1
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Lampinen V, Gröhn S, Lehmler N, Jartti M, Hytönen VP, Schubert M, Hankaniemi MM. Production of norovirus-, rotavirus-, and enterovirus-like particles in insect cells is simplified by plasmid-based expression. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14874. [PMID: 38937523 PMCID: PMC11211442 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65316-6] [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: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Insect cells have long been the main expression host of many virus-like particles (VLP). VLPs resemble the respective viruses but are non-infectious. They are important in vaccine development and serve as safe model systems in virus research. Commonly, baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) is used for VLP production. Here, we present an alternative, plasmid-based system for VLP expression, which offers distinct advantages: in contrast to BEVS, it avoids contamination by baculoviral particles and proteins, can maintain cell viability over the whole process, production of alphanodaviral particles will not be induced, and optimization of expression vectors and their ratios is simple. We compared the production of noro-, rota- and entero-VLP in the plasmid-based system to the standard process in BEVS. For noro- and entero-VLPs, similar yields could be achieved, whereas production of rota-VLP requires some further optimization. Nevertheless, in all cases, particles were formed, the expression process was simplified compared to BEVS and potential for the plasmid-based system was validated. This study demonstrates that plasmid-based transfection offers a viable option for production of noro-, rota- and entero-VLPs in insect cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vili Lampinen
- Virology and Vaccine Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Protein Dynamics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Stina Gröhn
- Virology and Vaccine Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Nina Lehmler
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute for Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, TU Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Minne Jartti
- Virology and Vaccine Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Vesa P Hytönen
- Protein Dynamics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere, Finland
| | - Maren Schubert
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute for Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, TU Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Minna M Hankaniemi
- Virology and Vaccine Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
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2
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Virgolini N, Silvano M, Hagan R, Correia R, Alves PM, Clarke C, Roldão A, Isidro IA. Impact of dual-baculovirus infection on the Sf9 insect cell transcriptome during rAAV production using single-cell RNA-seq. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:2588-2600. [PMID: 36919374 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28377] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
The insect cell-baculovirus expression vector system (IC-BEVS) has shown to be a powerful platform to produce complex biopharmaceutical products, such as recombinant proteins and virus-like particles. More recently, IC-BEVS has also been used as an alternative to produce recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV). However, little is known about the variability of insect cell populations and the potential effect of heterogeneity (e.g., stochastic infection process and differences in infection kinetics) on product titer and/or quality. In this study, transcriptomics analysis of Sf9 insect cells during the production of rAAV of serotype 2 (rAAV2) using a low multiplicity of infection, dual-baculovirus system was performed via single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq). Before infection, the principal source of variability in Sf9 insect cells was associated with the cell cycle. Over the course of infection, an increase in transcriptional heterogeneity was detected, which was linked to the expression of baculovirus genes as well as to differences in rAAV transgenes (rep, cap and gfp) expression. Noteworthy, at 24 h post-infection, only 29.4% of cells enclosed all three necessary rAAV transgenes to produce packed rAAV2 particles, indicating limitations of the dual-baculovirus system. In addition, the trajectory analysis herein performed highlighted that biological processes such as protein folding, metabolic processes, translation, and stress response have been significantly altered upon infection. Overall, this work reports the first application of scRNA-seq to the IC-BEVS and highlights significant variations in individual cells within the population, providing insight into the rational cell and process engineering toward improved rAAV2 production in IC-BEVS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaus Virgolini
- IBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- ITQB NOVA, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Marco Silvano
- IBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- ITQB NOVA, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Ryan Hagan
- National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Ricardo Correia
- IBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- ITQB NOVA, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Paula M Alves
- IBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- ITQB NOVA, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Colin Clarke
- National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, University College Dublin, Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - António Roldão
- IBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- ITQB NOVA, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Inês A Isidro
- IBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- ITQB NOVA, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
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3
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Jaron M, Lehky M, Zarà M, Zaydowicz CN, Lak A, Ballmann R, Heine PA, Wenzel EV, Schneider KT, Bertoglio F, Kempter S, Köster RW, Barbieri SS, van den Heuvel J, Hust M, Dübel S, Schubert M. Baculovirus-Free SARS-CoV-2 Virus-like Particle Production in Insect Cells for Rapid Neutralization Assessment. Viruses 2022. [PMID: 36298643 DOI: 10.3390/v14102087/s1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) resemble authentic virus while not containing any genomic information. Here, we present a fast and powerful method for the production of SARS-CoV-2 VLP in insect cells and the application of these VLPs to evaluate the inhibition capacity of monoclonal antibodies and sera of vaccinated donors. Our method avoids the baculovirus-based approaches commonly used in insect cells by employing direct plasmid transfection to co-express SARS-CoV-2 envelope, membrane, and spike protein that self-assemble into VLPs. After optimization of the expression plasmids and vector ratios, VLPs with an ~145 nm diameter and the typical "Corona" aura were obtained, as confirmed by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Fusion of the membrane protein to GFP allowed direct quantification of binding inhibition to angiotensin II-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on cells by therapeutic antibody candidates or sera from vaccinated individuals. Neither VLP purification nor fluorescent labeling by secondary antibodies are required to perform these flow cytometric assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Jaron
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Michael Lehky
- Recombinant Protein Expression Platform, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Marta Zarà
- Unit of Brain-Heart Axis, IRCCS Monzino Cardiology Center, Via C. Parea 4, 20138 Milano, Italy
| | - Chris Nicole Zaydowicz
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Aidin Lak
- Institute for Electrical Measurement Science and Fundamental Electrical Engineering, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hans-Sommer-Straße 66, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Rico Ballmann
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Philip Alexander Heine
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | - Kai-Thomas Schneider
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Federico Bertoglio
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Susanne Kempter
- Department of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, 80539 München, Germany
| | - Reinhard Wolfgang Köster
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Silvia Stella Barbieri
- Unit of Brain-Heart Axis, IRCCS Monzino Cardiology Center, Via C. Parea 4, 20138 Milano, Italy
| | - Joop van den Heuvel
- Recombinant Protein Expression Platform, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Michael Hust
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stefan Dübel
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Maren Schubert
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
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4
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Jaron M, Lehky M, Zarà M, Zaydowicz CN, Lak A, Ballmann R, Heine PA, Wenzel EV, Schneider KT, Bertoglio F, Kempter S, Köster RW, Barbieri SS, van den Heuvel J, Hust M, Dübel S, Schubert M. Baculovirus-Free SARS-CoV-2 Virus-like Particle Production in Insect Cells for Rapid Neutralization Assessment. Viruses 2022; 14:v14102087. [PMID: 36298643 PMCID: PMC9606917 DOI: 10.3390/v14102087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) resemble authentic virus while not containing any genomic information. Here, we present a fast and powerful method for the production of SARS-CoV-2 VLP in insect cells and the application of these VLPs to evaluate the inhibition capacity of monoclonal antibodies and sera of vaccinated donors. Our method avoids the baculovirus-based approaches commonly used in insect cells by employing direct plasmid transfection to co-express SARS-CoV-2 envelope, membrane, and spike protein that self-assemble into VLPs. After optimization of the expression plasmids and vector ratios, VLPs with an ~145 nm diameter and the typical “Corona” aura were obtained, as confirmed by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Fusion of the membrane protein to GFP allowed direct quantification of binding inhibition to angiotensin II-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on cells by therapeutic antibody candidates or sera from vaccinated individuals. Neither VLP purification nor fluorescent labeling by secondary antibodies are required to perform these flow cytometric assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Jaron
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Michael Lehky
- Recombinant Protein Expression Platform, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Marta Zarà
- Unit of Brain-Heart Axis, IRCCS Monzino Cardiology Center, Via C. Parea 4, 20138 Milano, Italy
| | - Chris Nicole Zaydowicz
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Aidin Lak
- Institute for Electrical Measurement Science and Fundamental Electrical Engineering, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hans-Sommer-Straße 66, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Rico Ballmann
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Philip Alexander Heine
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | - Kai-Thomas Schneider
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Federico Bertoglio
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Susanne Kempter
- Department of Physics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, 80539 München, Germany
| | - Reinhard Wolfgang Köster
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Silvia Stella Barbieri
- Unit of Brain-Heart Axis, IRCCS Monzino Cardiology Center, Via C. Parea 4, 20138 Milano, Italy
| | - Joop van den Heuvel
- Recombinant Protein Expression Platform, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Michael Hust
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Stefan Dübel
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Maren Schubert
- Department of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Spielmannstraße 7, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
- Correspondence:
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5
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de Malmanche H, Hussain M, Marcellin E, Reid S, Asgari S. Knockout of Dicer-2 in the Sf9 cell line enhances the replication of Spodoptera frugiperda rhabdovirus and conditionally increases baculovirus replication. J Gen Virol 2022; 103. [PMID: 36018884 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Sf9 cell line, originally isolated from the ovarian tissue of Spodoptera frugiperda larvae, is widely used in academia and industry for the baculovirus-mediated production of recombinant proteins and virus-like particles. RNA interference (RNAi) is a conserved antiviral pathway present in eukaryotic organisms and is the primary antiviral defence mechanism in insects. Recent evidence has implicated RNAi as an antiviral response to baculovirus infection in Sf9 cells. To test this hypothesis, CRISPR/Cas9 technology was used to disable the RNAi pathway in Sf9 cells by knocking out Dicer-2, the protein responsible for cleaving viral double-stranded RNA precursors into short interfering RNAs. Infection of Dicer-2 knockout Sf9 cells with either the wild-type baculovirus Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV), recombinant AcMNPV (rAcMNPV) expressing β-galactosidase (β-gal), or rAcMNPV expressing a wasp venom protein (Vn50) at a multiplicity of infection (m.o.i.) of 1 resulted in a modest increase in virus replication compared to control Sf9 cells under adherent culture conditions. In contrast, Dicer-2 knockout Sf9 monolayer or suspension cultures infected by the rAcMNPV expressing β-gal at higher m.o.i.s (3.5 and 20) did not exhibit increases in either viral DNA replication or β-gal production. Intriguingly, during long-term passaging in suspension, Dicer-2 knockout Sf9 cultures underwent transient crashes in cell proliferation and viability. It was discovered that these periods of low growth and viability coincided with a dramatic increase in the RNA levels of S. frugiperda rhabdovirus, a recently identified adventitious virus that persistently infects the Sf9 cell line, suggesting a role for Dicer-2 in managing chronic viral infections in this industrially relevant insect cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry de Malmanche
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Mazhar Hussain
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Esteban Marcellin
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Steve Reid
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Sassan Asgari
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
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6
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Joshi PRH, Venereo-Sanchez A, Chahal PS, Kamen AA. Advancements in molecular design and bioprocessing of recombinant adeno-associated virus gene delivery vectors using the insect-cell baculovirus expression platform. Biotechnol J 2021; 16:e2000021. [PMID: 33277815 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202000021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Despite rapid progress in the field, scalable high-yield production of adeno-associated virus (AAV) is still one of the critical bottlenecks the manufacturing sector is facing. The insect cell-baculovirus expression vector system (IC-BEVS) has emerged as a mainstream platform for the scalable production of recombinant proteins with clinically approved products for human use. In this review, we provide a detailed overview of the advancements in IC-BEVS for rAAV production. Since the first report of baculovirus-induced production of rAAV vector in insect cells in 2002, this platform has undergone significant improvements, including enhanced stability of Bac-vector expression and a reduced number of baculovirus-coinfections. The latter streamlining strategy led to the eventual development of the Two-Bac, One-Bac, and Mono-Bac systems. The one baculovirus system consisting of an inducible packaging insect cell line was further improved to enhance the AAV vector quality and potency. In parallel, the implementation of advanced manufacturing approaches and control of critical processing parameters have demonstrated promising results with process validation in large-scale bioreactor runs. Moreover, optimization of the molecular design of vectors to enable higher cell-specific yields of functional AAV particles combined with bioprocess intensification strategies may also contribute to addressing current and future manufacturing challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranav R H Joshi
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Parminder S Chahal
- Human Health Therapeutics Portfolio, National Research Council of Canada, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Amine A Kamen
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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7
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Kato T, Machida Y, Takemura K, Xu J, Park EY. Preparation of divalent antigen-displaying enveloped virus-like particles using a single recombinant Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus bacmid in silkworms. J Biotechnol 2020; 323:92-97. [PMID: 32771428 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2020.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Silkworms have been used as a host for the production of recombinant proteins in a baculovirus expression system using Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV). To coexpress several recombinant proteins, a silkworm must be coinfected with several recombinant BmNPVs, which requires a difficult DNA manipulation procedure. In this study, we constructed recombinant BmNPVs containing three expression cassettes, Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) Gag protein, surface antigen 1 of Neospora caninum (NcSAG1) and SAG1-related sequence 2 of N. caninum (NcSRS2), by Gibson assembly and the Bac-to-Bac system, designated BmNPV/SAG-SRS-Gag and BmNPV/SAG-Gag-SRS. BmNPV/SAG-SRS-Gag was expressed in silkworms and characterized. NcSAG1 and NcSRS2 were purified with RSV Gag proteins using sucrose density gradient centrifugation and affinity chromatography. RSV Gag formed virus-like particles (RSV-LPs) at a diameter of 20-30 nm based on transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Immuno-TEM analysis showed that both NcSAG1 and NcSRS2 were displayed on the surface of the RSV-LPs. These results indicate that RSV-LPs displaying two different kinds of proteins were produced in the hemolymph of silkworm larvae by the single polycistronic strategy. This expression platform is efficient for generating multiantigen-displaying VLPs and facilitates the development of vaccines against infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Kato
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Department of Agriculture, Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Ohya 836, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Japan; Laboratory of Biotechnology, Department of Bioscience, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Japan; Laboratory of Biotechnology, Green Chemistry Research Division, Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Ohya 836, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yuki Machida
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Department of Agriculture, Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Ohya 836, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kenshin Takemura
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Department of Bioscience, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Jian Xu
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Green Chemistry Research Division, Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Ohya 836, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Japan; Institute of Biology and Information Science, Biomedical Synthetic Biology Research Center, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, PR China
| | - Enoch Y Park
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Department of Agriculture, Graduate School of Integrated Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Ohya 836, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Japan; Laboratory of Biotechnology, Department of Bioscience, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Japan; Laboratory of Biotechnology, Green Chemistry Research Division, Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, Ohya 836, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Japan.
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8
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Pastor AR, González-Domínguez G, Díaz-Salinas MA, Ramírez OT, Palomares LA. Defining the multiplicity and time of infection for the production of Zaire Ebola virus-like particles in the insect cell-baculovirus expression system. Vaccine 2019; 37:6962-6969. [PMID: 31262589 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Ebola virus disease is a public health challenge. To date, the only available treatments are medical support or the emergency administration of experimental drugs. The absence of licensed vaccines against Ebola virus impedes the prevention of infection. Vaccines based on recombinant virus-like particles (VLP) are a promising alternative. The Zaire Ebola virus serotype (ZEBOV) is the most aggressive with the highest mortality rates. Production of ZEBOV-VLP has been accomplished in mammalian and insect cells by the recombinant coexpression of three structural proteins, the glycoprotein (GP), the matrix structural protein VP40, and the nucleocapsid protein (NP). However, specific conditions to manipulate protein concentrations and improve assembly into VLP have not been determined to date. Here, we used a design of experiments (DoE) approach to determine the best MOI and TOI for three recombinant baculoviruses: bac-GP, bac-VP40 and bac-NP, each coding for one of the main structural proteins of ZEBOV. We identified two conditions where the simultaneous expression of the three recombinant proteins was observed. Interestingly, a temporal and stoichiometric interplay between the three structural proteins was observed. VP40 was required for the correct assembly of ZEBOV-VLP. High NP concentrations reduced the accumulation of GP, which has been reported to be necessary for inducing a protective immune response. Electron microscopy showed that the ZEBOV-VLP produced were morphologically similar to the native virus micrographs previously reported in the literature. A strategy for producing ZEBOV in insect cells, which consists in using a high MOI of bac-VP40 and bac-GP, and reducing expression of NP, either by delaying infection or reducing the MOI of bac-NP, was the most adequate for the production of VLP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Ruth Pastor
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ave. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, Mexico.
| | - Gonzalo González-Domínguez
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ave. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, Mexico; Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Marco A Díaz-Salinas
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ave. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, Mexico.
| | - Octavio T Ramírez
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ave. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, Mexico.
| | - Laura A Palomares
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ave. Universidad 2001, Cuernavaca, Morelos 62210, Mexico.
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9
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Joshi PR, Cervera L, Ahmed I, Kondratov O, Zolotukhin S, Schrag J, Chahal PS, Kamen AA. Achieving High-Yield Production of Functional AAV5 Gene Delivery Vectors via Fedbatch in an Insect Cell-One Baculovirus System. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2019; 13:279-289. [PMID: 30886878 PMCID: PMC6404649 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite numerous advancements in production protocols, manufacturing AAV to meet exceptionally high demand (1016–1017 viral genomes [VGs]) in late clinical stages and for eventual systemic delivery poses significant challenges. Here, we report an efficient, simple, scalable, robust AAV5 production process utilizing the most recent modification of the OneBac platform. An increase in volumetric yield of genomic particles by ∼6-fold and functional particles by ∼20-fold was achieved by operating a high-cell-density process in shake flasks and bioreactors that involves an Sf9-based rep/cap stable cell line grown at a density of about 10 million cells/mL infected with a single baculovirus. The overall volumetric yields of genomic (VG) and bioactive particles (enhanced transducing units [ETUs]) in representative fedbatch bioreactor runs ranged from 2.5 to 3.5 × 1014 VG/L and from 1 to 2 × 1011 ETU/L. Analytical ultracentrifugation analyses of affinity-purified AAV vector samples from side-by-side batch and fedbatch production runs showed vector preparations with a full and empty particle distribution of 20%–30% genomic and 70%–80% empty particles. Moreover, the stoichiometric analysis of capsid proteins from fedbatch production in shake flask and bioreactor run samples demonstrated the incorporation of higher VP1 subunits, resulting in better functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranav R.H. Joshi
- Viral Vectors and Vaccine Bioprocessing Group, Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0E9, Canada
| | - Laura Cervera
- Viral Vectors and Vaccine Bioprocessing Group, Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0E9, Canada
| | - Ibrahim Ahmed
- Viral Vectors and Vaccine Bioprocessing Group, Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0E9, Canada
| | - Oleksandr Kondratov
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Sergei Zolotukhin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Joseph Schrag
- Human Health Therapeutics Portfolio, National Research Council of Canada, Montreal, QC H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Parminder S. Chahal
- Human Health Therapeutics Portfolio, National Research Council of Canada, Montreal, QC H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Amine A. Kamen
- Viral Vectors and Vaccine Bioprocessing Group, Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0E9, Canada
- Corresponding author: Amine Kamen, Viral Vectors and Vaccine Bioprocessing Group, Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0E9, Canada.
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10
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Khan I, Krishnaswamy S, Sabale M, Groth D, Wijaya L, Morici M, Berger I, Schaffitzel C, Fraser PE, Martins RN, Verdile G. Efficient production of a mature and functional gamma secretase protease. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12834. [PMID: 30150752 PMCID: PMC6110731 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30788-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Baculoviral protein expression in insect cells has been previously used to generate large quantities of a protein of interest for subsequent use in biochemical and structural analyses. The MultiBac baculovirus protein expression system has enabled, the use of a single baculovirus to reconstitute a protein complex of interest, resulting in a larger protein yield. Using this system, we aimed to reconstruct the gamma (γ)-secretase complex, a multiprotein enzyme complex essential for the production of amyloid-β (Aβ) protein. A MultiBac vector containing all components of the γ-secretase complex was generated and expression was observed for all components. The complex was active in processing APP and Notch derived γ-secretase substrates and proteolysis could be inhibited with γ-secretase inhibitors, confirming specificity of the recombinant γ-secretase enzyme. Finally, affinity purification was used to purify an active recombinant γ-secretase complex. In this study we demonstrated that the MultiBac protein expression system can be used to generate an active γ-secretase complex and provides a new tool to study γ-secretase enzyme and its variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Khan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia. .,School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia. .,Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research & Care, School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Sudarsan Krishnaswamy
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research & Care, School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Miheer Sabale
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - David Groth
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Linda Wijaya
- Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research & Care, School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Psychology and Exercise Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Michael Morici
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia.,Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research & Care, School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Imre Berger
- European Molecular Biology Laboratories, Grenoble, France.,School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Christiane Schaffitzel
- European Molecular Biology Laboratories, Grenoble, France.,School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Paul E Fraser
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Department of Medical Biophysics, Krembil Discovery Tower, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ralph N Martins
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia.,Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research & Care, School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Giuseppe Verdile
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia. .,School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia. .,Centre of Excellence for Alzheimer's Disease Research & Care, School of Medical Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia.
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11
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Computational Modelling of Large Scale Phage Production Using a Two-Stage Batch Process. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2018; 11:ph11020031. [PMID: 29642497 PMCID: PMC6026895 DOI: 10.3390/ph11020031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cost effective and scalable methods for phage production are required to meet an increasing demand for phage, as an alternative to antibiotics. Computational models can assist the optimization of such production processes. A model is developed here that can simulate the dynamics of phage population growth and production in a two-stage, self-cycling process. The model incorporates variable infection parameters as a function of bacterial growth rate and employs ordinary differential equations, allowing application to a setup with multiple reactors. The model provides simple cost estimates as a function of key operational parameters including substrate concentration, feed volume and cycling times. For the phage and bacteria pairing examined, costs and productivity varied by three orders of magnitude, with the lowest cost found to be most sensitive to the influent substrate concentration and low level setting in the first vessel. An example case study of phage production is also presented, showing how parameter values affect the production costs and estimating production times. The approach presented is flexible and can be used to optimize phage production at laboratory or factory scale by minimizing costs or maximizing productivity.
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12
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Hidalgo D, Paz E, Palomares LA, Ramírez OT. Real-time imaging reveals unique heterogeneous population features in insect cell cultures. J Biotechnol 2017; 259:56-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2017.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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13
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MacroBac: New Technologies for Robust and Efficient Large-Scale Production of Recombinant Multiprotein Complexes. Methods Enzymol 2017; 592:1-26. [PMID: 28668116 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2017.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant expression of large, multiprotein complexes is essential and often rate limiting for determining structural, biophysical, and biochemical properties of DNA repair, replication, transcription, and other key cellular processes. Baculovirus-infected insect cell expression systems are especially well suited for producing large, human proteins recombinantly, and multigene baculovirus systems have facilitated studies of multiprotein complexes. In this chapter, we describe a multigene baculovirus system called MacroBac that uses a Biobricks-type assembly method based on restriction and ligation (Series 11) or ligation-independent cloning (Series 438). MacroBac cloning and assembly is efficient and equally well suited for either single subcloning reactions or high-throughput cloning using 96-well plates and liquid handling robotics. MacroBac vectors are polypromoter with each gene flanked by a strong polyhedrin promoter and an SV40 poly(A) termination signal that minimize gene order expression level effects seen in many polycistronic assemblies. Large assemblies are robustly achievable, and we have successfully assembled as many as 10 genes into a single MacroBac vector. Importantly, we have observed significant increases in expression levels and quality of large, multiprotein complexes using a single, multigene, polypromoter virus rather than coinfection with multiple, single-gene viruses. Given the importance of characterizing functional complexes, we believe that MacroBac provides a critical enabling technology that may change the way that structural, biophysical, and biochemical research is done.
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Abstract
Although viruses are simple biological systems, they are capable of evolving highly efficient techniques for infecting cells, expressing their genomes, and generating new copies of themselves. It is possible to genetically manipulate most of the different classes of known viruses in order to produce recombinant viruses that express foreign proteins. Recombinant viruses have been used in gene therapy to deliver selected genes into higher organisms, in vaccinology and immunotherapy, and as important research tools to study the structure and function of these proteins. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are multiprotein structures that mimic the organization and conformation of authentic native viruses but lack the viral genome. They have been applied not only as prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines but also as vehicles in drug and gene delivery and, more recently, as tools in nanobiotechnology. In this chapter, basic and advanced features of viruses and VLPs are presented and their major applications are discussed. The different production platforms based on animal cell technology are explained, and their main challenges and future perspectives are explored. The implications of large-scale production of viruses and VLPs are discussed in the context of process control, monitoring, and optimization. The main upstream and downstream technical challenges are identified and discussed accordingly.
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15
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Abstract
Since its inception more than 30 years ago, the baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) has been used prolifically to produce heterologous proteins for research and development. In the cell, a cornerstone of biological activity are multiprotein complexes, catalyzing essential functions. BEVS has been uniquely successful to unlock such complex assemblies for high-resolution structural and functional analysis. Synthetic biology approaches have been implemented to optimize multigene assembly methods, accelerating upstream processes. Specialized baculoviral genomes are being created with functions tailored to enhance production of particular target protein classes. Here we comment on current and emerging developments in the field and their potential to accelerate protein complex research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imre Berger
- a The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL); Grenoble Outstation and Unit of Virus Host-Cell Interactions (UVHCI); Université Grenoble Alpes-EMBL-CNRS ; UMR 5233; Grenoble , France.,b The School of Biochemistry; University of Bristol ; Clifton , United Kingdom
| | - Arnaud Poterszman
- c Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC); Center for Integrative Biology (CBI) ; Department of Integrated Structural Biology ; Illkirch ; France.,d Center National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7104 ; Illkirch , France.,e Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U964 ; Illkirch , France.,f Université de Strasbourg ; Strasbourg , France
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16
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Jalilvand S, Marashi SM, Shoja Z. Rotavirus VP6 preparations as a non-replicating vaccine candidates. Vaccine 2015; 33:3281-7. [PMID: 26021725 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Revised: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Rotavirus (RV) structural proteins VP4 and VP7, located on the surface of viral particles, elicit neutralizing antibodies (Abs) and are therefore considered to be important components of RV vaccines. However, despite inducing neutralizing Abs, limits of cross-neutralizing activity and lack of full correlation with protection limit the usefulness of these proteins as protective agents against RV disease. VP6 protein, which forms the middle layer of RV particles, is discussed as an alternative vaccine candidate since it can induce cross-protective immune responses against different RV strains although the Ab raised is not neutralizing. This report reviews different functions of VP6 that can lead to considering it as an alternative vaccine against RV disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Jalilvand
- Virology Department, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sayed Mahdi Marashi
- Virology Department, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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17
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Palomares LA, Realpe M, Ramírez OT. An Overview of Cell Culture Engineering for the Insect Cell-Baculovirus Expression Vector System (BEVS). CELL ENGINEERING 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-10320-4_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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18
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Contreras-Gómez A, Sánchez-Mirón A, García-Camacho F, Molina-Grima E, Chisti Y. Protein production using the baculovirus-insect cell expression system. Biotechnol Prog 2014; 30:1-18. [PMID: 24265112 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.1842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2013] [Revised: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The baculovirus-insect cell expression system is widely used in producing recombinant proteins. This review is focused on the use of this expression system in developing bioprocesses for producing proteins of interest. The issues addressed include: the baculovirus biology and genetic manipulation to improve protein expression and quality; the suppression of proteolysis associated with the viral enzymes; the engineering of the insect cell lines for improved capability in glycosylation and folding of the expressed proteins; the impact of baculovirus on the host cell and its implications for protein production; the effects of the growth medium on metabolism of the host cell; the bioreactors and the associated operational aspects; and downstream processing of the product. All these factors strongly affect the production of recombinant proteins. The current state of knowledge is reviewed.
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19
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Intra-peritoneal and intra-rectal immunogenicity induced by rotavirus virus like particles 2/6/7 in mice. Microb Pathog 2014; 67-68:48-54. [PMID: 24583154 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2014.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Revised: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We previously developed virus like particles of rotavirus (RV) with VP2, VP6, and VP7 proteins (VLP2/6/7) using stable High-five cell line. To evaluate the immunogenicity of our construct, we assessed the humoral and cytokine responses induced by VLP2/6/7 in BALB/c mice immunized intra-peritoneally and intra-rectally. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Relative quantitative (RQ) Real-time PCR were used to evaluate the antibody (IgG and IgA) levels in serum and mRNA levels of IL-6, IL-10 and IFN-γ in spleen cells, respectively. Our results showed that VLP2/6/7 is capable of intra-peritoneal (I.P.) and intra-rectal (I.R.) induction of serum IgG and IgA responses. IgA was detected in fecal samples of immunization groups by I.P. and I.R. routes. Interestingly, I.R. route induced higher IgA titer compared with I.P. route which was statistically significant. Moreover, mRNA levels of IL-6 and IFN-γ were significantly elevated in mice immunized intra-peritoneally with VLP2/6/7 compared to control group. As such, the mean change was 7.4 (P < 0.05) and 14.8 (P < 0.001) for IFN-γ and IL-6, respectively. Likewise, the same pattern was found when mice were immunized intra-rectally. Although elevated, the difference in the mean change for IL-10 was not statistically significant when compared to control group. Our findings indicated that VLPs constructed via a stable insect cell line are able to induce both humoral and cellular responses, a similar pattern as observed after immunization with live RVs.
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20
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Mena JA, Kamen AA. Insect cell technology is a versatile and robust vaccine manufacturing platform. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 10:1063-81. [DOI: 10.1586/erv.11.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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21
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Fernandes F, Teixeira AP, Carinhas N, Carrondo MJT, Alves PM. Insect cells as a production platform of complex virus-like particles. Expert Rev Vaccines 2013; 12:225-36. [PMID: 23414412 DOI: 10.1586/erv.12.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are multiprotein structures that resemble the conformation of native viruses but lack a viral genome, potentiating their application as safer and cheaper vaccines. The production of VLPs has been strongly linked with the use of insect cells and the baculovirus expression vector system, especially those particles composed of two or more structural viral proteins. In fact, this expression platform has been extensively improved over the years to address the challenges of coexpression of multiple proteins and their proper assembly into complexes in the same cell. In this article, the role of insect cell technology in the development and production of complex VLPs is overviewed; recent achievements, current bottlenecks and future trends are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Fernandes
- ITQB-Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
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22
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Liu F, Wu X, Li L, Liu Z, Wang Z. Use of baculovirus expression system for generation of virus-like particles: successes and challenges. Protein Expr Purif 2013; 90:104-16. [PMID: 23742819 PMCID: PMC7128112 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2013.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Revised: 05/13/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
A brief overview of principles and applications of BES. Generation of VLPs using BES. Major properties of BES: promoting generation of VLPs. Bioprocess considerations for generation of VLPs.
The baculovirus expression system (BES) has been one of the versatile platforms for the production of recombinant proteins requiring multiple post-translational modifications, such as folding, oligomerization, phosphorylation, glycosylation, acylation, disulfide bond formation and proteolytic cleavage. Advances in recombinant DNA technology have facilitated application of the BES, and made it possible to express multiple proteins simultaneously in a single infection and to produce multimeric proteins sharing functional similarity with their natural analogs. Therefore, the BES has been used for the production of recombinant proteins and the construction of virus-like particles (VLPs), as well as for the development of subunit vaccines, including VLP-based vaccines. The VLP, which consists of one or more structural proteins but no viral genome, resembles the authentic virion but cannot replicate in cells. The high-quality recombinant protein expression and post-translational modifications obtained with the BES, along with its capacity to produce multiple proteins, imply that it is ideally suited to VLP production. In this article, we critically review the pros and cons of using the BES as a platform to produce both enveloped and non-enveloped VLPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuxiao Liu
- National Research Center for Exotic Animal Diseases, China Animal Health and Epidemiology Center, Qingdao, Shandong 266032, China
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23
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Development of a stable insect cell line constitutively expressing rotavirus VP2. Virus Res 2013; 172:66-74. [PMID: 23287060 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2012.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2012] [Revised: 11/22/2012] [Accepted: 12/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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24
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Xu X, Chen Y, Zhao Y, Liu X, Dong B, Jones IM, Chen H. Baculovirus superinfection: a probable restriction factor on the surface display of proteins for library screening. PLoS One 2013; 8:e54631. [PMID: 23365677 PMCID: PMC3554712 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0054631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2012] [Accepted: 12/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to the expression of recombinant proteins, baculoviruses have been developed as a platform for the display of complex eukaryotic proteins on the surface of virus particles or infected insect cells. Surface display has been used extensively for antigen presentation and targeted gene delivery but is also a candidate for the display of protein libraries for molecular screening. However, although baculovirus gene libraries can be efficiently expressed and displayed on the surface of insect cells, target gene selection is inefficient probably due to super-infection which gives rise to cells expressing more than one protein. In this report baculovirus superinfection of Sf9 cells has been investigated by the use of two recombinant multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus carrying green or red fluorescent proteins under the control of both early and late promoters (vAcBacGFP and vAcBacDsRed). The reporter gene expression was detected 8 hours after the infection of vAcBacGFP and cells in early and late phases of infection could be distinguished by the fluorescence intensity of the expressed protein. Simultaneous infection with vAcBacGFP and vAcBacDsRed viruses each at 0.5 MOI resulted in 80% of infected cells co-expressing the two fluorescent proteins at 48 hours post infection (hpi), and subsequent infection with the two viruses resulted in similar co-infection rate. Most Sf9 cells were re-infectable within the first several hours post infection, but the re-infection rate then decreased to a very low level by 16 hpi. Our data demonstrate that Sf9 cells were easily super-infectable during baculovirus infection, and super-infection could occur simultaneously at the time of the primary infection or subsequently during secondary infection by progeny viruses. The efficiency of super-infection may explain the difficulties of baculovirus display library screening but would benefit the production of complex proteins requiring co-expression of multiple polypeptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Yuanrong Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Yu Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Xiaofen Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Beitao Dong
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Ian M. Jones
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Hongying Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, P. R. China
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25
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Roy P, Noad R. Use of bacterial artificial chromosomes in baculovirus research and recombinant protein expression: current trends and future perspectives. ISRN MICROBIOLOGY 2012; 2012:628797. [PMID: 23762754 PMCID: PMC3671692 DOI: 10.5402/2012/628797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2012] [Accepted: 08/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The baculovirus expression system is one of the most successful and widely used eukaryotic protein expression methods. This short review will summarise the role of bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACS) as an enabling technology for the modification of the virus genome. For many years baculovirus genomes have been maintained in E. coli as bacterial artificial chromosomes, and foreign genes have been inserted using a transposition-based system. However, with recent advances in molecular biology techniques, particularly targeting reverse engineering of the baculovirus genome by recombineering, new frontiers in protein expression are being addressed. In particular, BACs have facilitated the propagation of disabled virus genomes that allow high throughput protein expression. Furthermore, improvement in the selection of recombinant viral genomes inserted into BACS has enabled the expression of multiprotein complexes by iterative recombineering of the baculovirus genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polly Roy
- Department of Pathogen Molecular Biology, Faculty of Infectious Diseases, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK
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26
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Palomares LA, Mena JA, Ramírez OT. Simultaneous expression of recombinant proteins in the insect cell-baculovirus system: production of virus-like particles. Methods 2012; 56:389-95. [PMID: 22300754 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2012.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Revised: 01/16/2012] [Accepted: 01/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The insect cell-baculovirus system (IC-BEVS) is widely used for the production of recombinant viral proteins for vaccine applications. It is especially suitable for the production of virus-like particles, which often require the simultaneous production of several recombinant proteins. Here, the available tools and process requirements for the simultaneous production of several recombinant proteins using the IC-BEVS are discussed. The production of double-layered rotavirus like particles is used as a specific example for the simultaneous production of two recombinant proteins. Methods to quantify VLP in small samples are described. The multiplicity and time of infection are presented as tools to manipulate protein concentration, and the effect on protein concentration ratios on the assembly efficiency of double-layered rotavirus like particles is discussed. It was found that not only the ratio between the recombinant proteins is determinant of VLP assembly efficiency, but also that assembly efficiency is related to the characteristics of the assembled proteins. This is the first time that kinetics of VLP production are followed during cultures, and that the assembly efficiency is quantitatively determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Palomares
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apdo. Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca, Morelos, CP 62250, Mexico.
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27
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Sokolenko S, George S, Wagner A, Tuladhar A, Andrich JMS, Aucoin MG. Co-expression vs. co-infection using baculovirus expression vectors in insect cell culture: Benefits and drawbacks. Biotechnol Adv 2012; 30:766-81. [PMID: 22297133 PMCID: PMC7132753 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2012.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2011] [Revised: 01/13/2012] [Accepted: 01/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) is a versatile and powerful platform for protein expression in insect cells. With the ability to approach similar post-translational modifications as in mammalian cells, the BEVS offers a number of advantages including high levels of expression as well as an inherent safety during manufacture and of the final product. Many BEVS products include proteins and protein complexes that require expression from more than one gene. This review examines the expression strategies that have been used to this end and focuses on the distinguishing features between those that make use of single polycistronic baculovirus (co-expression) and those that use multiple monocistronic baculoviruses (co-infection). Three major areas in which researchers have been able to take advantage of co-expression/co-infection are addressed, including compound structure-function studies, insect cell functionality augmentation, and VLP production. The core of the review discusses the parameters of interest for co-infection and co-expression with time of infection (TOI) and multiplicity of infection (MOI) highlighted for the former and the choice of promoter for the latter. In addition, an overview of modeling approaches is presented, with a suggested trajectory for future exploration. The review concludes with an examination of the gaps that still remain in co-expression/co-infection knowledge and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislav Sokolenko
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada N2L 3G1
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Galibert L, Merten OW. Latest developments in the large-scale production of adeno-associated virus vectors in insect cells toward the treatment of neuromuscular diseases. J Invertebr Pathol 2011; 107 Suppl:S80-93. [PMID: 21784234 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2011.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2011] [Accepted: 02/09/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors are gene vectors of choice for the development of gene therapy treatments for many rare diseases affecting various tissues including retina, central nervous system, liver, and muscle. The AAV based gene therapy approach became conceivable only after the development of easily scalable production systems including the Sf9 cell/baculovirus expression system. Since the establishment of the production of AAV in the Sf9/baculovirus system by the group of Rob Kotin, this new production system has largely been developed for optimizing the large scale production of different serotypes of AAV for preclinical and clinical purposes. Today this manufacturing system allows for the production of purified vector genome (vg) quantities of up to 2 × 10(15) for AAV1 using a 50L reactor and the scale up to larger reactor volumes is paralleled by a corresponding increase in the vector yield. This review presents the principles and achievements of the Sf9/baculovirus system for the production of AAV in comparison to other expression systems based on mammalian cells. In addition, new developments and improvements, which have not yet been implemented at a large scale, and perspectives for further optimization of this production system will be discussed. All of these achievements as well as further process intensifications are urgently needed for the production of clinical doses for the treatment of neuromuscular diseases for which estimated doses of up to 10(14)vg/kg body mass are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lionel Galibert
- Généthon, Laboratory for Applied Vectorology and Innovation, 1 rue de l'Internationale, BP60, F-91002 Evry Cedex 2, France
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Roldão A, Silva A, Mellado M, Alves P, Carrondo M. Viruses and Virus-Like Particles in Biotechnology. COMPREHENSIVE BIOTECHNOLOGY 2011. [PMCID: PMC7151966 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-08-088504-9.00072-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Although viruses are simple biological systems, they are capable of evolving highly efficient techniques for infecting cells, expressing their genomes, and generating new copies of themselves. It is possible to genetically manipulate most of the different classes of known viruses in order to produce recombinant viruses that express foreign proteins. Recombinant viruses have been used in gene therapy to deliver selected genes into higher organisms, in vaccinology and immunotherapy, and as important research tools to study the structure and function of these proteins. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are multiprotein structures that mimic the organization and conformation of authentic native viruses but lack the viral genome. They have been applied not only as prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines but also as vehicles in drug and gene delivery and, more recently, as tools in nanobiotechnology. In this article, basic and advanced features of viruses and VLPs are presented and their major applications are discussed. The different production platforms based on animal cell technology are explained, and their main challenges and future perspectives are explored. The implications of large-scale production of viruses and VLPs are discussed in the context of process control, monitorization, and optimization. The main upstream and downstream technical challenges are identified and discussed accordingly.
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Mena JA, Aucoin MG, Montes J, Chahal PS, Kamen AA. Improving adeno-associated vector yield in high density insect cell cultures. J Gene Med 2010; 12:157-67. [DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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Mellado MCM, Mena JA, Lopes A, Ramírez OT, Carrondo MJT, Palomares LA, Alves PM. Impact of physicochemical parameters on in vitro assembly and disassembly kinetics of recombinant triple-layered rotavirus-like particles. Biotechnol Bioeng 2009; 104:674-86. [PMID: 19623564 DOI: 10.1002/bit.22430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Virus-like particles constitute potentially relevant vaccine candidates. Nevertheless, their behavior in vitro and assembly process needs to be understood in order to improve their yield and quality. In this study we aimed at addressing these issues and for that purpose triple- and double-layered rotavirus-like particles (TLP 2/6/7 and DLP 2/6, respectively) size and zeta potential were measured using dynamic light scattering at different physicochemical conditions, namely pH, ionic strength, and temperature. Both TLP and DLP were stable within a pH range of 3-7 and at 5-25 degrees C. Aggregation occurred at 35-45 degrees C and their disassembly became evident at 65 degrees C. The isoelectric points of TLP and DLP were 3.0 and 3.8, respectively. In vitro kinetics of TLP disassembly was monitored. Ionic strength, temperature, and the chelating agent employed determined disassembly kinetics. Glycerol (10%) stabilized TLP by preventing its disassembly. Disassembled TLP was able to reassemble by dialysis at high calcium conditions. VP7 monomers were added to DLP in the presence of calcium to follow in vitro TLP assembly kinetics; its assembly rate being mostly affected by pH. Finally, DLP and TLP were found to coexist under certain conditions as determined from all reaction products analyzed by capillary electrophoresis. Overall, these results contribute to the design of new strategies for the improvement of TLP yield and quality by reducing the VP7 detachment from TLP.
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Thomas DL, Wang L, Niamke J, Liu J, Kang W, Scotti MM, Ye GJ, Veres G, Knop DR. Scalable recombinant adeno-associated virus production using recombinant herpes simplex virus type 1 coinfection of suspension-adapted mammalian cells. Hum Gene Ther 2009; 20:861-70. [PMID: 19419276 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2009.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) production systems capable of meeting clinical or anticipated commercial-scale manufacturing needs have received relatively little scrutiny compared with the intense research activity afforded the in vivo and in vitro evaluation of rAAV for gene transfer. Previously we have reported a highly efficient recombinant herpes simplex virus type 1 (rHSV) complementation system for rAAV production in multiple adherent cell lines; however, production in a scalable format was not demonstrated. Here we report rAAV production by rHSV coinfection of baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells grown in suspension (sBHK cells), using two ICP27-deficient rHSV vectors, one harboring a transgene flanked by the AAV2 inverted terminal repeats and a second bearing the AAV rep2 and capX genes (where X is any rAAV serotype). The rHSV coinfection of sBHK cells produced similar rAAV1/AAT-specific yields (85,400 DNase-resistant particles [DRP]/cell) compared with coinfection of adherent HEK-293 cells (74,600 DRP/cell); however, sBHK cells permitted a 3-fold reduction in the rHSV-rep2/capX vector multiplicity of infection, grew faster than HEK-293 cells, retained specific yields (DRP/cell) at higher cell densities, and had a decreased virus production cycle. Furthermore, sBHK cells were able to produce AAV serotypes 1, 2, 5, and 8 at similar specific yields, using multiple therapeutic genes. rAAV1/AAT production in sBHK cells was scaled to 10-liter disposable bioreactors, using optimized spinner flask infection conditions, and resulted in average volumetric productivities as high as 2.4 x 10(14) DRP/liter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darby L Thomas
- Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, Alachua, FL 32615, USA
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Challenges for the production of virus-like particles in insect cells: The case of rotavirus-like particles. Biochem Eng J 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2009.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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