Targeting antigens to dendritic cell receptors for vaccine development. J Drug Deliv. 2013;2013:869718. [PMID: 24228179 PMCID: PMC3817681 DOI: 10.1155/2013/869718]

Plant-derived EpCAM-Fc fusion proteins induce in vivo immune response to produce IgGs inhibiting invasion and migration of colorectal cancer cells

KEY MESSAGE

Transgenic tobacco plant expressed EpCAM-Fc fusion proteins to induce in vivo immune responses producing anti-EpCAM antibodies inhibiting human colorectal cancer cell invasion and migration. Plant is emerging as a promising alternative to produce valuable immunotherapeutic vaccines. In this study, we examined the in vivo anti-cancer efficacy of epidermal cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)-Fc and EpCAM-FcK fusion proteins produced in transgenic plants as colorectal cancer vaccine candidates. Mice were injected with plant-derived EpCAM-Fc (EpCAM-FcP) and EpCAM-FcP tagged with KDEL (ER retention signal) (EpCAM-FcKP), using mammalian-derived EpCAM-Fc (EpCAM-FcM) as positive control. Total IgGs from the immunized mice were used to assess immune responses. ELISA tests revealed that IgGs from mice immunized with EpCAM-FcKP (EpCAM-FcKP IgG) exhibited the highest absorbance value for binding affinity to recombinant EpCAM-FcM compared to IgGs from mice immunized with EpCAM-FcP (EpCAM-FcP IgG) and EpCAM-FcM (EpCAM-FcM IgG). Bio-layer interferometry revealed that EpCAM-FcKP IgG had a higher affinity value than EpCAM-FcM IgG and EpCAM-FcP IgG. Cell ELISA revealed that EpCAM-FcKP IgG exhibited the highest binding activity to EpCAM-positive cells SW480 and SW620 compared to EpCAM-FcP IgG, EpCAM-FcM IgG, and anti-EpCAM mAb. In the transwell invasion assay, EpCAM-FcKP IgG significantly decreased the numbers of invaded SW480 and SW620 cells compared to EpCAM-FcP IgG, whereas EpCAM-FcM IgG had similar numbers. In the wound healing assay, EpCAM-FcKP IgG showed higher migration inhibition compared to EpCAM-FcP IgG in both cell types, with similar results to EpCAM-FcM IgG in SW620 cells. These results confirm the applicability of plant systems to produce EpCAM-Fc vaccine candidates, inducing the production of anti-EpCAM IgGs against colorectal cancer cells.

Molecular mechanisms and targeted therapy for the metastasis of prostate cancer to the bones (Review)

The incidence of prostate cancer (PCa) is increasing, making it one of the prevalent malignancies among men. Metastasis of PCa to the bones poses the greatest danger to patients, potentially resulting in treatment ineffectiveness and mortality. At present, the management of patients with bone metastasis focuses primarily on providing palliative care. Research has indicated that the spread of PCa to the bones occurs through the participation of numerous molecules and their respective pathways. Gaining knowledge regarding the molecular processes involved in bone metastasis may result in the development of innovative and well‑tolerated therapies, ultimately enhancing the quality of life and prognosis of patients. The present article provides the latest overview of the molecular mechanisms involved in the formation of bone metastatic tumors from PCa. Additionally, the clinical outcomes of targeted drug therapies for bone metastasis are thoroughly analyzed. Finally, the benefits and difficulties of targeted therapy for bone metastasis of PCa are discussed, aiming to offer fresh perspectives for treatment.

Tolerogenic Nano-/Microparticle Vaccines for Immunotherapy

Autoimmune diseases, allergies, transplant rejections, generation of antidrug antibodies, and chronic inflammatory diseases have impacted a large group of people across the globe. Conventional treatments and therapies often use systemic or broad immunosuppression with serious efficacy and safety issues. Tolerogenic vaccines represent a concept that has been extended from their traditional immune-modulating function to induction of antigen-specific tolerance through the generation of regulatory T cells. Without impairing immune homeostasis, tolerogenic vaccines dampen inflammation and induce tolerogenic regulation. However, achieving the desired potency of tolerogenic vaccines as preventive and therapeutic modalities calls for precise manipulation of the immune microenvironment and control over the tolerogenic responses against the autoantigens, allergens, and/or alloantigens. Engineered nano-/microparticles possess desirable design features that can bolster targeted immune regulation and enhance the induction of antigen-specific tolerance. Thus, particle-based tolerogenic vaccines hold great promise in clinical translation for future treatment of aforementioned immune disorders. In this review, we highlight the main strategies to employ particles as exciting tolerogenic vaccines, with a focus on the particles' role in facilitating the induction of antigen-specific tolerance. We describe the particle design features that facilitate their usage and discuss the challenges and opportunities for designing next-generation particle-based tolerogenic vaccines with robust efficacy to promote antigen-specific tolerance for immunotherapy.

Mannose Ligands for Mannose Receptor Targeting

The mannose receptor (MR, CD 206) is an endocytic receptor primarily expressed by macrophages and dendritic cells, which plays a critical role in both endocytosis and antigen processing and presentation. MR carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs) exhibit a high binding affinity for branched and linear oligosaccharides. Furthermore, multivalent mannose presentation on the various templates like peptides, proteins, polymers, micelles, and dendrimers was proven to be a valuable approach for the selective and efficient delivery of various therapeutically active agents to MR. This review provides a detailed account of the most relevant and recent aspects of the synthesis and application of mannosylated bioactive formulations for MR-mediated delivery in treatments of cancer and other infectious diseases. It further highlights recent findings related to the necessary structural features of the mannose-containing ligands for successful binding to the MR.

Effects of Skeleton Structure of Mesoporous Silica Nanoadjuvants on Cancer Immunotherapy

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have been widely praised as nanoadjuvants in vaccine/tumor immunotherapy thanks to their excellent biocompatibility, easy-to-modify surface, adjustable particle size, and remarkable immuno-enhancing activity. However, the application of MSNs is still greatly limited by some severe challenges including the unclear and complicated relationships of structure and immune effect. Herein, three commonly used MSNs with different skeletons including MSN with tetrasulfide bonds (TMSN), MSN containing ethoxy framework (EMSN), and pure -Si-O-Si- framework of MSN (MSN) are comprehensively compared to study the impact of chemical construction on immune effect. The results fully demonstrate that the three MSNs have great promise in improving cellular immunity for tumor immunotherapy. Moreover, the TMSN performs better than the other two MSNs in antigen loading, cellular uptake, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, lymph node targeting, immune activation, and therapeutic efficiency. The findings provide a new paradigm for revealing the structure-function relationship of mesoporous silica nanoadjuvants, paving the way for their future clinical application.

Enhanced Vaccine Immunogenicity Enabled by Targeted Cytosolic Delivery of Tumor Antigens into Dendritic Cells

Molecular vaccines comprising antigen peptides and inflammatory cues make up a class of therapeutics that promote immunity against cancer and pathogenic diseases but often exhibit limited efficacy. Here, we engineered an antigen peptide delivery system to enhance vaccine efficacy by targeting dendritic cells and mediating cytosolic delivery. The delivery system consists of the nontoxic anthrax protein, protective antigen (PA), and a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) that recognizes the XCR1 receptor on dendritic cells (DCs). Combining these proteins enabled selective delivery of the N-terminus of lethal factor (LFN) into XCR1-positive cross-presenting DCs. Incorporating immunogenic epitope sequences into LFN showed selective protein translocation in vitro and enhanced the priming of antigen-specific T cells in vivo. Administering DC-targeted constructs with tumor antigens (Trp1/gp100) into mice bearing aggressive B16-F10 melanomas improved mouse outcomes when compared to free antigen, including suppressed tumor growth up to 58% at 16 days post tumor induction (P < 0.0001) and increased survival (P = 0.03). These studies demonstrate that harnessing DC-targeting anthrax proteins for cytosolic antigen delivery significantly enhances the immunogenicity and antitumor efficacy of cancer vaccines.

Porcine Macrophage Markers and Populations: An Update

Besides its importance as a livestock species, pig is increasingly being used as an animal model for biomedical research. Macrophages play critical roles in immunity to pathogens, tissue development, homeostasis and tissue repair. These cells are also primary targets for replication of viruses such as African swine fever virus, classical swine fever virus, and porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus, which can cause huge economic losses to the pig industry. In this article, we review the current status of knowledge on porcine macrophages, starting by reviewing the markers available for their phenotypical characterization and following with the characteristics of the main macrophage populations described in different organs, as well as the effect of polarization conditions on their phenotype and function. We will also review available cell lines suitable for studies on the biology of porcine macrophages and their interaction with pathogens.

Peptide-based vaccine for cancer therapies

Different strategies based on peptides are available for cancer treatment, in particular to counter-act the progression of tumor growth and disease relapse. In the last decade, in the context of therapeutic strategies against cancer, peptide-based vaccines have been evaluated in different tumor models. The peptides selected for cancer vaccine development can be classified in two main type: tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) and tumor-specific antigens (TSAs), which are captured, internalized, processed and presented by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to cell-mediated immunity. Peptides loaded onto MHC class I are recognized by a specific TCR of CD8+ T cells, which are activated to exert their cytotoxic activity against tumor cells presenting the same peptide-MHC-I complex. This process is defined as active immunotherapy as the host's immune system is either de novo activated or restimulated to mount an effective, tumor-specific immune reaction that may ultimately lead to tu-mor regression. However, while the preclinical data have frequently shown encouraging results, therapeutic cancer vaccines clinical trials, including those based on peptides have not provided satisfactory data to date. The limited efficacy of peptide-based cancer vaccines is the consequence of several factors, including the identification of specific target tumor antigens, the limited immunogenicity of peptides and the highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). An effective cancer vaccine can be developed only by addressing all such different aspects. The present review describes the state of the art for each of such factors.

Multiple Vaccines and Strategies for Pandemic Preparedness of Avian Influenza Virus

Avian influenza viruses (AIV) are a continuous cause of concern due to their pandemic potential and devasting effects on poultry, birds, and human health. The low pathogenic avian influenza virus has the potential to evolve into a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, resulting in its rapid spread and significant outbreaks in poultry. Over the years, a wide array of traditional and novel strategies has been implemented to prevent the transmission of AIV in poultry. Mass vaccination is still an economical and effective approach to establish immune protection against clinical virus infection. At present, some AIV vaccines have been licensed for large-scale production and use in the poultry industry; however, other new types of AIV vaccines are currently under research and development. In this review, we assess the recent progress surrounding the various types of AIV vaccines, which are based on the classical and next-generation platforms. Additionally, the delivery systems for nucleic acid vaccines are discussed, since these vaccines have attracted significant attention following their significant role in the fight against COVID-19. We also provide a general introduction to the dendritic targeting strategy, which can be used to enhance the immune efficiency of AIV vaccines. This review may be beneficial for the avian influenza research community, providing ideas for the design and development of new AIV vaccines.

Emerging Applications of Biomedical Science in Pandemic Prevention and Control: A Review

The COVID-19 pandemic has made it abundantly clear how crucial biomedical science is to pandemic control and prevention on a global scale. The importance of biomedical science in the fight against pandemics has increased with the appearance of new, deadly infectious diseases. Biomedical science and engineering have been presented as possible areas for combating the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) due to the unique challenges raised by the pandemic, as reported by epidemiologists, immunologists, and doctors, including the survival, symptoms, protein surface composition, and infection mechanisms of COVID-19. These multidisciplinary engineering concepts are applied to design and develop prevention methods, diagnostics, monitoring, and therapies. An infectious disease outbreak that has spread over a sizable region, such as several continents or the entire world, and is affecting a sizable number of people is referred to as a "pandemic. While current knowledge about the SARS-CoV-2 virus is still limited, various (old and new) biomedical approaches have been developed and tested. Here, we review the emerging applications of biomedical science in pandemic prevention and control, including rapid diagnosis tests, the development of vaccines, antiviral therapies, artificial intelligence, genome sequencing, and personal protective equipment. Biomedical science and nanotechnology are two fields that have the potential to combine to develop emerging applications for combating pandemics. In this review, we also discuss the intersection of biomedical science and nanotechnology in pandemic prevention and control.

An intranasal vaccine comprising SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain protein entrapped in mannose-conjugated chitosan nanoparticle provides protection in hamsters

We developed a novel intranasal SARS-CoV-2 subunit vaccine called NARUVAX-C19/Nano based on the spike protein receptor-binding domain (RBD) entrapped in mannose-conjugated chitosan nanoparticles (NP). A toll-like receptor 9 agonist, CpG55.2, was also added as an adjuvant to see if this would potentiate the cellular immune response to the NP vaccine. The NP vaccine was assessed for immunogenicity, protective efficacy, and ability to prevent virus transmission from vaccinated animals to naive cage-mates. The results were compared with a RBD protein vaccine mixed with alum adjuvant and administered intramuscularly. BALB/c mice vaccinated twice intranasally with the NP vaccines exhibited secretory IgA and a pronounced Th1-cell response, not seen with the intramuscular alum-adjuvanted RBD vaccine. NP vaccines protected Syrian hamsters against a wild-type SARS-CoV-2 infection challenge as indicated by significant reductions in weight loss, lung viral load and lung pathology. However, despite significantly reduced viral load in the nasal turbinates and oropharyngeal swabs from NP-vaccinated hamsters, virus transmission was not prevented to naïve cage-mates. In conclusion, intranasal RBD-based NP formulations induced mucosal and Th1-cell mediated immune responses in mice and protected Syrian hamsters against SARS-CoV-2 infection but not against viral transmission.

Living Leukocyte-Based Drug Delivery Systems

Leukocytes play a vital role in immune responses, including defending against invasive pathogens, reconstructing impaired tissue, and maintaining immune homeostasis. When the immune system is activated in vivo, leukocytes accomplish a series of orderly and complex regulatory processes. While cancer and inflammation-related diseases like sepsis are critical medical difficulties plaguing humankind around the world, leukocytes have been shown to largely gather at the focal site, and significantly contribute to inflammation and cancer progression. Therefore, the living leukocyte-based drug delivery systems have attracted considerable attention in recent years due to the innate and specific targeting effect, low immunogenicity, improved therapeutic efficacy, and low reverse effect. In this review, the recent advances in the development of living leukocyte-based drug delivery systems including macrophages, neutrophils, and lymphocytes as promising treatment strategies for cancer and inflammation-related diseases are introduced. The advantages, current challenges, and limitations of these delivery systems are also discussed, as well as perspectives on the future development of precision and targeted therapy in the clinics are provided. Collectively, it is expected that such kind of living cell-based drug delivery system is promising to improve or even revolutionize the treatments of cancers and inflammation-related diseases in the clinics.

Dendritic cell-targeting polymer nanoparticle-based immunotherapy for cancer: A review

Cancer immunity is dependent on dynamic interactions between T cells and dendritic cells (DCs). Polymer-based nanoparticles target DC receptors to improve anticancer immune responses. In this paper, DC surface receptors and their specific coupling natural ligands and antibodies are reviewed and compared. Moreover, reaction mechanisms are described, and the synergistic effects of immune adjuvants are demonstrated. Also, extracellular-targeting antigen-delivery strategies and intracellular stimulus responses are reviewed to promote the rational design of polymer delivery systems.

Glycobiology of cellular expiry: Decrypting the role of glycan-lectin regulatory complex and therapeutic strategies focusing on cancer

Often the outer leaflets of living cells bear a coat of glycosylated proteins, which primarily regulates cellular processes. Glycosylation of such proteins occurs as part of their post-translational modification. Within the endoplasmic reticulum, glycosylation enables the attachment of specific oligosaccharide moieties such as, 'glycan' to the transmembrane receptor proteins which confers precise biological information for governing the cell fate. The nature and degree of glycosylation of cell surface receptors are regulated by a bunch of glycosyl transferases and glycosidases which fine-tune attachment or detachment of glycan moieties. In classical death receptors, upregulation of glycosylation by glycosyl transferases is capable of inducing cell death in T cells, tumor cells, etc. Thus, any deregulated alternation at surface glycosylation of these death receptors can result in life-threatening disorder like cancer. In addition, transmembrane glycoproteins and lectin receptors can transduce intracellular signals for cell death execution. Exogenous interaction of lectins with glycan containing death receptors signals for cell death initiation by modulating downstream signalings. Subsequently, endogenous glycan-lectin interplay aids in the customization and implementation of the cell death program. Lastly, the glycan-lectin recognition system dictates the removal of apoptotic cells by sending accurate signals to the extracellular milieu. Since glycosylation has proven to be a biomarker of cellular death and disease progression; glycans serve as specific therapeutic targets of cancers. In this context, we are reviewing the molecular mechanisms of the glycan-lectin regulatory network as an integral part of cell death machinery in cancer to target them for successful therapeutic and clinical approaches.

Nanomaterials to combat SARS-CoV-2: Strategies to prevent, diagnose and treat COVID-19

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the associated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which severely affect the respiratory system and several organs and tissues, and may lead to death, have shown how science can respond when challenged by a global emergency, offering as a response a myriad of rapid technological developments. Development of vaccines at lightning speed is one of them. SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks have stressed healthcare systems, questioning patients care by using standard non-adapted therapies and diagnostic tools. In this scenario, nanotechnology has offered new tools, techniques and opportunities for prevention, for rapid, accurate and sensitive diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19. In this review, we focus on the nanotechnological applications and nano-based materials (i.e., personal protective equipment) to combat SARS-CoV-2 transmission, infection, organ damage and for the development of new tools for virosurveillance, diagnose and immune protection by mRNA and other nano-based vaccines. All the nano-based developed tools have allowed a historical, unprecedented, real time epidemiological surveillance and diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, at community and international levels. The nano-based technology has help to predict and detect how this Sarbecovirus is mutating and the severity of the associated COVID-19 disease, thereby assisting the administration and public health services to make decisions and measures for preparedness against the emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 and severe or lethal COVID-19.

Lymph node-targeting nanovaccines for cancer immunotherapy

Cancer immunotherapies such as tumor vaccines, chimeric antigen receptor T cells and immune checkpoint blockades, have attracted tremendous attention. Among them, tumor vaccines prime immune response by delivering antigens and adjuvants to the antigen presenting cells (APCs), thus enhancing antitumor immunotherapy. Despite tumor vaccines have made considerable achievements in tumor immunotherapy, it remains challenging to efficiently deliver tumor vaccines to activate the dendritic cells (DCs) in lymph nodes (LNs). Rational design of nanovaccines on the basis of biomedical nanotechnology has emerged as one of the most promising strategies for boosting the outcomes of cancer immunotherapy. In recent years, great efforts have been made in exploiting various nanocarrier-based LNs-targeting tumor nanovaccines. In view of the rapid advances in this field, we here aim to summarize the latest progression in LNs-targeting nanovaccines for cancer immunotherapy, with special attention to various nano-vehicles developed for LNs-targeting delivery of tumor vaccines, including lipid-based nanoparticles, polymeric nanocarriers, inorganic nanocarriers and biomimetic nanosystems. Moreover, the recent trends in nanovaccines-based combination cancer immunotherapy are provided. Finally, the rationality, advantages and challenges of LNs-targeting nanovaccines for clinical translation and application are spotlighted.

Vaccination efforts for Buruli Ulcer

BACKGROUND

Buruli ulcer is one of the most common mycobacterial diseases usually affecting poorer populations in tropical and subtropical environments. This disease, caused by M. ulcerans infection, has devastating effects for patients, with significant health and economic burden. Antibiotics are often used to treat affected individuals, but in most cases, surgery is necessary.

AREA COVERED

We present progress on Buruli ulcer vaccines and identify knowledge gaps in this neglected tropical disease.

EXPERT OPINION

The lack of appropriate infrastructure in endemic areas, as well as the severity of symptoms and lack of non-invasive treatment options, highlights the need for an effective vaccine to combat this disease. In terms of humoral immunity, it is vital to consider its significance and the magnitude to which it inhibits or slowdowns the progression of the disease. Only by answering these key questions will it be possible to tailor more appropriate vaccination and preventative provisions.

Dendritic cell-based vaccine: the state-of-the-art vaccine platform for COVID-19 management

INTRODUCTION

A correlation between new coronaviruses and host immunity, as well as the role of defective immune function in host response, would be extremely helpful in understanding coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pathogenicity, and a coherent structure of treatments and vaccines. As existing vaccines may be inadequate for new viral variants emerging in various regions of the world, it is a vital requirement for fresh and effective therapeutic alternatives.

AREA COVERED

Immunotherapy may give a viable protective option for COVID-19, a disease that is currently a big burden on global health and economic systems. Herein, we have outlined three dendritic cell (DC)-based vaccines for COVID-19 which are in human clinical trials and have shown encouraging outcomes.

EXPERT OPINION

With existing knowledge of the virus, and the nature of DC, DC-based vaccines may be proven to be effective in inducing long-lasting protective immunity, especially T cell responses.

Breast cancer vaccines: New insights into immunomodulatory and nano-therapeutic approaches

Breast cancer (BC) is known to be a highly heterogeneous disease that is clinically subdivided into four primary molecular subtypes, each having distinct morphology and clinical implications. These subtypes are principally defined by hormone receptors and other proteins involved (or not involved) in BC development. BC therapeutic vaccines [including peptide-based vaccines, protein-based vaccines, nucleic acid-based vaccines (DNA/RNA vaccines), bacterial/viral-based vaccines, and different immune cell-based vaccines] have emerged as an appealing class of cancer immunotherapeutics when used alone or combined with other immunotherapies. Employing the immune system to eliminate BC cells is a novel therapeutic modality. The benefit of active immunotherapies is that they develop protection against neoplastic tissue and readjust the immune system to an anti-tumor monitoring state. Such immunovaccines have not yet shown effectiveness for BC treatment in clinical trials. In recent years, nanomedicines have opened new windows to increase the effectiveness of vaccinations to treat BC. In this context, some nanoplatforms have been designed to efficiently deliver molecular, cellular, or subcellular vaccines to BC cells, increasing the efficacy and persistence of anti-tumor immunity while minimizing undesirable side effects. Immunostimulatory nano-adjuvants, liposomal-based vaccines, polymeric vaccines, virus-like particles, lipid/calcium/phosphate nanoparticles, chitosan-derived nanostructures, porous silicon microparticles, and selenium nanoparticles are among the newly designed nanostructures that have been used to facilitate antigen internalization and presentation by antigen-presenting cells, increase antigen stability, enhance vaccine antigenicity and remedial effectivity, promote antigen escape from the endosome, improve cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses, and produce humoral immune responses in BC cells. Here, we summarized the existing subtypes of BC and shed light on immunomodulatory and nano-therapeutic strategies for BC vaccination. Finally, we reviewed ongoing clinical trials on BC vaccination and highlighted near-term opportunities for moving forward.

Physical and chemical advances of synthetic delivery vehicles to enhance mRNA vaccine efficacy

The successful translation of mRNA vaccines slows down the spread of viral infectious diseases, which may be accomplished by developing novel chemically modified nucleotides (or nucleosides) and highly efficient, safe mRNA delivery vehicles. Delivery vehicles protect vulnerable antigen mRNA and increase the uptake of mRNA into antigen-presenting cells in the peripheral tissue or lymph nodes. This review introduces essential characteristics of mRNA vaccines (e.g., particle sizes, colloidal stability, surface charges/endosomal escape ability, and ligand conjugation) that may be used to generate high immune responses against foreign antigens. The significance and mechanism of each characteristic are described based on the results obtained from in vitro and in vivo studies. We also discuss the development of next generation delivery vehicles for future mRNA vaccines.

Evaluation of a Novel Adjuvanted Vaccine for Ultrashort Regimen Therapy of Artemisia Pollen-Induced Allergic Bronchial Asthma in a Mouse Model

Wormwood (Artemisia) pollen is among the top 10 aeroallergens globally that cause allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) is the gold standard for treating patients with allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and asthma. A significant disadvantage of today's ASIT methods is the long duration of therapy and multiplicity of allergen administrations. The goal of this study was to undertake a pilot study in mice of a novel ultrashort vaccine immunotherapy regimen incorporating various adjuvants to assess its ability to treat allergic bronchial asthma caused by wormwood pollen. We evaluated in a mouse model of wormwood pollen allergy candidates comprising recombinant Art v 1 wormwood pollen protein formulated with either newer (Advax, Advax-CpG, ISA-51) or more traditional [aluminum hydroxide, squalene water emulsion (SWE)] adjuvants administered by the intramuscular or subcutaneous route vs. intranasal administration of a mucosal vaccine formulation using chitosan-mannose nanoparticle entrapped with Art v 1 protein. The vaccine formulations were administered to previously wormwood pollen-sensitized animals, four times at weekly intervals. Desensitization was determined by measuring decreases in immunoglobulin E (IgE), cellular immunity, ear swelling test, and pathological changes in the lungs of animals after aeroallergen challenge. Art v 1 protein formulation with Advax, Advax-CpG, SWE, or ISA-51 adjuvants induced a significant decrease in both total and Art v 1-specific IgE with a concurrent increase in Art v 1-specific IgG compared to the positive control group. There was a shift in T-cell cytokine secretion toward a Th1 (Advax-CpG, ISA-51, and Advax) or a balanced Th1/Th2 (SWE) pattern. Protection against lung inflammatory reaction after challenge was seen with ISA-51, Advax, and SWE Art v 1 formulations. Overall, the ISA-51-adjuvanted vaccine group induced the largest reduction of allergic ear swelling and protection against type 2 and non-type 2 lung inflammation in challenged animals. This pilot study shows the potential to develop an ultrashort ASIT regimen for wormwood pollen-induced bronchial asthma using appropriately adjuvanted recombinant Art v 1 protein. The data support further preclinical studies with the ultimate goal of advancing this therapy to human clinical trials.

Targeted Delivery of Nanovaccine to Dendritic Cells via DC-Binding Peptides Induces Potent Antiviral Immunity in vivo

Background

Dendritic cell (DC) targeted antigen delivery is a promising strategy to enhance vaccine efficacy and delivery of therapeutics. Self-assembling peptide-based nanoparticles and virus-like particles (VLPs) have attracted extensive interest as non-replicating vectors for nanovaccine design, based on their unique properties, including molecular specificity, biodegradability and biocompatibility. DCs are specialized antigen-presenting cells involved in antigen capture, processing, and presentation to initiate adaptive immune responses. Using DC-specific ligands for targeted delivery of antigens to DCs may be utilized as a promising strategy to drive efficient and strong immune responses.

Methods

In this study, several candidates for DC-binding peptides (DCbps) were individually integrated into C-terminal of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) Cap, a viral protein that could self-assemble into icosahedral VLPs with 60 subunits. The immunostimulatory adjuvant activity of DC-targeted VLPs was further evaluated in a vaccine model of PCV2 Cap.

Results

With transmission electron microscopy (TEM), E. coli expressed Cap-DCbp fusion proteins were observed self-assembled into highly ordered VLPs. Further, in dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis, chimeric VLPs exhibited similar particle size uniformity and narrow size distribution as compared to wild type Cap VLPs. With a distinctly higher targeting efficiency, DCbp3 integrated Cap VLPs (Cap-DCbp3) displayed enhanced antigen uptake and increased elicitation of antigen presentation-related factors in BM-DCs. Mice subcutaneously immunized with Cap-DCbp3 VLPs exhibited significantly higher levels of Cap-specific antibodies, neutralizing antibodies and intracellular cytokines than those with other DCbp integrated or wild type Cap VLPs without any DCbp. Interestingly, Cap-DCbp3 VLPs vaccine induces robust cellular immune response profile, including the efficient production of IFN-γ, IL-2 and IL-10. Meanwhile, the improved proliferation index in lymphocytes with Cap-DCbp3 was also detected as compared to other VLPs.

Conclusion

This study described the potential of DC-binding peptides for further improved antigen delivery and vaccine efficacy, explainning nanovaccine optimization in relation to a range of emerging and circulating infectious pathogens.

Anti-COVID-19 Nanomaterials: Directions to Improve Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Following the announcement of the outbreak of COVID-19 by the World Health Organization, unprecedented efforts were made by researchers around the world to combat the disease. So far, various methods have been developed to combat this "virus" nano enemy, in close collaboration with the clinical and scientific communities. Nanotechnology based on modifiable engineering materials and useful physicochemical properties has demonstrated several methods in the fight against SARS-CoV-2. Here, based on what has been clarified so far from the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2, through an interdisciplinary perspective based on computational science, engineering, pharmacology, medicine, biology, and virology, the role of nano-tools in the trio of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment is highlighted. The special properties of different nanomaterials have led to their widespread use in the development of personal protective equipment, anti-viral nano-coats, and disinfectants in the fight against SARS-CoV-2 out-body. The development of nano-based vaccines acts as a strong shield in-body. In addition, fast detection with high efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 by nanomaterial-based point-of-care devices is another nanotechnology capability. Finally, nanotechnology can play an effective role as an agents carrier, such as agents for blocking angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, gene editing agents, and therapeutic agents. As a general conclusion, it can be said that nanoparticles can be widely used in disinfection applications outside in vivo. However, in in vivo applications, although it has provided promising results, it still needs to be evaluated for possible unintended immunotoxicity. Reviews like these can be important documents for future unwanted pandemics.

Nanoparticles Surface Chemistry Influence on Protein Corona Composition and Inflammatory Responses

Nanoparticles are widely used for biomedical applications such as vaccine, drug delivery, diagnostics, and therapeutics. This study aims to reveal the influence of nanoparticle surface functionalization on protein corona formation from blood serum and plasma and the subsequent effects on the innate immune cellular responses. To achieve this goal, the surface chemistry of silica nanoparticles of 20 nm diameter was tailored via plasma polymerization with amine, carboxylic acid, oxazolines, and alkane functionalities. The results of this study show significant surface chemistry-induced differences in protein corona composition, which reflect in the subsequent inflammatory consequences. Nanoparticles rich with carboxylic acid surface functionalities increased the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in response to higher level of complement proteins and decreased the number of lipoproteins found in their protein coronas. On another hand, amine rich coatings led to increased expressions of anti-inflammatory markers such as arginase. The findings demonstrate the potential to direct physiological responses to nanomaterials via tailoring their surface chemical composition.

Immunomodulatory properties of nanostructured systems for cancer therapy

Based on statistical data reported in 2020, cancer was responsible for approximately 10 million deaths. Furthermore, 17 million new cases were diagnosed worldwide. Nanomedicine and immunotherapy have shown satisfactory clinical results among all scientific and technological alternatives for the treatment of cancer patients. Immunotherapy-based treatments comprise the consideration of new alternatives to hinder neoplastic proliferation and to reduce adverse events in the body, thereby promoting immune destruction of diseased cells. Additionally, nanostructured systems have been proven to elicit specific immune responses that may enhance anti-tumor activity. A new generation of nanomedicines, based on biomimetic and bioinspired systems, has been proposed to target tumors by providing immunomodulatory features and by enabling recovery of human immune destruction capacity against cancer cells. This review provides an overview of the aspects and the mechanisms by which nanomedicines can be used to enhance clinical procedures using the immune modulatory responses of nanoparticles (NPs) in the host defense system. We initially outline the cancer statistics for conventional and new treatment approaches providing a brief description of the human host defense system and basic principles of NP interactions with monocytes, leukocytes, and dendritic cells for the modulation of antitumor immune responses. A report on different biomimetic and bioinspired systems is also presented here and their particularities in cancer treatments are addressed, highlighting their immunomodulatory properties. Finally, we propose future perspectives regarding this new therapeutic strategy, highlighting the main challenges for future use in clinical practice.

An Overview of Veterinary Viral Diseases and Vaccine Technologies

Ensuring the maximum standards of quality and welfare in animal production requires developing effective tools to halt and prevent the spread of the high number of infectious diseases affecting animal husbandry. Many of these diseases are caused by pathogens of viral etiology. To date, one of the best strategies is to implement preventive vaccination policies whenever possible. However, many of the currently manufactured animal vaccines still rely in classical vaccine technologies (killed or attenuated vaccines). Under some circumstances, these vaccines may not be optimal in terms of safety and immunogenicity, nor adequate for widespread application in disease-free countries at risk of disease introduction. One step ahead is needed to improve and adapt vaccine manufacturing to the use of new generation vaccine technologies already tested in experimental settings. In the context of viral diseases of veterinary interest, we overview current vaccine technologies that can be approached, with a brief insight in the type of immunity elicited.

Development and Optimization of Chitosan Nanoparticle-Based Intranasal Vaccine Carrier

Chitosan is a natural polysaccharide, mainly derived from the shell of marine organisms. At present, chitosan has been widely used in the field of biomedicine due to its special characteristics of low toxicity, biocompatibility, biodegradation and low immunogenicity. Chitosan nanoparticles can be easily prepared. Chitosan nanoparticles with positive charge can enhance the adhesion of antigens in nasal mucosa and promote its absorption, which is expected to be used for intranasal vaccine delivery. In this study, we prepared chitosan nanoparticles by a gelation method, and modified the chitosan nanoparticles with mannose by hybridization. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used as the model antigen for development of an intranasal vaccine. The preparation technology of the chitosan nanoparticle-based intranasal vaccine delivery system was optimized by design of experiment (DoE). The DoE results showed that mannose-modified chitosan nanoparticles (Man-BSA-CS-NPs) had high modification tolerance and the mean particle size and the surface charge with optimized Man-BSA-CS-NPs were 156 nm and +33.5 mV. FTIR and DSC results confirmed the presence of Man in Man-BSA-CS-NPs. The BSA released from Man-BSA-CS-NPs had no irreversible aggregation or degradation. In addition, the analysis of fluorescence spectroscopy of BSA confirmed an appropriate binding constant between CS and BSA in this study, which could improve the stability of BSA. The cell study in vitro demonstrated the low toxicity and biocompatibility of Man-BSA-CS-NPs. Confocal results showed that the Man-modified BSA-FITC-CS-NPs promote the endocytosis and internalization of BSA-FITC in DC2.4 cells. In vivo studies of mice, Man-BSA-CS-NPs intranasally immunized showed a significantly improvement of BSA-specific serum IgG response and the highest level of BSA-specific IgA expression in nasal lavage fluid. Overall, our study provides a promising method to modify BSA-loaded CS-NPs with mannose, which is worthy of further study.

A Systematic Review on COVID-19 Vaccine Strategies, Their Effectiveness, and Issues

COVID-19 vaccines are indispensable, with the number of cases and mortality still rising, and currently no medicines are routinely available for reducing morbidity and mortality, apart from dexamethasone, although others are being trialed and launched. To date, only a limited number of vaccines have been given emergency use authorization by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency. There is a need to systematically review the existing vaccine candidates and investigate their safety, efficacy, immunogenicity, unwanted events, and limitations. The review was undertaken by searching online databases, i.e., Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect, with finally 59 studies selected. Our findings showed several types of vaccine candidates with different strategies against SARS-CoV-2, including inactivated, mRNA-based, recombinant, and nanoparticle-based vaccines, are being developed and launched. We have compared these vaccines in terms of their efficacy, side effects, and seroconversion based on data reported in the literature. We found mRNA vaccines appeared to have better efficacy, and inactivated ones had fewer side effects and similar seroconversion in all types of vaccines. Overall, global variant surveillance and systematic tweaking of vaccines, coupled with the evaluation and administering vaccines with the same or different technology in successive doses along with homologous and heterologous prime-booster strategy, have become essential to impede the pandemic. Their effectiveness appreciably outweighs any concerns with any adverse events.

Recent Development of Ruminant Vaccine Against Viral Diseases

Pathogens of viral origin produce a large variety of infectious diseases in livestock. It is essential to establish the best practices in animal care and an efficient way to stop and prevent infectious diseases that impact animal husbandry. So far, the greatest way to combat the disease is to adopt a vaccine policy. In the fight against infectious diseases, vaccines are very popular. Vaccination's fundamental concept is to utilize particular antigens, either endogenous or exogenous to induce immunity against the antigens or cells. In light of how past emerging and reemerging infectious diseases and pandemics were handled, examining the vaccination methods and technological platforms utilized for the animals may provide some useful insights. New vaccine manufacturing methods have evolved because of developments in technology and medicine and our broad knowledge of immunology, molecular biology, microbiology, and biochemistry, among other basic science disciplines. Genetic engineering, proteomics, and other advanced technologies have aided in implementing novel vaccine theories, resulting in the discovery of new ruminant vaccines and the improvement of existing ones. Subunit vaccines, recombinant vaccines, DNA vaccines, and vectored vaccines are increasingly gaining scientific and public attention as the next generation of vaccines and are being seen as viable replacements to conventional vaccines. The current review looks at the effects and implications of recent ruminant vaccine advances in terms of evolving microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology.

Nano-engineered tools in the diagnosis, therapeutics, prevention, and mitigation of SARS-CoV-2

The recent outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 has forever altered mankind resulting in the COVID-19 pandemic. This respiratory virus further manifests into vital organ damage, resulting in severe post COVID-19 complications. Nanotechnology has been moonlighting in the scientific community to combat several severe diseases. This review highlights the triune of the nano-toolbox in the areas of diagnostics, therapeutics, prevention, and mitigation of SARS-CoV-2. Nanogold test kits have already been on the frontline of rapid detection. Breath tests, magnetic nanoparticle-based nucleic acid detectors, and the use of Raman Spectroscopy present myriads of possibilities in developing point of care biosensors, which will ensure sensitive, affordable, and accessiblemass surveillance. Most of the therapeutics are trying to focus on blocking the viral entry into the cell and fighting with cytokine storm, using nano-enabled drug delivery platforms. Nanobodies and mRNA nanotechnology with lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as vaccines against S and N protein have regained importance. All the vaccines coming with promising phase 3 clinical trials have used nano-delivery systems for delivery of vaccine-cargo, which are currently administered widely in many countries. The use of chemically diverse metal, carbon and polymeric nanoparticles, nanocages and nanobubbles demonstrate opportunities to develop anti-viral nanomedicine. In order to prevent and mitigate the viral spread, high-performance charged nanofiber filters, spray coating of nanomaterials on surfaces, novel materials for PPE kits and facemasks have been developed that accomplish over 90% capture of airborne SARS-CoV-2. Nano polymer-based disinfectants are being tested to make smart-transport for human activities. Despite the promises of this toolbox, challenges in terms of reproducibility, specificity, efficacy and emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants are yet to overcome.

Review: Development of SARS-CoV-2 immuno-enhanced COVID-19 vaccines with nano-platform

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Vaccine development approaches consist of viral vector vaccines, DNA vaccine, RNA vaccine, live attenuated virus, and recombinant proteins, which elicit a specific immune response. The use of nanoparticles displaying antigen is one of the alternative approaches to conventional vaccines. This is due to the fact that nano-based vaccines are stable, able to target, form images, and offer an opportunity to enhance the immune responses. The diameters of ultrafine nanoparticles are in the range of 1-100 nm. The application of nanotechnology on vaccine design provides precise fabrication of nanomaterials with desirable properties and ability to eliminate undesirable features. To be successful, nanomaterials must be uptaken into the cell, especially into the target and able to modulate cellular functions at the subcellular levels. The advantages of nano-based vaccines are the ability to protect a cargo such as RNA, DNA, protein, or synthesis substance and have enhanced stability in a broad range of pH, ambient temperatures, and humidity for long-term storage. Moreover, nano-based vaccines can be engineered to overcome biological barriers such as nonspecific distribution in order to elicit functions in antigen presenting cells. In this review, we will summarize on the developing COVID-19 vaccine strategies and how the nanotechnology can enhance antigen presentation and strong immunogenicity using advanced technology in nanocarrier to deliver antigens. The discussion about their safe, effective, and affordable vaccines to immunize against COVID-19 will be highlighted.

SARS-CoV-2 S glycoprotein binding to multiple host receptors enables cell entry and infection

The severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection displays a wide array of clinical manifestations. Although some risk factors for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity and outcomes have been identified the underlying biologic mechanisms are still not well understood. The surface SARS-CoV-2 proteins are heavily glycosylated enabling host cell interaction and viral entry. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been identified to be the main host cell receptor enabling SARS-CoV-2 cell entry after interaction with its S glycoprotein. However, recent studies report SARS-CoV-2 S glycoprotein interaction with other cell receptors, mainly C-type lectins which recognize specific glycan epitopes facilitating SARS-CoV-2 entry to susceptible cells. Here, we are summarizing the main findings on SARS-CoV-2 interactions with ACE2 and other cell membrane surface receptors and soluble lectins involved in the viral cell entry modulating its infectivity and potentially playing a role in subsequent clinical manifestations of COVID-19.

Advancedoral vaccine delivery strategies for improving the immunity

Infectious diseases continue to inflict a high global disease burden. The consensus is that vaccination is the most effective option against infectious diseases. Oral vaccines have unique advantages in the prevention of global pandemics due to their ease of use, high compliance, low cost, and the ability to induce both systemic and mucosal immune responses. However, challenges of adapting vaccines for oral administration remain significant. Foremost among these are enzymatic and pH-dependent degradation of antigens in the stomach and intestines, the low permeability of mucus barrier, the nonspecific uptake of antigens at the intestinal mucosal site, and the immune suppression result from the elusive immune tolerance mechanisms. Innovative delivery techniques promise great potential for improving the flexibility and efficiency of oral vaccines. A better understanding of the delivery approaches and the immunological mechanisms of oral vaccine delivery systems may provide new scientific insight and tools for developing the next-generation oral vaccine. Here, an overview of the advanced technologies in the field of oral vaccination is proposed, including mucus-penetrating nanoparticle (NP), mucoadhesive delivery vehicles, targeting antigen-presenting cell (APC) nanocarriers and enhanced paracellular delivery strategies and so on. Meanwhile, the mechanisms of delivery vectors interact with mucosal barriers are discussed.

Synthesis and Characterization of Mannosylated Formulations to Deliver a Minicircle DNA Vaccine

DNA vaccines still represent an emergent area of research, giving rise to continuous progress towards several biomedicine demands. The formulation of delivery systems to specifically target mannose receptors, which are overexpressed on antigen presenting cells (APCs), is considered a suitable strategy to improve the DNA vaccine immunogenicity. The present study developed binary and ternary carriers, based on polyethylenimine (PEI), octa-arginine peptide (R8), and mannose ligands, to specifically deliver a minicircle DNA (mcDNA) vaccine to APCs. Systems were prepared at various nitrogen to phosphate group (N/P) ratios and characterized in terms of their morphology, size, surface charge, and complexation capacity. In vitro studies were conducted to assess the biocompatibility, cell internalization ability, and gene expression of formulated carriers. The high charge density and condensing capacity of both PEI and R8 enhance the interaction with the mcDNA, leading to the formation of smaller particles. The addition of PEI polymer to the R8-mannose/mcDNA binary system reduces the size and increases the zeta potential and system stability. Confocal microscopy studies confirmed intracellular localization of targeting systems, resulting in sustained mcDNA uptake. Furthermore, the efficiency of in vitro transfection can be influenced by the presence of R8-mannose, with great implications for gene expression. R8-mannose/PEI/mcDNA ternary systems can be considered valuable tools to instigate further research, aiming for advances in the DNA vaccine field.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Based Strategies for Synergistic Cancer Therapy

Immune checkpoint blockade therapy (ICBT) targeting checkpoints, such as, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein-4 (CTLA-4), programmed death-1 (PD-1), or programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), can yield durable immune response in various types of cancers and has gained constantly increasing research interests in recent years. However, the efficacy of ICBT alone is limited by low response rate and immune-related side effects. Emerging preclinical and clinical studies reveal that chemotherapy, radiotherapy, phototherapy, or other immunotherapies can reprogramm immunologically "cold" tumor microenvironment into a "hot" one, thus synergizing with ICBT. In this review, the working principle and current development of various immune checkpoint inhibitors are summarized, while the interactive mechanism and recent progress of ICBT-based synergistic therapies with other immunotherapy, chemotherapy, phototherapy, and radiotherapy in fundamental and clinical studies in the past 5 years are depicted and highlighted. Moreover, the potential issues in current studies of ICBT-based synergistic therapies and future perspectives are also discussed.

Evaluation of transduced dendritic cells expressing HIV-1 p24-Nef antigens in HIV-specific cytotoxic T cells induction as a therapeutic candidate vaccine

Various approaches have been investigated to prevent or eliminate HIV-1 since 1981. However, the virus has been affecting human population worldwide with no effective vaccine yet. The conserved regions among the viral genes are suitable targets in mutable viruses to induce the immune responses via an effective delivery platform. In this study, we aimed at evaluation of p24 and nef in two forms of full and truncated genes as two fusion antigenic forms according to our previous bioinformatics analysis. The designed antigens were then transferred through ex vivo generated dendritic cells and also proteins in BALB/c to assess and compare immunogenicity. p24 and Nef amino acid sequences were aligned, then, the most conserved regions were selected and two fusion forms as the truncated (p24:80-231aa-Nef:120-150aa) and the full from (p24-Nef) were cloned and expressed in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. Lentiviral vectors were applied to generate recombinant virions harboring the genes of interest to transduce generated murine dendritic cells. BALB/c mice received the recombinant DCs or recombinant proteins according to the defined schedule. IgG development was assessed to determine humoral immune activity and cellular immune responses were evaluated by IL-5 and IFN-y induction. Granzyme B secretion was also investigated to determine CTL activity in different immunized groups. The data showed high induction of cellular immune responses in dendritic cell immunization specifically in immunized mice with the truncated form of the p24 and Nef by high secretion of IFN-y and strong CTL activity. Moreover, protein/ DC prime-boost formulation led to stronger Th1 pathway and strong CTL activation in comparison with other formulations. The generated recombinant dendritic cells expressing p24-Nef induced humoral and cellular immunity in a Th1 pathway specifically with the in silico predicted truncated antigen which could be of high value as a dendritic cell therapeutic vaccine candidate against HIV-1.

Immunity and Protective Efficacy of Mannose Conjugated Chitosan-Based Influenza Nanovaccine in Maternal Antibody Positive Pigs

Parenteral administration of killed/inactivated swine influenza A virus (SwIAV) vaccine in weaned piglets provides variable levels of immunity due to the presence of preexisting virus specific maternal derived antibodies (MDA). To overcome the effect of MDA on SwIAV vaccine in piglets, we developed an intranasal deliverable killed SwIAV antigen (KAg) encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles called chitosan-based NPs encapsulating KAg (CS NPs-KAg) vaccine. Further, to target the candidate vaccine to dendritic cells and macrophages which express mannose receptor, we conjugated mannose to chitosan (mCS) and formulated KAg encapsulated mCS nanoparticles called mannosylated chitosan-based NPs encapsulating KAg (mCS NPs-KAg) vaccine. In MDA-positive piglets, prime-boost intranasal inoculation of mCS NPs-KAg vaccine elicited enhanced homologous (H1N2-OH10), heterologous (H1N1-OH7), and heterosubtypic (H3N2-OH4) influenza virus-specific secretory IgA (sIgA) antibody response in nasal passage compared to CS NPs-KAg vaccinates. In vaccinated upon challenged with a heterologous SwIAV H1N1, both mCS NPs-KAg and CS NPs-KAg vaccinates augmented H1N2-OH10, H1N1-OH7, and H3N2-OH4 virus-specific sIgA antibody responses in nasal swab, lung lysate, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid; and IgG antibody levels in lung lysate and BAL fluid samples. Whereas, the multivalent commercial inactivated SwIAV vaccine delivered intramuscularly increased serum IgG antibody response. In mCS NPs-KAg and CS NPs-KAg vaccinates increased H1N2-OH10 but not H1N1-OH7 and H3N2-OH4-specific serum hemagglutination inhibition titers were observed. Additionally, mCS NPs-KAg vaccine increased specific recall lymphocyte proliferation and cytokines IL-4, IL-10, and IFNγ gene expression compared to CS NPs-KAg and commercial SwIAV vaccinates in tracheobronchial lymph nodes. Consistent with the immune response both mCS NPs-KAg and CS NPs-KAg vaccinates cleared the challenge H1N1-OH7 virus load in upper and lower respiratory tract more efficiently when compared to commercial vaccine. The virus clearance was associated with reduced gross lung lesions. Overall, mCS NP-KAg vaccine intranasal immunization in MDA-positive pigs induced a robust cross-reactive immunity and offered protection against influenza virus.

Can SARS-CoV-2 Virus Use Multiple Receptors to Enter Host Cells?

The occurrence of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVD-19), represents a catastrophic threat to global health. Protruding from the viral surface is a densely glycosylated spike (S) protein, which engages angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to mediate host cell entry. However, studies have reported viral susceptibility in intra- and extrapulmonary immune and non-immune cells lacking ACE2, suggesting that the S protein may exploit additional receptors for infection. Studies have demonstrated interactions between S protein and innate immune system, including C-lectin type receptors (CLR), toll-like receptors (TLR) and neuropilin-1 (NRP1), and the non-immune receptor glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78). Recognition of carbohydrate moieties clustered on the surface of the S protein may drive receptor-dependent internalization, accentuate severe immunopathological inflammation, and allow for systemic spread of infection, independent of ACE2. Furthermore, targeting TLRs, CLRs, and other receptors (Ezrin and dipeptidyl peptidase-4) that do not directly engage SARS-CoV-2 S protein, but may contribute to augmented anti-viral immunity and viral clearance, may represent therapeutic targets against COVID-19.

Polymeric Nanoparticle-Based Vaccine Adjuvants and Delivery Vehicles

As vaccine formulations have progressed from including live or attenuated strains of pathogenic components for enhanced safety, developing new adjuvants to more effectively generate adaptive immune responses has become necessary. In this context, polymeric nanoparticles have emerged as a promising platform with multiple advantages, including the dual capability of adjuvant and delivery vehicle, administration via multiple routes, induction of rapid and long-lived immunity, greater shelf-life at elevated temperatures, and enhanced patient compliance. This comprehensive review describes advances in nanoparticle-based vaccines (i.e., nanovaccines) with a particular focus on polymeric particles as adjuvants and delivery vehicles. Examples of the nanovaccine approach in respiratory infections, biodefense, and cancer are discussed.

Tumor-intrinsic and -extrinsic (immune) gene signatures robustly predict overall survival and treatment response in high grade serous ovarian cancer patients

In the present study, we developed a transcriptomic signature capable of predicting prognosis and response to primary therapy in high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). Proportional hazard analysis was performed on individual genes in the TCGA RNAseq data set containing 229 HGSOC patients. Ridge regression analysis was performed to select genes and develop multigenic models. Survival analysis identified 120 genes whose expression levels were associated with overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.49-2.46 or HR = 0.48-0.63). Ridge regression modeling selected 38 of the 120 genes for development of the final Ridge regression models. The consensus model based on plurality voting by 68 individual Ridge regression models classified 102 (45%) as low, 23 (10%) as moderate and 104 patients (45%) as high risk. The median OS was 31 months (HR = 7.63, 95% CI = 4.85-12.0, P < 1.0-10) and 77 months (HR = ref) in the high and low risk groups, respectively. The gene signature had two components: intrinsic (proliferation, metastasis, autophagy) and extrinsic (immune evasion). Moderate/high risk patients had more partial and non-responses to primary therapy than low risk patients (odds ratio = 4.54, P < 0.001). We concluded that the overall survival and response to primary therapy in ovarian cancer is best assessed using a combination of gene signatures. A combination of genes which combines both tumor intrinsic and extrinsic functions has the best prediction. Validation studies are warranted in the future.

Immunocyte Membrane-Coated Nanoparticles for Cancer Immunotherapy

Despite the advances in surface bioconjugation of synthetic nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery, simple biological functionalization is still insufficient to replicate complex intercellular interactions naturally. Therefore, these foreign nanoparticles are inevitably exposed to the immune system, which results in phagocytosis by the reticuloendothelial system and thus, loss of their biological significance. Immunocyte membranes play a key role in intercellular interactions, and can protect foreign nanomaterials as a natural barrier. Therefore, biomimetic nanotechnology based on cell membranes has developed rapidly in recent years. This paper summarizes the development of immunocyte membrane-coated nanoparticles in the immunotherapy of tumors. We will introduce several immunocyte membrane-coated nanocarriers and review the challenges to their large-scale preparation and application.

Engineering Strategies for Lymph Node Targeted Immune Activation

Development of vaccine technology that induces long lasting and potent adaptive immune responses is of vital importance to combat emerging pathogens and to design the next generation of cancer immunotherapies. Advanced biomaterials such as nanoparticle carriers are intensively explored to increase the efficacy and safety of vaccines and immunotherapies, based on their intrinsic potential to focus the therapeutic payload onto the relevant immune cells and to limit systemic distribution. With adaptive immune responses being primarily initiated in lymph nodes, the potency of nanoparticle vaccines in turn is tightly linked to their capacity to reach and accumulate in the lymph nodes draining the immunization site. Here, we discuss the main strategies applied to increase nanoparticle delivery to lymph nodes: (1) direct lymph node injection, (2) active cell-mediated transport through targeting of peripheral dendritic cells, and (3) exploiting passive transport through the afferent lymphatics.The intralymph nodal injection is obviously the most direct way for nanoparticles to reach lymph nodes, and multiple studies have demonstrated its capability in enhancing immunostimulant drugs' immune activation and increasing the therapeutic window. However, the requirement of using ultrasound guidance for mapping lymph nodes in patients renders intranodal administration unsuited for mass vaccination campaigns. As lymph nodes are fine structured organs with lymphocytes and chemokine gradients arrayed in a highly ordered fashion, the breakdown of such formats by the intralymph nodal injection is another concern. The exploitation of dendritic cells as live vectors for transporting nanoparticles to lymph nodes has intensively been studied both ex vivo and in vivo. While ex vivo engineering of dendritic cells in theory can achieve 100% dendritic cell-specific selectivity, a scenario impossible to be achieved in vivo, this procedure is usually laborious and complicated and entails the participation of professional staff and equipment. In addition, the poor efficiency of dendritic cell migration to the draining lymph node is another significant limitation following the injection of ex vivo cultured dendritic cells. Thus, in vivo targeting of surface receptors, particularly C-type lectin receptors, on dendritic cells by conjugating nanoparticles with antibodies or ligands is intensively studied by both academia and industry. Although such nanoparticles in vivo still face nonspecific engulfment by various phagocytes, multiple studies have shown its feasibility in targeting dendritic cells with high selectivity. Moreover, through optimizing the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles, nanoparticles can passively drain to lymph nodes carried by the interstitial flow. Compared to dendritic cell-mediated transport, passive draining is much faster and of higher efficiency. Of all such properties, size is the most important parameter as large particles (>500 nm) can only reach lymph nodes by an active cell-mediated transport. Other surface properties, such as the charge and the balance of hydrophobicity-vs-hydrophilicity, strongly influence the mobility of nanoparticles in the extracellular space. In addition, albumin, a natural fatty acid transporter, has recently been demonstrated capable of binding the amphiphiles through their lipid moiety and subsequent transporting them to lymph nodes.

Tolerogenic vaccines: Targeting the antigenic and cytokine niches of FOXP3+ regulatory T cells

FOXP3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) constitute a critical barrier that enforces tolerance to both the self-peptidome and the extended-self peptidome to ensure tissue-specific resistance to autoimmune, allergic, and other inflammatory disorders. Here, we review intuitive models regarding how T cell antigen receptor (TCR) specificity and antigen recognition efficiency shape the Treg and conventional T cell (Tcon) repertoires to adaptively regulate T cell maintenance, tissue-residency, phenotypic stability, and immune function in peripheral tissues. Three zones of TCR recognition efficiency are considered, including Tcon recognition of specific low-efficiency self MHC-ligands, Treg recognition of intermediate-efficiency agonistic self MHC-ligands, and Tcon recognition of cross-reactive high-efficiency agonistic foreign MHC-ligands. These respective zones of TCR recognition efficiency are key to understanding how tissue-resident immune networks integrate the antigenic complexity of local environments to provide adaptive decisions setting the balance of suppressive and immunogenic responses. Importantly, deficiencies in the Treg repertoire appear to be an important cause of chronic inflammatory disease. Deficiencies may include global deficiencies in Treg numbers or function, subtle 'holes in the Treg repertoire' in tissue-resident Treg populations, or simply Treg insufficiencies that are unable to counter an overwhelming molecular mimicry stimulus. Tolerogenic vaccination and Treg-based immunotherapy are two therapeutic modalities meant to restore dominance of Treg networks to reverse chronic inflammatory disease. Studies of these therapeutic modalities in a preclinical setting have provided insight into the Treg niche, including the concept that intermediate-efficiency TCR signaling, high IFN-β concentrations, and low IL-2 concentrations favor Treg responses and active dominant mechanisms of immune tolerance. Overall, the purpose here is to assimilate new and established concepts regarding how cognate TCR specificity of the Treg repertoire and the contingent cytokine networks provide a foundation for understanding Treg suppressive strategy.

Development of CD40L-modified tumor small extracellular vesicles for effective induction of antitumor immune response

Aim: Tumor-derived small extracellular vesicles (TEVs) are considered for use in inducing tumor antigen-specific immune responses as they contain tumor antigens. The delivery of tumor antigens to the antigen presentation cells (especially dendritic cells [DCs]), and the activation of DCs are the main challenges of TEV therapy. Materials & methods: TEVs were modified with CD40 ligand (CD40L), which can target CD40 expressed on the surface of DCs and can activate them via CD40L-CD40 interactions. Results: It was found that CD40L-TEVs were efficiently taken up by DCs and also activated them. Moreover, tumor antigens were efficiently presented to the T cells by DCs treated with CD40L-TEVs. Conclusion: This study proved that CD40L-modification of TEVs will be helpful for further development of TEV-based tumor vaccination.

Mannose-Modified Chitosan-Nanoparticle-Based Salmonella Subunit OralVaccine-Induced Immune Response and Efficacy in a Challenge Trial in Broilers

Controlling Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE) infection in broilers is a huge challenge. In this study, our objective was to improve the efficacy of a chitosan nanoparticle (CS)-based Salmonella subunit vaccine for SE, containing immunogenic outer membrane proteins (OMP) and flagellin (FLA), called the CS(OMP+FLA) vaccine, by surface conjugating it with mannose to target dendritic cells, and comparing the immune responses and efficacy with a commercial live Salmonella vaccine in broilers. The CS(OMP+FLA)-based vaccines were administered orally at age 3 days and as a booster dose after three weeks, and the broilers were challenged with SE at 5 weeks of age. Birds were sacrificed 10 days post-challenge and it was observed that CS(OMP+FLA) vaccine surface conjugated with both mannose and FLA produced the greatest SE reduction, by over 1 log₁₀ colony forming unit per gram of the cecal content, which was comparable to a commercial live vaccine. Immunologically, specific mucosal antibody responses were enhanced by FLA-surface-coated CS(OMP+FLA) vaccine, and mannose-bound CS(OMP+FLA) improved the cellular immune response. In addition, increased mRNA expression of Toll-like receptors and cytokine was observed in CS(OMP+FLA)-based-vaccinated birds. The commercial live vaccine failed to induce any such substantial immune response, except that they had a slightly improved T helper cell frequency. Our data suggest that FLA-coated and mannose-modified CS(OMP+FLA) vaccine induced robust innate and adaptive cell-mediated immune responses and substantially reduced the Salmonella load in the intestines of broilers.

Nanotechnology as a Platform for the Development of Injectable Parenteral Formulations: A Comprehensive Review of the Know-Hows and State of the Art

Within recent decades, the development of nanotechnology has made a significant contribution to the progress of various fields of study, including the domains of medical and pharmaceutical sciences. A substantially transformed arena within the context of the latter is the development and production of various injectable parenteral formulations. Indeed, recent decades have witnessed a rapid growth of the marketed and pipeline nanotechnology-based injectable products, which is a testimony to the remarkability of the aforementioned contribution. Adjunct to the ability of nanomaterials to deliver the incorporated payloads to many different targets of interest, nanotechnology has substantially assisted to the development of many further facets of the art. Such contributions include the enhancement of the drug solubility, development of long-acting locally and systemically injectable formulations, tuning the onset of the drug’s release through the endowment of sensitivity to various internal or external stimuli, as well as adjuvancy and immune activation, which is a desirable component for injectable vaccines and immunotherapeutic formulations. The current work seeks to provide a comprehensive review of all the abovementioned contributions, along with the most recent advances made within each domain. Furthermore, recent developments within the domains of passive and active targeting will be briefly debated.

Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology-Associated Innovations against Viral Infections with a Focus on Coronaviruses

Viral infections have recently emerged not only as a health threat to people but rapidly became the cause of universal fatality on a large scale. Nanomaterials comprising functionalized nanoparticles (NPs) and quantum dots and nanotechnology-associated innovative detection methods, vaccine design, and nanodrug production have shown immense promise for interfacing with pathogenic viruses and restricting their entrance into cells. These viruses have been scrutinized using rapid diagnostic detection and therapeutic interventional options against the caused infections including vaccine development for prevention and control. Coronaviruses, namely SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2, have endangered human life, and the COVID-19 (caused by SARS-CoV-2) outbreak has become a perilous challenge to public health globally with huge accompanying morbidity rates. Thus, it is imperative to expedite the drug and vaccine development efforts that would help mitigate this pandemic. In this regard, smart and innovative nano-based technologies and approaches encompassing applications of green nanomedicine, bio-inspired methods, multifunctional bioengineered nanomaterials, and biomimetic drug delivery systems/carriers can help resolve the critical issues regarding detection, prevention, and treatment of viral infections. This perspective review expounds recent nanoscience advancements for the detection and treatment of viral infections with focus on coronaviruses and encompasses nano-based formulations and delivery platforms, nanovaccines, and promising methods for clinical diagnosis, especially regarding SARS-CoV-2.