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Eusébio D, Neves AR, Costa D, Biswas S, Alves G, Cui Z, Sousa Â. Methods to improve the immunogenicity of plasmid DNA vaccines. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:2575-2592. [PMID: 34214667 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
DNA vaccines have emerged as innovative approaches that have great potential to overcome the limitations of current conventional vaccines. Plasmid DNA vaccines are often safer than other vaccines because they carry only antigen genetic information, are more stable and easier to produce, and can stimulate both humoral and cellular immune responses. Although the results of ongoing clinical trials are very promising, some limitations compromise the immunogenicity of these vaccines. Thus, this review describes different strategies that can be explored to improve the immunogenicity of plasmid DNA vaccines, including the optimization of the plasmid vector backbone, the use of different methods for vaccine delivery, the use of alternative administration routes and the inclusion of adjuvants. In combination, these improvements could lead to the successful clinical use of plasmid DNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalinda Eusébio
- CICS-UBI - Health Science Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana R Neves
- CICS-UBI - Health Science Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Diana Costa
- CICS-UBI - Health Science Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Swati Biswas
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology & Science-Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Shameerpet, Hyderabad 500078, Telangana, India
| | - Gilberto Alves
- CICS-UBI - Health Science Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Zhengrong Cui
- The University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Ângela Sousa
- CICS-UBI - Health Science Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
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Hossain MK, Ahmed T, Bhusal P, Subedi RK, Salahshoori I, Soltani M, Hassanzadeganroudsari M. Microneedle Systems for Vaccine Delivery: the story so far. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 19:1153-1166. [PMID: 33427523 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2020.1874928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vaccine delivery via a microneedle (MN) system has been identified as a potential alternative to conventional vaccine delivery. MN can be self-administered, is pain-free and is capable of producing superior immunogenicity. Over the last few decades, significant research has been carried out in this area, and this review aims to provide a comprehensive picture on the progress of this delivery platform. AREAS COVERED This review highlights the potential role of skin as a vaccine delivery route using a microneedle system, examines recent advancements in microneedle fabrication techniques, and provides an update on potential preclinical and clinical studies on vaccine delivery through microneedle systems against various infectious diseases. Articles for the review study were searched electronically in PubMed, Google, Google Scholar, and Science Direct using specific keywords to cover the scope of the article. The advanced search strategy was employed to identify the most relevant articles. EXPERT OPINION A significant number of MN mediated vaccine candidates have shown promising results in preclinical and clinical trials. The recent emergence of cleanroom free, 3D or additive manufacturing of MN systems and stability, together with the dose-sparing capacity of the Nanopatch® system, have made this platform, commercially, highly lucrative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Kamal Hossain
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University , Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Taksim Ahmed
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto , Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Prabhat Bhusal
- School of Pharmacy, University of Otago , Dunedin New Zealand
| | | | - Iman Salahshoori
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University , Tehran, Iran
| | - M Soltani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, K. N. Toosi University of Technology , Tehran, Iran.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, School of Optometry and Vision Science, Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo , Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Biotechnology and Bioengineering (CBB), University of Waterloo , Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.,Advanced Bioengineering Initiative Center, Multidisciplinary International Complex, K. N. Toosi University of Technology , Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Hassanzadeganroudsari
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University , Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University , Tehran, Iran
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A multi-epitope DNA vaccine co-administered with monophosphoryl lipid A adjuvant provides protection against tick transmitted Ehrlichia ruminantium in sheep. Vaccine 2019; 37:4354-4363. [PMID: 31248684 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Previously, a heartwater experimental DNA vaccine provided 100% protection following laboratory challenge with Ehrlichia ruminantium administered by needle but not against an E. ruminantium tick challenge in the field. A multi-epitope DNA vaccine incorporating both CD4+ and CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes epitopes could provide a better alternative. In this study, we investigated the use of multi-epitope DNA vaccines against an E. ruminantium experimental tick challenge in sheep. The multi-epitope DNA vaccines were delivered via the intramuscular route and intradermal route using the gene gun in the presence of monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) adjuvant, which was either applied topically to the gene gun inoculation site or co-administered with the vaccine via the intramuscular route. Initially two constructs namely, pSignal plus and pLamp were tested with MPL applied topically only and no protection was obtained in this formulation. However, when pLamp was co-administered with MPL via the intramuscular route in addition to topical application, its protective efficiency improved to protect 60% of the sheep against tick challenge. In this formulation, the vaccine induced enhanced activation of memory T cell responses both before and after challenge with variations amongst the different sheep possibly due to their different genetic backgrounds. In conclusion, this study showed that a heartwater multi-epitope DNA vaccine, co-administered with MPL adjuvant can protect sheep following a laboratory E. ruminantium tick challenge.
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Rodgers AM, Cordeiro AS, Kissenpfennig A, Donnelly RF. Microneedle arrays for vaccine delivery: the possibilities, challenges and use of nanoparticles as a combinatorial approach for enhanced vaccine immunogenicity. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2018; 15:851-867. [PMID: 30051726 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2018.1505860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vaccination is one of the greatest breakthroughs of modern preventative medicine. Despite this, there remain problems surrounding delivery, efficacy and compliance. Thus, there is a pressing need to develop cost-effective vaccine delivery systems that could expand the use of vaccines, particularly within developing countries. Microneedle (MN) arrays, given their ease of use, painlessness and ability to target skin antigen presenting cells, provide an attractive platform for improved vaccine delivery and efficacy. Studies have demonstrated enhanced immunogenicity with the use of MN in comparison to conventional needle. More recently, dissolving MN have been used for efficient delivery of nanoparticles (NP), as a means to enhance antigen immunogenicity. AREAS COVERED This review introduces the fields of MN technology and nanotechnology, highlighting the recent advances which have been made with these two technologies combined for enhanced vaccine delivery and efficacy. Some key questions that remain to be addressed for adoption of MN in a clinical setting are also evaluated. EXPERT OPINION MN-mediated vaccine delivery holds potential for expanding access to vaccines, with individuals in developing countries likely to be the principal beneficiaries. The combinatorial approach of utilizing MN coupled with NP, provides opportunities to enhance the immunogenicity of vaccine antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoife Maria Rodgers
- a School of Pharmacy, Medical Biology Centre , Queen's University Belfast , Belfast , United Kingdom
| | - Ana Sara Cordeiro
- a School of Pharmacy, Medical Biology Centre , Queen's University Belfast , Belfast , United Kingdom
| | - Adrien Kissenpfennig
- b Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science , Queen's University Belfast , Belfast , United Kingdom
| | - Ryan F Donnelly
- a School of Pharmacy, Medical Biology Centre , Queen's University Belfast , Belfast , United Kingdom
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Eden T, Menzel S, Wesolowski J, Bergmann P, Nissen M, Dubberke G, Seyfried F, Albrecht B, Haag F, Koch-Nolte F. A cDNA Immunization Strategy to Generate Nanobodies against Membrane Proteins in Native Conformation. Front Immunol 2018; 8:1989. [PMID: 29410663 PMCID: PMC5787055 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanobodies (Nbs) are soluble, versatile, single-domain binding modules derived from the VHH variable domain of heavy-chain antibodies naturally occurring in camelids. Nbs hold huge promise as novel therapeutic biologics. Membrane proteins are among the most interesting targets for therapeutic Nbs because they are accessible to systemically injected biologics. In order to be effective, therapeutic Nbs must recognize their target membrane protein in native conformation. However, raising Nbs against membrane proteins in native conformation can pose a formidable challenge since membrane proteins typically contain one or more hydrophobic transmembrane regions and, therefore, are difficult to purify in native conformation. Here, we describe a highly efficient genetic immunization strategy that circumvents these difficulties by driving expression of the target membrane protein in native conformation by cells of the immunized camelid. The strategy encompasses ballistic transfection of skin cells with cDNA expression plasmids encoding one or more orthologs of the membrane protein of interest and, optionally, other costimulatory proteins. The plasmid is coated onto 1 µm gold particles that are then injected into the shaved and depilated skin of the camelid. A gene gun delivers a helium pulse that accelerates the DNA-coated particles to a velocity sufficient to penetrate through multiple layers of cells in the skin. This results in the exposure of the extracellular domains of the membrane protein on the cell surface of transfected cells. Repeated immunization drives somatic hypermutation and affinity maturation of target-specific heavy-chain antibodies. The VHH/Nb coding region is PCR-amplified from B cells obtained from peripheral blood or a lymph node biopsy. Specific Nbs are selected by phage display or by screening of Nb-based heavy-chain antibodies expressed as secretory proteins in transfected HEK cells. Using this strategy, we have successfully generated agonistic and antagonistic Nbs against several cell surface ecto-enzymes and ligand-gated ion channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Eden
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Menzel
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Janusz Wesolowski
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Philine Bergmann
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marion Nissen
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gudrun Dubberke
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Fabienne Seyfried
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Birte Albrecht
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Friedrich Haag
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Friedrich Koch-Nolte
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Strandt H, Pinheiro DF, Kaplan DH, Wirth D, Gratz IK, Hammerl P, Thalhamer J, Stoecklinger A. Neoantigen Expression in Steady-State Langerhans Cells Induces CTL Tolerance. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2017; 199:1626-1634. [PMID: 28739880 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1602098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The skin hosts a variety of dendritic cells (DCs), which act as professional APC to control cutaneous immunity. Langerhans cells (LCs) are the only DC subset in the healthy epidermis. However, due to the complexity of the skin DC network, their relative contribution to either immune activation or immune tolerance is still not entirely understood. To specifically study the function of LCs in vivo, without altering the DC subset composition in the skin, we have generated transgenic mouse models for tamoxifen-inducible de novo expression of Ags in LCs but no other langerin+ DCs. Therefore, this system allows for LC-restricted Ag presentation to T cells. Presentation of nonsecreted OVA (GFPOVA) by steady-state LCs resulted in transient activation of endogenous CTL in transgenic mice. However, when these mice were challenged with OVA by gene gun immunization in the contraction phase of the primary CTL response they did not respond with a recall of CTL memory but, instead, with robust Ag-specific CTL tolerance. We found regulatory T cells (Tregs) enriched in the skin of tolerized mice, and depletion of Tregs or adoptive experiments revealed that Tregs were critically involved in CTL tolerance. By contrast, when OVA was presented by activated LCs, a recallable CTL memory response developed in transgenic mice. Thus, neoantigen presentation by epidermal LCs results in either robust CTL tolerance or CTL memory, and this decision-making depends on the activation state of the presenting LCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Strandt
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Daniel H Kaplan
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261.,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Dagmar Wirth
- Helmholtz Centre of Infection Research, 38102 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Iris Karina Gratz
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.,Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143; and
| | - Peter Hammerl
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Josef Thalhamer
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Angelika Stoecklinger
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; .,EB House Austria, Research Program for Molecular Therapy of Genodermatoses, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
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