1
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Hick TAH, Geertsema C, Nguyen W, Bishop CR, van Oosten L, Abbo SR, Dumenil T, van Kuppeveld FJM, Langereis MA, Rawle DJ, Tang B, Yan K, van Oers MM, Suhrbier A, Pijlman GP. Safety concern of recombination between self-amplifying mRNA vaccines and viruses is mitigated in vivo. Mol Ther 2024; 32:2519-2534. [PMID: 38894543 PMCID: PMC11405153 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.06.019] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Self-amplifying mRNA (SAM) vaccines can be rapidly deployed in the event of disease outbreaks. A legitimate safety concern is the potential for recombination between alphavirus-based SAM vaccines and circulating viruses. This theoretical risk needs to be assessed in the regulatory process for SAM vaccine approval. Herein, we undertake extensive in vitro and in vivo assessments to explore recombination between SAM vaccine and a wide selection of alphaviruses and a coronavirus. SAM vaccines were found to effectively limit alphavirus co-infection through superinfection exclusion, although some co-replication was still possible. Using sensitive cell-based assays, replication-competent alphavirus chimeras were generated in vitro as a result of rare, but reproducible, RNA recombination events. The chimeras displayed no increased fitness in cell culture. Viable alphavirus chimeras were not detected in vivo in C57BL/6J, Rag1-/- and Ifnar-/- mice, in which high levels of SAM vaccine and alphavirus co-replicated in the same tissue. Furthermore, recombination between a SAM-spike vaccine and a swine coronavirus was not observed. In conclusion we state that although the ability of SAM vaccines to recombine with alphaviruses might be viewed as an environmental safety concern, several key factors substantially mitigate against in vivo emergence of chimeric viruses from SAM vaccine recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessy A H Hick
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Corinne Geertsema
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Wilson Nguyen
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Cameron R Bishop
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Linda van Oosten
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sandra R Abbo
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Troy Dumenil
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Frank J M van Kuppeveld
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn A Langereis
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Daniel J Rawle
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Bing Tang
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Kexin Yan
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Monique M van Oers
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Andreas Suhrbier
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; Global Virus Network Centre of Excellence, Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Brisbane, QLD 4072 and 4029, Australia.
| | - Gorben P Pijlman
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
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Comes JDG, Doets K, Zegers T, Kessler M, Slits I, Ballesteros NA, van de Weem NMP, Pouwels H, van Oers MM, van Hulten MCW, Langereis M, Pijlman GP. Evaluation of bird-adapted self-amplifying mRNA vaccine formulations in chickens. Vaccine 2024; 42:2895-2908. [PMID: 38521674 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.03.032] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Each year, millions of poultry succumb to highly pathogenic avian influenza A virus (AIV) and infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) infections. Conventional vaccines based on inactivated or live-attenuated viruses are useful tools for disease prevention and control, yet, they often fall short in terms of safety, efficacy, and development times. Therefore, versatile vaccine platforms are crucial to protect poultry from emerging viral pathogens. Self-amplifying (replicon) RNA vaccines offer a well-defined and scalable option for the protection of both animals and humans. The best-studied replicon platform, based on the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV; family Togaviridae) TC-83 vaccine strain, however, displays limited efficacy in poultry, warranting the exploration of alternative, avian-adapted, replicon platforms. In this study, we engineered two Tembusu virus (TMUV; family Flaviviridae) replicons encoding varying capsid gene lengths and compared these to the benchmark VEEV replicon in vitro. The TMUV replicon system exhibited a robust and prolonged transgene expression compared to the VEEV replicon system in both avian and mammalian cells. Moreover, the TMUV replicon induced a lesser cytopathic effect compared to the VEEV replicon RNA in vitro. DNA-launched versions of the TMUV and VEEV replicons (DREP) were also developed. The replicons successfully expressed the AIV haemagglutinin (HA) glycoproteins and the IBDV capsid protein (pVP2). To assess the immune responses elicited by the TMUV replicon system in chickens, a prime-boost vaccination trial was conducted using lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-formulated replicon RNA and DREP encoding the viral (glyco)proteins of AIV or IBDV. Both TMUV and VEEV replicon RNAs were unable to induce a humoral response against AIV. However, TMUV replicon RNA induced IBDV-specific seroconversion in vaccinated chickens, in contrast to VEEV replicon RNA, which showed no significant humoral response. In both AIV and IBDV immunization studies, VEEV DREP generated the highest (neutralizing) antibody responses, which underscores the potential for self-amplifying mRNA vaccine technology to combat emerging poultry diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome D G Comes
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, Wageningen 6708PB, the Netherlands
| | - Kristel Doets
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, Wageningen 6708PB, the Netherlands; MSD Animal Health, Wim de Körverstraat 35, Boxmeer 5831AN, the Netherlands
| | - Thijmen Zegers
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, Wageningen 6708PB, the Netherlands
| | - Merel Kessler
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, Wageningen 6708PB, the Netherlands
| | - Irene Slits
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, Wageningen 6708PB, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Henk Pouwels
- MSD Animal Health, Wim de Körverstraat 35, Boxmeer 5831AN, the Netherlands
| | - Monique M van Oers
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, Wageningen 6708PB, the Netherlands
| | | | - Martijn Langereis
- MSD Animal Health, Wim de Körverstraat 35, Boxmeer 5831AN, the Netherlands
| | - Gorben P Pijlman
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, Wageningen 6708PB, the Netherlands.
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Démoulins T, Techakriengkrai N, Ebensen T, Schulze K, Liniger M, Gerber M, Nedumpun T, McCullough KC, Guzmán CA, Suradhat S, Ruggli N. New Generation Self-Replicating RNA Vaccines Derived from Pestivirus Genome. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2786:89-133. [PMID: 38814391 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3770-8_4] [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] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
While mRNA vaccines have shown their worth, they have the same failing as inactivated vaccines, namely they have limited half-life, are non-replicating, and therefore limited to the size of the vaccine payload for the amount of material translated. New advances averting these problems are combining replicon RNA (RepRNA) technology with nanotechnology. RepRNA are large self-replicating RNA molecules (typically 12-15 kb) derived from viral genomes defective in at least one essential structural protein gene. They provide sustained antigen production, effectively increasing vaccine antigen payloads over time, without the risk of producing infectious progeny. The major limitations with RepRNA are RNase-sensitivity and inefficient uptake by dendritic cells (DCs), which need to be overcome for efficacious RNA-based vaccine design. We employed biodegradable delivery vehicles to protect the RepRNA and promote DC delivery. Condensing RepRNA with polyethylenimine (PEI) and encapsulating RepRNA into novel Coatsome-replicon vehicles are two approaches that have proven effective for delivery to DCs and induction of immune responses in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Démoulins
- The Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, Bern & Mittelhäusern, Switzerland.
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology (DIP), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Center of Excellence in Emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, Chulalongkorn University (CU-EIDAs), Bangkok, Thailand.
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Navapon Techakriengkrai
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, Chulalongkorn University (CU-EIDAs), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thomas Ebensen
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Kai Schulze
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Matthias Liniger
- The Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, Bern & Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology (DIP), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Markus Gerber
- The Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, Bern & Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology (DIP), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Teerawut Nedumpun
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, Chulalongkorn University (CU-EIDAs), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kenneth C McCullough
- The Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, Bern & Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology (DIP), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Carlos A Guzmán
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Sanipa Suradhat
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Emerging Infectious Diseases in Animals, Chulalongkorn University (CU-EIDAs), Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nicolas Ruggli
- The Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, Bern & Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology (DIP), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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4
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Chandarana C, Tiwari A. A Review of Clinical Trials of Cancer and Its Treatment as a Vaccine. Rev Recent Clin Trials 2024; 19:7-33. [PMID: 37953617 DOI: 10.2174/0115748871260733231031081921] [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: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer and infectious diseases are one of the greatest challenges of modern medicine. An unhealthy lifestyle, poor drug use, or drug misuse contribute to the rise in morbidity and mortality brought on by these illnesses. The inadequacies of the medications now being used to treat these disorders, along with the growing issue of drug resistance, have compelled researchers to look for novel compounds with therapeutic promise. The number of infections and diseases has significantly abated due to vaccine development and use over time, which is described in detail. Several novel vaccines can now be produced by manipulating Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), Ribonucleic acid (RNA), Messenger Ribonucleic acid (mRNA), proteins, viral vector Recombinant, and other molecules due to advances in genetic engineering and our understanding of the immune defense. OBJECTIVE The main topic of discussion is cancer-based vaccinations, which were developed less than a decade ago but have already been used to treat a wide range of both life-threatening and deadly diseases. It contains clinical studies for cancer vaccines against kidney, liver, prostate, cervix, and certain RNA-based cancer vaccines against breast and bladder cancer. RESULTS Numerous studies using various DNA and RNA-based methods have been conducted on the basis of cancer, with 9-10 diseases related to DNA and 8-9 diseases associated with RNA. Some of these studies have been completed, while others have been eliminated due to a lack of research; further studies are ongoing regarding the same. CONCLUSION This brief discussion of vaccines and their varieties with examples also discusses vaccine clinical trials in relation to cancer diseases in this DNA and RNA-based cancer vaccine that has had successful clinical trials like the cervical cancer drug VGX-3100, the kidney cancer drug Pembrolizumab, MGN-1601, the prostate cancer drug pTVG-HP with rhGM-CSF, the melanoma cancer drug proteasome siRNA, and the lung cancer drug FRAME-001.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandani Chandarana
- Department of Quality Assurance, SSR College of Pharmacy, Sayli Road, Silvassa, U.T of Dadra Nagar and Haveli- 396230, India
| | - Anuradha Tiwari
- Department of Quality Assurance, SSR College of Pharmacy, Sayli Road, Silvassa, U.T of Dadra Nagar and Haveli- 396230, India
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5
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Comes JDG, Poniman M, van Oosten L, Doets K, de Cloe S, Geertsema C, Pijlman GP. Infectious clone of a contemporary Tembusu virus and replicons expressing reporter genes or heterologous antigens from poultry viruses. Biotechnol J 2024; 19:e2300254. [PMID: 37750498 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202300254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
The novel mosquito-borne Tembusu virus (TMUV, family Flaviviridae) was discovered as the cause of a severe outbreak of egg-drop syndrome affecting ducks in Southeast Asia in 2010. TMUV infection can also lead to high mortality in various additional avian species such as geese, pigeons, and chickens. This study describes the construction of an infectious cDNA clone of a contemporary duck-isolate (TMUV WU2016). The virus recovered after transfection of BHK-21 cells shows enhanced virus replication compared to the mosquito-derived MM1775 strain. Next, the WU2016 cDNA clone was modified to create a SP6 promoter-driven, self-amplifying mRNA (replicon) capable of expressing a range of different reporter genes (Renilla luciferase, mScarlet, mCherry, and GFP) and viral (glyco)proteins of avian influenza virus (AIV; family Orthomyxoviridae), infectious bursal disease virus (IDBV; family Bunyaviridae) and infectious bronchitis virus (IBV; family Coronaviridae). The current study demonstrates the flexibility of the TMUV replicon system, to produce different heterologous proteins over an extended period of time and its potential use as a platform technology for novel poultry vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome D G Comes
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Meliawati Poniman
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Linda van Oosten
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kristel Doets
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd de Cloe
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Corinne Geertsema
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gorben P Pijlman
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Wong B, Birtch R, Rezaei R, Jamieson T, Crupi MJF, Diallo JS, Ilkow CS. Optimal delivery of RNA interference by viral vectors for cancer therapy. Mol Ther 2023; 31:3127-3145. [PMID: 37735876 PMCID: PMC10638062 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.09.012] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a surge in the innovative modification and application of the viral vector-based gene therapy field. Significant and consistent improvements in the engineering, delivery, and safety of viral vectors have set the stage for their application as RNA interference (RNAi) delivery tools. Viral vector-based delivery of RNAi has made remarkable breakthroughs in the treatment of several debilitating diseases and disorders (e.g., neurological diseases); however, their novelty has yet to be fully applied and utilized for the treatment of cancer. This review highlights the most promising and emerging viral vector delivery tools for RNAi therapeutics while discussing the variables limiting their success and suitability for cancer therapy. Specifically, we outline different integrating and non-integrating viral platforms used for gene delivery, currently employed RNAi targets for anti-cancer effect, and various strategies used to optimize the safety and efficacy of these RNAi therapeutics. Most importantly, we provide great insight into what challenges exist in their application as cancer therapeutics and how these challenges can be effectively navigated to advance the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boaz Wong
- Centre for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Rayanna Birtch
- Centre for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Reza Rezaei
- Centre for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Taylor Jamieson
- Centre for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Mathieu J F Crupi
- Centre for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Jean-Simon Diallo
- Centre for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Carolina S Ilkow
- Centre for Innovative Cancer Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada.
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7
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Hu C, Liu J, Cheng F, Bai Y, Mao Q, Xu M, Liang Z. Amplifying mRNA vaccines: potential versatile magicians for oncotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1261243. [PMID: 37936701 PMCID: PMC10626473 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1261243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer vaccines drive the activation and proliferation of tumor-reactive immune cells, thereby eliciting tumor-specific immunity that kills tumor cells. Accordingly, they possess immense potential in cancer treatment. However, such vaccines are also faced with challenges related to their design and considerable differences among individual tumors. The success of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 has prompted the application of mRNA vaccine technology platforms to the field of oncotherapy. These platforms include linear, circular, and amplifying mRNA vaccines. In particular, amplifying mRNA vaccines are characterized by high-level and prolonged antigen gene expression at low doses. They can also stimulate specific cellular immunity, making them highly promising in cancer vaccine research. In this review, we summarize the research progress in amplifying mRNA vaccines and provide an outlook of their prospects and future directions in oncotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoying Hu
- Division of Hepatitis and Enterovirus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Biological Products, Institute of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Jianyang Liu
- Division of Hepatitis and Enterovirus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Biological Products, Institute of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Feiran Cheng
- Division of Hepatitis and Enterovirus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Biological Products, Institute of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Bai
- Division of Hepatitis and Enterovirus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Biological Products, Institute of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Qunying Mao
- Division of Hepatitis and Enterovirus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Biological Products, Institute of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Miao Xu
- Division of Hepatitis and Enterovirus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Biological Products, Institute of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenglun Liang
- Division of Hepatitis and Enterovirus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
- National Health Commission (NHC), Key Laboratory of Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Biological Products, Institute of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
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8
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Wu JS, Kan JY, Lai HC, Lin CW. Development of Zika Virus Mini-Replicon Based Single-Round Infectious Particles as Gene Delivery Vehicles. Viruses 2023; 15:1762. [PMID: 37632104 PMCID: PMC10459639 DOI: 10.3390/v15081762] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a type of RNA virus that belongs to the Flaviviridae family. We have reported the construction of a DNA-launched replicon of the Asian-lineage Natal RGN strain and the production of single-round infectious particles (SRIPs) via the combination of prM/E virus-like particles with the replicon. The main objective of the study was to engineer the ZIKV replicon as mammalian expression vectors and evaluate the potential of ZIKV mini-replicon-based SRIPs as delivery vehicles for heterologous gene expression in vitro and in vivo. The mini-replicons contained various genetic elements, including NS4B, an NS5 methyltransferase (MTase) domain, and an NS5 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) domain. Among these mini-replicons, only ZIKV mini-replicons 2 and 3, which contained the full NS5 and NS4B-NS5 genetic elements, respectively, exhibited the expression of reporters (green fluorescent protein (GFP) and cyan fluorescent protein-yellow fluorescent fusion protein (CYP)) and generated self-replicating RNAs. When the mini-replicons were transfected into the cells expressing ZIKV prM/E, this led to the production of ZIKV mini-replicon-based SRIPs. ZIKV mini-replicon 3 SRIPs showed a significantly higher yield titer and a greater abundance of self-replicating replicon RNAs when compared to ZIKV mini-replicon 2 SRIPs. Additionally, there were disparities in the dynamics of CYP expression and cytotoxic effects observed in various infected cell types between ZIKV mini-replicon 2-CYP and 3-CYP SRIPs. In particular, ZIKV mini-replicon 3-CYP SRIPs led to a substantial decrease in the survival rates of infected cells at a MOI of 2. An in vivo gene expression assay indicated that hACE2 expression was detected in the lung and brain tissues of mice following the intravenous administration of ZIKV mini-replicon 3-hACE2 SRIPs. Overall, this study highlights the potential of ZIKV mini-replicon-based SRIPs as promising vehicles for gene delivery applications in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joh-Sin Wu
- The PhD Program for Health Science and Industry, China Medical University, Taichung 404333, Taiwan;
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, China Medical University, No. 91, Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 404333, Taiwan;
| | - Ju-Ying Kan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, China Medical University, No. 91, Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 404333, Taiwan;
- The PhD Program of Biotechnology and Biomedical Industry, China Medical University, Taichung 404333, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Chou Lai
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404332, Taiwan;
| | - Cheng-Wen Lin
- The PhD Program for Health Science and Industry, China Medical University, Taichung 404333, Taiwan;
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, China Medical University, No. 91, Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 404333, Taiwan;
- The PhD Program of Biotechnology and Biomedical Industry, China Medical University, Taichung 404333, Taiwan
- Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung 404333, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Asia University, Wufeng, Taichung 413305, Taiwan
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9
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Lundstrom K. Viral vectors engineered for gene therapy. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 379:1-41. [PMID: 37541721 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy has seen major progress in recent years. Viral vectors have made a significant contribution through efficient engineering for improved delivery and safety. A large variety of indications such as cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic, hematological, neurological, muscular, ophthalmological, infectious diseases, and immunodeficiency have been targeted. Viral vectors based on adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, herpes simplex viruses, retroviruses including lentiviruses, alphaviruses, flaviviruses, measles viruses, rhabdoviruses, Newcastle disease virus, poxviruses, picornaviruses, reoviruses, and polyomaviruses have been used. Proof-of-concept has been demonstrated for different indications in animal models. Therapeutic efficacy has also been achieved in clinical trials. Several viral vector-based drugs have been approved for the treatment of cancer, and hematological, metabolic, and neurological diseases. Moreover, viral vector-based vaccines have been approved against COVID-19 and Ebola virus disease.
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Lundstrom K. Application of DNA Replicons in Gene Therapy and Vaccine Development. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030947. [PMID: 36986808 PMCID: PMC10054396 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA-based gene therapy and vaccine development has received plenty of attention lately. DNA replicons based on self-replicating RNA viruses such as alphaviruses and flaviviruses have been of particular interest due to the amplification of RNA transcripts leading to enhanced transgene expression in transfected host cells. Moreover, significantly reduced doses of DNA replicons compared to conventional DNA plasmids can elicit equivalent immune responses. DNA replicons have been evaluated in preclinical animal models for cancer immunotherapy and for vaccines against infectious diseases and various cancers. Strong immune responses and tumor regression have been obtained in rodent tumor models. Immunization with DNA replicons has provided robust immune responses and protection against challenges with pathogens and tumor cells. DNA replicon-based COVID-19 vaccines have shown positive results in preclinical animal models.
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Viral Vectors in Gene Therapy: Where Do We Stand in 2023? Viruses 2023; 15:v15030698. [PMID: 36992407 PMCID: PMC10059137 DOI: 10.3390/v15030698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral vectors have been used for a broad spectrum of gene therapy for both acute and chronic diseases. In the context of cancer gene therapy, viral vectors expressing anti-tumor, toxic, suicide and immunostimulatory genes, such as cytokines and chemokines, have been applied. Oncolytic viruses, which specifically replicate in and kill tumor cells, have provided tumor eradication, and even cure of cancers in animal models. In a broader meaning, vaccine development against infectious diseases and various cancers has been considered as a type of gene therapy. Especially in the case of COVID-19 vaccines, adenovirus-based vaccines such as ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and Ad26.COV2.S have demonstrated excellent safety and vaccine efficacy in clinical trials, leading to Emergency Use Authorization in many countries. Viral vectors have shown great promise in the treatment of chronic diseases such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), muscular dystrophy, hemophilia, β-thalassemia, and sickle cell disease (SCD). Proof-of-concept has been established in preclinical studies in various animal models. Clinical gene therapy trials have confirmed good safety, tolerability, and therapeutic efficacy. Viral-based drugs have been approved for cancer, hematological, metabolic, neurological, and ophthalmological diseases as well as for vaccines. For example, the adenovirus-based drug Gendicine® for non-small-cell lung cancer, the reovirus-based drug Reolysin® for ovarian cancer, the oncolytic HSV T-VEC for melanoma, lentivirus-based treatment of ADA-SCID disease, and the rhabdovirus-based vaccine Ervebo against Ebola virus disease have been approved for human use.
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Lundstrom K. Gene Therapy Cargoes Based on Viral Vector Delivery. Curr Gene Ther 2023; 23:111-134. [PMID: 36154608 DOI: 10.2174/1566523222666220921112753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Viral vectors have been proven useful in a broad spectrum of gene therapy applications due to their possibility to accommodate foreign genetic material for both local and systemic delivery. The wide range of viral vectors has enabled gene therapy applications for both acute and chronic diseases. Cancer gene therapy has been addressed by the delivery of viral vectors expressing anti-tumor, toxic, and suicide genes for the destruction of tumors. Delivery of immunostimulatory genes such as cytokines and chemokines has also been applied for cancer therapy. Moreover, oncolytic viruses specifically replicating in and killing tumor cells have been used as such for tumor eradication or in combination with tumor killing or immunostimulatory genes. In a broad meaning, vaccines against infectious diseases and various cancers can be considered gene therapy, which has been highly successful, not the least for the development of effective COVID-19 vaccines. Viral vector-based gene therapy has also demonstrated encouraging and promising results for chronic diseases such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), muscular dystrophy, and hemophilia. Preclinical gene therapy studies in animal models have demonstrated proof-of-concept for a wide range of disease indications. Clinical evaluation of drugs and vaccines in humans has showed high safety levels, good tolerance, and therapeutic efficacy. Several gene therapy drugs such as the adenovirus-based drug Gendicine® for non-small-cell lung cancer, the reovirus-based drug Reolysin® for ovarian cancer, lentivirus-based treatment of SCID-X1 disease, and the rhabdovirus-based vaccine Ervebo against Ebola virus disease, and adenovirus-based vaccines against COVID-19 have been developed.
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Lundstrom K. Therapeutic Applications for Oncolytic Self-Replicating RNA Viruses. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415622. [PMID: 36555262 PMCID: PMC9779410 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-replicating RNA viruses have become attractive delivery vehicles for therapeutic applications. They are easy to handle, can be rapidly produced in large quantities, and can be delivered as recombinant viral particles, naked or nanoparticle-encapsulated RNA, or plasmid DNA-based vectors. The self-replication of RNA in infected host cells provides the means for generating much higher transgene expression levels and the possibility to apply substantially reduced amounts of RNA to achieve similar expression levels or immune responses compared to conventional synthetic mRNA. Alphaviruses and flaviviruses, possessing a single-stranded RNA genome of positive polarity, as well as measles viruses and rhabdoviruses with a negative-stranded RNA genome, have frequently been utilized for therapeutic applications. Both naturally and engineered oncolytic self-replicating RNA viruses providing specific replication in tumor cells have been evaluated for cancer therapy. Therapeutic efficacy has been demonstrated in animal models. Furthermore, the safe application of oncolytic viruses has been confirmed in clinical trials. Multiple myeloma patients treated with an oncolytic measles virus (MV-NIS) resulted in increased T-cell responses against the measles virus and several tumor-associated antigen responses and complete remission in one patient. Furthermore, MV-CEA administration to patients with ovarian cancer resulted in a stable disease and more than doubled the median overall survival.
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Garcia G, Chakravarty N, Abu AE, Jeyachandran AV, Takano KA, Brown R, Morizono K, Arumugaswami V. Replication-Deficient Zika Vector-Based Vaccine Provides Maternal and Fetal Protection in Mouse Model. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0113722. [PMID: 36169338 PMCID: PMC9602260 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01137-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-borne human pathogen, causes dire congenital brain developmental abnormalities in children of infected mothers. The global health crisis precipitated by this virus has led to a concerted effort to develop effective therapies and prophylactic measures although, unfortunately, not very successfully. The error-prone nature of RNA viral genome replication tends to promote evolution of novel viral strains, which could cause epidemics and pandemics. As such, our objective was to develop a safe and effective replication-deficient ZIKV vector-based vaccine candidate. We approached this by generating a ZIKV vector containing only the nonstructural (NS) 5'-untranslated (UTR)-NS-3' UTR sequences, with the structural proteins capsid (C), precursor membrane (prM), and envelope (E) (CprME) used as a packaging system. We efficiently packaged replication-deficient Zika vaccine particles in human producer cells and verified antigen expression in vitro. In vivo studies showed that, after inoculation in neonatal mice, the Zika vaccine candidate (ZVAX) was safe and did not produce any replication-competent revertant viruses. Immunization of adult, nonpregnant mice showed that ZVAX protected mice from lethal challenge by limiting viral replication. We then evaluated the safety and efficacy of ZVAX in pregnant mice, where it was shown to provide efficient maternal and fetal protection against Zika disease. Mass cytometry analysis showed that vaccinated pregnant animals had high levels of splenic CD8+ T cells and effector memory T cell responses with reduced proinflammatory cell responses, suggesting that endogenous expression of NS proteins by ZVAX induced cellular immunity against ZIKV NS proteins. We also investigated humoral immunity against ZIKV, which is potentially induced by viral proteins present in ZVAX virions. We found no significant difference in neutralizing antibody titer in vaccinated or unvaccinated challenged animals; therefore, it is likely that cellular immunity plays a major role in ZVAX-mediated protection against ZIKV infection. In conclusion, we demonstrated ZVAX as an effective inducer of protective immunity against ZIKV, which can be further evaluated for potential prophylactic application in humans. IMPORTANCE This research is important as it strives to address the critical need for effective prophylactic measures against the outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) and outlines an important vaccine technology that could potentially be used to induce immune responses against other pandemic-potential viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Garcia
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Nikhil Chakravarty
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Angel Elma Abu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Arjit Vijey Jeyachandran
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kari-Ann Takano
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- AIDS Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rebecca Brown
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kouki Morizono
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- AIDS Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Vaithilingaraja Arumugaswami
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Abstract
Self-replicating RNA viral vectors have been engineered for both prophylactic and therapeutic applications. Mainly the areas of infectious diseases and cancer have been targeted. Both positive and negative strand RNA viruses have been utilized including alphaviruses, flaviviruses, measles viruses and rhabdoviruses. The high-level of RNA amplification has provided efficient expression of viral surface proteins and tumor antigens. Immunization studies in animal models have elicit robust neutralizing antibody responses. In the context of infectious diseases, immunization with self-replicating RNA viral vectors has provided protection against challenges with lethal doses of pathogens in animal models. Similarly, immunization with vectors expressing tumor antigens has resulted in tumor regression and eradication and protection against tumor challenges in animal models. The transient nature and non-integration of viral RNA into the host genome are ideal features for vaccine development. Moreover, self-replicating RNA viral vectors show great flexibility as they can be applied as recombinant viral particles, RNA replicons or DNA replicon plasmids. Several clinical trials have been conducted especially in the area of cancer immunotherapy.
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Lundstrom K. Self-Replicating RNA Viruses for Vaccine Development against Infectious Diseases and Cancer. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1187. [PMID: 34696295 PMCID: PMC8541504 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9101187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Alphaviruses, flaviviruses, measles viruses and rhabdoviruses are enveloped single-stranded RNA viruses, which have been engineered for recombinant protein expression and vaccine development. Due to the presence of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity, subgenomic RNA can replicate close to 106 copies per cell for translation in the cytoplasm providing extreme transgene expression levels, which is why they are named self-replicating RNA viruses. Expression of surface proteins of pathogens causing infectious disease and tumor antigens provide the basis for vaccine development against infectious diseases and cancer. Self-replicating RNA viral vectors can be administered as replicon RNA at significantly lower doses than conventional mRNA, recombinant particles, or DNA plasmids. Self-replicating RNA viral vectors have been applied for vaccine development against influenza virus, HIV, hepatitis B virus, human papilloma virus, Ebola virus, etc., showing robust immune response and protection in animal models. Recently, paramyxovirus and rhabdovirus vector-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines as well as RNA vaccines based on self-amplifying alphaviruses have been evaluated in clinical settings. Vaccines against various cancers such as brain, breast, lung, ovarian, prostate cancer and melanoma have also been developed. Clinical trials have shown good safety and target-specific immune responses. Ervebo, the VSV-based vaccine against Ebola virus disease has been approved for human use.
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Coronado L, Perera CL, Rios L, Frías MT, Pérez LJ. A Critical Review about Different Vaccines against Classical Swine Fever Virus and Their Repercussions in Endemic Regions. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:154. [PMID: 33671909 PMCID: PMC7918945 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9020154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Classical swine fever (CSF) is, without any doubt, one of the most devasting viral infectious diseases affecting the members of Suidae family, which causes a severe impact on the global economy. The reemergence of CSF virus (CSFV) in several countries in America, Asia, and sporadic outbreaks in Europe, sheds light about the serious concern that a potential global reemergence of this disease represents. The negative aspects related with the application of mass stamping out policies, including elevated costs and ethical issues, point out vaccination as the main control measure against future outbreaks. Hence, it is imperative for the scientific community to continue with the active investigations for more effective vaccines against CSFV. The current review pursues to gather all the available information about the vaccines in use or under developing stages against CSFV. From the perspective concerning the evolutionary viral process, this review also discusses the current problematic in CSF-endemic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liani Coronado
- National Centre for Animal and Plant Health (CENSA), OIE Collaborating Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction in Animal Health, San José de las Lajas 32700, Cuba; (L.C.); (C.L.P.); (M.T.F.)
| | - Carmen L. Perera
- National Centre for Animal and Plant Health (CENSA), OIE Collaborating Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction in Animal Health, San José de las Lajas 32700, Cuba; (L.C.); (C.L.P.); (M.T.F.)
| | - Liliam Rios
- Reiman Cancer Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB E2L 4L5, Canada;
| | - María T. Frías
- National Centre for Animal and Plant Health (CENSA), OIE Collaborating Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction in Animal Health, San José de las Lajas 32700, Cuba; (L.C.); (C.L.P.); (M.T.F.)
| | - Lester J. Pérez
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Champaign, IL 61802, USA
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Démoulins T, Ruggli N, Gerber M, Thomann-Harwood LJ, Ebensen T, Schulze K, Guzmán CA, McCullough KC. Self-Amplifying Pestivirus Replicon RNA Encoding Influenza Virus Nucleoprotein and Hemagglutinin Promote Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses in Pigs. Front Immunol 2021; 11:622385. [PMID: 33584723 PMCID: PMC7877248 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.622385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-amplifying replicon RNA (RepRNA) promotes expansion of mRNA templates encoding genes of interest through their replicative nature, thus providing increased antigen payloads. RepRNA derived from the non-cytopathogenic classical swine fever virus (CSFV) targets monocytes and dendritic cells (DCs), potentially promoting prolonged antigen expression in the DCs, contrasting with cytopathogenic RepRNA. We engineered pestivirus RepRNA constructs encoding influenza virus H5N1 (A/chicken/Yamaguchi/7/2004) nucleoprotein (Rep-NP) or hemagglutinin (Rep-HA). The inherent RNase-sensitivity of RepRNA had to be circumvented to ensure efficient delivery to DCs for intracellular release and RepRNA translation; we have reported how only particular synthetic delivery vehicle formulations are appropriate. The question remained concerning RepRNA packaged in virus replicon particles (VRPs); we have now compared an efficient polyethylenimine (PEI)-based formulation (polyplex) with VRP-delivery as well as naked RepRNA co-administered with the potent bis-(3’,5’)-cyclic dimeric adenosine monophosphate (c-di-AMP) adjuvant. All formulations contained a Rep-HA/Rep-NP mix, to assess the breadth of both humoral and cell-mediated defences against the influenza virus antigens. Assessment employed pigs for their close immunological relationship to humans, and as natural hosts for influenza virus. Animals receiving the VRPs, as well as PEI-delivered RepRNA, displayed strong humoral and cellular responses against both HA and NP, but with VRPs proving to be more efficacious. In contrast, naked RepRNA plus c-di-AMP could induce only low-level immune responses, in one out of five pigs. In conclusion, RepRNA encoding different influenza virus antigens are efficacious for inducing both humoral and cellular immune defences in pigs. Comparisons showed that packaging within VRP remains the most efficacious for delivery leading to induction of immune defences; however, this technology necessitates employment of expensive complementing cell cultures, and VRPs do not target human cells. Therefore, choosing the appropriate synthetic delivery vehicle still offers potential for rapid vaccine design, particularly in the context of the current coronavirus pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Démoulins
- The Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, Mittelhäusern, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Ruggli
- The Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, Mittelhäusern, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Markus Gerber
- The Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, Mittelhäusern, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lisa J Thomann-Harwood
- The Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, Mittelhäusern, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Ebensen
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Kai Schulze
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Carlos A Guzmán
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Kenneth C McCullough
- The Institute of Virology and Immunology IVI, Mittelhäusern, Switzerland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Hazlewood JE, Dumenil T, Le TT, Slonchak A, Kazakoff SH, Patch AM, Gray LA, Howley PM, Liu L, Hayball JD, Yan K, Rawle DJ, Prow NA, Suhrbier A. Injection site vaccinology of a recombinant vaccinia-based vector reveals diverse innate immune signatures. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009215. [PMID: 33439897 PMCID: PMC7837487 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Poxvirus systems have been extensively used as vaccine vectors. Herein a RNA-Seq analysis of intramuscular injection sites provided detailed insights into host innate immune responses, as well as expression of vector and recombinant immunogen genes, after vaccination with a new multiplication defective, vaccinia-based vector, Sementis Copenhagen Vector. Chikungunya and Zika virus immunogen mRNA and protein expression was associated with necrosing skeletal muscle cells surrounded by mixed cellular infiltrates. The multiple adjuvant signatures at 12 hours post-vaccination were dominated by TLR3, 4 and 9, STING, MAVS, PKR and the inflammasome. Th1 cytokine signatures were dominated by IFNγ, TNF and IL1β, and chemokine signatures by CCL5 and CXCL12. Multiple signatures associated with dendritic cell stimulation were evident. By day seven, vaccine transcripts were absent, and cell death, neutrophil, macrophage and inflammation annotations had abated. No compelling arthritis signatures were identified. Such injection site vaccinology approaches should inform refinements in poxvirus-based vector design. Poxvirus vector systems have been widely developed for vaccine applications. Despite considerable progress, so far only one recombinant poxvirus vectored vaccine has to date been licensed for human use, with ongoing efforts seeking to enhance immunogenicity whilst minimizing reactogenicity. The latter two characteristics are often determined by early post-vaccination events at the injection site. We therefore undertook an injection site vaccinology approach to analyzing gene expression at the vaccination site after intramuscular inoculation with a recombinant, multiplication defective, vaccinia-based vaccine. This provided detailed insights into inter alia expression of vector-encoded immunoregulatory genes, as well as host innate and adaptive immune responses. We propose that such injection site vaccinology can inform rational vaccine vector design, and we discuss how the information and approach elucidated herein might be used to improve immunogenicity and limit reactogenicity of poxvirus-based vaccine vector systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessamine E. Hazlewood
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Troy Dumenil
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Thuy T. Le
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Andrii Slonchak
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Stephen H. Kazakoff
- Clinical Genomics, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ann-Marie Patch
- Clinical Genomics, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Lesley-Ann Gray
- Australian Genome Research Facility Ltd., Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Liang Liu
- Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory, University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - John D. Hayball
- Sementis Ltd., Hackney, Australia
- Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory, University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Kexin Yan
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Daniel J. Rawle
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Natalie A. Prow
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory, University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Andreas Suhrbier
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, Brisbane, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Lundstrom K. Application of Viral Vectors for Vaccine Development with a Special Emphasis on COVID-19. Viruses 2020; 12:E1324. [PMID: 33218001 PMCID: PMC7698750 DOI: 10.3390/v12111324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral vectors can generate high levels of recombinant protein expression providing the basis for modern vaccine development. A large number of different viral vector expression systems have been utilized for targeting viral surface proteins and tumor-associated antigens. Immunization studies in preclinical animal models have evaluated the elicited humoral and cellular responses and the possible protection against challenges with lethal doses of infectious pathogens or tumor cells. Several vaccine candidates for both infectious diseases and various cancers have been subjected to a number of clinical trials. Human immunization trials have confirmed safe application of viral vectors, generation of neutralizing antibodies and protection against challenges with lethal doses. A special emphasis is placed on COVID-19 vaccines based on viral vectors. Likewise, the flexibility and advantages of applying viral particles, RNA replicons and DNA replicon vectors of self-replicating RNA viruses for vaccine development are presented.
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21
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Connell AR, Connell J, Leahy TR, Hassan J. Mumps Outbreaks in Vaccinated Populations-Is It Time to Re-assess the Clinical Efficacy of Vaccines? Front Immunol 2020; 11:2089. [PMID: 33072071 PMCID: PMC7531022 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
History illustrates the remarkable public health impact of mass vaccination, by dramatically improving life expectancy and reducing the burden of infectious diseases and co-morbidities worldwide. It has been perceived that if an individual adhered to the MMR vaccine schedule that immunity to mumps virus (MuV) would be lifelong. Recent mumps outbreaks in individuals who had received two doses of the Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) vaccine has challenged the efficacy of the MMR vaccine. However, clinical symptoms, complications, viral shedding and transmission associated with mumps infection has been shown to be reduced in vaccinated individuals, demonstrating a benefit of this vaccine. Therefore, the question of what constitutes a good mumps vaccine and how its impact is assessed in this modern era remains to be addressed. Epidemiology of the individuals most affected by the outbreaks (predominantly young adults) and variance in the circulating MuV genotype have been well-described alluding to a collection of influences such as vaccine hesitancy, heterogeneous vaccine uptake, primary, and/or secondary vaccine failures. This review aims to discuss in detail the interplay of factors thought to be contributing to the current mumps outbreaks seen in highly vaccinated populations. In addition, how mumps diagnoses has progressed and impacted the understanding of mumps infection since a mumps vaccine was first developed, the limitations of current laboratory tests in confirming protection in vaccinated individuals and how vaccine effectiveness is quantified are also considered. By highlighting knowledge gaps within this area, this state-of-the-art review proposes a change of perspective regarding the impact of a vaccine in a highly vaccinated population from a clinical, diagnostic and public perspective, highlighting a need for a paradigm shift on what is considered vaccine immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna R. Connell
- National Children's Research Centre, Children's Health Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jeff Connell
- National Virus Reference Laboratory, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - T. Ronan Leahy
- Children's Health Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jaythoon Hassan
- National Children's Research Centre, Children's Health Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- National Virus Reference Laboratory, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Hobson-Peters J, Harrison JJ, Watterson D, Hazlewood JE, Vet LJ, Newton ND, Warrilow D, Colmant AMG, Taylor C, Huang B, Piyasena TBH, Chow WK, Setoh YX, Tang B, Nakayama E, Yan K, Amarilla AA, Wheatley S, Moore PR, Finger M, Kurucz N, Modhiran N, Young PR, Khromykh AA, Bielefeldt-Ohmann H, Suhrbier A, Hall RA. A recombinant platform for flavivirus vaccines and diagnostics using chimeras of a new insect-specific virus. Sci Transl Med 2020; 11:11/522/eaax7888. [PMID: 31826984 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aax7888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Flaviviruses such as dengue, yellow fever, Zika, West Nile, and Japanese encephalitis virus present substantial global health burdens. New vaccines are being sought to address safety and manufacturing issues associated with current live attenuated vaccines. Here, we describe a new insect-specific flavivirus, Binjari virus, which was found to be remarkably tolerant for exchange of its structural protein genes (prME) with those of the aforementioned pathogenic vertebrate-infecting flaviviruses (VIFs). Chimeric BinJ/VIF-prME viruses remained replication defective in vertebrate cells but replicated with high efficiency in mosquito cells. Cryo-electron microscopy and monoclonal antibody binding studies illustrated that the chimeric BinJ/VIF-prME virus particles were structurally and immunologically similar to their parental VIFs. Pilot manufacturing in C6/36 cells suggests that high yields can be reached up to 109.5 cell culture infectious dose/ml or ≈7 mg/liter. BinJ/VIF-prME viruses showed utility in diagnostic (microsphere immunoassays and ELISAs using panels of human and equine sera) and vaccine applications (illustrating protection against Zika virus challenge in murine IFNAR-/- mouse models). BinJ/VIF-prME viruses thus represent a versatile, noninfectious (for vertebrate cells), high-yield technology for generating chimeric flavivirus particles with low biocontainment requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jody Hobson-Peters
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Jessica J Harrison
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Daniel Watterson
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jessamine E Hazlewood
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia
| | - Laura J Vet
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Natalee D Newton
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - David Warrilow
- Public Health Virology Laboratory, Department of Health, Queensland Government, PO Box 594, Archerfield, Queensland, Australia
| | - Agathe M G Colmant
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Carmel Taylor
- Public Health Virology Laboratory, Department of Health, Queensland Government, PO Box 594, Archerfield, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bixing Huang
- Public Health Virology Laboratory, Department of Health, Queensland Government, PO Box 594, Archerfield, Queensland, Australia
| | - Thisun B H Piyasena
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Weng Kong Chow
- Australian Defence Force Malaria and Infectious Disease Institute, Gallipoli Barracks, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yin Xiang Setoh
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bing Tang
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia
| | - Eri Nakayama
- Department of Virology I, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kexin Yan
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia
| | - Alberto A Amarilla
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sarah Wheatley
- Public Health Virology Laboratory, Department of Health, Queensland Government, PO Box 594, Archerfield, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter R Moore
- Public Health Virology Laboratory, Department of Health, Queensland Government, PO Box 594, Archerfield, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mitchell Finger
- Public Health Virology Laboratory, Department of Health, Queensland Government, PO Box 594, Archerfield, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nina Kurucz
- Centre for Disease Control, Health Protection Division, Northern Territory Department of Health, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Naphak Modhiran
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Paul R Young
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alexander A Khromykh
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Helle Bielefeldt-Ohmann
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia.,School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland Gatton Campus, Queensland 4343, Australia
| | - Andreas Suhrbier
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia.,Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia
| | - Roy A Hall
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
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Lundstrom K. Self-Amplifying RNA Viruses as RNA Vaccines. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145130. [PMID: 32698494 PMCID: PMC7404065 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Single-stranded RNA viruses such as alphaviruses, flaviviruses, measles viruses and rhabdoviruses are characterized by their capacity of highly efficient self-amplification of RNA in host cells, which make them attractive vehicles for vaccine development. Particularly, alphaviruses and flaviviruses can be administered as recombinant particles, layered DNA/RNA plasmid vectors carrying the RNA replicon and even RNA replicon molecules. Self-amplifying RNA viral vectors have been used for high level expression of viral and tumor antigens, which in immunization studies have elicited strong cellular and humoral immune responses in animal models. Vaccination has provided protection against challenges with lethal doses of viral pathogens and tumor cells. Moreover, clinical trials have demonstrated safe application of RNA viral vectors and even promising results in rhabdovirus-based phase III trials on an Ebola virus vaccine. Preclinical and clinical applications of self-amplifying RNA viral vectors have proven efficient for vaccine development and due to the presence of RNA replicons, amplification of RNA in host cells will generate superior immune responses with significantly reduced amounts of RNA delivered. The need for novel and efficient vaccines has become even more evident due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, which has further highlighted the urgency in challenging emerging diseases.
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Autonomously Replicating RNAs of Bungowannah Pestivirus: E RNS Is Not Essential for the Generation of Infectious Particles. J Virol 2020; 94:JVI.00436-20. [PMID: 32404522 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00436-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Autonomously replicating subgenomic Bungowannah virus (BuPV) RNAs (BuPV replicons) with deletions of the genome regions encoding the structural proteins C, ERNS, E1, and E2 were constructed on the basis of an infectious cDNA clone of BuPV. Nanoluciferase (Nluc) insertion was used to compare the replication efficiencies of all constructs after electroporation of in vitro-transcribed RNA from the different clones. Deletion of C, E1, E2, or the complete structural protein genome region (C-ERNS-E1-E2) prevented the production of infectious progeny virus, whereas deletion of ERNS still allowed the generation of infectious particles. However, those ΔERNS viral particles were defective in virus assembly and/or egress and could not be further propagated for more than three additional passages in porcine SK-6 cells. These "defective-in-third-cycle" BuPV ΔERNS mutants were subsequently used to express the classical swine fever virus envelope protein E2, the N-terminal domain of the Schmallenberg virus Gc protein, and the receptor binding domain of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus spike protein. The constructs could be efficiently complemented and further passaged in SK-6 cells constitutively expressing the BuPV ERNS protein. Importantly, BuPVs are able to infect a wide variety of target cell lines, allowing expression in a very wide host spectrum. Therefore, we suggest that packaged BuPV ΔERNS replicon particles have potential as broad-spectrum viral vectors.IMPORTANCE The proteins NPRO and ERNS are unique for the genus Pestivirus, but only NPRO has been demonstrated to be nonessential for in vitro growth. While this was also speculated for ERNS, it has always been previously shown that pestivirus replicons with deletions of the structural proteins ERNS, E1, or E2 did not produce any infectious progeny virus in susceptible host cells. Here, we demonstrated for the first time that BuPV ERNS is dispensable for the generation of infectious virus particles but still important for efficient passaging. The ERNS-defective BuPV particles showed clearly limited growth in cell culture but were capable of several rounds of infection, expression of foreign genes, and highly efficient trans-complementation to rescue virus replicon particles (VRPs). The noncytopathic characteristics and the absence of preexisting immunity to BuPV in human populations and livestock also provide a significant benefit for a possible use, e.g., as a vector vaccine platform.
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RNA Viruses as Tools in Gene Therapy and Vaccine Development. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10030189. [PMID: 30832256 PMCID: PMC6471356 DOI: 10.3390/genes10030189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA viruses have been subjected to substantial engineering efforts to support gene therapy applications and vaccine development. Typically, retroviruses, lentiviruses, alphaviruses, flaviviruses rhabdoviruses, measles viruses, Newcastle disease viruses, and picornaviruses have been employed as expression vectors for treatment of various diseases including different types of cancers, hemophilia, and infectious diseases. Moreover, vaccination with viral vectors has evaluated immunogenicity against infectious agents and protection against challenges with pathogenic organisms. Several preclinical studies in animal models have confirmed both immune responses and protection against lethal challenges. Similarly, administration of RNA viral vectors in animals implanted with tumor xenografts resulted in tumor regression and prolonged survival, and in some cases complete tumor clearance. Based on preclinical results, clinical trials have been conducted to establish the safety of RNA virus delivery. Moreover, stem cell-based lentiviral therapy provided life-long production of factor VIII potentially generating a cure for hemophilia A. Several clinical trials on cancer patients have generated anti-tumor activity, prolonged survival, and even progression-free survival.
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Baltusnikas J, Satkauskas S, Lundstrom K. Constructing RNA Viruses for Long-Term Transcriptional Gene Silencing. Trends Biotechnol 2019; 37:20-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2018.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Lundstrom K. Self-Replicating RNA Viruses for RNA Therapeutics. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23123310. [PMID: 30551668 PMCID: PMC6321401 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23123310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-replicating single-stranded RNA viruses such as alphaviruses, flaviviruses, measles viruses, and rhabdoviruses provide efficient delivery and high-level expression of therapeutic genes due to their high capacity of RNA replication. This has contributed to novel approaches for therapeutic applications including vaccine development and gene therapy-based immunotherapy. Numerous studies in animal tumor models have demonstrated that self-replicating RNA viral vectors can generate antibody responses against infectious agents and tumor cells. Moreover, protection against challenges with pathogenic Ebola virus was obtained in primates immunized with alphaviruses and flaviviruses. Similarly, vaccinated animals have been demonstrated to withstand challenges with lethal doses of tumor cells. Furthermore, clinical trials have been conducted for several indications with self-amplifying RNA viruses. In this context, alphaviruses have been subjected to phase I clinical trials for a cytomegalovirus vaccine generating neutralizing antibodies in healthy volunteers, and for antigen delivery to dendritic cells providing clinically relevant antibody responses in cancer patients, respectively. Likewise, rhabdovirus particles have been subjected to phase I/II clinical trials showing good safety and immunogenicity against Ebola virus. Rhabdoviruses have generated promising results in phase III trials against Ebola virus. The purpose of this review is to summarize the achievements of using self-replicating RNA viruses for RNA therapy based on preclinical animal studies and clinical trials in humans.
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Long-Term Transcriptional Gene Silencing by RNA Viruses. Trends Biochem Sci 2018; 43:397-401. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2018.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Latest development on RNA-based drugs and vaccines. Future Sci OA 2018; 4:FSO300. [PMID: 29796303 PMCID: PMC5961404 DOI: 10.4155/fsoa-2017-0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Drugs and vaccines based on mRNA and RNA viruses show great potential and direct translation in the cytoplasm eliminates chromosomal integration. Limitations are associated with delivery and stability issues related to RNA degradation. Clinical trials on RNA-based drugs have been conducted in various disease areas. Likewise, RNA-based vaccines for viral infections and various cancers have been subjected to preclinical and clinical studies. RNA delivery and stability improvements include RNA structure modifications, targeting dendritic cells and employing self-amplifying RNA. Single-stranded RNA viruses possess self-amplifying RNA, which can provide extreme RNA replication in the cytoplasm to support RNA-based drug and vaccine development. Although oligonucleotide-based approaches have demonstrated potential, the focus here is on mRNA- and RNA virus-based methods. Drug development has suffered from inefficiency, side effects and high costs. For this reason novel approaches for drug discovery are of great importance. RNA-based methods provide the advantage of targeting ‘production’ of drugs to diseased cells and vaccines to immune response-stimulating cells. RNA drugs have demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in eye and heart diseases and in various cancers in clinical trials. Likewise, RNA-based vaccines have provided protection against challenges with lethal doses of viruses such as Ebola and cancer cells in animal models.
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Self-Amplifying Replicon RNA Delivery to Dendritic Cells by Cationic Lipids. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 12:118-134. [PMID: 30195751 PMCID: PMC6023837 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Revised: 04/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Advances in RNA technology during the past two decades have led to the construction of replication-competent RNA, termed replicons, RepRNA, or self-amplifying mRNA, with high potential for vaccine applications. Cytosolic delivery is essential for their translation and self-replication, without infectious progeny generation, providing high levels of antigen expression for inducing humoral and cellular immunity. Synthetic nanoparticle-based delivery vehicles can both protect the RNA molecules and facilitate targeting of dendritic cells—critical for immune defense development. Several cationic lipids were assessed, with RepRNA generated from classical swine fever virus encoding nucleoprotein genes of influenza A virus. The non-cytopathogenic nature of the RNA allowed targeting to dendritic cells without destroying the cells—important for prolonged antigen production and presentation. Certain lipids were more effective at delivery and at promoting translation of RepRNA than others. Selection of particular lipids provided delivery to dendritic cells that resulted in translation, demonstrating that delivery efficiency could not guarantee translation. The observed translation in vitro was reproduced in vivo by inducing immune responses against the encoded influenza virus antigens. Cationic lipid-mediated delivery shows potential for promoting RepRNA vaccine delivery to dendritic cells, particularly when combined with additional delivery elements.
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Lundstrom K. New frontiers in oncolytic viruses: optimizing and selecting for virus strains with improved efficacy. Biologics 2018; 12:43-60. [PMID: 29445265 PMCID: PMC5810530 DOI: 10.2147/btt.s140114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses have demonstrated selective replication and killing of tumor cells. Different types of oncolytic viruses – adenoviruses, alphaviruses, herpes simplex viruses, Newcastle disease viruses, rhabdoviruses, Coxsackie viruses, and vaccinia viruses – have been applied as either naturally occurring or engineered vectors. Numerous studies in animal-tumor models have demonstrated substantial tumor regression and prolonged survival rates. Moreover, clinical trials have confirmed good safety profiles and therapeutic efficacy for oncolytic viruses. Most encouragingly, the first cancer gene-therapy drug – Gendicine, based on oncolytic adenovirus type 5 – was approved in China. Likewise, a second-generation oncolytic herpes simplex virus-based drug for the treatment of melanoma has been registered in the US and Europe as talimogene laherparepvec.
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Abstract
Gene therapy based on viral vectors has demonstrated steady progress recently, not only in the area of cancers. A multitude of viral vectors has been engineered for both preventive and therapeutic applications. Two main approaches comprise of viral vector-based delivery of toxic or anticancer genes or immunization with anticancer antigens. Tumor growth inhibition and tumor regression have been observed, providing improved survival rates in animal tumor models. Furthermore, vaccine-based cancer immunotherapy has demonstrated both tumor regression and protection against challenges with lethal doses of tumor cells. Several clinical trials with viral vectors have also been conducted. Additionally, viral vector-based cancer drugs have been approved. This review gives an overview of different viral vector systems and their applications in cancer gene therapy.
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Giel-Moloney M, Vaine M, Zhang L, Parrington M, Gajewska B, Vogel TU, Pougatcheva SO, Duan X, Farrell T, Ustyugova I, Phogat S, Kleanthous H, Pugachev KV. Application of replication-defective West Nile virus vector to non-flavivirus vaccine targets. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2017; 13:2982-2986. [PMID: 28925795 PMCID: PMC5718821 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2017.1373920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The RepliVax vaccine platform(RV) is based on flavivirus genomes that are rationally attenuated by deletion. The self-limiting infection provided by RV has been demonstrated to be safe, highly immunogenic and efficacious for several vaccine candidates against flaviviruses. Here respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) F, influenza virus HA, and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) Env proteins were expressed in place of either prM-E or C-prM-E gene deletions of the West Nile (WN) virus genome. The resulting RV-RSV, -influenza and -SIV vaccine prototypes replicated efficiently in complementing helper cells expressing the WN structural proteins in trans. Expressed antigens exhibited correct post-translational processing and the RV recombinants were shown to be highly attenuated and immunogenic in mice, eliciting strong antigen-specific antibodies as well as detectable T-cell responses. These data support the utility of RV vectors for development of vaccines against non-flavivirus targets including rabies and HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Vaine
- a R&D Discovery US, Sanofi Pasteur , Cambridge , MA , USA
| | - Linong Zhang
- a R&D Discovery US, Sanofi Pasteur , Cambridge , MA , USA
| | | | - Beata Gajewska
- a R&D Discovery US, Sanofi Pasteur , Cambridge , MA , USA
| | | | | | - Xiaochu Duan
- a R&D Discovery US, Sanofi Pasteur , Cambridge , MA , USA
| | | | | | - Sanjay Phogat
- a R&D Discovery US, Sanofi Pasteur , Cambridge , MA , USA
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Démoulins T, Ebensen T, Schulze K, Englezou PC, Pelliccia M, Guzmán CA, Ruggli N, McCullough KC. Self-replicating RNA vaccine functionality modulated by fine-tuning of polyplex delivery vehicle structure. J Control Release 2017; 266:256-271. [PMID: 28935594 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2017.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The major limitations with large and complex self-amplifying RNA vaccines (RepRNA) are RNase-sensitivity and inefficient translation in dendritic cells (DCs). Condensing RepRNA with polyethylenimine (PEI) gave positive in vitro readouts, but was largely inferior to virus-like replicon particles (VRP) or direct electroporation. In the present study, we improved such polyplex formulation and determined that fine-tuning of the polyplex structure is essential for ensuring efficacious translation. Thereby, three parameters dominate: (i) PEI molecular weight (MW); (ii) RepRNA:PEI (weight:weight) ratio; and (iii) inclusion of cell penetrating peptides (CPPs). Seven commercially available linear PEIs (MW 2,500-250,000) were classified as strong, intermediate or low for their aptitude at complexing and protecting RepRNA for delivery into porcine blood DCs. Inclusion of (Arg)9 or TAT(57-57) CPPs further modified the translation readouts, but varied for different gene expressions. Dependent on the formulation, translation of the gene of interest (GOI) inserted into the RepRNA (luciferase, or influenza virus hemagglutinin or nucleoprotein) could decrease, while the RepRNA structural gene (E2) translation increased. This was noted in the porcine SK6 cell line, as well as both porcine and, for the first time, human DCs. Two formulations - [Rep/PEI-4,000 (1:3)] and [Rep/PEI-40,000 (1:2)/(Arg)9] were efficacious in vivo in mice and pigs, where specific CD8+ T and CD4+ T-cell responses against the GOI-encoded antigen were observed for the first time. The results demonstrate that different polyplex formulations differ in their interaction with the RepRNA such that only certain genes can be translated. Thus, delivery of these large self-replicating RNA molecules require definition with respect to translation of different genes, rather than just the GOI as is the norm, for identifying optimal delivery for the desired immune activation in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Démoulins
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Sensemattstrasse 293, CH-3147 Mittelhäusern, Switzerland.
| | - Thomas Ebensen
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research Braunschweig (HZI), Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Kai Schulze
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research Braunschweig (HZI), Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Pavlos C Englezou
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Sensemattstrasse 293, CH-3147 Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
| | - Maria Pelliccia
- NorthWest Centre of Advanced Drug Delivery (NoWCADD), Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Carlos A Guzmán
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research Braunschweig (HZI), Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Nicolas Ruggli
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Sensemattstrasse 293, CH-3147 Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
| | - Kenneth C McCullough
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Sensemattstrasse 293, CH-3147 Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
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Giel-Moloney M, Rumyantsev AA, David F, Figueiredo M, Feilmeier B, Mebatsion T, Parrington M, Kleanthous H, Pugachev KV. A novel approach to a rabies vaccine based on a recombinant single-cycle flavivirus vector. Vaccine 2017; 35:6898-6904. [PMID: 28899628 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.08.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 08/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The RepliVax® vaccine (RV) platform is based on flavivirus genomes that are rationally attenuated by deletion. These single-cycle RV vaccine candidates targeting flavivirus pathogens have been demonstrated to be safe, highly immunogenic, and efficacious in animal models, including non-human primates. Here we show utility of the technology for delivery of a non-flavivirus immunogen by engineering several West Nile-based RV vectors to express full-length rabies virus G protein. The rabies virus G protein gene was incorporated in place of different West Nile structural protein gene deletions. The resulting RV-RabG constructs were demonstrated to replicate to high titers (8 log10 infectious particles/ml) in complementing helper cells. Following infection of normal cells, they provided efficient rabies virus G protein expression, but did not spread to surrounding cells. Expression of rabies virus G protein was stable and maintained through multiple rounds of in vitro passaging. A sensitive neurovirulence test in 2-3 day old neonatal mice demonstrated that RV-RabG candidates were completely avirulent indicative of high safety. We evaluated the RV-RabG variants in several animal models (mice, dogs, and pigs) and demonstrated that a single dose elicited high titers of rabies virus-neutralizing antibodies and protected animals from live rabies virus challenge (mice and dogs). Importantly, dogs were protected at both one and two years post-immunization, demonstrating durable protective immunity. The data demonstrates the potential of the RepliVax® technology as a potent vector delivery platform for developing vaccine candidates against non-flavivirus targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryann Giel-Moloney
- Sanofi Pasteur, R&D Discovery US, 38 Sidney Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States.
| | | | - Fred David
- Merial Bio R&D, 1730 Olympic Drive, Athens, GA 30601, United States
| | | | - Brad Feilmeier
- Merial Bio R&D, 1730 Olympic Drive, Athens, GA 30601, United States
| | | | - Mark Parrington
- Sanofi Pasteur, R&D Discovery US, 38 Sidney Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
| | - Harry Kleanthous
- Sanofi Pasteur, R&D Discovery US, 38 Sidney Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
| | - Konstantin V Pugachev
- Sanofi Pasteur, R&D Discovery US, 38 Sidney Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
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Usme-Ciro JA, Lopera JA, Alvarez DA, Enjuanes L, Almazán F. Generation of a DNA-Launched Reporter Replicon Based on Dengue Virus Type 2 as a Multipurpose Platform. Intervirology 2017. [DOI: 10.1159/000476066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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37
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Démoulins T, Englezou PC, Milona P, Ruggli N, Tirelli N, Pichon C, Sapet C, Ebensen T, Guzmán CA, McCullough KC. Self-Replicating RNA Vaccine Delivery to Dendritic Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1499:37-75. [PMID: 27987142 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6481-9_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Most current vaccines are either inactivated pathogen-derived or protein/peptide-based, although attenuated and vector vaccines have also been developed. The former induce at best moderate protection, even as multimeric antigen, due to limitations in antigen loads and therefore capacity for inducing robust immune defense. While attenuated and vector vaccines offer advantages through their replicative nature, drawbacks and risks remain with potential reversion to virulence and interference from preexisting immunity. New advances averting these problems are combining self-amplifying replicon RNA (RepRNA) technology with nanotechnology. RepRNA are large self-replicating RNA molecules (12-15 kb) derived from viral genomes defective in at least one structural protein gene. They provide sustained antigen production, effectively increasing vaccine antigen payloads over time, without the risk of producing infectious progeny. The major limitation with RepRNA is RNase-sensitivity and inefficient uptake by dendritic cells (DCs)-absolute requirements for efficacious vaccine design. We employed biodegradable delivery vehicles to protect the RepRNA and promote DC delivery. Encapsulating RepRNA into chitosan nanoparticles, as well as condensing RepRNA with polyethylenimine (PEI), cationic lipids, or chitosans, has proven effective for delivery to DCs and induction of immune responses in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Démoulins
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Sensemattstrasse 293, CH-3147, Mittelhäusern, Switzerland.
| | - Pavlos C Englezou
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Sensemattstrasse 293, CH-3147, Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
| | - Panagiota Milona
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Sensemattstrasse 293, CH-3147, Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Ruggli
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Sensemattstrasse 293, CH-3147, Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Tirelli
- Centre of Regenerative Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Chantal Pichon
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR4301, 45071, Orléans cedex 2, France
| | - Cédric Sapet
- OzBiosciences, Parc scientifique de Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Thomas Ebensen
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Carlos A Guzmán
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Kenneth C McCullough
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), Sensemattstrasse 293, CH-3147, Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
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Abstract
Vaccination is essential in livestock farming and in companion animal ownership. Nucleic acid vaccines based on DNA or RNA provide an elegant alternative to those classical veterinary vaccines that have performed suboptimally. Recent advances in terms of rational design, safety, and efficacy have strengthened the position of nucleic acid vaccines in veterinary vaccinology. The present review focuses on replicon vaccines designed for veterinary use. Replicon vaccines are self-amplifying viral RNA sequences that, in addition to the sequence encoding the antigen of interest, contain all elements necessary for RNA replication. Vaccination results in high levels of in situ antigen expression and induction of potent immune responses. Both positive- and negative-stranded viruses have been used to construct replicons, and they can be delivered as RNA, DNA, or viral replicon particles. An introduction to the biology and the construction of different viral replicon vectors is given, and examples of veterinary replicon vaccine applications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia C Hikke
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Gorben P Pijlman
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands;
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39
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Replicon RNA Viral Vectors as Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2016; 4:vaccines4040039. [PMID: 27827980 PMCID: PMC5192359 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines4040039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-stranded RNA viruses of both positive and negative polarity have been used as vectors for vaccine development. In this context, alphaviruses, flaviviruses, measles virus and rhabdoviruses have been engineered for expression of surface protein genes and antigens. Administration of replicon RNA vectors has resulted in strong immune responses and generation of neutralizing antibodies in various animal models. Immunization of mice, chicken, pigs and primates with virus-like particles, naked RNA or layered DNA/RNA plasmids has provided protection against challenges with lethal doses of infectious agents and administered tumor cells. Both prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy has been achieved in cancer immunotherapy. Moreover, recombinant particles and replicon RNAs have been encapsulated by liposomes to improve delivery and targeting. Replicon RNA vectors have also been subjected to clinical trials. Overall, immunization with self-replicating RNA viruses provides high transient expression levels of antigens resulting in generation of neutralizing antibody responses and protection against lethal challenges under safe conditions.
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40
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Wang Y, Li J, Hu Y, Liang Q, Wei M, Zhu F. Ebola vaccines in clinical trial: The promising candidates. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2016; 13:153-168. [PMID: 27764560 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2016.1225637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ebola virus disease (EVD) has become a great threat to humans across the world in recent years. The 2014 Ebola epidemic in West Africa caused numerous deaths and attracted worldwide attentions. Since no specific drugs and treatments against EVD was available, vaccination was considered as the most promising and effective method of controlling this epidemic. So far, 7 vaccine candidates had been developed and evaluated through clinical trials. Among them, the recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus-based vaccine (rVSV-EBOV) is the most promising candidate, which demonstrated a significant protection against EVD in phase III clinical trial. However, several concerns were still associated with the Ebola vaccine candidates, including the safety profile in some particular populations, the immunization schedule for emergency vaccination, and the persistence of the protection. We retrospectively reviewed the current development of Ebola vaccines and discussed issues and challenges remaining to be investigated in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiao Wang
- a School of Public Health; Southeast University , Nanjing , PR China
| | - Jingxin Li
- b Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Nanjing , PR China
| | - Yuemei Hu
- b Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Nanjing , PR China
| | - Qi Liang
- b Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Nanjing , PR China
| | - Mingwei Wei
- c School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University , Nanjing , PR China
| | - Fengcai Zhu
- b Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Nanjing , PR China
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41
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Schott JW, Morgan M, Galla M, Schambach A. Viral and Synthetic RNA Vector Technologies and Applications. Mol Ther 2016; 24:1513-27. [PMID: 27377044 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2016.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Use of RNA is an increasingly popular method to transiently deliver genetic information for cell manipulation in basic research and clinical therapy. In these settings, viral and nonviral RNA platforms are employed for delivery of small interfering RNA and protein-coding mRNA. Technological advances allowing RNA modification for increased stability, improved translation and reduced immunogenicity have led to increased use of nonviral synthetic RNA, which is delivered in naked form or upon formulation. Alternatively, highly efficient viral entry pathways are exploited to transfer genes of interest as RNA incorporated into viral particles. Current viral RNA transfer technologies are derived from Retroviruses, nonsegmented negative-strand RNA viruses or positive-stranded Alpha- and Flaviviruses. In retroviral particles, the genes of interest can either be incorporated directly into the viral RNA genome or as nonviral RNA. Nonsegmented negative-strand virus-, Alpha- and Flavivirus-derived vectors support prolonged expression windows through replication of viral RNA encoding genes of interest. Mixed technologies combining viral and nonviral components are also available. RNA transfer is ideal for all settings that do not require permanent transgene expression and excludes potentially detrimental DNA integration into the target cell genome. Thus, RNA-based technologies are successfully applied for reprogramming, transdifferentiation, gene editing, vaccination, tumor therapy, and gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane W Schott
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence REBIRTH, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Morgan
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence REBIRTH, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Melanie Galla
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence REBIRTH, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence REBIRTH, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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42
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Abstract
RNA viruses are characterized by their efficient capacity to replicate at high levels in mammalian cells leading to high expression of foreign genes and making them attractive candidates for vectors engineered for vaccine development and gene therapy. Particularly, alphaviruses, flaviviruses, rhabdoviruses and measles viruses have been applied for immunization against infectious agents and tumors. Application of replicon RNA, DNA/RNA-layered vectors and replication-deficient viral particles have provided strong immune responses and protection against challenges with lethal doses of viral pathogens or tumor cells. Moreover, tumor regression has been obtained when RNA replicons have been administered in the form of RNA, DNA and viral particles, including replication-proficient oncolytic particles.
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43
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Polyethylenimine-based polyplex delivery of self-replicating RNA vaccines. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2015; 12:711-722. [PMID: 26592962 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2015.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Revised: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Self-amplifying replicon RNA (RepRNA) are large molecules (12-14 kb); their self-replication amplifies mRNA template numbers, affording several rounds of antigen production, effectively increasing vaccine antigen payloads. Their sensitivity to RNase-sensitivity and inefficient uptake by dendritic cells (DCs) - absolute requirements for vaccine design - were tackled by condensing RepRNA into synthetic, nanoparticulate, polyethylenimine (PEI)-polyplex delivery vehicles. Polyplex-delivery formulations for small RNA molecules cannot be transferred to RepRNA due to its greater size and complexity; the N:P charge ratio and impact of RepRNA folding would influence polyplex condensation, post-delivery decompaction and the cytosolic release essential for RepRNA translation. Polyplex-formulations proved successful for delivery of RepRNA encoding influenza virus hemagglutinin and nucleocapsid to DCs. Cytosolic translocation was facilitated, leading to RepRNA translation. This efficacy was confirmed in vivo, inducing both humoral and cellular immune responses. Accordingly, this paper describes the first PEI-polyplexes providing efficient delivery of the complex and large, self-amplifying RepRNA vaccines. FROM THE CLINICAL EDITOR The use of self-amplifying replicon RNA (RepRNA) to increase vaccine antigen payloads can potentially be useful in effective vaccine design. Nonetheless, its use is limited by the degradation during the uptake process. Here, the authors attempted to solve this problem by packaging RepRNA using polyethylenimine (PEI)-polyplex delivery vehicles. The efficacy was confirmed in vivo by the appropriate humoral and cellular immune responses. This novel delivery method may prove to be very useful for future vaccine design.
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44
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Pyankov OV, Bodnev SA, Pyankova OG, Solodkyi VV, Pyankov SA, Setoh YX, Volchkova VA, Suhrbier A, Volchkov VV, Agafonov AA, Khromykh AA. A Kunjin Replicon Virus-like Particle Vaccine Provides Protection Against Ebola Virus Infection in Nonhuman Primates. J Infect Dis 2015; 212 Suppl 2:S368-71. [PMID: 25732811 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiv019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The current unprecedented outbreak of Ebola virus (EBOV) disease in West Africa has demonstrated the urgent need for a vaccine. Here, we describe the evaluation of an EBOV vaccine candidate based on Kunjin replicon virus-like particles (KUN VLPs) encoding EBOV glycoprotein with a D637L mutation (GP/D637L) in nonhuman primates. Four African green monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) were injected subcutaneously with a dose of 10(9) KUN VLPs per animal twice with an interval of 4 weeks, and animals were challenged 3 weeks later intramuscularly with 600 plaque-forming units of Zaire EBOV. Three animals were completely protected against EBOV challenge, while one vaccinated animal and the control animal died from infection. We suggest that KUN VLPs encoding GP/D637L represent a viable EBOV vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg V Pyankov
- State Center for Virology and Biotechnology Vector, Koltsovo, Russian Federation
| | - Sergey A Bodnev
- State Center for Virology and Biotechnology Vector, Koltsovo, Russian Federation
| | - Olga G Pyankova
- State Center for Virology and Biotechnology Vector, Koltsovo, Russian Federation Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia
| | - Vladislav V Solodkyi
- State Center for Virology and Biotechnology Vector, Koltsovo, Russian Federation
| | - Stepan A Pyankov
- State Center for Virology and Biotechnology Vector, Koltsovo, Russian Federation
| | - Yin Xiang Setoh
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia
| | - Valentina A Volchkova
- Molecular Basis of Viral Pathogenicity, CIRI, INSERM, U1111-CNRS UMR5308, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, France
| | - Andreas Suhrbier
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Viktor V Volchkov
- Molecular Basis of Viral Pathogenicity, CIRI, INSERM, U1111-CNRS UMR5308, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, France
| | - Alexander A Agafonov
- State Center for Virology and Biotechnology Vector, Koltsovo, Russian Federation
| | - Alexander A Khromykh
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia
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45
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McCullough KC, Milona P, Thomann-Harwood L, Démoulins T, Englezou P, Suter R, Ruggli N. Self-Amplifying Replicon RNA Vaccine Delivery to Dendritic Cells by Synthetic Nanoparticles. Vaccines (Basel) 2014; 2:735-54. [PMID: 26344889 PMCID: PMC4494254 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines2040735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 09/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DC) play essential roles determining efficacy of vaccine delivery with respect to immune defence development and regulation. This renders DCs important targets for vaccine delivery, particularly RNA vaccines. While delivery of interfering RNA oligonucleotides to the appropriate intracellular sites for RNA-interference has proven successful, the methodologies are identical for RNA vaccines, which require delivery to RNA translation sites. Delivery of mRNA has benefitted from application of cationic entities; these offer value following endocytosis of RNA, when cationic or amphipathic properties can promote endocytic vesicle membrane perturbation to facilitate cytosolic translocation. The present review presents how such advances are being applied to the delivery of a new form of RNA vaccine, replicons (RepRNA) carrying inserted foreign genes of interest encoding vaccine antigens. Approaches have been developed for delivery to DCs, leading to the translation of the RepRNA and encoded vaccine antigens both in vitro and in vivo. Potential mechanisms favouring efficient delivery leading to translation are discussed with respect to the DC endocytic machinery, showing the importance of cytosolic translocation from acidifying endocytic structures. The review relates the DC endocytic pathways to immune response induction, and the potential advantages for these self-replicating RNA vaccines in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Panagiota Milona
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, CH-3147 Mittelhaeusern, Switzerland.
| | | | - Thomas Démoulins
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, CH-3147 Mittelhaeusern, Switzerland.
| | - Pavlos Englezou
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, CH-3147 Mittelhaeusern, Switzerland.
| | - Rolf Suter
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, CH-3147 Mittelhaeusern, Switzerland.
| | - Nicolas Ruggli
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, CH-3147 Mittelhaeusern, Switzerland.
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46
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Abstract
RNA-based approaches have provided novel alternatives for modern drug discovery. The application of RNA as therapeutic agents has, until recently, been hampered by issues related to poor delivery and stability, but chemical modifications and new delivery approaches have increased progress. Moreover, the discovery of the importance of RNA in gene regulation and gene silencing has revealed new drug targets, especially related to treatment of cancer and other diseases. Recent engineering of small molecules designed from RNA sequences to target miRNAs opens up new possibilities in drug development. Furthermore, RNA-based vaccines have been engineered applying RNA virus vectors and non-viral delivery for vaccine development.
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47
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McCullough KC, Bassi I, Milona P, Suter R, Thomann-Harwood L, Englezou P, Démoulins T, Ruggli N. Self-replicating Replicon-RNA Delivery to Dendritic Cells by Chitosan-nanoparticles for Translation In Vitro and In Vivo. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2014; 3:e173. [PMID: 25004099 PMCID: PMC4121514 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2014.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Self-amplifying replicon RNA (RepRNA) possesses high potential for increasing antigen load within dendritic cells (DCs). The major aim of the present work was to define how RepRNA delivered by biodegradable, chitosan-based nanoparticulate delivery vehicles (nanogel-alginate (NGA)) interacts with DCs, and whether this could lead to translation of the RepRNA in the DCs. Although studies employed virus replicon particles (VRPs), there are no reports on biodegradable, nanoparticulate vehicle delivery of RepRNA. VRP studies employed cytopathogenic agents, contrary to DC requirements—slow processing and antigen retention. We employed noncytopathogenic RepRNA with NGA, demonstrating for the first time the efficiency of RepRNA association with nanoparticles, NGA delivery to DCs, and RepRNA internalization by DCs. RepRNA accumulated in vesicular structures, with patterns typifying cytosolic release. This promoted RepRNA translation, in vitro and in vivo. Delivery and translation were RepRNA concentration-dependent, occurring in a kinetic manner. Including cationic lipids with chitosan during nanoparticle formation enhanced delivery and translation kinetics, but was not required for translation of immunogenic levels in vivo. This work describes for the first time the characteristics associated with chitosan-nanoparticle delivery of self-amplifying RepRNA to DCs, leading to translation of encoded foreign genes, namely influenza virus hemagglutinin and nucleoprotein.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isabelle Bassi
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
| | - Panagiota Milona
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
| | - Rolf Suter
- 1] Institute of Virology and Immunology, Mittelhäusern, Switzerland [2] Current address: Laboratory of Experimental Biophysics, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Pavlos Englezou
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Démoulins
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Ruggli
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Mittelhäusern, Switzerland
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48
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Cytoplasmic RNA viruses as potential vehicles for the delivery of therapeutic small RNAs. Virol J 2013; 10:185. [PMID: 23759022 PMCID: PMC3685532 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-10-185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2012] [Accepted: 05/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral vectors have become the best option for the delivery of therapeutic genes in conventional and RNA interference-based gene therapies. The current viral vectors for the delivery of small regulatory RNAs are based on DNA viruses and retroviruses/lentiviruses. Cytoplasmic RNA viruses have been excluded as viral vectors for RNAi therapy because of the nuclear localization of the microprocessor complex and the potential degradation of the viral RNA genome during the excision of any virus-encoded pre-microRNAs. However, in the last few years, the presence of several species of small RNAs (e.g., virus-derived small interfering RNAs, virus-derived short RNAs, and unusually small RNAs) in animals and cell cultures that are infected with cytoplasmic RNA viruses has suggested the existence of a non-canonical mechanism of microRNA biogenesis. Several studies have been conducted on the tick-borne encephalitis virus and on the Sindbis virus in which microRNA precursors were artificially incorporated and demonstrated the production of mature microRNAs. The ability of these viruses to recruit Drosha to the cytoplasm during infection resulted in the efficient processing of virus-encoded microRNA without the viral genome entering the nucleus. In this review, we discuss the relevance of these findings with an emphasis on the potential use of cytoplasmic RNA viruses as vehicles for the efficient delivery of therapeutic small RNAs.
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49
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Geall AJ, Mandl CW, Ulmer JB. RNA: the new revolution in nucleic acid vaccines. Semin Immunol 2013; 25:152-9. [PMID: 23735226 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2013.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Revised: 04/29/2013] [Accepted: 05/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid vaccines have the potential to address issues of safety and effectiveness sometimes associated with vaccines based on live attenuated viruses and recombinant viral vectors. In addition, methods to manufacture nucleic acid vaccines are suitable as generic platforms and for rapid response, both of which will be very important for addressing newly emerging pathogens in a timely fashion. Plasmid DNA is the more widely studied form of nucleic acid vaccine and proof of principle in humans has been demonstrated, although no licensed human products have yet emerged. The RNA vaccine approach, based on mRNA and engineered RNA replicons derived from certain RNA viruses, is gaining increased attention and several vaccines are under investigation for infectious diseases, cancer and allergy. Human clinical trials are underway and the prospects for success are bright.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Geall
- Novartis Vaccines & Diagnostics, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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50
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Reynard O, Mokhonov V, Mokhonova E, Leung J, Page A, Mateo M, Pyankova O, Georges-Courbot MC, Raoul H, Khromykh AA, Volchkov VE. Kunjin virus replicon-based vaccines expressing Ebola virus glycoprotein GP protect the guinea pig against lethal Ebola virus infection. J Infect Dis 2011; 204 Suppl 3:S1060-5. [PMID: 21987742 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jir347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pre- or postexposure treatments against the filoviral hemorrhagic fevers are currently not available for human use. We evaluated, in a guinea pig model, the immunogenic potential of Kunjin virus (KUN)-derived replicons as a vaccine candidate against Ebola virus (EBOV). Virus like particles (VLPs) containing KUN replicons expressing EBOV wild-type glycoprotein GP, membrane anchor-truncated GP (GP/Ctr), and mutated GP (D637L) with enhanced shedding capacity were generated and assayed for their protective efficacy. Immunization with KUN VLPs expressing full-length wild-type and D637L-mutated GPs but not membrane anchor-truncated GP induced dose-dependent protection against a challenge of a lethal dose of recombinant guinea pig-adapted EBOV. The surviving animals showed complete clearance of the virus. Our results demonstrate the potential for KUN replicon vectors as vaccine candidates against EBOV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Reynard
- Filovirus Laboratory, INSERM U758, Human Virology Department, Claude Bernard University Lyon-1, Université de Lyon, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France
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