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Bloom DC, Lilly C, Canty W, Vilaboa N, Voellmy R. Very Broadly Effective Hemagglutinin-Directed Influenza Vaccines with Anti-Herpetic Activity. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:537. [PMID: 38793788 PMCID: PMC11125745 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12050537] [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: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
A universal vaccine that generally prevents influenza virus infection and/or illness remains elusive. We have been exploring a novel approach to vaccination involving replication-competent controlled herpesviruses (RCCVs) that can be deliberately activated to replicate efficiently but only transiently in an administration site in the skin of a subject. The RCCVs are derived from a virulent wild-type herpesvirus strain that has been engineered to contain a heat shock promoter-based gene switch that controls the expression of, typically, two replication-essential viral genes. Additional safety against inadvertent replication is provided by an appropriate secondary mechanism. Our first-generation RCCVs can be activated at the administration site by a mild local heat treatment in the presence of an antiprogestin. Here, we report that epidermal vaccination with such RCCVs expressing a hemagglutinin or neuraminidase of an H1N1 influenza virus strain protected mice against lethal challenges by H1N1 virus strains representing 75 years of evolution. Moreover, immunization with an RCCV expressing a subtype H1 hemagglutinin afforded full protection against a lethal challenge by an H3N2 influenza strain, and an RCCV expressing a subtype H3 hemagglutinin protected against a lethal challenge by an H1N1 strain. Vaccinated animals continued to gain weight normally after the challenge. Protective effects were even observed in a lethal influenza B virus challenge. The RCCV-based vaccines induced robust titers of in-group, cross-group and even cross-type neutralizing antibodies. Passive immunization suggested that observed vaccine effects were at least partially antibody-mediated. In summary, RCCVs expressing a hemagglutinin induce robust and very broad cross-protective immunity against influenza.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C. Bloom
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610-0266, USA; (D.C.B.); (C.L.); (W.C.)
| | - Cameron Lilly
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610-0266, USA; (D.C.B.); (C.L.); (W.C.)
| | - William Canty
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610-0266, USA; (D.C.B.); (C.L.); (W.C.)
| | - Nuria Vilaboa
- Hospital Universitario La Paz-IdiPAZ, 28046 Madrid, Spain;
- CIBER de Bioingenieria, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, CIBER de Bioingenieria, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, 28046 Madrid, Spain
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Wu L, Li X, Qian X, Wang S, Liu J, Yan J. Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) Delivery Carrier-Assisted Targeted Controlled Release mRNA Vaccines in Tumor Immunity. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:186. [PMID: 38400169 PMCID: PMC10891594 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12020186] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have attracted extensive attention in tumor immunotherapy. Targeting immune cells in cancer therapy has become a strategy of great research interest. mRNA vaccines are a potential choice for tumor immunotherapy, due to their ability to directly encode antigen proteins and stimulate a strong immune response. However, the mode of delivery and lack of stability of mRNA are key issues limiting its application. LNPs are an excellent mRNA delivery carrier, and their structural stability and biocompatibility make them an effective means for delivering mRNA to specific targets. This study summarizes the research progress in LNP delivery carrier-assisted targeted controlled release mRNA vaccines in tumor immunity. The role of LNPs in improving mRNA stability, immunogenicity, and targeting is discussed. This review aims to systematically summarize the latest research progress in LNP delivery carrier-assisted targeted controlled release mRNA vaccines in tumor immunity to provide new ideas and strategies for tumor immunotherapy, as well as to provide more effective treatment plans for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liusheng Wu
- Center of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Disease, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (L.W.); (X.Q.); (S.W.)
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Xiaoqiang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China;
| | - Xinye Qian
- Center of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Disease, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (L.W.); (X.Q.); (S.W.)
| | - Shuang Wang
- Center of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Disease, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (L.W.); (X.Q.); (S.W.)
| | - Jixian Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China;
| | - Jun Yan
- Center of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Disease, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (L.W.); (X.Q.); (S.W.)
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3
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VanKeulen-Miller R, Fenton OS. Messenger RNA Therapy for Female Reproductive Health. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:393-409. [PMID: 38189262 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Female reproductive health has traditionally been an underrepresented area of research in the drug delivery sciences. This disparity is also seen in the emerging field of mRNA therapeutics, a class of medicines that promises to treat and prevent disease by upregulating protein expression in the body. Here, we review advances in mRNA therapies through the lens of improving female reproductive health. Specifically, we begin our review by discussing the fundamental structure and biochemical modifications associated with mRNA-based drugs. Then, we discuss various packaging technologies, including lipid nanoparticles, that can be utilized to protect and transport mRNA drugs to target cells in the body. Last, we conclude our review by discussing the usage of mRNA therapy for addressing pregnancy-related health and vaccination against sexually transmitted diseases in women. Of note, we also highlight relevant clinical trials using mRNA for female reproductive health while also providing their corresponding National Clinical Trial identifiers. In undertaking this review, our aim is to provide a fundamental background understanding of mRNA therapy and its usage to specifically address female health issues with an overarching goal of providing information toward addressing gender disparity in certain aspects of health research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel VanKeulen-Miller
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Owen S Fenton
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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Fazel F, Matsuyama-Kato A, Alizadeh M, Boodhoo N, Sharif S. Efficacy and tolerability of an mRNA vaccine expressing gB and pp38 antigens of Marek's disease virus in chickens. Virology 2024; 590:109970. [PMID: 38134535 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.109970] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Marek's disease is a contagious proliferative disease of chickens caused by an alphaherpesvirus called Marek's disease virus. A bivalent mRNA vaccine encoding MDV's glycoprotein-B and phosphoprotein-38 antigens was synthesized and encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles. Tumor incidence, lesion score, organ weight indices, MDV genome load and cytokine expression were used to evaluate protection and immunostimulatory effects of the tested mRNA vaccine after two challenge trials. Results from the first trial showed decreased tumor incidence and a reduction in average lesion scores in chickens that received the booster dose. The second trial demonstrated that vaccination with the higher dose of the vaccine (10 μg) significantly decreased tumor incidence, average lesion scores, bursal atrophy, and MDV load in feather tips when compared to the controls. Changes in expression of type I and II interferons suggested a possible role for these cytokines in initiation and maintenance of the vaccine-originated immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Fazel
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Ayumi Matsuyama-Kato
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Mohammadali Alizadeh
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Nitish Boodhoo
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Shayan Sharif
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Gsell PS, Giersing B, Gottlieb S, Wilder-Smith A, Wu L, Friede M. Key considerations for the development of novel mRNA candidate vaccines in LMICs: A WHO/MPP mRNA Technology Transfer Programme meeting report. Vaccine 2023; 41:7307-7312. [PMID: 37949751 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The WHO/MPP mRNA Technology Transfer Programme, initiated in 2021, focuses on establishing mRNA vaccine manufacturing capacity in LMICs. On 17-21 April 2023, Programme partners were convened to review technology transfer progress, discuss sustainability aspects and promote mRNA product development for diseases relevant to LMICs. To help guide product development, this report introduces key considerations for for understanding the likelihood of technical and regulatory success and of policy development and procurement for mRNA vaccines to be developed and manufactured in LMICs. The report underscores the potential for LMICs to establish sustainable mRNA R&D pipelines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Lindsey Wu
- World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Beirigo EDF, Franco PIR, do Carmo Neto JR, Guerra RO, de Assunção TFS, de Sousa IDOF, Obata MMS, Rodrigues WF, Machado JR, da Silva MV. RNA vaccines in infectious diseases: A systematic review. Microb Pathog 2023; 184:106372. [PMID: 37743026 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Infectious diseases are a major health concern worldwide, especially as they are one of the main causes of mortality in underdeveloped and developing countries. Those that are considered emerging and re-emerging are characterized by unpredictability, high morbidity and mortality, exponential spread, and substantial social impact. These characteristics highlight the need to create an "on demand" control method, with rapid development, large-scale production, and wide distribution. In view of this, RNA vaccines have been investigated as an effective alternative for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases since they can meet those needs and are considered safe, affordable, and totally synthetic. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to evaluate the use of RNA vaccines for infectious diseases from experimental, in vivo, and in vitro studies. PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched for suitable studies. Additionally, further investigations, such as grey literature checks, were performed. A total of 723 articles were found, of which only 41 met the inclusion criteria. These studies demonstrated the potential of using RNA vaccines to control 19 different infectious diseases, of which COVID-19 was the most studied. Similarly, viruses comprised the largest number of reported vaccine targets, followed by protozoa and bacteria. The mRNA vaccines were the most widely used, and the intramuscular route of administration was the most reported. Regarding preclinical experimental models, mice were the most used to evaluate the impact and safety of the RNA vaccines developed. Thus, although further studies and evaluation of the subject are necessary, it is evident that RNA vaccines can be considered a promising alternative in the treatment and prophylaxis of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emília de Freitas Beirigo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences of Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Pablo Igor Ribeiro Franco
- Department of Bioscience and Technology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goias, 74605-450, Goiania, GO, Brazil
| | - José Rodrigues do Carmo Neto
- Department of Bioscience and Technology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goias, 74605-450, Goiania, GO, Brazil.
| | - Rhanoica Oliveira Guerra
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences of Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thaís Farnesi Soares de Assunção
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences of Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Isabella de Oliveira Ferrato de Sousa
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences of Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Malu Mateus Santos Obata
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences of Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Wellington Francisco Rodrigues
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences of Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Juliana Reis Machado
- Department of Bioscience and Technology, Institute of Tropical Pathology and Public Health, Federal University of Goias, 74605-450, Goiania, GO, Brazil; Department of General Pathology, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Marcos Vinicius da Silva
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences of Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Sausen DG, Shechter O, Gallo ES, Dahari H, Borenstein R. Herpes Simplex Virus, Human Papillomavirus, and Cervical Cancer: Overview, Relationship, and Treatment Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3692. [PMID: 37509353 PMCID: PMC10378257 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a significant body of research examining the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer, with a particular emphasis on the oncogenic proteins E5, E6, and E7. What is less well explored, however, is the relationship between cervical cancer and herpes simplex virus (HSV). To date, studies examining the role of HSV in cervical cancer pathogenesis have yielded mixed results. While several experiments have determined that HPV/HSV-2 coinfection results in a higher risk of developing cervical cancer, others have questioned the validity of this association. However, clarifying the potential role of HSV in the pathogenesis of cervical cancer may have significant implications for both the prevention and treatment of this disease. Should this relationship be clarified, treating and preventing HSV could open another avenue with which to prevent cervical cancer. The importance of this is highlighted by the fact that, despite the creation of an effective vaccine against HPV, cervical cancer still impacts 604,000 women and is responsible for 342,000 deaths annually. This review provides an overview of HSV and HPV infections and then delves into the possible links between HPV, HSV, and cervical cancer. It concludes with a summary of preventive measures against and recent treatment advances in cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G. Sausen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23501, USA; (D.G.S.); (O.S.)
| | - Oren Shechter
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23501, USA; (D.G.S.); (O.S.)
| | - Elisa S. Gallo
- Division of Dermatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 64239, Israel
| | - Harel Dahari
- The Program for Experimental and Theoretical Modeling, Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA;
| | - Ronen Borenstein
- The Program for Experimental and Theoretical Modeling, Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA;
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Egan KP, Awasthi S, Tebaldi G, Hook LM, Naughton AM, Fowler BT, Beattie M, Alameh MG, Weissman D, Cohen GH, Friedman HM. A Trivalent HSV-2 gC2, gD2, gE2 Nucleoside-Modified mRNA-LNP Vaccine Provides Outstanding Protection in Mice against Genital and Non-Genital HSV-1 Infection, Comparable to the Same Antigens Derived from HSV-1. Viruses 2023; 15:1483. [PMID: 37515169 PMCID: PMC10384700 DOI: 10.3390/v15071483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
HSV-1 disease is a significant public health burden causing orofacial, genital, cornea, and brain infection. We previously reported that a trivalent HSV-2 gC2, gD2, gE2 nucleoside-modified mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (LNP) vaccine provides excellent protection against vaginal HSV-1 infection in mice. Here, we evaluated whether this HSV-2 gC2, gD2, gE2 vaccine is as effective as a similar HSV-1 mRNA LNP vaccine containing gC1, gD1, and gE1 in the murine lip and genital infection models. Mice were immunized twice with a total mRNA dose of 1 or 10 µg. The two vaccines produced comparable HSV-1 neutralizing antibody titers, and surprisingly, the HSV-2 vaccine stimulated more potent CD8+ T-cell responses to gE1 peptides than the HSV-1 vaccine. Both vaccines provided complete protection from clinical disease in the lip model, while in the genital model, both vaccines prevented death and genital disease, but the HSV-1 vaccine reduced day two vaginal titers slightly better at the 1 µg dose. Both vaccines prevented HSV-1 DNA from reaching the trigeminal or dorsal root ganglia to a similar extent. We conclude that the trivalent HSV-2 mRNA vaccine provides outstanding protection against HSV-1 challenge at two sites and may serve as a universal prophylactic vaccine for HSV-1 and HSV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin P. Egan
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.P.E.); (S.A.); (G.T.); (L.M.H.); (A.M.N.); (B.T.F.); (M.-G.A.); (D.W.)
| | - Sita Awasthi
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.P.E.); (S.A.); (G.T.); (L.M.H.); (A.M.N.); (B.T.F.); (M.-G.A.); (D.W.)
| | - Giulia Tebaldi
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.P.E.); (S.A.); (G.T.); (L.M.H.); (A.M.N.); (B.T.F.); (M.-G.A.); (D.W.)
| | - Lauren M. Hook
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.P.E.); (S.A.); (G.T.); (L.M.H.); (A.M.N.); (B.T.F.); (M.-G.A.); (D.W.)
| | - Alexis M. Naughton
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.P.E.); (S.A.); (G.T.); (L.M.H.); (A.M.N.); (B.T.F.); (M.-G.A.); (D.W.)
| | - Bernard T. Fowler
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.P.E.); (S.A.); (G.T.); (L.M.H.); (A.M.N.); (B.T.F.); (M.-G.A.); (D.W.)
| | | | - Mohamad-Gabriel Alameh
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.P.E.); (S.A.); (G.T.); (L.M.H.); (A.M.N.); (B.T.F.); (M.-G.A.); (D.W.)
| | - Drew Weissman
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.P.E.); (S.A.); (G.T.); (L.M.H.); (A.M.N.); (B.T.F.); (M.-G.A.); (D.W.)
| | - Gary H. Cohen
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Harvey M. Friedman
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.P.E.); (S.A.); (G.T.); (L.M.H.); (A.M.N.); (B.T.F.); (M.-G.A.); (D.W.)
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Awasthi S, Onishi M, Lubinski JM, Fowler BT, Naughton AM, Hook LM, Egan KP, Hagiwara M, Shirai S, Sakai A, Nakagawa T, Goto K, Yoshida O, Stephens AJ, Choi G, Cohen GH, Katayama K, Friedman HM. Novel Adjuvant S-540956 Targets Lymph Nodes and Reduces Genital Recurrences and Vaginal Shedding of HSV-2 DNA When Administered with HSV-2 Glycoprotein D as a Therapeutic Vaccine in Guinea Pigs. Viruses 2023; 15:1148. [PMID: 37243234 PMCID: PMC10220834 DOI: 10.3390/v15051148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a leading cause of genital ulcer disease and a major risk factor for acquisition and transmission of HIV. Frequent recurrent genital lesions and concerns about transmitting infection to intimate partners affect the quality of life of infected individuals. Therapeutic vaccines are urgently needed to reduce the frequency of genital lesions and transmission. S-540956 is a novel vaccine adjuvant that contains CpG oligonucleotide ODN2006 annealed to its complementary sequence and conjugated to a lipid that targets the adjuvant to lymph nodes. Our primary goal was to compare S-540956 administered with HSV-2 glycoprotein D (gD2) with no treatment in a guinea pig model of recurrent genital herpes (studies 1 and 2). Our secondary goals were to compare S-540956 with oligonucleotide ODN2006 (study1) or glucopyranosyl lipid A in a stable oil-in-water nano-emulsion (GLA-SE) (study 2). gD2/S-540956 reduced the number of days with recurrent genital lesions by 56%, vaginal shedding of HSV-2 DNA by 49%, and both combined by 54% compared to PBS, and was more efficacious than the two other adjuvants. Our results indicate that S-540956 has great potential as an adjuvant for a therapeutic vaccine for genital herpes, and merits further evaluation with the addition of potent T cell immunogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sita Awasthi
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6073, USA (J.M.L.); (B.T.F.); (A.M.N.); (L.M.H.); (K.P.E.)
| | - Motoyasu Onishi
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka 561-0825, Japan; (M.H.); (S.S.); (A.S.); (T.N.); (K.G.); (O.Y.); (K.K.)
| | - John M. Lubinski
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6073, USA (J.M.L.); (B.T.F.); (A.M.N.); (L.M.H.); (K.P.E.)
| | - Bernard T. Fowler
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6073, USA (J.M.L.); (B.T.F.); (A.M.N.); (L.M.H.); (K.P.E.)
| | - Alexis M. Naughton
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6073, USA (J.M.L.); (B.T.F.); (A.M.N.); (L.M.H.); (K.P.E.)
| | - Lauren M. Hook
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6073, USA (J.M.L.); (B.T.F.); (A.M.N.); (L.M.H.); (K.P.E.)
| | - Kevin P. Egan
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6073, USA (J.M.L.); (B.T.F.); (A.M.N.); (L.M.H.); (K.P.E.)
| | - Masaki Hagiwara
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka 561-0825, Japan; (M.H.); (S.S.); (A.S.); (T.N.); (K.G.); (O.Y.); (K.K.)
| | - Seiki Shirai
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka 561-0825, Japan; (M.H.); (S.S.); (A.S.); (T.N.); (K.G.); (O.Y.); (K.K.)
| | - Akiho Sakai
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka 561-0825, Japan; (M.H.); (S.S.); (A.S.); (T.N.); (K.G.); (O.Y.); (K.K.)
| | - Takayuki Nakagawa
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka 561-0825, Japan; (M.H.); (S.S.); (A.S.); (T.N.); (K.G.); (O.Y.); (K.K.)
| | - Kumiko Goto
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka 561-0825, Japan; (M.H.); (S.S.); (A.S.); (T.N.); (K.G.); (O.Y.); (K.K.)
| | - Osamu Yoshida
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka 561-0825, Japan; (M.H.); (S.S.); (A.S.); (T.N.); (K.G.); (O.Y.); (K.K.)
| | - Alisa J. Stephens
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6073, USA; (A.J.S.); (G.C.)
| | - Grace Choi
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6073, USA; (A.J.S.); (G.C.)
| | - Gary H. Cohen
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6073, USA;
| | - Kazufumi Katayama
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka 561-0825, Japan; (M.H.); (S.S.); (A.S.); (T.N.); (K.G.); (O.Y.); (K.K.)
| | - Harvey M. Friedman
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6073, USA (J.M.L.); (B.T.F.); (A.M.N.); (L.M.H.); (K.P.E.)
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10
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Lam AK, Roshan R, Miley W, Labo N, Zhen J, Kurland AP, Cheng C, Huang H, Teng PL, Harelson C, Gong D, Tam YK, Radu CG, Epeldegui M, Johnson JR, Zhou ZH, Whitby D, Wu TT. Immunization of Mice with Virus-Like Vesicles of Kaposi Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Reveals a Role for Antibodies Targeting ORF4 in Activating Complement-Mediated Neutralization. J Virol 2023; 97:e0160022. [PMID: 36757205 PMCID: PMC9972917 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01600-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection by Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) can cause severe consequences, such as cancers and lymphoproliferative diseases. Whole inactivated viruses (WIV) with chemically destroyed genetic materials have been used as antigens in several licensed vaccines. During KSHV productive replication, virus-like vesicles (VLVs) that lack capsids and viral genomes are generated along with virions. Here, we investigated the immunogenicity of KSHV VLVs produced from a viral mutant that was defective in capsid formation and DNA packaging. Mice immunized with adjuvanted VLVs generated KSHV-specific T cell and antibody responses. Neutralization of KSHV infection by the VLV immune serum was low but was markedly enhanced in the presence of the complement system. Complement-enhanced neutralization and complement deposition on KSHV-infected cells was dependent on antibodies targeting viral open reading frame 4 (ORF4). However, limited complement-mediated enhancement was detected in the sera of a small cohort of KSHV-infected humans which contained few neutralizing antibodies. Therefore, vaccination that induces antibody effector functions can potentially improve infection-induced humoral immunity. Overall, our study highlights a potential benefit of engaging complement-mediated antibody functions in future KSHV vaccine development. IMPORTANCE KSHV is a virus that can lead to cancer after infection. A vaccine that prevents KSHV infection or transmission would be helpful in preventing the development of these cancers. We investigated KSHV VLV as an immunogen for vaccination. We determined that antibodies targeting the viral protein ORF4 induced by VLV immunization could engage the complement system and neutralize viral infection. However, ORF4-specific antibodies were seldom detected in the sera of KSHV-infected humans. Moreover, these human sera did not potently trigger complement-mediated neutralization, indicating an improvement that immunization can confer. Our study suggests a new antibody-mediated mechanism to control KSHV infection and underscores the benefit of activating the complement system in a future KSHV vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex K. Lam
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Romin Roshan
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Wendell Miley
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Nazzarena Labo
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - James Zhen
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Andrew P. Kurland
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Celine Cheng
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Haigen Huang
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Pu-Lin Teng
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Claire Harelson
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Danyang Gong
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ying K. Tam
- Acuitas Therapeutics, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Caius G. Radu
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Marta Epeldegui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jeffrey R. Johnson
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Z. Hong Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Denise Whitby
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Ting-Ting Wu
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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11
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mRNA Vaccines: Past, Present, Future. Asian J Pharm Sci 2022; 17:491-522. [PMID: 36105317 PMCID: PMC9459002 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2022.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
mRNA vaccines have emerged as promising alternative platforms to conventional vaccines. Their ease of production, low cost, safety profile and high potency render them ideal candidates for prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, especially in the midst of pandemics. The challenges that face in vitro transcribed RNA were partially amended by addition of tethered adjuvants or co-delivery of naked mRNA with an adjuvant-tethered RNA. However, it wasn't until recently that the progress made in nanotechnology helped enhance mRNA stability and delivery by entrapment in novel delivery systems of which, lipid nanoparticles. The continuous advancement in the fields of nanotechnology and tissue engineering provided novel carriers for mRNA vaccines such as polymeric nanoparticles and scaffolds. Various studies have shown the advantages of adopting mRNA vaccines for viral diseases and cancer in animal and human studies. Self-amplifying mRNA is considered today the next generation of mRNA vaccines and current studies reveal promising outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of mRNA vaccines used in past and present studies, and discusses future directions and challenges in advancing this vaccine platform to widespread clinical use.
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Qin S, Tang X, Chen Y, Chen K, Fan N, Xiao W, Zheng Q, Li G, Teng Y, Wu M, Song X. mRNA-based therapeutics: powerful and versatile tools to combat diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:166. [PMID: 35597779 PMCID: PMC9123296 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01007-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic use of messenger RNA (mRNA) has fueled great hope to combat a wide range of incurable diseases. Recent rapid advances in biotechnology and molecular medicine have enabled the production of almost any functional protein/peptide in the human body by introducing mRNA as a vaccine or therapeutic agent. This represents a rising precision medicine field with great promise for preventing and treating many intractable or genetic diseases. In addition, in vitro transcribed mRNA has achieved programmed production, which is more effective, faster in design and production, as well as more flexible and cost-effective than conventional approaches that may offer. Based on these extraordinary advantages, mRNA vaccines have the characteristics of the swiftest response to large-scale outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as the currently devastating pandemic COVID-19. It has always been the scientists’ desire to improve the stability, immunogenicity, translation efficiency, and delivery system to achieve efficient and safe delivery of mRNA. Excitingly, these scientific dreams have gradually been realized with the rapid, amazing achievements of molecular biology, RNA technology, vaccinology, and nanotechnology. In this review, we comprehensively describe mRNA-based therapeutics, including their principles, manufacture, application, effects, and shortcomings. We also highlight the importance of mRNA optimization and delivery systems in successful mRNA therapeutics and discuss the key challenges and opportunities in developing these tools into powerful and versatile tools to combat many genetic, infectious, cancer, and other refractory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shugang Qin
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoshan Tang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuting Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kepan Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Na Fan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wen Xiao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Zheng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guohong Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuqing Teng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, 58203, USA
| | - Xiangrong Song
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Abstract
The rapid development of two nucleoside-modified mRNA vaccines that are safe and highly effective against coronavirus disease 2019 has transformed the vaccine field. The mRNA technology has the advantage of accelerated immunogen discovery, induction of robust immune responses, and rapid scale up of manufacturing. Efforts to develop genital herpes vaccines have been ongoing for 8 decades without success. The advent of mRNA technology has the potential to change that narrative. Developing a genital herpes vaccine is a high public health priority. A prophylactic genital herpes vaccine should prevent HSV-1 and HSV-2 genital lesions and infection of dorsal root ganglia, the site of latency. Vaccine immunity should be durable for decades, perhaps with the assistance of booster doses. While these goals have been elusive, new efforts with nucleoside-modified mRNA-lipid nanoparticle vaccines show great promise. We review past approaches to vaccine development that were unsuccessful or partially successful in large phase 3 trials, and describe lessons learned from these trials. We discuss our trivalent mRNA-lipid nanoparticle approach for a prophylactic genital herpes vaccine and the ability of the vaccine to induce higher titers of neutralizing antibodies and more durable CD4+ T follicular helper cell and memory B cell responses than protein-adjuvanted vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sita Awasthi
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Harvey M Friedman
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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14
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Zhen X, Xu X, Shao X, Tian H, Xu J, Zhu B, Zuo Y, Zhang L, Yu Y. Risk factors of herpes simplex virus reactivation after surgery for primary trigeminal neuralgia. J Neurovirol 2022; 28:367-373. [PMID: 35334082 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-022-01064-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study is to investigate the risk factors of oral or facial herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) infection after primary trigeminal neuralgia (PTN). The clinical data of 33 PTN patients admitted by the same surgeon in the neurosurgery were retrospectively analyzed. Among the 33 patients, 26 patients underwent microvascular decompression (MVD), 6 patients who have not been found the clear offending vessels during the operation underwent partial sensory rhizotomy (PSR), and only one underwent adhesive band separation. Thirteen patients with postoperative oral and facial HSV-1 infection were selected as the herpes group, and the remaining 20 patients without postoperative oral and facial HSV-1 infection were selected as the non-herpes group. The differences between the two groups were compared by statistical analysis of factors such as gender, age, operation mode, operation time, and serum HSV-1 antibody titer value before surgery. Compared with the non-herpes group, there were no statistically significant differences in sex ratio (P = 0.930), age composition (P = 0.261), or disease profile (P = 0.226). Twenty-six patients underwent MVD operation, eight of whom were infected, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.029). The operation time of the herpes group was 10-30 min, which was significantly longer than that of the non-herpes group. The difference in operation time between the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.023). Serum HSV-1-IgM was negative (< 0.9 COI) in all patients before surgery, but the positive rate of HSV-1-IgG (≥ 1.1 COI) was 97%, and the titer was greater than four times in 97% (32/33) of patients. The titer of IgG antibody in the herpes group was significantly lower than that in the non-herpes group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.017). The serum HSV-1-IgG in most of the PTN patients was positive. Latent HSV-1 in the trigeminal ganglion may be reactivate after PTN surgery to produce ipsilateral oral and facial herpes infection. The infection of HSV-1 reactivation after PTN surgery was positively correlated with the operation time but negatively correlated with the titer of HSV-1-IgG antibody before PTN surgery. The incidence of HSV-1 infection after PTN operation is related to different surgical procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueke Zhen
- Department of Neurosurgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, No. 2 East Cherry Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xiaoli Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, No. 2 East Cherry Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xu Shao
- Department of Neurosurgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, No. 2 East Cherry Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Hong Tian
- Department of Neurosurgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, No. 2 East Cherry Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jun Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, No. 2 East Cherry Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Bin Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, No. 2 East Cherry Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Ying Zuo
- Department of Neurosurgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, No. 2 East Cherry Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, No. 2 East Cherry Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Yanbing Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, No. 2 East Cherry Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100029, China.
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15
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Majewska A, Mlynarczyk-Bonikowska B. 40 Years after the Registration of Acyclovir: Do We Need New Anti-Herpetic Drugs? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073431. [PMID: 35408788 PMCID: PMC8998721 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 HSV1 and 2, namely varicella-zoster VZV and cytomegalovirus CMV, are among the most common pathogens worldwide. They remain in the host body for life. The course of infection with these viruses is often asymptomatic or mild and self-limiting, but in immunocompromised patients, such as solid organ or bone marrow transplant recipients, the course can be very severe or even life-threatening. Unfortunately, in the latter group, the highest percentage of infections with strains resistant to routinely used drugs is observed. On the other hand, frequent recurrences of genital herpes can be a problem even in people with normal immunity. Genital herpes also increases the risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection and, if present in pregnant women, poses a risk to the fetus and newborn. Even more frequently than herpes simplex, congenital infections can be caused by cytomegalovirus. We present the most important anti-herpesviral agents, the mechanisms of resistance to these drugs, and the associated mutations in the viral genome. Special emphasis was placed on newly introduced drugs such as maribavir and brincidofovir. We also briefly discuss the most promising substances in preclinical testing as well as immunotherapy options and vaccines currently in use and under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Majewska
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Chałubińskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Beata Mlynarczyk-Bonikowska
- Department of Dermatology, Immunodermatology and Venereology, Medical University of Warsaw, Koszykowa 82a, 02-008 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-225021313
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16
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Antibodies to Crucial Epitopes on HSV-2 Glycoprotein D as a Guide to Dosing an mRNA Genital Herpes Vaccine. Viruses 2022; 14:v14030540. [PMID: 35336946 PMCID: PMC8953786 DOI: 10.3390/v14030540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The toxicity of mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (LNP) vaccines depends on the total mRNA-LNP dose. We established that the maximum tolerated dose of our trivalent mRNA-LNP genital herpes vaccine was 10 μg/immunization in mice. We then evaluated one of the mRNAs, gD2 mRNA-LNP, to determine how much of the 10 μg total dose to assign to this immunogen. We immunized mice with 0.3, 1.0, 3.0, or 10 μg of gD2 mRNA-LNP and measured serum IgG ELISA, neutralizing antibodies, and antibodies to six crucial gD2 epitopes involved in virus entry and spread. Antibodies to crucial gD2 epitopes peaked at 1 μg, while ELISA and neutralizing titers continued to increase at higher doses. The epitope results suggested no immunologic benefit above 1 μg of gD2 mRNA-LNP, while ELISA and neutralizing titers indicated higher doses may be useful. We challenged the gD2 mRNA-immunized mice intravaginally with HSV-2. The 1-μg dose provided total protection, confirming the epitope studies, and supported assigning less than one-third of the trivalent vaccine maximum dose of 10 μg to gD2 mRNA-LNP. Epitope mapping as performed in mice can also be accomplished in phase 1 human trials to help select the optimum dose of each immunogen in a multivalent vaccine.
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17
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Lipid Nanoparticle Delivery Systems to Enable mRNA-Based Therapeutics. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020398. [PMID: 35214130 PMCID: PMC8876479 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The world raced to develop vaccines to protect against the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection upon the recognition of COVID-19 as a global pandemic. A broad spectrum of candidates was evaluated, with mRNA-based vaccines emerging as leaders due to how quickly they were available for emergency use while providing a high level of efficacy. As a modular technology, the mRNA-based vaccines benefitted from decades of advancements in both mRNA and delivery technology prior to the current global pandemic. The fundamental lessons of the utility of mRNA as a therapeutic were pioneered by Dr. Katalin Kariko and her colleagues, perhaps most notably in collaboration with Drew Weissman at University of Pennsylvania, and this foundational work paved the way for the development of the first ever mRNA-based therapeutic authorized for human use, COMIRNATY®. In this Special Issue of Pharmaceutics, we will be honoring Dr. Kariko for her great contributions to the mRNA technology to treat diseases with unmet needs. In this review article, we will focus on the delivery platform, the lipid nanoparticle (LNP) carrier, which allowed the potential of mRNA therapeutics to be realized. Similar to the mRNA technology, the development of LNP systems has been ongoing for decades before culminating in the success of the first clinically approved siRNA-LNP product, ONPATTRO®, a treatment for an otherwise fatal genetic disease called transthyretin amyloidosis. Lessons learned from the siRNA-LNP experience enabled the translation into the mRNA platform with the eventual authorization and approval of the mRNA-LNP vaccines against COVID-19. This marks the beginning of mRNA-LNP as a pharmaceutical option to treat genetic diseases.
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Galli JD, Horton M, Durr E, Heidecker GJ, Freed D, Fridman A, Wang D, Zhang L. Evaluation of HSV-2 gE Binding to IgG-Fc and Application for Vaccine Development. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10020184. [PMID: 35214644 PMCID: PMC8879737 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycoprotein E (gE) and glycoprotein I (gI) are expressed as a heterodimer on the surface of Herpes simplex virus (HSV). Glycoprotein E binds Fc domain of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and inhibits activities mediated by the IgG Fc domain, contributing to immune evasion by HSV. It has been reported that HSV type 1 gE (gE-1) is capable of binding IgG Fc as a monomer and in a heterodimeric complex with gI, with the heterodimer having 50- to100-fold greater affinity for Fc than gE alone. We report the production of both a soluble form of HSV type 2 gE (gE-2) and a soluble HSV-2 gE/gI heterodimer (gE-2/gI-2). Characterization of soluble gE-2 by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) demonstrates that it is incapable of binding human IgG or the IgG Fc domain. Co-expression with HSV-2 gI (gI-2) and purification of the gE-2/gI-2 heterodimer enable gE-2 to bind human IgG through its Fc domain. We hypothesize that functional epitopes of wildtype gE-2 may be masked by plasma IgG Fc and affect the immunogenicity of the gE-2/gI-2 heterodimer as a vaccine antigen. A series of gE-2 mutations within the surface-exposed Fc:gE-2 interface was designed, and gE-2 mutants were co-expressed with gI-2. Evaluation of twelve gE-2 mutant heterodimers by SPR assay identified nine gE-2 mutations which abrogated or reduced Fc binding while maintaining heterodimer formation with gI. Vaccinating rabbits with the four most Fc-binding deficient gE-2/gI-2 heterodimers elicited comparable anti-heterodimer binding antibody titers and statistically significantly higher serum neutralization antibody levels than wildtype heterodimers. Taken together, these data support the concept of rational antigen design for improved vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D. Galli
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, PA 19486, USA; (M.H.); (E.D.); (G.J.H.); (D.F.); (D.W.); (L.Z.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Melanie Horton
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, PA 19486, USA; (M.H.); (E.D.); (G.J.H.); (D.F.); (D.W.); (L.Z.)
| | - Eberhard Durr
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, PA 19486, USA; (M.H.); (E.D.); (G.J.H.); (D.F.); (D.W.); (L.Z.)
| | - Gwendolyn J. Heidecker
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, PA 19486, USA; (M.H.); (E.D.); (G.J.H.); (D.F.); (D.W.); (L.Z.)
| | - Daniel Freed
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, PA 19486, USA; (M.H.); (E.D.); (G.J.H.); (D.F.); (D.W.); (L.Z.)
| | - Arthur Fridman
- Data Science and Scientific Informatics, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA;
| | - Dai Wang
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, PA 19486, USA; (M.H.); (E.D.); (G.J.H.); (D.F.); (D.W.); (L.Z.)
| | - Lan Zhang
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccines Discovery, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, PA 19486, USA; (M.H.); (E.D.); (G.J.H.); (D.F.); (D.W.); (L.Z.)
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Niculescu AG, Bîrcă AC, Grumezescu AM. New Applications of Lipid and Polymer-Based Nanoparticles for Nucleic Acids Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:2053. [PMID: 34959335 PMCID: PMC8708541 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13122053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acids represent a promising lead for engineering the immune system. However, naked DNA, mRNA, siRNA, and other nucleic acids are prone to enzymatic degradation and face challenges crossing the cell membrane. Therefore, increasing research has been recently focused on developing novel delivery systems that are able to overcome these drawbacks. Particular attention has been drawn to designing lipid and polymer-based nanoparticles that protect nucleic acids and ensure their targeted delivery, controlled release, and enhanced cellular uptake. In this respect, this review aims to present the recent advances in the field, highlighting the possibility of using these nanosystems for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes towards combatting a broad range of infectious, chronic, and genetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (A.C.B.)
| | - Alexandra Cătălina Bîrcă
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (A.C.B.)
| | - Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
- Department of Science and Engineering of Oxide Materials and Nanomaterials, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-G.N.); (A.C.B.)
- Research Institute of the University of Bucharest—ICUB, University of Bucharest, 050657 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov No. 3, 50044 Bucharest, Romania
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20
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Awasthi S, Knox JJ, Desmond A, Alameh MG, Gaudette BT, Lubinski JM, Naughton A, Hook LM, Egan KP, Tam YK, Pardi N, Allman D, Luning Prak ET, Cancro MP, Weissman D, Cohen GH, Friedman HM. Trivalent nucleoside-modified mRNA vaccine yields durable memory B cell protection against genital herpes in preclinical models. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:e152310. [PMID: 34618692 PMCID: PMC8631595 DOI: 10.1172/jci152310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleoside-modified mRNA vaccines have gained global attention because of COVID-19. We evaluated a similar vaccine approach for preventing a chronic, latent genital infection rather than an acute respiratory infection. We used animal models to compare an HSV-2 trivalent nucleoside-modified mRNA vaccine with the same antigens prepared as proteins, with an emphasis on antigen-specific memory B cell responses and immune correlates of protection. In guinea pigs, serum neutralizing-antibody titers were higher at 1 month and declined far less by 8 months in mRNA- compared with protein-immunized animals. Both vaccines protected against death and genital lesions when infected 1 month after immunization; however, protection was more durable in the mRNA group compared with the protein group when infected after 8 months, an interval representing greater than 15% of the animal's lifespan. Serum and vaginal neutralizing-antibody titers correlated with protection against infection, as measured by genital lesions and vaginal virus titers 2 days after infection. In mice, the mRNA vaccine generated more antigen-specific memory B cells than the protein vaccine at early times after immunization that persisted for up to 1 year. High neutralizing titers and robust B cell immune memory likely explain the more durable protection by the HSV-2 mRNA vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sita Awasthi
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine and
| | - James J. Knox
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Angela Desmond
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine and
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Brian T. Gaudette
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kevin P. Egan
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine and
| | - Ying K. Tam
- Acuitas Therapeutics Inc., Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine and
| | - David Allman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Eline T. Luning Prak
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael P. Cancro
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine and
| | - Gary H. Cohen
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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21
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Machado BAS, Hodel KVS, Fonseca LMDS, Mascarenhas LAB, Andrade LPCDS, Rocha VPC, Soares MBP, Berglund P, Duthie MS, Reed SG, Badaró R. The Importance of RNA-Based Vaccines in the Fight against COVID-19: An Overview. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1345. [PMID: 34835276 PMCID: PMC8623509 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9111345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, vaccine development using ribonucleic acid (RNA) has become the most promising and studied approach to produce safe and effective new vaccines, not only for prophylaxis but also as a treatment. The use of messenger RNA (mRNA) as an immunogenic has several advantages to vaccine development compared to other platforms, such as lower coast, the absence of cell cultures, and the possibility to combine different targets. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of mRNA as a vaccine became more relevant; two out of the four most widely applied vaccines against COVID-19 in the world are based on this platform. However, even though it presents advantages for vaccine application, mRNA technology faces several pivotal challenges to improve mRNA stability, delivery, and the potential to generate the related protein needed to induce a humoral- and T-cell-mediated immune response. The application of mRNA to vaccine development emerged as a powerful tool to fight against cancer and non-infectious and infectious diseases, for example, and represents a relevant research field for future decades. Based on these advantages, this review emphasizes mRNA and self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) for vaccine development, mainly to fight against COVID-19, together with the challenges related to this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Aparecida Souza Machado
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (K.V.S.H.); (L.M.d.S.F.); (L.A.B.M.); (L.P.C.d.S.A.); (V.P.C.R.); (M.B.P.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Katharine Valéria Saraiva Hodel
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (K.V.S.H.); (L.M.d.S.F.); (L.A.B.M.); (L.P.C.d.S.A.); (V.P.C.R.); (M.B.P.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Larissa Moraes dos Santos Fonseca
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (K.V.S.H.); (L.M.d.S.F.); (L.A.B.M.); (L.P.C.d.S.A.); (V.P.C.R.); (M.B.P.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Luís Alberto Brêda Mascarenhas
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (K.V.S.H.); (L.M.d.S.F.); (L.A.B.M.); (L.P.C.d.S.A.); (V.P.C.R.); (M.B.P.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Leone Peter Correia da Silva Andrade
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (K.V.S.H.); (L.M.d.S.F.); (L.A.B.M.); (L.P.C.d.S.A.); (V.P.C.R.); (M.B.P.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Vinícius Pinto Costa Rocha
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (K.V.S.H.); (L.M.d.S.F.); (L.A.B.M.); (L.P.C.d.S.A.); (V.P.C.R.); (M.B.P.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Milena Botelho Pereira Soares
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (K.V.S.H.); (L.M.d.S.F.); (L.A.B.M.); (L.P.C.d.S.A.); (V.P.C.R.); (M.B.P.S.); (R.B.)
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador 40296-710, Brazil
| | - Peter Berglund
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102, USA; (P.B.); (M.S.D.); (S.G.R.)
| | - Malcolm S. Duthie
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102, USA; (P.B.); (M.S.D.); (S.G.R.)
| | - Steven G. Reed
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102, USA; (P.B.); (M.S.D.); (S.G.R.)
| | - Roberto Badaró
- SENAI Institute of Innovation (ISI) in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador 41650-010, Brazil; (K.V.S.H.); (L.M.d.S.F.); (L.A.B.M.); (L.P.C.d.S.A.); (V.P.C.R.); (M.B.P.S.); (R.B.)
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22
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Freyn AW, Pine M, Rosado VC, Benz M, Muramatsu H, Beattie M, Tam YK, Krammer F, Palese P, Nachbagauer R, McMahon M, Pardi N. Antigen modifications improve nucleoside-modified mRNA-based influenza virus vaccines in mice. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2021; 22:84-95. [PMID: 34485597 PMCID: PMC8390451 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Nucleoside-modified, lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated mRNAs have recently emerged as suitable vaccines for influenza viruses and other pathogens in part because the platform allows delivery of multiple antigens in a single immunization. mRNA vaccines allow for easy antigen modification, enabling rapid iterative design. We studied protein modifications such as mutating functional sites, changing secretion potential, and altering protein conformation, which could improve the safety and/or potency of mRNA-based influenza virus vaccines. Mice were vaccinated intradermally with wild-type or mutant constructs of influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA), neuraminidase (NA), matrix protein 2 (M2), nucleoprotein (NP), or matrix protein 1 (M1). Membrane-bound HA constructs elicited more potent and protective antibody responses than secreted forms. Altering the catalytic site of NA to reduce enzymatic activity decreased reactogenicity while protective immunity was maintained. Disruption of M2 ion channel activity improved immunogenicity and protective efficacy. A comparison of internal proteins NP and M1 revealed the superiority of NP in conferring protection from influenza virus challenge. These findings support the use of the nucleoside-modified mRNA platform for guided antigen design for influenza virus with extension to other pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec W Freyn
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Matthew Pine
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Victoria C Rosado
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Marcel Benz
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Hiromi Muramatsu
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Ying K Tam
- Acuitas Therapeutics, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Florian Krammer
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Peter Palese
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Raffael Nachbagauer
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Meagan McMahon
- Department of Microbiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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23
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Gao M, Zhang Q, Feng XH, Liu J. Synthetic modified messenger RNA for therapeutic applications. Acta Biomater 2021; 131:1-15. [PMID: 34133982 PMCID: PMC8198544 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Synthetic modified messenger RNA (mRNA) has manifested great potentials for therapeutic applications such as vaccines and gene therapies, with the recent mRNA vaccines for global pandemic COVID-19 (corona virus disease 2019) attracting the tremendous attention. The chemical modifications and delivery vehicles of synthetic mRNAs are the two key factors for their in vivo therapeutic applications. Chemical modifications like nucleoside methylation endow the synthetic mRNAs with high stability and reduced stimulation of innate immunity. The development of scalable production of synthetic mRNA and efficient mRNA formulation and delivery strategies in recent years have remarkably advanced the field. It is worth noticing that we had limited knowledge on the roles of mRNA modifications in the past. However, the last decade has witnessed not only new discoveries of several naturally occurring mRNA modifications but also substantial advances in understanding their roles on regulating gene expression. It is highly necessary to reconsider the therapeutic system made by synthetic modified mRNAs and delivery vectors. In this review, we will mainly discuss the roles of various chemical modifications on synthetic mRNAs, briefly summarize the progresses of mRNA delivery strategies, and highlight some latest mRNA therapeutics applications including infectious disease vaccines, cancer immunotherapy, mRNA-based genetic reprogramming and protein replacement, mRNA-based gene editing. Statement of significance The development of synthetic mRNA drug holds great promise but lies behind small molecule and protein drugs largely due to the challenging issues regarding its stability, immunogenicity and potency. In the last 15 years, these issues have beensubstantially addressed by synthesizing chemically modified mRNA and developing powerful delivery systems; the mRNA therapeutics has entered an exciting new era begun with the approved mRNA vaccines for the COVID-19 infection disease. Here, we provide recent progresses in understanding the biological roles of various RNA chemical modifications, in developing mRNA delivery systems, and in advancing the emerging mRNA-based therapeutic applications, with the purpose to inspire the community to spawn new ideas for curing diseases.
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24
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Wijesinghe VN, Farouk IA, Zabidi NZ, Puniyamurti A, Choo WS, Lal SK. Current vaccine approaches and emerging strategies against herpes simplex virus (HSV). Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:1077-1096. [PMID: 34296960 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1960162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Vaccine development for the disease caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) has been challenging over the years and is always in dire need of novel approaches for prevention and cure. To date, the HSV disease remains incurable and challenging to prevent. The disease is extremely widespread due to its high infection rate, resulting in millions of infection cases worldwide.Areas covered: This review first explains the diverse forms of HSV-related disease presentations and reports past vaccine history for the disease. Next, this review examines current and novel HSV vaccine approaches being studied and tested for efficacy and safety as well as vaccines in clinical trial phases I to III. Modern approaches to vaccine design using bioinformatics are described. Finally, we discuss measures to enhance new vaccine development pipelines for HSV.Expert opinion: Modernized approaches using in silico analysis and bioinformatics are emerging methods that exhibit potential for producing vaccines with enhanced targets and formulations. Although not yet fully established for HSV disease, we describe current studies using these approaches for HSV vaccine design to shed light on these methods. In addition, we provide up-to-date requirements of immunogenicity, adjuvant selection, and routes of administration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isra Ahmad Farouk
- School of Science, Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Wee Sim Choo
- School of Science, Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sunil Kumar Lal
- School of Science, Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.,Tropical Medicine & Biology Platform, Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
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25
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Kumar M, Kumari N, Thakur N, Bhatia SK, Saratale GD, Ghodake G, Mistry BM, Alavilli H, Kishor DS, Du X, Chung SM. A Comprehensive Overview on the Production of Vaccines in Plant-Based Expression Systems and the Scope of Plant Biotechnology to Combat against SARS-CoV-2 Virus Pandemics. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:1213. [PMID: 34203729 PMCID: PMC8232254 DOI: 10.3390/plants10061213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Many pathogenic viral pandemics have caused threats to global health; the COVID-19 pandemic is the latest. Its transmission is growing exponentially all around the globe, putting constraints on the health system worldwide. A novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), causes this pandemic. Many candidate vaccines are available at this time for COVID-19, and there is a massive international race underway to procure as many vaccines as possible for each country. However, due to heavy global demand, there are strains in global vaccine production. The use of a plant biotechnology-based expression system for vaccine production also represents one part of this international effort, which is to develop plant-based heterologous expression systems, virus-like particles (VLPs)-vaccines, antiviral drugs, and a rapid supply of antigen-antibodies for detecting kits and plant origin bioactive compounds that boost the immunity and provide tolerance to fight against the virus infection. This review will look at the plant biotechnology platform that can provide the best fight against this global pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manu Kumar
- Department of Life Science, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University, Seoul 10326, Korea; (M.K.); (D.S.K.); (X.D.)
| | - Nisha Kumari
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea;
| | - Nishant Thakur
- Department of Hospital Pathology, Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 10, 63-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul 07345, Korea;
| | - Shashi Kant Bhatia
- Department of Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Konkuk University, 1 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul 05029, Korea;
| | - Ganesh Dattatraya Saratale
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University, Seoul 10326, Korea; (G.D.S.); (B.M.M.)
| | - Gajanan Ghodake
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, Dongguk University, Seoul 10326, Korea;
| | - Bhupendra M. Mistry
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University, Seoul 10326, Korea; (G.D.S.); (B.M.M.)
| | - Hemasundar Alavilli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea;
| | - D. S. Kishor
- Department of Life Science, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University, Seoul 10326, Korea; (M.K.); (D.S.K.); (X.D.)
| | - Xueshi Du
- Department of Life Science, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University, Seoul 10326, Korea; (M.K.); (D.S.K.); (X.D.)
| | - Sang-Min Chung
- Department of Life Science, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University, Seoul 10326, Korea; (M.K.); (D.S.K.); (X.D.)
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26
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Wang Y, Zhang Z, Luo J, Han X, Wei Y, Wei X. mRNA vaccine: a potential therapeutic strategy. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:33. [PMID: 33593376 PMCID: PMC7884263 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01311-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
mRNA vaccines have tremendous potential to fight against cancer and viral diseases due to superiorities in safety, efficacy and industrial production. In recent decades, we have witnessed the development of different kinds of mRNAs by sequence optimization to overcome the disadvantage of excessive mRNA immunogenicity, instability and inefficiency. Based on the immunological study, mRNA vaccines are coupled with immunologic adjuvant and various delivery strategies. Except for sequence optimization, the assistance of mRNA-delivering strategies is another method to stabilize mRNAs and improve their efficacy. The understanding of increasing the antigen reactiveness gains insight into mRNA-induced innate immunity and adaptive immunity without antibody-dependent enhancement activity. Therefore, to address the problem, scientists further exploited carrier-based mRNA vaccines (lipid-based delivery, polymer-based delivery, peptide-based delivery, virus-like replicon particle and cationic nanoemulsion), naked mRNA vaccines and dendritic cells-based mRNA vaccines. The article will discuss the molecular biology of mRNA vaccines and underlying anti-virus and anti-tumor mechanisms, with an introduction of their immunological phenomena, delivery strategies, their importance on Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and related clinical trials against cancer and viral diseases. Finally, we will discuss the challenge of mRNA vaccines against bacterial and parasitic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 PR China
| | - Ziqi Zhang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 PR China
| | - Jingwen Luo
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 PR China
| | - Xuejiao Han
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 PR China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 PR China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 PR China
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27
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A Protein Assembly Hypothesis for Population-Specific Decrease in Dementia with Time. BIOPHYSICA 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/biophysica1010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
A recent report in the journal, Neurology, documents age-normalized, nation-specific (e.g., United States and Western Europe), progressive decrease of dementia, beginning about 25 years ago. This observation has, thus far, not had explanation. We begin our proposed explanation with the following previous disease construct. (1) Some dementia is caused by innate immune over-response to infections. (2) The innate immune over-response occurs via excessive conversion of amyloid protein to α-sheet conformation. (3) This conversion evolved to inhibit invading microbes by binding microbe-associated α-sheet, e.g., in hyper-expanded capsid intermediates of some viruses. The rarity of human α-sheet makes this inhibition specific for microbial invaders. As foundation, here we observe directly, for the first time, extreme, sheet-like outer shell thinness in a hyper-expanded capsid of phage T3. Based on phage/herpesvirus homology, we propose the following. The above decrease in dementia is caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV) vaccination, USFDA-approved about 25 years ago; VZV is a herpesvirus and causes chickenpox and shingles. In China and Japan, a cotemporaneous non-decrease is explained by lower anti-VZV vaccination. Co-assembly extension of α-sheet is relatively independent of amino acid sequence. Thus, we project that additional dementia is suppressible by vaccination against other viruses, including other herpesviruses.
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28
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Madavaraju K, Koganti R, Volety I, Yadavalli T, Shukla D. Herpes Simplex Virus Cell Entry Mechanisms: An Update. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 10:617578. [PMID: 33537244 PMCID: PMC7848091 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.617578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) can infect a broad host range and cause mild to life threating infections in humans. The surface glycoproteins of HSV are evolutionarily conserved and show an extraordinary ability to bind more than one receptor on the host cell surface. Following attachment, the virus fuses its lipid envelope with the host cell membrane and releases its nucleocapsid along with tegument proteins into the cytosol. With the help of tegument proteins and host cell factors, the nucleocapsid is then docked into the nuclear pore. The viral double stranded DNA is then released into the host cell’s nucleus. Released viral DNA either replicates rapidly (more commonly in non-neuronal cells) or stays latent inside the nucleus (in sensory neurons). The fusion of the viral envelope with host cell membrane is a key step. Blocking this step can prevent entry of HSV into the host cell and the subsequent interactions that ultimately lead to production of viral progeny and cell death or latency. In this review, we have discussed viral entry mechanisms including the pH-independent as well as pH-dependent endocytic entry, cell to cell spread of HSV and use of viral glycoproteins as an antiviral target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishnaraju Madavaraju
- Shukla Lab, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Raghuram Koganti
- Shukla Lab, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ipsita Volety
- Shukla Lab, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Tejabhiram Yadavalli
- Shukla Lab, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Deepak Shukla
- Shukla Lab, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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