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Immuno-Informatics Analysis of Pakistan-Based HCV Subtype-3a for Chimeric Polypeptide Vaccine Design. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9030293. [PMID: 33801143 PMCID: PMC8004085 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9030293] [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: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes chronic and acute hepatitis infections. As there is extreme variability in the HCV genome, no approved HCV vaccine has been available so far. An effective polypeptide vaccine based on the functionally conserved epitopes will be greatly helpful in curing disease. For this purpose, an immuno-informatics study is performed based on the published HCV subtype-3a from Pakistan. First, the virus genome was translated to a polyprotein followed by a subsequent prediction of T-cell epitopes. Non-allergenic, IFN-γ producer, and antigenic epitopes were shortlisted, including 5 HTL epitopes and 4 CTL, which were linked to the final vaccine by GPGPG and AAY linkers, respectively. Beta defensin was included as an adjuvant through the EAAAK linker to improve the immunogenicity of the polypeptide. To ensure its safety and immunogenicity profile, antigenicity, allergenicity, and various physiochemical attributes of the polypeptide were evaluated. Molecular docking was conducted between TLR4 and vaccine to evaluate the binding affinity and molecular interactions. For stability assessment and binding of the vaccine-TLR4 docked complex, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and MMGBSA binding free-energy analyses were conducted. Finally, the candidate vaccine was cloned in silico to ensure its effectiveness. The current vaccine requires future experimental confirmation to validate its effectiveness. The vaccine construct produced might be useful in providing immune protection against HCV-related infections.
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Mohamadi M, Azarbayjani K, Mozhgani SH, Bamdad T, Alamdary A, Nikoo HR, Hashempour T, Hedayat Yaghoobi M, Ajorloo M. Hepatitis C virus alternative reading frame protein (ARFP): Production, features, and pathogenesis. J Med Virol 2020; 92:2930-2937. [PMID: 32470157 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Earlier observation suggests that hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a single-stranded RNA virus which encodes at least 10 viral proteins. F protein is a novel protein which has been discovered recently. These studies suggest three mechanisms for the production of this protein concerning ribosomal frameshift at codon 10, initial translation at codons 26 and 85 or 87. In this study, the association between protein F and chronicity of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been reviewed. Evidence suggests that humoral immune system can recognize this protein and produce antibodies against it. By detecting antibodies in infected people, investigators found that F protein might have a role in HCV infection causing chronic cirrhosis and HCC as higher prevalence was found in patients with mentioned complications. The increment of CD4+, CD25+, and FoxP3+ T cells, along with CD8+ T cells with low expression of granzyme B, also leads to weaker responses of the immune system which helps the infection to become chronic. Moreover, it contributes to the survival of the virus in the body through affecting the production of interferon. F protein also might play roles in the disease development, resulting in HCC. The existence of F protein affects cellular pathways through upregulating p53, c-myc, cyclin D1, and phosphorylating Rb. This review will summarize these effects on immune system and related mechanisms in cellular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Mohamadi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Kimia Azarbayjani
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Sayed-Hamidreza Mozhgani
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Taravat Bamdad
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashkan Alamdary
- Department of Biology, Science, and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hadi Razavi Nikoo
- Infectious Disease Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Tayebeh Hashempour
- Shiraz HIV/AIDS Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Hedayat Yaghoobi
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mehdi Ajorloo
- Hepatitis Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
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Bahrami AA, Bandehpour M, Kazemi B, Bozorgmehr M, Mosaffa N, Chegeni R. Assessment of a poly-epitope candidate vaccine against Hepatitis B, C, and poliovirus in interaction with monocyte-derived dendritic cells: An ex-vivo study. Hum Immunol 2020; 81:218-227. [PMID: 32113655 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2020.02.010] [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: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Design and application of epitope-based polyvalent vaccines have recently garnered attention as an efficient alternative for conventional vaccines. We previously have reported the in silico design of HHP antigen which encompasses the immune-dominant epitopes of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), Hepatitis C core protein (HCVcp) and Poliovirus viral proteins (VPs). It has been shown that the HHP has desirable conformation to expose the epitopes, high antigenicity and other desired physicochemical and immunological properties. To confirm the accuracy of these predictions, the ex-vivo immunogenicity of the HHP was assessed. The HHP gene was chemically synthesized in pET28a and expressed in E. coli (BL21). The expressed protein was purified and its immunological potency was evaluated on dendritic cells (DCs) as antigen presenting cells (APCs). Functional analysis was assessed in co-cultivation of autologous T-cells with matured DCs (mDCs). T-cell activation, proliferation and cytokines secretion were evaluated using flowcytometry and ELISA methods. Our results indicated that the HHP could induce the DC maturation. The mDCs were able to trigger T-cell activation and proliferation. In silico design and ex-vivo confirmation of immunological potential could pave the way to introduce efficient immunogens for further analysis. The ability of HHP in DC maturation and T-cell activation makes it an amenable vaccine candidate for further in-vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armina Alagheband Bahrami
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojgan Bandehpour
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Bahram Kazemi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmood Bozorgmehr
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nariman Mosaffa
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rouzbeh Chegeni
- Michener Institute of Education at University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
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A DNA Vaccine Expressing Fusion Protein E2-NT(gp96) Induces Hepatitis C Virus Cross-Neutralizing Antibody in BALB/c Mice. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2019. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.96347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
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Roohvand F, Shokri M, Abdollahpour-Alitappeh M, Ehsani P. Biomedical applications of yeast- a patent view, part one: yeasts as workhorses for the production of therapeutics and vaccines. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2017; 27:929-951. [PMID: 28608761 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2017.1339789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Yeasts, as Eukaryotes, offer unique features for ease of growth and genetic manipulation possibilities, making it an exceptional microbial host. Areas covered: This review provides general and patent-oriented insights into production of biopharmaceuticals by yeasts. Patents, wherever possible, were correlated to the original or review articles. The review describes applications of major GRAS (generally regarded as safe) yeasts for the production of therapeutic proteins and subunit vaccines; additionally, immunomodulatory properties of yeast cell wall components were reviewed for use of whole yeast cells as a new vaccine platform. The second part of the review will discuss yeast- humanization strategies and innovative applications. Expert opinion: Biomedical applications of yeasts were initiated by utilization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, for production of leavened (fermented) products, and advanced to serve to produce biopharmaceuticals. Higher biomass production and expression/secretion yields, more similarity of glycosylation patterns to mammals and possibility of host-improvement strategies through application of synthetic biology might enhance selection of Pichia pastoris (instead of S. cerevisiae) as a host for production of biopharmaceutical in future. Immunomodulatory properties of yeast cell wall β-glucans and possibility of intracellular expression of heterologous pathogen/tumor antigens in yeast cells have expanded their application as a new platform, 'Whole Yeast Vaccines'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzin Roohvand
- a Department of Virology , Pasteur Institute of Iran , Pasteur Ave, Tehran , Iran
| | - Mehdi Shokri
- a Department of Virology , Pasteur Institute of Iran , Pasteur Ave, Tehran , Iran.,b Department of Immunology , Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran , Iran
| | | | - Parastoo Ehsani
- c Department of Molecular Biology , Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran , Iran
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Goh CC, Roggerson KM, Lee HC, Golden-Mason L, Rosen HR, Hahn YS. Hepatitis C Virus-Induced Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Suppress NK Cell IFN-γ Production by Altering Cellular Metabolism via Arginase-1. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 196:2283-92. [PMID: 26826241 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1501881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects ∼ 200 million people worldwide. The majority of infected individuals develop persistent infection, resulting in chronic inflammation and liver disease, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The ability of HCV to establish persistent infection is partly due to its ability to evade the immune response through multiple mechanisms, including suppression of NK cells. NK cells control HCV replication during the early phase of infection and regulate the progression to chronic disease. In particular, IFN-γ produced by NK cells limits viral replication in hepatocytes and is important for the initiation of adaptive immune responses. However, NK cell function is significantly impaired in chronic HCV patients. The cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for impaired NK cell function in HCV infection are not well defined. In this study, we analyzed the interaction of human NK cells with CD33(+) PBMCs that were exposed to HCV. We found that NK cells cocultured with HCV-conditioned CD33(+) PBMCs produced lower amounts of IFN-γ, with no effect on granzyme B production or cell viability. Importantly, this suppression of NK cell-derived IFN-γ production was mediated by CD33(+)CD11b(lo)HLA-DR(lo) myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) via an arginase-1-dependent inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin activation. Suppression of IFN-γ production was reversed by l-arginine supplementation, consistent with increased MDSC arginase-1 activity. These novel results identify the induction of MDSCs in HCV infection as a potent immune evasion strategy that suppresses antiviral NK cell responses, further indicating that blockade of MDSCs may be a potential therapeutic approach to ameliorate chronic viral infections in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste C Goh
- Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Krystal M Roggerson
- Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Hai-Chon Lee
- Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908; Wide River Institute of Immunology, Seoul National University, Gangwon 25159, Korea; and
| | - Lucy Golden-Mason
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Hugo R Rosen
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Young S Hahn
- Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908;
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Abdelwahab KS, Ahmed Said ZN. Status of hepatitis C virus vaccination: Recent update. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:862-873. [PMID: 26811632 PMCID: PMC4716084 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i2.862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2015] [Revised: 05/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is still a major public health problem worldwide since its first identification in 1989. At the start, HCV infection was post-transfusion viral infection, particularly in developing countries. Recently, due to iv drug abuse, HCV infection became number one health problem in well-developed countries as well. Following acute HCV infection, the innate immune response is triggered in the form of activated coordinated interaction of NK cells, dendritic cells and interferon α. The acquired immune response is then developed in the form of the antibody-mediated immune response (ABIR) and the cell-mediated immune response (CMIR). Both are responsible for clearance of HCV infection in about 15% of infected patients. However, HCV has several mechanisms to evade these antivirus immune reactions. The current review gives an overview of HCV structure, immune response and viral evasion mechanisms. It also evaluates the available preventive and therapeutic vaccines that induce innate, ABIR, CMIR. Moreover, this review highlights the progress in recent HCV vaccination studies either in preclinical or clinical phases. The unsatisfactory identification of HCV infection by the current screening system and the limitations of currently available treatments, including the ineligibility of some chronic HCV patients to such antiviral agents, mandate the development of an effective HCV vaccine.
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Mohammadzadeh S, Roohvand F, Ajdary S, Ehsani P, Hatef Salmanian A. Heterologous Expression of Hepatitis C Virus Core Protein in Oil Seeds of Brassica napus L. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2015; 8:e25462. [PMID: 26855744 PMCID: PMC4735835 DOI: 10.5812/jjm.25462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Revised: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis c virus (HCV), prevalent among 3% of the world population, is a major worldwide public health concern and an effective vaccination could help to overcome this problem. Plant seeds as low-cost vaccine expression platforms are highly desirable to produce antigens. Objectives: The present study was aimed at investigating the possible expression of recombinant HCV core protein, as a leading HCV vaccine candidate, in canola (Brassica napus) plant seeds in order to be used as an effective immunogen for vaccine researches. Materials and Methods: A codon-optimized gene harboring the Kozak sequence, 6 × His-tag, HCVcp (1 - 122 residues) and KDEL (Lys-Asp-Glu-Leu) peptide in tandem was designed and expressed under the control of the seed specific promoter, fatty acid elongase 1 (FAE1), to accumulate the recombinant protein in canola (B. napus L.) seeds. Transgenic lines were screened and the presence of the transgene was confirmed in the T0 plants by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The quantity and quality of the HCV core protein (HCVcp) in transgenic seeds were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blot, respectively. Results: Western blot analysis using anti-His antibody confirmed the presence of a 15 kDa protein in the seeds of T1 transgenic lines. The amount of antigenic protein accumulated in the seeds of these transgenic lines was up to 0.05% of the total soluble protein (TSP). Conclusions: The canola oilseeds could provide a useful expression system to produce HCV core protein as a vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Mohammadzadeh
- Molecular Biology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Farzin Roohvand
- Virology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Soheila Ajdary
- Immunology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parastoo Ehsani
- Molecular Biology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding authors: Parastoo Ehsani, Molecular Biology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, P. O. Box: 1316943551, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel/Fax: +98-2164112219, E-mail: ; Ali Hatef Salmanian, Plant Biotechnology Department, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, P. O. Box: 14965-161, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel: +98-2144580365, Fax: +98-2144580395, E-mail:
| | - Ali Hatef Salmanian
- Agricultural Biotechnology Department, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding authors: Parastoo Ehsani, Molecular Biology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, P. O. Box: 1316943551, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel/Fax: +98-2164112219, E-mail: ; Ali Hatef Salmanian, Plant Biotechnology Department, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, P. O. Box: 14965-161, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel: +98-2144580365, Fax: +98-2144580395, E-mail:
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Gholizadeh M, Khanahmad H, Memarnejadian A, Aghasadeghi MR, Roohvand F, Sadat SM, Cohan RA, Nazemi A, Motevalli F, Asgary V, Arezumand R. Design and expression of fusion protein consists of HBsAg and Polyepitope of HCV as an HCV potential vaccine. Adv Biomed Res 2015; 4:243. [PMID: 26682209 PMCID: PMC4673707 DOI: 10.4103/2277-9175.168610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a serious public health threat worldwide. Cellular immune responses, especially cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs), play a critical role in immune response toward the HCV clearance. Since polytope vaccines have the ability to stimulate the cellular immunity, a recombinant fusion protein was developed in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS The designed fusion protein is composed of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), as an immunocarrier, fused to an HCV polytope sequence. The polytope containing five immunogenic epitopes of HCV was designed to induce specific CTL responses. The construct was cloned into the pET-28a, and its expression was investigated in BL21 (DE3), BL21 pLysS, BL21 pLysE, and BL21 AI Escherichia coli strains using 12% gel sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Finally, the identity of expressed fusion protein was confirmed by Western blotting using anti-His monoclonal antibody and affinity chromatography was applied to purify the expressed protein. RESULTS The accuracy of the construct was confirmed by restriction map analysis and sequencing. The transformation of the construct into the BL21 (DE3), pLysS, and pLysE E. coli strains did not lead to any expression. The fusion protein was found to be toxic for E. coli DE3. By applying two steps inhibition, the fusion protein was successfully expressed in BL21 (AI) E. coli strain. CONCLUSION The HBsAg-polytope fusion protein expressed in this study can be further evaluated for its immunogenicity in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monireh Gholizadeh
- Department of Biology, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon Branch, Tonekabon, Iran
| | - Hossein Khanahmad
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | | | - Farzin Roohvand
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mehdi Sadat
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ali Nazemi
- Department of Biology, Islamic Azad University, Tonekabon Branch, Tonekabon, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Motevalli
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Asgary
- Department Of Rabies, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran ; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roghaye Arezumand
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Mohammadzadeh S, Roohvand F, Memarnejadian A, Jafari A, Ajdary S, Salmanian AH, Ehsani P. Co-expression of hepatitis C virus polytope-HBsAg and p19-silencing suppressor protein in tobacco leaves. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2015; 54:465-73. [PMID: 25990925 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2015.1048371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Plants transformed by virus-based vectors have emerged as promising tools to rapidly express large amounts and inexpensive antigens in transient condition. OBJECTIVE We studied the possibility of transient-expression of an HBsAg-fused polytopic construct (HCVpc) [containing H-2d and HLA-A2-restricted CD8+CTL-epitopic peptides of C (Core; aa 132-142), E6 (Envelope2; aa 614-622), N (NS3; aa 1406-1415), and E4 (Envelope2; aa 405-414) in tandem of CE6NE4] in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) leaves for the development of a plant-based HCV vaccine. MATERIALS AND METHODS A codon-optimized gene encoding the Kozak sequence, hexahistidine (6×His)-tag peptide, and HCVpc in tandem was designed, chemically synthesized, fused to HBsAg gene, and inserted into Potato virus X (PVX-GW) vector under the control of duplicated PVX coat protein promoter (CPP). The resulted recombinant plasmids (after confirmation by restriction and sequencing analyses) were transferred into Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain GV3101 and vacuum infiltrated into tobacco leaves. The effect of gene-silencing suppressor, p19 protein from tomato bushy stunt virus, on the expression yield of HCVpc-HBsAg was also evaluated by co-infiltration of a p19 expression vector. RESULTS Codon-optimized gene increased adaptation index (CAI) value (from 0.61 to 0.92) in tobacco. The expression of the HCVpc-HBsAg was confirmed by western blot and HBsAg-based detection ELISA on total extractable proteins of tobacco leaves. The expression level of the fusion protein was significantly higher in p19 co-agroinfiltrated plants. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The results indicated the possibility of expression of HCVpc-HBsAg constructs with proper protein conformations in tobacco for final application as a plant-derived HCV vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Soheila Ajdary
- d Department of Immunology , Pasteur Institute of Iran , Tehran , Iran , and
| | - Ali-Hatef Salmanian
- e Department of Plant Biotechnology , National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology , Tehran , Iran
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Yazdanian M, Memarnejadian A, Mahdavi M, Motevalli F, Sadat SM, Vahabpour R, Khanahmad H, Soleimanjahi H, Budkowska A, Roohvand F. Evaluation of cellular responses for a chimeric HBsAg-HCV core DNA vaccine in BALB/c mice. Adv Biomed Res 2015; 4:13. [PMID: 25625119 PMCID: PMC4300588 DOI: 10.4103/2277-9175.148296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Fusion of Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) to a DNA construct might be considered as a strategy to enhance cellular and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) responses of a Hepatitis C Virus core protein (HCVcp)-based DNA vaccine comparable to that of adjuvanted protein (subunit) immunization. Materials and Methods: pCHCORE vector harboring coding sequence of HBsAg and HCVcp (amino acids 2-120) in tandem within the pCDNA3.1 backbone was constructed. The corresponding recombinant HCVcp was also expressed and purified in Escherichia coli. Mice were immunized either by adjuvanted HCVcp (pluronic acid + protein) or by pCHCORE vector primed/protein boosted immunization regimen. The cellular immune responses (proliferation, In vivo CTL assay and IFN-γ/IL-4 ELISpot) against a strong and dominant H2-d restricted, CD8+-epitopic peptide (C39) (core 39-48; RRGPRLGVRA) of HCVcp were compared in immunized animals. Result: Proper expression of the fused protein by pCHCORE in transiently transfected HEK 293T cells and in the expected size (around 50 kDa) was confirmed by western blotting. The immunization results indicated that the pCHCORE shifted the immune responses pathway to Th1 by enhancing the IFN-γ cytokine level much higher than protein immunization while the proliferative and CTL responses were comparable (or slightly in favor of DNA immunization). Conclusion: Fusion of HBsAg to HCVcp in the context of a DNA vaccine modality could augment Th1-oriented cellular and CTL responses toward a protective epitope, comparable to that of HCVcp (subunit HCV vaccine) immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Yazdanian
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mehdi Mahdavi
- Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Motevalli
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mehdi Sadat
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Hossein Khanahmad
- BCG Research Center, Karaj Research and Production, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Karaj, Iran
| | - Hoorieh Soleimanjahi
- Department of Virology, Medical School, Tarbiat Moderes University (TMU), Tehran, Iran
| | - Agata Budkowska
- Department of Virology, Unit of Hepacivirus and Innate Immunity, Pasteur Institute, 25/28 Rue du Dr. Roux, Paris 75724, France
| | - Farzin Roohvand
- Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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12
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Mohammadzadeh S, Khabiri A, Roohvand F, Memarnejadian A, Salmanian AH, Ajdary S, Ehsani P. Enhanced-Transient Expression of Hepatitis C Virus Core Protein in Nicotiana tabacum, a Protein With Potential Clinical Applications. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2014; 14:e20524. [PMID: 25598788 PMCID: PMC4286711 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.20524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2014] [Revised: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is major cause of liver cirrhosis in humans. HCV capsid (core) protein (HCVcp) is a highly demanded antigen for various diagnostic, immunization and pathogenesis studies. Plants are considered as an expression system for producing safe and inexpensive biopharmaceutical proteins. Although invention of transgenic (stable) tobacco plants expressing HCVcp with proper antigenic properties was recently reported, no data for "transient-expression" that is currently the method of choice for rapid, simple and lower-priced protein expression in plants is available for HCVcp. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to design a highly codon-optimized HCVcp gene for construction of an efficient transient-plant expression system for production of HCVcp with proper antigenic properties in a regional tobacco plant (Iranian Jafarabadi-cultivar) by evaluation of different classes of vectors and suppression of gene-silencing in tobacco. MATERIALS AND METHODS A codon-optimized gene encoding the Kozak sequence, 6xHis-tag, HCVcp (1-122) and KDEL peptide in tandem (from N- to C-terminal) was designed and inserted into potato virus-X (PVX) and classic pBI121 binary vectors in separate cloning reactions. The resulted recombinant plasmids were transferred into Agrobacterium tumefaciens and vacuum infiltrated into tobacco leaves. The effect of gene silencing suppressor P19 protein derived from tomato bushy stunt virus on the expression yield of HCVcp by each construct was also evaluated by co-infiltration in separate groups. The expressed HCVcp was evaluated by dot and western blotting and ELISA assays. RESULTS The codon-optimized gene had an increased adaptation index value (from 0.65 to 0.85) and reduced GC content (from 62.62 to 51.05) in tobacco and removed the possible deleterious effect of "GGTAAG" splice site in native HCVcp. Blotting assays via specific antibodies confirmed the expression of the 15 kDa HCVcp. The expression level of HCVcp was enhanced by 4-5 times in P19 co-agroinfiltrated plants with better outcomes for PVX, compared to pBI121 vector (0.022% versus 0.019% of the total soluble protein). The plant-derived HCVcp (pHCVcp) could properly identify the HCVcp antibody in HCV-infected human sera compared to Escherichia coli-derived HCVcp (eHCVcp), indicating its potential for diagnostic/immunization applications. CONCLUSIONS By employment of gene optimization strategies, use of viral-based vectors and suppression of plant-derived gene silencing effect, efficient transient expression of HCVcp in tobacco with proper antigenic properties could be possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Mohammadzadeh
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Alireza Khabiri
- Department of Mycology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Farzin Roohvand
- Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding Authors: Parastoo Ehsani, Department of Molecular Biology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel/Fax.: +98 21 6411-2167, E-mail: . Farzin Roohvand, Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel/Fax: +98-2166496682, E-mail:
| | - Arash Memarnejadian
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Ali Hatef Salmanian
- Department of Plant Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Soheila Ajdary
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Parastoo Ehsani
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding Authors: Parastoo Ehsani, Department of Molecular Biology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel/Fax.: +98 21 6411-2167, E-mail: . Farzin Roohvand, Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel/Fax: +98-2166496682, E-mail:
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Pishraft-Sabet L, Kosinska AD, Rafati S, Bolhassani A, Taheri T, Memarnejadian A, Alavian SM, Roggendorf M, Samimi-Rad K. Enhancement of HCV polytope DNA vaccine efficacy by fusion to an N-terminal fragment of heat shock protein gp96. Arch Virol 2014; 160:141-52. [PMID: 25348271 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-014-2243-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Induction of a strong hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific immune response plays a key role in control and clearance of the virus. A polytope (PT) DNA vaccine containing B- and T-cell epitopes could be a promising vaccination strategy against HCV, but its efficacy needs to be improved. The N-terminal domain of heat shock protein gp96 (NT(gp96)) has been shown to be a potent adjuvant for enhancing immunity. We constructed a PT DNA vaccine encoding four HCV immunodominant cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitopes (two HLA-A2- and two H2-D(d)-specific motifs) from the Core, E2, NS3 and NS5B antigens in addition to a T-helper CD4+ epitope from NS3 and a B-cell epitope from E2. The NT(gp96) was fused to the C- or N-terminal end of the PT DNA (PT-NT(gp96) or NT(gp96)-PT), and their potency was compared. Cellular and humoral immune responses against the expressed peptides were evaluated in CB6F1 mice. Our results showed that immunization of mice with PT DNA vaccine fused to NT(gp96) induced significantly stronger T-cell and antibody responses than PT DNA alone. Furthermore, the adjuvant activity of NT(gp96) was more efficient in the induction of immune responses when fused to the C-terminal end of the HCV DNA polytope. In conclusion, the NT(gp96) improved the efficacy of the DNA vaccine, and this immunomodulatory effect was dependent on the position of the fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Pishraft-Sabet
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O.Box 6446, Tehran, 14155, Islamic Republic of Iran
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Pishraft Sabet L, Taheri T, Memarnejadian A, Mokhtari Azad T, Asgari F, Rahimnia R, Alavian SM, Rafati S, Samimi Rad K. Immunogenicity of Multi-Epitope DNA and Peptide Vaccine Candidates Based on Core, E2, NS3 and NS5B HCV Epitopes in BALB/c Mice. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2014; 14:e22215. [PMID: 25419219 PMCID: PMC4238154 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.22215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Revised: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 09/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypervariability of HCV proteins is an important obstacle to design an efficient vaccine for HCV infection. Multi-epitope vaccines containing conserved epitopes of the virus could be a promising approach for protection against HCV. OBJECTIVES Cellular and humoral immune responses against multi-epitope DNA and peptide vaccines were evaluated in BALB/c mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this experimental study, multi-epitope DNA- and peptide-based vaccines for HCV infection harboring immunodominant CD8+ T cell epitopes (HLA-A2 and H2-Dd) from Core (132-142), NS3 (1073-1081) and NS5B (2727-2735), a Th CD4+ epitope from NS3 (1248-1262) and a B-cell epitope from E2 (412-426) were designed. Multi-epitope DNA and peptide vaccines were tested in two regimens as heterologous DNA/peptide (group 1) and homologous peptide/peptide (group 2) prime/boost vaccine in BALB/c mice model. Electroporation was used for delivery of the DNA vaccine. Peptide vaccine was formulated with Montanide ISA 720 (M720) as adjuvant. Cytokine assay and antibody detection were performed to analyze the immune responses. RESULTS Mice immunized with multi-epitope peptide formulated with M720 developed higher HCV-specific levels of total IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a than those immunized with multi-epitope DNA vaccine. IFN-γ levels in group 2 were significantly higher than group 1 (i.e. 3 weeks after the last immunization; 37.61 ± 2.39 vs. 14.43 ± 0.43, P < 0.05). Moreover, group 2 had a higher IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio compared to group 1, suggesting a shift toward Th1 response. In addition, in the present study, induced immune responses were long lasting and stable after 9 weeks of the last immunization. CONCLUSIONS Evaluation of multi-epitope DNA and peptide-vaccines confirmed their specific immunogenicity in BALB/c mice. However, lower Th1 immune responses in mice immunized with DNA vaccine suggests further investigations to improve the immunogenicity of the multi-epitope DNA vaccine through immune enhancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Pishraft Sabet
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Karaj, IR Iran
| | - Tahereh Taheri
- Molecular Immunology and Vaccine Research Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | | | - Talat Mokhtari Azad
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Fatemeh Asgari
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Ramin Rahimnia
- Department of Nano Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Seyed Moayed Alavian
- Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Disease, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Middle East Liver Disease Center (MELD), Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Sima Rafati
- Molecular Immunology and Vaccine Research Laboratory, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Katayoun Samimi Rad
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding Author: Katayoun Samimi Rad, Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P. O. Box: 6446, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel +98-2188950595; Fax: +98-2166462267, E-mail:
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Modulation of hepatitis C virus core DNA vaccine immune responses by co-immunization with CC-chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) gene as immunoadjuvant. Mol Biol Rep 2014; 41:5943-52. [PMID: 24972567 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-014-3470-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Plasmid DNA vaccination is a promising vaccine platform for prevention and treatment of infectious disease. Enhancement of the DNA vaccine potency by co-inoculation of immunoadjuvant has been shown to be an effective strategy. Modulation of dendritic cells and T-cells locomotion and trafficking to prime an immune response is mediated by distinct chemokines. The recent study was designed to elucidate the adjuvant activity of plasmid expressing CC-chemokine ligand 20 (pCCL20) in co-inoculation with hepatitis C virus (HCV) core DNA vaccine immunization. pCCL20 was constructed and evaluated for its functional expression. Sub-cutaneous inoculation of pCCL20 with HCV core DNA vaccine was performed via electroporation in BALB/c mice on day 0 and 14 and a HCV core protein booster was applied on day 28. On week after final immunization, both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses were assessed by indirect ELISA for core specific antibodies, lymphocyte proliferation, cytokine ELISA/ELISpot and cytotoxic Grenzyme B (GrzB) release assays. Mice were co-immunized with pCCL20 developed higher levels of core specific IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio and IL-2 release, IFN-γ producing cells, lymphocyte proliferation and cytotoxic Grenzyme B release in both draining lymph nodes and spleen cells of immunized mice. The core-specific serum total IgG and IgG2a/IgG1 ratio were significantly higher when the pCCL20 was co-inoculated. These results suggest the potential of CCL20 chemokine as vaccine adjuvant to enhance Th1 mediated cellular and humoral immune responses in HCV core DNA immunization.
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Hartoonian C, Sepehrizadeh Z, Tabatabai Yazdi M, Jang YS, Langroudi L, Amir Kalvanagh P, Negahdari B, Karami A, Ebtekar M, Azadmanesh K. Enhancement of Immune Responses by Co-delivery of CCL19/MIP-3beta Chemokine Plasmid With HCV Core DNA/Protein Immunization. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2014; 14:e14611. [PMID: 24693317 PMCID: PMC3955266 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.14611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2013] [Revised: 12/01/2013] [Accepted: 12/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Using molecular adjuvants offers an attractive strategy to augment DNA vaccine-mediated immune responses. Several studies have revealed that an efficient HCV vaccine model should be able to induce both humoral and cell mediated immune responses targeting the conserved regions of the virus to circumvent the immune escape mutants. The beta chemokine Macrophage Inflammatory Protein 3-beta (MIP-3beta) is a key modulator of dendritic cells (DCs) and T-cells interaction, functions during immune response induction and is secreted specifically by cells in the lymphoid tissues. OBJECTIVES In the present study, we questioned whether co-administration of MIP-3beta gene could enhance the immune responses to HCV core in DNA vaccination. MATERIALS AND METHODS Expression and biological activity of MIP-3beta expressing plasmid were evaluated by ELISA and transwell migration assays, respectively. HCV core DNA vaccine ± plasmid expressing MIP-3beta were electroporated subcutaneously to the front foot pads of BALB/c mice on days 0 and 14, and HCV core protein booster was applied to all core-DNA-vaccine received mice on the day 28. Both cell mediated immunity (proliferation, IFN-γ and IL-4 cytokine release, IFN-γ ELISpot and cytotoxic Granzyme B release assays) and humoral immune responses (total IgG and IgG2a/IgG1 subtyping) were evaluated ten days after final immunization. RESULTS Mice covaccinated with MIP-3beta elicited an enhanced Th1 biased systemic immune response as evidenced by higher IFN-γ/IL-4 and anti-core IgG2a/IgG1 ratio, lymphoproliferation, strong cytolytic GrzB release and enhanced population of IFN-γ producing immunocytes. Likewise, the humoral immune response assumed as the total anti-core IgG level was augmented by MIP-3beta co-delivery. CONCLUSIONS These results exhibited the immuno potentiator effects of MIP-3beta plasmid when coadministrated with the HCV core DNA vaccine. Complimentary studies integrating MIP-3beta as a genetic adjuvant in HCV-core-DNA vaccination models are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Hartoonian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Biotechnology Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Zargham Sepehrizadeh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Biotechnology Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding Authors: Zargham Sepehrizadeh, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Biotechnology Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel: +98-2164122301, Fax: + 98-2166461178, E-mail: ; Kayhan Azadmanesh, Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel/Fax: +98-2166496682, E-mail:
| | - Mojtaba Tabatabai Yazdi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Biotechnology Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Yong Suk Jang
- Departments of Molecular Biology and Bioactive Material Sciences, Institute for Molecular Biology and Genetics, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Lida Langroudi
- Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Parisa Amir Kalvanagh
- Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modaress University, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Babak Negahdari
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modaress University, Tehran, IR Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Ali Karami
- Department of Research Center of Molecular Biology, Baqyiatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Massoumeh Ebtekar
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modaress University, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Kayhan Azadmanesh
- Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding Authors: Zargham Sepehrizadeh, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Biotechnology Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel: +98-2164122301, Fax: + 98-2166461178, E-mail: ; Kayhan Azadmanesh, Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel/Fax: +98-2166496682, E-mail:
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Bellier B, Klatzmann D. Virus-like particle-based vaccines against hepatitis C virus infection. Expert Rev Vaccines 2014; 12:143-54. [DOI: 10.1586/erv.13.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Yazdanian M, Memarnejadian A, Mahdavi M, Sadat SM, Motevali F, Vahabpour R, Khanahmad H, Siadat SD, Aghasadeghi MR, Roohvand F. Immunization of Mice by BCG Formulated HCV Core Protein Elicited Higher Th1-Oriented Responses Compared to Pluronic-F127 Copolymer. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2013; 13:e14178. [PMID: 24348641 PMCID: PMC3842517 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.14178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Revised: 09/14/2013] [Accepted: 09/25/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A supreme vaccine for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection should elicit strong Th1-oriented cellular responses. In the absence of a Th1-specific adjuvant, immunizations by protein antigens generally induce Th2-type and weak cellular responses. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the adjuvant effect of BCG in comparison with nonionic copolymer-Pluronic F127 (F127) as a classic adjuvant in the formulation of HCV core protein (HCVcp) as a candidate vaccine for induction of Th1 immune responses. MATERIALS AND METHODS Expression of N-terminally His-Tagged HCVcp (1-122) by pIVEX2.4a-core vector harboring the corresponding gene under the control of arabinose-inducible (araBAD) promoter was achieved in BL21-AI strain of E.coli and purified through application of nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni-NTA) chromatography. Mice were immunized subcutaneously (s.c.) in base of the tail with 100 μl of immunogen (F127+HCVcp or BCG+HCVcp; 5 μgHCVcp/mouse/dose) or control formulations (PBS, BCG, F127) at weeks 0, 3, 6. Total and subtypes of IgG, as well as cellular immune responses (Proliferation, In vivo CTL and IFN-γ/IL-4 ELISpot assays against a strong and dominant H2-d restricted, CD8+-epitopic peptide, core 39-48; RRGPRLGVRA of HCVcp) were compared in each group of immunized animals. RESULTS Expression and purification of core protein around the expected size (21 kDa) was confirmed by Western blotting. The HCVcp + BCG vaccinated mice showed significantly higher lymphocyte proliferation and IFN-γ production but lower levels of cell lysis (45% versus 62% in CTL assay) than the HCVcp+F127 immunized animals. "Besides, total anti-core IgG and IgG1 levels were significantly higher in HCVcp + F127 immunized mice as compared to HCVcp + BCG vaccinated animals, indicating relatively higher efficacy of F127 for the stimulation of humoral and Th2-oriented immune responses". CONCLUSIONS Results showed that HCVcp + BCG induced a moderate CTL and mixed Th1/Th2 immune responses with higher levels of cell proliferation and IFN-γ secretion, indicating that BCG may have a better outcome when formulated in HCVcp-based subunit vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Yazdanian
- Hepatitis and AIDS Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Arash Memarnejadian
- Hepatitis and AIDS Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding authors: Arash Memarnejadian, Hepatitis and AIDS Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel/Fax: +98-2166969291, E-mail: ; Farzin Roohvand, Virology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel/Fax: +98-2166496682, E-mail: ,
| | - Mehdi Mahdavi
- Virology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Seyed Mehdi Sadat
- Hepatitis and AIDS Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Fatemeh Motevali
- Hepatitis and AIDS Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | | | - Hossein Khanahmad
- BCG Research Center, Karaj Research and Production Complex, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Karaj, IR Iran
| | | | | | - Farzin Roohvand
- Virology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding authors: Arash Memarnejadian, Hepatitis and AIDS Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel/Fax: +98-2166969291, E-mail: ; Farzin Roohvand, Virology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel/Fax: +98-2166496682, E-mail: ,
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Beaumont E, Roingeard P. Prospects for prophylactic hepatitis C vaccines based on virus-like particles. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2013; 9:1112-8. [PMID: 23406827 DOI: 10.4161/hv.23900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the global prevalence and long-term complications of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, HCV constitutes one of the greatest challenges to human health of this decade. Considerable efforts have focused on the development of new effective treatments, but about three to four million individuals become infected each year, adding to the world reservoir of HCV infection. The development of a prophylactic vaccine against hepatitis C virus has thus become an important medical priority. Only a few vaccine candidates have progressed to the clinical phase, and published data on both the efficacy and safety of these vaccines are limited, due to many scientific, logistic and bioethic challenges. Fortunately, new innovative vaccine formulations, modes of vaccination and delivery technologies have been developed in recent years. Several preclinical trials of virus-like particle (VLP)-based vaccination strategies are currently underway and have already generated very promising results. In this commentary, we consider the current state of prophylactic HCV vaccines, the hurdles to be overcome in the future and the various VLP-based vaccination approaches currently being developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Beaumont
- 1 INSERM U966; Université François Rabelais and CHRU de Tours; Tours, France
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Griffiths P. Wish list for viral vaccinologists. Rev Med Virol 2012; 22:281-4. [PMID: 22836674 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.1726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Roohvand F, Kossari N. Advances in hepatitis C virus vaccines, part two: advances in hepatitis C virus vaccine formulations and modalities. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2012; 22:391-415. [PMID: 22455502 DOI: 10.1517/13543776.2012.673589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Developing a vaccine against HCV is an important medical and global priority. Unavailability and potential dangers associated with using attenuated HCV viral particles for vaccine preparation have resulted in the use of HCV genes and proteins formulated in novel vaccine modalities. AREAS COVERED In part one of this review, advances in basic knowledge for HCV vaccine design were provided. Herein, a detailed and correlated patents (searched by Espacenet) and literatures (searched by Pubmed) review on HCV vaccine formulations and modalities is provided, including: subunit, DNA, epitopic-peptide/polytopic, live vector- and whole yeast-based vaccines. Less-touched areas in vaccine studies such as mucosal, plant-based, and chimeric HBV/HCV vaccines are also discussed. Furthermore, results of preclinical/clinical studies on selected HCV vaccines as well as pros and cons of different strategies are reviewed. Finally, potential strategies for creation and/or improvement of HCV vaccine formulations are discussed. EXPERT OPINION Promising outcomes of a few HCV vaccine modalities in phase I/II clinical trials predict the accessibility of at least partially effective vaccines to inhibit or treat the chronic state of HCV infection (specially in combination with standard antiviral therapy). ChronVac-C (plasmid DNA), TG4040 (MVA-based), and GI-5005 (whole yeast-based) might be the most obvious HCV vaccine candidates to be approved in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzin Roohvand
- Hepatitis & AIDS Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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