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Prudhomme N, Pastora R, Thomson S, Zheng E, Sproule A, Krieger JR, Murphy JP, Overy DP, Cossar D, McLean MD, Geddes‐McAlister J. Bacterial growth-mediated systems remodelling of Nicotiana benthamiana defines unique signatures of target protein production in molecular pharming. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024; 22:2248-2266. [PMID: 38516995 PMCID: PMC11258984 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The need for therapeutics to treat a plethora of medical conditions and diseases is on the rise and the demand for alternative approaches to mammalian-based production systems is increasing. Plant-based strategies provide a safe and effective alternative to produce biological drugs but have yet to enter mainstream manufacturing at a competitive level. Limitations associated with batch consistency and target protein production levels are present; however, strategies to overcome these challenges are underway. In this study, we apply state-of-the-art mass spectrometry-based proteomics to define proteome remodelling of the plant following agroinfiltration with bacteria grown under shake flask or bioreactor conditions. We observed distinct signatures of bacterial protein production corresponding to the different growth conditions that directly influence the plant defence responses and target protein production on a temporal axis. Our integration of proteomic profiling with small molecule detection and quantification reveals the fluctuation of secondary metabolite production over time to provide new insight into the complexities of dual system modulation in molecular pharming. Our findings suggest that bioreactor bacterial growth may promote evasion of early plant defence responses towards Agrobacterium tumefaciens (updated nomenclature to Rhizobium radiobacter). Furthermore, we uncover and explore specific targets for genetic manipulation to suppress host defences and increase recombinant protein production in molecular pharming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Prudhomme
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BiologyUniversity of GuelphGuelphONCanada
| | | | - Sarah Thomson
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BiologyUniversity of GuelphGuelphONCanada
| | - Edison Zheng
- Department of Molecular and Cellular BiologyUniversity of GuelphGuelphONCanada
| | - Amanda Sproule
- Ottawa Research and Development CentreAgriculture and Agri‐Food CanadaOttawaONCanada
| | | | - J. Patrick Murphy
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Prince Edward IslandCharlottetownPECanada
| | - David P. Overy
- Ottawa Research and Development CentreAgriculture and Agri‐Food CanadaOttawaONCanada
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2
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Pandey A, Karmous I. Exploring the Potential of Plant-Based Nanotechnology in Cancer Immunotherapy: Benefits, Limitations, and Future Perspectives. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024:10.1007/s12011-024-04266-6. [PMID: 38862749 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-024-04266-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Reconceptualizing cancer immunotherapy can be improved if combined with plant production systems and nanotechnology. This review aims to contribute to the knowledge of plant use in nanomedicine and cancer immunotherapy. In the foreground, we outlined each of these approaches; nanomedicine, green synthesis, and immunotherapy. The benefits of plant-based nanoparticles in mending the immune systems were subsequently analyzed, with reference to the literature. The combining effects of biological and therapeutic properties of some phytochemicals and their derivatives, with targeted nanoparticles and selective immunotherapy, can enhance the delivery of drugs and antibodies, and induce antitumor immune responses, via activation of functions of neutrophils, lymphocyte cells, and natural killer cells, and macrophages, resulting in induced apoptosis and phagocytosis of tumor cells, which can improve designing immunotherapeutic strategies targeting cancer, with a larger spectrum compared to the current cytotoxic anticancer drugs commonly used in clinics. This study uncovers the mechanistic drivers of cancer immunoengineering in cancer therapy using plant-based nanomaterials, enhancing therapeutic benefits while minimizing toxic and side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Pandey
- Department of Radiology, Tech4Health Institute, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ines Karmous
- Biology and Environmental Department, Institute of Applied Biology of Medenine (ISBAM), University of Gabes, Gabes, Tunisia.
- Plant Toxicology and Molecular Biology of Microorganisms, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerta, University of Carthage, Carthage, Tunisia.
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3
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Chen SY, Chen YL, Li PC, Cheng TS, Chu YS, Shen YS, Chen HT, Tsai WN, Huang CL, Sieber M, Yeh YC, Liu HS, Chiang CL, Chang CH, Lee AS, Tseng YH, Lee LJ, Liao HJ, Yip HK, Huang CYF. Engineered extracellular vesicles carrying let-7a-5p for alleviating inflammation in acute lung injury. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:30. [PMID: 38500170 PMCID: PMC10949767 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-024-01019-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening respiratory condition characterized by severe inflammation and lung tissue damage, frequently causing rapid respiratory failure and long-term complications. The microRNA let-7a-5p is involved in the progression of lung injury, inflammation, and fibrosis by regulating immune cell activation and cytokine production. This study aims to use an innovative cellular electroporation platform to generate extracellular vesicles (EVs) carring let-7a-5p (EV-let-7a-5p) derived from transfected Wharton's jelly-mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) as a potential gene therapy for ALI. METHODS A cellular nanoporation (CNP) method was used to induce the production and release of EV-let-7a-5p from WJ-MSCs transfected with the relevant plasmid DNA. EV-let-7a-5p in the conditioned medium were isolated using a tangential flow filtration (TFF) system. EV characterization followed the minimal consensus guidelines outlined by the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles. We conducted a thorough set of therapeutic assessments, including the antifibrotic effects using a transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)-induced cell model, the modulation effects on macrophage polarization, and the influence of EV-let-7a-5p in a rat model of hyperoxia-induced ALI. RESULTS The CNP platform significantly increased EV secretion from transfected WJ-MSCs, and the encapsulated let-7a-5p in engineered EVs was markedly higher than that in untreated WJ-MSCs. These EV-let-7a-5p did not influence cell proliferation and effectively mitigated the TGF-β-induced fibrotic phenotype by downregulating SMAD2/3 phosphorylation in LL29 cells. Furthermore, EV-let-7a-5p regulated M2-like macrophage activation in an inflammatory microenvironment and significantly induced interleukin (IL)-10 secretion, demonstrating their modulatory effect on inflammation. Administering EVs from untreated WJ-MSCs slightly improved lung function and increased let-7a-5p expression in plasma in the hyperoxia-induced ALI rat model. In comparison, EV-let-7a-5p significantly reduced macrophage infiltration and collagen deposition while increasing IL-10 expression, causing a substantial improvement in lung function. CONCLUSION This study reveals that the use of the CNP platform to stimulate and transfect WJ-MSCs could generate an abundance of let-7a-5p-enriched EVs, which underscores the therapeutic potential in countering inflammatory responses, fibrotic activation, and hyperoxia-induced lung injury. These results provide potential avenues for developing innovative therapeutic approaches for more effective interventions in ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sin-Yu Chen
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112304, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ling Chen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 833401, Taiwan
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, 833401, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chen Li
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112304, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Shan Cheng
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112304, Taiwan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, 220216, Taiwan
| | - Yeh-Shiu Chu
- Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112304, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Shan Shen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, 220216, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106319, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Tung Chen
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112304, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ni Tsai
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112304, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ling Huang
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112304, Taiwan
| | | | - Yuan-Chieh Yeh
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, 204201, Taiwan
- Program in Molecular Medicine, College of Life Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112304, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Sheng Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 701401, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807378, Taiwan
- Teaching and Research Center, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 812015, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ling Chiang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Chih-Hung Chang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, 220216, Taiwan
- Graduate School of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Yuan Ze University, Taoyuan, 320315, Taiwan
| | | | - Yen-Han Tseng
- Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112201, Taiwan
| | - Ly James Lee
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112304, Taiwan.
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
- Spot Biosystems Ltd., Palo Alto, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Hsiu-Jung Liao
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112304, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, 220216, Taiwan.
| | - Hon-Kan Yip
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 833401, Taiwan.
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, 833401, Taiwan.
- Center for Shockwave Medicine and Tissue Engineering, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, 833401, Taiwan.
- Department of Nursing, Asia University, Taichung, 413305, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, 404328, Taiwan.
| | - Chi-Ying F Huang
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112304, Taiwan.
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807378, Taiwan.
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4
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Shanmugaraj B, Jirarojwattana P, Phoolcharoen W. Molecular Farming Strategy for the Rapid Production of Protein-Based Reagents for Use in Infectious Disease Diagnostics. PLANTA MEDICA 2023; 89:1010-1020. [PMID: 37072112 DOI: 10.1055/a-2076-2034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant proteins are a major breakthrough in biomedical research with a wide range of applications from diagnostics to therapeutics. Strategic construct design, consistent expression platforms, and suitable upstream and downstream techniques are key considerations to produce commercially viable recombinant proteins. The recombinant antigenic protein production for use either as a diagnostic reagent or subunit vaccine formulation is usually carried out in prokaryotic or eukaryotic expression platforms. Microbial and mammalian systems dominate the biopharmaceutical industry for such applications. However, there is no universal expression system that can meet all the requirements for different types of proteins. The adoptability of any expression system is likely based on the quality and quantity of the proteins that can be produced from it. The huge demand of recombinant proteins for different applications requires an inexpensive production platform for rapid development. The molecular farming scientific community has been promoting the plant system for nearly 3 decades as a cost-effective alternative to produce high-quality proteins for research, diagnostic, and therapeutic applications. Here, we discuss how plant biotechnology could offer solutions for the rapid and scalable production of protein antigens as low-cost diagnostic reagents for use in functional assays.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Perawat Jirarojwattana
- Center of Excellence in Plant-produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Waranyoo Phoolcharoen
- Center of Excellence in Plant-produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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5
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Sepotokele KM, O'Kennedy MM, Wandrag DBR, Abolnik C. Optimization of infectious bronchitis virus-like particle expression in Nicotiana benthamiana as potential poultry vaccines. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288970. [PMID: 37471377 PMCID: PMC10358894 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious bronchitis (IB) is a highly contagious, acute respiratory disease in chickens, with a severe economic impact on poultry production globally. The rapid emergence of regional variants of this Gammacoronavirus warrants new vaccine approaches that are more humane and rapid to produce than the current embryonated chicken egg-based method used for IB variant vaccine propagation (chemically-inactivated whole viruses). The production of virus-like particles (VLPs) expressing the Spike (S) glycoprotein, the major antigen which induces neutralizing antibodies, has not been achieved in planta up until now. In this study, using the Agrobacterium-mediated Nicotiana benthamiana (tobacco plant) transient expression system, the highest levels of VLPs displaying a modified S protein of a QX-like IB variant were obtained when the native transmembrane (TM) domain and cytoplasmic tail were substituted with that of the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) fusion glycoprotein, co-infiltrated with the NDV Matrix protein. In comparison, the native IB modified S co-infiltrated with IB virus membrane, envelope and nucleocapsid proteins, or substituted with the TM and CT of an H6-subtype influenza A virus hemagglutinin glycoprotein yielded lower VLP expression levels. Strong immunogenicity was confirmed in specific pathogen free chickens immunized intramuscularly with VLPs adjuvanted with Emulsigen®-P, where birds that received doses of 5 μg or 20 μg (S protein content) seroconverted after two weeks with mean hemaggluttination inhibition titres of 9.1 and 10 log2, respectively. Plant-produced IB VLP variant vaccines are safer, more rapid and cost effective to produce than VLPs produced in insect cell expression systems or the traditional egg-produced inactivated whole virus oil emulsion vaccines currently in use, with great potential for improved IB disease control in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamogelo M Sepotokele
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Martha M O'Kennedy
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Biosciences, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Daniel B R Wandrag
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Celia Abolnik
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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6
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Kotwal SB, Orekondey N, Saradadevi GP, Priyadarshini N, Puppala NV, Bhushan M, Motamarry S, Kumar R, Mohannath G, Dey RJ. Multidimensional futuristic approaches to address the pandemics beyond COVID-19. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17148. [PMID: 37325452 PMCID: PMC10257889 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been enormous and unrelenting with ∼6.9 million deaths and ∼765 million infections. This review mainly focuses on the recent advances and potentially novel molecular tools for viral diagnostics and therapeutics with far-reaching implications in managing the future pandemics. In addition to briefly highlighting the existing and recent methods of viral diagnostics, we propose a couple of potentially novel non-PCR-based methods for rapid, cost-effective, and single-step detection of nucleic acids of viruses using RNA mimics of green fluorescent protein (GFP) and nuclease-based approaches. We also highlight key innovations in miniaturized Lab-on-Chip (LoC) devices, which in combination with cyber-physical systems, could serve as ideal futuristic platforms for viral diagnosis and disease management. We also discuss underexplored and underutilized antiviral strategies, including ribozyme-mediated RNA-cleaving tools for targeting viral RNA, and recent advances in plant-based platforms for rapid, low-cost, and large-scale production and oral delivery of antiviral agents/vaccines. Lastly, we propose repurposing of the existing vaccines for newer applications with a major emphasis on Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)-based vaccine engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shifa Bushra Kotwal
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Telangana 500078, India
| | - Nidhi Orekondey
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Telangana 500078, India
| | | | - Neha Priyadarshini
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Telangana 500078, India
| | - Navinchandra V Puppala
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Telangana 500078, India
| | - Mahak Bhushan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Kolkata, West Bengal 741246, India
| | - Snehasri Motamarry
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Telangana 500078, India
| | - Rahul Kumar
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Telangana 500078, India
| | - Gireesha Mohannath
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Telangana 500078, India
| | - Ruchi Jain Dey
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Telangana 500078, India
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7
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Ma X, Li X, Li Z. Transgene-Free Genome Editing in Nicotiana benthamiana with CRISPR/Cas9 Delivered by a Rhabdovirus Vector. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2653:173-185. [PMID: 36995626 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3131-7_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
The clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas systems have become the most widely adopted genome editing platform owing to their unprecedented simplicity, efficiency, and versatility. Typically, the genome editing enzyme is expressed in plant cells from an integrated transgene delivered by either Agrobacterium-mediated or biolistic transformation. Recently, plant virus vectors have emerged as promising tools for the in planta delivery of CRISPR/Cas reagent. Here, we provide a protocol for CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing in the model tobacco plant Nicotiana benthamiana using a recombinant negative-stranded RNA rhabdovirus vector. The method is based on infection of N. benthamiana with a Sonchus yellow net virus (SYNV)-based vector that carries the Cas9 and guide RNA expression cassettes to target specific genome loci for mutagenesis. With this method, mutant plants free of foreign DNA can be obtained within 4-5 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuemei Li
- Technology Center, China Tobacco Yunnan Industrial Co. LTD, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhenghe Li
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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8
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Margolin E, Allen JD, Verbeek M, Chapman R, Meyers A, van Diepen M, Ximba P, Motlou T, Moore PL, Woodward J, Strasser R, Crispin M, Williamson AL, Rybicki EP. Augmenting glycosylation-directed folding pathways enhances the fidelity of HIV Env immunogen production in plants. Biotechnol Bioeng 2022; 119:2919-2937. [PMID: 35781691 PMCID: PMC9544252 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Heterologous glycoprotein production relies on host glycosylation-dependent folding. When the biosynthetic machinery differs from the usual expression host, there is scope to remodel the assembly pathway to enhance glycoprotein production. Here we explore the integration of chaperone coexpression with glyco-engineering to improve the production of a model HIV-1 envelope antigen. Calreticulin was coexpressed to support protein folding together with Leishmania major STT3D oligosaccharyltransferase, to improve glycan occupancy, RNA interference to suppress the formation of truncated glycans, and Nicotiana benthamiana plants lacking α1,3-fucosyltransferase and β1,2-xylosyltransferase was used as an expression host to prevent plant-specific complex N-glycans forming. This approach reduced the formation of undesired aggregates, which predominated in the absence of glyco-engineering. The resulting antigen also exhibited increased glycan occupancy, albeit to a slightly lower level than the equivalent mammalian cell-produced protein. The antigen was decorated almost exclusively with oligomannose glycans, which were less processed compared with the mammalian protein. Immunized rabbits developed comparable immune responses to the plant-produced and mammalian cell-derived antigens, including the induction of autologous neutralizing antibodies when the proteins were used to boost DNA and modified vaccinia Ankara virus-vectored vaccines. This study demonstrates that engineering glycosylation-directed folding offers a promising route to enhance the production of complex viral glycoproteins in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Margolin
- Department of Pathology, Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Joel D Allen
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Matthew Verbeek
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ros Chapman
- Department of Pathology, Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ann Meyers
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michiel van Diepen
- Department of Pathology, Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Phindile Ximba
- Department of Pathology, Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Thopisang Motlou
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Centre for HIV and STIs, Johannesburg, South Africa
- MRC Antibody Immunity Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Penny L Moore
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Centre for HIV and STIs, Johannesburg, South Africa
- MRC Antibody Immunity Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Congella, Durban, South Africa
| | - Jeremy Woodward
- Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Richard Strasser
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Max Crispin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Anna-Lise Williamson
- Department of Pathology, Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Edward P Rybicki
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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9
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Göritzer K, Grandits M, Grünwald-Gruber C, Figl R, Mercx S, Navarre C, Ma JKC, Teh AYH. Engineering the N-glycosylation pathway of Nicotiana tabacum for molecular pharming using CRISPR/Cas9. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1003065. [PMID: 36161010 PMCID: PMC9493077 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1003065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Molecular pharming in plants offers exciting possibilities to address global access to modern biologics. However, differences in the N-glycosylation pathway including the presence of β(1,2)-xylose and core α(1,3)-fucose can affect activity, potency and immunogenicity of plant-derived proteins. Successful glycoengineering approaches toward human-like structures with no changes in plant phenotype, growth, or recombinant protein expression levels have been reported for Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana benthamiana. Such engineering of N-glycosylation would also be desirable for Nicotiana tabacum, which remains the crop of choice for recombinant protein pharmaceuticals required at massive scale and for manufacturing technology transfer to less developed countries. Here, we generated N. tabacum cv. SR-1 β(1,2)-xylosyltransferase (XylT) and α(1,3)-fucosyltransferase (FucT) knockout lines using CRISPR/Cas9 multiplex genome editing, targeting three conserved regions of the four FucT and two XylT genes. These two enzymes are responsible for generating non-human N-glycan structures. We confirmed full functional knockout of transformants by immunoblotting of total soluble protein by antibodies recognizing β(1,2)-xylose and core α(1,3)-fucose, mass spectrometry analysis of recombinantly produced VRC01, a broadly neutralizing anti-HIV-1 hIgG1 antibody, and Sanger sequencing of targeted regions of the putative transformants. These data represent an important step toward establishing Nicotiana tabacum as a biologics platform for Global Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Göritzer
- Hotung Molecular Immunology Unit, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Melanie Grandits
- Hotung Molecular Immunology Unit, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Clemens Grünwald-Gruber
- Core Facility Mass Spectrometry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rudolf Figl
- Core Facility Mass Spectrometry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sébastien Mercx
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Catherine Navarre
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Julian K-C. Ma
- Hotung Molecular Immunology Unit, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Audrey Y-H. Teh
- Hotung Molecular Immunology Unit, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
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10
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Rosenberg YJ, Jiang X, Lees JP, Urban LA, Mao L, Sack M. Enhanced HIV SOSIP Envelope yields in plants through transient co-expression of peptidyl-prolyl isomerase B and calreticulin chaperones and ER targeting. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10027. [PMID: 35705669 PMCID: PMC9200074 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14075-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
High yield production of recombinant HIV SOSIP envelope (Env) trimers has proven elusive as numerous disulfide bonds, proteolytic cleavage and extensive glycosylation pose high demands on the host cell machinery and stress imposed by accumulation of misfolded proteins may ultimately lead to cellular toxicity. The present study utilized the Nicotiana benthamiana/p19 (N.b./p19) transient plant system to assess co-expression of two ER master regulators and 5 chaperones, crucial in the folding process, to enhance yields of three Env SOSIPs, single chain BG505 SOSIP.664 gp140, CH505TF.6R.SOSIP.664.v4.1 and CH848-10.17-DT9. Phenotypic changes in leaves induced by SOSIP expression were employed to rapidly identify chaperone-assisted improvement in health and expression. Up to 15-fold increases were obtained by co-infiltration of peptidylprolvl isomerase (PPI) and calreticulin (CRT) which were further enhanced by addition of the ER-retrieval KDEL tags to the SOSIP genes; levels depending on individual SOSIP type, day of harvest and chaperone gene dosage. Results are consistent with reducing SOSIP misfolding and cellular stress due to increased exposure to the plant host cell's calnexin/calreticulin network and accelerating the rate-limiting cis-trans isomerization of Xaa-Pro peptide bonds respectively. Plant transient co-expression facilitates rapid identification of host cell factors and will be translatable to other complex glycoproteins and mammalian expression systems.
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11
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Habibi P, Shi Y, Fatima Grossi-de-Sa M, Khan I. Plants as Sources of Natural and Recombinant Antimalaria Agents. Mol Biotechnol 2022; 64:1177-1197. [PMID: 35488142 PMCID: PMC9053566 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-022-00499-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is one of the severe infectious diseases that has victimized about half a civilization billion people each year worldwide. The application of long-lasting insecticides is the main strategy to control malaria; however, a surge in antimalarial drug development is also taking a leading role to break off the infections. Although, recurring drug resistance can compromise the efficiency of both conventional and novel antimalarial medicines. The eradication of malaria is significantly contingent on discovering novel potent agents that are low cost and easy to administer. In this context, plant metabolites inhibit malaria infection progression and might potentially be utilized as an alternative treatment for malaria, such as artemisinin. Advances in genetic engineering technology, especially the advent of molecular farming, have made plants more versatile in producing protein drugs (PDs) to treat infectious diseases, including malaria. These recent developments in genetic modifications have enabled the production of native pharmaceutically active compounds and the accumulation of diverse heterologous proteins such as human antibodies, booster vaccines, and many PDs to treat infectious diseases and genetic disorders. This review will discuss the pivotal role of a plant-based production system that expresses natural antimalarial agents or host protein drugs to cure malaria infections. The potential of these natural and induced compounds will support modern healthcare systems in treating malaria infections, especially in developing countries to mitigate human fatalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyman Habibi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Yao Shi
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Maria Fatima Grossi-de-Sa
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília-DF, Brazil
- Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília-DF, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT Plant Stress Biotech, Embrapa, Brazil
| | - Imran Khan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
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12
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Ruocco V, Strasser R. Transient Expression of Glycosylated SARS-CoV-2 Antigens in Nicotiana benthamiana. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:1093. [PMID: 35448821 PMCID: PMC9033091 DOI: 10.3390/plants11081093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic very dramatically shows that the world lacks preparedness for novel viral diseases. In addition to newly emerging viruses, many known pathogenic viruses such as influenza are constantly evolving, leading to frequent outbreaks with severe diseases and deaths. Hence, infectious viruses are a recurrent burden to our daily life, and powerful strategies to stop the spread of human pathogens and disease progression are of utmost importance. Transient plant-based protein expression is a technology that allows fast and highly flexible manufacturing of recombinant viral proteins and, thus, can contribute to infectious disease detection and prevention. This review highlights recent progress in the transient production of viral glycoproteins in N. benthamiana with a focus on SARS-CoV-2-derived viral antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard Strasser
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 18, A-1190 Vienna, Austria;
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13
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Abstract
The regulation of molecular farming is a complex topic because plants and plant-based systems are relative newcomers among the many production platforms available for recombinant proteins. The regulations specific for different types of product (human/veterinary pharmaceuticals and medical devices, cosmetics, diagnostics, and research reagents) must therefore be overlaid with the regulations governing hitherto unfamiliar production platforms, and this must be achieved in different jurisdictions that handle genetically modified organisms (and genetically modified plants in particular) in very different ways. This chapter uses examples of different product types and production methods in three different jurisdictions (the USA, the EU, and Canada) to demonstrate some of the challenges facing the regulatory authorities.
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14
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Schwestka J, König-Beihammer J, Shin YJ, Vavra U, Kienzl NF, Grünwald-Gruber C, Maresch D, Klausberger M, Laurent E, Stadler M, Manhart G, Huber J, Hofner M, Vierlinger K, Weinhäusel A, Swoboda I, Binder CJ, Gerner W, Grebien F, Altmann F, Mach L, Stöger E, Strasser R. Impact of Specific N-Glycan Modifications on the Use of Plant-Produced SARS-CoV-2 Antigens in Serological Assays. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:747500. [PMID: 34646292 PMCID: PMC8503525 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.747500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein plays a key role in the virus-host cell interaction, and viral infection. The RBD is a major target for neutralizing antibodies, whilst recombinant RBD is commonly used as an antigen in serological assays. Such assays are essential tools to gain control over the pandemic and detect the extent and durability of an immune response in infected or vaccinated populations. Transient expression in plants can contribute to the fast production of viral antigens, which are required by industry in high amounts. Whilst plant-produced RBDs are glycosylated, N-glycan modifications in plants differ from humans. This can give rise to the formation of carbohydrate epitopes that can be recognized by anti-carbohydrate antibodies present in human sera. For the performance of serological tests using plant-produced recombinant viral antigens, such cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) could result in false positives. Here, we transiently expressed an RBD variant in wild-type and glycoengineered Nicotiana benthamiana leaves and characterized the impact of different plant-specific N-glycans on RBD reactivity in serological assays. While the overall performance of the different RBD glycoforms was comparable to each other and to a human cell line produced RBD, there was a higher tendency toward false positive results with sera containing allergy-related CCD-antibodies when an RBD carrying β1,2-xylose and core α1,3-fucose was used. These rare events could be further minimized by pre-incubating sera from allergic individuals with a CCD-inhibitor. Thereby, false positive signals obtained from anti-CCD antibodies, could be reduced by 90%, on average.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Schwestka
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia König-Beihammer
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Yun-Ji Shin
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrike Vavra
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nikolaus F. Kienzl
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Clemens Grünwald-Gruber
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Maresch
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Miriam Klausberger
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Laurent
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Core Facility Biomolecular & Cellular Analysis, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Stadler
- Institute of Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gabriele Manhart
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jasmin Huber
- Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Health and Bioresources, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manuela Hofner
- Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Health and Bioresources, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Klemens Vierlinger
- Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Health and Bioresources, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Weinhäusel
- Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Health and Bioresources, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ines Swoboda
- Biotechnology Section, FH Campus Wien, University of Applied Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph J. Binder
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wilhelm Gerner
- Institute of Immunology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Grebien
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Friedrich Altmann
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Mach
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva Stöger
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Richard Strasser
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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15
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Richards A, Baranova D, Mantis NJ. The prospect of orally administered monoclonal secretory IgA (SIgA) antibodies to prevent enteric bacterial infections. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2021; 18:1964317. [PMID: 34491878 PMCID: PMC9103515 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2021.1964317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Eliminating diarrheal diseases as a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) will require multiple intervention strategies. In this review, we spotlight a series of preclinical studies investigating the potential of orally administered monoclonal secretory IgA (SIgA) antibodies (MAbs) to reduce disease associated with three enteric bacterial pathogens: Campylobacter jejuni, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), and invasive Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. IgA MAbs targeting bacterial surface antigens (flagella, adhesins, and lipopolysaccharide) were generated from mice, humanized mice, and human tonsillar B cells. Recombinant SIgA1 and/or SIgA2 derivates of those MAbs were purified from supernatants following transient transfection of 293 cells with plasmids encoding antibody heavy and light chains, J-chain, and secretory component (SC). When administered to mice by gavage immediately prior to (or admixed with) the bacterial challenge, SIgA MAbs reduced infection C. jejuni, ETEC, and S. Typhimurium infections. Fv-matched IgG1 MAbs by comparison were largely ineffective against C. jejuni and S. Typhimurium under the same conditions, although they were partially effective against ETEC. While these findings highlight future applications of orally administered SIgA, the studies also underscored the fundamental challenges associated with using MAbs as prophylactic tools against enteric bacterial diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelene Richards
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany School, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Danielle Baranova
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany School, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Nicholas J Mantis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany School, Albany, NY, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
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16
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Rosenberg YJ, Jiang X, Cheever T, Coulter FJ, Pandey S, Sack M, Mao L, Urban L, Lees J, Fischer M, Smedley J, Sidener H, Stanton J, Haigwood NL. Protection of Newborn Macaques by Plant-Derived HIV Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies: a Model for Passive Immunotherapy during Breastfeeding. J Virol 2021; 95:e0026821. [PMID: 34190597 PMCID: PMC8387040 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00268-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in newborns by vertical transmission remains an important unmet medical need in resource-poor areas where antiretroviral therapy (ART) is not available and mothers and infants cannot be treated prepartum or during the breastfeeding period. In the present study, the protective efficacy of the potent HIV-neutralizing antibodies PGT121 and VRC07-523, both produced in plants, were assessed in a multiple-SHIV (simian-human immunodeficiency virus)-challenge breastfeeding macaque model. Newborn macaques received either six weekly subcutaneous injections with PGT121 alone or as a cocktail of PGT121-LS plus VRC07-523-LS injected three times every 2 weeks. Viral challenge with SHIVSF162P3 was twice weekly over 5.5 weeks using 11 exposures. Despite the transient presence of plasma viral RNA either immediately after the first challenge or as single-point blips, the antibodies prevented a productive infection in all babies with no sustained plasma viremia, compared to viral loads ranging from 103 to 5 × 108 virions/ml in four untreated controls. No virus was detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and only 3 of 159 tissue samples were weakly positive in the treated babies. Newborn macaques proved to be immunocompetent, producing transient anti-Env antibodies and anti-drug antibody (ADA), which were maintained in the circulation after passive broadly neutralizing antibody clearance. ADA responses were directed to the IgG1 Fc CH2-CH3 domains, which has not been observed to date in adult monkeys passively treated with PGT121 or VRC01. In addition, high levels of VRC07-523 anti-idiotypic antibodies in the circulation of one newborn was concomitant with the rapid elimination of VRC07. Plant-expressed antibodies show promise as passive immunoprophylaxis in a breastfeeding model in newborns. IMPORTANCE Plant-produced human neutralizing antibody prophylaxis is highly effective in preventing infection in newborn monkeys during repeated oral exposure, modeling virus in breastmilk, and offers advantages in cost of production and safety. These findings raise the possibility that anti-Env antibodies may contribute to the control of viral replication in this newborn model and that the observed immune responsiveness may be driven by the long-lived presence of immune complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tracy Cheever
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Felicity J. Coulter
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Shilpi Pandey
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | | | - Lingjun Mao
- PlantVax Corporation, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Lori Urban
- PlantVax Corporation, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Miranda Fischer
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Jeremy Smedley
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Heather Sidener
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Jeffrey Stanton
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
| | - Nancy L. Haigwood
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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17
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Siriwattananon K, Manopwisedjaroen S, Shanmugaraj B, Prompetchara E, Ketloy C, Buranapraditkun S, Tharakhet K, Kaewpang P, Ruxrungtham K, Thitithanyanont A, Phoolcharoen W. Immunogenicity Studies of Plant-Produced SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain-Based Subunit Vaccine Candidate with Different Adjuvant Formulations. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9070744. [PMID: 34358160 PMCID: PMC8310282 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9070744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the rapid transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) causing serious public health problems and economic burden, the development of effective vaccines is a high priority for controlling the virus spread. Our group has previously demonstrated that the plant-produced receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 fused with Fc of human IgG was capable of eliciting potent neutralizing antibody and cellular immune responses in animal studies, and the immunogenicity could be improved by the addition of an alum adjuvant. Here, we performed a head-to-head comparison of different commercially available adjuvants, including aluminum hydroxide gel (alum), AddaVax (MF59), monophosphoryl lipid A from Salmonella minnesota R595 (mPLA-SM), and polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)), in mice by combining them with plant-produced RBD-Fc, and the differences in the immunogenicity of RBD-Fc with different adjuvants were evaluated. The specific antibody responses in terms of total IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a subtypes and neutralizing antibodies, as well as vaccine-specific T-lymphocyte responses, induced by the different tested adjuvants were compared. We observed that all adjuvants tested here induced a high level of total IgG and neutralizing antibodies, but mPLA-SM and poly (I:C) showed the induction of a balanced IgG1 and IgG2a (Th2/Th1) immune response. Further, poly (I:C) significantly increased the frequency of IFN-γ-expressing cells compared with control, whereas no significant difference was observed between the adjuvanted groups. This data revealed the adjuvants' role in enhancing the immune response of RBD-Fc vaccination and the immune profiles elicited by different adjuvants, which could prove helpful for the rational development of next-generation SARS-CoV-2 RBD-Fc subunit vaccines. However, additional research is essential to further investigate the efficacy and safety of this vaccine formulation before clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konlavat Siriwattananon
- Research Unit for Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Suwimon Manopwisedjaroen
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (S.M.); (A.T.)
| | | | - Eakachai Prompetchara
- Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development (Chula Vaccine Research Center, Chula VRC), Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (E.P.); (C.K.); (S.B.); (K.T.); (P.K.); (K.R.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Chutitorn Ketloy
- Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development (Chula Vaccine Research Center, Chula VRC), Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (E.P.); (C.K.); (S.B.); (K.T.); (P.K.); (K.R.)
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Supranee Buranapraditkun
- Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development (Chula Vaccine Research Center, Chula VRC), Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (E.P.); (C.K.); (S.B.); (K.T.); (P.K.); (K.R.)
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Kittipan Tharakhet
- Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development (Chula Vaccine Research Center, Chula VRC), Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (E.P.); (C.K.); (S.B.); (K.T.); (P.K.); (K.R.)
| | - Papatsara Kaewpang
- Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development (Chula Vaccine Research Center, Chula VRC), Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (E.P.); (C.K.); (S.B.); (K.T.); (P.K.); (K.R.)
| | - Kiat Ruxrungtham
- Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development (Chula Vaccine Research Center, Chula VRC), Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (E.P.); (C.K.); (S.B.); (K.T.); (P.K.); (K.R.)
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Arunee Thitithanyanont
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (S.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Waranyoo Phoolcharoen
- Research Unit for Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +662-218-8359; Fax: +662-218-8357
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18
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Shanmugaraj B, Bulaon CJI, Malla A, Phoolcharoen W. Biotechnological Insights on the Expression and Production of Antimicrobial Peptides in Plants. Molecules 2021; 26:4032. [PMID: 34279372 PMCID: PMC8272150 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26134032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of drug-resistant pathogens poses a serious critical threat to global public health and requires immediate action. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a class of short peptides ubiquitously found in all living forms, including plants, insects, mammals, microorganisms and play a significant role in host innate immune system. These peptides are considered as promising candidates to treat microbial infections due to its distinct advantages over conventional antibiotics. Given their potent broad spectrum of antimicrobial action, several AMPs are currently being evaluated in preclinical/clinical trials. However, large quantities of highly purified AMPs are vital for basic research and clinical settings which is still a major bottleneck hindering its application. This can be overcome by genetic engineering approaches to produce sufficient amount of diverse peptides in heterologous host systems. Recently plants are considered as potential alternatives to conventional protein production systems such as microbial and mammalian platforms due to their unique advantages such as rapidity, scalability and safety. In addition, AMPs can also be utilized for development of novel approaches for plant protection thereby increasing the crop yield. Hence, in order to provide a spotlight for the expression of AMP in plants for both clinical or agricultural use, the present review presents the importance of AMPs and efforts aimed at producing recombinant AMPs in plants for molecular farming and plant protection so far.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christine Joy I Bulaon
- Research Unit for Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | | | - Waranyoo Phoolcharoen
- Research Unit for Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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19
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Huang T, Armstrong B, Schindele P, Puchta H. Efficient gene targeting in Nicotiana tabacum using CRISPR/SaCas9 and temperature tolerant LbCas12a. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2021; 19:1314-1324. [PMID: 33511745 PMCID: PMC8313123 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Nicotiana tabacum is a non-food herb that has the potential to be utilized as bio-factory for generating medicines, vaccines or valuable small metabolites. To achieve these goals, the improvement of genetic tools for pre-designed genome modifications is indispensable. The development of CRISPR/Cas nucleases allows the induction of site-specific double-strand breaks to enhance homologous recombination-mediated gene targeting (GT). However, the efficiency of GT is still a challenging obstacle for many crops including tobacco. Recently, studies in several plant species indicated that by replacing SpCas9 with other CRISPR/Cas-based nucleases, GT efficiencies might be enhanced considerably. Therefore, we tested SaCas9 as well as a temperature-insensitive version of LbCas12a (ttLbCas12a) for targeting the tobacco SuRB gene. At the same time, we also optimized the protocol for Agrobacterium-mediated tobacco transformation and tissue culture. In this way, we could improve GT efficiencies to up to a third of the inoculated cotyledons when using ttLbCas12a, which outperformed SaCas9 considerably. In addition, we could show that the conversion tract length of the GT reaction can be up to 606 bp long and in the majority of cases, it is longer than 250 bp. We obtained multiple heritable GT events, mostly heterozygous, but also biallelic GT events and some without T-DNA integration. Thus, we were not only able to obtain CRISPR/Cas-based heritable GT events in allotetraploid Nicotiana tabacum for the first time, but our results also indicate that ttLbCas12a might be a superior alternative for gene editing and GT in tobacco as well as in other crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng‐Kuei Huang
- Botanical Institute IIKarlsruhe Institute of TechnologyKarlsruheGermany
| | | | - Patrick Schindele
- Botanical Institute IIKarlsruhe Institute of TechnologyKarlsruheGermany
| | - Holger Puchta
- Botanical Institute IIKarlsruhe Institute of TechnologyKarlsruheGermany
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20
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Kumar M, Kumari N, Thakur N, Bhatia SK, Saratale GD, Ghodake G, Mistry BM, Alavilli H, Kishor DS, Du X, Chung SM. A Comprehensive Overview on the Production of Vaccines in Plant-Based Expression Systems and the Scope of Plant Biotechnology to Combat against SARS-CoV-2 Virus Pandemics. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:1213. [PMID: 34203729 PMCID: PMC8232254 DOI: 10.3390/plants10061213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Many pathogenic viral pandemics have caused threats to global health; the COVID-19 pandemic is the latest. Its transmission is growing exponentially all around the globe, putting constraints on the health system worldwide. A novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), causes this pandemic. Many candidate vaccines are available at this time for COVID-19, and there is a massive international race underway to procure as many vaccines as possible for each country. However, due to heavy global demand, there are strains in global vaccine production. The use of a plant biotechnology-based expression system for vaccine production also represents one part of this international effort, which is to develop plant-based heterologous expression systems, virus-like particles (VLPs)-vaccines, antiviral drugs, and a rapid supply of antigen-antibodies for detecting kits and plant origin bioactive compounds that boost the immunity and provide tolerance to fight against the virus infection. This review will look at the plant biotechnology platform that can provide the best fight against this global pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manu Kumar
- Department of Life Science, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University, Seoul 10326, Korea; (M.K.); (D.S.K.); (X.D.)
| | - Nisha Kumari
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea;
| | - Nishant Thakur
- Department of Hospital Pathology, Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 10, 63-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul 07345, Korea;
| | - Shashi Kant Bhatia
- Department of Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea;
| | - Ganesh Dattatraya Saratale
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University, Seoul 10326, Korea; (G.D.S.); (B.M.M.)
| | - Gajanan Ghodake
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Dongguk University, Seoul 10326, Korea;
| | - Bhupendra M. Mistry
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University, Seoul 10326, Korea; (G.D.S.); (B.M.M.)
| | - Hemasundar Alavilli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea;
| | - D. S. Kishor
- Department of Life Science, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University, Seoul 10326, Korea; (M.K.); (D.S.K.); (X.D.)
| | - Xueshi Du
- Department of Life Science, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University, Seoul 10326, Korea; (M.K.); (D.S.K.); (X.D.)
| | - Sang-Min Chung
- Department of Life Science, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University, Seoul 10326, Korea; (M.K.); (D.S.K.); (X.D.)
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21
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Shin YJ, König-Beihammer J, Vavra U, Schwestka J, Kienzl NF, Klausberger M, Laurent E, Grünwald-Gruber C, Vierlinger K, Hofner M, Margolin E, Weinhäusel A, Stöger E, Mach L, Strasser R. N-Glycosylation of the SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain Is Important for Functional Expression in Plants. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:689104. [PMID: 34211491 PMCID: PMC8239413 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.689104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Nicotiana benthamiana is used worldwide as production host for recombinant proteins. Many recombinant proteins such as monoclonal antibodies, growth factors or viral antigens require posttranslational modifications like glycosylation for their function. Here, we transiently expressed different variants of the glycosylated receptor binding domain (RBD) from the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in N. benthamiana. We characterized the impact of variations in RBD-length and posttranslational modifications on protein expression, yield and functionality. We found that a truncated RBD variant (RBD-215) consisting of amino acids Arg319-Leu533 can be efficiently expressed as a secreted soluble protein. Purified RBD-215 was mainly present as a monomer and showed binding to the conformation-dependent antibody CR3022, the cellular receptor angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and to antibodies present in convalescent sera. Expression of RBD-215 in glycoengineered ΔXT/FT plants resulted in the generation of complex N-glycans on both N-glycosylation sites. While site-directed mutagenesis showed that the N-glycans are important for proper RBD folding, differences in N-glycan processing had no effect on protein expression and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Ji Shin
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia König-Beihammer
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrike Vavra
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jennifer Schwestka
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nikolaus F. Kienzl
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Miriam Klausberger
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elisabeth Laurent
- Department of Biotechnology, Core Facility Biomolecular and Cellular Analysis, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Clemens Grünwald-Gruber
- Department of Chemistry, Core Facility Mass Spectrometry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Klemens Vierlinger
- Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Health and Bioresources, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Manuela Hofner
- Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Health and Bioresources, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Emmanuel Margolin
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andreas Weinhäusel
- Competence Unit Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Health and Bioresources, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva Stöger
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Mach
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Richard Strasser
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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22
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Bellucci M, Pompa A, De Marcos Lousa C, Panfili E, Orecchini E, Maricchiolo E, Fraternale D, Orabona C, De Marchis F, Pallotta MT. Human Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) Expressed in Plant Cells Induces Kynurenine Production. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5102. [PMID: 34065885 PMCID: PMC8151846 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic engineering of plants has turned out to be an attractive approach to produce various secondary metabolites. Here, we attempted to produce kynurenine, a health-promoting metabolite, in plants of Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) transformed by Agrobacterium tumefaciens with the gene, coding for human indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), an enzyme responsible for the kynurenine production because of tryptophan degradation. The presence of IDO1 gene in transgenic plants was confirmed by PCR, but the protein failed to be detected. To confer higher stability to the heterologous human IDO1 protein and to provide a more sensitive method to detect the protein of interest, we cloned a gene construct coding for IDO1-GFP. Analysis of transiently transfected tobacco protoplasts demonstrated that the IDO1-GFP gene led to the expression of a detectable protein and to the production of kynurenine in the protoplast medium. Interestingly, the intracellular localisation of human IDO1 in plant cells is similar to that found in mammal cells, mainly in cytosol, but in early endosomes as well. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the expression of human IDO1 enzyme capable of secreting kynurenines in plant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Bellucci
- Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council of Italy, 06128 Perugia, Italy; (M.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Andrea Pompa
- Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council of Italy, 06128 Perugia, Italy; (M.B.); (A.P.)
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (E.M.); (D.F.)
| | - Carine De Marcos Lousa
- Centre for Biomedical Sciences, School of Clinical and Applied Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds LS13HE, UK;
- Centre for Plant Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS29JT, UK
| | - Eleonora Panfili
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06128 Perugia, Italy; (E.P.); (E.O.); (C.O.)
| | - Elena Orecchini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06128 Perugia, Italy; (E.P.); (E.O.); (C.O.)
| | - Elisa Maricchiolo
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (E.M.); (D.F.)
| | - Daniele Fraternale
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (E.M.); (D.F.)
| | - Ciriana Orabona
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06128 Perugia, Italy; (E.P.); (E.O.); (C.O.)
| | - Francesca De Marchis
- Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council of Italy, 06128 Perugia, Italy; (M.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Maria Teresa Pallotta
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06128 Perugia, Italy; (E.P.); (E.O.); (C.O.)
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23
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Schmidt JA, Richter LV, Condoluci LA, Ahner BA. Mitigation of deleterious phenotypes in chloroplast-engineered plants accumulating high levels of foreign proteins. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2021; 14:42. [PMID: 33568217 PMCID: PMC7877051 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-021-01893-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global demand for functional proteins is extensive, diverse, and constantly increasing. Medicine, agriculture, and industrial manufacturing all rely on high-quality proteins as major active components or process additives. Historically, these demands have been met by microbial bioreactors that are expensive to operate and maintain, prone to contamination, and relatively inflexible to changing market demands. Well-established crop cultivation techniques coupled with new advancements in genetic engineering may offer a cheaper and more versatile protein production platform. Chloroplast-engineered plants, like tobacco, have the potential to produce large quantities of high-value proteins, but often result in engineered plants with mutant phenotypes. This technology needs to be fine-tuned for commercial applications to maximize target protein yield while maintaining robust plant growth. RESULTS Here, we show that a previously developed Nicotiana tabacum line, TetC-cel6A, can produce an industrial cellulase at levels of up to 28% of total soluble protein (TSP) with a slight dwarf phenotype but no loss in biomass. In seedlings, the dwarf phenotype is recovered by exogenous application of gibberellic acid. We also demonstrate that accumulating foreign protein represents an added burden to the plants' metabolism that can make them more sensitive to limiting growth conditions such as low nitrogen. The biomass of nitrogen-limited TetC-cel6A plants was found to be as much as 40% lower than wildtype (WT) tobacco, although heterologous cellulase production was not greatly reduced compared to well-fertilized TetC-cel6A plants. Furthermore, cultivation at elevated carbon dioxide (1600 ppm CO2) restored biomass accumulation in TetC-cel6A plants to that of WT, while also increasing total heterologous protein yield (mg Cel6A plant-1) by 50-70%. CONCLUSIONS The work reported here demonstrates that well-fertilized tobacco plants have a substantial degree of flexibility in protein metabolism and can accommodate considerable levels of some recombinant proteins without exhibiting deleterious mutant phenotypes. Furthermore, we show that the alterations to protein expression triggered by growth at elevated CO2 can help rebalance endogenous protein expression and/or increase foreign protein production in chloroplast-engineered tobacco.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Schmidt
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | - Lubna V Richter
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Lisa A Condoluci
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Beth A Ahner
- Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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24
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Seidel-Greven M, Addai-Mensah O, Spiegel H, Chiegoua Dipah GN, Schmitz S, Breuer G, Frempong M, Reimann A, Klockenbring T, Fischer R, Barth S, Fendel R. Isolation and light chain shuffling of a Plasmodium falciparum AMA1-specific human monoclonal antibody with growth inhibitory activity. Malar J 2021; 20:37. [PMID: 33430886 PMCID: PMC7798374 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03548-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite causing malaria, affects populations in many endemic countries threatening mainly individuals with low malaria immunity, especially children. Despite the approval of the first malaria vaccine Mosquirix™ and very promising data using cryopreserved P. falciparum sporozoites (PfSPZ), further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of humoral immunity for the development of next-generation vaccines and alternative malaria therapies including antibody therapy. A high prevalence of antibodies against AMA1 in immune individuals has made this antigen one of the major blood-stage vaccine candidates. Material and methods Using antibody phage display, an AMA1-specific growth inhibitory human monoclonal antibody from a malaria-immune Fab library using a set of three AMA1 diversity covering variants (DiCo 1–3), which represents a wide range of AMA1 antigen sequences, was selected. The functionality of the selected clone was tested in vitro using a growth inhibition assay with P. falciparum strain 3D7. To potentially improve affinity and functional activity of the isolated antibody, a phage display mediated light chain shuffling was employed. The parental light chain was replaced with a light chain repertoire derived from the same population of human V genes, these selected antibodies were tested in binding tests and in functionality assays. Results The selected parental antibody achieved a 50% effective concentration (EC50) of 1.25 mg/mL. The subsequent light chain shuffling led to the generation of four derivatives of the parental clone with higher expression levels, similar or increased affinity and improved EC50 against 3D7 of 0.29 mg/mL. Pairwise epitope mapping gave evidence for binding to AMA1 domain II without competing with RON2. Conclusion We have thus shown that a compact immune human phage display library is sufficient for the isolation of potent inhibitory monoclonal antibodies and that minor sequence mutations dramatically increase expression levels in Nicotiana benthamiana. Interestingly, the antibody blocks parasite inhibition independently of binding to RON2, thus having a yet undescribed mode of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Seidel-Greven
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstr.6, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Otchere Addai-Mensah
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstr.6, 52074, Aachen, Germany.,Department of Medical Diagnostics, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Holger Spiegel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstr.6, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Gwladys Nina Chiegoua Dipah
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstr.6, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stefan Schmitz
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstr.6, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Gudrun Breuer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstr.6, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Margaret Frempong
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Andreas Reimann
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstr.6, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Torsten Klockenbring
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstr.6, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Rainer Fischer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstr.6, 52074, Aachen, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Biotechnology (Biology VII), RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany.,Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Stefan Barth
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstr.6, 52074, Aachen, Germany.,Department of Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapy, Institute of Applied Medical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University Clinic, Pauwelsstraße 20, 52074, Aachen, Germany.,South African Research Chair in Cancer Biotechnology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, and Medical Biotechnology & Immunotherapy Research Unit, Institute of Infectious Disease & Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rolf Fendel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstr.6, 52074, Aachen, Germany. .,Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074, Tübingen, Germany.
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25
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Siriwattananon K, Manopwisedjaroen S, Kanjanasirirat P, Budi Purwono P, Rattanapisit K, Shanmugaraj B, Smith DR, Borwornpinyo S, Thitithanyanont A, Phoolcharoen W. Development of Plant-Produced Recombinant ACE2-Fc Fusion Protein as a Potential Therapeutic Agent Against SARS-CoV-2. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 11:604663. [PMID: 33584747 PMCID: PMC7874119 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.604663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) which has recently emerged as a potential threat to global public health. SARS-CoV-2 is the third known human coronavirus that has huge impact on the human population after SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. Although some vaccines and therapeutic drugs are currently in clinical trials, none of them are approved for commercial use yet. As with SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 utilizes angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as the cell entry receptor to enter into the host cell. In this study, we have transiently produced human ACE2 fused with the Fc region of human IgG1 in Nicotiana benthamiana and the in vitro neutralization efficacy of the plant-produced ACE2-Fc fusion protein was assessed. The recombinant ACE2-Fc fusion protein was expressed in N. benthamiana at 100 μg/g leaf fresh weight on day 6 post-infiltration. The recombinant fusion protein showed potent binding to receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2. Importantly, the plant-produced fusion protein exhibited potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in vitro. Treatment with ACE2-Fc fusion protein after viral infection dramatically inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in Vero cells with an IC50 value of 0.84 μg/ml. Moreover, treatment with ACE2-Fc fusion protein at the pre-entry stage suppressed SARS-CoV-2 infection with an IC50 of 94.66 μg/ml. These findings put a spotlight on the plant-produced ACE2-Fc fusion protein as a potential therapeutic candidate against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konlavat Siriwattananon
- Research Unit for Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Priyo Budi Purwono
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Kaewta Rattanapisit
- Research Unit for Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Balamurugan Shanmugaraj
- Research Unit for Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Duncan R. Smith
- Institute of Molecular Bioscience, Mahidol University, Salaya, Thailand
| | - Suparerk Borwornpinyo
- Excellence Center for Drug Discovery, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Waranyoo Phoolcharoen
- Research Unit for Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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26
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Baek G, Saeed M, Choi HK. Duckweeds: their utilization, metabolites and cultivation. APPLIED BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY 2021; 64:73. [PMID: 34693083 PMCID: PMC8525856 DOI: 10.1186/s13765-021-00644-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Duckweeds are floating plants of the family Lemnaceae, comprising 5 genera and 36 species. They typically live in ponds or lakes and are found worldwide, except the polar regions. There are two duckweed subfamilies-namely Lemnoidea and Wolffioideae, with 15 and 21 species, respectively. Additionally, they have characteristic reproduction methods. Several metabolites have also been reported in various duckweeds. Duckweeds have a wide range of adaptive capabilities and are particularly suitable for experiments requiring high productivity because of their speedy growth and reproduction rates. Duckweeds have been studied for their use as food/feed resources and pharmaceuticals, as well as for phytoremediation and industrial applications. Because there are numerous duckweed species, culture conditions should be optimized for industrial applications. Here, we review and summarize studies on duckweed species and their utilization, metabolites, and cultivation methods to support the extended application of duckweeds in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- GahYoung Baek
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974 Republic of Korea
| | - Maham Saeed
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974 Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Kyoon Choi
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974 Republic of Korea
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27
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Alvisi N, van Noort K, Dwiani S, Geschiere N, Sukarta O, Varossieau K, Nguyen DL, Strasser R, Hokke CH, Schots A, Wilbers RHP. β-Hexosaminidases Along the Secretory Pathway of Nicotiana benthamiana Have Distinct Specificities Toward Engineered Helminth N-Glycans on Recombinant Glycoproteins. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:638454. [PMID: 33815445 PMCID: PMC8010188 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.638454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Secretions of parasitic worms (helminths) contain a wide collection of immunomodulatory glycoproteins with the potential to treat inflammatory disorders, like autoimmune diseases. Yet, the identification of single molecules that can be developed into novel biopharmaceuticals is hampered by the limited availability of native parasite-derived proteins. Recently, pioneering work has shown that helminth glycoproteins can be produced transiently in Nicotiana benthamiana plants while simultaneously mimicking their native helminth N-glycan composition by co-expression of desired glycosyltransferases. However, efficient "helminthization" of N-glycans in plants by glyco-engineering seems to be hampered by the undesired truncation of complex N-glycans by β-N-acetyl-hexosaminidases, in particular when aiming for the synthesis of N-glycans with antennary GalNAcβ1-4GlcNAc (LacdiNAc or LDN). In this study, we cloned novel β-hexosaminidase open reading frames from N. benthamiana and characterized the biochemical activity of these enzymes. We identified HEXO2 and HEXO3 as enzymes responsible for the cleavage of antennary GalNAc residues of N-glycans on the model helminth glycoprotein kappa-5. Furthermore, we reveal that each member of the HEXO family has a distinct specificity for N-glycan substrates, where HEXO2 has strict β-galactosaminidase activity, whereas HEXO3 cleaves both GlcNAc and GalNAc. The identification of HEXO2 and HEXO3 as major targets for LDN cleavage will enable a targeted genome editing approach to reduce undesired processing of these N-glycans. Effective knockout of these enzymes could allow the production of therapeutically relevant glycoproteins with tailor-made helminth N-glycans in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Alvisi
- Laboratory of Nematology, Plant Sciences Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Kim van Noort
- Laboratory of Nematology, Plant Sciences Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Sarlita Dwiani
- Laboratory of Nematology, Plant Sciences Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Nathan Geschiere
- Laboratory of Nematology, Plant Sciences Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Octavina Sukarta
- Laboratory of Nematology, Plant Sciences Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Koen Varossieau
- Laboratory of Nematology, Plant Sciences Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Dieu-Linh Nguyen
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Richard Strasser
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cornelis H. Hokke
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Arjen Schots
- Laboratory of Nematology, Plant Sciences Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Ruud H. P. Wilbers
- Laboratory of Nematology, Plant Sciences Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Ruud H. P. Wilbers,
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28
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Göritzer K, Strasser R. Glycosylation of Plant-Produced Immunoglobulins. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2021; 112:519-543. [PMID: 34687021 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-76912-3_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Many economically important protein-based therapeutics like monoclonal antibodies are glycosylated. Due to the recognized importance of this type of posttranslational modification, glycoengineering of expression systems to obtain highly active and homogenous therapeutics is an emerging field. Although most of the monoclonal antibodies on the market are still produced in mammalian expression platforms, plants are emerging as an alternative cost-effective and scalable production platform that allows precise engineering of glycosylation to produce targeted human glycoforms at large homogeneity. Apart from producing more effective antibodies, pure glycoforms are required in efforts to link biological functions to specific glycan structures. Much is already known about the role of IgG1 glycosylation and this antibody class is the dominant recombinant format that has been expressed in plants. By contrast, little attention has been paid to the glycoengineering of recombinant IgG subtypes and the other four classes of human immunoglobulins (IgA, IgD, IgE, and IgM). Except for IgD, all these antibody classes have been expressed in plants and the glycosylation has been analyzed in a site-specific manner. Here, we summarize the current data on glycosylation of plant-produced monoclonal antibodies and discuss the findings in the light of known functions for these glycans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard Strasser
- University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Beihammer G, Maresch D, Altmann F, Van Damme EJM, Strasser R. Lewis A Glycans Are Present on Proteins Involved in Cell Wall Biosynthesis and Appear Evolutionarily Conserved Among Natural Arabidopsis thaliana Accessions. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:630891. [PMID: 33777069 PMCID: PMC7991798 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.630891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
N-glycosylation is a highly abundant protein modification present in all domains of life. Terminal sugar residues on complex-type N-glycans mediate various crucial biological processes in mammals such as cell-cell recognition or protein-ligand interactions. In plants, the Lewis A trisaccharide constitutes the only known outer-chain elongation of complex N-glycans. Lewis A containing complex N-glycans appear evolutionary conserved, having been identified in all plant species analyzed so far. Despite their ubiquitous occurrence, the biological function of this complex N-glycan modification is currently unknown. Here, we report the identification of Lewis A bearing glycoproteins from three different plant species: Arabidopsis thaliana, Nicotiana benthamiana, and Oryza sativa. Affinity purification via the JIM84 antibody, directed against Lewis A structures on complex plant N-glycans, was used to enrich Lewis A bearing glycoproteins, which were subsequently identified via nano-LC-MS. Selected identified proteins were recombinantly expressed and the presence of Lewis A confirmed via immunoblotting and site-specific N-glycan analysis. While the proteins identified in O. sativa are associated with diverse functions, proteins from A. thaliana and N. benthamiana are mainly involved in cell wall biosynthesis. However, a Lewis A-deficient mutant line of A. thaliana showed no change in abundance of cell wall constituents such as cellulose or lignin. Furthermore, we investigated the presence of Lewis A structures in selected accessions from the 1001 genome database containing amino acid variations in the enzymes required for Lewis A biosynthesis. Besides one relict line showing no detectable levels of Lewis A, the modification was present in all other tested accessions. The data provided here comprises the so far first attempt at identifying Lewis A bearing glycoproteins across different species and will help to shed more light on the role of Lewis A structures in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gernot Beihammer
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Maresch
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Friedrich Altmann
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Els J. M. Van Damme
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Glycobiology, Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Richard Strasser
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Richard Strasser
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Teh AYH, Cavacini L, Hu Y, Kumru OS, Xiong J, Bolick DT, Joshi SB, Grünwald-Gruber C, Altmann F, Klempner M, Guerrant RL, Volkin DB, Wang Y, Ma JKC. Investigation of a monoclonal antibody against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, expressed as secretory IgA1 and IgA2 in plants. Gut Microbes 2021; 13:1-14. [PMID: 33439092 PMCID: PMC7833773 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2020.1859813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Passive immunization with antibodies is a promising approach against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli diarrhea, a prevalent disease in LMICs. The objective of this study was to investigate expression of a monoclonal anti-ETEC CfaE secretory IgA antibody in N. benthamiana plants, with a view to facilitating access to ETEC passive immunotherapy. SIgA1 and SIgA2 forms of mAb 68-81 were produced by co-expressing the light and engineered heavy chains with J chain and secretory component in N. benthamiana. Antibody expression and assembly were compared with CHO-derived antibodies by SDS-PAGE, western blotting, size-exclusion chromatography and LC-MS peptide mapping. N-linked glycosylation was assessed by rapid fluorescence/mass spectrometry and LC-ESI-MS. Susceptibility to gastric digestion was assessed in an in vitro model. Antibody function was compared for antigen binding, a Caco-2 cell-based ETEC adhesion assay, an ETEC hemagglutination inhibition assay and a murine in vivo challenge study. SIgA1 assembly appeared superior to SIgA2 in plants. Both sub-classes exhibited resistance to degradation by simulated gastric fluid, comparable to CHO-produced 68-61 SIgA1. The plant expressed SIgAs had more homogeneous N-glycosylation than CHO-derived SIgAs, but no alteration of in vitro functional activity was observed, including antibodies expressed in a plant line engineered for mammalian-like N glycosylation. The plant-derived SIgA2 mAb demonstrated protection against diarrhea in a murine infection model. Although antibody yield and purification need to be optimized, anti-ETEC SIgA antibodies produced in a low-cost plant platform are functionally equivalent to CHO antibodies, and provide promise for passive immunotherapy in LMICs.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Bacterial/genetics
- Antibodies, Bacterial/immunology
- Antibodies, Bacterial/metabolism
- Antibodies, Bacterial/therapeutic use
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/genetics
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/metabolism
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use
- Antibody Affinity
- Bacterial Adhesion/drug effects
- Caco-2 Cells
- Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli/immunology
- Escherichia coli Infections/microbiology
- Escherichia coli Infections/therapy
- Gastric Acid/metabolism
- Glycosylation
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin A, Secretory/genetics
- Immunoglobulin A, Secretory/immunology
- Immunoglobulin A, Secretory/metabolism
- Immunoglobulin A, Secretory/therapeutic use
- Immunotherapy
- Mice
- Plants, Genetically Modified
- Nicotiana/genetics
- Nicotiana/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Y-H Teh
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George’s University of London, London, UK
| | - Lisa Cavacini
- MassBiologics of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yue Hu
- Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Ozan S. Kumru
- Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Jian Xiong
- Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - David T. Bolick
- Division of Infectious Disease and International Health, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Sangeeta B. Joshi
- Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Clemens Grünwald-Gruber
- Department for Chemistry, Division of Biochemistry, Universität Für Bodenkultur Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Friedrich Altmann
- Department for Chemistry, Division of Biochemistry, Universität Für Bodenkultur Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mark Klempner
- MassBiologics of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard L. Guerrant
- Division of Infectious Disease and International Health, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - David B. Volkin
- Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Yang Wang
- MassBiologics of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julian K-C. Ma
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George’s University of London, London, UK
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31
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Dhama K, Natesan S, Iqbal Yatoo M, Patel SK, Tiwari R, Saxena SK, Harapan H. Plant-based vaccines and antibodies to combat COVID-19: current status and prospects. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2020; 16:2913-2920. [PMID: 33270484 PMCID: PMC7754927 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2020.1842034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, researchers are undertaking significant efforts to design and develop effective vaccines, therapeutics, and antiviral drugs to curb the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Plants have been used for the production of vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, immunomodulatory proteins, drugs, and pharmaceuticals via molecular farming/transient expression system and are considered as bioreactors or factories for their bulk production. These biological products are stable, safe, effective, easily available, and affordable. Plant molecular farming could facilitate rapid production of biologics on an industrial scale, and has the potential to fulfill emergency demands, such as in the present situation of the COVID-19 pandemic. This article aims to describe the methodology and basics of plant biopharming, in addition to its prospective applications for developing effective vaccines and antibodies to counter COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India
| | - Senthilkumar Natesan
- Division of Biological & Life Sciences, Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar, Ganghinagar, India
| | - Mohd. Iqbal Yatoo
- Division of Veterinary Clinical Complex, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Shuhama, Alusteng Srinagar, Sher-E-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Shailesh Kumar Patel
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India
| | - Ruchi Tiwari
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Sciences, Uttar Pradesh Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalaya Evam Go Anusandhan Sansthan (DUVASU), Mathura, India
| | - Shailendra K Saxena
- Centre for Advanced Research (CFAR), Faculty of Medicine, King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow, India
| | - Harapan Harapan
- Medical Research Unit, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
- Tropical Disease Centre, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
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32
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Margolin E, Oh YJ, Verbeek M, Naude J, Ponndorf D, Meshcheriakova YA, Peyret H, van Diepen MT, Chapman R, Meyers AE, Lomonossoff GP, Matoba N, Williamson A, Rybicki EP. Co-expression of human calreticulin significantly improves the production of HIV gp140 and other viral glycoproteins in plants. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2020; 18:2109-2117. [PMID: 32096288 PMCID: PMC7540014 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Plant molecular farming (PMF) is rapidly gaining traction as a viable alternative to the currently accepted paradigm of producing biologics. While the platform is potentially cheaper and more scalable than conventional manufacturing systems, expression yields and appropriate post-translational modifications along the plant secretory pathway remain a challenge for certain proteins. Viral fusion glycoproteins in particular are often expressed at low yields in plants and, in some cases, may not be appropriately processed. Recently, however, transiently or stably engineering the host plant has shown promise as a strategy for producing heterologous proteins with more complex maturation requirements. In this study we investigated the co-expression of a suite of human chaperones to improve the production of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 soluble gp140 vaccine candidate in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. The co-expression of calreticulin (CRT) resulted in a dramatic increase in Env expression and ameliorated the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response - as evidenced by lower transcript abundance of representative stress-responsive genes. The co-expression of CRT similarly improved accumulation of glycoproteins from Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV), suggesting that the endogenous chaperone machinery may impose a bottleneck for their production. We subsequently successfully combined the co-expression of human CRT with the transient expression of human furin, to enable the production of an appropriately cleaved HIV gp140 antigen. These transient plant host engineering strategies are a promising approach for the production of high yields of appropriately processed and cleaved viral glycoproteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Margolin
- Division of Medical VirologyDepartment of PathologyFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Infectious Disease Research in AfricaUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Faculty of Health SciencesInstitute of Infectious Disease and Molecular MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Biopharming Research UnitDepartment of Molecular and Cell BiologyUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Youngjun J. Oh
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of Louisville School of MedicineLouisvilleKYUSA
| | - Matthew Verbeek
- Biopharming Research UnitDepartment of Molecular and Cell BiologyUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Jason Naude
- Biopharming Research UnitDepartment of Molecular and Cell BiologyUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Daniel Ponndorf
- Department of Biological ChemistryJohn Innes CentreNorwichUK
| | | | - Hadrien Peyret
- Department of Biological ChemistryJohn Innes CentreNorwichUK
| | - Michiel T. van Diepen
- Division of Medical VirologyDepartment of PathologyFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Faculty of Health SciencesInstitute of Infectious Disease and Molecular MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Ros Chapman
- Division of Medical VirologyDepartment of PathologyFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Faculty of Health SciencesInstitute of Infectious Disease and Molecular MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Ann E. Meyers
- Biopharming Research UnitDepartment of Molecular and Cell BiologyUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | | | - Nobuyuki Matoba
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of Louisville School of MedicineLouisvilleKYUSA
| | - Anna‐Lise Williamson
- Division of Medical VirologyDepartment of PathologyFaculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Infectious Disease Research in AfricaUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Faculty of Health SciencesInstitute of Infectious Disease and Molecular MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Edward P. Rybicki
- Faculty of Health SciencesInstitute of Infectious Disease and Molecular MedicineUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
- Biopharming Research UnitDepartment of Molecular and Cell BiologyUniversity of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
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33
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Margolin EA, Strasser R, Chapman R, Williamson AL, Rybicki EP, Meyers AE. Engineering the Plant Secretory Pathway for the Production of Next-Generation Pharmaceuticals. Trends Biotechnol 2020; 38:1034-1044. [PMID: 32818443 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2020.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Production of biologics in plants, or plant molecular pharming, is a promising protein expression technology that is receiving increasing attention from the pharmaceutical industry. Previously, low expression yields of recombinant proteins and the realization that certain post-translational modifications (PTMs) may not occur optimally limited the widespread acceptance of the technology. However, molecular engineering of the plant secretory pathway is now enabling the production of increasingly complex biomolecules using tailored protein-specific approaches to ensure their maturation. These involve the elimination of undesired processing events, and the introduction of heterologous biosynthetic machinery to support the production of specific target proteins. Here, we discuss recent advances in the production of pharmaceutical proteins in plants, which leverage the unique advantages of the technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel A Margolin
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Wellcome Trust Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Richard Strasser
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ros Chapman
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anna-Lise Williamson
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Wellcome Trust Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Edward P Rybicki
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ann E Meyers
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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34
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Capell T, Twyman RM, Armario-Najera V, Ma JKC, Schillberg S, Christou P. Potential Applications of Plant Biotechnology against SARS-CoV-2. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 25:635-643. [PMID: 32371057 PMCID: PMC7181989 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2020.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus responsible for an ongoing human pandemic (COVID-19). There is a massive international effort underway to develop diagnostic reagents, vaccines, and antiviral drugs in a bid to slow down the spread of the disease and save lives. One part of that international effort involves the research community working with plants, bringing researchers from all over the world together with commercial enterprises to achieve the rapid supply of protein antigens and antibodies for diagnostic kits, and scalable production systems for the emergency manufacturing of vaccines and antiviral drugs. Here, we look at some of the ways in which plants can and are being used in the fight against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Capell
- Department of Crop and Forest Sciences, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio Center, Av. Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | | | - Victoria Armario-Najera
- Department of Crop and Forest Sciences, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio Center, Av. Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Julian K-C Ma
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's University of London, London, UK.
| | | | - Paul Christou
- Department of Crop and Forest Sciences, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio Center, Av. Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain; ICREA, Catalan Institute for Research and Advanced Studies, Passeig Lluıís Companys 23, 08010 Barcelona, Spain.
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35
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Abd-Aziz N, Tan BC, Rejab NA, Othman RY, Khalid N. A New Plant Expression System for Producing Pharmaceutical Proteins. Mol Biotechnol 2020; 62:240-251. [PMID: 32108286 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-020-00242-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In the past decade, interest in the production of recombinant pharmaceutical proteins in plants has tremendously progressed because plants do not harbor mammalian viruses, are economically competitive, easily scalable, and capable of carrying out complex post-translational modifications required for recombinant pharmaceutical proteins. Mucuna bracteata is an essential perennial cover crop species widely planted as an underground cover in oil palm and rubber plantations. As a legume, they have high biomass, thrive in its habitat, and can fix nitrogen. Thus, M. bracteata is a cost-efficient crop that shows ideal characteristics as a platform for mass production of recombinant protein. In this study, we established a new platform for the transient production of a recombinant protein in M. bracteata via vacuum-assisted agro-infiltration. Five-week-old M. bracteata plants were vacuum infiltrated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens harboring a plasmid that encodes for an anti-toxoplasma immunoglobulin (IgG) under different parameters, including trifoliate leaf positional effects, days to harvest post-infiltration, and the Agrobacterium strain used. Our results showed that vacuum infiltration of M. bracteata plant with A. tumefaciens strain GV3101 produced the highest concentration of heterologous protein in its bottom trifoliate leaf at 2 days post-infiltration. The purified anti-toxoplasma IgG was then analyzed using Western blot and ELISA. It was demonstrated that, while structural heterogeneity existed in the purified anti-toxoplasma IgG from M. bracteata, its transient expression level was two-fold higher than the model platform, Nicotiana benthamiana. This study has laid the foundation towards establishing M. bracteata as a potential platform for the production of recombinant pharmaceutical protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazrin Abd-Aziz
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Boon Chin Tan
- Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nur Ardiyana Rejab
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rofina Yasmin Othman
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Norzulaani Khalid
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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36
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Göritzer K, Goet I, Duric S, Maresch D, Altmann F, Obinger C, Strasser R. Efficient N-Glycosylation of the Heavy Chain Tailpiece Promotes the Formation of Plant-Produced Dimeric IgA. Front Chem 2020; 8:346. [PMID: 32426328 PMCID: PMC7212365 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.00346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Production of monomeric IgA in mammalian cells and plant expression systems such as Nicotiana benthamiana is well-established and can be achieved by co-expression of the corresponding light and heavy chains. In contrast, the assembly of dimeric IgA requires the additional expression of the joining chain and remains challenging especially in plant-based systems. Here, we examined factors affecting the assembly and expression of HER2 binding dimeric IgA1 and IgA2m(2) variants transiently produced in N. benthamiana. While co-expression of the joining chain resulted in efficient formation of dimeric IgAs in HEK293F cells, a mixture of monomeric, dimeric and tetrameric variants was detected in plants. Mass-spectrometric analysis of site-specific glycosylation revealed that the N-glycan profile differed between monomeric and dimeric IgAs in the plant expression system. Co-expression of a single-subunit oligosaccharyltransferase from the protozoan Leishmania major in N. benthamiana increased the N-glycosylation occupancy at the C-terminal heavy chain tailpiece and changed the ratio of monomeric to dimeric IgAs. Our data demonstrate that N-glycosylation engineering is a suitable strategy to promote the formation of dimeric IgA variants in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Göritzer
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute for Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Iris Goet
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute for Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stella Duric
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute for Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniel Maresch
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Friedrich Altmann
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Obinger
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Richard Strasser
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute for Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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37
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Gutierrez-Valdes N, Häkkinen ST, Lemasson C, Guillet M, Oksman-Caldentey KM, Ritala A, Cardon F. Hairy Root Cultures-A Versatile Tool With Multiple Applications. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:33. [PMID: 32194578 PMCID: PMC7064051 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Hairy roots derived from the infection of a plant by Rhizobium rhizogenes (previously referred to as Agrobacterium rhizogenes) bacteria, can be obtained from a wide variety of plants and allow the production of highly diverse molecules. Hairy roots are able to produce and secrete complex active glycoproteins from a large spectrum of organisms. They are also adequate to express plant natural biosynthesis pathways required to produce specialized metabolites and can benefit from the new genetic tools available to facilitate an optimized production of tailor-made molecules. This adaptability has positioned hairy root platforms as major biotechnological tools. Researchers and industries have contributed to their advancement, which represents new alternatives from classical systems to produce complex molecules. Now these expression systems are ready to be used by different industries like pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and food sectors due to the development of fully controlled large-scale bioreactors. This review aims to describe the evolution of hairy root generation and culture methods and to highlight the possibilities offered by hairy roots in terms of feasibility and perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Anneli Ritala
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Espoo, Finland
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38
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Molecular farming - The slope of enlightenment. Biotechnol Adv 2020; 40:107519. [PMID: 31954848 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Molecular farming can be defined as the use of plants to produce recombinant protein products. The technology is now >30 years old. The early promise of molecular farming was based on three perceived advantages: the low costs of growing plants, the immense scalability of agricultural production, and the inherent safety of plants as hosts for the production of pharmaceuticals. This resulted in a glut of research publications in which diverse proteins were expressed in equally diverse plant-based systems, and numerous companies were founded hoping to commercialize the new technology. There was a moderate degree of success for companies producing non-pharmaceutical proteins, but in the pharmaceutical sector the anticipation raised by promising early research was soon met by the cold hard reality of industrial pragmatism. Plants did not have a track record of success in pharmaceutical protein manufacturing, lacked a regulatory framework, and did not perform as well as established industry platforms. Negative attitudes towards genetically modified plants added to the mix. By the early 2000s, major industry players started to lose interest and pharmaceutical molecular farming fell from a peak of expectation into a trough of disillusionment, just as predicted by the Gartner hype cycle. But many of the pioneers of molecular farming have refocused their activities and have worked to address the limitations that hampered the first generation of technologies. The field has now consolidated around a smaller number of better-characterized platforms and has started to develop standardized methods and best practices, mirroring the evolution of more mature industry sectors. Likewise, attention has turned from proof-of-principle studies to realistic techno-economic modeling to capture significant niche markets, replicating the success of the industrial molecular farming sector. Here we argue that these recent developments signify that pharmaceutical molecular farming is now climbing the slope of enlightenment and will soon emerge as a mature technology.
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Jutras PV, Sainsbury F, Goulet MC, Lavoie PO, Tardif R, Hamel LP, D'Aoust MA, Michaud D. pH Gradient Mitigation in the Leaf Cell Secretory Pathway Attenuates the Defense Response of Nicotiana benthamiana to Agroinfiltration. J Proteome Res 2020; 19:106-118. [PMID: 31789035 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.9b00409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Partial neutralization of the Golgi lumen pH by the ectopic expression of influenza virus M2 proton channel is useful to stabilize acid-labile recombinant proteins in plant cells, but the impact of pH gradient mitigation on host cellular functions has not been investigated. Here, we assessed the unintended effects of M2 expression on the leaf proteome of Nicotiana benthamiana infiltrated with the bacterial gene vector Agrobacterium tumefaciens. An isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification quantitative proteomics procedure was followed to compare the leaf proteomes of plants agroinfiltrated with either an "empty" vector or an M2-encoding vector. Leaves infiltrated with the empty vector had a low soluble protein content compared to noninfiltrated control leaves, associated with increased levels of stress-related proteins but decreased levels of photosynthesis-associated proteins. M2 expression partly compromised these effects of agroinfiltration to restore soluble protein content in the leaf tissue, associated with restored levels of photosynthesis-associated proteins and reduced levels of stress-related proteins in the apoplast. These data illustrate the cell-wide influence of the Golgi lumen pH homeostasis on the leaf proteome of N. benthamiana responding to microbial challenge. They also underline the relevance of assessing the eventual unintended effects of accessory proteins used to modulate specific cellular or metabolic functions in plant protein biofactories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe V Jutras
- Centre de Recherche et d'Innovation sur les Végétaux , Université Laval , Québec G1V 0A6 , Canada
| | - Frank Sainsbury
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery , Griffith University , Nathan , QLD 4111 , Australia
| | - Marie-Claire Goulet
- Centre de Recherche et d'Innovation sur les Végétaux , Université Laval , Québec G1V 0A6 , Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Dominique Michaud
- Centre de Recherche et d'Innovation sur les Végétaux , Université Laval , Québec G1V 0A6 , Canada
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40
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Clark M, Maselko M. Transgene Biocontainment Strategies for Molecular Farming. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:210. [PMID: 32194598 PMCID: PMC7063990 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Advances in plant synthetic biology promise to introduce novel agricultural products in the near future. 'Molecular farms' will include crops engineered to produce medications, vaccines, biofuels, industrial enzymes, and other high value compounds. These crops have the potential to reduce costs while dramatically increasing scales of synthesis and provide new economic opportunities to farmers. Current transgenic crops may be considered safe given their long-standing use, however, some applications of molecular farming may pose risks to human health and the environment. Unwanted gene flow from engineered crops could potentially contaminate the food supply, and affect wildlife. There is also potential for unwanted gene flow into engineered crops which may alter their ability to produce compounds of interest. Here, we briefly discuss the applications of molecular farming and explore the various genetic and physical methods that can be used for transgene biocontainment. As yet, no technology can be applied to all crop species, such that a combination of approaches may be necessary. Effective biocontainment is needed to enable large scale molecular farming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Clark
- Applied Biosciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
| | - Maciej Maselko
- Applied Biosciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW, Australia
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- CSIRO Synthetic Biology Future Science Platform, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- *Correspondence: Maciej Maselko,
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Bohlender LL, Parsons J, Hoernstein SNW, Rempfer C, Ruiz-Molina N, Lorenz T, Rodríguez Jahnke F, Figl R, Fode B, Altmann F, Reski R, Decker EL. Stable Protein Sialylation in Physcomitrella. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:610032. [PMID: 33391325 PMCID: PMC7775405 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.610032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Recombinantly produced proteins are indispensable tools for medical applications. Since the majority of them are glycoproteins, their N-glycosylation profiles are major determinants for their activity, structural properties and safety. For therapeutical applications, a glycosylation pattern adapted to product and treatment requirements is advantageous. Physcomitrium patens (Physcomitrella, moss) is able to perform highly homogeneous complex-type N-glycosylation. Additionally, it has been glyco-engineered to eliminate plant-specific sugar residues by knock-out of the β1,2-xylosyltransferase and α1,3-fucosyltransferase genes (Δxt/ft). Furthermore, Physcomitrella meets wide-ranging biopharmaceutical requirements such as GMP compliance, product safety, scalability and outstanding possibilities for precise genome engineering. However, all plants, in contrast to mammals, lack the capability to perform N-glycan sialylation. Since sialic acids are a common terminal modification on human N-glycans, the property to perform N-glycan sialylation is highly desired within the plant-based biopharmaceutical sector. In this study, we present the successful achievement of protein N-glycan sialylation in stably transformed Physcomitrella. The sialylation ability was achieved in a Δxt/ft moss line by stable expression of seven mammalian coding sequences combined with targeted organelle-specific localization of the encoded enzymes responsible for the generation of β1,4-galactosylated acceptor N-glycans as well as the synthesis, activation, transport and transfer of sialic acid. Production of free (Neu5Ac) and activated (CMP-Neu5Ac) sialic acid was proven. The glycosidic anchor for the attachment of terminal sialic acid was generated by the introduction of a chimeric human β1,4-galactosyltransferase gene under the simultaneous knock-out of the gene encoding the endogenous β1,3-galactosyltransferase. Functional complex-type N-glycan sialylation was confirmed via mass spectrometric analysis of a stably co-expressed recombinant human protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennard L. Bohlender
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Juliana Parsons
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Christine Rempfer
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Natalia Ruiz-Molina
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Timo Lorenz
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Fernando Rodríguez Jahnke
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rudolf Figl
- Department of Chemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Friedrich Altmann
- Department of Chemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ralf Reski
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS, Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eva L. Decker
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Eva L. Decker,
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Rattanapisit K, Phakham T, Buranapraditkun S, Siriwattananon K, Boonkrai C, Pisitkun T, Hirankarn N, Strasser R, Abe Y, Phoolcharoen W. Structural and In Vitro Functional Analyses of Novel Plant-Produced Anti-Human PD1 Antibody. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15205. [PMID: 31645587 PMCID: PMC6811542 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51656-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising and effective treatment for cancer. The frequently used immunotherapy agents are immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as antibodies specific to PD1, PD-L1, or CTLA-4. However, these drugs are highly expensive, and most people in the world cannot access the treatment. The development of recombinant protein production platforms that are cost-effective, scalable, and safe is needed. Plant platforms are attractive because of their low production cost, speed, scalability, lack of human and animal pathogens, and post-translational modifications that enable them to produce effective monoclonal antibodies. In this study, an anti-PD1 IgG4 monoclonal antibody (mAb) was transiently produced in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. The plant-produced anti-PD1 mAb was compared to the commercial nivolumab produced in CHO cells. Our results showed that both antibodies have similar protein structures, and the N-glycans on the plant-produced antibody lacks plant-specific structures. The PD1 binding affinity of the plant-produced and commercial nivolumab, determined by two different techniques, that is, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR), are also comparable. Plant-produced nivolumab binds to human PD1 protein with high affinity and specificity, blocks the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction, and enhances T cell function, comparable to commercial nivolumab. These results confirmed that plant-produced anti-PD1 antibody has the potential to be effective agent for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaewta Rattanapisit
- Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phyathai Road, Patumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
- Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany Department, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phyathai Road, Patumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Tanapati Phakham
- Interdisciplinary Program of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Research affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Supranee Buranapraditkun
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development (Chula Vaccine Research Center-Chula VRC), Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Konlavat Siriwattananon
- Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phyathai Road, Patumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Chatikorn Boonkrai
- Interdisciplinary Program of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Research affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Trairak Pisitkun
- Center of Excellence in Systems Biology, Research affairs, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nattiya Hirankarn
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Richard Strasser
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Muthgasse 18, 1190, Vienna, Austria
| | - Yoshito Abe
- Laboratory of Protein Structure, Function and Design, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Waranyoo Phoolcharoen
- Plant-Produced Pharmaceuticals Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phyathai Road, Patumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
- Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany Department, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phyathai Road, Patumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
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Kourelis J, Kaschani F, Grosse-Holz FM, Homma F, Kaiser M, van der Hoorn RAL. A homology-guided, genome-based proteome for improved proteomics in the alloploid Nicotiana benthamiana. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:722. [PMID: 31585525 PMCID: PMC6778390 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-6058-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nicotiana benthamiana is an important model organism of the Solanaceae (Nightshade) family. Several draft assemblies of the N. benthamiana genome have been generated, but many of the gene-models in these draft assemblies appear incorrect. RESULTS Here we present an improved proteome based on the Niben1.0.1 draft genome assembly guided by gene models from other Nicotiana species. Due to the fragmented nature of the Niben1.0.1 draft genome, many protein-encoding genes are missing or partial. We complement these missing proteins by similarly annotating other draft genome assemblies. This approach overcomes problems caused by mis-annotated exon-intron boundaries and mis-assigned short read transcripts to homeologs in polyploid genomes. With an estimated 98.1% completeness; only 53,411 protein-encoding genes; and improved protein lengths and functional annotations, this new predicted proteome is better in assigning spectra than the preceding proteome annotations. This dataset is more sensitive and accurate in proteomics applications, clarifying the detection by activity-based proteomics of proteins that were previously predicted to be inactive. Phylogenetic analysis of the subtilase family of hydrolases reveal inactivation of likely homeologs, associated with a contraction of the functional genome in this alloploid plant species. Finally, we use this new proteome annotation to characterize the extracellular proteome as compared to a total leaf proteome, which highlights the enrichment of hydrolases in the apoplast. CONCLUSIONS This proteome annotation provides the community working with Nicotiana benthamiana with an important new resource for functional proteomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiorgos Kourelis
- Plant Chemetics Laboratory, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RB, UK
| | - Farnusch Kaschani
- Chemische Biologie, Zentrum fur Medizinische Biotechnologie, Fakultät für Biologie, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Friederike M Grosse-Holz
- Plant Chemetics Laboratory, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RB, UK
| | - Felix Homma
- Plant Chemetics Laboratory, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RB, UK
| | - Markus Kaiser
- Chemische Biologie, Zentrum fur Medizinische Biotechnologie, Fakultät für Biologie, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Renier A L van der Hoorn
- Plant Chemetics Laboratory, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RB, UK.
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44
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Habibi P, Daniell H, Soccol CR, Grossi‐de‐Sa MF. The potential of plant systems to break the HIV-TB link. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2019; 17:1868-1891. [PMID: 30908823 PMCID: PMC6737023 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can place a major burden on healthcare systems and constitute the main challenges of diagnostic and therapeutic programmes. Infection with HIV is the most common cause of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), which can accelerate the risk of latent TB reactivation by 20-fold. Similarly, TB is considered the most relevant factor predisposing individuals to HIV infection. Thus, both pathogens can augment one another in a synergetic manner, accelerating the failure of immunological functions and resulting in subsequent death in the absence of treatment. Synergistic approaches involving the treatment of HIV as a tool to combat TB and vice versa are thus required in regions with a high burden of HIV and TB infection. In this context, plant systems are considered a promising approach for combatting HIV and TB in a resource-limited setting because plant-made drugs can be produced efficiently and inexpensively in developing countries and could be shared by the available agricultural infrastructure without the expensive requirement needed for cold chain storage and transportation. Moreover, the use of natural products from medicinal plants can eliminate the concerns associated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) and anti-TB therapy (ATT), including drug interactions, drug-related toxicity and multidrug resistance. In this review, we highlight the potential of plant system as a promising approach for the production of relevant pharmaceuticals for HIV and TB treatment. However, in the cases of HIV and TB, none of the plant-made pharmaceuticals have been approved for clinical use. Limitations in reaching these goals are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyman Habibi
- Department of BiochemistrySchool of Dental MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Bioprocess Engineering and BiotechnologyFederal University of ParanáCuritibaPRBrazil
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and BiotechnologyBrasíliaDFBrazil
| | - Henry Daniell
- Department of BiochemistrySchool of Dental MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | | | - Maria Fatima Grossi‐de‐Sa
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and BiotechnologyBrasíliaDFBrazil
- Catholic University of BrasíliaBrasíliaDFBrazil
- Post Graduation Program in BiotechnologyUniversity PotiguarNatalRNBrazil
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45
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Palaci J, Virdi V, Depicker A. Transformation strategies for stable expression of complex hetero-multimeric proteins like secretory immunoglobulin A in plants. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2019; 17:1760-1769. [PMID: 30801876 PMCID: PMC6686127 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Plant expression systems have proven to be exceptional in producing high-value complex polymeric proteins such as secretory IgAs (SIgAs). However, polymeric protein production requires the expression of multiple genes, which can be transformed as single or multiple T-DNA units to generate stable transgenic plant lines. Here, we evaluated four strategies to stably transform multiple genes and to obtain high expression of all components. Using the in-seed expression of a simplified secretory IgA (sSIgA) as a reference molecule, we conclude that it is better to spread the genes over two T-DNAs than to contain them in a single T-DNA, because of the presence of homologous recombination events and gene silencing. These T-DNAs can be cotransformed to obtain transgenic plants in one transformation step. However, if time permits, more transformants with high production levels of the polymeric protein can be obtained either by sequential transformation or by in-parallel transformation followed by crossing of transformants independently selected for excellent expression of the genes in each T-DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Palaci
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and BioinformaticsGhent UniversityGentBelgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems BiologyGentBelgium
| | - Vikram Virdi
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and BioinformaticsGhent UniversityGentBelgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems BiologyGentBelgium
- Department of Biochemistry and MicrobiologyGhent UniversityGentBelgium
- VIB Center for Medical BiotechnologyGentBelgium
| | - Ann Depicker
- Department of Plant Biotechnology and BioinformaticsGhent UniversityGentBelgium
- VIB Center for Plant Systems BiologyGentBelgium
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Komarova TV, Sheshukova EV, Dorokhov YL. Plant-Made Antibodies: Properties and Therapeutic Applications. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:381-395. [PMID: 29231134 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666171212093257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2017] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A cost-effective plant platform for therapeutic monoclonal antibody production is both flexible and scalable. Plant cells have mechanisms for protein synthesis and posttranslational modification, including glycosylation, similar to those in animal cells. However, plants produce less complex and diverse Asn-attached glycans compared to animal cells and contain plant-specific residues. Nevertheless, plant-made antibodies (PMAbs) could be advantageous compared to those produced in animal cells due to the absence of a risk of contamination from nucleic acids or proteins of animal origin. OBJECTIVE In this review, the various platforms of PMAbs production are described, and the widely used transient expression system based on Agrobacterium-mediated delivery of genetic material into plant cells is discussed in detail. RESULTS We examined the features of and approaches to humanizing the Asn-linked glycan of PMAbs. The prospects for PMAbs in the prevention and treatment of human infectious diseases have been illustrated by promising results with PMAbs against human immunodeficiency virus, rotavirus infection, human respiratory syncytial virus, rabies, anthrax and Ebola virus. The pre-clinical and clinical trials of PMAbs against different types of cancer, including lymphoma and breast cancer, are addressed. CONCLUSION PMAb biosafety assessments in patients suggest that it has no side effects, although this does not completely remove concerns about the potential immunogenicity of some plant glycans in humans. Several PMAbs at various developmental stages have been proposed. Promise for the clinical use of PMAbs is aimed at the treatment of viral and bacterial infections as well as in anti-cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana V Komarova
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics Russian Academy of Sciences 119991, Moscow, Russian Federation.,A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Ekaterina V Sheshukova
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics Russian Academy of Sciences 119991, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Yuri L Dorokhov
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics Russian Academy of Sciences 119991, Moscow, Russian Federation.,A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russian Federation
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Top O, Parsons J, Bohlender LL, Michelfelder S, Kopp P, Busch-Steenberg C, Hoernstein SNW, Zipfel PF, Häffner K, Reski R, Decker EL. Recombinant Production of MFHR1, A Novel Synthetic Multitarget Complement Inhibitor, in Moss Bioreactors. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:260. [PMID: 30949184 PMCID: PMC6436476 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.00260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The human complement system is an important part of the immune system responsible for lysis and elimination of invading microorganisms and apoptotic body cells. Improper activation of the system due to deficiency, mutations, or autoantibodies of complement regulators, mainly factor H (FH) and FH-related proteins (FHRs), causes severe kidney and eye diseases. However, there is no recombinant FH therapeutic available on the market. The first successful recombinant production of FH was accomplished with the moss bioreactor, Physcomitrella patens. Recently, a synthetic regulator, MFHR1, was designed to generate a multitarget complement inhibitor that combines the activities of FH and the FH-related protein 1 (FHR1). The potential of MFHR1 was demonstrated in a proof-of-concept study with transiently transfected insect cells. Here, we present the stable production of recombinant glyco-engineered MFHR1 in the moss bioreactor. The key features of this system are precise genome engineering via homologous recombination, Good Manufacturing Practice-compliant production in photobioreactors, high batch-to-batch reproducibility, and product stability. Several potential biopharmaceuticals are being produced in this system. In some cases, these are even biobetters, i.e., the recombinant proteins produced in moss have a superior quality compared to their counterparts from mammalian systems as for example moss-made aGal, which successfully passed phase I clinical trials. Via mass spectrometry-based analysis of moss-produced MFHR1, we now prove the correct synthesis and modification of this glycoprotein with predominantly complex-type N-glycan attachment. Moss-produced MFHR1 exhibits cofactor and decay acceleration activities comparable to FH, and its mechanism of action on multiple levels within the alternative pathway of complement activation led to a strong inhibitory activity on the whole alternative pathway, which was higher than with the physiological regulator FH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oguz Top
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Juliana Parsons
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lennard L. Bohlender
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Michelfelder
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Neonatology, Medical Center - University Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Phillipp Kopp
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Peter F. Zipfel
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
| | - Karsten Häffner
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Neonatology, Medical Center - University Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Reski
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eva L. Decker
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Clemente M, Corigliano MG, Pariani SA, Sánchez-López EF, Sander VA, Ramos-Duarte VA. Plant Serine Protease Inhibitors: Biotechnology Application in Agriculture and Molecular Farming. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E1345. [PMID: 30884891 PMCID: PMC6471620 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The serine protease inhibitors (SPIs) are widely distributed in living organisms like bacteria, fungi, plants, and humans. The main function of SPIs as protease enzymes is to regulate the proteolytic activity. In plants, most of the studies of SPIs have been focused on their physiological role. The initial studies carried out in plants showed that SPIs participate in the regulation of endogenous proteolytic processes, as the regulation of proteases in seeds. Besides, it was observed that SPIs also participate in the regulation of cell death during plant development and senescence. On the other hand, plant SPIs have an important role in plant defense against pests and phytopathogenic microorganisms. In the last 20 years, several transgenic plants over-expressing SPIs have been produced and tested in order to achieve the increase of the resistance against pathogenic insects. Finally, in molecular farming, SPIs have been employed to minimize the proteolysis of recombinant proteins expressed in plants. The present review discusses the potential biotechnological applications of plant SPIs in the agriculture field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Clemente
- Instituto Tecnológico Chascomús (INTECH), UNSAM-CONICET, Chascomús, Provincia de Buenos Aires B7130, Argentina.
| | - Mariana G Corigliano
- Instituto Tecnológico Chascomús (INTECH), UNSAM-CONICET, Chascomús, Provincia de Buenos Aires B7130, Argentina.
| | - Sebastián A Pariani
- Instituto Tecnológico Chascomús (INTECH), UNSAM-CONICET, Chascomús, Provincia de Buenos Aires B7130, Argentina.
| | - Edwin F Sánchez-López
- Instituto Tecnológico Chascomús (INTECH), UNSAM-CONICET, Chascomús, Provincia de Buenos Aires B7130, Argentina.
| | - Valeria A Sander
- Instituto Tecnológico Chascomús (INTECH), UNSAM-CONICET, Chascomús, Provincia de Buenos Aires B7130, Argentina.
| | - Víctor A Ramos-Duarte
- Instituto Tecnológico Chascomús (INTECH), UNSAM-CONICET, Chascomús, Provincia de Buenos Aires B7130, Argentina.
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49
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Jansing J, Buyel JF. The Correlation Between DsRed mRNA Levels and Transient DsRed Protein Expression in Plants Depends on Leaf Age and the 5' Untranslated Region. Biotechnol J 2019; 14:e1800075. [PMID: 29701331 DOI: 10.1002/biot.201800075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The yield of recombinant proteins in plants determines their economic competitiveness as a production platform compared to microbes and mammalian cells. The promoter, untranslated regions (UTRs) and codon usage can all contribute to the yield, but potential interactions among these components have not been examined in detail. Here the effect of two promoters (35SS and nos) and four 5'UTRs on the spatiotemporal expression of DsRed mRNA and the accumulation of DsRed protein during transient expression in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens is investigated. The authors found that the mRNA levels peaked 2-3 days post-infiltration (dpi), and rapidly declined thereafter, whereas DsRed protein was first detected after ≈3 days and concentrations continued to increase until at least 5 dpi. This temporal decoupling of mRNA and protein expression was strongest in the older leaves, which also produced the lowest DsRed yields. The accumulation of DsRed linearly correlated with mRNA levels in all but the youngest leaves, where more DsRed was synthesized per mRNA molecule. This was the case for both promoters, although the nos promoter had a higher protein/mRNA ratio than the 35SS promoter. Furthermore, the type of 5'UTR affected DsRed protein accumulation by 50% starting from similar levels of mRNA. The authors concluded that DsRed mRNA levels are not the limiting factor for DsRed protein expression in plants, but that translation-associated processes such as initiation, elongation, and release are bottlenecks that should be addressed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Jansing
- Institute for Molecular Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1,Aachen, 52074, Germany
| | - Johannes F Buyel
- Institute for Molecular Biotechnology, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1,Aachen, 52074, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Forckenbeckstraße 6,Aachen, 52074, Germany
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50
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Introduction of the YTE mutation into the non-immunogenic HIV bnAb PGT121 induces anti-drug antibodies in macaques. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212649. [PMID: 30785963 PMCID: PMC6437720 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Recombinant antibodies play increasingly important roles as immunotherapeutic
treatments for human cancers as well as inflammatory and infectious diseases and
have revolutionized their management. In addition, their therapeutic potential
may be enhanced by the introduction of defined mutations in the crystallizable
fragment (Fc) domains eg YTE (M252Y/S254T/T256E) and LS (M428L/N434S), as a
consequence of increased half-lives and prolonged duration of protection.
However, the functional properties of any biologic may be compromised by
unanticipated immunogenicity in humans, rendering them ineffective. Several
potent broadly neutralizing HIV monoclonal antibodies (bnAbs) have been
identified that protect against SHIV challenge in macaque models and reduce HIV
viremia in HIV-infected individuals. In the present study, the pharmacokinetics
and immunogenicity of one or more 5mg/kg subcutaneous (SC) injections in naïve
macaques of the HIV bnAb PGT121 and its PGT121-YTE mutant, both produced in
plants, have been compared towards prolonging efficacy. Induction of
anti-drug/anti-idiotypic antibodies (ADA, anti-id) has been monitored using both
binding ELISAs and more functional inhibition of virus neutralization (ID50)
assays. Timing of the anti-Id responses and their impact on pharmacokinetic
profiles (clearance) and efficacy (protection) have also been assessed. The
results indicate that ADA induction in naïve macaques may result both from
injection of the previously non-immunogenic PGT121 into pre-primed animals and
also by the introduction of the YTE mutation. Binding ADA antibody levels,
induced in 7/10 macaques within two weeks of a first or second PGT121-YTE
injection, were closely associated with both reduced pharmacokinetic profiles
and loss of protection. However no correlation was observed with inhibitory ADA
activity. These studies provide insights into both the structural features of
bnAb and the immune status of the host which may contribute to the development
of ADA in macaques and describe possible YTE-mediated changes in
structure/orientation of HIV bnAbs that trigger such responses.
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