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Pilligua-Lucas M, Tkavc R, Bash SK, North BB, Weitzel MB, Jerse AE. Polyphenylene carboxymethylene (PPCM), the active component of the topical contraceptive Yaso-GEL, exhibits potent antimicrobial activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae in preclinical studies. Sex Transm Infect 2023; 99:409-415. [PMID: 37156608 PMCID: PMC10447406 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2022-055596] [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: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Polyphenylene carboxymethylene (PPCM) is a condensation polymer that has both contraceptive and antimicrobial activity against several sexually transmitted viruses including HIV, herpes simplex virus, Ebola virus and SARS-CoV-2 in preclinical studies. PPCM, both as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and in a vaginal gel formulation (Yaso-GEL), has an excellent safety profile. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of PPCM against Neisseria gonorrhoeae in vitro and in a gonorrhoea mouse model. METHODS The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of PPCM was determined against 11 N. gonorrhoeae strains by agar dilution and a microtitre plate-based method. In vivo efficacy was tested in a murine model of N. gonorrhoeae genital tract infection by applying Yaso-GEL, PPCM incorporated in 2.7% hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), or the HEC vehicle vaginally prior to challenge with N. gonorrhoeae. Vaginal swabs were quantitatively cultured over 5 days to assess efficacy. RESULTS PPCM MIC against N. gonorrhoeae ranged between 5-100 µg/mL (agar dilution) and 50-200 µg/mL (microtitre plate method). PPCM/HEC gel applied vaginally prior to bacterial challenge resulted in a concentration-dependent inhibition of infection. Yaso-GEL containing 4% PPCM prevented infection in 100% of mice. Incubation of N. gonorrhoeae with PPCM increased membrane permeability, suggesting PPCM directly compromises N. gonorrhoeae viability, which may be a mechanism by which PPCM inhibits N. gonorrhoeae infection. CONCLUSIONS Yaso-GEL containing the API PPCM showed significant activity against N. gonorrhoeae in vitro and in vivo in a female mouse model. These data support further development of Yaso-GEL as an inexpensive, non-hormonal and non-systemic product with both contraceptive and antimicrobial activity against gonorrhea and other common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Such multipurpose prevention technology products are needed by women in all economic, social and cultural circumstances to prevent unintended pregnancy and STIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Pilligua-Lucas
- Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Rok Tkavc
- Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sarah K Bash
- Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Ann E Jerse
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Catton EA, Bonsor DA, Herrera C, Stålhammar-Carlemalm M, Lyndin M, Turner CE, Soden J, van Strijp JAG, Singer BB, van Sorge NM, Lindahl G, McCarthy AJ. Human CEACAM1 is targeted by a Streptococcus pyogenes adhesin implicated in puerperal sepsis pathogenesis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2275. [PMID: 37080973 PMCID: PMC10119177 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37732-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Life-threatening bacterial infections in women after childbirth, known as puerperal sepsis, resulted in classical epidemics and remain a global health problem. While outbreaks of puerperal sepsis have been ascribed to Streptococcus pyogenes, little is known about disease mechanisms. Here, we show that the bacterial R28 protein, which is epidemiologically associated with outbreaks of puerperal sepsis, specifically targets the human receptor CEACAM1. This interaction triggers events that would favor the development of puerperal sepsis, including adhesion to cervical cells, suppression of epithelial wound repair and subversion of innate immune responses. High-resolution structural analysis showed that an R28 domain with IgI3-like fold binds to the N-terminal domain of CEACAM1. Together, these findings demonstrate that a single adhesin-receptor interaction can drive the pathogenesis of bacterial sepsis and provide molecular insights into the pathogenesis of one of the most important infectious diseases in medical history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin A Catton
- Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology, Section of Molecular Microbiology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Daniel A Bonsor
- University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- NCI RAS Initiative, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Carolina Herrera
- Section of Immunology of Infection, Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, London, W2 1NY, UK
| | | | - Mykola Lyndin
- Sumy State University, Sumy, 40000, Ukraine
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, 45147, Germany
| | - Claire E Turner
- The School of Biosciences, The Florey Institute, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Jo Soden
- Retrogenix, Chinley, High Peak, SK23 6FJ, Chinley, UK
| | - Jos A G van Strijp
- Department of Medical Microbiology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands
| | - Bernhard B Singer
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Nina M van Sorge
- Department of Medical Microbiology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands.
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, The Netherlands.
- Netherlands Reference Laboratory for Bacterial Meningitis, Amsterdam UMC, location AMC, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, The Netherlands.
| | - Gunnar Lindahl
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Medical Microbiology, Lund University, Lund, 223 62, Sweden.
- Department of Chemistry, Division of Applied Microbiology, Lund University, Lund, 221 00, Sweden.
| | - Alex J McCarthy
- Centre for Bacterial Resistance Biology, Section of Molecular Microbiology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK.
- Department of Medical Microbiology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands.
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Else L, Penchala SD, Pillay AD, Seiphetlo TB, Lebina L, Callebaut C, Minhas S, Morley R, Rashid T, Martinson N, Fox J, Khoo S, Herrera C. Pre-Clinical Evaluation of Tenofovir and Tenofovir Alafenamide for HIV-1 Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in Foreskin Tissue. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14061285. [PMID: 35745857 PMCID: PMC9227286 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14061285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: HIV-1 pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has focused predominantly on protective efficacy in receptive sex, with limited research on the dosing requirements for insertive sex. We pre-clinically assessed the ex vivo pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK–PD) profile of tenofovir (TFV) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) in foreskin tissue. Methods: Inner and outer foreskin explants were exposed to serial dilutions of TFV or TAF prior to addition of HIV-1BaL at a high (HVT) or a low viral titer (LVT). Infection was assessed by measurement of p24 in foreskin culture supernatants. TFV, TAF and TFV–diphosphate (TFV–DP) concentrations were measured in tissues, culture supernatants and dosing and washing solutions. Results: Dose–response curves were obtained for both drugs, with greater potency observed against LVT. Inhibitory equivalency mimicking oral dosing was defined between 1 mg/mL of TFV and 15 µg/mL of TAF against HVT challenge. Concentrations of TFV–DP in foreskin explants were approximately six-fold higher after ex vivo dosing with TAF than with TFV. Statistically significant negative linear correlations were observed between explant levels of TFV or TFV–DP and p24 concentrations following HVT. Conclusions: Pre-clinical evaluation of TAF in foreskin explants revealed greater potency than TFV against penile HIV transmission. Clinical evaluation is underway to support this finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Else
- Bioanalytical Facility, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7BE, UK; (L.E.); (S.D.P.); (S.K.)
| | - Sujan D. Penchala
- Bioanalytical Facility, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7BE, UK; (L.E.); (S.D.P.); (S.K.)
| | - Azure-Dee Pillay
- Division of Immunology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7935, South Africa; (A.-D.P.); (T.B.S.)
| | - Thabiso B. Seiphetlo
- Division of Immunology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7935, South Africa; (A.-D.P.); (T.B.S.)
| | - Limakatso Lebina
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa; (L.L.); (N.M.)
| | | | - Suks Minhas
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, London W6 8RF, UK; (S.M.); (R.M.); (T.R.)
| | - Roland Morley
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, London W6 8RF, UK; (S.M.); (R.M.); (T.R.)
| | - Tina Rashid
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Charing Cross Hospital, London W6 8RF, UK; (S.M.); (R.M.); (T.R.)
| | - Neil Martinson
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa; (L.L.); (N.M.)
| | - Julie Fox
- Guys and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK;
| | - Saye Khoo
- Bioanalytical Facility, Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7BE, UK; (L.E.); (S.D.P.); (S.K.)
| | - Carolina Herrera
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London W2 1PG, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-207-594-2545
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Escaffre O, Freiberg AN. Polyphenylene carboxymethylene (PPCM) microbicide repurposed as antiviral against SARS-CoV-2. Proof of concept in primary human undifferentiated epithelial cells. Antiviral Res 2021; 194:105162. [PMID: 34384825 PMCID: PMC8349736 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2021.105162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has infected over 200 million people throughout the world as of August 2021. There are currently no approved treatments providing high chance of recovery from a severe case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2, and the beneficial effect of Remdesivir and passive immunization therapies may only be seen when administered early on disease onset. The emergence of variants is also raising concerns regarding the efficacy of antibody therapies, antivirals, and vaccines. Therefore, there is still a need to develop new antivirals. Here, we investigated the suitability of primary human epithelial cells from the trachea/bronchia (NHBE) and small airway (SAEC) as lung models of SARS-CoV-2 infection to determine, whether the microbicide polyphenylene carboxymethylene (PPCM) has antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. Both NHBE and SAEC expressed proteins required for virus entry in lung epithelial cells. However, these cells were only low to moderately permissive to SARS-CoV-2 as titers increased at best by 2.5 log10 during an 8-day kinetic. Levels of replication in SAEC, unlike in NHBE, were consistent with data from other studies using human normal tissues or air-liquid interface cultures, suggesting that SAEC may be more relevant to use than NHBE for drug screening. PPCM EC50 against SARS-CoV-2 was between 32 and 132 μg/ml with a selectivity index between 12 and 41, depending on the cell type and the infective dose used. PPCM doses were consistent with those previously showing effect against other human viruses. Finally, PPCM antiviral effect observed in SAEC was in line with reduction of inflammatory markers observed overly expressed in severe COVID-19 patients. Altogether, our data support the fact that PPCM should be further evaluated in vivo for toxicity and antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Escaffre
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.
| | - Alexander N Freiberg
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA; Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA; Institute for Human Infections & Immunity and Sealy & Smith Foundation, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.
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Weitzel M, North BB, Waller D. Development of multipurpose technologies products for pregnancy and STI prevention: update on polyphenylene carboxymethylene MPT gel development†. Biol Reprod 2021; 103:299-309. [PMID: 32469052 PMCID: PMC7401404 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Current modern contraceptives rely heavily on the use of hormones. These birth control drug products, including pills, patches, injections, and IUDS, have been extremely beneficial to millions of women and their families over the past 50 years. But a surprisingly high number of women abandon such modern methods, many because they cannot tolerate the side effects and others because they have medical issues for which hormonal methods are contraindicated. In addition, modern hormonal methods are simply not available to many women. The extent of this problem is steadily becoming more apparent. We present the case for developing simple nonhormonal vaginal products that women can use when needed, ideal products that are multipurpose and offer both contraception and sexually transmitted disease protection. Gel-based vaginal products are particularly well suited for this purpose. Gels are easy to use, highly acceptable to many women, and can be safely formulated to enhance natural vaginal defenses against infection. However, the development of a new chemical entity for this application faces significant technical and regulatory hurdles. These challenges and our solutions are described for polyphenylene carboxymethylene (PPCM), a novel topical drug in a vaginal gel nearing human clinical trials. We have advanced PPCM from benchtop to IND-enabling studies and provide a brief description of the complex development process. We also describe a simple lab assay which can be used as a biomarker for contraceptive activity to enable pharmacodynamic studies in vaginal contraceptive development, both preclinically and in early human clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Donald Waller
- Yaso Therapeutics Inc, Scottsdale, AZ, USA.,College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
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6
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North BB, Weitzel MB, Waller DP, Birch WX, Feathergill KA, Birch LA, De Jonge CJ, Prins GS. Evaluation of the novel vaginal contraceptive agent PPCM in preclinical studies using sperm hyaluronan binding and acrosome status assays. Andrology 2021; 10:367-376. [PMID: 34542939 PMCID: PMC8760152 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Polyphenylene carboxymethylene (PPCM) sodium salt is a promising multipurpose technology for prevention of both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy. In preclinical studies, PPCM has demonstrated significant (1) antimicrobial activity against several important viral and bacterial pathogens and (2) contraceptive activity associated with premature acrosome loss. Objective To further evaluate a vaginal antimicrobial compound as a contraceptive agent in preclinical studies utilizing a repurposed hyaluronan binding assay (HBA). Materials and methods Semen samples containing either neat semen or washed spermatozoa were treated with increasing concentrations of PPCM or calcium ionophore A23187 (positive control). Sperm inactivation was measured by two methods: (1) double acrosome staining (AS), and (2) a hyaluronan binding assay (HBA®). Percentage of inactivated sperm was compared between untreated control sperm and those treated with PPCM or A23187. Results PPCM had a significant (p < 0.05) and dose‐dependent effect on sperm inactivation in both assays, with HBA detecting a higher proportion of inactivated sperm than AS. PPCM did not affect sperm motility and exhibited equivalent responses in the neat and washed samples. Discussion Both HBA and AS confirmed that spermatozoa were rapidly inactivated at PPCM concentrations likely present in the vagina under actual use conditions and in a time‐frame comparable to in vivo migration of spermatozoa out of seminal plasma into cervical mucus. Conclusion PPCM vaginal gel may provide contraceptive protection as well as help with STI prevention. HBA may be a sensitive and much needed biomarker for sperm activity in future contraceptive development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Donald P Waller
- Yaso Therapeutics Inc., Frisco, Texas, USA.,College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - William X Birch
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Lynn A Birch
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Christopher J De Jonge
- Department of Urology, University of Minnesota Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Gail S Prins
- Department of Urology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Vamvaka E, Arcalis E, Ramessar K, Evans A, O'Keefe BR, Shattock RJ, Medina V, Stöger E, Christou P, Capell T. Rice endosperm is cost-effective for the production of recombinant griffithsin with potent activity against HIV. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2016; 14:1427-37. [PMID: 26800650 PMCID: PMC4865440 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Revised: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Protein microbicides containing neutralizing antibodies and antiviral lectins may help to reduce the rate of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) if it is possible to manufacture the components in large quantities at a cost affordable in HIV-endemic regions such as sub-Saharan Africa. We expressed the antiviral lectin griffithsin (GRFT), which shows potent neutralizing activity against HIV, in the endosperm of transgenic rice plants (Oryza sativa), to determine whether rice can be used to produce inexpensive GRFT as a microbicide ingredient. The yield of (OS) GRFT in the best-performing plants was 223 μg/g dry seed weight. We also established a one-step purification protocol, achieving a recovery of 74% and a purity of 80%, which potentially could be developed into a larger-scale process to facilitate inexpensive downstream processing. (OS) GRFT bound to HIV glycans with similar efficiency to GRFT produced in Escherichia coli. Whole-cell assays using purified (OS) GRFT and infectivity assays using crude extracts of transgenic rice endosperm confirmed that both crude and pure (OS) GRFT showed potent activity against HIV and the crude extracts were not toxic towards human cell lines, suggesting they could be administered as a microbicide with only minimal processing. A freedom-to-operate analysis confirmed that GRFT produced in rice is suitable for commercial development, and an economic evaluation suggested that 1.8 kg/ha of pure GRFT could be produced from rice seeds. Our data therefore indicate that rice could be developed as an inexpensive production platform for GRFT as a microbicide component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Vamvaka
- Department of Plant Production and Forestry Science, School of Agrifood and Forestry Science and Engineering (ETSEA), University of Lleida-Agrotecnio Center, Lleida, Spain
| | - Elsa Arcalis
- Department for Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Molecular Plant Physiology and Crop Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Koreen Ramessar
- Molecular Targets Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Abbey Evans
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, UK
| | - Barry R O'Keefe
- Molecular Targets Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD, USA
- Natural Products Branch, Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Robin J Shattock
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, UK
| | - Vicente Medina
- Department of Plant Production and Forestry Science, School of Agrifood and Forestry Science and Engineering (ETSEA), University of Lleida-Agrotecnio Center, Lleida, Spain
| | - Eva Stöger
- Department for Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Molecular Plant Physiology and Crop Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paul Christou
- Department of Plant Production and Forestry Science, School of Agrifood and Forestry Science and Engineering (ETSEA), University of Lleida-Agrotecnio Center, Lleida, Spain
- Catalan Institute for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa Capell
- Department of Plant Production and Forestry Science, School of Agrifood and Forestry Science and Engineering (ETSEA), University of Lleida-Agrotecnio Center, Lleida, Spain
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Vamvaka E, Evans A, Ramessar K, Krumpe LRH, Shattock RJ, O'Keefe BR, Christou P, Capell T. Cyanovirin-N produced in rice endosperm offers effective pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV-1BaL infection in vitro. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2016; 35:1309-19. [PMID: 27007716 PMCID: PMC7815165 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-016-1963-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2016] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Cyanovirin-N produced in rice endosperm provides efficient pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV-1 BaL infection in vitro. Cyanovirin-N (CV-N) is a lectin with potent antiviral activity that has been proposed as a component of microbicides for the prevention of infection with Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The production of protein-based microbicide components requires a platform that is sufficiently economical and scalable to meet the demands of the large at-risk population, particularly in resource poor developing countries. We, therefore, expressed CV-N in rice endosperm, because the dried seed is ideal for storage and transport and crude extracts could be prepared locally and used as a microbicide component without further purification. We found that crude extracts from rice seeds expressing up to 10 µg CV-N per gram dry seed weight showed dose-dependent gp120 binding activity, confirming that the protein was soluble, correctly folded and active. The recombinant lectin ((OS)CV-N) reduced the infectivity of HIV-1BaL (an R5 virus strain representing the majority of transmitted infections) by ~90 % but showed only weak neutralization activity against HIV-1RF (representative of X4 virus, rarely associated with transmission), suggesting it would be highly effective for pre-exposure prophylaxis against the vast majority of transmitted strains. Crude extracts expressing (OS)CV-N showed no toxicity towards human cells at working dilutions indicating that microbicide components produced in rice endosperm are safe for direct application as topical microbicides in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Vamvaka
- Department of Plant Production and Forestry Science, School of Agrifood and Forestry Science and Engineering (ETSEA), University of Lleida-Agrotecnio Center, Lleida, Spain
| | - A Evans
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, UK
| | - K Ramessar
- Molecular Targets Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - L R H Krumpe
- Molecular Targets Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD, USA
- Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - R J Shattock
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London, UK
| | - B R O'Keefe
- Molecular Targets Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD, USA
- Natural Products Branch, Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - P Christou
- Department of Plant Production and Forestry Science, School of Agrifood and Forestry Science and Engineering (ETSEA), University of Lleida-Agrotecnio Center, Lleida, Spain
- Catalan Institute for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - T Capell
- Department of Plant Production and Forestry Science, School of Agrifood and Forestry Science and Engineering (ETSEA), University of Lleida-Agrotecnio Center, Lleida, Spain.
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Animal and human mucosal tissue models to study HIV biomedical interventions: can we predict success? J Int AIDS Soc 2015; 18:20301. [PMID: 26530077 PMCID: PMC4631705 DOI: 10.7448/ias.18.1.20301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Preclinical testing plays an integral role in the development of HIV prevention modalities. Several models are used including humanized mice, non-human primates and human mucosal tissue cultures. Discussion Pharmaceutical development traditionally uses preclinical models to evaluate product safety. The HIV prevention field has extended this paradigm to include models of efficacy, encompassing humanized mice, non-human primates (typically Asian macaques) and human mucosal tissue (such as cervical and colorectal). As our understanding of the biology of HIV transmission improves and includes the influence of human behaviour/biology and co-pathogens, these models have evolved as well to address more complex questions. These three models have demonstrated the effectiveness of systemic (oral) and topical use of antiretroviral drugs. Importantly, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationships are being developed and linked to information gathered from human clinical trials. The models are incorporating co-pathogens (bacterial and viral) and the effects of coitus (mucosal fluids) on drug distribution and efficacy. Humanized mice are being tailored in their immune reconstitution to better represent humans. Importantly, human mucosal tissue cultures are now being used in early clinical trials to provide information on product efficacy to more accurately characterize efficacious products to advance to larger clinical trials. While all of these models have made advancements in product development, each has limitations and the data need to be interpreted by keeping these limitations in mind. Conclusions Development and refinement of each of these models has been an iterative process and linkages to data generated among each of them and from human clinical trials are needed to determine their reliability. Preclinical testing has evolved from simply identifying products that demonstrate efficacy prior to clinical trials to defining essential pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationships under a variety of conditions and has the potential to improve product selection prior to the initiation of large-scale human clinical trials. The goal is to provide researchers with ample information to make conversant decisions that guide optimized and efficient product development.
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Yevglevskis M, Bowskill CR, Chan CCY, Heng JHJ, Threadgill MD, Woodman TJ, Lloyd MD. A study on the chiral inversion of mandelic acid in humans. Org Biomol Chem 2015; 12:6737-44. [PMID: 25050409 DOI: 10.1039/c3ob42515k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Mandelic acid is a chiral metabolite of the industrial pollutant styrene and is used in chemical skin peels, as a urinary antiseptic and as a component of other medicines. In humans, S-mandelic acid undergoes rapid chiral inversion to R-mandelic acid by an undefined pathway but it has been proposed to proceed via the acyl-CoA esters, S- and R-2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetyl-CoA, in an analogous pathway to that for Ibuprofen. This study investigates chiral inversion of mandelic acid using purified human recombinant enzymes known to be involved in the Ibuprofen chiral inversion pathway. Both S- and R-2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetyl-CoA were hydrolysed to mandelic acid by human acyl-CoA thioesterase-1 and -2 (ACOT1 and ACOT2), consistent with a possible role in the chiral inversion pathway. However, human α-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR; P504S) was not able to catalyse exchange of the α-proton of S- and R-2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetyl-CoA, a requirement for chiral inversion. Both S- and R-2-phenylpropanoyl-CoA were epimerised by AMACR, showing that it is the presence of the hydroxy group that prevents epimerisation of R- and S-2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetyl-CoAs. The results show that it is unlikely that 2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetyl-CoA is an intermediate in the chiral inversion of mandelic acid, and that the chiral inversion of mandelic acid is via a different pathway to that of Ibuprofen and related drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksims Yevglevskis
- Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, United Kingdom.
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Irvin SC, Herold BC. Molecular mechanisms linking high dose medroxyprogesterone with HIV-1 risk. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0121135. [PMID: 25798593 PMCID: PMC4370479 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epidemiological studies suggest that medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) may increase the risk of HIV-1. The current studies were designed to identify potential underlying biological mechanisms. Methods Human vaginal epithelial (VK2/E6E7), peripheral blood mononuclear (PBMC), and polarized endometrial (HEC-1-A) cells were treated with a range of concentrations of MPA (0.015-150 μg/ml) and the impact on gene expression, protein secretion, and HIV infection was evaluated. Results Treatment of VK2/E6E7 cells with high doses (>15μg/ml] of MPA significantly upregulated proinflammatory cytokines, which resulted in a significant increase in HIV p24 levels secreted by latently infected U1 cells following exposure to culture supernatants harvested from MPA compared to mock-treated cells. MPA also increased syndecan expression by VK2/E6E7 cells and cells treated with 15 μg/ml of MPA bound and transferred more HIV-1 to T cells compared to mock-treated cells. Moreover, MPA treatment of epithelial cells and PBMC significantly decreased cell proliferation resulting in disruption of the epithelial barrier and decreased cytokine responses to phytohaemagglutinin, respectively. Conclusion We identified several molecular mechanisms that could contribute to an association between DMPA and HIV including proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine responses that could activate the HIV promoter and recruit immune targets, increased expression of syndecans to facilitate the transfer of virus from epithelial to immune cells and decreased cell proliferation. The latter could impede the ability to maintain an effective epithelial barrier and adversely impact immune cell function. However, these responses were observed primarily following exposure to high (15-150 μg/ml) MPA concentrations. Clinical correlation is needed to determine whether the prolonged MPA exposure associated with contraception activates these mechanisms in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan C. Irvin
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, United States of America and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, United States of America
| | - Betsy C. Herold
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, United States of America and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Multipurpose prevention technologies: the future of HIV and STI protection. Trends Microbiol 2015; 23:429-436. [PMID: 25759332 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2015.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Every day, more than 1 million people are newly infected with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can lead to morbidity, mortality, and an increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition. Existing prevention and management strategies, including behavior change, condom promotion, and therapy have not reduced the global incidence and prevalence, pointing to the need for novel innovative strategies. This review summarizes important issues raised during a satellite session at the first HIV Research for Prevention (R4P) conference, held in Cape Town, on October 31, 2014. We explore key STIs that are challenging public health today, new biomedical prevention approaches including multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs), and the scientific and regulatory hurdles that must be overcome to make combination prevention tools a reality.
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Mesquita PMM, Srinivasan P, Johnson TJ, Rastogi R, Evans-Strickfaden T, Kay MS, Buckheit KW, Buckheit RW, Smith JM, Kiser PF, Herold BC. Novel preclinical models of topical PrEP pharmacodynamics provide rationale for combination of drugs with complementary properties. Retrovirology 2013; 10:113. [PMID: 24156604 PMCID: PMC3827994 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4690-10-113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The limited success of recent HIV topical pre-exposure prophylaxis clinical trials highlights the need for more predictive models of drug efficacy that better simulate what may happen during sexual exposure. To address this gap, we developed complementary in vitro models to evaluate the ability of drugs to retain anti-HIV activity if cells were washed with seminal plasma (simulating what may happen following exposure to ejaculate), and to protect drug-naive T cells (representing newly recruited immune cells) co-cultured with explants that had been pretreated with drug. We focused on tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors dapivirine (DPV) and IQP-0528, and the entry inhibitors maraviroc (MVC) and the D-peptide chol-PIE-12 trimer (PIE12). Studies were extended to macaques and the ability of cervical biopsies obtained from animals treated with an intravaginal ring formulation of IQP-0528 to protect ex vivo co-cultured T cells was determined. The antiviral activity of cervicovaginal lavage samples against a primary Clade C isolate was also measured and correlated with drug levels. Results Cells exposed to TDF were equally protected from HIV whether or not the drug-treated cells were washed with medium or seminal plasma prior to challenge. In contrast, several-fold higher concentrations of NNRTIs and entry inhibitors were needed to attain similar levels of HIV inhibition following a wash with seminal plasma. Conversely, the NNRTIs and PIE12, but not TDF or MVC, were effectively transferred from ex vivo treated explants and protected co-cultured T cells. Biopsies obtained from IQP-0528 ring-treated macaques also protected co-cultured T cells with viral inhibition ranging from 42-72%. Antiviral activity correlated with the concentration of drug recovered. Combinations of TDF with IQP-0528 protected in both in vitro models. Conclusions Together, these models suggest that intracellularly retained drugs such as TDF may protect resident immune cells following coitus but sustained delivery may be required to protect immune cells subsequently recruited into the genital tract. Sustained delivery may also be critical for NNRTIs, which are rapidly transported out of cells and could be lost following sexual intercourse. An ideal approach may be a combination of drugs with complementary bioavailability profiles formulated for sustained delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M M Mesquita
- Departments of Pediatrics and Microbiology &Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
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Dezzutti CS, Hladik F. Use of human mucosal tissue to study HIV-1 pathogenesis and evaluate HIV-1 prevention modalities. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2013; 10:12-20. [PMID: 23224426 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-012-0148-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The use of human mucosal tissue models is an important tool advancing our understanding of the specific mechanisms of sexual HIV transmission. Despite 30 years of study, major gaps remain, including how HIV-1 transverses the epithelium and the identity of the early immune targets (gate keepers). Because defining HIV-1 transmission in vivo is difficult, mucosal tissue is being used ex vivo to identify key steps in HIV-1 entry and early dissemination. Elucidating early events of HIV-1 infection will help us develop more potent and specific HIV-1 preventatives such as microbicides and vaccines. Mucosal tissue has been incorporated into testing regimens for antiretroviral drugs and monoclonal antibodies. The use of mucosal tissue recapitulates the epithelium and immune cells that would be exposed in vivo to virus and drug. This review will discuss the use of mucosal tissue to better understand HIV-1 pathogenesis and prevention modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene S Dezzutti
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Magee-Womens Research Institute, 204 Craft Avenue, Rm 503B, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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Abstract
Griffithsin, which binds N-linked glycans on gp120 to prevent HIV entry, has the most potent HIV-1 inhibitory activity described for any antiviral lectin and is being developed for topical preexposure prophylaxis. The current studies were designed to further assess its potential by exploring its activity against herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), a cofactor for HIV acquisition, in vitro and in a murine model. Safety was evaluated by examining its impact on epithelial barrier integrity in polarized cultures and testing whether repeated intravaginal dosing potentiates the susceptibility of mice to genital herpes. Griffithsin displayed modest inhibitory activity against HSV-2 if present during viral entry but completely blocked plaque formation if present postentry, reduced plaque size, and prevented cell-to-cell spread. These in vitro findings translated to significant protection against genital herpes in mice treated with 0.1% griffithsin gel. Griffithsin, but not placebo gel, prevented viral spread (visualized with a luciferase-expressing virus), significantly reduced disease scores, and resulted in greater survival (P < 0.05, log rank test). Protection persisted when HSV-2 was introduced in seminal plasma. Although griffithsin triggered a small decline in transepithelial electrical resistance in polarized cultures, this did not translate to any significant increase in the ability of HIV to migrate from the apical to the basolateral chamber nor to an increase in susceptibility to HSV-2 in mice treated with griffithsin gel for 7 days. These findings demonstrate that griffithsin inhibits HSV-2 by a unique mechanism of blocking cell-to-cell spread and support its further development for HIV and HSV-2 prevention.
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Mesquita PMM, Rastogi R, Segarra TJ, Teller RS, Torres NM, Huber AM, Kiser PF, Herold BC. Intravaginal ring delivery of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for prevention of HIV and herpes simplex virus infection. J Antimicrob Chemother 2012; 67:1730-8. [PMID: 22467632 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dks097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A safe and effective topical prevention strategy will likely require sustained delivery of potent antiviral drugs and a delivery system that simultaneously maximizes drug distribution and overcomes the behavioural challenges related to adherence. Activity against HIV and herpes simplex virus (HSV) would be advantageous, given the epidemiological link between the two pathogens. We hypothesize that tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (tenofovir DF), a prodrug of tenofovir, may be more potent than tenofovir and ideal for sustained intravaginal ring (IVR) delivery. METHODS The anti-HIV and anti-HSV activity of tenofovir and tenofovir DF were assessed in cell and explant models. Cumulative tenofovir DF release and stability from polyether urethane (PEU), ethylene-co-vinyl acetate (EVA) and silicone IVRs were compared, and the activity and safety of drug released were evaluated in cervical explants and in a polarized dual-chamber model. RESULTS Tenofovir DF inhibited HIV and HSV at ≈ 100-fold lower concentrations than tenofovir and retained activity in the presence of semen. PEU rings delivered >1 mg/day of tenofovir DF for 30 days. Pre-treatment of cervical explants with 10 μg/mL tenofovir DF or eluants from PEU minirings resulted in >90% inhibition of HIV and reduced HSV-2 yields by 2.5 log. Tenofovir DF and eluants did not prevent cell growth or polarization, or have any deleterious effects on an epithelial barrier. CONCLUSIONS The findings support the development of a PEU tenofovir DF ring, which may provide potent and sustained protection against HIV and HSV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M M Mesquita
- Department of Pediatrics and Microbiology-Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
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Preclinical evaluation of the HIV-1 fusion inhibitor L'644 as a potential candidate microbicide. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2012; 56:2347-56. [PMID: 22330930 DOI: 10.1128/aac.06108-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Topical blockade of the gp41 fusogenic protein of HIV-1 is one possible strategy by which microbicides could prevent HIV transmission, working early against infection, by inhibiting viral entry into host cells. In this study, we examined the potential of gp41 fusion inhibitors (FIs) as candidate anti-HIV microbicides. Preclinical evaluation of four FIs, C34, T20, T1249, and L'644, was performed using cellular and ex vivo genital and colorectal tissue explant models. Increased and sustained activity was detected for L'644, a cholesterol-derivatized version of C34, relative to the other FIs. The higher potency of L'644 was further increased with sustained exposure of cells or tissue to the compound. The activity of L'644 was not affected by biological fluids, and the compound was still active when tissue explants were treated after viral exposure. L'644 was also more active than other FIs against a viral escape mutant resistant to reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs), demonstrating the potential of L'644 to be included as part of a multiactive antiretroviral (ARV) combination-based microbicide. These data support the further development of L'644 for microbicide application.
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de Witte L, Bobardt MD, Chatterji U, van Loenen FB, Verjans GMGM, Geijtenbeek TBH, Gallay PA. HSV neutralization by the microbicidal candidate C5A. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18917. [PMID: 21573158 PMCID: PMC3089603 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2011] [Accepted: 03/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Genital herpes is a major risk factor in acquiring human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection and is caused by both Herpes Simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2. The amphipathic peptide C5A, derived from the non-structural hepatitis C virus (HCV) protein 5A, was shown to prevent HIV-1 infection but neither influenza nor vesicular stomatitis virus infections. Here we investigated the antiviral function of C5A on HSV infections. C5A efficiently inhibited both HSV-1 and HSV-2 infection in epithelial cells in vitro as well as in an ex vivo epidermal infection model. C5A destabilized the integrity of the viral HSV membrane. Furthermore, drug resistant HSV strains were inhibited by this peptide. Notably, C5A-mediated neutralization of HSV-1 prevented HIV-1 transmission. An in vitro HIV-1 transmigration assay was developed using primary genital epithelial cells and HSV infection increased HIV-1 transmigration. Treatment with C5A abolished HIV-1 transmigration by preventing HSV infection and by preserving the integrity of the genital epithelium that was severely compromised by HSV infection. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that C5A represents a multipurpose microbicide candidate, which neutralizes both HIV-1 and HSV, and which may interfere with HIV-1 transmission through the genital epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lot de Witte
- The Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michael D. Bobardt
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Science, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Udayan Chatterji
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Science, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | | | | | - Teunis B. H. Geijtenbeek
- The Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Philippe A. Gallay
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Science, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Merbah M, Introini A, Fitzgerald W, Grivel JC, Lisco A, Vanpouille C, Margolis L. Cervico-vaginal tissue ex vivo as a model to study early events in HIV-1 infection. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 65:268-78. [PMID: 21223429 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2010.00967.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaginal intercourse remains the most prevalent route of infection of women. In spite of many efforts, the detailed mechanisms of HIV-1 transmission in the female lower genital tract remain largely unknown. With all the obvious restrictions on studying these mechanisms in humans, their understanding depends on the development of adequate experimental models. Isolated cell cultures do not faithfully reproduce important aspects of cell-cell interactions in living tissues and tissue responses to pathogens. Explants and other types of ex vivo tissue models serve as a bridge between cell culture and tissues in vivo. Herein, we discuss various cervico-vaginal tissue models and their use in studying HIV vaginal transmission and consider future directions of such studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Merbah
- Section of Intercellular Interactions, Program in Physical Biology, Eunice-Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Anderson RA, Brown D, Jackson EM, Feathergill KA, Bremer JW, Morack R, Rawlins RG. Feasibility of Repurposing the Polyanionic Microbicide, PPCM, for Prophylaxis against HIV Transmission during ART. ISRN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY 2010; 2011:524365. [PMID: 21647213 PMCID: PMC3099743 DOI: 10.5402/2011/524365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2010] [Accepted: 10/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
HIV-serodiscordant couples wishing to conceive often seek assisted reproduction, during which spermatozoa from infected men are washed to minimize the risk of HIV transmission to partner and fetus. We sought to improve this method by adding a microbicide, PPCM, as an HIV prophylactic. HIV-1 (BaL) inhibition by PPCM appears irreversible and independent of added Ca2+. Without added Ca2+, PPCM
(≤10 mg/mL, ≤90 min), a stimulus of Ca2+-dependent acrosomal loss, has no effect on sperm motility, forward progression, or acrosomal status. PPCM-treated (10 mg/mL) sperm retain their ability to acrosome react when Ca2+ is added. Sperm DNA integrity/function is unaffected by PPCM (≤10 mg/mL). Adding PPCM (5 mg/mL, 30 min) to washing media reduces infectivity (viral antigen p24 and RNA) of ex-vivo HIV-infected semen by 3-4 Logs compared with washing alone. Sperm washing with appropriate extracellular Ca2+ levels and PPCM is significantly more effective than washing alone at reducing HIV infectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Anderson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rush University Medical Center, 1653 W. Congress Parkway, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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HSV usurps eukaryotic initiation factor 3 subunit M for viral protein translation: novel prevention target. PLoS One 2010; 5:e11829. [PMID: 20676407 PMCID: PMC2910742 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0011829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2009] [Accepted: 07/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevention of genital herpes is a global health priority. B5, a recently identified ubiquitous human protein, was proposed as a candidate HSV entry receptor. The current studies explored its role in HSV infection. Viral plaque formation was reduced by ∼90% in human cells transfected with small interfering RNA targeting B5 or nectin-1, an established entry receptor. However, the mechanisms were distinct. Silencing of nectin-1 prevented intracellular delivery of viral capsids, nuclear transport of a viral tegument protein, and release of calcium stores required for entry. In contrast, B5 silencing had no effect on these markers of entry, but inhibited viral protein translation. Specifically, viral immediate early genes, ICP0 and ICP4, were transcribed, polyadenylated and transported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, but the viral transcripts did not associate with ribosomes or polysomes in B5-silenced cells. In contrast, immediate early gene viral transcripts were detected in polysome fractions isolated from control cells. These findings are consistent with sequencing studies demonstrating that B5 is eukaryotic initiation factor 3 subunit m (eIF3m). Although B5 silencing altered the polysome profile of cells, silencing had little effect on cellular RNA or protein expression and was not cytotoxic, suggesting that this subunit is not essential for host cellular protein synthesis. Together these results demonstrate that B5 plays a major role in the initiation of HSV protein translation and could provide a novel target for strategies to prevent primary and recurrent herpetic disease.
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Keller MJ, Mesquita PMM, Torres NM, Cho S, Shust G, Madan RP, Cohen HW, Petrie J, Ford T, Soto-Torres L, Profy AT, Herold BC. Postcoital bioavailability and antiviral activity of 0.5% PRO 2000 gel: implications for future microbicide clinical trials. PLoS One 2010; 5:e8781. [PMID: 20107502 PMCID: PMC2809740 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0008781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2009] [Accepted: 12/30/2009] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of vaginal microbicides are typically assessed among sexually abstinent women. However, the physical act of sex may modulate gel distribution, and preclinical studies demonstrate seminal plasma interferes with the antiviral activity of several microbicides. This study compared the biological activity and concentration of PRO 2000 in cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) collected in the absence or following coitus. Methods CVL samples were collected from ten heterosexual couples at baseline, after sex, after a single dose of 0.5% PRO 2000 gel and sex, and after gel application without sex. The impact of CVL on HIV-1 infection of TZM-bl cells and HSV-2 infection of CaSki cells was monitored by luciferase and plaque assay, respectively. PRO 2000 concentrations were measured by fluorescence. Results CVL collected after PRO 2000 application significantly inhibited HIV-1 and HSV-2 (p = 0.01). However, the antiviral activity was reduced following sex and no significant protective effect was observed in postcoital CVL obtained in the presence compared to the absence of PRO 2000 for HIV (p = 0.45) or HSV-2 (p = 0.56). Less PRO 2000 was recovered in postcoital CVL, which, in conjunction with interference by seminal plasma, may have contributed to lower antiviral activity. Conclusions Postcoital responses to PRO 2000 differ from precoital measures and the results obtained may provide insights into the clinical trial findings in which there was no significant protection against HIV-1 or HSV-2. Postcoital studies should be incorporated into clinical studies before embarking on large-scale efficacy trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marla J. Keller
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Pedro M. M. Mesquita
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - N. Merna Torres
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Sylvia Cho
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Gail Shust
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Rebecca P. Madan
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Hillel W. Cohen
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Julie Petrie
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Tara Ford
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Lydia Soto-Torres
- Division of AIDS, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Albert T. Profy
- Endo Pharmaceuticals, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Betsy C. Herold
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- Department of and Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Vaccines and microbicides preventing HIV-1, HSV-2, and HPV mucosal transmission. J Invest Dermatol 2009; 130:352-61. [PMID: 19829304 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2009.227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
HIV-1, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), and human papillomavirus (HPV), among other sexually transmitted infections, represent a major burden for global health. Initial insights into the mucosal transmission of these viral pathogens have raised optimism with regard to the rapid generation of protective vaccines. Nevertheless, setbacks for HIV-1 and HSV-2 vaccines have seriously challenged the initial enthusiasm. Recently, two new vaccines that efficiently prevented HPV infection have renewed the hope that vaccinal prevention of viral mucosal sexually transmitted infections is possible. HIV-1 and HSV-2 differ from HPV, and each virus needs to be tackled with a distinct approach. However, vaccines are not the only possible answer. Topically applied agents (microbicides) are an attractive alternative in the prevention of HIV-1 and HSV-2 mucosal transmission. Progress in understanding the mechanisms of genital transmission of HIV-1 and HSV-2 is required for successful vaccine or microbicide candidates to emerge from current approaches.
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Mesquita PMM, Cheshenko N, Wilson SS, Mhatre M, Guzman E, Fakioglu E, Keller MJ, Herold BC. Disruption of tight junctions by cellulose sulfate facilitates HIV infection: model of microbicide safety. J Infect Dis 2009; 200:599-608. [PMID: 19586414 DOI: 10.1086/600867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lack of biomarkers that are predictive of safety is a critical gap in the development of microbicides. The present experiments were designed to evaluate the predictive value of in vitro models of microbicide safety. METHODS Changes in the epithelial barrier were evaluated by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) after exposure of human epithelial cells to candidate microbicides in a dual-chamber system. The significance of observed changes was addressed by challenging cultures with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and measuring the ability of virus to cross the epithelium and infect target T cells cultured in the lower chamber. RESULTS Exposure to nonoxynol-9 (N-9) or cellulose sulfate (CS), but not 9-[2-(phosphonomethoxy)propyl]adenine (also referred to as tenofovir) or PRO2000, resulted in a rapid and sustained reduction in TER and a marked increase in HIV infection of T cells cultured in the lower chamber. Moreover, CS triggered nuclear factor kappaB activation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and increased HIV replication in chronically infected U1 cells. CONCLUSIONS Epithelial barrier disruption and enhanced viral replication may have contributed to the increased risk of HIV acquisition observed in phase 3 trials of N-9 and CS. Expansion of in vitro safety testing to include these models would provide a more stringent preclinical assessment of microbicide safety and may prove to be more predictive of clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro M M Mesquita
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, USA
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Wilson SS, Fakioglu E, Herold BC. Novel approaches in fighting herpes simplex virus infections. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2009; 7:559-68. [PMID: 19485796 DOI: 10.1586/eri.09.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The development of novel strategies to eradicate herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a global public health priority. While acyclovir and related nucleoside analogues provide successful modalities for treatment and suppression, HSV remains highly prevalent worldwide and is a major cofactor fueling the HIV epidemic. HSV is the predominant cause of genital ulcerative disease, and neonatal and sporadic infectious encephalitis. Asymptomatic shedding, which occurs more frequently than previously appreciated, contributes to viral transmission. Acyclovir resistance may be problematic for immunocompromised patients and highlights the need for new safe and effective agents. Ideally, vaccines to prevent infection, drugs to inhibit the establishment of or reactivation from latency, or vaginal microbicides to prevent sexual and perinatal transmission are needed to control the epidemic. This review summarizes current therapeutic options and strategies in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S Wilson
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Forchheimer 702, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
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Biomarkers of Cervicovaginal Inflammation for the Assessment of Microbicide Safety. Sex Transm Dis 2009; 36:S84-91. [DOI: 10.1097/olq.0b013e3181994191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Ramjee G, Doncel GF, Mehendale S, Tolley EE, Dickson K. Microbicides 2008 conference: from discovery to advocacy. AIDS Res Ther 2008; 5:19. [PMID: 18702834 PMCID: PMC2546423 DOI: 10.1186/1742-6405-5-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2008] [Accepted: 08/15/2008] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently revised statistics show the number of individuals living with HIV at over 33 million worldwide, with 68% being in sub-Saharan Africa. Current HIV prevention methods, such as condom use, monogamy and abstinence, are not always feasible. The need for improved HIV preventative technologies remains urgent. Of these, microbicides represent a promising female-initiated preventative method. Microbicides are designed to be applied vaginally to prevent HIV and STI acquisition. Research is also being undertaken to assess the safety of the product during rectal application.The biannual Microbicides conference took place in New Delhi, India from 24-27 February 2008. The conference was open to delegates from the scientific and medical fields, as well as communities and advocates. In addition to microbicide research and development, the conference afforded the opportunity for the discussion of key issues such as ethics, acceptability, access, and community involvement.In this conference report we provide brief summaries of recent advancements made and challenges experienced in microbicide research and development, including updates on basic and clinical science, social and behavioural science, and community mobilisation and advocacy activities pertaining to clinical trials.
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