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Pardi N, Krammer F. mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases - advances, challenges and opportunities. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024:10.1038/s41573-024-01042-y. [PMID: 39367276 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-024-01042-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 10/06/2024]
Abstract
The concept of mRNA-based vaccines emerged more than three decades ago. Groundbreaking discoveries and technological advancements over the past 20 years have resolved the major roadblocks that initially delayed application of this new vaccine modality. The rapid development of nucleoside-modified COVID-19 mRNA vaccines demonstrated that this immunization platform is easy to develop, has an acceptable safety profile and can be produced at a large scale. The flexibility and ease of antigen design have enabled mRNA vaccines to enter development for a wide range of viruses as well as for various bacteria and parasites. However, gaps in our knowledge limit the development of next-generation mRNA vaccines with increased potency and safety. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms of action of mRNA vaccines, application of novel technologies enabling rational antigen design, and innovative vaccine delivery strategies and vaccination regimens will likely yield potent novel vaccines against a wide range of pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Pardi
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Florian Krammer
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Center for Vaccine Research and Pandemic Preparedness (C-VaRPP), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Ignaz Semmelweis Institute, Interuniversity Institute for Infection Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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2
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Bai L, Xu J, Zeng L, Zhang L, Zhou F. A review of HSV pathogenesis, vaccine development, and advanced applications. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2024; 5:35. [PMID: 39207577 PMCID: PMC11362470 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-024-00199-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus (HSV), an epidemic human pathogen threatening global public health, gains notoriety for its complex pathogenesis that encompasses lytic infection of mucosal cells, latent infection within neurons, and periodic reactivation. This intricate interplay, coupled with HSV's sophisticated immune evasion strategies, gives rise to various diseases, including genital lesions, neonatal encephalitis, and cancer. Despite more than 70 years of relentless research, an effective preventive or therapeutic vaccine against HSV has yet to emerge, primarily due to the limited understanding of virus-host interactions, which in turn impedes the identification of effective vaccine targets. However, HSV's unique pathological features, including its substantial genetic load capacity, high replicability, transmissibility, and neurotropism, render it a promising candidate for various applications, spanning oncolytic virotherapy, gene and immune therapies, and even as an imaging tracer in neuroscience. In this review, we comprehensively update recent breakthroughs in HSV pathogenesis and immune evasion, critically summarize the progress made in vaccine candidate development, and discuss the multifaceted applications of HSV as a biological tool. Importantly, we highlight both success and challenges, emphasizing the critical need for intensified research into HSV, with the aim of providing deeper insights that can not only advance HSV treatment strategies but also broaden its application horizons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Bai
- International Biomed-X Research Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Center for Oncology Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, and International School of Medicine, International Institutes of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, 322000, China
| | - Jiuzhi Xu
- Center for Oncology Medicine, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, and International School of Medicine, International Institutes of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, 322000, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Lung Cancer, Yiwu, 322000, China
| | - Linghui Zeng
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, 310015, China.
| | - Long Zhang
- International Biomed-X Research Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Fangfang Zhou
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, 310015, China.
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
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3
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Hussain MT, Stanfield BA, Bernstein DI. Small Animal Models to Study Herpes Simplex Virus Infections. Viruses 2024; 16:1037. [PMID: 39066200 PMCID: PMC11281376 DOI: 10.3390/v16071037] [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] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) are two of the most prevalent human viruses worldwide. They are known to cause a variety of diseases including genital herpes, meningitis, encephalitis, cold sores and herpes stromal keratitis. The seropositive rate for HSV-1 is around 90%, whereas for HSV-2 it remains around 20-25% for the general adult population. The infections caused by these viruses remain difficult to study because a large proportion of infected individuals are asymptomatic. Furthermore, given the neurotropic characteristics of the virus, studies aimed at understanding the complex pathogenesis in humans is difficult. As a result, animal models have been developed to understand several characteristics of HSV biology, pathogenesis, disease and host responses to infection. These models are also commonly used as the first evaluation of new drugs and vaccines. There are several well-established animal models to study infection with HSV, including mice, guinea pigs and rabbits. Variables within the animal models depend on the species of animal, route of infection, viral strain, dosage, etc. This review aims at summarizing the most commonly used animal models to study HSV pathogenesis and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Tanveer Hussain
- Division of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine and Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - Brent A. Stanfield
- Division of Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine and Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - David I. Bernstein
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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4
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VanKeulen-Miller R, Fenton OS. Messenger RNA Therapy for Female Reproductive Health. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:393-409. [PMID: 38189262 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00803] [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] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Female reproductive health has traditionally been an underrepresented area of research in the drug delivery sciences. This disparity is also seen in the emerging field of mRNA therapeutics, a class of medicines that promises to treat and prevent disease by upregulating protein expression in the body. Here, we review advances in mRNA therapies through the lens of improving female reproductive health. Specifically, we begin our review by discussing the fundamental structure and biochemical modifications associated with mRNA-based drugs. Then, we discuss various packaging technologies, including lipid nanoparticles, that can be utilized to protect and transport mRNA drugs to target cells in the body. Last, we conclude our review by discussing the usage of mRNA therapy for addressing pregnancy-related health and vaccination against sexually transmitted diseases in women. Of note, we also highlight relevant clinical trials using mRNA for female reproductive health while also providing their corresponding National Clinical Trial identifiers. In undertaking this review, our aim is to provide a fundamental background understanding of mRNA therapy and its usage to specifically address female health issues with an overarching goal of providing information toward addressing gender disparity in certain aspects of health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel VanKeulen-Miller
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Owen S Fenton
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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Lu C, Li Y, Chen R, Hu X, Leng Q, Song X, Lin X, Ye J, Wang J, Li J, Yao L, Tang X, Kuang X, Zhang G, Sun M, Zhou Y, Li H. Safety, Immunogenicity, and Mechanism of a Rotavirus mRNA-LNP Vaccine in Mice. Viruses 2024; 16:211. [PMID: 38399987 PMCID: PMC10892174 DOI: 10.3390/v16020211] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Rotaviruses (RVs) are a major cause of diarrhea in young children worldwide. The currently available and licensed vaccines contain live attenuated RVs. Optimization of live attenuated RV vaccines or developing non-replicating RV (e.g., mRNA) vaccines is crucial for reducing the morbidity and mortality from RV infections. Herein, a nucleoside-modified mRNA vaccine encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNP) and encoding the VP7 protein from the G1 type of RV was developed. The 5' untranslated region of an isolated human RV was utilized for the mRNA vaccine. After undergoing quality inspection, the VP7-mRNA vaccine was injected by subcutaneous or intramuscular routes into mice. Mice received three injections in 21 d intervals. IgG antibodies, neutralizing antibodies, cellular immunity, and gene expression from peripheral blood mononuclear cells were evaluated. Significant differences in levels of IgG antibodies were not observed in groups with adjuvant but were observed in groups without adjuvant. The vaccine without adjuvant induced the highest antibody titers after intramuscular injection. The vaccine elicited a potent antiviral immune response characterized by antiviral clusters of differentiation CD8+ T cells. VP7-mRNA induced interferon-γ secretion to mediate cellular immune responses. Chemokine-mediated signaling pathways and immune response were activated by VP7-mRNA vaccine injection. The mRNA LNP vaccine will require testing for protective efficacy, and it is an option for preventing rotavirus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yan Zhou
- Correspondence: (Y.Z.); (H.L.); Tel.: +86-13888340684 (Y.Z.); +86-13888918945 (H.L.)
| | - Hongjun Li
- Correspondence: (Y.Z.); (H.L.); Tel.: +86-13888340684 (Y.Z.); +86-13888918945 (H.L.)
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Gsell PS, Giersing B, Gottlieb S, Wilder-Smith A, Wu L, Friede M. Key considerations for the development of novel mRNA candidate vaccines in LMICs: A WHO/MPP mRNA Technology Transfer Programme meeting report. Vaccine 2023; 41:7307-7312. [PMID: 37949751 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.10.027] [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] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The WHO/MPP mRNA Technology Transfer Programme, initiated in 2021, focuses on establishing mRNA vaccine manufacturing capacity in LMICs. On 17-21 April 2023, Programme partners were convened to review technology transfer progress, discuss sustainability aspects and promote mRNA product development for diseases relevant to LMICs. To help guide product development, this report introduces key considerations for for understanding the likelihood of technical and regulatory success and of policy development and procurement for mRNA vaccines to be developed and manufactured in LMICs. The report underscores the potential for LMICs to establish sustainable mRNA R&D pipelines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Lindsey Wu
- World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Niu D, Wu Y, Lian J. Circular RNA vaccine in disease prevention and treatment. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:341. [PMID: 37691066 PMCID: PMC10493228 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01561-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
CircRNAs are a class of single-stranded RNAs with covalently linked head-to-tail topology. In the decades since its initial discovery, their biogenesis, regulation, and function have rapidly disclosed, permitting a better understanding and adoption of them as new tools for medical applications. With the development of biotechnology and molecular medicine, artificial circRNAs have been engineered as a novel class of vaccines for disease treatment and prevention. Unlike the linear mRNA vaccine which applications were limited by its instability, inefficiency, and innate immunogenicity, circRNA vaccine which incorporate internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) and open reading frame (ORF) provides an improved approach to RNA-based vaccination with safety, stability, simplicity of manufacture, and scalability. However, circRNA vaccines are at an early stage, and their optimization, delivery and applications require further development and evaluation. In this review, we comprehensively describe circRNA vaccine, including their history and superiority. We also summarize and discuss the current methodological research for circRNA vaccine preparation, including their design, synthesis, and purification. Finally, we highlight the delivery options of circRNA vaccine and its potential applications in diseases treatment and prevention. Considering their unique high stability, low immunogenicity, protein/peptide-coding capacity and special closed-loop construction, circRNA vaccine, and circRNA-based therapeutic platforms may have superior application prospects in a broad range of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dun Niu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Yaran Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiqin Lian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China.
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), 400038, Chongqing, China.
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8
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Huang Y, Zhu X, Guo X, Zhou Y, Liu D, Mao J, Xiong Y, Deng Y, Gao X. Advances in mRNA vaccines for viral diseases. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28924. [PMID: 37417396 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Since the onset of the pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have demonstrated outstanding performance. mRNA vaccines offer significant advantages over conventional vaccines in production speed and cost-effectiveness, making them an attractive option against other viral diseases. This article reviewed recent advances in viral mRNA vaccines and their delivery systems to provide references and guidance for developing mRNA vaccines for new viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukai Huang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Xuerui Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiao Guo
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Yuancheng Zhou
- Livestock and Poultry Biological Products Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, China
| | - Dongying Liu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Jingrui Mao
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Yongai Xiong
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Youcai Deng
- Department of Hematology, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Xinghong Gao
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- Provincial Department of Education, Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease & Bio-Safety, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
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9
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Egan KP, Awasthi S, Tebaldi G, Hook LM, Naughton AM, Fowler BT, Beattie M, Alameh MG, Weissman D, Cohen GH, Friedman HM. A Trivalent HSV-2 gC2, gD2, gE2 Nucleoside-Modified mRNA-LNP Vaccine Provides Outstanding Protection in Mice against Genital and Non-Genital HSV-1 Infection, Comparable to the Same Antigens Derived from HSV-1. Viruses 2023; 15:1483. [PMID: 37515169 PMCID: PMC10384700 DOI: 10.3390/v15071483] [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: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
HSV-1 disease is a significant public health burden causing orofacial, genital, cornea, and brain infection. We previously reported that a trivalent HSV-2 gC2, gD2, gE2 nucleoside-modified mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (LNP) vaccine provides excellent protection against vaginal HSV-1 infection in mice. Here, we evaluated whether this HSV-2 gC2, gD2, gE2 vaccine is as effective as a similar HSV-1 mRNA LNP vaccine containing gC1, gD1, and gE1 in the murine lip and genital infection models. Mice were immunized twice with a total mRNA dose of 1 or 10 µg. The two vaccines produced comparable HSV-1 neutralizing antibody titers, and surprisingly, the HSV-2 vaccine stimulated more potent CD8+ T-cell responses to gE1 peptides than the HSV-1 vaccine. Both vaccines provided complete protection from clinical disease in the lip model, while in the genital model, both vaccines prevented death and genital disease, but the HSV-1 vaccine reduced day two vaginal titers slightly better at the 1 µg dose. Both vaccines prevented HSV-1 DNA from reaching the trigeminal or dorsal root ganglia to a similar extent. We conclude that the trivalent HSV-2 mRNA vaccine provides outstanding protection against HSV-1 challenge at two sites and may serve as a universal prophylactic vaccine for HSV-1 and HSV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin P. Egan
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.P.E.); (S.A.); (G.T.); (L.M.H.); (A.M.N.); (B.T.F.); (M.-G.A.); (D.W.)
| | - Sita Awasthi
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.P.E.); (S.A.); (G.T.); (L.M.H.); (A.M.N.); (B.T.F.); (M.-G.A.); (D.W.)
| | - Giulia Tebaldi
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.P.E.); (S.A.); (G.T.); (L.M.H.); (A.M.N.); (B.T.F.); (M.-G.A.); (D.W.)
| | - Lauren M. Hook
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.P.E.); (S.A.); (G.T.); (L.M.H.); (A.M.N.); (B.T.F.); (M.-G.A.); (D.W.)
| | - Alexis M. Naughton
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.P.E.); (S.A.); (G.T.); (L.M.H.); (A.M.N.); (B.T.F.); (M.-G.A.); (D.W.)
| | - Bernard T. Fowler
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.P.E.); (S.A.); (G.T.); (L.M.H.); (A.M.N.); (B.T.F.); (M.-G.A.); (D.W.)
| | | | - Mohamad-Gabriel Alameh
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.P.E.); (S.A.); (G.T.); (L.M.H.); (A.M.N.); (B.T.F.); (M.-G.A.); (D.W.)
| | - Drew Weissman
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.P.E.); (S.A.); (G.T.); (L.M.H.); (A.M.N.); (B.T.F.); (M.-G.A.); (D.W.)
| | - Gary H. Cohen
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Harvey M. Friedman
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.P.E.); (S.A.); (G.T.); (L.M.H.); (A.M.N.); (B.T.F.); (M.-G.A.); (D.W.)
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Awasthi S, Onishi M, Lubinski JM, Fowler BT, Naughton AM, Hook LM, Egan KP, Hagiwara M, Shirai S, Sakai A, Nakagawa T, Goto K, Yoshida O, Stephens AJ, Choi G, Cohen GH, Katayama K, Friedman HM. Novel Adjuvant S-540956 Targets Lymph Nodes and Reduces Genital Recurrences and Vaginal Shedding of HSV-2 DNA When Administered with HSV-2 Glycoprotein D as a Therapeutic Vaccine in Guinea Pigs. Viruses 2023; 15:1148. [PMID: 37243234 PMCID: PMC10220834 DOI: 10.3390/v15051148] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a leading cause of genital ulcer disease and a major risk factor for acquisition and transmission of HIV. Frequent recurrent genital lesions and concerns about transmitting infection to intimate partners affect the quality of life of infected individuals. Therapeutic vaccines are urgently needed to reduce the frequency of genital lesions and transmission. S-540956 is a novel vaccine adjuvant that contains CpG oligonucleotide ODN2006 annealed to its complementary sequence and conjugated to a lipid that targets the adjuvant to lymph nodes. Our primary goal was to compare S-540956 administered with HSV-2 glycoprotein D (gD2) with no treatment in a guinea pig model of recurrent genital herpes (studies 1 and 2). Our secondary goals were to compare S-540956 with oligonucleotide ODN2006 (study1) or glucopyranosyl lipid A in a stable oil-in-water nano-emulsion (GLA-SE) (study 2). gD2/S-540956 reduced the number of days with recurrent genital lesions by 56%, vaginal shedding of HSV-2 DNA by 49%, and both combined by 54% compared to PBS, and was more efficacious than the two other adjuvants. Our results indicate that S-540956 has great potential as an adjuvant for a therapeutic vaccine for genital herpes, and merits further evaluation with the addition of potent T cell immunogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sita Awasthi
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6073, USA (J.M.L.); (B.T.F.); (A.M.N.); (L.M.H.); (K.P.E.)
| | - Motoyasu Onishi
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka 561-0825, Japan; (M.H.); (S.S.); (A.S.); (T.N.); (K.G.); (O.Y.); (K.K.)
| | - John M. Lubinski
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6073, USA (J.M.L.); (B.T.F.); (A.M.N.); (L.M.H.); (K.P.E.)
| | - Bernard T. Fowler
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6073, USA (J.M.L.); (B.T.F.); (A.M.N.); (L.M.H.); (K.P.E.)
| | - Alexis M. Naughton
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6073, USA (J.M.L.); (B.T.F.); (A.M.N.); (L.M.H.); (K.P.E.)
| | - Lauren M. Hook
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6073, USA (J.M.L.); (B.T.F.); (A.M.N.); (L.M.H.); (K.P.E.)
| | - Kevin P. Egan
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6073, USA (J.M.L.); (B.T.F.); (A.M.N.); (L.M.H.); (K.P.E.)
| | - Masaki Hagiwara
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka 561-0825, Japan; (M.H.); (S.S.); (A.S.); (T.N.); (K.G.); (O.Y.); (K.K.)
| | - Seiki Shirai
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka 561-0825, Japan; (M.H.); (S.S.); (A.S.); (T.N.); (K.G.); (O.Y.); (K.K.)
| | - Akiho Sakai
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka 561-0825, Japan; (M.H.); (S.S.); (A.S.); (T.N.); (K.G.); (O.Y.); (K.K.)
| | - Takayuki Nakagawa
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka 561-0825, Japan; (M.H.); (S.S.); (A.S.); (T.N.); (K.G.); (O.Y.); (K.K.)
| | - Kumiko Goto
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka 561-0825, Japan; (M.H.); (S.S.); (A.S.); (T.N.); (K.G.); (O.Y.); (K.K.)
| | - Osamu Yoshida
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka 561-0825, Japan; (M.H.); (S.S.); (A.S.); (T.N.); (K.G.); (O.Y.); (K.K.)
| | - Alisa J. Stephens
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6073, USA; (A.J.S.); (G.C.)
| | - Grace Choi
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6073, USA; (A.J.S.); (G.C.)
| | - Gary H. Cohen
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6073, USA;
| | - Kazufumi Katayama
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka 561-0825, Japan; (M.H.); (S.S.); (A.S.); (T.N.); (K.G.); (O.Y.); (K.K.)
| | - Harvey M. Friedman
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6073, USA (J.M.L.); (B.T.F.); (A.M.N.); (L.M.H.); (K.P.E.)
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Guo X, Liu D, Huang Y, Deng Y, Wang Y, Mao J, Zhou Y, Xiong Y, Gao X. Revolutionizing viral disease vaccination: the promising clinical advancements of non-replicating mRNA vaccines. Virol J 2023; 20:64. [PMID: 37029389 PMCID: PMC10081822 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-02023-0] [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: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The mRNA vaccine technology was developed rapidly during the global pandemic of COVID-19. The crucial role of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine in preventing viral infection also have been beneficial to the exploration and application of other viral mRNA vaccines, especially for non-replication structure mRNA vaccines of viral disease with outstanding research results. Therefore, this review pays attention to the existing mRNA vaccines, which are of great value for candidates for clinical applications in viral diseases. We provide an overview of the optimization of the mRNA vaccine development process as well as the good immune efficacy and safety shown in clinical studies. In addition, we also provide a brief description of the important role of mRNA immunomodulators in the treatment of viral diseases. After that, it will provide a good reference or strategy for research on mRNA vaccines used in clinical medicine with more stable structures, higher translation efficiency, better immune efficacy and safety, shorter production time, and lower production costs than conditional vaccines to be used as preventive or therapeutic strategy for the control of viral diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Guo
- School of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, West No. 6 Xuefu Road, Xinpu District, Zunyi, 563006 Guizhou People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongying Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, West No. 6 Xuefu Road, Xinpu District, Zunyi, 563006 Guizhou People’s Republic of China
| | - Yukai Huang
- School of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, West No. 6 Xuefu Road, Xinpu District, Zunyi, 563006 Guizhou People’s Republic of China
| | - Youcai Deng
- Department of Hematology, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Wang
- Modern Medical Teaching and Research Section, Department of Tibetan Medicine, University of Tibetan Medicine, No. 10 Dangre Middle Rd, Chengguan District, Lhasa, 850000 Tibet Autonomous Region People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingrui Mao
- School of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, West No. 6 Xuefu Road, Xinpu District, Zunyi, 563006 Guizhou People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuancheng Zhou
- Livestock and Poultry Biological Products Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy. No, 6 Niusha Road, Jinjiang District, Chengdu, 610299 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongai Xiong
- School of Pharmacy, Zunyi Medical University, West No. 6 Xuefu Road, Xinpu District, Zunyi, 563006 Guizhou People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinghong Gao
- School of Basic Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, West No. 6 Xuefu Road, Xinpu District, Zunyi, 563006 Guizhou People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease and Bio-Safety, Provincial Department of Education, Zunyi Medical University, West No. 6 Xuefu Road, Xinpu District, Zunyi, 563006 Guizhou People’s Republic of China
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12
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Frejborg F, Kalke K, Hukkanen V. Current landscape in antiviral drug development against herpes simplex virus infections. SMART MEDICINE 2022; 1:e20220004. [PMID: 39188739 PMCID: PMC11235903 DOI: 10.1002/smmd.20220004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Herpes simplex viruses (HSV) are common human pathogens with a combined global seroprevalence of 90% in the adult population. HSV-1 causes orofacial herpes but can cause severe diseases, such as the potentially fatal herpes encephalitis and herpes keratitis, a prevalent cause of infectious blindness. The hallmark of HSV is lifelong latent infections and viral reactivations, leading to recurrent lesions or asymptomatic shedding. HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause recurrent, painful, and socially limiting genital lesions, which predispose to human immunodeficiency virus infections, and can lead to neonatal herpes infections, a life-threatening condition for the newborn. Despite massive efforts, there is no vaccine against HSV, as both viruses share the capability to evade the antiviral defenses of human and to establish lifelong latency. Recurrent and primary HSV infections are treated with nucleoside analogs, but the treatments do not completely eliminate viral shedding and transmission. Drug-resistant HSV strains can emerge in relation to long-term prophylactic treatment. Such strains are likely to be resistant to other chemotherapies, justifying the development of novel antiviral treatments. The importance of developing new therapies against HSV has been recognized by the World Health Organization. In this review, we discuss the current approaches for developing novel antiviral therapies against HSV, such as small molecule inhibitors, biopharmaceuticals, natural products, gene editing, and oligonucleotide-based therapies. These approaches may have potential in the future to answer the unmet medical need. Furthermore, novel approaches are presented for potential eradication of latent HSV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Frejborg
- Pharmaceutical Sciences LaboratoryFaculty of Science and EngineeringÅbo Akademi UniversityTurkuFinland
- Institute of BiomedicineFaculty of MedicineUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Kiira Kalke
- Institute of BiomedicineFaculty of MedicineUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Veijo Hukkanen
- Institute of BiomedicineFaculty of MedicineUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
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13
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Liu W, Alameh MG, Yang JF, Xu JR, Lin PJC, Tam YK, Weissman D, You J. Lipid Nanoparticles Delivering Constitutively Active STING mRNA to Stimulate Antitumor Immunity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:14504. [PMID: 36498833 PMCID: PMC9739380 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Treating immunosuppressive tumors represents a major challenge in cancer therapies. Activation of STING signaling has shown remarkable potential to invigorate the immunologically "cold" tumor microenvironment (TME). However, we have shown that STING is silenced in many human cancers, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). In this study, we demonstrated that mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology could be used to efficiently deliver naturally occurring constitutively active STING mutant STINGR284S into these cancer cells to reactivate STING antitumor immunity and trigger robust killing of tumor cells. STING agonists are being actively pursued as cancer immunotherapies. However, traditional STING agonists can induce T cell cytotoxicity, counteracting the desired antitumor immune response. In addition, the antitumor efficacy of traditional STING agonists obligatorily depends on STING expression and does not work in STING-silenced cancers. Importantly, we found that STINGR284S mRNA-LNP does not introduce T cell cytotoxicity. Our studies demonstrated that mRNA-LNP delivery of STINGR284S can reactivate the antitumor response without introducing antiproliferative effects in lymphocytic immune cells, overcoming the toxicity and limitations of conventional STING agonists. Our work therefore identifies a novel therapeutic tool for reactivating antitumor immunity in an array of STING-silenced immunologically "cold" tumors that are refractory to current therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Mohamad-Gabriel Alameh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - June F. Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jonathan R. Xu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Ying K. Tam
- Acuitas Therapeutics, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Drew Weissman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jianxin You
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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14
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Gmyrek GB, Berube AN, Sjoelund VH, Carr DJJ. HSV-1 0∆NLS vaccine elicits a robust B lymphocyte response and preserves vision without HSV-1 glycoprotein M or thymidine kinase recognition. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15920. [PMID: 36151255 PMCID: PMC9508094 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20180-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective experimental prophylactic vaccines against viral pathogens such as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) have been shown to protect the host through T and/or B lymphocyte-driven responses. Previously, we found a live-attenuated HSV-1 mutant, 0ΔNLS used as a prophylactic vaccine, provided significant protection against subsequent ocular HSV-1 challenge aligned with a robust neutralizing antibody response. Yet, how the virus mutant elicited the humoral immune response relative to parental virus was unknown. Herein, we present the characterization of B cell subsets in vaccinated mice at times after primary vaccination and following boost compared to the parental virus, termed GFP105. We found that 0∆NLS-vaccinated mice possessed more CD4+ follicular helper T (TFH) cells, germinal B cells and class-switched B cells within the first 7 days post-vaccination. Moreover, 0∆NLS vaccination resulted in an increase in plasmablasts and plasma cells expressing amino-acid transporter CD98 along with an elevated titer of HSV-1-specific antibody compared to GFP105-vaccinated animals. Furthermore, O∆NLS-vaccine-induced CD4+ (TFH) cells produced significantly more IL-21 compared to mice immunized with the parental HSV-1 strain. In contrast, there were no differences in the number of regulatory B cells comparing the two groups of immunized mice. In comparing sera recognition of HSV-1-encoded proteins, it was noted antiserum from GFP105-vaccinated mice immunoprecipitated HSV-1 thymidine kinase (TK) and glycoprotein M (gM) whereas sera from 0∆NLS-immunized mice did not even though both groups of vaccinated mice displayed similar neutralizing antibody titers to HSV-1 and were highly resistant to ocular HSV-1 challenge. Collectively, the results suggest (1) the live-attenuated HSV-1 mutant 0∆NLS elicits a robust B cell response that drives select B cell responses greater than the parental HSV-1 and (2) HSV-1 TK and gM are likely expendable components in efficacy of a humoral response to ocular HSV-1 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz B. Gmyrek
- grid.266902.90000 0001 2179 3618Departments of Ophthalmology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), 608 Stanton L. Young Blvd, DMEI PA415, Oklahoma City, OK 73104 USA
| | - Amanda N. Berube
- grid.266902.90000 0001 2179 3618Departments of Ophthalmology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), 608 Stanton L. Young Blvd, DMEI PA415, Oklahoma City, OK 73104 USA
| | - Virginie H. Sjoelund
- grid.266902.90000 0001 2179 3618Laboratory for Molecular Biology and Cytometry Research, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104 USA
| | - Daniel J. J. Carr
- grid.266902.90000 0001 2179 3618Departments of Ophthalmology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC), 608 Stanton L. Young Blvd, DMEI PA415, Oklahoma City, OK 73104 USA ,grid.266902.90000 0001 2179 3618Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104 USA
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15
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Qin S, Tang X, Chen Y, Chen K, Fan N, Xiao W, Zheng Q, Li G, Teng Y, Wu M, Song X. mRNA-based therapeutics: powerful and versatile tools to combat diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:166. [PMID: 35597779 PMCID: PMC9123296 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01007-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 109.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic use of messenger RNA (mRNA) has fueled great hope to combat a wide range of incurable diseases. Recent rapid advances in biotechnology and molecular medicine have enabled the production of almost any functional protein/peptide in the human body by introducing mRNA as a vaccine or therapeutic agent. This represents a rising precision medicine field with great promise for preventing and treating many intractable or genetic diseases. In addition, in vitro transcribed mRNA has achieved programmed production, which is more effective, faster in design and production, as well as more flexible and cost-effective than conventional approaches that may offer. Based on these extraordinary advantages, mRNA vaccines have the characteristics of the swiftest response to large-scale outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as the currently devastating pandemic COVID-19. It has always been the scientists’ desire to improve the stability, immunogenicity, translation efficiency, and delivery system to achieve efficient and safe delivery of mRNA. Excitingly, these scientific dreams have gradually been realized with the rapid, amazing achievements of molecular biology, RNA technology, vaccinology, and nanotechnology. In this review, we comprehensively describe mRNA-based therapeutics, including their principles, manufacture, application, effects, and shortcomings. We also highlight the importance of mRNA optimization and delivery systems in successful mRNA therapeutics and discuss the key challenges and opportunities in developing these tools into powerful and versatile tools to combat many genetic, infectious, cancer, and other refractory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shugang Qin
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoshan Tang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuting Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kepan Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Na Fan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wen Xiao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Zheng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guohong Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuqing Teng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58203, USA
| | - Xiangrong Song
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Abstract
The rapid development of two nucleoside-modified mRNA vaccines that are safe and highly effective against coronavirus disease 2019 has transformed the vaccine field. The mRNA technology has the advantage of accelerated immunogen discovery, induction of robust immune responses, and rapid scale up of manufacturing. Efforts to develop genital herpes vaccines have been ongoing for 8 decades without success. The advent of mRNA technology has the potential to change that narrative. Developing a genital herpes vaccine is a high public health priority. A prophylactic genital herpes vaccine should prevent HSV-1 and HSV-2 genital lesions and infection of dorsal root ganglia, the site of latency. Vaccine immunity should be durable for decades, perhaps with the assistance of booster doses. While these goals have been elusive, new efforts with nucleoside-modified mRNA-lipid nanoparticle vaccines show great promise. We review past approaches to vaccine development that were unsuccessful or partially successful in large phase 3 trials, and describe lessons learned from these trials. We discuss our trivalent mRNA-lipid nanoparticle approach for a prophylactic genital herpes vaccine and the ability of the vaccine to induce higher titers of neutralizing antibodies and more durable CD4+ T follicular helper cell and memory B cell responses than protein-adjuvanted vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sita Awasthi
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Harvey M Friedman
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Antibodies to Crucial Epitopes on HSV-2 Glycoprotein D as a Guide to Dosing an mRNA Genital Herpes Vaccine. Viruses 2022; 14:v14030540. [PMID: 35336946 PMCID: PMC8953786 DOI: 10.3390/v14030540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The toxicity of mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (LNP) vaccines depends on the total mRNA-LNP dose. We established that the maximum tolerated dose of our trivalent mRNA-LNP genital herpes vaccine was 10 μg/immunization in mice. We then evaluated one of the mRNAs, gD2 mRNA-LNP, to determine how much of the 10 μg total dose to assign to this immunogen. We immunized mice with 0.3, 1.0, 3.0, or 10 μg of gD2 mRNA-LNP and measured serum IgG ELISA, neutralizing antibodies, and antibodies to six crucial gD2 epitopes involved in virus entry and spread. Antibodies to crucial gD2 epitopes peaked at 1 μg, while ELISA and neutralizing titers continued to increase at higher doses. The epitope results suggested no immunologic benefit above 1 μg of gD2 mRNA-LNP, while ELISA and neutralizing titers indicated higher doses may be useful. We challenged the gD2 mRNA-immunized mice intravaginally with HSV-2. The 1-μg dose provided total protection, confirming the epitope studies, and supported assigning less than one-third of the trivalent vaccine maximum dose of 10 μg to gD2 mRNA-LNP. Epitope mapping as performed in mice can also be accomplished in phase 1 human trials to help select the optimum dose of each immunogen in a multivalent vaccine.
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