Characterization of the knob domain of the adenovirus type 5 fiber protein expressed in Escherichia coli

Identification of cross reactive T cell responses in adenovirus based COVID 19 vaccines

Vaccination has proven to be a valuable tool to combat SARS-CoV-2. However, reports of rare adverse reactions such as thrombosis/thrombocytopenia syndrome after ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination have caused scientific, public and media concern. ChAdOx1 was vectorised from the Y25 chimpanzee adenovirus, which was selected due to low human seroprevalence to circumvent pre-existing immunity. In this study, we aimed to explore patterns of T-cell activation after SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 vaccine exposure in vitro using PBMCs collected from pre-pandemic ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 naïve healthy donors (HDs), and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and Pfizer vaccinated controls. PBMCs were assessed for T-cell proliferation using the lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) following exposure to SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19 vaccines. Cytokine analysis was performed via intracellular cytokine staining, ELISpot assay and LEGENDplex immunoassays. T-cell assays performed in pre-pandemic vaccine naïve HDs, revealed widespread lymphocyte stimulation after exposure to ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (95%), ChAdOx-spike (90%) and the Ad26.COV2. S vaccine, but not on exposure to the BNT162b2 vaccine. ICS analysis demonstrated that CD4+ CD45RO+ memory T-cells are activated by ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 in vaccine naïve HDs. Cytometric immunoassays showed ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 exposure was associated with the release of proinflammatory and cytotoxic molecules, such as IFN-γ, IL-6, perforin, granzyme B and FasL. These studies demonstrate a ubiquitous T-cell response to ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and Ad26.COV2. S in HDs recruited prior to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, with T-cell stimulation also identified in vaccinated controls. This may be due to underlying T-cell cross-reactivity with prevalent human adenoviruses and further study will be needed to identify T-cell epitopes involved.

Development of an ELISA for the detection of fowl adenovirus serotype -4 utilizing fiber protein

Hydropericardium syndrome (HPS), caused by the Fowl adenovirus 4 (FAdV-4) has led to significant financial losses for the poultry industry globally, including Pakistan over the past few years. Conventional serological methods are time consuming, laborious and less sensitive therefore, a rapid and sensitive ELISA kit is required for the reliable detection of FAdV-4 infection. In the current research, fiber proteins (1 &2) of FAdV-4 were successfully expressed in Escherichia coli and purified using metal affinity chromatography. Using these proteins as antigens, an indirect ELISA for detecting FAdV-4 infection was developed. The developed ELISA showed superior performances upon comparison with Serum neutralization test (SNT). This ELISA also showed reliable detection of FAdV specific antibodies in experimentally infected and vaccinated chickens. This assay produced good correlation on the samples collected from the field with SNT and found essential for large scale serology of the FAdV. No cross reactivity was observed in the ELISA following the testing of the serum samples of different other avian pathogens which showed that this ELISA is specific in detecting the FAdV infection. In conclusion, the developed Fiber protein ELISA is highly sensitive and specific in the detecting the FAdV infection and can be utilized for large scale sero-epidemiology of the disease.

Viruses of the Turriviridae: an emerging model system for studying archaeal virus-host interactions

Viruses have played a central role in the evolution and ecology of cellular life since it first arose. Investigations into viral molecular biology and ecological dynamics have propelled abundant progress in our understanding of living systems, including genetic inheritance, cellular signaling and trafficking, and organismal development. As well, the discovery of viral lineages that infect members of all three domains suggest that these lineages originated at the earliest stages of biological evolution. Research into these viruses is helping to elucidate the conditions under which life arose, and the dynamics that directed its early development. Archaeal viruses have only recently become a subject of intense study, but investigations have already produced intriguing and exciting results. STIV was originally discovered in Yellowstone National Park and has been the focus of concentrated research. Through this research, a viral genetic system was created, a novel lysis mechanism was discovered, and the interaction of the virus with cellular ESCRT machinery was revealed. This review will summarize the discoveries within this group of viruses and will also discuss future work.

Fiber-1 of serotype 4 fowl adenovirus mediates superinfection resistance against serotype 8b fowl adenovirus

In recent years, hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome (HHS) and inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) caused by serotype 4 fowl adenovirus (FAdV-4) and serotype 8b fowl adenovirus (FAdV-8b), respectively, are widely prevalent in China, causing huge economic losses to the poultry industry. Numerous studies have revealed the mechanism of the infection and pathogenesis of FAdV-4. However, little is known about the mechanism of infection with FAdV-8b. Among the major structural proteins of fowl adenoviruses, fiber is characterized by the ability to recognize and bind to cellular receptors to mediate the infection of host cells. In this study, through superinfection resistance analysis and an interfering assay, we found that Fiber-1 of FAdV-4, rather than hexon, penton, and fiber of FAdV-8b, conferred efficient superinfection resistance against the infection FAdV-8b in LMH cells. Moreover, truncation analysis depicted that the shaft and knob domains of FAdV-4 Fiber-1 were responsible for the inhibition. However, knockout of the coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR) in LMH cells inhibited the replication of FAdV-8b only at early time points, indicating that CAR might not be the key cell receptor for FAdV-8b. Overall, our findings give novel insights into the infection mechanism of FAdV-8b and provide a new target for the prevention and control of both FAdV-4 and FAdV-8b.

Fiber Protein Produced in Escherichia coli as a Subunit Vaccine Candidate Against Egg-Drop Syndrome 76

The egg-drop syndrome ‘76 (EDS ‘76) caused by duck atadenovirus A (DAdV-1) infection in laying hens leads to the decrease in egg production, causing heavy economic losses in the poultry industry; thus, vaccines with high safety and immunogenicity are needed. In this study, the DAdV-1 fiber protein expressed in Escherichia coli with codon optimization showed the hemagglutination (HA) titer of 13 log2 after purification (0.6 mg/mL). Compared with inactivated EDS ‘76 vaccine, the specific pathogen-free chickens immunized with 0.4 mL fiber protein (HA titer of 11 log2) induced an equal level of HA inhibition (HI) titer and neutralizing antibodies. Meanwhile, after immunization with fiber protein, the lowest HI titer that could provide the effect to reduce egg production rate in laying hens after the challenge was 7 log2. Moreover, fiber protein with an HA titer of 7 log2 could induce an HI titer no <7 log2 in laying hens, which was equal to or higher than the lowest HI titer (7 log2) that could reduce egg production against DAdV-1 infection significantly, indicating that it is economically feasible for vaccine development. Importantly, the HI antibodies maintained at a high level up to 180 days postimmunization contribute to the clinical application of the vaccine candidate. Overall, the fiber protein produced in E. coli is an effective subunit vaccine candidate in EDS ‘76 control for its high immunogenicity and protection in chickens.

Ex Vivo and In Vivo CD46 Receptor Utilization by Species D Human Adenovirus Serotype 26 (HAdV26)

Human adenovirus serotype 26 (Ad26) is used as a gene-based vaccine against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and HIV-1. However, its primary receptor portfolio remains controversial, potentially including sialic acid, coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR), integrins, and CD46. We and others have shown that Ad26 can use CD46, but these observations were questioned on the basis of the inability to cocrystallize Ad26 fiber with CD46. Recent work demonstrated that Ad26 binds CD46 with its hexon protein rather than its fiber. We examined the functional consequences of Ad26 for infection in vitro and in vivo. Ectopic expression of human CD46 on Chinese hamster ovary cells increased Ad26 infection significantly. Deletion of the complement control protein domain CCP1 or CCP2 or the serine-threonine-proline (STP) region of CD46 reduced infection. Comparing wild-type and sialic acid-deficient CHO cells, we show that the usage of CD46 is independent of its sialylation status. Ad26 transduction was increased in CD46 transgenic mice after intramuscular (i.m.) injection but not after intranasal (i.n.) administration. Ad26 transduction was 10-fold lower than Ad5 transduction after intratumoral (i.t.) injection of CD46-expressing tumors. Ad26 transduction of liver was 1,000-fold lower than that ofAd5 after intravenous (i.v.) injection. These data demonstrate the use of CD46 by Ad26 in certain situations but also show that the receptor has little consequence by other routes of administration. Finally, i.v. injection of high doses of Ad26 into CD46 mice induced release of liver enzymes into the bloodstream and reduced white blood cell counts but did not induce thrombocytopenia. This suggests that Ad26 virions do not induce direct clotting side effects seen during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination with this serotype of adenovirus. IMPORTANCE The human species D Ad26 is being investigated as a low-seroprevalence vector for oncolytic virotherapy and gene-based vaccination against HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. However, there is debate in the literature about its tropism and receptor utilization, which directly influence its efficiency for certain applications. This work was aimed at determining which receptor(s) this virus uses for infection and its role in virus biology, vaccine efficacy, and, importantly, vaccine safety.

Immunity analysis against Fowl Adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4) based on Fiber-2 trimer Protein with the different virulence

Since June 2015, Fowl adenovirus outbreaks have occurred in China, causing significant economic losses to poultry industry. The FAdV-4 Fiber-2 proteins could induce effective protection, but the precise mechanism of immune protection remains unknown. Here, we have compared the biological characteristics of Fiber-2 protein of the very virulent WZ strain of FAdV-4 (vvFAdV-4) with that of non-virulent ON1 strain. The sequence analysis revealed natural deletions and sequence differences between the classical non-pathogenic strain ON1 and the vvFAdV-4 isolate. These two Fiber-2 proteins successfully expressed in E. coli resemble in structure and function to the native-like trimeric protein. The trimeric structure and bioreactivity of the recombinant Fiber-2 proteins to FAdV-4 specific antibodies were characterized. The immune protection induced by Fiber-2 proteins of FAdV-4 WZ and ON1 strains were compared in SPF chickens. All birds in the WZ-Fiber-2 immunized group generated systemic specific antibodies compared with both ON1-Fiber-2 protein and PBS immunized groups. According to the results of attack mortalities, viral shedding and tissue gross lesion, the WZ Fiber-2 protein induced complete protection at a dose of 2 μg per chicken, whereas the ON1-Fiber-2 protein induced 0 protection at 3 dpc. In view of the characteristics of Fiber-2 proteins of different strains, this study can help us to further understand the mechanism of protective immunity and provide a basis for the prevention and control of FAdV-4 in chickens.

Genetic diversity and molecular evolution of human adenovirus serotype 41 strains circulating in Beijing, China, during 2010-2019

Human adenovirus serotype 41 (HAdV-F41) is an important pathogen that causes diarrhea in children. However, the data on its molecular genetic characteristics and evolutionary history are still neither comprehensive nor sufficient. Four capsid protein genes from 58 HAdV-F41-positive specimens taken from diarrheal children in Beijing during 2010-2019 were amplified and analyzed. Variant amino acids in the hexon gene (18 sites) and short fiber gene (4 sites) clustered these strains into two clades and four subclades. The deletion of 15 amino acids found in the gene seemed to have little effect on the genomic strain cluster same as to penton gene. The HAdV-F41 strains had high diversity, as assessed from the intraspecific recombination of hexon, short fiber and long fiber. The molecular evolutionary rate of HAdV-F41's concatenated genes was 4.07 × 10^-5 substitutions/site/year, and it diverged from the most recent common ancestor in 1720. Apart from in the penton gene, positive selection codons were predicted in the other three genes, which may play a synergistic role in the evolution of HAdV-F41. These results provide new insights for understanding the characteristics of infectivity and developing vectors and vaccine vehicles for HAdV-F41.

The infectivity of progeny adenovirus in the presence of neutralizing antibody

Human adenoviruses (Ads), common pathogens that cause upper respiratory and gastrointestinal infections, are blocked by neutralizing antibodies (nAbs). However, Ads are not fully eliminated even in hosts with nAbs. In this study, we assessed the infectivity of progeny Ad serotype 5 (Ad5) in the presence of nAb. The infectivity of Ad5 was evaluated according to the expression of the Ad genome and reporter gene. Infection by wild-type Ad5 and Ad5 vector continued to increase until 3 days after infection even in the presence of nAb. We established an assay for determining the infection levels of progeny Ad5 using a sorting system with magnetic beads and observed little difference in progeny Ad5 counts in the presence and absence of nAb 1 day after infection. Moreover, progeny Ad5 in the presence of nAb more effectively infected coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR)-positive cells than CAR-negative cells. We investigated the function of fiber proteins, which are the binding partners of CAR, during secondary infection, observing that fibre proteins spread from infected cells to adjacent cells in a CAR-dependent manner. In conclusion, this study revealed that progeny Ad5 could infect cells even in the presence of nAb, differing from the common features of the Ad5 infection cycle. Our findings may be useful for developing new therapeutic agents against Ad infection.

Clinical landscape of oncolytic virus research in 2020

Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are a new class of cancer therapeutics. This review was undertaken to provide insight into the current landscape of OV clinical trials. A PubMed search identified 119 papers from 2000 to 2020 with 97 studies reporting data on 3233 patients. The viruses used, presence of genetic modifications and/or transgene expression, cancer types targeted, inclusion of combination strategies and safety profile were reported. In addition, information on viral bioshedding across the studies, including which tissues or body fluids were evaluated and how virus was detected (eg, PCR, plaque assay or both), is also reported. Finally, the number of studies evaluating antiviral and antitumor humoral and cellular immune responses were noted. We found that adenovirus (n=30) is the most common OV in clinical trials with approximately two-thirds (n=63) using modified or recombinant viral backbones and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (n=24) was the most common transgene. The most common tumors targeted were melanoma (n=1000) and gastrointestinal (GI; n=577) cancers with most using monotherapy OVs given by intratumoral (n=1482) or intravenous (n=1347) delivery. The most common combination included chemotherapy (n=36). Overall, OV treatment-related adverse events were low-grade constitutional and local injection site reactions. Viral shedding was frequently measured although many studies restricted this to blood and tumor tissue and used PCR only. While most studies did report antiviral antibody titers (n=63), only a minority of studies reported viral-specific T cell responses (n=10). Tumor immunity was reported in 48 studies and largely relied on general measures of immune activation (eg, tumor biopsy immunohistochemistry (n=25) and serum cytokine measurement (n=19)) with few evaluating tumor-specific immune responses (n=7). Objective responses were reported in 292 (9%) patients and disease control was achieved in 681 (21.1%) patients, although standard reporting criteria were only used in 53% of the trials. Completed clinical trials not reported in the peer-reviewed literature were not included in this review potentially underestimating the impact of OV treatment. These data provide insight into the current profile of OV clinical trials reporting and identifies potential gaps where further studies are needed to better define the role of OVs, alone and in combination, for patients with cancer.

Fiber-1, Not Fiber-2, Directly Mediates the Infection of the Pathogenic Serotype 4 Fowl Adenovirus via Its Shaft and Knob Domains

Recently, the disease of hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome (HPS) caused by serotype 4 fowl adenovirus (FAdV-4) has spread widely and resulted in huge economic losses to the poultry industry. Although the genome of FAdV-4 has two fiber genes (fiber-1 and fiber-2), the exact role of the genes in the infection of FAdV-4 is barely known. In this study, through superinfection resistance analysis and an interfering assay, we found that fiber-1, but not fiber-2, was the key factor for directly triggering the infection of FAdV-4. The truncation analysis further revealed that both of the shaft and knob domains of fiber-1 were required for the infection. Moreover, the sera against the knob domain were able to block FAdV-4 infection, and the knob-containing fusion protein provided efficient protection against the lethal challenge of FAdV-4 in chickens. All the data demonstrated the significant roles of fiber-1 and its knob domain in directly mediating the infection of FAdV-4, which established a foundation for identifying the receptor of FAdV-4 and developing efficient vaccines against FAdV-4.IMPORTANCE Among 12 serotypes of fowl adenovirus (FAdV), FAdV-1, FAdV-4, and FAdV-10 all carry two fiber genes (i.e., fiber-1 and fiber-2), whereas other serotypes have only one. As important viral surface proteins, the fibers play vital roles in the infection and pathogenesis of FAdV. However, the importance of the fibers to the infection and pathogenesis of FAdV may be different from each other. Recent studies reveal that fiber-2 is identified as a determinant of virulence, but which fiber triggers the infection of FAdV-4 remains unknown. In this study, fiber-1 was identified as a key factor for directly mediating the infection of FAdV-4 through its shaft and knob domains, whereas fiber-2 did not play a role in triggering FAdV-4 infection. The results suggest that fiber-1 and its knob domain may serve as a target for identifying the receptor of FAdV-4 and developing efficient drugs or vaccines against FAdV-4.

Retargeting adenoviruses for therapeutic applications and vaccines

Adenoviruses (Ads) are robust vectors for therapeutic applications and vaccines, but their use can be limited by differences in their in vitro and in vivo pharmacologies. This review emphasizes that there is not just one Ad, but a whole virome of diverse viruses that can be used as therapeutics. It discusses that true vector targeting involves not only retargeting viruses, but importantly also detargeting the viruses from off-target cells.

An efficient fiber-based ELISA for detection of antibody against fowl adenovirus serotypes 7 and 8

An outbreak of inclusion body hepatitis caused by fowl adenovirus serotype 8 (FAdV-8) has caused significant economic losses in the poultry industry worldwide. However, a rapid serology test kit specific to FAdV-8 is not available to date. We developed a fiber-based ELISA using the purified GST-fiber of FAdV-8 as coating antigen to measure antibodies against FAdV-8. Specificity analysis showed that our ELISA could react with sera against FAdV-7, -8a, and -8b, but not with sera against the other pathogens tested. Moreover, detection of positive sera with our ELISA had 83% and 94% agreement with an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and a commercial ELISA from BioChek, respectively. Our ELISA was also effective in the detection of antibodies against FAdV-8 in sera from both experimentally infected and clinically vaccinated chickens. Our FAdV-8 fiber-based ELISA can be a valuable tool to specifically and sensitively detect antibodies against FAdV-7 and/or -8 in infected or vaccinated chickens.

Human adenovirus binding to host cell receptors: a structural view

Human Adenoviruses (HAdVs) are a family of clinically and therapeutically relevant viruses. A precise understanding of their host cell attachment and entry mechanisms can be applied in inhibitor design and the construction of targeted gene delivery vectors. In this article, structural data on adenovirus attachment and entry are reviewed. HAdVs engage two types of receptors: first, an attachment receptor that is bound by the fibre knob protein protruding from the icosahedral capsid, and next, an integrin entry receptor bound by the pentameric penton base at the capsid vertices. Adenoviruses use remarkably diverse attachment receptors, five of which have been studied structurally in the context of HAdV binding: Coxsackie and Adenovirus Receptor, CD46, the glycans GD1a and polysialic acid, and desmoglein-2. Together with the integrin entry receptors, they display both symmetrical and asymmetrical modes of binding to the virus as demonstrated by the structural analyses reviewed here. The diversity of HAdV receptors contributes to the broad tropism of these viruses, and structural studies are thus an important source of information on HAdV-host cell interactions. The imbalance in structural data between the more and less extensively studied receptors remains to be addressed by future research.

Development of novel subunit vaccine based on truncated fiber protein of egg drop syndrome virus and its immunogenicity in chickens

Egg-drop syndrome virus (EDSV) is an avian adenovirus that causes markedly decrease in egg production and in the quality of the eggs when it infects chickens. In this report, we engineered truncated fiber protein containing the entire knob domain and part of the shaft region as a vaccine candidate. The protein was obtained in the soluble fraction in Escherichia coli (E. coli), and expression level after nickel-affinity purification was 126 mg/L. By means of multiple characterization methods, it is demonstrated that the recombinant protein retains the native trimeric structure. A single inoculation with the structure-stabilized recombinant protein, even at the lowest dose of 2 μg, stimulated hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody responses in chickens, for at least 16 weeks. Neutralizing titers in sera from the protein immunized groups was similar to that of inactivated vaccine immunized group. The lymphocyte proliferation response and cytokine secretion were also induced in immunized SPF chickens. In addition, immunization with the fiber protein also significantly reduced the viral load in the liver. Taken together, these results suggest the truncated fiber protein as an effective single dose, long lasting and rapidly effective vaccine to protect against EDSV.

Pathogenesis of Hypervirulent Fowl Adenovirus Serotype 4: The Contributions of Viral and Host Factors

Since 2015, severe outbreaks of hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome (HHS), caused by hypervirulent fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4), have emerged in several provinces in China, posing a great threat to poultry industry. So far, factors contributing to the pathogenesis of hypervirulent FAdV-4 have not been fully uncovered. Elucidation of the pathogenesis of FAdV-4 will facilitate the development of effective FAdV-4 vaccine candidates for the control of HHS and vaccine vector. The interaction between pathogen and host defense system determines the pathogenicity of the pathogen. Therefore, the present review highlights the knowledge of both viral and host factors contributing to the pathogenesis of hypervirulent FAdV-4 strains to facilitate the related further studies.

Glycomics and Proteomics Approaches to Investigate Early Adenovirus-Host Cell Interactions

Adenoviruses as most viruses rely on glycan and protein interactions to attach to and enter susceptible host cells. The Adenoviridae family comprises more than 80 human types and they differ in their attachment factor and receptor usage, which likely contributes to the diverse tropism of the different types. In the past years, methods to systematically identify glycan and protein interactions have advanced. In particular sensitivity, speed and coverage of mass spectrometric analyses allow for high-throughput identification of glycans and peptides separated by liquid chromatography. Also, developments in glycan microarray technologies have led to targeted, high-throughput screening and identification of glycan-based receptors. The mapping of cell surface interactions of the diverse adenovirus types has implications for cell, tissue, and species tropism as well as drug development. Here we review known adenovirus interactions with glycan- and protein-based receptors, as well as glycomics and proteomics strategies to identify yet elusive virus receptors and attachment factors. We finally discuss challenges, bottlenecks, and future research directions in the field of non-enveloped virus entry into host cells.

A subunit vaccine based on fiber-2 protein provides full protection against fowl adenovirus serotype 4 and induces quicker and stronger immune responses than an inactivated oil-emulsion vaccine

As the number of hepatitis hydropericardium syndrome (HHS) cases has increased in recent years in China, development of a safe and effective vaccine is now urgent. To address this problem a subunit vaccine is a good option, we here systematically investigated the minimum immune dose of a subunit vaccine against HHS based on recombinant fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4) fiber-2 protein and compared the effects between this subunit vaccine and an inactivated oil-emulsion FAdV-4 vaccine in a vaccination trial. The results revealed that the lowest dose of recombinant fiber-2 protein that could provide 100% protection against challenge with virulent FAdV-4 strain HB1501 as well as elicit protective immunity was 2.5 μg/bird. Neither clinical signs nor gross lesions were observed in chickens. In addition, immunization of specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens with recombinant fiber-2 protein (≥2.5 μg/bird) could induce quicker and stronger immune responses than the inactivated oil-emulsion FAdV-4 vaccine. These findings provide important information about the development of subunit vaccines for the control of HHS.

A novel monoclonal antibody efficiently blocks the infection of serotype 4 fowl adenovirus by targeting fiber-2

A recent outbreak of hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome caused by serotype 4 fowl adenovirus (FAdV-4) has resulted in significant economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. However, little is known about the molecular pathogenesis of FAdV-4. In this study, a novel monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting the fiber-2 protein of FAdV-4 was generated, mAb 3C2. Indirect immunofluorescence assay showed that mAb 3C2 neither reacted with serotype 8 fowl adenovirus (FAdV-8) nor reacted with the fiber-1 protein of FAdV-4; it specifically reacted with the fiber-2 protein of FAdV-4. Notably, mAb 3C2 could efficiently immunoprecipitate the fiber-2 protein in chicken liver cells either infected with FAdV-4 or transfected with pcDNA3.1-Fiber2. Moreover, mAb 3C2 demonstrated marked neutralizing activity against FAdV-4 and could efficiently inhibit the infection of FAdV-4 in vitro. Using truncated fiber-2 constructs, the epitope recognized by mAb 3C2 was determined to be located between amino acids 416-448 at the C-terminus of fiber-2. Our data not only provide a foundation for the establishment of a rapid fiber-2 peptide-based diagnostic assay for FAdV-4 but also highlight the critical role of the fiber-2 protein in mediating infection by FAdV-4. Furthermore, the epitope recognized by 3C2 might serve as a novel target for the development of a vaccine targeting FAdV-4.

Immune protection efficacy of FAdV-4 surface proteins fiber-1, fiber-2, hexon and penton base

The spread of hydropericardium syndrome has recently become serious in China since 2015. There is, therefore, an urgent need for new, safe and effective vaccines that prevent the disease. Here, the immune protection induced by Escherichia coli-expressed capsid proteins of fowl adenovirus serotype 4, including fiber-1, fiber-2, penton base and hexon (loop-1 region) were compared in chickens at different inoculation amounts. According to challenge mortalities and tissue gross/micro lesion results, fiber-2 induced the best protection, followed by fiber-1 and hexon. Fiber-1 and fiber-2 provided complete protection against 10^5.5 TCID₅₀ viral load challenge with 100 or 50μg doses per chicken, respectively. Penton could induce effective protection only at the high dosage of 200μg per chicken. The immunoprotective characteristics of these FAdV-4 capsid proteins may prove useful for developing subunit vaccines to control hydropericardium syndrome.

Localization of adenovirus morphogenesis players, together with visualization of assembly intermediates and failed products, favor a model where assembly and packaging occur concurrently at the periphery of the replication center

Adenovirus (AdV) morphogenesis is a complex process, many aspects of which remain unclear. In particular, it is not settled where in the nucleus assembly and packaging occur, and whether these processes occur in a sequential or a concerted manner. Here we use immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy (immunoEM) to trace packaging factors and structural proteins at late times post infection by either wildtype virus or a delayed packaging mutant. We show that representatives of all assembly factors are present in the previously recognized peripheral replicative zone, which therefore is the AdV assembly factory. Assembly intermediates and abortive products observed in this region favor a concurrent assembly and packaging model comprising two pathways, one for capsid proteins and another one for core components. Only when both pathways are coupled by correct interaction between packaging proteins and the genome is the viral particle produced. Decoupling generates accumulation of empty capsids and unpackaged cores.

Adenoviral vector-based strategies against infectious disease and cancer

Adenoviral vectors are widely employed against infectious diseases or cancers, as they can elicit specific antibody responses and T cell responses when they are armed with foreign genes as vaccine carriers, and induce apoptosis of the cancer cells when they are genetically modified for cancer therapy. In this review, we summarize the biological characteristics of adenovirus (Ad) and the latest development of Ad vector-based strategies for the prevention and control of emerging infectious diseases or cancers. Strategies to circumvent the pre-existing neutralizing antibodies which dampen the immunogenicity of Ad-based vaccines are also discussed.

Differential immunogenicity between HAdV-5 and chimpanzee adenovirus vector ChAdOx1 is independent of fiber and penton RGD loop sequences in mice

Replication defective adenoviruses are promising vectors for the delivery of vaccine antigens. However, the potential of a vector to elicit transgene-specific adaptive immune responses is largely dependent on the viral serotype used. HAdV-5 (Human adenovirus C) vectors are more immunogenic than chimpanzee adenovirus vectors from species Human adenovirus E (ChAdOx1 and AdC68) in mice, though the mechanisms responsible for these differences in immunogenicity remain poorly understood. In this study, superior immunogenicity was associated with markedly higher levels of transgene expression in vivo, particularly within draining lymph nodes. To investigate the viral factors contributing to these phenotypes, we generated recombinant ChAdOx1 vectors by exchanging components of the viral capsid reported to be principally involved in cell entry with the corresponding sequences from HAdV-5. Remarkably, pseudotyping with the HAdV-5 fiber and/or penton RGD loop had little to no effect on in vivo transgene expression or transgene-specific adaptive immune responses despite considerable species-specific sequence heterogeneity in these components. Our results suggest that mechanisms governing vector transduction after intramuscular administration in mice may be different from those described in vitro.

Redirecting adenoviruses to tumour cells using therapeutic antibodies: Generation of a versatile human bispecific adaptor

Effective use of adenovirus-5 (Ad5) in cancer therapy is heavily dependent on the degree to which the virus's natural tropism can be subverted to one that favours tumour cells. This is normally achieved through either engineering of the viral fiber knob or the use of bispecific adaptors that display both adenovirus and tumour antigen receptors. One of the main limitations of these strategies is the need to tailor each engineering event to any given tumour antigen. Here, we explore bispecific adaptors that can utilise established anti-cancer therapeutic antibodies. Conjugates containing bacterially derived antibody binding motifs are efficient at retargeting virus to antibody targets. Here, we develop a humanized strategy whereby we synthesise a re-targeting adaptor based on a chimeric Ad5 ligand/antibody receptor construct. This adaptor acts as a molecular bridge analogous to therapeutic antibody mediated cross-linking of cytotoxic effector and tumour cells during immunotherapy. As a proof or principle, we demonstrate how this adaptor allows efficient viral recognition and entry into carcinoma cells through the therapeutic monoclonal antibodies Herceptin/trastuzumab and bavituximab. We show that targeting can be augmented by use of contemporary antibody enhancement strategies such as the selective elimination of competing serum IgG using "receptor refocusing" enzymes and we envisage that further improvements are achievable by enhancing the affinities between the adaptor and its ligands. Humanized bispecific adaptors offer the promise of a versatile retargeting technology that can exploit both clinically approved adenovirus and therapeutic antibodies.

Ocular localization and transduction by adenoviral vectors are serotype-dependent and can be modified by inclusion of RGD fiber modifications

Purpose

To evaluate localization and transgene expression from adenoviral vector of serotypes 5, 35, and 28, ± an RGD motif in the fiber following intravitreal or subretinal administration.

Methods

Ocular transduction by adenoviral vector serotypes ± RGD was studied in the eyes of mice receiving an intravitreous or subretinal injection. Each serotype expressed a CMV-GFP expression cassette and histological sections of eyes were examined. Transgene expression levels were examined using luciferase (Luc) regulated by the CMV promoter.

Results

GFP localization studies revealed that serotypes 5 and 28 given intravitreously transduced corneal endothelial, trabecular, and iris cells. Intravitreous delivery of the unmodified Ad35 serotype transduced only trabecular meshwork cells, but, the modification of the RGD motif into the fiber of the Ad35 viral vector base expanded transduction to corneal endothelial and iris cells. Incorporation of the RGD motif into the fiber knob with deletion of RGD from the penton base did not affect the transduction ability of the Ad5 vector base. Subretinal studies showed that RGD in the Ad5 knob shifted transduction from RPE cells to photoreceptor cells. Using a CMV-Luc expression cassette, intravitreous delivery of all the tested vectors, such as Ad5-, Ad35- and Ad28- resulted in an initial rapid induction of luciferase activity that thereafter declined. Subretinal administration of vectors showed a marked difference in transgene activity. Ad35-Luc gene expression peaked at 7 days and remained elevated for 6 months. Ad28-Luc expression was high after 1 day and remained sustained for one month.

Conclusions

Different adenoviral vector serotypes ± modifications transduce different cells within the eye. Transgene expression can be brief or extended and is serotype and delivery route dependent. Thus, adenoviral vectors provide a versatile platform for the delivery of therapeutic agents for ocular diseases.

Processing of the l1 52/55k protein by the adenovirus protease: a new substrate and new insights into virion maturation

Late in adenovirus assembly, the viral protease (AVP) becomes activated and cleaves multiple copies of three capsid and three core proteins. Proteolytic maturation is an absolute requirement to render the viral particle infectious. We show here that the L1 52/55k protein, which is present in empty capsids but not in mature virions and is required for genome packaging, is the seventh substrate for AVP. A new estimate on its copy number indicates that there are about 50 molecules of the L1 52/55k protein in the immature virus particle. Using a quasi-in vivo situation, i.e., the addition of recombinant AVP to mildly disrupted immature virus particles, we show that cleavage of L1 52/55k is DNA dependent, as is the cleavage of the other viral precursor proteins, and occurs at multiple sites, many not conforming to AVP consensus cleavage sites. Proteolytic processing of L1 52/55k disrupts its interactions with other capsid and core proteins, providing a mechanism for its removal during viral maturation. Our results support a model in which the role of L1 52/55k protein during assembly consists in tethering the viral core to the icosahedral shell and in which maturation proceeds simultaneously with packaging, before the viral particle is sealed.

Chitosan for gene delivery and orthopedic tissue engineering applications

Gene therapy involves the introduction of foreign genetic material into cells in order exert a therapeutic effect. The application of gene therapy to the field of orthopaedic tissue engineering is extremely promising as the controlled release of therapeutic proteins such as bone morphogenetic proteins have been shown to stimulate bone repair. However, there are a number of drawbacks associated with viral and synthetic non-viral gene delivery approaches. One natural polymer which has generated interest as a gene delivery vector is chitosan. Chitosan is biodegradable, biocompatible and non-toxic. Much of the appeal of chitosan is due to the presence of primary amine groups in its repeating units which become protonated in acidic conditions. This property makes it a promising candidate for non-viral gene delivery. Chitosan-based vectors have been shown to transfect a number of cell types including human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) and human cervical cancer cells (HeLa). Aside from its use in gene delivery, chitosan possesses a range of properties that show promise in tissue engineering applications; it is biodegradable, biocompatible, has anti-bacterial activity, and, its cationic nature allows for electrostatic interaction with glycosaminoglycans and other proteoglycans. It can be used to make nano- and microparticles, sponges, gels, membranes and porous scaffolds. Chitosan has also been shown to enhance mineral deposition during osteogenic differentiation of MSCs in vitro. The purpose of this review is to critically discuss the use of chitosan as a gene delivery vector with emphasis on its application in orthopedic tissue engineering.

HER3 targeting of adenovirus by fiber modification increases infection of breast cancer cells in vitro, but not following intratumoral injection in mice

Despite the tremendous potential of adenovirus (Ad) as a delivery vector for cancer gene therapy, its use in clinical settings has been limited, mainly as a result of the limited infectivity in many tumors and the wide tissue tropism associated with Ad. To modify the tropism of the virus, we have inserted the epidermal growth factor-like domain of the human heregulin-α (HRG) into the HI loop of Ad5 fiber. This insertion had no adverse effect on fiber trimerization nor did it affect incorporation of the modified fiber into infectious viral particles. Virions bearing modified fiber displayed growth characteristics and viral yields indistinguishable from those of wild-type (wt) virus. Most importantly, HRG-tagged virions showed enhanced infection of cells expressing the cognate receptors HER3/ErbB3 and HER4/ErbB4. This was significantly reduced in the presence of soluble HRG. Furthermore, HER3-expressing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were transduced by the HRG-modified virus, but not by wt virus. In contrast, CHO cells expressing the coxsackie-Ad receptor were transduced with both viruses. However, infection of an in vivo breast cancer xenograft model after intratumoral injection was similar with both viruses, suggesting that the tumor microenvironment and/or the route of delivery have important roles in infection of target cells with fiber-modified Ads.

Peptide targeting of adenoviral vectors to augment tumor gene transfer

Adenovirus serotype 5 remains one of the most promising vectors for delivering genetic material to cancer cells for imaging or therapy, but optimization of these agents to selectively promote tumor cell infection is needed to further their clinical development. Peptide sequences that bind to specific cell surface receptors have been inserted into adenoviral capsid proteins to improve tumor targeting, often in the background of mutations designed to ablate normal ligand:receptor interactions and thereby reduce off target effects and toxicities in non-target tissues. Different tumor types also express highly variable complements of cell surface receptors, so a customized targeting strategy using a particular peptide in the context of specific adenoviral mutations may be needed to achieve optimal efficacy. To further investigate peptide targeting strategies in adenoviral vectors, we used a set of peptide motifs originally isolated using phage display technology that evince tumor specificity in vivo. To demonstrate their abilities as targeting motifs, we genetically incorporated these peptides into a surface loop of the fiber capsid protein to construct targeted adenovirus vectors. We then systematically evaluated the ability of these peptide targeted vectors to infect several tumor cell types, both in vitro and in vivo, in a variety of mutational backgrounds designed to reduce CAR and/or HSG-mediated binding. Results from this study support previous observations that peptide insertions in the HI loop of the fiber knob domain are generally ineffective when used in combination with HSG detargeting mutations. The evidence also suggests that this strategy can attenuate other fiber knob interactions, such as CAR-mediated binding, and reduce overall viral infectivity. The insertion of peptides into fiber proved more effective for targeting tumor cell types expressing low levels of CAR receptor, as this strategy can partially compensate for the very low infectivity of wild-type adenovirus in those cells. Nevertheless, the incorporation of relatively low affinity peptide ligands into the fiber knob, while effective in vitro, has only minimal targeting efficacy in vivo and highlights the importance of high affinity ligand:receptor interactions to achieve tumor targeting.

Vector systems for prenatal gene therapy: principles of adenovirus design and production

Adenoviruses have many attributes, which have made them one of the most widely investigated vectors for gene therapy applications. These include ease of genetic manipulation to produce replication-deficient vectors, ability to readily generate high titer stocks, efficiency of gene delivery into many cell types, and ability to encode large genetic inserts. Recent advances in adenoviral vector engineering have included the ability to genetically manipulate the tropism of the vector by engineering of the major capsid proteins, particularly fiber and hexon. Furthermore, simple replication-deficient adenoviral vectors deleted for expression of a single gene have been complemented by the development of systems in which the majority of adenoviral genes are deleted, generating sophisticated Ad vectors which can mediate sustained transgene expression following a single delivery. This chapter outlines methods for developing simple transgene over expressing Ad vectors and detailed strategies to engineer mutations into the major capsid proteins.

Design and cellular internalization of genetically engineered polypeptide nanoparticles displaying adenovirus knob domain

Hepatocytes and acinar cells exhibit high-efficiency, fiber-dependent internalization of adenovirus; however, viral capsids have unpredictable immunological effects and are challenging to develop into targeted drug carriers. To exploit this internalization pathway and minimize the use of viral proteins, we developed a simple gene product that self assembles nanoparticles decorated with the knob domain of adenovirus serotype 5 fiber protein. The most significant advantages of this platform include: (i) compatibility with genetic engineering; (ii) no bioconjugate chemistry is required to link fusion proteins to the nanoparticle surface; and (iii) it can direct the reversible assembly of large nanoparticles, which are monodisperse, multivalent, and biodegradable. These particles are predominantly composed from diblock copolymers of elastin-like polypeptide (ELP). ELPs have unique phase transition behavior, whereby they self-assemble above a transition temperature that is simple to control. The diblock ELP described contains two motifs with distinct transition temperatures, which assemble nanoparticles at physiological temperatures. Analysis by non-denaturing-PAGE demonstrated that the purified knob-ELP formed trimers or dimers, which is a property of the native knob/fiber protein. Dynamic light scattering indicated that the diblock copolymer, with or without knob, is able to self assemble into nanoparticles ~40 nm in diameter. To examine the functionality of knob-ELP, their uptake was assessed in a hepatocyte cell-line that expresses the receptor for adenovirus serotype 5 fiber and knob, the coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR). Both plain ELP and knob-ELP were bound to the outside of hepatocytes; however, the knob-ELP fusion protein exhibits more internalization and localization to lysosomes of hepatocytes. These findings suggest that functional fusion proteins may only minimally influence the assembly temperature and diameter of ELP nanoparticles. These results are a proof-of-principal that large fusion proteins (>10 kDa) can be assembled by diblock ELPs without the need for bioconjugate chemistry, which greatly simplifies the design and evaluation of targeted drug carriers.

Retargeting adenoviral vectors to improve gene transfer into tumors

Gene targeting to tumors using adenoviral vectors holds great potential for cancer imaging and therapy, but the limited efficacy of current methods used to improve delivery to target tissues and reduce unwanted interactions remain substantial barriers to further development. Progress in characterizing the set of molecular interactions used by adenoviral vectors to infect particular tissues has aided the development of novel strategies for retargeting vectors to tumor cells. One method is chemical retargeting of adenovirus using bispecific antibodies against both viral capsid proteins and tumor-specific cell surface molecules. This approach can be combined either with competitive inhibitors designed to reduce viral tropism in undesired tissues, or with traditional therapeutics to increase the expression of surface molecules for improved tumor targeting. Ablating liver cell-specific interactions through mutation of capsid proteins or chemical means are promising strategies for reducing adenovirus-induced liver toxicity. The nature of tumor neovasculature also influences adenoviral delivery, and the use of vascular disrupting agents such as combretastatin can help elucidate these contributions. In this investigation, we evaluate a variety of these methods for retargeting adenoviral vectors to tumor cells in vitro and in vivo, and assess the contributions of specific molecular and tissue interactions that affect adenoviral transgene delivery.

Development of a targeted gene vector platform based on simian adenovirus serotype 24

Efforts to develop adenovirus vectors suitable for genetic interventions in humans have identified three major limitations of the most frequently used vector prototype, human adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5). These limitations--widespread preexisting anti-Ad5 immunity in humans, the high rate of transduction of normal nontarget tissues, and the lack of target-specific gene delivery--justify the exploration of other Ad serotypes as vector prototypes. In this paper, we describe the development of an alternative vector platform using simian Ad serotype 24 (sAd24). We found that sAd24 virions formed unstable complexes with blood coagulation factor X and, because of that, transduced the liver and other organs at low levels when administered intravenously. The overall pattern of biodistribution of sAd24 particles was similar, however, to that of Ad5, and the intravenously injected sAd24 was cleared by Kupffer cells, leading to their depletion. We modified the virus's fiber protein to design a Her2-specific derivative of sAd24 capable of infecting target human tumor cells in vitro. In the presence of neutralizing anti-Ad5 antibodies, Her2-mediated infection with targeted sAd24 compared favorably to that with the Ad5-derived vector. When used to target Her2-expressing tumors in animals, this fiber-modified vector achieved a higher level of gene transfer to metastasis-containing murine lungs than to tumor-free lungs. In aggregate, these studies provide important insights into sAd24 biology, identify its advantages and limitations as a vector prototype, and are thus essential for further development of an sAd24-based gene delivery platform.

Insight into the mechanisms of adenovirus capsid disassembly from studies of defensin neutralization

Defensins are effectors of the innate immune response with potent antibacterial activity. Their role in antiviral immunity, particularly for non-enveloped viruses, is poorly understood. We recently found that human alpha-defensins inhibit human adenovirus (HAdV) by preventing virus uncoating and release of the endosomalytic protein VI during cell entry. Consequently, AdV remains trapped in the endosomal/lysosomal pathway rather than trafficking to the nucleus. To gain insight into the mechanism of defensin-mediated neutralization, we analyzed the specificity of the AdV-defensin interaction. Sensitivity to alpha-defensin neutralization is a common feature of HAdV species A, B1, B2, C, and E, whereas species D and F are resistant. Thousands of defensin molecules bind with low micromolar affinity to a sensitive serotype, but only a low level of binding is observed to resistant serotypes. Neutralization is dependent upon a correctly folded defensin molecule, suggesting that specific molecular interactions occur with the virion. CryoEM structural studies and protein sequence analysis led to a hypothesis that neutralization determinants are located in a region spanning the fiber and penton base proteins. This model was supported by infectivity studies using virus chimeras comprised of capsid proteins from sensitive and resistant serotypes. These findings suggest a mechanism in which defensin binding to critical sites on the AdV capsid prevents vertex removal and thereby blocks subsequent steps in uncoating that are required for release of protein VI and endosomalysis during infection. In addition to informing the mechanism of defensin-mediated neutralization of a non-enveloped virus, these studies provide insight into the mechanism of AdV uncoating and suggest new strategies to disrupt this process and inhibit infection.

Ex vivo transfer of the Hoxc-8-interacting domain of Smad1 by a tropism-modified adenoviral vector results in efficient bone formation in a rabbit model of spinal fusion

STUDY DESIGN

Ex vivo gene transfer for spinal fusion.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate ex vivo transfer of the nuclear-localized Hoxc-8-interacting domain of Smad1 (termed Smad1C) to rabbit bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) by a tropism-modified human adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) vector as a novel therapeutic approach for spinal fusion.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Novel approaches are needed to improve the success of bone union after spinal fusion. One such approach is the ex vivo transfer of a gene encoding an osteoinductive factor to BMSCs which are subsequently reimplanted into the host. We have previously shown that heterologous expression of the Hoxc-8-interacting domain of Smad1 in the nuclei of osteoblast precursor cells is able to stimulate the expression of genes related to osteoblast differentiation and induce osteogenesis in vivo. Gene delivery vehicles based on human Ad5 are well suited for gene transfer for spinal fusion because they can mediate high-level, short-term gene expression. However, Ad5-based vectors with native tropism poorly transduce BMSCs, necessitating the use of vectors with modified tropism to achieve efficient gene transfer.

METHODS

The gene encoding Smad1C was transferred to rabbit BMSCs by an Ad5 vector with native tropism or a vector retargeted to alphav integrins, which are abundantly expressed on rabbit BMSCs. Transduced BMSCs were maintained in osteoblastic differentiation medium for 30 days. Alkaline phosphatase activity was determined and cells stained for calcium deposition. As positive controls for osteogenesis, we used Ad5 vectors expressing bone morphogenetic protein 2. As negative controls, BMSCs were mock-transduced or transduced with an Ad5 vector expressing beta-galactosidase. In an immunocompetent rabbit model of spinal fusion, transduced BMSCs were coated onto absorbable gelatin sponge and implanted between decorticated transverse processes L6 and L7 of 8-week-old female New Zealand white rabbits. Animals were killed 4 weeks after implantation of the sponges, the fusion masses harvested and the area of new bone quantified using image analysis software.

RESULTS

The Smad1C-expressing tropism-modified Ad5 vector mediated a significantly higher level of alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition in transduced rabbit BMSCs than all other vectors. The rabbit BMSCs transduced ex vivo with the Smad1C-expressing tropism-modified Ad5 vector mediated a greater amount of new bone formation than BMSCs transduced with any other vector.

CONCLUSIONS

Delivery of the Smad1C gene construct to BMSCs by an alphav integrin-targeted Ad5 vector shows promise for spinal fusion and other applications requiring the formation of new bone in vivo.

Characterization of Fowl Adenovirus Serotype 4 Isolated from Chickens with Hydropericardium Syndrome Based on Analysis of the Short Fiber Protein Gene

The sequences of short fiber genes of the Fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4), including isolates from chickens with hydropericardium syndrome (HPS), in Japan, India, and Pakistan were compared. By phylogenetic analysis based on complete nucleotide sequences of this gene, FAdV-4 strains from HPS (HPS–FAdV-4) in Japan, India, and Pakistan fell into a different cluster from FAdV-4 strains not derived from HPS. Hydropericardium syndrome–FAdV-4 isolates were differentiated from other FAdV-4 strains by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis using the enzyme the Alu I. The use of PCR-RFLP analysis of short fiber genes may be useful to distinguish among FAdV-4 strains.

Adenovirus vectors targeting distinct cell types in the retina

Purpose. Gene therapy for a number of retinal diseases necessitates efficient transduction of photoreceptor cells. Whereas adenovirus (Ad) serotype 5 (Ad5) does not transduce photoreceptors efficiently, previous studies have demonstrated improved photoreceptor transduction by Ad5 pseudotyped with Ad35 (Ad5/F35) or Ad37 (Ad5/F37) fiber or by the deletion of the RGD domain in the Ad5 penton base (Ad5DeltaRGD). However, each of these constructs contained a different transgene cassette, preventing the evaluation of the relative performance of these vectors, an important consideration before the use of these vectors in the clinic. The aim of this study was to evaluate these vectors in the retina and to attempt photoreceptor-specific transgene expression. Methods. Three Ad5-based vectors containing the same expression cassette were generated and injected into the subretinal space of adult mice. Eyes were analyzed for green fluorescence protein expression in flat-mounts, cross-sections, quantitative RT-PCR, and a modified stereological technique. A 257-bp fragment derived from the mouse opsin promoter was analyzed in the context of photoreceptor-specific transgene expression. Results. Each virus tested efficiently transduced the retinal pigment epithelium. The authors found no evidence that Ad5/F35 or Ad5/F37 transduced photoreceptors. Instead, they found that Ad5/F37 transduced Müller cells. Robust photoreceptor transduction by Ad5DeltaRGD was detected. Photoreceptor-specific transgene expression from the 257-bp mouse opsin promoter in the context of Ad5DeltaRGD vectors was found. Conclusions. Adenovirus vectors may be designed with tropism to distinct cell populations. Robust photoreceptor-specific transgene expression can be achieved in the context of Ad5DeltaRGD vectors.

Advancements in adenoviral based virotherapy for ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is a leading gynecologic malignancy with relatively grim survival statistics. There is a significant need for the development of new treatment options for this malignancy. The development of virotherapy as a treatment option for ovarian cancer has the potential to improve patient survival. Adenoviruses have multiple advantages as vectors for virotherapy including a well-understood structure and the ability to infect cells easily. We will outline the advances in virotherapy in the treatment of ovarian cancer, with particular attention directed toward adenoviral vectors.

Design, synthesis, and evaluation of N-acyl modified sialic acids as inhibitors of adenoviruses causing epidemic keratoconjunctivitis

The adenovirus serotype Ad37 binds to and infects human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells through attachment to cellular glycoproteins carrying terminal sialic acids. By use of the crystallographic structure of the sialic acid-interacting domain of the Ad37 fiber protein in complex with sialyllactose, a set of N-acyl modified sialic acids were designed to improve binding affinity through increased hydrophobic interactions. These N-acyl modified sialic acids and their corresponding multivalent human serum albumin (HSA) conjugates were synthesized and tested in Ad37 cell binding and cell infectivity assays. Compounds bearing small substituents were as effective inhibitors as sialic acid. X-ray crystallography and overlays with the Ad37-sialyllactose complex showed that the N-acyl modified sialic acids were positioned in the same orientation as sialic acid. Their multivalent counterparts achieved a strong multivalency effect and were more effective to prevent infection than the monomers. Unfortunately, they were less active as inhibitors than multivalent sialic acid.

Targeting of adenovirus serotype 5 pseudotyped with short fiber from serotype 41 to c-erbB2-positive cells using bispecific single-chain diabody

The purpose of the current study was to alter the broad native tropism of human adenovirus for virus targeting to c-erbB2-positive cancer cells. First, we engineered a single-chain antibody (scFv) against the c-erbB2 oncoprotein into minor capsid protein IX (pIX) of adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) in a manner commensurate with virion integrity and binding to the soluble extracellular c-erbB2 domain. To ablate native viral tropism and facilitate binding of the pIX-incorporated scFv to cellular c-erbB2, we replaced the Ad5 fiber with the Ad41 short (41s) fiber devoid of all known cell-binding determinants. The resultant Ad5F41sIX6.5 vector demonstrated increased cell binding and gene transfer as compared to the Ad5F41s control; however, this augmentation of virus infectivity was not c-erbB2 specific. Incorporation of a six-histidine (His(6)) peptide into the C-terminus of the 41s fiber protein resulted in markedly increased Ad5F41s6H infectivity in 293AR cells, which express a membrane-anchored scFv against the C-terminal oligohistidine tag, as compared to the Ad5F41s vector and the parental 293 cells. These data suggested that a 41s-fiber-incorporated His(6) tag could serve for attachment of an adapter protein designed to guide Ad5F41s6H infection in a c-erbB2-specific manner. We therefore engineered a bispecific scFv diabody (scDb) combining affinities for both c-erbB2 and the His(6) tag and showed its ability to provide up to 25-fold increase of Ad5F41s6H infectivity in c-erbB2-positive cells. Thus, Ad5 fiber replacement by a His(6)-tagged 41s fiber coupled with virus targeting mediated by an scDb adapter represents a promising strategy to confer Ad5 vector tropism for c-erbB2-positive cancer cells.

Insights into adenovirus host cell interactions from structural studies

Human adenoviruses cause a significant number of acute respiratory, enteric and ocular infections, however they have also served as useful model systems for uncovering fundamental aspects of cell and molecular biology. In addition, replication-defective forms of adenovirus are being used in gene transfer and vaccine clinical trials. Over the past decade, steady advances in structural biology techniques have helped reveal important insights into the earliest events in the adenovirus life cycle as well as virus interactions with components of the host immune system. This review highlights the continuing use of structure-based approaches to uncover the molecular features of adenovirus-host interactions.

Enhanced Gene Delivery to Human Primary Endothelial Cells Using Tropism-Modified Adenovirus Vectors

Endothelial cells have been noted to have relatively low expression of the native receptor for adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5), coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR), and are thus refractory to Ad5 infection. In this study, we hypothesize that increases in the infectivity of Ad5 in primary human pulmonary artery (HPAEC), coronary artery (HCAEC) and umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) can be achieved through genetic capsid modification of Ad5 to bypass CAR-dependent infection. The modifications tested in this study include incorporation of an integrin-binding RGD peptide motif (Ad5.RGD), a poly-lysine motif (Ad5.pK7), a combination of both of these peptide domains (Ad5.RGD.pK7), an adenovirus serotype 3 knob domain (Ad5/3Luc1) and canine adenovirus serotype 1 or 2 knob domains (Ad5Luc1-CK1 and Ad5Luc1-CK2). In HPAEC and HCAEC, the greatest infectivity enhancements were achieved using Ad5/3Luc1 (26-fold and 30-fold respectively). HUVEC was most readily infected by Ad5Luc1-CK1 (213-fold). These results demonstrate that gains in Ad5 infectivity in endothelial cells can be accomplished with genetic capsid modifications.

Labeling of adenovirus particles with PARACEST agents

Recombinant adenovirus type 5 particles (AdCMVLuc) were labeled with two different bifunctional ligands capable of forming stable complexes with paramagnetic lanthanide ions. The number of covalently attached ligands varied between 630 and 1960 per adenovirus particle depending upon the chemical reactivity of the bifunctional ligand (NHS ester versus isothiocyanide), the amount of excess ligand added, and the reaction time. The bioactivity of each labeled adenovirus derivative, as measured by the ability of the virus to infect cells and express luciferase, was shown to be highly dependent upon the number of covalently attached ligands. This indicates that certain amino groups, likely on the surface of the adenovirus fiber protein where cell binding is known to occur, are critical for viral attachment and infection. Addition of (177)Lu3+ to chemically modified versus control viruses demonstrated a significant amount of nonspecific binding of (177)Lu3+ to the virus particles that could not be sequestered by addition of excess DTPA. Thus, it became necessary to implement a prelabeling strategy for conjugation of preformed lanthanide ligand chelates to adenovirus particles. Using preformed Tm3+- L2, a large number of chelates having chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) properties were attached to the surface residues of AdCMVLuc without nonspecific binding of metal ions elsewhere on the virus particle. The potential of such conjugates to act as PARACEST imaging agents was tested using an on-resonance WALTZ sequence for CEST activation. A 12% decrease in bulk water signal intensity was observed relative to controls. This demonstrates that viral particles labeled with PARACEST-type imaging agents can potentially serve as targeted agents for molecular imaging.

Modification of pIX or hexon based on fiberless Ad vectors is not effective for targeted Ad vectors

Adenovirus (Ad) vector application in gene therapy is limited by its naïve tropism. We previously developed protein IX (pIX)-modified and hexon-modified Ad vectors in order to alter Ad vector tropism. However, these modified Ad vectors failed to infect cells with the foreign ligands displayed in the pIX or hexon. We hypothesized that steric hindrance by fiber proteins might have prevented the ligand-mediated transduction, as fibers are the outmost capsid proteins of Ad vectors. Therefore, we generated a series of fiberless Ad vectors and investigated their gene expression properties. Unexpectively, however, pIX- or hexon-modified fiberless Ad vector did not achieve any gene expression (the gene expression level by these vectors was similar to the background level). These results might be caused by the fact that the fiberless particles were weaker against physical burdens. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first reported attempt to develop fiberless Ad vectors containing foreign ligands in the pIX or hexon region. The drawback of the lower stability of fiberless Ad vectors must be overcome to develop targeted Ad vectors based on such vectors. This study could provide basic information for the development of effective targeted Ad vectors.

Modification of adenovirus capsid with a designed protein ligand yields a gene vector targeted to a major molecular marker of cancer

The future of genetic interventions in humans critically depends on the selectivity and efficiency of gene transfer to target tissues. The viral gene vectors explored to date cannot selectively transduce the desired targets. While substantial progress has been made in developing targeting strategies for adenovirus (Ad) vectors, future advances in this direction are severely limited by the shortage of naturally existing molecules available for use as targeting ligands. This shortage is due to fundamental and irresolvable differences at the level of both posttranslational modifications and intracellular trafficking between the Ad structural proteins and those natural proteins that are involved in interactions with the cell surface and could otherwise be considered as potential targeting ligands. We hypothesized that this problem could be resolved by altering the natural tropism of Ad vector through incorporation into its capsid of a rationally designed protein ligand, an affibody, whose structural, functional, and biosynthetic properties make it compatible with the Ad assembly process. We tested this hypothesis by redesigning the receptor-binding Ad protein, the fiber, using affibodies specific for human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (Her2), a major molecular marker of human tumors. The biosynthesis and folding of these fiber chimeras were fully compatible with Ad virion formation, and the resultant viral vectors were capable of selective delivery of a dual-function transgene to Her2-expressing cancer cells. By establishing the feasibility of this affibody-based approach to Ad vector targeting, the present study lays the foundation for further development of Ad vector technology toward its clinical use.