O.-F.); (M.-A.G.); (J.L.); (K.F.); (J.M.-O.); (C.L.R.); (S.T.); (Q.Z.); (T.K.); (A.P.); (S.D.); (B.B.); (H.A.); (A.S.); (A.S.); (N.N.); (M.R.); (L.N.); (M.M.A.M.); (J.D.); (D.D.N.); (S.J.F.); (R.N.); (F.W.)
| | - Deepa D. Nanayakkara
- Department of Hematology and HCT, Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (F.C.); (S.O.-F.); (M.-A.G.); (J.L.); (K.F.); (J.M.-O.); (C.L.R.); (S.T.); (Q.Z.); (T.K.); (A.P.); (S.D.); (B.B.); (H.A.); (A.S.); (A.S.); (N.N.); (M.R.); (L.N.); (M.M.A.M.); (J.D.); (D.D.N.); (S.J.F.); (R.N.); (F.W.)
| | - Alfredo Puing
- Department of Hematology and HCT, Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (F.C.); (S.O.-F.); (M.-A.G.); (J.L.); (K.F.); (J.M.-O.); (C.L.R.); (S.T.); (Q.Z.); (T.K.); (A.P.); (S.D.); (B.B.); (H.A.); (A.S.); (A.S.); (N.N.); (M.R.); (L.N.); (M.M.A.M.); (J.D.); (D.D.N.); (S.J.F.); (R.N.); (F.W.)
| | - Stephen J. Forman
- Department of Hematology and HCT, Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (F.C.); (S.O.-F.); (M.-A.G.); (J.L.); (K.F.); (J.M.-O.); (C.L.R.); (S.T.); (Q.Z.); (T.K.); (A.P.); (S.D.); (B.B.); (H.A.); (A.S.); (A.S.); (N.N.); (M.R.); (L.N.); (M.M.A.M.); (J.D.); (D.D.N.); (S.J.F.); (R.N.); (F.W.)
| | - Randy A. Taplitz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (R.A.T.); (S.S.D.)
- Department of Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - John A. Zaia
- Center for Gene Therapy, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Ryotaro Nakamura
- Department of Hematology and HCT, Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (F.C.); (S.O.-F.); (M.-A.G.); (J.L.); (K.F.); (J.M.-O.); (C.L.R.); (S.T.); (Q.Z.); (T.K.); (A.P.); (S.D.); (B.B.); (H.A.); (A.S.); (A.S.); (N.N.); (M.R.); (L.N.); (M.M.A.M.); (J.D.); (D.D.N.); (S.J.F.); (R.N.); (F.W.)
| | - Felix Wussow
- Department of Hematology and HCT, Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (F.C.); (S.O.-F.); (M.-A.G.); (J.L.); (K.F.); (J.M.-O.); (C.L.R.); (S.T.); (Q.Z.); (T.K.); (A.P.); (S.D.); (B.B.); (H.A.); (A.S.); (A.S.); (N.N.); (M.R.); (L.N.); (M.M.A.M.); (J.D.); (D.D.N.); (S.J.F.); (R.N.); (F.W.)
| | - Don J. Diamond
- Department of Hematology and HCT, Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (F.C.); (S.O.-F.); (M.-A.G.); (J.L.); (K.F.); (J.M.-O.); (C.L.R.); (S.T.); (Q.Z.); (T.K.); (A.P.); (S.D.); (B.B.); (H.A.); (A.S.); (A.S.); (N.N.); (M.R.); (L.N.); (M.M.A.M.); (J.D.); (D.D.N.); (S.J.F.); (R.N.); (F.W.)
| | - Sanjeet S. Dadwal
- Division of Infectious Diseases, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; (R.A.T.); (S.S.D.)
- Department of Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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Leung NHL, Cheng SMS, Cohen CA, Martín-Sánchez M, Au NYM, Luk LLH, Tsang LCH, Kwan KKH, Chaothai S, Fung LWC, Cheung AWL, Chan KCK, Li JKC, Ng YY, Kaewpreedee P, Jia JZ, Ip DKM, Poon LLM, Leung GM, Peiris JSM, Valkenburg SA, Cowling BJ. Comparative antibody and cell-mediated immune responses, reactogenicity, and efficacy of homologous and heterologous boosting with CoronaVac and BNT162b2 (Cobovax): an open-label, randomised trial. THE LANCET. MICROBE 2023; 4:e670-e682. [PMID: 37549680 PMCID: PMC10528748 DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(23)00216-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few trials have compared homologous and heterologous third doses of COVID-19 vaccination with inactivated vaccines and mRNA vaccines. The aim of this study was to assess immune responses, safety, and efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 infection following homologous or heterologous third-dose COVID-19 vaccination with either one dose of CoronaVac (Sinovac Biotech; inactivated vaccine) or BNT162b2 (Fosun Pharma-BioNTech; mRNA vaccine). METHODS This is an ongoing, randomised, allocation-concealed, open-label, comparator-controlled trial in adults aged 18 years or older enrolled from the community in Hong Kong, who had received two doses of CoronaVac or BNT162b2 at least 6 months earlier. Participants were randomly assigned, using a computer-generated sequence, in a 1:1 ratio with allocation concealment to receive a (third) dose of CoronaVac or BNT162b2 (ancestral virus strain), stratified by types of previous COVID-19 vaccination (homologous two doses of CoronaVac or BNT162b2). Participants were unmasked to group allocation after vaccination. The primary endpoint was serum neutralising antibodies against the ancestral virus at day 28 after vaccination in each group, measured as plaque reduction neutralisation test (PRNT50) geometric mean titre (GMT). Surrogate virus neutralisation test (sVNT) mean inhibition percentage and PRNT50 titres against omicron BA.1 and BA.2 subvariants were also measured. Secondary endpoints included geometric mean fold rise (GMFR) in antibody titres; incidence of solicited local and systemic adverse events; IFNγ+ CD4+ and IFNγ+ CD8+ T-cell responses at days 7 and 28; and incidence of COVID-19. Within-group comparisons of boost in immunogenicity from baseline and between-group comparisons were done according to intervention received (ie, per protocol) by paired and unpaired t test, respectively, and cumulative incidence of infection was compared using Kaplan-Meier curves and a proportional hazards model to estimate hazard ratio. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05057169. FINDINGS We enrolled participants from Nov 12, 2021, to Jan 27, 2022. We vaccinated 219 participants who previously received two doses of CoronaVac, including 101 randomly assigned to receive CoronaVac (CC-C) and 118 randomly assigned to receive BNT162b2 (CC-B) as their third dose; and 232 participants who previously received two doses of BNT162b2, including 118 randomly assigned to receive CoronaVac (BB-C) and 114 randomly assigned to receive BNT162b2 (BB-B) as their third dose. The PRNT50 GMTs on day 28 against ancestral virus were 109, 905, 92, and 816; against omicron BA.1 were 9, 75, 8, and 86; and against omicron BA.2 were 6, 80, 6, and 67 in the CC-C, CC-B, BB-C, and BB-B groups, respectively. Mean sVNT inhibition percentages on day 28 against ancestral virus were 83%, 96%, 87%, and 96%; against omicron BA.1 were 15%, 58%, 19%, and 69%; and against omicron BA.2 were 43%, 85%, 50%, and 90%, in the CC-C, CC-B, BB-C, and BB-B groups, respectively. Participants who had previously received two doses of CoronaVac and a BNT162b2 third dose had a GMFR of 12 (p<0·0001) compared with those who received a CoronaVac third dose; similarly, those who had received two doses of BNT162b2 and a BNT162b2 third dose had a GMFR of 8 (p<0·0001). No differences in CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses were observed between groups. We did not identify any vaccination-related hospitalisation within 1 month after vaccination. We identified 58 infections when omicron BA.2 was predominantly circulating, with cumulative incidence of 15·3% and 15·4% in the CC-C and CC-B groups, respectively (p=0·93), and 16·7% and 14·0% in the BB-C and BB-B groups, respectively (p=0·56). INTERPRETATION Similar levels of incidence of, presumably, omicron BA.2 infections were observed in each group despite very weak antibody responses to BA.2 in the recipients of a CoronaVac third dose. Further research is warranted to identify appropriate correlates of protection for inactivated COVID-19 vaccines. FUNDING Health and Medical Research Fund, Hong Kong. TRANSLATION For the Chinese translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy H L Leung
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Takemi Program in International Health, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA; Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Samuel M S Cheng
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Carolyn A Cohen
- HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Mario Martín-Sánchez
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Niki Y M Au
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Leo L H Luk
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Leo C H Tsang
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kelvin K H Kwan
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Sara Chaothai
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Lison W C Fung
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Alan W L Cheung
- HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Karl C K Chan
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - John K C Li
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Yvonne Y Ng
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Prathanporn Kaewpreedee
- HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Janice Z Jia
- HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Dennis K M Ip
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Leo L M Poon
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Centre for Immunology and Infection, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Gabriel M Leung
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - J S Malik Peiris
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Centre for Immunology and Infection, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Sophie A Valkenburg
- HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Benjamin J Cowling
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
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45
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Li B, Zhang J, Huang Y, Li X, Feng J, Li Y, Zhang R. A conserved N protein nano-vaccine of COVID-19 exerts potent and cross-reactive humoral and cellular immune responses in mice. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29115. [PMID: 37750245 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
As severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) mutates continually, the current vaccines are unable to provide sufficient protection. It is important to develop a broad-spectrum vaccine with conserved antigens to prevent variant infection. Here we fused the SARS-CoV-2 N protein with Helicobacter pylori nonheme ferritin to construct a SARS-CoV-2 N-Ferritin nanoparticle vaccine. Compared with the monomer N protein, the N-Ferritin nanoparticles induced more lymph node dendritic cells in mice to trigger adoptive immunity. Following this, the N-Ferritin elicited more robust and long-lasting antibody responses, which had better cross-reactivity with the SARS-CoV N protein. It is also worth noting that higher levels of N-specific IgG and IgA were distributed in the lungs of N-Ferritin-immunized mice. Furthermore, the N-Ferritin nanoparticles also resulted higher proportion of interferon-γ+ CD8+ T cells, CD8+ Tcm cells, and T cells with cross-reactivity in SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus. The conserved N-based nanoparticles could provide a promising vaccine developing strategy against SARS-CoV-2 variants and other coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Li
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Huang
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinrui Li
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Feng
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongxin Zhang
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
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Dowell AC, Waiblinger D, Wright J, Ladhani SN, Moss P. Nucleocapsid-specific antibodies as a correlate of protection against SARS-CoV-2 reinfection in children. J Infect 2023; 87:267-269. [PMID: 37391077 PMCID: PMC10303317 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2023.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander C Dowell
- Institute of Immunology & Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Dagmar Waiblinger
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, United Kingdom
| | - John Wright
- Bradford Institute for Health Research, Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, United Kingdom
| | - Shamez N Ladhani
- Immunisation Department, UK Health Security Agency, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Moss
- Institute of Immunology & Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
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47
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Díaz-Dinamarca DA, Díaz P, Barra G, Puentes R, Arata L, Grossolli J, Riveros-Rodriguez B, Ardiles L, Santelises J, Vasquez-Saez V, Escobar DF, Soto D, Canales C, Díaz J, Lamperti L, Castillo D, Urra M, Zuñiga F, Ormazabal V, Nova-Lamperti E, Benítez R, Rivera A, Cortes CP, Valenzuela MT, García-Escorza HE, Vasquez AE. Humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 evoked by heterologous vaccination groups using the CoronaVac (Sinovac) and BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech) vaccines in Chile. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1229045. [PMID: 37693706 PMCID: PMC10483147 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1229045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused over million deaths worldwide, with more than 61,000 deaths in Chile. The Chilean government has implemented a vaccination program against SARS-CoV-2, with over 17.7 million people receiving a complete vaccination scheme. The final target is 18 million individuals. The most common vaccines used in Chile are CoronaVac (Sinovac) and BNT162b2 (Pfizer-Biotech). Given the global need for vaccine boosters to combat the impact of emerging virus variants, studying the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 is crucial. In this study, we characterize the humoral immune response in inoculated volunteers from Chile who received vaccination schemes consisting of two doses of CoronaVac [CoronaVac (2x)], two doses of CoronaVac plus one dose of BNT162b2 [CoronaVac (2x) + BNT162b2 (1x)], and three doses of BNT162b2 [BNT162b2 (3x)]. Methods We recruited 469 participants from Clínica Dávila in Santiago and the Health Center Víctor Manuel Fernández in the city of Concepción, Chile. Additionally, we included participants who had recovered from COVID-19 but were not vaccinated (RCN). We analyzed antibodies, including anti-N, anti-S1-RBD, and neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Results We found that antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein were significantly higher in the CoronaVac (2x) and RCN groups compared to the CoronaVac (2x) + BNT162b2 (1x) or BNT162b2 (3x) groups. However, the CoronaVac (2x) + BNT162b2 (1x) and BNT162b2 (3x) groups exhibited a higher concentration of S1-RBD antibodies than the CoronaVac (2x) group and RCN group. There were no significant differences in S1-RBD antibody titers between the CoronaVac (2x) + BNT162b2 (1x) and BNT162b2 (3x) groups. Finally, the group immunized with BNT162b2 (3x) had higher levels of neutralizing antibodies compared to the RCN group, as well as the CoronaVac (2x) and CoronaVac (2x) + BNT162b2 (1x) groups. Discussion These findings suggest that vaccination induces the secretion of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, and a booster dose of BNT162b2 is necessary to generate a protective immune response. In the current state of the pandemic, these data support the Ministry of Health of the Government of Chile's decision to promote heterologous vaccination as they indicate that a significant portion of the Chilean population has neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego A. Díaz-Dinamarca
- Sección de Biotecnología, Departamento Agencia Nacional de Dispositivos Médicos, Innovación y Desarrollo, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Díaz
- Sección de Biotecnología, Departamento Agencia Nacional de Dispositivos Médicos, Innovación y Desarrollo, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gisselle Barra
- Sección de Biotecnología, Departamento Agencia Nacional de Dispositivos Médicos, Innovación y Desarrollo, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Puentes
- Sección gestión de la información, Departamento Agencia Nacional de Dispositivos Médicos, Innovación y Desarrollo, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Loredana Arata
- Sección de Biotecnología, Departamento Agencia Nacional de Dispositivos Médicos, Innovación y Desarrollo, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jonnathan Grossolli
- Sección de Biotecnología, Departamento Agencia Nacional de Dispositivos Médicos, Innovación y Desarrollo, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Boris Riveros-Rodriguez
- Sección de Biotecnología, Departamento Agencia Nacional de Dispositivos Médicos, Innovación y Desarrollo, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis Ardiles
- Sección de Biotecnología, Departamento Agencia Nacional de Dispositivos Médicos, Innovación y Desarrollo, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Julio Santelises
- Sección de Biotecnología, Departamento Agencia Nacional de Dispositivos Médicos, Innovación y Desarrollo, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Tecnología Medica, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana-Universidad del Desarrollo, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Valeria Vasquez-Saez
- Sección de Biotecnología, Departamento Agencia Nacional de Dispositivos Médicos, Innovación y Desarrollo, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniel F. Escobar
- Sección de Biotecnología, Departamento Agencia Nacional de Dispositivos Médicos, Innovación y Desarrollo, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniel Soto
- Sección de Biotecnología, Departamento Agencia Nacional de Dispositivos Médicos, Innovación y Desarrollo, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cecilia Canales
- Sección gestión de la información, Departamento Agencia Nacional de Dispositivos Médicos, Innovación y Desarrollo, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Janepsy Díaz
- Sección gestión de la información, Departamento Agencia Nacional de Dispositivos Médicos, Innovación y Desarrollo, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Liliana Lamperti
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Daniela Castillo
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Mychel Urra
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Felipe Zuñiga
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Valeska Ormazabal
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Estefanía Nova-Lamperti
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Rosana Benítez
- Unidad de investigación Clínica, Clínica Dávila, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alejandra Rivera
- Unidad de investigación Clínica, Clínica Dávila, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudia P. Cortes
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Clínica Santa María, Santiago, Chile
| | | | | | - Abel E. Vasquez
- Sección de Biotecnología, Departamento Agencia Nacional de Dispositivos Médicos, Innovación y Desarrollo, Instituto de Salud Pública de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Tecnología Medica, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana-Universidad del Desarrollo, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Investigación, Postgrado y Educación Continua (DIPEC), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Alba, Santiago, Chile
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Song W, Fang Z, Ma F, Li J, Huang Z, Zhang Y, Li J, Chen K. The role of SARS-CoV-2 N protein in diagnosis and vaccination in the context of emerging variants: present status and prospects. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1217567. [PMID: 37675423 PMCID: PMC10478715 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1217567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite many countries rapidly revising their strategies to prevent contagions, the number of people infected with Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to surge. The emergent variants that can evade the immune response significantly affect the effectiveness of mainstream vaccines and diagnostic products based on the original spike protein. Therefore, it is essential to focus on the highly conserved nature of the nucleocapsid protein as a potential target in the field of vaccines and diagnostics. In this regard, our review initially discusses the structure, function, and mechanism of action of N protein. Based on this discussion, we summarize the relevant research on the in-depth development and application of diagnostic methods and vaccines based on N protein, such as serology and nucleic acid detection. Such valuable information can aid in designing more efficient diagnostic and vaccine tools that could help end the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanchen Song
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhongbiao Fang
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feike Ma
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiaxuan Li
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiwei Huang
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yanjun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Detection and Etiological Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Microbiology, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Li
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Detection and Etiological Research of Zhejiang Province, Department of Microbiology, Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hangzhou, China
| | - Keda Chen
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
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49
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Bedi R, Bayless NL, Glanville J. Challenges and Progress in Designing Broad-Spectrum Vaccines Against Rapidly Mutating Viruses. Annu Rev Biomed Data Sci 2023; 6:419-441. [PMID: 37196356 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biodatasci-020722-041304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Viruses evolve to evade prior immunity, causing significant disease burden. Vaccine effectiveness deteriorates as pathogens mutate, requiring redesign. This is a problem that has grown worse due to population increase, global travel, and farming practices. Thus, there is significant interest in developing broad-spectrum vaccines that mitigate disease severity and ideally inhibit disease transmission without requiring frequent updates. Even in cases where vaccines against rapidly mutating pathogens have been somewhat effective, such as seasonal influenza and SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), designing vaccines that provide broad-spectrum immunity against routinely observed viral variation remains a desirable but not yet achieved goal. This review highlights the key theoretical advances in understanding the interplay between polymorphism and vaccine efficacy, challenges in designing broad-spectrum vaccines, and technology advances and possible avenues forward. We also discuss data-driven approaches for monitoring vaccine efficacy and predicting viral escape from vaccine-induced protection. In each case, we consider illustrative examples in vaccine development from influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)-three examples of highly prevalent rapidly mutating viruses with distinct phylogenetics and unique histories of vaccine technology development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishi Bedi
- Centivax Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
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50
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López-Muñoz AD, Santos JJS, Yewdell JW. Cell surface nucleocapsid protein expression: A betacoronavirus immunomodulatory strategy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2304087120. [PMID: 37399385 PMCID: PMC10334784 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2304087120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We recently reported that SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein is abundantly expressed on the surface of both infected and neighboring uninfected cells, where it enables activation of Fc receptor-bearing immune cells with anti-N antibodies (Abs) and inhibits leukocyte chemotaxis by binding chemokines (CHKs). Here, we extend these findings to N from the common cold human coronavirus (HCoV)-OC43, which is also robustly expressed on the surface of infected and noninfected cells by binding heparan sulfate/heparin (HS/H). HCoV-OC43 N binds with high affinity to the same set of 11 human CHKs as SARS-CoV-2 N, but also to a nonoverlapping set of six cytokines. As with SARS-CoV-2 N, HCoV-OC43 N inhibits CXCL12β-mediated leukocyte migration in chemotaxis assays, as do all highly pathogenic and common cold HCoV N proteins. Together, our findings indicate that cell surface HCoV N plays important evolutionarily conserved roles in manipulating host innate immunity and as a target for adaptive immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Domingo López-Muñoz
- Cellular Biology Section, Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Jefferson J. S. Santos
- Cellular Biology Section, Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Jonathan W. Yewdell
- Cellular Biology Section, Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD20892
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