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Chin WX, Kong HY, Zhu IXY, Teo ZY, Faruk R, Lee RCH, Ho SX, Aw ZQ, Yi B, Hou XJ, Tan AKY, Yogarajah T, Huber RG, Cai Y, Wan Y, Chu JJH. Flavivirus genome recoding by codon optimisation confers genetically stable in vivo attenuation in both mice and mosquitoes. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011753. [PMID: 37883598 PMCID: PMC10629665 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Virus genome recoding is an attenuation method that confers genetically stable attenuation by rewriting a virus genome with numerous silent mutations. Prior flavivirus genome recoding attempts utilised codon deoptimisation approaches. However, these codon deoptimisation approaches act in a species dependent manner and were unable to confer flavivirus attenuation in mosquito cells or in mosquito animal models. To overcome these limitations, we performed flavivirus genome recoding using the contrary approach of codon optimisation. The genomes of flaviviruses such as dengue virus type 2 (DENV2) and Zika virus (ZIKV) contain functional RNA elements that regulate viral replication. We hypothesised that flavivirus genome recoding by codon optimisation would introduce silent mutations that disrupt these RNA elements, leading to decreased replication efficiency and attenuation. We chose DENV2 and ZIKV as representative flaviviruses and recoded them by codon optimising their genomes for human expression. Our study confirms that this recoding approach of codon optimisation does translate into reduced replication efficiency in mammalian, human, and mosquito cells as well as in vivo attenuation in both mice and mosquitoes. In silico modelling and RNA SHAPE analysis confirmed that DENV2 recoding resulted in the extensive disruption of genomic structural elements. Serial passaging of recoded DENV2 resulted in the emergence of rescue or adaptation mutations, but no reversion mutations. These rescue mutations were unable to rescue the delayed replication kinetics and in vivo attenuation of recoded DENV2, demonstrating that recoding confers genetically stable attenuation. Therefore, our recoding approach is a reliable attenuation method with potential applications for developing flavivirus vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Xin Chin
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hao Yuin Kong
- NUSMed Biosafety Level 3 Core Facility, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Isabelle Xin Yu Zhu
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zi Yun Teo
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Regina Faruk
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Regina Ching Hua Lee
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Si Xian Ho
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhen Qin Aw
- NUSMed Biosafety Level 3 Core Facility, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bowen Yi
- NUSMed Biosafety Level 3 Core Facility, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xin Jun Hou
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Antson Kiat Yee Tan
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Thinesshwary Yogarajah
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Roland G. Huber
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Yu Cai
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yue Wan
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Justin Jang Hann Chu
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- NUSMed Biosafety Level 3 Core Facility, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
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van Bree JW, Visser I, Duyvestyn JM, Aguilar-Bretones M, Marshall EM, van Hemert MJ, Pijlman GP, van Nierop GP, Kikkert M, Rockx BH, Miesen P, Fros JJ. Novel approaches for the rapid development of rationally designed arbovirus vaccines. One Health 2023; 16:100565. [PMID: 37363258 PMCID: PMC10288159 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases, including those transmitted by mosquitoes, account for more than 17% of infectious diseases worldwide. This number is expected to rise with an increased spread of vector mosquitoes and viruses due to climate change and man-made alterations to ecosystems. Among the most common, medically relevant mosquito-borne infections are those caused by arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses), especially members of the genera Flavivirus and Alphavirus. Arbovirus infections can cause severe disease in humans, livestock and wildlife. Severe consequences from infections include congenital malformations as well as arthritogenic, haemorrhagic or neuroinvasive disease. Inactivated or live-attenuated vaccines (LAVs) are available for a small number of arboviruses; however there are no licensed vaccines for the majority of these infections. Here we discuss recent developments in pan-arbovirus LAV approaches, from site-directed attenuation strategies targeting conserved determinants of virulence to universal strategies that utilize genome-wide re-coding of viral genomes. In addition to these approaches, we discuss novel strategies targeting mosquito saliva proteins that play an important role in virus transmission and pathogenesis in vertebrate hosts. For rapid pre-clinical evaluations of novel arbovirus vaccine candidates, representative in vitro and in vivo experimental systems are required to assess the desired specific immune responses. Here we discuss promising models to study attenuation of neuroinvasion, neurovirulence and virus transmission, as well as antibody induction and potential for cross-reactivity. Investigating broadly applicable vaccination strategies to target the direct interface of the vertebrate host, the mosquito vector and the viral pathogen is a prime example of a One Health strategy to tackle human and animal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce W.M. van Bree
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Imke Visser
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jo M. Duyvestyn
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Eleanor M. Marshall
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn J. van Hemert
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Gorben P. Pijlman
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Marjolein Kikkert
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Barry H.G. Rockx
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pascal Miesen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500, HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jelke J. Fros
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
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3
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Adam A, Lee C, Wang T. Rational Development of Live-Attenuated Zika Virus Vaccines. Pathogens 2023; 12:194. [PMID: 36839466 PMCID: PMC9963317 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV), a re-emerging mosquito-borne flavivirus, has caused outbreaks in Africa, Asia, the Pacific, and, more recently, in the Americas. ZIKV has been associated with the neurological autoimmune disorder Guillain-Barre syndrome in adults and congenital Zika syndrome in fetuses and infants, including microcephaly, spontaneous abortion, and intrauterine growth restriction. It is considered to be a major threat to global public health due to its unprecedented clinical impact on humans. Currently, there are no specific prophylactics or therapeutics available to prevent or treat ZIKV infection. The development of a safe and efficacious ZIKV vaccine remains a global health priority. Since the recent outbreak, multiple platforms have been used in the development of candidate ZIKV vaccines. The candidate vaccines have been shown to elicit strong T cell and neutralization antibody responses and protect against ZIKV infection in animal models. Some candidates have progressed successfully to clinical trials. Live-attenuated vaccines, which induce rapid and durable protective immunity, are one of the most important strategies for controlling flavivirus diseases. In this review, we discuss recent progress in the development of candidate live-attenuated ZIKV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awadalkareem Adam
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Christy Lee
- John Sealy School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Tian Wang
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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4
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Single dose of chimeric dengue-2/Zika vaccine candidate protects mice and non-human primates against Zika virus. Nat Commun 2021; 12:7320. [PMID: 34916486 PMCID: PMC8677809 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27578-w] [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: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of a safe and effective Zika virus (ZIKV) vaccine has become a global health priority since the widespread epidemic in 2015-2016. Based on previous experience in using the well-characterized and clinically proven dengue virus serotype-2 (DENV-2) PDK-53 vaccine backbone for live-attenuated chimeric flavivirus vaccine development, we developed chimeric DENV-2/ZIKV vaccine candidates optimized for growth and genetic stability in Vero cells. These vaccine candidates retain all previously characterized attenuation phenotypes of the PDK-53 vaccine virus, including attenuation of neurovirulence for 1-day-old CD-1 mice, absence of virulence in interferon receptor-deficient mice, and lack of transmissibility in the main mosquito vectors. A single DENV-2/ZIKV dose provides protection against ZIKV challenge in mice and rhesus macaques. Overall, these data indicate that the ZIKV live-attenuated vaccine candidates are safe, immunogenic and effective at preventing ZIKV infection in multiple animal models, warranting continued development.
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Salgado R, Hawks SA, Frere F, Vázquez A, Huang CYH, Duggal NK. West Nile Virus Vaccination Protects against Usutu Virus Disease in Mice. Viruses 2021; 13:v13122352. [PMID: 34960621 PMCID: PMC8704473 DOI: 10.3390/v13122352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are mosquito-borne flaviviruses that can cause neuroinvasive disease in humans. WNV and USUV circulate in both Africa and Europe and are closely related. Due to antigenic similarity, WNV-specific antibodies and USUV-specific antibodies have the potential to bind heterologous viruses; however, it is unclear whether this interaction may offer protection against infection. To investigate how prior WNV exposure would influence USUV infection, we used an attenuated WNV vaccine that contains the surface proteins of WNV in the backbone of a dengue virus 2 vaccine strain and protects against WNV disease. We hypothesized that vaccination with this attenuated WNV vaccine would protect against USUV infection. Neutralizing responses against WNV and USUV were measured in vitro using sera following vaccination. Sera from vaccinated CD-1 and Ifnar1-/- mice cross-neutralized with WNV and USUV. All mice were then subsequently challenged with an African or European USUV strain. In CD-1 mice, there was no difference in USUV titers between vaccinated and mock-vaccinated mice. However, in the Ifnar1-/- model, vaccinated mice had significantly higher survival rates and significantly lower USUV viremia compared to mock-vaccinated mice. Our results indicate that exposure to an attenuated form of WNV protects against severe USUV disease in mice and elicits a neutralizing response to both WNV and USUV. Future studies will investigate the immune mechanisms responsible for the protection against USUV infection induced by WNV vaccination, providing critical insight that will be essential for USUV and WNV vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Salgado
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (R.S.); (S.A.H.); (F.F.)
| | - Seth A. Hawks
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (R.S.); (S.A.H.); (F.F.)
| | - Francesca Frere
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (R.S.); (S.A.H.); (F.F.)
| | - Ana Vázquez
- National Centre for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), CIBERESP, CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health, 28220 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Claire Y.-H. Huang
- Arboviral Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA;
| | - Nisha K. Duggal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (R.S.); (S.A.H.); (F.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-540-231-6705
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6
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Charles J, Tangudu CS, Nunez-Avellaneda D, Brault AC, Blitvich BJ. The host range restriction of bat-associated no-known-vector flaviviruses occurs post-entry. J Gen Virol 2021; 102. [PMID: 34486974 PMCID: PMC8567430 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001647] [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] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Most flaviviruses are transmitted horizontally between vertebrate hosts by haematophagous arthropods. Others exhibit host ranges restricted to vertebrates or arthropods. Vertebrate-specific flaviviruses are commonly referred to as no-known-vector (NKV) flaviviruses and can be separated into bat- and rodent-associated NKV flaviviruses. Rio Bravo virus (RBV) is one of eight recognized bat-associated NKV (B-NKV) flaviviruses. Studies designed to identify the genetic determinants that condition the host range restriction of B-NKV flaviviruses have never been performed. To investigate whether the host range restriction occurs at the level of attachment or entry, chimeric flaviviruses were created by inserting the pre-membrane and envelope protein genes of RBV into the genetic backbones of yellow fever virus (YFV) and Zika virus (ZIKV), two mosquito-borne flaviviruses associated with human disease. The chimeric viruses infected both vertebrate and mosquito cells. In vertebrate cells, all viruses produced similar mean peak titres, but the chimeric viruses grew more slowly than their parental viruses during early infection. In mosquito cells, the chimeric virus of YFV and RBV grew more slowly than YFV at early post-inoculation time points, but reached a similar mean peak titre. In contrast, the chimeric virus of ZIKV and RBV produced a mean peak titre that was approximately 10-fold lower than ZIKV. The chimeric virus of YFV and RBV produced an intermediate plaque phenotype, while the chimeric virus of ZIKV and RBV produced smaller plaques than both parental viruses. To conclude, we provide evidence that the structural glycoproteins of RBV permit entry into both mosquito and vertebrate cells, indicating that the host range restriction of B-NKV flaviviruses is mediated by a post-attachment/entry event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jermilia Charles
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Chandra S Tangudu
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Daniel Nunez-Avellaneda
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Aaron C Brault
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Bradley J Blitvich
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
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7
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A single-dose live attenuated chimeric vaccine candidate against Zika virus. NPJ Vaccines 2021; 6:20. [PMID: 33514743 PMCID: PMC7846741 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-021-00282-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The mosquito-borne Zika virus is an emerging pathogen from the Flavivirus genus for which there are no approved antivirals or vaccines. Using the clinically validated PDK-53 dengue virus vaccine strain as a backbone, we created a chimeric dengue/Zika virus, VacDZ, as a live attenuated vaccine candidate against Zika virus. VacDZ demonstrates key markers of attenuation: small plaque phenotype, temperature sensitivity, attenuation of neurovirulence in suckling mice, and attenuation of pathogenicity in interferon deficient adult AG129 mice. VacDZ may be administered as a traditional live virus vaccine, or as a DNA-launched vaccine that produces live VacDZ in vivo after delivery. Both vaccine formulations induce a protective immune response against Zika virus in AG129 mice, which includes neutralising antibodies and a strong Th1 response. This study demonstrates that VacDZ is a safe and effective vaccine candidate against Zika virus.
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Calvert AE, Bennett SL, Dixon KL, Blair CD, Roehrig JT. A Monoclonal Antibody Specific for Japanese Encephalitis Virus with High Neutralizing Capability for Inclusion as a Positive Control in Diagnostic Neutralization Tests. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 101:233-236. [PMID: 31115302 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is the most common cause of viral encephalitis in Asia, and it is increasingly a global public health concern because of its recent geographic expansion. Although commercial vaccines are available and used in some endemic countries, JEV continues to cause illness, with more than 60,000 cases reported annually. To develop a reproducible positive control antibody useable in diagnosis of JEV infections, murine hybridomas were developed from mice inoculated with a combination of IXIARO JEV vaccine and JEV domain III of the envelope protein (E-DIII). Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were characterized for their ability to neutralize virus in vitro. Monoclonal antibody 17BD3-2 was found to be JEV specific and highly neutralizing, with a plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT)90 endpoint titer of 1.25 μg/mL. The functional epitopes were mapped using virus neutralization escape variants to amino acid residues S309, K312, and G333 in E-DIII. This MAb may be substituted for human immune sera used as a positive control in PRNT for distribution to public health laboratories worldwide in potential future outbreaks of JEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda E Calvert
- Arboviral Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Susan L Bennett
- Arthropod-Borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Kandice L Dixon
- Arboviral Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Carol D Blair
- Arthropod-Borne and Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - John T Roehrig
- Arboviral Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado
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9
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Incorporation of IgG Depletion in a Neutralization Assay Facilitates Differential Diagnosis of Zika and Dengue in Secondary Flavivirus Infection Cases. J Clin Microbiol 2018; 56:JCM.00234-18. [PMID: 29618505 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00234-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) has emerged as a major global public health concern due to its link as a causative agent of human birth defects. Laboratory diagnosis of suspected ZIKV infections by serological testing of specimens collected a week or more after symptom onset primarily relies on detection of anti-ZIKV-specific IgM antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay coupled with detection of ZIKV-specific neutralizing antibody by neutralization tests. A definitive diagnosis based on serological assays is possible during primary ZIKV infections; however, due to the cross-reactivity of antibodies elicited during flaviviral infections, a definitive diagnosis is not always possible, especially among individuals who have previously been exposed to closely related flaviviruses, such as dengue virus (DENV). Here, we investigated the neutralizing IgM antibody profiles of 33 diagnostic specimens collected from individuals with suspected primary and secondary flaviviral infections acquired when visiting areas experiencing active ZIKV transmission in 2015 and 2016. Specimens collected between 1 day and 3 months postexposure were tested for ZIKV and dengue virus type 1 (DENV1) and type 2 (DENV2) by the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) before and after IgG depletion. We found that IgG depletion prior to neutralization testing had little effect in differentiating samples from individuals with secondary infections taken less than 3 weeks postexposure; however, IgG depletion significantly reduced the cross-reactive neutralizing antibody titers and increased the percentage of cases discernible by PRNT from 15.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.3 to 42.2%) to 76.9% (95% CI, 49.7 to 91.8%) for samples collected between roughly 3 and 12 weeks postexposure. These results highlight the potential of IgG depletion to improve the specificity of PRNT for better confirmation and differential diagnosis of flavivirus infections.
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10
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Abstract
The persistence of West Nile virus (WNV) infections throughout the USA since its inception in 1999 and its continuous spread throughout the globe calls for an urgent need of effective treatments and prevention measures. Although the licensing of several WNV vaccines for veterinary use provides a proof of concept, similar efforts on the development of an effective vaccine for humans remain still unsuccessful. Increased understanding of biology and pathogenesis of WNV together with recent technological advancements have raised hope that an effective WNV vaccine may be available in the near future. In addition, rapid progress in the structural and functional characterization of WNV and other flaviviral proteins have provided a solid base for the design and development of several classes of inhibitors as potential WNV therapeutics. Moreover, the therapeutic monoclonal antibodies demonstrate an excellent efficacy against WNV in animal models and represent a promising class of WNV therapeutics. However, there are some challenges as to the design and development of a safe and efficient WNV vaccine or therapeutic. In this chapter, we discuss the current approaches, progress, and challenges toward the development of WNV vaccines, therapeutic antibodies, and antiviral drugs.
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11
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Recovery of West Nile Virus Envelope Protein Domain III Chimeras with Altered Antigenicity and Mouse Virulence. J Virol 2016; 90:4757-4770. [PMID: 26912625 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02861-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Flaviviruses are positive-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses responsible for millions of human infections annually. The envelope (E) protein of flaviviruses comprises three structural domains, of which domain III (EIII) represents a discrete subunit. The EIII gene sequence typically encodes epitopes recognized by virus-specific, potently neutralizing antibodies, and EIII is believed to play a major role in receptor binding. In order to assess potential interactions between EIII and the remainder of the E protein and to assess the effects of EIII sequence substitutions on the antigenicity, growth, and virulence of a representative flavivirus, chimeric viruses were generated using the West Nile virus (WNV) infectious clone, into which EIIIs from nine flaviviruses with various levels of genetic diversity from WNV were substituted. Of the constructs tested, chimeras containing EIIIs from Koutango virus (KOUV), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV), and Bagaza virus (BAGV) were successfully recovered. Characterization of the chimeras in vitro and in vivo revealed differences in growth and virulence between the viruses, within vivo pathogenesis often not being correlated within vitro growth. Taken together, the data demonstrate that substitutions of EIII can allow the generation of viable chimeric viruses with significantly altered antigenicity and virulence. IMPORTANCE The envelope (E) glycoprotein is the major protein present on the surface of flavivirus virions and is responsible for mediating virus binding and entry into target cells. Several viable West Nile virus (WNV) variants with chimeric E proteins in which the putative receptor-binding domain (EIII) sequences of other mosquito-borne flaviviruses were substituted in place of the WNV EIII were recovered, although the substitution of several more divergent EIII sequences was not tolerated. The differences in virulence and tissue tropism observed with the chimeric viruses indicate a significant role for this sequence in determining the pathogenesis of the virus within the mammalian host. Our studies demonstrate that these chimeras are viable and suggest that such recombinant viruses may be useful for investigation of domain-specific antibody responses and the more extensive definition of the contributions of EIII to the tropism and pathogenesis of WNV or other flaviviruses.
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12
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Yamaji H, Konishi E. Production of Japanese Encephalitis Virus-Like Particles Using Insect Cell Expression Systems. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1404:365-375. [PMID: 27076311 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3389-1_25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) can be produced via the expression of virus surface proteins that self-assemble into particulate structures in recombinant protein expression systems. Expression of the DNA fragment encoding the Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus prM signal peptide, the precursor (prM) of the viral membrane protein (M), and the envelope glycoprotein (E) allows the production of a secretory form of VLPs. Expression systems that use lepidopteran insect cells, such as the baculovirus-insect cell system and stably transformed insect cells, can be used for the efficient production of JE VLPs. This chapter describes the production of JE VLPs from stably transformed lepidopteran insect cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Yamaji
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University, 1-1 Rokkodai, Nada, Kobe, 657-8501, Japan.
| | - Eiji Konishi
- BIKEN Endowed Department of Dengue Vaccine Development, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 420/6 Ratchawithi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand.,BIKEN Endowed Department of Dengue Vaccine Development, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
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13
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Flavivirus reverse genetic systems, construction techniques and applications: a historical perspective. Antiviral Res 2014; 114:67-85. [PMID: 25512228 PMCID: PMC7173292 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2014.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Revised: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The study of flaviviruses, which cause some of the most important emerging tropical and sub-tropical human arbovirus diseases, has greatly benefited from the use of reverse genetic systems since its first development for yellow fever virus in 1989. Reverse genetics technology has completely revolutionized the study of these viruses, making it possible to manipulate their genomes and evaluate the direct effects of these changes on their biology and pathogenesis. The most commonly used reverse genetics system is the infectious clone technology. Whilst flavivirus infectious clones provide a powerful tool, their construction as full-length cDNA molecules in bacterial vectors can be problematic, laborious and time consuming, because they are often unstable, contain unwanted induced substitutions and may be toxic for bacteria due to viral protein expression. The incredible technological advances that have been made during the past 30years, such as the use of PCR or new sequencing methods, have allowed the development of new approaches to improve preexisting systems or elaborate new strategies that overcome these problems. This review summarizes the evolution and major technical breakthroughs in the development of flavivirus reverse genetics technologies and their application to the further understanding and control of these viruses and their diseases.
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Saiyasombat R, Carrillo-Tripp J, Miller WA, Bredenbeek PJ, Blitvich BJ. Substitution of the premembrane and envelope protein genes of Modoc virus with the homologous sequences of West Nile virus generates a chimeric virus that replicates in vertebrate but not mosquito cells. Virol J 2014; 11:150. [PMID: 25151534 PMCID: PMC4148964 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-11-150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Most known flaviviruses, including West Nile virus (WNV), are maintained in natural transmission cycles between hematophagous arthropods and vertebrate hosts. Other flaviviruses such as Modoc virus (MODV) and Culex flavivirus (CxFV) have host ranges restricted to vertebrates and insects, respectively. The genetic elements that modulate the differential host ranges and transmission cycles of these viruses have not been identified. Methods Fusion polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to replace the capsid (C), premembrane (prM) and envelope (E) genes and the prM-E genes of a full-length MODV infectious cDNA clone with the corresponding regions of WNV and CxFV. Fusion products were directly transfected into baby hamster kidney-derived cells that stably express T7 RNA polymerase. At 4 days post-transfection, aliquots of each supernatant were inoculated onto vertebrate (BHK-21 and Vero) and mosquito (C6/36) cells which were then assayed for evidence of viral infection by reverse transcription-PCR, Western blot and plaque assay. Results Chimeric virus was recovered in cells transfected with the fusion product containing the prM-E genes of WNV. The virus could infect vertebrate but not mosquito cells. The in vitro replication kinetics and yields of the chimeric virus were similar to MODV but the chimeric virus produced larger plaques. Chimeric virus was not recovered in cells transfected with any of the other fusion products. Conclusions Our data indicate that genetic elements outside of the prM-E gene region of MODV condition its vertebrate-specific phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Bradley J Blitvich
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA.
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Wang HJ, Li XF, Ye Q, Li SH, Deng YQ, Zhao H, Xu YP, Ma J, Qin ED, Qin CF. Recombinant chimeric Japanese encephalitis virus/tick-borne encephalitis virus is attenuated and protective in mice. Vaccine 2014; 32:949-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.12.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Revised: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Brandler S, Tangy F. Vaccines in development against West Nile virus. Viruses 2013; 5:2384-409. [PMID: 24084235 PMCID: PMC3814594 DOI: 10.3390/v5102384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Revised: 09/21/2013] [Accepted: 09/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile encephalitis emerged in 1999 in the United States, then rapidly spread through the North American continent causing severe disease in human and horses. Since then, outbreaks appeared in Europe, and in 2012, the United States experienced a new severe outbreak reporting a total of 5,387 cases of West Nile virus (WNV) disease in humans, including 243 deaths. So far, no human vaccine is available to control new WNV outbreaks and to avoid worldwide spreading. In this review, we discuss the state-of-the-art of West Nile vaccine development and the potential of a novel safe and effective approach based on recombinant live attenuated measles virus (MV) vaccine. MV vaccine is a live attenuated negative-stranded RNA virus proven as one of the safest, most stable and effective human vaccines. We previously described a vector derived from the Schwarz MV vaccine strain that stably expresses antigens from emerging arboviruses, such as dengue, West Nile or chikungunya viruses, and is strongly immunogenic in animal models, even in the presence of MV pre-existing immunity. A single administration of a recombinant MV vaccine expressing the secreted form of WNV envelope glycoprotein elicited protective immunity in mice and non-human primates as early as two weeks after immunization, indicating its potential as a human vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Brandler
- Unité de Génomique Virale et Vaccination, INSTITUT PASTEUR, 28 rue du Dr Roux, Paris 75015, France.
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A review of vaccine approaches for West Nile virus. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 10:4200-23. [PMID: 24025396 PMCID: PMC3799512 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph10094200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Revised: 09/02/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The West Nile virus (WNC) first appeared in North America in 1999. The North American lineages of WNV were characterized by the presence of neuroinvasive and neurovirulent strains causing disease and death in humans, birds and horses. The 2012 WNV season in the United States saw a massive spike in the number of neuroinvasive cases and deaths similar to what was seen in the 2002–2003 season, according to the West Nile virus disease cases and deaths reported to the CDC by year and clinical presentation, 1999–2012, by ArboNET (Arboviral Diseases Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). In addition, the establishment and recent spread of lineage II WNV virus strains into Western Europe and the presence of neurovirulent and neuroinvasive strains among them is a cause of major concern. This review discusses the advances in the development of vaccines and biologicals to combat human and veterinary West Nile disease.
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Abstract
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus is the most important human pathogen transmitted by ticks in Eurasia. Inactivated vaccines are available but require multiple doses and frequent boosters to induce and maintain immunity. Thus far, the goal of developing a safe, live attenuated vaccine effective after a single dose has remained elusive. Here we used a replication-defective (single-cycle) flavivirus platform, RepliVax, to generate a safe, single-dose TBE vaccine. Several RepliVax-TBE candidates attenuated by a deletion in the capsid gene were constructed using different flavivirus backbones containing the envelope genes of TBE virus. RepliVax-TBE based on a West Nile virus backbone (RV-WN/TBE) grew more efficiently in helper cells than candidates based on Langat E5, TBE, and yellow fever 17D backbones, and was found to be highly immunogenic and efficacious in mice. Live chimeric yellow fever 17D/TBE, Dengue 2/TBE, and Langat E5/TBE candidates were also constructed but were found to be underattenuated. RV-WN/TBE was demonstrated to be highly immunogenic in Rhesus macaques after a single dose, inducing a significantly more durable humoral immune response compared with three doses of a licensed, adjuvanted human inactivated vaccine. Its immunogenicity was not significantly affected by preexisting immunity against WN. Immunized monkeys were protected from a stringent surrogate challenge. These results support the identification of a single-cycle TBE vaccine with a superior product profile to existing inactivated vaccines, which could lead to improved vaccine coverage and control of the disease.
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Huang CYH, Kinney RM, Livengood JA, Bolling B, Arguello JJ, Luy BE, Silengo SJ, Boroughs KL, Stovall JL, Kalanidhi AP, Brault AC, Osorio JE, Stinchcomb DT. Genetic and phenotypic characterization of manufacturing seeds for a tetravalent dengue vaccine (DENVax). PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2243. [PMID: 23738026 PMCID: PMC3667780 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We have developed a manufacturing strategy that can improve the safety and genetic stability of recombinant live-attenuated chimeric dengue vaccine (DENVax) viruses. These viruses, containing the pre-membrane (prM) and envelope (E) genes of dengue serotypes 1–4 in the replicative background of the attenuated dengue-2 PDK-53 vaccine virus candidate, were manufactured under cGMP. Methodology/Principal Findings After deriving vaccine viruses from RNA-transfected Vero cells, six plaque-purified viruses for each serotype were produced. The plaque-purified strains were then analyzed to select one stock for generation of the master seed. Full genetic and phenotypic characterizations of the master virus seeds were conducted to ensure these viruses retained the previously identified attenuating determinants and phenotypes of the vaccine viruses. We also assessed vector competence of the vaccine viruses in sympatric (Thai) Aedes aegypti mosquito vectors. Conclusion/Significance All four serotypes of master vaccine seeds retained the previously defined safety features, including all three major genetic loci of attenuation, small plaques, temperature sensitivity in mammalian cells, reduced replication in mosquito cell cultures, and reduced neurovirulence in new-born mice. In addition, the candidate vaccine viruses demonstrated greatly reduced infection and dissemination in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, and are not likely to be transmissible by these mosquitoes. This manufacturing strategy has successfully been used to produce the candidate tetravalent vaccine, which is currently being tested in human clinical trials in the United States, Central and South America, and Asia. Transmitted by Aedes spp. mosquitoes found worldwide, dengue is the most important mosquito-borne viral disease in the world. The incidence of dengue has increased 30-fold over the past 50 years, and is now endemic in over 100 countries. Vaccination is believed to be one of the most effective strategies in dengue prevention. However, no vaccine is currently available, and prevention strategies to control mosquitoes in endemic areas have been insufficient in controlling dengue. We have developed a recombinant live-attenuated tetravalent vaccine against all four serotypes of dengue virus. This candidate vaccine is currently under human clinical evaluation. In this report, we provide information regarding our manufacturing strategy, and present details of the genetic and biological characterization of the master seed virus for each vaccine serotype. The study described here, our previously reported and ongoing pre-clinical studies, and current clinical trials will provide critical information to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the vaccine to protect humans against dengue.
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MESH Headings
- Aedes
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Cell Line
- Dengue/pathology
- Dengue/virology
- Dengue Vaccines/adverse effects
- Dengue Vaccines/genetics
- Dengue Vaccines/immunology
- Dengue Vaccines/standards
- Dengue Virus/genetics
- Dengue Virus/immunology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Genomic Instability
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred ICR
- Quality Control
- Technology, Pharmaceutical/methods
- Temperature
- Vaccines, Attenuated/adverse effects
- Vaccines, Attenuated/genetics
- Vaccines, Attenuated/immunology
- Vaccines, Attenuated/standards
- Vaccines, Synthetic/adverse effects
- Vaccines, Synthetic/genetics
- Vaccines, Synthetic/immunology
- Vaccines, Synthetic/standards
- Viral Plaque Assay
- Virulence
- Virus Replication/radiation effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Y-H Huang
- Arboviral Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
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Tumban E, Maes NE, Schirtzinger EE, Young KI, Hanson CT, Whitehead SS, Hanley KA. Replacement of conserved or variable sequences of the mosquito-borne dengue virus 3' UTR with homologous sequences from Modoc virus does not change infectivity for mosquitoes. J Gen Virol 2012; 94:783-788. [PMID: 23255623 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.046664-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Flavivirus includes both vector-borne and no known vector (NKV) species, but the molecular determinants of transmission mode are not known. Conserved sequence differences between the two groups occur in 5' and 3' UTRs. To investigate the impact of these differences on transmission, chimeric genomes were generated, in which UTRs, UTRs+capsid, or the upper 3' UTR stem-loop of mosquito-borne dengue virus (DENV) were replaced with homologous regions from NKV Modoc virus (MODV); the conserved pentanucleotide sequence (CPS) was also deleted from the DENV genome. Virus was not recovered following transfection of these genomes in three different cell types. However, DENV genomes in which the CPS or variable region (VR) of the 3' UTR were replaced with MODV sequences were recovered and infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes with similar efficiencies to DENV. These results demonstrate that neither vector-borne CPS nor VR is required for vector-borne transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebenezer Tumban
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.,Molecular Biology Program, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - Nyree E Maes
- Molecular Biology Program, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - Erin E Schirtzinger
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - Katherine I Young
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
| | - Christopher T Hanson
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Stephen S Whitehead
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kathryn A Hanley
- Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA.,Molecular Biology Program, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
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Yamaji H, Segawa M, Nakamura M, Katsuda T, Kuwahara M, Konishi E. Production of Japanese encephalitis virus-like particles using the baculovirus–insect cell system. J Biosci Bioeng 2012; 114:657-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2012.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2012] [Revised: 06/05/2012] [Accepted: 06/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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22
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Wiggan O, Livengood JA, Silengo SJ, Kinney RM, Osorio JE, Huang CYH, Stinchcomb DT. Novel formulations enhance the thermal stability of live-attenuated flavivirus vaccines. Vaccine 2011; 29:7456-62. [PMID: 21803103 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.07.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2011] [Revised: 06/29/2011] [Accepted: 07/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Thermal stability is important for the manufacture, distribution and administration of vaccines, especially in tropical developing countries, where particularly adverse field conditions exist. Current live-attenuated flavivirus vaccines exhibit relatively poor liquid stability in clinical settings, and clinicians are instructed to discard the yellow fever vaccine 1h after reconstitution. We have identified novel combinations of excipients that greatly enhance the thermal stability of live-attenuated DEN-2 PDK-53-based flavivirus vaccine candidates. Liquid formulations comprising a sugar, albumin and a pluronic polymer minimized the loss of flavivirus infectious titer to less than 0.5 log(10)pfu after storage for at least 8h at 37°C, 7 days at room temperature or at least 11 weeks at 4°C. Additionally, these formulations prevented reduction of viral infectivity after two freeze-thaw cycles of virus. Formulated candidate vaccines were readily lyophilized and reconstituted with minimal loss of viral titers. In mice, the formulations were safe and did not hinder the ability of the vaccine virus to generate a potent, protective immune response. These formulations provided significantly greater liquid-phase stability than has been reported previously for other flavivirus vaccine formulations. The enhanced thermal stability provided by the formulations described here will facilitate the effective distribution of flavivirus vaccines worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- O'Neil Wiggan
- Inviragen Inc., Fort Collins, Colorado 80525,United States
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23
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Brault AC, Kinney RM, Maharaj PD, Green EN, Reisen WK, Huang CYH. Replication of the Primary Dog Kidney-53 Dengue 2 Virus Vaccine Candidate inAedes aegyptiIs Modulated by a Mutation in the 5′ Untranslated Region and Amino Acid Substitutions in Nonstructural Proteins 1 and 3. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2011; 11:683-9. [DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2010.0150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron C. Brault
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Center for Vector Borne Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis
- Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Richard M. Kinney
- Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Payal D. Maharaj
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Center for Vector Borne Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis
- Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Emily N.G. Green
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Center for Vector Borne Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis
| | - William K. Reisen
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Center for Vector Borne Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis
| | - Claire Y.-H. Huang
- Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado
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Beasley DWC. Vaccines and immunotherapeutics for the prevention and treatment of infections with West Nile virus. Immunotherapy 2011; 3:269-85. [PMID: 21322763 DOI: 10.2217/imt.10.93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of West Nile virus (WNV) in North America in 1999 as a cause of severe neurological disease in humans, horses and birds stimulated development of vaccines for human and veterinary use, as well as polyclonal/monoclonal antibodies and other immunomodulating compounds for use as therapeutics. Although disease incidence in North America has declined since the peak epidemics in 2002-2003, the virus has continued to be annually transmitted in the Americas and to cause periodic epidemics in Europe and the Middle East. Continued transmission of the virus with human and animal disease suggests that vaccines and therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of WNV disease could be of great benefit. This article focuses on progress in development and evaluation of vaccines and immunotherapeutics for the prevention and treatment of WNV disease in humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W C Beasley
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, Center for Biodefense & Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute for Human Infections & Immunity, & Galveston National Laboratory, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555-0609, USA.
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Tumban E, Mitzel DN, Maes NE, Hanson CT, Whitehead SS, Hanley KA. Replacement of the 3' untranslated variable region of mosquito-borne dengue virus with that of tick-borne Langat virus does not alter vector specificity. J Gen Virol 2011; 92:841-8. [PMID: 21216984 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.026997-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The four major flavivirus clades are transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks, directly between vertebrates or directly between arthropods, respectively, but the molecular determinants of mode of transmission in flaviviruses are unknown. To assess the role of the UTRs in transmission, we generated chimeric genomes in which the 5' UTR, capsid and/or 3' UTR of mosquito-borne dengue virus serotype 4 (rDENV-4) were replaced, separately or in combination, with those of tick-borne Langat virus (rLGTV). None of the chimeric genomes yielded detectable virus following transfection. Replacement of the variable region (VR) in the rDENV-4 3' UTR with that of rLGTV generated virus rDENV-4-rLGTswapVR, which showed lower replication than its wild-type parents in mammalian but not mosquito cells in culture and was able to infect mosquitoes in vivo. Neither rDENV-4 nor rDENV-4-rLGTswapVR could infect larval Ixodes scapularis ticks immersed in virus, while rLGTV was highly infectious via this route.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebenezer Tumban
- Molecular Biology Program, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
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26
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Spohn G, Jennings GT, Martina BE, Keller I, Beck M, Pumpens P, Osterhaus AD, Bachmann MF. A VLP-based vaccine targeting domain III of the West Nile virus E protein protects from lethal infection in mice. Virol J 2010; 7:146. [PMID: 20604940 PMCID: PMC2914671 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-7-146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2010] [Accepted: 07/06/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Since its first appearance in the USA in 1999, West Nile virus (WNV) has spread in the Western hemisphere and continues to represent an important public health concern. In the absence of effective treatment, there is a medical need for the development of a safe and efficient vaccine. Live attenuated WNV vaccines have shown promise in preclinical and clinical studies but might carry inherent risks due to the possibility of reversion to more virulent forms. Subunit vaccines based on the large envelope (E) glycoprotein of WNV have therefore been explored as an alternative approach. Although these vaccines were shown to protect from disease in animal models, multiple injections and/or strong adjuvants were required to reach efficacy, underscoring the need for more immunogenic, yet safe DIII-based vaccines. Results We produced a conjugate vaccine against WNV consisting of recombinantly expressed domain III (DIII) of the E glycoprotein chemically cross-linked to virus-like particles derived from the recently discovered bacteriophage AP205. In contrast to isolated DIII protein, which required three administrations to induce detectable antibody titers in mice, high titers of DIII-specific antibodies were induced after a single injection of the conjugate vaccine. These antibodies were able to neutralize the virus in vitro and provided partial protection from a challenge with a lethal dose of WNV. Three injections of the vaccine induced high titers of virus-neutralizing antibodies, and completely protected mice from WNV infection. Conclusions The immunogenicity of DIII can be strongly enhanced by conjugation to virus-like particles of the bacteriophage AP205. The superior immunogenicity of the conjugate vaccine with respect to other DIII-based subunit vaccines, its anticipated favourable safety profile and low production costs highlight its potential as an efficacious and cost-effective prophylaxis against WNV.
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Characterization of recombinant dengue-2 virus derived from a single nucleotide substitution in the 5' noncoding region. J Biomed Biotechnol 2010; 2010:934694. [PMID: 20339476 PMCID: PMC2843905 DOI: 10.1155/2010/934694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2009] [Revised: 10/15/2009] [Accepted: 12/23/2009] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Variants of wild-type dengue serotype 2 (DEN-2) virus containing nucleotide substitutions at positions 14, 15, or 57 in the 5′ NCR were constructed by PCR-mediated site-directed mutagenesis. All three viruses containing a single point substitution demonstrated attenuation phenotype as evidenced by decreases replication and plaque size in cell culture assay. All three variants were less neurovirulent in newborn mice compared to the wild type. The mutants were immunogenic in adult mice immunogenicity and maintained stable replication characteristics following passage in mice. The variant viruses were competent for replication in Aedes aegypi mosquito vector, albeit at lower levels of infection and dissemination in the mosquito than the wild-type Den-2 16681 virus. Although all of the viruses, including the wild type, were found transmissible in mosquito life cycles, they were found subsequentially decreased in efficiency of infection, transmission, and dissemination rates along the mosquito generations and all of them remained genetically stable.
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Whiteman MC, Li L, Wicker JA, Kinney RM, Huang C, Beasley DW, Chung KM, Diamond MS, Solomon T, Barrett AD. Development and characterization of non-glycosylated E and NS1 mutant viruses as a potential candidate vaccine for West Nile virus. Vaccine 2010; 28:1075-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.10.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2009] [Revised: 10/15/2009] [Accepted: 10/19/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Takahashi H, Ohtaki N, Maeda-Sato M, Tanaka M, Tanaka K, Sawa H, Ishikawa T, Takamizawa A, Takasaki T, Hasegawa H, Sata T, Hall WW, Kurata T, Kojima A. Effects of the number of amino acid residues in the signal segment upstream or downstream of the NS2B-3 cleavage site on production and secretion of prM/M-E virus-like particles of West Nile virus. Microbes Infect 2009; 11:1019-28. [PMID: 19647801 DOI: 10.1016/j.micinf.2009.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2009] [Revised: 07/08/2009] [Accepted: 07/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Expression of genes for precursor M (prM) and envelope (E) proteins of West Nile virus (WNV) leads to the production of small, capsidless, and non-infectious virus-like particles (VLPs) possessing the E antigen which is responsible for viral entry and immune protection. It has been reported that processing of the secretion signal affects viral release. We examined the secretion efficiency of VLPs into the culture medium from RK13 or 293T cells transfected with expression vectors for prM and E proteins of WNV which were constructed to comprise different lengths of signal peptides upstream of the prM-E domain. The number of amino acid residues present in the segment markedly affected the production, processing, and secretion of VLPs. Secreted VLPs possessed both the processed M protein and the glycosylated E protein. In addition, immunization with VLPs induced neutralizing antibodies in C3H/HeN mice. These results indicate that the number of amino acid residues comprising the N-terminus of the signal segment controls the efficiency of assembly, maturation, and release of VLPs in the absence of viral protease, which in turn indicates the potential of VLPs as a candidate for an effective WNV subunit vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidehiro Takahashi
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Toyama 1-23-1, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan.
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RepliVAX WN, a single-cycle flavivirus vaccine to prevent West Nile disease, elicits durable protective immunity in hamsters. Vaccine 2009; 27:5550-3. [PMID: 19635608 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2009] [Revised: 06/27/2009] [Accepted: 07/08/2009] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) causes significant disease, yet no vaccines exist to prevent WN disease in humans. We have previously reported that RepliVAX WN is a safe and efficacious vaccine in mouse and hamster models of WN disease. Here, we report that vaccination of hamsters with RepliVAX WN induces antibody responses that remain stable for at least 6 months. Furthermore, animals challenged with virulent WNV 6 months after vaccination were protected from disease as well as those challenged 2 months post-vaccination, with no vaccinated animals succumbing to WNV challenge. These results indicate that RepliVAX is capable of inducing durable protective immunity after a single dose.
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Widman DG, Frolov I, Mason PW. Third-generation flavivirus vaccines based on single-cycle, encapsidation-defective viruses. Adv Virus Res 2009; 72:77-126. [PMID: 19081489 DOI: 10.1016/s0065-3527(08)00402-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Flaviviruses are arthropod-borne pathogens that cause significant disease on all continents of the world except Antarctica. Flavivirus diseases are particularly important in tropical regions where arthropod vectors are abundant. Live-attenuated virus vaccines (LAVs) and inactivated virus vaccines (INVs) exist for some of these diseases. LAVs are economical to produce and potent, but are not suitable for use in the immunocompromised. INVs are safer, but are more expensive to produce and less potent. Despite the success of both classes of these first-generation flavivirus vaccines, problems associated with their use indicate a need for improved products. Furthermore, there are no suitable vaccines available for important emerging flavivirus diseases, notably dengue and West Nile encephalitis (WNE). To address these needs, new products, including LAVs, INVs, viral-vectored, genetically engineered LAVs, naked DNA, and subunit vaccines are in various stages of development. Here we describe the current state of these first- and second-generation vaccine candidates, and compare these products to our recently described single-cycle, encapsidation defective flavivirus vaccine: RepliVAX. RepliVAX can be propagated in C-expressing cells (or as a unique two-component virus) using methods similar to those used to produce today's economical and potent LAVs. However, due to deletion of most of the gene for the C protein, RepliVAX cannot spread between normal cells, and is unable to cause disease in vaccinated animals. Nevertheless, RepliVAX is potent and efficacious in animal models for WNE and Japanese encephalitis, demonstrating its utility as a third-generation flavivirus vaccine that should be potent, economical to produce, and safe in the immunocompromised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas G Widman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas 77555, USA
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Attenuated West Nile viruses bearing 3′SL and envelope gene substitution mutations. Vaccine 2008; 26:5981-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.08.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2008] [Revised: 08/19/2008] [Accepted: 08/25/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Abstract
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus originally isolated in 1937 from the blood of a febrile woman in the West Nile province of Uganda. The virus is widely distributed in Africa, Europe, Australia, and Asia, and, since 1999, it has spread rapidly throughout the western hemisphere, including the USA, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean and into parts of Central and South America. Before 1994, outbreaks of West Nile virus were sporadic and occurred primarily in the Mediterranean region, Africa, and east Europe. Since 1994, outbreaks have occurred with a higher incidence of severe human disease, particularly affecting the nervous system. In North America, the virus has caused meningitis, encephalitis, and poliomyelitis, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. The goal of this Review is to highlight recent advances in our understanding of West Nile virus virology, ecology, clinical disease, diagnosis, and development of potential vaccines and antiviral therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura D Kramer
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, New York 12208, USA
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Identification of mutated cyclization sequences that permit efficient replication of West Nile virus genomes: use in safer propagation of a novel vaccine candidate. J Virol 2008; 82:6942-51. [PMID: 18480453 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00662-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Existing live-attenuated flavivirus vaccines (LAV) could be improved by reducing their potential to recombine with naturally circulating viruses in the field. Since the highly conserved cyclization sequences (CS) found in the termini of flavivirus genomes must be complementary to each other to support genome replication, we set out to identify paired mutant CS that could support the efficient replication of LAV but would be unable to support replication in recombinant viruses harboring one wild-type (WT) CS. By systematic evaluation of paired mutated CS encoded in West Nile virus (WNV) replicons, we identified variants having single and double mutations in the 5'- and 3'-CS components that could support genome replication at WT levels. Replicons containing only the double-mutated CS in the 5' or the 3' ends of the genome were incapable of replication, indicating that mutated CS could be useful for constructing safer LAV. Despite the identity of the central portion of the CS in all mosquito-borne flaviviruses, viruses carrying complementary the double mutations in both the 5'- and the 3'-CS were indistinguishable from WT WNV in their replication in insect and mammalian cell lines. In addition to the utility of our novel CS pair in constructing safer LAV, we demonstrated that introduction of these mutated CS into one component of a recently described two-component genome system (A. V. Shustov, P. W. Mason, and I. Frolov, J. Virol. 81:11737-11748, 2007) enabled us to engineer a safer single-cycle WNV vaccine candidate with reduced potential for recombination during its propagation.
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Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) infection of mosquitoes, birds, and vertebrates continues to spread in the Western Hemisphere. In humans, WNV infects the central nervous system and causes severe disease, primarily in the immunocompromised and elderly. In this review we discuss the mechanisms by which antibody controls WNV infection. Recent virologic, immunologic, and structural experiments have enhanced our understanding on how antibodies neutralize WNV and protect against disease. These advances have significant implications for the development of novel antibody-based therapies and targeted vaccines.
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Kramer LD, Styer LM, Ebel GD. A global perspective on the epidemiology of West Nile virus. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2008; 53:61-81. [PMID: 17645411 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.ento.53.103106.093258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 342] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) (Flavivirus: Flaviviridae) is the most widespread arbovirus in the world. A significant range expansion occurred beginning in 1999 when the virus was introduced into New York City. This review highlights recent research into WNV epizootiology and epidemiology, including recent advances in understanding of the host-virus interaction at the molecular, organismal, and ecological levels. Vector control strategies, vaccines, and antivirals, which now must be considered on a global scale, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura D Kramer
- The Arbovirus Laboratories, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Slingerlands, NY 12159, USA.
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37
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Sirigulpanit W, Kinney RM, Leardkamolkarn V. Substitution or deletion mutations between nt 54 and 70 in the 5' non-coding region of dengue type 2 virus produce variable effects on virus viability. J Gen Virol 2007; 88:1748-1752. [PMID: 17485535 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.82455-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A C57U nucleotide mutation in a predicted RNA stem structure (nt 11-16/56-61) of the 5' non-coding region (5'NCR) of dengue 2 (DEN-2) 16681 virus is partially attenuating, but unstable during serial passage of certain candidate DEN-2 PDK-53-based vaccine viruses containing this mutation. Here, 11 different mutations (one or more point substitution and/or deletion) between nt 54 and 70 in the 5'NCR of the pD2/IC-30P-A (16681) infectious clone are described. Four mutants were infectious. Three mutants with single point substitutions replicated well in cell culture and exhibited variable neurovirulence in mice. Constructs containing multiple substitutions or any deletions failed to produce infectious viruses. Unexpectedly, a double C57U+G58C mutant replicated as efficiently as D2/IC-30P-A virus, and was more neurovirulent for newborn ICR mice. Thus, despite its predicted additional disruption of the RNA stem structure, the engineered contiguous secondary G58C mutation caused reversion of the partially attenuated phenotype caused by the 5'NCR-C57U mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wipawan Sirigulpanit
- Department of Anatomy and Center for Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Richard M Kinney
- Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Fort Collins, CO 80522, USA
| | - Vijittra Leardkamolkarn
- Department of Anatomy and Center for Vectors and Vector-Borne Diseases, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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Rabablert J, Wasi C, Kinney R, Kasisith J, Pitidhammabhorn D, Ubol S. Attenuating characteristics of DEN-2 PDK53 in flavivirus-naïve peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Vaccine 2007; 25:3896-905. [PMID: 17316931 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2007.01.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2006] [Revised: 12/05/2006] [Accepted: 01/18/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A live-attenuated DEN-2 virus, DEN-2 strain 16681-PDK53, has been found to be attenuated for both humans and mice with an unknown mechanism. To partially answer this question, responses of flavivirus-naïve primary human PBMC to infection with attenuated DEN-2 PDK53 (D2/IC-VV45R) virus and its parental, virulent DEN-2 16681 virus (D2/IC-30P-A) were investigated at the cellular and genetic levels using cDNA array analysis. Both DEN-2 viruses produced similar replication kinetics in flavivirus-naïve PBMC. In contrast, virulent DEN-2 virus caused a higher percentage of apoptotic death. A macro-array analysis showed that the virulent D2/IC-30P-A virus induced changes in the expression of a greater number of genes than did the attenuated D2/IC-VV45R virus, 31 genes versus 19 genes, respectively, by 24 h post-infection. Interestingly, both viruses stimulated cytokines known to be virulence factors for DEN virus infection, such as IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, MIP-1beta, and MIP-1alpha. The virulent virus additionally up-regulates immune suppression factors and down-regulates immune activator and growth factors. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that D2-PDK53 effected less change in PBMC than D2-16681 in terms of observable cellular effect and expression of cytokine and chemokine related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jundee Rabablert
- Center for Vaccine Development, Institute of Science and Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, and Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
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Chu JHJ, Chiang CCS, Ng ML. Immunization of Flavivirus West Nile Recombinant Envelope Domain III Protein Induced Specific Immune Response and Protection against West Nile Virus Infection. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2007; 178:2699-705. [PMID: 17312111 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.178.5.2699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The domain III of the West Nile virus (WNV) envelope glycoprotein (E) was shown to serve as virus attachment domain to the cellular receptor, and neutralizing Abs have been mapped to this specific domain. In this study, domain III of the WNV E protein (WNV E DIII) was expressed as a recombinant protein and its potential as a subunit vaccine candidate was evaluated in BALB/C mice. Immunization of WNV E DIII protein with oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-DNA) adjuvant by i.p. injection was conducted over a period of 3 wk. The immunized mice generated high titer of WNV-neutralizing Abs. Murine Ab against WNV E DIII protein was also capable of neutralizing Japanese encephalitis virus. The IgG isotypes generated were predominantly IgG2a in the murine sera against the recombinant protein. Splenocyte cultures from the mice coadministrated with WNV E DIII protein and CpG secreted large amounts of IFN-gamma and IL-2 and showed proliferation of T cells in the presence of WNV E DIII protein. Overall, this study highlighted that recombinant WNV E DIII protein delivered in combination with CpG adjuvant to mice generated a Th1 immune response type against WNV and can serve as a potential vaccine to prevent WNV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jang-Hann J Chu
- Flavivirology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, 5 Science Drive 2, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597
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40
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Choi KS, Ko YJ, Nah JJ, Kim YJ, Kang SY, Yoon KJ, Joo YS. Monoclonal antibody-based competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detecting and quantifying West Nile virus-neutralizing antibodies in horse sera. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2006; 14:134-8. [PMID: 17135450 PMCID: PMC1797797 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00322-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A rapid immunoassay for detecting and quantifying West Nile virus (WNV)-neutralizing antibodies in sera was developed as an alternative to the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT), the gold standard test for WNV. The assay is a competitive, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using neutralizing monoclonal antibody 5E8 (NT-ELISA). A cutoff percent inhibition (PI) value of 35% (mean PI plus 3 standard deviations), with a specificity of 99%, was established based on analysis of 246 serum samples from horses free of WNV. The NT-ELISA detected neutralizing antibodies in all sera collected 7 or 14 days postinoculation from mice (n = 11) infected with lineage I (strain NY385-99) or II (strain B956) WNV. When sera from WNV-vaccinated horses (n = 212) were tested by NT-ELISA and PRNT, the NT-ELISA gave a positive result for 96.1% (173/180) of the PRNT-positive sera and 3.1% (1/32) of the PRNT-negative sera. Discrepancies between the two tests were observed mainly with sera with low PRNT(90) titers (expressed as the reciprocal of the highest dilution yielding > or = 90% reduction in the number of plaques) for WNV or low PIs by NT-ELISA. The overall agreement (k value) between the two tests was 0.86. A good correlation (r(2) = 0.77) was also observed between the tests for endpoint titration of sera (n = 116). In conclusion, the newly developed NT-ELISA may be a good alternative serologic assay for detecting WNV that can be used for large-scale testing of WNV-neutralizing antibodies in multiple species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang-Seuk Choi
- National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service, 480 Anyang-6 dong, Anyang, Gyeonggi 430-824, Republic of Korea.
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Pletnev AG, Swayne DE, Speicher J, Rumyantsev AA, Murphy BR. Chimeric West Nile/dengue virus vaccine candidate: preclinical evaluation in mice, geese and monkeys for safety and immunogenicity. Vaccine 2006; 24:6392-404. [PMID: 16831498 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2006.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2006] [Revised: 05/31/2006] [Accepted: 06/07/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A live attenuated virus vaccine is being developed to protect against West Nile virus (WN) disease in humans. Previously, it was found that chimeric West Nile/dengue viruses (WN/DEN4 and WN/DEN4Delta30) bearing the membrane precursor and envelope protein genes of WN on a backbone of dengue type 4 virus (DEN4) with or without a deletion of 30 nucleotides (Delta30) in the 3' noncoding region of the DEN4 part of the chimeric genome were attenuated and efficacious in mice and monkeys against WN challenge. Here, we report the generation of a clinical lot of WN/DEN4Delta30 virus and its further preclinical evaluation for safety and immunogenicity in mice, geese and monkeys. The vaccine candidate had lost neuroinvasiveness in highly sensitive immunodeficient mice inoculated intraperitoneally and had greatly reduced neurovirulence in suckling mice inoculated intracerebrally (IC). Compared to the wild-type WN parent, the chimeric virus was highly restricted in replication in both murine and human neuroblastoma cells as well as in brains of suckling mice. The WN/DEN4Delta30 virus failed to infect geese, indicating that chimerization of WN with DEN4 completely attenuated WN for this avian host. This observation suggests that the WN/DEN4 chimeric viruses would be restricted in their ability to be transmitted from vaccinees to domestic or wild birds. In monkeys, the WN/DEN4Delta30 vaccine candidate was highly immunogenic despite its low level of replication with undetectable viremia. Furthermore, the WN/DEN4Delta30 vaccine virus was safe and readily induced neutralizing antibodies against WN in monkeys immune to each of the four serotypes of dengue virus. These studies confirm the attenuation of WN/DEN4Delta30 for non-human primates, including dengue-immune monkeys, and demonstrate both a highly restricted replication (>10(8)-fold decrease) in the brain of mice inoculated IC and an absence of infectivity for birds, findings that indicate this vaccine should be safe for both the recipient and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G Pletnev
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-8133, USA.
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Calvert AE, Huang CYH, Kinney RM, Roehrig JT. Non-structural proteins of dengue 2 virus offer limited protection to interferon-deficient mice after dengue 2 virus challenge. J Gen Virol 2006; 87:339-346. [PMID: 16432020 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.81256-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric (D2/WN) viruses containing the pre-membrane (prM) and envelope (E) proteins of West Nile virus (WN virus) and the capsid (C) and non-structural proteins of dengue 2 (DEN2) virus were used to evaluate the protective immunity elicited by either the flaviviral E protein or non-structural proteins. AG129 interferon-deficient mice, previously shown to be protected against lethal DEN1 or DEN2 viral infection after vaccination with a wild-type or candidate vaccine strain of DEN1 or DEN2 virus, respectively, were immunized with chimeric D2/WN virus and then challenged with DEN2 virus. D2/WN chimeric viruses were non-pathogenic in AG129 mice. These viruses elicited little anti-DEN E antibody, high levels of anti-DEN NS1 antibody and no or very low levels of DEN2 virus-neutralizing antibodies. Only 15% of D2/WN-immunized mice survived challenge with DEN2 virus. However, their mean survival time increased by 11-14 days over non-immunized controls. These results suggest that, whilst the non-structural proteins were able to enhance mean survival times of AG129 mice, this protection was not as effective as protection mediated by the E protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda E Calvert
- Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Public Health Service, US Department of Health and Human Services, PO Box 2087, Fort Collins, CO 80522, USA
| | - Claire Y-H Huang
- Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Public Health Service, US Department of Health and Human Services, PO Box 2087, Fort Collins, CO 80522, USA
| | - Richard M Kinney
- Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Public Health Service, US Department of Health and Human Services, PO Box 2087, Fort Collins, CO 80522, USA
| | - John T Roehrig
- Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Public Health Service, US Department of Health and Human Services, PO Box 2087, Fort Collins, CO 80522, USA
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Butrapet S, Kinney RM, Huang CYH. Determining genetic stabilities of chimeric dengue vaccine candidates based on dengue 2 PDK-53 virus by sequencing and quantitative TaqMAMA. J Virol Methods 2005; 131:1-9. [PMID: 16087248 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2005.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2005] [Revised: 06/24/2005] [Accepted: 06/29/2005] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The genetic stabilities of the three attenuation loci of the candidate dengue 2 (D2) PDK-53 vaccine virus were evaluated for the PDK-53 virus and PDK-53-vectored chimeric D2/1, D2/3, and D2/4 viruses following 10 sequential passages in Vero cells. Sequencing revealed that the dominant NS1-53-Asp and the NS3-250-Val attenuation loci were extremely stable, whereas reversion occurred at the 5'NCR-57-U locus in 10 of the 18 viral lineages tested. A more sensitive and quantitative assay, the TaqMan mismatch amplification mutation assay (TaqMAMA), was employed to more finely discriminate the level of reversion at the 5'NCR-57 locus. This rapid genetic assay permitted detection of <or=1% reversion of 5'NCR-57 U-to-C in viral populations. By TaqMAMA, various levels of reversion at 5'NCR-57 were detected in all 18 of the PDK-53-based viral lineages tested at Vero passage 10, but only 3 lineages had reversion levels>80% in the viral population. Chimeric viruses based on the PDK-53-V (all three mutations present) genetic background were more stable than those developed in the PDK-53-E (5'NCR and NS1 mutations present) background. The TaqMAMA can be applied in quality control analyses to ensure that attenuated vaccine seeds contain undetectable or minimal levels of reversion at a given attenuation locus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siritorn Butrapet
- Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, P.O. Box 2087, Fort Collins, CO 80522, USA
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