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Liu Z, Zhang Z, Yang L, Zhang Y, Li D, Zhang Q, Niu C, Zhang B, Zhai Y, Wang Z. Effect and mechanism of C-terminal cysteine on the properties of HEV p222 protein. Virology 2024; 595:110091. [PMID: 38718446 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2024.110091] [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: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Preliminary investigations have demonstrated that the cysteines located at the C-terminus of HEV ORF2 protein exhibits disulfide bonding capability during virus-like particles (VLPs) assembly. However, the effect and mechanism underlying the pairing of disulfide bonds formed by C627, C630, and C638 remains unclear. The p222 protein encompasses C-terminus and serves as a representative of HEV ORF2 to investigate the specific impacts of C627, C630, and C638. The three cysteines were subjected to site-directed mutagenesis and expressed in prokaryotes; Both the mutated proteins and p222 underwent polymerization except for p222A; Surprisingly, only p222 was observed as abundant spherical particles under transmission electron microscope (TEM); Stability and immunogenicity of the p222 exhibited higher than other mutated proteins; LC/MS/MS analysis identified four disulfide bonds in the p222. The novel findings suggest that the three cysteines contribute to structural and functional properties of ORF2 protein, highlighting the indispensability of each cysteine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Liu
- College of Medicine, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, 454000, Henan, China
| | - Zhenzhen Zhang
- College of Medicine, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, 454000, Henan, China
| | - Lanping Yang
- College of Medicine, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, 454000, Henan, China
| | - Yongwen Zhang
- College of Medicine, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, 454000, Henan, China
| | - Dong Li
- College of Medicine, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, 454000, Henan, China
| | - Qingling Zhang
- College of Medicine, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, 454000, Henan, China
| | - Chao Niu
- College of Medicine, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, 454000, Henan, China
| | - Baobao Zhang
- College of Medicine, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, 454000, Henan, China
| | - Yangyang Zhai
- College of Medicine, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, 454000, Henan, China
| | - Zhenhui Wang
- College of Medicine, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, 454000, Henan, China.
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2
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Sobczak JM, Barkovska I, Balke I, Rothen DA, Mohsen MO, Skrastina D, Ogrina A, Martina B, Jansons J, Bogans J, Vogel M, Bachmann MF, Zeltins A. Identifying Key Drivers of Efficient B Cell Responses: On the Role of T Help, Antigen-Organization, and Toll-like Receptor Stimulation for Generating a Neutralizing Anti-Dengue Virus Response. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:661. [PMID: 38932390 PMCID: PMC11209419 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
T help (Th), stimulation of toll-like receptors (pathogen-associated molecular patterns, PAMPs), and antigen organization and repetitiveness (pathogen-associated structural patterns, PASPs) were shown numerous times to be important in driving B-cell and antibody responses. In this study, we dissected the individual contributions of these parameters using newly developed "Immune-tag" technology. As model antigens, we used eGFP and the third domain of the dengue virus 1 envelope protein (DV1 EDIII), the major target of virus-neutralizing antibodies. The respective proteins were expressed alone or genetically fused to the N-terminal fragment of the cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) capsid protein-nCMV, rendering the antigens oligomeric. In a step-by-step manner, RNA was attached as a PAMP, and/or a universal Th-cell epitope was genetically added for additional Th. Finally, a PASP was added to the constructs by displaying the antigens highly organized and repetitively on the surface of CMV-derived virus-like particles (CuMV VLPs). Sera from immunized mice demonstrated that each component contributed stepwise to the immunogenicity of both proteins. All components combined in the CuMV VLP platform induced by far the highest antibody responses. In addition, the DV1 EDIII induced high levels of DENV-1-neutralizing antibodies only if displayed on VLPs. Thus, combining multiple cues typically associated with viruses results in optimal antibody responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan M. Sobczak
- Department of Immunology, University Clinic of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; (D.A.R.); (M.O.M.); (M.V.); (M.F.B.)
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Irena Barkovska
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (I.B.); (I.B.); (D.S.); (A.O.); (J.J.); (J.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Ina Balke
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (I.B.); (I.B.); (D.S.); (A.O.); (J.J.); (J.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Dominik A. Rothen
- Department of Immunology, University Clinic of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; (D.A.R.); (M.O.M.); (M.V.); (M.F.B.)
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mona O. Mohsen
- Department of Immunology, University Clinic of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; (D.A.R.); (M.O.M.); (M.V.); (M.F.B.)
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dace Skrastina
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (I.B.); (I.B.); (D.S.); (A.O.); (J.J.); (J.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Anete Ogrina
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (I.B.); (I.B.); (D.S.); (A.O.); (J.J.); (J.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Byron Martina
- Artemis Bioservices, 2629 JD Delft, The Netherlands;
- Protinhi Therapeutics, 6534 AT Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Juris Jansons
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (I.B.); (I.B.); (D.S.); (A.O.); (J.J.); (J.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Janis Bogans
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (I.B.); (I.B.); (D.S.); (A.O.); (J.J.); (J.B.); (A.Z.)
| | - Monique Vogel
- Department of Immunology, University Clinic of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; (D.A.R.); (M.O.M.); (M.V.); (M.F.B.)
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin F. Bachmann
- Department of Immunology, University Clinic of Rheumatology and Immunology, Inselspital, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; (D.A.R.); (M.O.M.); (M.V.); (M.F.B.)
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Andris Zeltins
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia; (I.B.); (I.B.); (D.S.); (A.O.); (J.J.); (J.B.); (A.Z.)
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3
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Wang Z, Wang X, Xu W, Li Y, Lai R, Qiu X, Chen X, Chen Z, Mi B, Wu M, Wang J. Translational Challenges and Prospective Solutions in the Implementation of Biomimetic Delivery Systems. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2623. [PMID: 38004601 PMCID: PMC10674763 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15112623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomimetic delivery systems (BDSs), inspired by the intricate designs of biological systems, have emerged as a groundbreaking paradigm in nanomedicine, offering unparalleled advantages in therapeutic delivery. These systems, encompassing platforms such as liposomes, protein-based nanoparticles, extracellular vesicles, and polysaccharides, are lauded for their targeted delivery, minimized side effects, and enhanced therapeutic outcomes. However, the translation of BDSs from research settings to clinical applications is fraught with challenges, including reproducibility concerns, physiological stability, and rigorous efficacy and safety evaluations. Furthermore, the innovative nature of BDSs demands the reevaluation and evolution of existing regulatory and ethical frameworks. This review provides an overview of BDSs and delves into the multifaceted translational challenges and present emerging solutions, underscored by real-world case studies. Emphasizing the potential of BDSs to redefine healthcare, we advocate for sustained interdisciplinary collaboration and research. As our understanding of biological systems deepens, the future of BDSs in clinical translation appears promising, with a focus on personalized medicine and refined patient-specific delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China; (Z.W.); (R.L.)
| | - Xinpei Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (X.W.); (W.X.); (Y.L.); (X.Q.); (X.C.); (Z.C.)
| | - Wanting Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (X.W.); (W.X.); (Y.L.); (X.Q.); (X.C.); (Z.C.)
| | - Yongxiao Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (X.W.); (W.X.); (Y.L.); (X.Q.); (X.C.); (Z.C.)
| | - Ruizhi Lai
- Department of Pathology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China; (Z.W.); (R.L.)
| | - Xiaohui Qiu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (X.W.); (W.X.); (Y.L.); (X.Q.); (X.C.); (Z.C.)
| | - Xu Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (X.W.); (W.X.); (Y.L.); (X.Q.); (X.C.); (Z.C.)
| | - Zhidong Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (X.W.); (W.X.); (Y.L.); (X.Q.); (X.C.); (Z.C.)
| | - Bobin Mi
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China;
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Development and Regeneration, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Meiying Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (X.W.); (W.X.); (Y.L.); (X.Q.); (X.C.); (Z.C.)
| | - Junqing Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; (X.W.); (W.X.); (Y.L.); (X.Q.); (X.C.); (Z.C.)
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Hillebrandt N, Hubbuch J. Size-selective downstream processing of virus particles and non-enveloped virus-like particles. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1192050. [PMID: 37304136 PMCID: PMC10248422 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1192050] [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: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-enveloped virus-like particles (VLPs) are versatile protein nanoparticles with great potential for biopharmaceutical applications. However, conventional protein downstream processing (DSP) and platform processes are often not easily applicable due to the large size of VLPs and virus particles (VPs) in general. The application of size-selective separation techniques offers to exploit the size difference between VPs and common host-cell impurities. Moreover, size-selective separation techniques offer the potential for wide applicability across different VPs. In this work, basic principles and applications of size-selective separation techniques are reviewed to highlight their potential in DSP of VPs. Finally, specific DSP steps for non-enveloped VLPs and their subunits are reviewed as well as the potential applications and benefits of size-selective separation techniques are shown.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jürgen Hubbuch
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
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5
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Hassebroek AM, Sooryanarain H, Heffron CL, Hawks SA, LeRoith T, Cecere TE, Stone WB, Walter D, Mahsoub HM, Wang B, Tian D, Ivester HM, Allen IC, Auguste AJ, Duggal NK, Zhang C, Meng XJ. A hepatitis B virus core antigen-based virus-like particle vaccine expressing SARS-CoV-2 B and T cell epitopes induces epitope-specific humoral and cell-mediated immune responses but confers limited protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28503. [PMID: 36655751 PMCID: PMC9974889 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus core antigen (HBcAg) tolerates insertion of foreign epitopes and maintains its ability to self-assemble into virus-like particles (VLPs). We constructed a ∆HBcAg-based VLP vaccine expressing three predicted severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) B and T cell epitopes and determined its immunogenicity and protective efficacy. The recombinant ∆HBcAg-SARS-CoV-2 protein was expressed in Escherichia coli, purified, and shown to form VLPs. K18-hACE2 transgenic C57BL/6 mice were immunized intramuscularly with ∆HBcAg VLP control (n = 15) or ∆HBcAg-SARS-CoV-2 VLP vaccine (n = 15). One week after the 2nd booster and before virus challenge, five ∆HBcAg-SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated mice were euthanized to evaluate epitope-specific immune responses. There is a statistically significant increase in epitope-specific Immunoglobulin G (IgG) response, and statistically higher interleukin 6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression levels in ∆HBcAg-SARS-CoV-2 VLP-vaccinated mice compared to ∆HBcAg VLP controls. While not statistically significant, the ∆HBcAg-SARS-CoV-2 VLP mice had numerically more memory CD8+ T-cells, and 3/5 mice also had numerically higher levels of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). After challenge with SARS-CoV-2, ∆HBcAg-SARS-CoV-2 immunized mice had numerically lower viral RNA loads in the lung, and slightly higher survival, but the differences are not statistically significant. These results indicate that the ∆HBcAg-SARS-CoV-2 VLP vaccine elicits epitope-specific humoral and cell-mediated immune responses but they were insufficient against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M. Hassebroek
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Harini Sooryanarain
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - C. Lynn Heffron
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Seth A. Hawks
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Tanya LeRoith
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Thomas E. Cecere
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - William B. Stone
- Department of Entomology, Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Debra Walter
- Department of Biological System Engineering, Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Hassan M. Mahsoub
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Debin Tian
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Hannah M. Ivester
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Irving C. Allen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Albert J. Auguste
- Department of Entomology, Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Nisha K. Duggal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Chenming Zhang
- Department of Biological System Engineering, Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Xiang-Jin Meng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
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6
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Armero-Gimenez J, Wilbers R, Schots A, Williams C, Finnern R. Rapid screening and scaled manufacture of immunogenic virus-like particles in a tobacco BY-2 cell-free protein synthesis system. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1088852. [PMID: 36776898 PMCID: PMC9909599 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1088852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Several vaccine platforms have been developed to fight pathogenic threats, with Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) representing a very promising alternative to traditional platforms. VLPs trigger strong and lasting humoral and cellular immune responses with fewer safety concerns and higher stability than other platforms. The use of extensively characterized carrier VLPs modified with heterologous antigens was proposed to circumvent the viral complexity of specific viruses that could lead to poor VLP assembly and yields. Although carrier VLPs have been successfully produced in a wide variety of cell-based systems, these are limited by low protein yields and protracted clone selection and optimization workflows that limit VLP screening approaches. In response, we have demonstrated the cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) of several variants of the hepatitis B core (HBc) carrier VLP using a high-yielding tobacco BY-2 lysate (BYL). High VLP yields in the BYL system allowed in-depth characterization of HBc variants. Insertion of heterologous sequences at the spike region of the HBc monomer proved more structurally demanding than at the N-terminus but removal of the C-terminal domain allowed higher particle flexibility and insert acceptance, albeit at the expense of thermal and chemical stability. We also proved the possibility to scale the CFPS reaction up to 1L in batch mode to produce 0.45 grams of the native HBc VLP within a 48-hour reaction window. A maximum yield of 820 µg/ml of assembled VLP particles was observed at the 100µl scale and most remarkably the CFPS reaction was successfully scaled from 50µl to 1L without any reduction in protein yield across this 20,000-fold difference in reaction volumes. We subsequently proved the immunogenicity of BYL-derived VLPs, as flow cytometry and microscopy clearly showed prompt recognition and endocytosis of fluorescently labelled VLPs by human dendritic cells. Triggering of inflammatory cytokine production in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells was also quantitated using a multiplex assay. This research establishes BYL as a tool for rapid production and microscale screening of VLP variants with subsequent manufacturing possibilities across scales, thus accelerating discovery and implementation of new vaccine candidates using carrier VLPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Armero-Gimenez
- Technology center, LenioBio GmbH, Dusseldorf, Germany.,Laboratory of Nematology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Ruud Wilbers
- Laboratory of Nematology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Arjen Schots
- Laboratory of Nematology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, Netherlands
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Depta PN, Dosta M, Wenzel W, Kozlowska M, Heinrich S. Hierarchical Coarse-Grained Strategy for Macromolecular Self-Assembly: Application to Hepatitis B Virus-Like Particles. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314699. [PMID: 36499027 PMCID: PMC9740473 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Macromolecular self-assembly is at the basis of many phenomena in material and life sciences that find diverse applications in technology. One example is the formation of virus-like particles (VLPs) that act as stable empty capsids used for drug delivery or vaccine fabrication. Similarly to the capsid of a virus, VLPs are protein assemblies, but their structural formation, stability, and properties are not fully understood, especially as a function of the protein modifications. In this work, we present a data-driven modeling approach for capturing macromolecular self-assembly on scales beyond traditional molecular dynamics (MD), while preserving the chemical specificity. Each macromolecule is abstracted as an anisotropic object and high-dimensional models are formulated to describe interactions between molecules and with the solvent. For this, data-driven protein-protein interaction potentials are derived using a Kriging-based strategy, built on high-throughput MD simulations. Semi-automatic supervised learning is employed in a high performance computing environment and the resulting specialized force-fields enable a significant speed-up to the micrometer and millisecond scale, while maintaining high intermolecular detail. The reported generic framework is applied for the first time to capture the formation of hepatitis B VLPs from the smallest building unit, i.e., the dimer of the core protein HBcAg. Assembly pathways and kinetics are analyzed and compared to the available experimental observations. We demonstrate that VLP self-assembly phenomena and dependencies are now possible to be simulated. The method developed can be used for the parameterization of other macromolecules, enabling a molecular understanding of processes impossible to be attained with other theoretical models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Nicolas Depta
- Institute of Solids Process Engineering and Particle Technology (SPE), Hamburg University of Technology, 21073 Hamburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Maksym Dosta
- Institute of Solids Process Engineering and Particle Technology (SPE), Hamburg University of Technology, 21073 Hamburg, Germany
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co Kg., 88400 Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wenzel
- Institute of Nanotechnology (INT), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Mariana Kozlowska
- Institute of Nanotechnology (INT), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Stefan Heinrich
- Institute of Solids Process Engineering and Particle Technology (SPE), Hamburg University of Technology, 21073 Hamburg, Germany
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8
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Virus-Like Particles as Nanocarriers for Intracellular Delivery of Biomolecules and Compounds. Viruses 2022; 14:v14091905. [PMID: 36146711 PMCID: PMC9503347 DOI: 10.3390/v14091905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are nanostructures assemble from viral proteins. Besides widely used for vaccine development, VLPs have also been explored as nanocarriers for cargo delivery as they combine the key advantages of viral and non-viral vectors. While it protects cargo molecules from degradation, the VLP has good cell penetrating property to mediate cargo passing the cell membrane and released into cells, making the VLP an ideal tool for intracellular delivery of biomolecules and drugs. Great progresses have been achieved and multiple challenges are still on the way for broad applications of VLP as delivery vectors. Here we summarize current advances and applications in VLP as a delivery vector. Progresses on delivery of different types of biomolecules as well as drugs by VLPs are introduced, and the strategies for cargo packaging are highlighted which is one of the key steps for VLP mediated intracellular delivery. Production and applications of VLPs are also briefly reviewed, with a discussion on future challenges in this rapidly developing field.
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9
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Applications of Surface Plasmon Resonance and Biolayer Interferometry for Virus–Ligand Binding. Viruses 2022; 14:v14040717. [PMID: 35458446 PMCID: PMC9027846 DOI: 10.3390/v14040717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Surface plasmon resonance and biolayer interferometry are two common real-time and label-free assays that quantify binding events by providing kinetic parameters. There is increased interest in using these techniques to characterize whole virus-ligand interactions, as the methods allow for more accurate characterization than that of a viral subunit-ligand interaction. This review aims to summarize and evaluate the uses of these technologies specifically in virus–ligand and virus-like particle–ligand binding cases to guide the field towards studies that apply these robust methods for whole virus-based studies.
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Hillebrandt N, Vormittag P, Dietrich A, Hubbuch J. Process Monitoring Framework for Cross‐flow Diafiltration‐based Virus‐like Particle Disassembly: Tracing Product Properties and Filtration Performance. Biotechnol Bioeng 2022; 119:1522-1538. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.28063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nils Hillebrandt
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Fritz‐Haber‐Weg 2 76131 Karlsruhe Baden‐Württemberg Germany
| | - Philipp Vormittag
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Fritz‐Haber‐Weg 2 76131 Karlsruhe Baden‐Württemberg Germany
| | - Annabelle Dietrich
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Fritz‐Haber‐Weg 2 76131 Karlsruhe Baden‐Württemberg Germany
| | - Jürgen Hubbuch
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Fritz‐Haber‐Weg 2 76131 Karlsruhe Baden‐Württemberg Germany
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11
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Virus-Like Particles as Preventive and Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10020227. [PMID: 35214685 PMCID: PMC8879290 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are self-assembled viral protein complexes that mimic the native virus structure without being infectious. VLPs, similarly to wild type viruses, are able to efficiently target and activate dendritic cells (DCs) triggering the B and T cell immunities. Therefore, VLPs hold great promise for the development of effective and affordable vaccines in infectious diseases and cancers. Vaccine formulations based on VLPs, compared to other nanoparticles, have the advantage of incorporating multiple antigens derived from different proteins. Moreover, such antigens can be functionalized by chemical modifications without affecting the structural conformation or the antigenicity. This review summarizes the current status of preventive and therapeutic VLP-based vaccines developed against human oncoviruses as well as cancers.
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12
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Tariq H, Batool S, Asif S, Ali M, Abbasi BH. Virus-Like Particles: Revolutionary Platforms for Developing Vaccines Against Emerging Infectious Diseases. Front Microbiol 2022; 12:790121. [PMID: 35046918 PMCID: PMC8761975 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.790121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are nanostructures that possess diverse applications in therapeutics, immunization, and diagnostics. With the recent advancements in biomedical engineering technologies, commercially available VLP-based vaccines are being extensively used to combat infectious diseases, whereas many more are in different stages of development in clinical studies. Because of their desired characteristics in terms of efficacy, safety, and diversity, VLP-based approaches might become more recurrent in the years to come. However, some production and fabrication challenges must be addressed before VLP-based approaches can be widely used in therapeutics. This review offers insight into the recent VLP-based vaccines development, with an emphasis on their characteristics, expression systems, and potential applicability as ideal candidates to combat emerging virulent pathogens. Finally, the potential of VLP-based vaccine as viable and efficient immunizing agents to induce immunity against virulent infectious agents, including, SARS-CoV-2 and protein nanoparticle-based vaccines has been elaborated. Thus, VLP vaccines may serve as an effective alternative to conventional vaccine strategies in combating emerging infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasnat Tariq
- Department of Biotechnology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sannia Batool
- Department of Biotechnology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Saaim Asif
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mohammad Ali
- Center for Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Swat, Swat, Pakistan
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13
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Li J, Zhu Y, Liu B, Tang F, Zheng X, Huang W. An Atom-Economic Inverse Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis Using Bn or BcM Esters of Amino Acids. Org Lett 2021; 23:7571-7574. [PMID: 34533312 DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.1c02769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
An atom-economic N-to-C-directed solid-phase peptide synthesis is reported that uses benzyl (Bn) or (benzhydryl-carbamoyl)-methyl (BcM) esters of amino acids as the building blocks, which facilitate efficient hydrazinolysis, convenient conversion to acyl azide, and robust amidation with the next amino acid ester. This method is free of coupling reagents and free of protection on the side-chain OH, CO2H, CONH2, etc., therefore exhibiting a significantly improved atom economy compared to those of BOC- or Fmoc-based C-to-N-directed approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yue Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,Group of Lead Compound, Department of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medicinal School, University of South China, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug research, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Bo Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Feng Tang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xing Zheng
- Group of Lead Compound, Department of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medicinal School, University of South China, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug research, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Wei Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, China.,CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China
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14
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Zhang W, Jia Q, Teng Y, Yang M, Zhang H, Zhang XE, Wang P, Ge J, Cao S, Li F. An Ultrastable Virus-Like Particle with a Carbon Dot Core and Expanded Sequence Plasticity. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2101717. [PMID: 34302443 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202101717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Ordered bio-inorganic hybridization has evolved for the generation of high-performance materials in living organisms and inspires novel strategies to design artificial hybrid materials. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are attracting extensive interest as self-assembling systems and platforms in the fields of biotechnology and nanotechnology. However, as soft nanomaterials, their structural stability remains a general and fundamental problem in various applications. Here, an ultrastable VLP assembled from the major capsid protein (VP1) of simian virus 40 is reported, which contains a carbon dot (C-dot) core. Co-assembly of VP1 with C-dots led to homogeneous T = 1 VLPs with a fourfold increase in VLP yields. The resultant hybrid VLPs showed markedly enhanced structural stability and sequence plasticity. C-dots and a polyhistidine tag fused to the inner-protruding N-terminus of VP1 contributed synergistically to these enhancements, where extensive and strong noncovalent interactions on the C-dot/VP1 interfaces are responsible according to cryo-EM 3D reconstruction, molecular simulation, and affinity measurements. C-dot-enhanced ultrastable VLPs can serve as a new platform, enabling the fabrication of new architectures for bioimaging, theranostics, nanovaccines, etc. The hybridization strategy is simple and can easily be extended to other VLPs and protein nanoparticle systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Wuhan, 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qingyan Jia
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Yibo Teng
- Wuhan Ready science and technology corporation Ltd, Wuhan, 430064, China
| | - Mengsi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Wuhan, 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Wuhan, 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xian-En Zhang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Pengfei Wang
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Jiechao Ge
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Sheng Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Wuhan, 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Feng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Wuhan, 430071, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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15
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Hillebrandt N, Vormittag P, Dietrich A, Wegner CH, Hubbuch J. Process development for cross-flow diafiltration-based VLP disassembly: A novel high-throughput screening approach. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 118:3926-3940. [PMID: 34170511 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are particulate structures, which are applied as vaccines or delivery vehicles. VLPs assemble from subunits, named capsomeres, composed of recombinantly expressed viral structural proteins. During downstream processing, in vivo-assembled VLPs are typically dis- and reassembled to remove encapsulated impurities and to improve particle morphology. Disassembly is achieved in a high-pH solution and by the addition of a denaturant or reducing agent. The optimal disassembly conditions depend on the VLP amino acid sequence and structure, thus requiring material-consuming disassembly experiments. To this end, we developed a low-volume and high-resolution disassembly screening that provides time-resolved insight into the VLP disassembly progress. In this study, two variants of C-terminally truncated hepatitis B core antigen were investigated showing different disassembly behaviors. For both VLPs, the best capsomere yield was achieved at moderately high urea concentration and pH. Nonetheless, their disassembly behaviors differed particularly with respect to disassembly rate and aggregation. Based on the high-throughput screening results, a diafiltration-based disassembly process step was developed. Compared with mixing-based disassembly, it resulted in higher yields of up to 0.84 and allowed for integrated purification. This process step was embedded in a filtration-based process sequence of disassembly, capsomere separation, and reassembly, considerably reducing high-molecular-weight species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Hillebrandt
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences - Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Philipp Vormittag
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences - Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Annabelle Dietrich
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences - Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Christina H Wegner
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences - Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Hubbuch
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences - Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
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16
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Zhang B, Yin S, Wang Y, Su Z, Bi J. Cost-effective purification process development for chimeric hepatitis B core (HBc) virus-like particles assisted by molecular dynamic simulation. Eng Life Sci 2021; 21:438-452. [PMID: 34140854 PMCID: PMC8182290 DOI: 10.1002/elsc.202000104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Inserting foreign epitopes to hepatitis B core (HBc) virus-like particles (VLPs) could influence the molecular conformation and therefore vary the purification process. In this study, a cost-effective purification process was developed for two chimeric HBc VLPs displaying Epstein-Barr nuclear antigens 1 (EBNA1), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) core. Both chimeric VLPs were expressed in soluble form with high production yields in Escherichia coli. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulation was employed to predict the stability of chimeric VLPs. HCV core-HBc was found to be less stable in water environment compared with EBNA1-HBc, indicating its higher hydrophobicity. Assisting with MD simulation, ammonium sulfate precipitation was optimized to remove host cell proteins with high target protein recovery yields. Moreover, 99% DNA impurities were removed using POROS 50 HQ chromatography. In characterization measurement, we found that inserting HCV core epitope would reduce the ratio of α-helix of HCV core-HBc. This could be another reason on the top of its higher hydrophobicity predicted by MD simulation, causing its less stability. Tertiary structure, transmission electron microscopy, and immunogenicity results indicate that two chimeric VLPs maintained correct VLP structure ensuring its bioactivity after being processed by the developed cost-effective purification approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingyang Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering & Advanced Materials, Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical SciencesUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Shuang Yin
- School of Chemical Engineering & Advanced Materials, Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical SciencesUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Yingli Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine and Food EngineeringShanxi University of Traditional Chinese MedicineJinzhongShanxi ProvinceP. R. China
| | - Zhiguo Su
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process EngineeringChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingP. R. China
| | - Jingxiu Bi
- School of Chemical Engineering & Advanced Materials, Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical SciencesUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
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17
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Colant N, Melinek B, Frank S, Rosenberg W, Bracewell DG. Escherichia Coli-Based Cell-Free Protein Synthesis for Iterative Design of Tandem-Core Virus-Like Particles. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:193. [PMID: 33669126 PMCID: PMC7996620 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9030193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Tandem-core hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) virus-like particles (VLPs), in which two HBcAg monomers are joined together by a peptide linker, can be used to display two different antigens on the VLP surface. We produced universal influenza vaccine candidates that use this scaffold in an Escherichia coli-based cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) platform. We then used the CFPS system to rapidly test modifications to the arginine-rich region typically found in wild-type HBcAg, the peptide linkers around the influenza antigen inserts, and the plasmid vector backbone to improve titer and quality. Using a minimal plasmid vector backbone designed for CFPS improved titers by at least 1.4-fold over the original constructs. When the linker lengths for the influenza inserts were more consistent in length and a greater variety of codons for glycine and serine were utilized, titers were further increased to over 70 μg/mL (4.0-fold greater than the original construct) and the presence of lower molecular weight product-related impurities was significantly reduced, although improvements in particle assembly were not seen. Furthermore, any constructs with the C-terminal arginine-rich region removed resulted in asymmetric particles of poor quality. This demonstrates the potential for CFPS as a screening platform for VLPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelle Colant
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK; (N.C.); (B.M.); (S.F.)
| | - Beatrice Melinek
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK; (N.C.); (B.M.); (S.F.)
| | - Stefanie Frank
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK; (N.C.); (B.M.); (S.F.)
| | - William Rosenberg
- Division of Medicine, UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Campus, London NW3 2PF, UK;
| | - Daniel G. Bracewell
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK; (N.C.); (B.M.); (S.F.)
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18
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He J, Lai H, Esqueda A, Chen Q. Plant-Produced Antigen Displaying Virus-Like Particles Evokes Potent Antibody Responses against West Nile Virus in Mice. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:60. [PMID: 33477363 PMCID: PMC7830312 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9010060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we developed a hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg)-based virus-like particle (VLP) that displays the West Nile virus (WNV) Envelope protein domain III (wDIII) as a vaccine candidate for WNV. The HBcAg-wDIII fusion protein was quickly produced in Nicotiana benthamiana plants and reached a high expression level of approximately 1.2 mg of fusion protein per gram of leaf fresh weight within six days post gene infiltration. Electron microscopy and gradient centrifugation analysis indicated that the introduction of wDIII did not interfere with VLP formation and HBcAg-wDIII successfully assembled into VLPs. HBcAg-wDIII VLPs can be easily purified in large quantities from Nicotiana benthamiana leaves to >95% homogeneity. Further analysis revealed that the wDIII was displayed properly and demonstrated specific binding to an anti-wDIII monoclonal antibody that recognizes a conformational epitope of wDIII. Notably, HBcAg-wDIII VLPs were shown to be highly immunogenic and elicited potent humoral responses in mice with antigen-specific IgG titers equivalent to that of protective wDIII antigens in previous studies. Thus, our wDIII-based VLP vaccine offers an attractive option for developing effective, safe, and low-cost vaccines against WNV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyun He
- The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; (J.H.); (H.L.); (A.E.)
| | - Huafang Lai
- The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; (J.H.); (H.L.); (A.E.)
| | - Adrian Esqueda
- The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; (J.H.); (H.L.); (A.E.)
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Qiang Chen
- The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; (J.H.); (H.L.); (A.E.)
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
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19
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Vormittag P, Klamp T, Hubbuch J. Ensembles of Hydrophobicity Scales as Potent Classifiers for Chimeric Virus-Like Particle Solubility - An Amino Acid Sequence-Based Machine Learning Approach. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:395. [PMID: 32432098 PMCID: PMC7217080 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are protein-based nanoscale structures that show high potential as immunotherapeutics or cargo delivery vehicles. Chimeric VLPs are decorated with foreign peptides resulting in structures that confer immune responses against the displayed epitope. However, insertion of foreign sequences often results in insoluble proteins, calling for methods capable of assessing a VLP candidate's solubility in silico. The prediction of VLP solubility requires a model that can identify critical hydrophobicity-related parameters, distinguishing between VLP-forming aggregation and aggregation leading to insoluble virus protein clusters. Therefore, we developed and implemented a soft ensemble vote classifier (sEVC) framework based on chimeric hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) amino acid sequences and 91 publicly available hydrophobicity scales. Based on each hydrophobicity scale, an individual decision tree was induced as classifier in the sEVC. An embedded feature selection algorithm and stratified sampling proved beneficial for model construction. With a learning experiment, model performance in the space of model training set size and number of included classifiers in the sEVC was explored. Additionally, seven models were created from training data of 24-384 chimeric HBcAg constructs, which were validated by 100-fold Monte Carlo cross-validation. The models predicted external test sets of 184-544 chimeric HBcAg constructs. Best models showed a Matthew's correlation coefficient of >0.6 on the validation and the external test set. Feature selection was evaluated for classifiers with best and worst performance in the chimeric HBcAg VLP solubility scenario. Analysis of the associated hydrophobicity scales allowed for retrieval of biological information related to the mechanistic backgrounds of VLP solubility, suggesting a special role of arginine for VLP assembly and solubility. In the future, the developed sEVC could further be applied to hydrophobicity-related problems in other domains, such as monoclonal antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Vormittag
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | | | - Jürgen Hubbuch
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
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20
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Saylor K, Gillam F, Lohneis T, Zhang C. Designs of Antigen Structure and Composition for Improved Protein-Based Vaccine Efficacy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:283. [PMID: 32153587 PMCID: PMC7050619 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Today, vaccinologists have come to understand that the hallmark of any protective immune response is the antigen. However, it is not the whole antigen that dictates the immune response, but rather the various parts comprising the whole that are capable of influencing immunogenicity. Protein-based antigens hold particular importance within this structural approach to understanding immunity because, though different molecules can serve as antigens, only proteins are capable of inducing both cellular and humoral immunity. This fact, coupled with the versatility and customizability of proteins when considering vaccine design applications, makes protein-based vaccines (PBVs) one of today's most promising technologies for artificially inducing immunity. In this review, we follow the development of PBV technologies through time and discuss the antigen-specific receptors that are most critical to any immune response: pattern recognition receptors, B cell receptors, and T cell receptors. Knowledge of these receptors and their ligands has become exceptionally valuable in the field of vaccinology, where today it is possible to make drastic modifications to PBV structure, from primary to quaternary, in order to promote recognition of target epitopes, potentiate vaccine immunogenicity, and prevent antigen-associated complications. Additionally, these modifications have made it possible to control immune responses by modulating stability and targeting PBV to key immune cells. Consequently, careful consideration should be given to protein structure when designing PBVs in the future in order to potentiate PBV efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Saylor
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Frank Gillam
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- Locus Biosciences, Morrisville, NC, United States
| | - Taylor Lohneis
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- BioPharmaceutical Technology Department, GlaxoSmithKline, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Chenming Zhang
- Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
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21
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Averill AM, Rehman HT, Charles JW, Dinh TA, Danyal K, Verschraegen CF, Stein GS, Dostmann WR, Ramsey JE. Inhibition of the chimeric DnaJ-PKAc enzyme by endogenous inhibitor proteins. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:13783-13791. [PMID: 30938854 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The chimeric DnaJ-PKAc enzymeresulting from an approximately 400-kb deletion of chromosome 19 is a primary contributor to the oncogenic transformation that occurs in fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma, also called fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC). This oncogenic deletion juxtaposes exon 1 of the DNAJB1 heat shock protein gene with exon 2 of the PRKACA gene encoding the protein kinase A catalytic subunit, resulting in DnaJ-PKAc fusion under the transcriptional control of the DNAJB1 promoter. The expression of DnaJ-PKAc is approximately 10 times that of wild-type (wt) PKAc catalytic subunits, causing elevated and dysregulated kinase activity that contributes to oncogenic transformation. In normal cells, PKAc activity is regulated by a group of endogenous proteins, termed protein kinase inhibitors (PKI) that competitively inhibit PKAc and assist with the nuclear export of the enzyme. Currently, it is scarcely known whether interactions with PKI are perturbed in DnaJ-PKAc. In this report, we survey existing data sets to assess the expression levels of the various PKI isoforms that exist in humans to identify those that are candidates to encounter DnaJ-PKAc in both normal liver and FLC tumors. We then compare inhibition profiles of wtPKAc and DnaJ-PKAc against PKI and demonstrate that extensive structural homology in the active site clefts of the two enzymes confers similar kinase activities and inhibition by full-length PKI and PKI-derived peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- April M Averill
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Hibba Tul Rehman
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.,University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Joseph W Charles
- Department of Pharmacology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Timothy A Dinh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.,Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Karamatullah Danyal
- Department of Pathology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Claire F Verschraegen
- Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Gary S Stein
- University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont.,Department of Biochemistry,, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Wolfgang R Dostmann
- Department of Pharmacology, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Jon E Ramsey
- University of Vermont Cancer Center, Burlington, Vermont.,Department of Biochemistry,, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
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Klijn ME, Vormittag P, Bluthardt N, Hubbuch J. High-throughput computational pipeline for 3-D structure preparation and in silico protein surface property screening: A case study on HBcAg dimer structures. Int J Pharm 2019; 563:337-346. [PMID: 30935914 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2019.03.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge-based experimental design can aid biopharmaceutical high-throughput screening (HTS) experiments needed to identify critical manufacturability parameters. Prior knowledge can be obtained via computational methods such as protein property extraction from 3-D protein structures. This study presents a high-throughput 3-D structure preparation and refinement pipeline that supports structure screenings with an automated and data-dependent workflow. As a case study, three chimeric virus-like particle (VLP) building blocks, hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) dimers, were constructed. Molecular dynamics (MD) refinement quality, speed, stability, and correlation to zeta potential data was evaluated using different MD simulation settings. Settings included 2 force fields (YASARA2 and AMBER03) and 2 pKa computation methods (YASARA and H++). MD simulations contained a data-dependent termination via identification of a 2 ns Window of Stability, which was also used for robust descriptor extraction. MD simulation with YASARA2, independent of pKa computation method, was found to be most stable and computationally efficient. These settings resulted in a fast refinement (6.6-37.5 h), a good structure quality (-1.17--1.13) and a strong linear dependence between dimer surface charge and complete chimeric HBcAg VLP zeta potential. These results indicate the computational pipeline's applicability for early-stage candidate assessment and design optimization of HTS manufacturability or formulability experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke E Klijn
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Fritz-Haber-Weg 2, 76131 Karlsruhe, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Philipp Vormittag
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Fritz-Haber-Weg 2, 76131 Karlsruhe, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Nicolai Bluthardt
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Fritz-Haber-Weg 2, 76131 Karlsruhe, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Hubbuch
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Fritz-Haber-Weg 2, 76131 Karlsruhe, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany.
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