1
|
Saleh N, Mahmoud HE, Eltaher H, Helmy M, El-Khordagui L, Hussein AA. Prodigiosin-Functionalized Probiotic Ghosts as a Bioinspired Combination Against Colorectal Cancer Cells. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2023; 15:1271-1286. [PMID: 36030493 PMCID: PMC10491537 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-022-09980-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Lactobacillus acidophilus ghosts (LAGs) with the unique safety of a probiotic, inherent tropism for colon cells, and multiple bioactivities offer promise as drug carriers for colon targeting. Our objective was to evaluate LAGs functionalized with prodigiosin (PG), apoptotic secondary bacterial metabolite, as a bioinspired formulation against colorectal cancer (CRC). LAGs were prepared by a chemical method and highly purified by density gradient centrifugation. LAGs were characterized by microscopic and staining techniques as relatively small-sized uniform vesicles (≈1.6 µm), nearly devoid of cytoplasmic and genetic materials and having a negatively charged intact envelope. PG was highly bound to LAGs envelope, generating a physiologically stable bioactive entity (PG-LAGs), as verified by multiple microscopic techniques and lack of PG release under physiological conditions. PG-LAGs were active against HCT116 CRC cells at both the cellular and molecular levels. Cell viability data highlighted the cytotoxicity of PG and LAGs and LAGs-induced enhancement of PG selectivity for HCT116 cells, anticipating dose reduction for PG and LAGs. Molecularly, expression of the apoptotic caspase 3 and P53 biomarkers in HCT116 intracellular proteins was significantly upregulated while that of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) was downregulated by PG-LAGs relative to PG and 5-fluorouracil. PG-LAGs provide a novel bacteria-based combination for anticancer biomedicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nessrin Saleh
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Hoda E Mahmoud
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Hoda Eltaher
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt
- Regenerative Medicine and Cellular Therapies Division, Faculty of Science, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Maged Helmy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Labiba El-Khordagui
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed A Hussein
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Abdullah NA, Mahmoud HE, El-Nikhely NA, Hussein AA, El-Khordagui LK. Carbon dots labeled Lactiplantibacillus plantarum: a fluorescent multifunctional biocarrier for anticancer drug delivery. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1166094. [PMID: 37304143 PMCID: PMC10248154 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1166094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
A carbon dots (CDs)-biolabeled heat-inactivated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (HILP) hybrid was investigated as a multifunctional probiotic drug carrier with bioimaging properties using prodigiosin (PG) as anticancer agent. HILP, CDs and PG were prepared and characterized using standard methods. CDs-labeled HILP (CDs/HILP) and PG loaded CDs/HILP were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) and for entrapment efficiency (EE%) of CDs and PG, respectively. PG-CDs/HILP was examined for stability and PG release. the anticancer activity of PG-CDs/HILP was assessed using different methods. CDs imparted green fluorescence to HILP cells and induced their aggregation. HILP internalized CDs via membrane proteins, forming a biostructure with retained fluorescence in PBS for 3 months at 4°C. Loading PG into CDs/HILP generated a stable green/red bicolor fluorescent combination permitting tracking of both drug carrier and cargo. Cytotoxicity assay using Caco-2 and A549 cells revealed enhanced PG activity by CDs/HILP. LCSM imaging of PG-CDs/HILP-treated Caco-2 cells demonstrated improved cytoplasmic and nuclear distribution of PG and nuclear delivery of CDs. CDs/HILP promoted PG-induced late apoptosis of Caco-2 cells and reduced their migratory ability as affirmed by flow cytometry and scratch assay, respectively. Molecular docking indicated PG interaction with mitogenic molecules involved in cell proliferation and growth regulation. Thus, CDs/HILP offers great promise as an innovative multifunctional nanobiotechnological biocarrier for anticancer drug delivery. This hybrid delivery vehicle merges the physiological activity, cytocompatibility, biotargetability and sustainability of probiotics and the bioimaging and therapeutic potential of CDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noor A. Abdullah
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Hoda E. Mahmoud
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nefertiti A. El-Nikhely
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A. Hussein
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Labiba K. El-Khordagui
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Riangrungroj P, Visessanguan W, Leartsakulpanich U. Production of Lactobacillus plantarum ghosts by conditional expression of a prophage-encoded holin. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2023; 370:fnad095. [PMID: 37738444 DOI: 10.1093/femsle/fnad095] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial ghosts (BGs) are nonviable empty bacterial cell envelopes with intact cellular morphology and native surface structure. BGs made from pathogenic bacteria are used for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. However, incomplete pathogenic cell inactivation during BG preparation raises safety concerns that could limit the intended use. Therefore, safer bacterial cell types are needed for BG production. Here, we produced BGs from the food-grade Gram-positive bacterium Lactobacillus plantarum TBRC 2-4 by conditional expression of a prophage-encoded holin (LpHo). LpHo expression was regulated using the pheromone-inducible pSIP system and LpHo was localized to the cell membrane. Upon LpHo induction, a significant growth retardation and a drastic decrease in cell viability were observed. LpHo-induced cells also showed membrane pores by scanning electron microscopy, membrane depolarization by flow cytometry, and release of nucleic acid contents in the cell culture supernatant, consistent with the role of LpHo as a pore-forming protein and L. plantarum ghost formation. The holin-induced L. plantarum BG platform could be developed as a safer alternative vehicle for the delivery of biomolecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pinpunya Riangrungroj
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Klong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Wonnop Visessanguan
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Klong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Ubolsree Leartsakulpanich
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Klong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Salem-Bekhit MM, Youssof AME, Alanazi FK, Aleanizy FS, Abdulaziz A, Taha EI, Amara AAAF. Bacteria from Infectious Particles to Cell Based Anticancer Targeted Drug Delivery Systems. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1984. [PMID: 34959266 PMCID: PMC8706210 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13121984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial ghosts (BGs) are empty cell envelopes of nonliving evacuated bacterial cells. They are free from their cytoplasmic contents; however, they sustain their cellular 3D morphology and antigenic structures, counting on bioadhesive properties. Lately, they have been tested as an advanced drug delivery system (DDS) for different materials like DNA, peptides, or drugs, either single components or combinations. Different studies have revealed that, BG DDS were paid the greatest attention in recent years. The current review explores the impact of BGs on the field of drug delivery and drug targeting. BGs have a varied area of applications, including vaccine and tumor therapy. Moreover, the use of BGs, their synthesis, their uniqueness as a delivery system and application principles in cancer are discussed. Furthermore, the safety issues of BGs and stability aspects of using ghost bacteria as delivery systems are discussed. Future perspective efforts that must be followed for this important system to continue to grow are important and promising.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mounir M. Salem-Bekhit
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.M.E.Y.); (F.K.A.); (F.S.A.); (A.A.); (E.I.T.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
- Kayyali Chair for Pharmaceutical Industry, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah M. E. Youssof
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.M.E.Y.); (F.K.A.); (F.S.A.); (A.A.); (E.I.T.)
- Kayyali Chair for Pharmaceutical Industry, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fars K. Alanazi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.M.E.Y.); (F.K.A.); (F.S.A.); (A.A.); (E.I.T.)
- Kayyali Chair for Pharmaceutical Industry, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fadilah Sfouq Aleanizy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.M.E.Y.); (F.K.A.); (F.S.A.); (A.A.); (E.I.T.)
| | - Alsuwyeh Abdulaziz
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.M.E.Y.); (F.K.A.); (F.S.A.); (A.A.); (E.I.T.)
- Kayyali Chair for Pharmaceutical Industry, Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ehab I. Taha
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (A.M.E.Y.); (F.K.A.); (F.S.A.); (A.A.); (E.I.T.)
| | - Amro Abd Al Fattah Amara
- Protein Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications, Alexandria 21934, Egypt;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bacteria-Based Microdevices for the Oral Delivery of Macromolecules. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13101610. [PMID: 34683903 PMCID: PMC8537518 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13101610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The oral delivery of macromolecules is quite challenging due to environmental insults and biological barriers encountered along the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Benefiting from their living characteristics, diverse bacterial species have been engineered as intelligent platforms to deliver various therapeutics. To tackle difficulties in oral delivery, innovative bacteria-based microdevices have been developed by virtue of advancements in synthetic biology and nanotechnology, with aims to overcome the instability and short half-life of macromolecules in the GI tract. In this review, we summarize the main classes of macromolecules that are produced and delivered through the oral ingestion of bacteria and bacterial derivatives. Furtherly, we discuss the engineering strategies and biomedical applications of these living microdevices in disease diagnosis, bioimaging, and treatment. Finally, we highlight the advantages as well as the limitations of these engineered bacteria used as platforms for the oral delivery of macromolecules and also propose their potential for clinical translation. The results summarized in this review article would contribute to the invention of next-generation bacteria-based systems for the oral delivery of macromolecules.
Collapse
|
6
|
Grabowski Ł, Łepek K, Stasiłojć M, Kosznik-Kwaśnicka K, Zdrojewska K, Maciąg-Dorszyńska M, Węgrzyn G, Węgrzyn A. Bacteriophage-encoded enzymes destroying bacterial cell membranes and walls, and their potential use as antimicrobial agents. Microbiol Res 2021; 248:126746. [PMID: 33773329 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2021.126746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Appearance of pathogenic bacteria resistant to most, if not all, known antibiotics is currently one of the most significant medical problems. Therefore, development of novel antibacterial therapies is crucial for efficient treatment of bacterial infections in the near future. One possible option is to employ enzymes, encoded by bacteriophages, which cause destruction of bacterial cell membranes and walls. Bacteriophages use such enzymes to destroy bacterial host cells at the final stage of their lytic development, in order to ensure effective liberation of progeny virions. Nevertheless, to use such bacteriophage-encoded proteins in medicine and/or biotechnology, it is crucial to understand details of their biological functions and biochemical properties. Therefore, in this review article, we will present and discuss our current knowledge on the processes of bacteriophage-mediated bacterial cell lysis, with special emphasis on enzymes involved in them. Regulation of timing of the lysis is also discussed. Finally, possibilities of the practical use of these enzymes as antibacterial agents will be underlined and perspectives of this aspect will be presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Grabowski
- Laboratory of Phage Therapy, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kładki 24, 80-822, Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Łepek
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Stasiłojć
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Kosznik-Kwaśnicka
- Laboratory of Phage Therapy, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kładki 24, 80-822, Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Karolina Zdrojewska
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Monika Maciąg-Dorszyńska
- Laboratory of Phage Therapy, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kładki 24, 80-822, Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Grzegorz Węgrzyn
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Alicja Węgrzyn
- Laboratory of Phage Therapy, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kładki 24, 80-822, Gdansk, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ju Y, Guo H, Edman M, Hamm-Alvarez SF. Application of advances in endocytosis and membrane trafficking to drug delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 157:118-141. [PMID: 32758615 PMCID: PMC7853512 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Multidisciplinary research efforts in the field of drug delivery have led to the development of a variety of drug delivery systems (DDS) designed for site-specific delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Since efficient uptake of drug carriers into target cells is central to effective drug delivery, a comprehensive understanding of the biological pathways for cellular internalization of DDS can facilitate the development of DDS capable of precise tissue targeting and enhanced therapeutic outcomes. Diverse methods have been applied to study the internalization mechanisms responsible for endocytotic uptake of extracellular materials, which are also the principal pathways exploited by many DDS. Chemical inhibitors remain the most commonly used method to explore endocytotic internalization mechanisms, although genetic methods are increasingly accessible and may constitute more specific approaches. This review highlights the molecular basis of internalization pathways most relevant to internalization of DDS, and the principal methods used to study each route. This review also showcases examples of DDS that are internalized by each route, and reviews the general effects of biophysical properties of DDS on the internalization efficiency. Finally, options for intracellular trafficking and targeting of internalized DDS are briefly reviewed, representing an additional opportunity for multi-level targeting to achieve further specificity and therapeutic efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Ju
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, USC School of Pharmacy, USA
| | - Hao Guo
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, USC School of Pharmacy, USA
| | - Maria Edman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, USA
| | - Sarah F Hamm-Alvarez
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, USC School of Pharmacy, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bacterial ghosts are intact bacterial cell envelopes that are emptied of their content by gentle biological or chemical poring methods. Ghost techniques increase the safety of the killed vaccines, while maintaining their antigenicity due to mild preparation procedures. Moreover, ghost-platforms may express and/or carry several antigens or plasmid-DNA encoding for protein epitopes. AREAS COVERED In this review, the development in ghost-vaccine production over the last 30 years is classified and discussed. The different applications of ghost-vaccines, how they trigger the immune system, their advantages and limitations are displayed. The phage-mediated lysis, molecular manipulation of the lysis-genes, and the biotechnological production of ghosts are described. The trials are classified according to the pattern of lysis and to the type of bacteria. Further subdivision includes chronological ordered application of the ghost as alternative-killed vaccine, recombinant antigen platform, plasmid DNA carrier, adjuvants, and dendritic cell inducer. Particular trials for specific pathogens or from distinct research schools are gathered. EXPERT OPINION Ghosts are highly qualified to act as immune-presenting platforms that express and/or carry several recombinant and DNA vaccines, as well as, being efficient alternative-killed vaccines. The coming years will show more molecular advances to develop ghost-production and to express more antigens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali M Batah
- Tropical Disease Research Center, University of Science and Technology , Sana'a, Yemen
| | - Tarek A Ahmad
- Morehouse School of Medicine , Atlanta, GA, USA.,Library Sector, Bibliotheca Alexandrina , Alexandria, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Lu H, Liu H, Lu M, Wang J, Liu X, Liu R. Isolation and Characterization of a Novel myovirus Infecting Shigella dysenteriae from the Aeration Tank Water. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2020; 192:120-131. [PMID: 32270380 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-020-03310-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The genome sequence, morphology, and genetic features of a novel phage, named SSE1, is reported here. Phage SSE1 that infects Shigella dysenteriae (China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center number: 1.1869) was isolated from the aeration tank water of a sewage treatment plant. SSE1 showed morphological features associated with those of phages in Myoviridae. The whole genome sequence of phage SSE1 is composed of 169,744 bp with the GC content of 37.51%. The double-stranded DNA of SSE1 contains 270 open reading frameworks (ORFs). Phylogenetically, phage SSE1 showed a stronger homology (whole genome and terminase large subunit protein sequence) to Escherichia phages than other Shigella phages in the NCBI database, but SSE1 did not infect Escherichia stains. This indicates that phage SSE1 should be a novel phage infecting Shigella dysenteriae. Besides, the result of this study provided a new idea for phage therapy. SSE1 may become a candidate for potential therapy against Shigella dysenteriae infection in clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Lu
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
| | - Honghui Liu
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
| | - Min Lu
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
| | - Jingwei Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China
| | - Xinchun Liu
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China.
| | - Ruyin Liu
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 101408, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhou P, Wu H, Chen S, Bai Q, Chen X, Chen L, Zeng X, Liu L, Chen L. MOMP and MIP DNA-loaded bacterial ghosts reduce the severity of lung lesions in mice after Chlamydia psittaci respiratory tract infection. Immunobiology 2019; 224:739-746. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2019.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
11
|
Hobernik D, Bros M. DNA Vaccines-How Far From Clinical Use? Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113605. [PMID: 30445702 PMCID: PMC6274812 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 289] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Two decades ago successful transfection of antigen presenting cells (APC) in vivo was demonstrated which resulted in the induction of primary adaptive immune responses. Due to the good biocompatibility of plasmid DNA, their cost-efficient production and long shelf life, many researchers aimed to develop DNA vaccine-based immunotherapeutic strategies for treatment of infections and cancer, but also autoimmune diseases and allergies. This review aims to summarize our current knowledge on the course of action of DNA vaccines, and which factors are responsible for the poor immunogenicity in human so far. Important optimization steps that improve DNA transfection efficiency comprise the introduction of DNA-complexing nano-carriers aimed to prevent extracellular DNA degradation, enabling APC targeting, and enhanced endo/lysosomal escape of DNA. Attachment of virus-derived nuclear localization sequences facilitates nuclear entry of DNA. Improvements in DNA vaccine design include the use of APC-specific promotors for transcriptional targeting, the arrangement of multiple antigen sequences, the co-delivery of molecular adjuvants to prevent tolerance induction, and strategies to circumvent potential inhibitory effects of the vector backbone. Successful clinical use of DNA vaccines may require combined employment of all of these parameters, and combination treatment with additional drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Hobernik
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Matthias Bros
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|