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Hussain T, Zhao Z, Murphy B, Taylor ZE, Gudorf JA, Klein S, Barnes LF, VanNieuwenhze M, Jarrold MF, Zlotnick A. Chemically Tagging Cargo for Specific Packaging inside and on the Surface of Virus-like Particles. ACS NANO 2024. [PMID: 39087909 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c02056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) have untapped potential for packaging and delivery of macromolecular cargo. To be a broadly useful platform, there needs to be a strategy for attaching macromolecules to the inside or the outside of the VLP with minimal modification of the platform or cargo. Here, we repurpose antiviral compounds that bind to hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsids to create a chemical tag to noncovalently attach cargo to the VLP. Our tag consists of a capsid assembly modulator, HAP13, connected to a linker terminating in maleimide. Our cargo is a green fluorescent protein (GFP) with a single addressable cysteine, a feature that can be engineered in many proteins. The HAP-GFP construct maintained HAP's intrinsic ability to bind HBV capsids and accelerate assembly. We investigated the capacity of HAP-GFP to coassemble with HBV capsid protein and bind to preassembled capsids. HAP-GFP binding was concentration-dependent, sensitive to capsid stability, and dependent on linker length. Long linkers had the greatest activity to bind capsids, while short linkers impeded assembly and damaged intact capsids. In coassembly reactions, >20 HAP-GFP molecules were presented on the outside and inside of the capsid, concentrating the cargo by more than 100-fold compared to bulk solution. We also tested an HAP-GFP with a cleavable linker so that external GFP molecules could be removed, resulting in exclusive internal packaging. These results demonstrate a generalizable strategy for attaching cargo to a VLP, supporting development of HBV as a modular VLP platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq Hussain
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Zhongchao Zhao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Brennan Murphy
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Zachary E Taylor
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Jessica A Gudorf
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Shelby Klein
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Lauren F Barnes
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Michael VanNieuwenhze
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Martin F Jarrold
- Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Adam Zlotnick
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
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2
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Prosper P, Rodríguez Puertas R, Guérin DMA, Branda MM. Computational method for designing vaccines applied to virus-like particles (VLPs) as epitope carriers. Vaccine 2024; 42:3916-3929. [PMID: 38782665 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.05.025] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Nonenveloped virus-like particles (VLPs) are self-assembled oligomeric structures composed of one or more proteins that originate from diverse viruses. Because these VLPs have similar antigenicity to the parental virus, they are successfully used as vaccines against cognate virus infection. Furthermore, after foreign antigenic sequences are inserted in their protein components (chimVLPs), some VLPs are also amenable to producing vaccines against pathogens other than the virus it originates from (these VLPs are named platform or epitope carrier). Designing chimVLP vaccines is challenging because the immunogenic response must be oriented against a given antigen without altering stimulant properties inherent to the VLP. An important step in this process is choosing the location of the sequence modifications because this must be performed without compromising the assembly and stability of the original VLP. Currently, many immunogenic data and computational tools can help guide the design of chimVLPs, thus reducing experimental costs and work. In this study, we analyze the structure of a novel VLP that originate from an insect virus and describe the putative regions of its three structural proteins amenable to insertion. For this purpose, we employed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to assess chimVLP stability by comparing mutated and wild-type (WT) VLP protein trajectories. We applied this procedure to design a chimVLP that can serve as a prophylactic vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The methodology described in this work is generally applicable for VLP-based vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascalita Prosper
- Instituto de Física Aplicada - INFAP, Universidad Nacional de San Luis/CONICET, Argentina, Av. Ejército de los Andes 950, 5700 San Luis, San Luis, Argentina
| | - Rafael Rodríguez Puertas
- Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU), Dept. Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, B° Sarriena S/N, 48940 Leioa, Vizcaya, Spain; Neurodegenerative Diseases, BioCruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Diego M A Guérin
- Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU) and Instituto Biofisika (CSIC, UPV/EHU), B° Sarriena S/N, 48940 Leioa, Vizcaya, Spain
| | - María Marta Branda
- Instituto de Física Aplicada - INFAP, Universidad Nacional de San Luis/CONICET, Argentina, Av. Ejército de los Andes 950, 5700 San Luis, San Luis, Argentina.
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3
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Su J, Harati Taji Z, Kosinska AD, Ates Oz E, Xie Z, Bielytskyi P, Shein M, Hagen P, Esmaeili S, Steiger K, Protzer U, Schütz AK. Introducing adjuvant-loaded particulate hepatitis B core antigen as an alternative therapeutic hepatitis B vaccine component. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:100997. [PMID: 38425450 PMCID: PMC10904195 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Particulate hepatitis B core antigen (HBcoreAg) is a potent immunogen used as a vaccine carrier platform. HBcoreAg produced in E. coli encapsidates random bacterial RNA (bRNA). Using the heterologous protein-prime, viral-vector-boost therapeutic hepatitis B vaccine TherVacB, we compared the properties of different HBcoreAg forms. We explored how the content of HBcoreAg modulates antigen stability, immunogenicity, and antiviral efficacy. Methods bRNA was removed from HBcoreAg by capsid disassembly, followed by reassembly in the absence or presence of specific nucleic acid-based adjuvants poly I:C or CpG. The morphology and structure of empty, bRNA-containing and adjuvant-loaded HBcoreAg were monitored by electron microscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Empty, bRNA-containing or adjuvant-loaded HBcoreAg were applied together with HBsAg and with or without nucleic acid-based external adjuvants within the TherVacB regimen in both wild-type and HBV-carrier mice. Results While HBcoreAg retained its structure upon bRNA removal, its stability and immunogenicity decreased significantly. Loading HBcoreAg with nucleic acid-based adjuvants re-established stability of the capsid-like antigen. Immunization with poly I:C- or CpG-loaded HBcoreAg induced high antibody titers against co-administered HBsAg. When applied within the TherVacB regimen, they activated vigorous HBcoreAg- and HBsAg-specific T-cell responses in wild-type and HBV-carrier mice, requiring a significantly lower dose of adjuvant compared to externally added adjuvant. Finally, immunization with adjuvant-loaded HBcoreAg mixed with HBsAg led to long-term control of persistent HBV replication in the HBV-carrier mice. Conclusion Adjuvant-loaded HBcoreAg retained capsid integrity and stability, was as immunogenic in vivo as externally adjuvanted HBcoreAg, requiring lower adjuvant levels, and supported immunity against co-administered, non-adjuvanted HBsAg. Thus, adjuvant-loaded HBcoreAg represents a promising novel platform for vaccine development. Impact and implications Hepatitis B core antigen (HBcoreAg) recapitulates the capsid of the HBV that hosts the viral genome. Produced recombinantly, it is not infectious but emerges as a potent immunogen in vaccine development. In this preclinical study, we show that loading HBcoreAg with defined nucleic-acid-based adjuvants on the one hand stabilizes the HBcoreAg with standardized capsid content and, on the other hand, efficiently promotes the immunity of HBcoreAg and a co-administered antigen, allowing for reduced adjuvant doses. Therefore, adjuvant-loaded HBcoreAg not only serves as an encouraging option for therapeutic hepatitis B vaccines, but could also act as an efficient adjuvant delivery system for other types of vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinpeng Su
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich / Helmholtz Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich partner site, Germany
| | - Zahra Harati Taji
- Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Bavarian NMR Center, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Munich, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Anna D. Kosinska
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich / Helmholtz Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich partner site, Germany
| | - Edanur Ates Oz
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich / Helmholtz Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Zhe Xie
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich / Helmholtz Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Pavlo Bielytskyi
- Bavarian NMR Center, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Munich, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Mikhail Shein
- Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Bavarian NMR Center, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Munich, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Philipp Hagen
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich / Helmholtz Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Shohreh Esmaeili
- Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Bavarian NMR Center, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Munich, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Katja Steiger
- Comparative Experimental Pathology, Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, Technical University of Munich / Helmholtz Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich partner site, Germany
| | - Anne K. Schütz
- Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Bavarian NMR Center, Technical University of Munich, 85748, Garching, Germany
- Institute of Structural Biology, Helmholtz Munich, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
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Shao S, Zhang XF, Hou JW, Yang SS, Han ZB, Wu HL, Tang F, Li XY, Lei ZH, Zhao ZX, Li SX, Liu ZM, Shan P, Jin YQ, Su JG, Liang Y, Zhang J, Li QM. Design of hepadnavirus core protein-based chimeric virus-like particles carrying epitopes from respiratory syncytial virus. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:62. [PMID: 38503757 PMCID: PMC10951352 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00855-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most important pathogens causing respiratory tract infection in humans, especially in infants and the elderly. The identification and structural resolution of the potent neutralizing epitopes on RSV fusion (F) protein enable an "epitope-focused" vaccine design. However, the display of RSV F epitope II on the surface of the widely-used human hepatitis B virus core antigen (HBcAg) has failed to induce neutralizing antibody response in mice. Here, we used the hepadnavirus core protein (HcAg) from different mammalian hosts as scaffolds to construct chimeric virus-like particles (VLPs) presenting the RSV F epitope II. Mouse immunization showed that different HcAg-based chimeric VLPs elicited significantly different neutralizing antibody responses, among which the HcAg derived from roundleaf bat (RBHcAg) is the most immunogenic. Furthermore, RBHcAg was used as the scaffold platform to present multiple RSV F epitopes, and the immunogenicity was further improved in comparison to that displaying a single epitope II. The designed RBHcAg-based multiple-epitope-presenting VLP formulated with MF59-like adjuvant elicited a potent and balanced Th1/Th2 immune response, and offered substantial protection in mice against the challenge of live RSV A2 virus. The designed chimeric VLPs may serve as the potential starting point for developing epitope-focused vaccines against RSV. Our study also demonstrated that RBHcAg is an effective VLP carrier for presenting foreign epitopes, providing a promising platform for epitope-focused vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Shao
- The Sixth Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Feng Zhang
- The Sixth Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Wei Hou
- The Sixth Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
| | - Sen Sen Yang
- The Sixth Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
| | - Zi Bo Han
- The Sixth Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
| | - Hai Lan Wu
- The Sixth Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Tang
- The Sixth Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Yu Li
- The Sixth Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
| | - Ze Hua Lei
- The Sixth Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
| | - Zi Xin Zhao
- The Sixth Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
| | - Shu Xiang Li
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
- The Third Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
| | - Zhao Ming Liu
- The Sixth Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
| | - Pu Shan
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
- The Third Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
| | - Yu Qin Jin
- The Sixth Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
| | - Ji Guo Su
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
- High Performance Computing Center, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
| | - Yu Liang
- The Sixth Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- The Sixth Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China.
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China.
| | - Qi Ming Li
- The Sixth Laboratory, National Vaccine and Serum Institute (NVSI), Beijing, China.
- National Engineering Center for New Vaccine Research, Beijing, China.
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5
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Latifi T, Jalilvand S, Golsaz-Shirazi F, Arashkia A, Kachooei A, Afchangi A, Zafarian S, Roohvand F, Shoja Z. Characterization and immunogenicity of a novel chimeric hepatitis B core-virus like particles (cVLPs) carrying rotavirus VP8*protein in mice model. Virology 2023; 588:109903. [PMID: 37832344 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.109903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Given the efficacy and safety issues of the WHO for approved/prequalified live attenuated rotavirus (RV) vaccines, studies on alternative non-replicating modals and proper RV antigens are actively undertaken. Herein, we report the novel chimeric hepatitis B core-virus like particles (VLPs) carrying RV VP8*26-231 protein of a P [8] strain (cVLPVP8*), as a parenteral VLP RV vaccine candidate. SDS-PAGE and Western blotting analyses indicated the expected size of the E. coli-derived HBc-VP8* protein that self-assembled to cVLPVP8* particles. Immunization in mice indicated development of higher levels of IgG and IgA as well as higher IgG1/IgG2a ratios by cVLPVP8* vaccination compared to the VP8* alone. Assessment of neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) indicated development of heterotypic nAbs with cross-reactivity to a heterotypic RV strain by cVLPVP8* immunization compared to VP8* alone. The observed anti-VP8* cross-reactivity might indicate the possibility of developing a Pan-genomic RVA vaccine based on the cVLPVP8* formulation that deserves further challenge studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayebeh Latifi
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Jalilvand
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Forough Golsaz-Shirazi
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arash Arashkia
- Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atefeh Kachooei
- Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atefeh Afchangi
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saman Zafarian
- Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; Department of Microbial Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzin Roohvand
- Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zabihollah Shoja
- Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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6
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Chang Z, Du Y, Li R, Sun X, Chen Y, Li M, Fan L, Liu S, Wang S, Ding P, Zhang G. Development and characterization of monoclonal antibody against the critical loop structure of african swine fever virus P72 protein. Vet Microbiol 2023; 283:109776. [PMID: 37270924 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2023.109776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) is a highly infectious and lethal viral disease caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV). The four prominent loop structures on the surface of the primary structural protein P72 are considered to be key protective epitopes. In this study, the four critical loops (ER1-4) of the ASFV p72 protein were individually fused to hepatitis B virus core particles (HBc) and self-assembled into nanoparticles to preserve the natural conformation of the loop structure and enhance its immunogenicity. Then, four recombinant proteins were obtained in E. coli expression system and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were developed and characterized. All 10 mAbs obtained were able to react with P72 protein and ASFV with potencies up to 1:204 800. Amino acids 250-274, 279-299 and 507-517 of the P72 protein were identified as linear epitopes and highly conserved. The mAb 4G8 showed the highest inhibition rate of 84% against ASFV positive sera. Importantly, neutralization experiments illustrated that mAb 4G8 has a 67% inhibition rate, indicating that its corresponding epitopes are potential candidates for ASFV vaccine. In conclusion, highly immunogenic nanoparticles of the ASFV P72 key loop were constructed to induce the production of highly effective mAbs and clarify their epitope information for the diagnosis and prevention of ASFV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zejie Chang
- College of Animal Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Yongkun Du
- College of Animal Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Ruiqi Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Xueke Sun
- Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Yilan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Minghui Li
- College of Animal Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Lu Fan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Siyuan Liu
- College of Animal Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Siqiao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Peiyang Ding
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Longhu Advanced Immunization Laboratory, Zhengzhou 450046, China.
| | - Gaiping Zhang
- College of Animal Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Immunology, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China; School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Longhu Advanced Immunization Laboratory, Zhengzhou 450046, China; Institute of Advanced Agriculture sciences, Peking University, 100080, China.
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7
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González-Davis O, Villagrana-Escareño MV, Trujillo MA, Gama P, Chauhan K, Vazquez-Duhalt R. Virus-like nanoparticles as enzyme carriers for Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT). Virology 2023; 580:73-87. [PMID: 36791560 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) has been used to treat a few of the many existing diseases which are originated from the lack of, or low enzymatic activity. Exogenous enzymes are administered to contend with the enzymatic activity deficiency. Enzymatic nanoreactors based on the enzyme encapsulation inside of virus-like particles (VLPs) appear as an interesting alternative for ERT. VLPs are excellent delivery vehicles for therapeutic enzymes as they are biodegradable, uniformly organized, and porous nanostructures that transport and could protect the biocatalyst from the external environment without much affecting the bioactivity. Consequently, significant efforts have been made in the production processes of virus-based enzymatic nanoreactors and their functionalization, which are critically reviewed. The use of virus-based enzymatic nanoreactors for the treatment of lysosomal storage diseases such as Gaucher, Fabry, and Pompe diseases, as well as potential therapies for galactosemia, and Hurler and Hunter syndromes are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar González-Davis
- Centro de Nanociencias y Nanotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Km 107 carretera, Tijuana-Ensenada, Baja California, 22860, Mexico
| | - Maria V Villagrana-Escareño
- Centro de Nanociencias y Nanotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Km 107 carretera, Tijuana-Ensenada, Baja California, 22860, Mexico
| | - Mario A Trujillo
- School of Medicine, Universidad Xochicalco, Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
| | - Pedro Gama
- Centro de Nanociencias y Nanotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Km 107 carretera, Tijuana-Ensenada, Baja California, 22860, Mexico
| | - Kanchan Chauhan
- Centro de Nanociencias y Nanotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Km 107 carretera, Tijuana-Ensenada, Baja California, 22860, Mexico
| | - Rafael Vazquez-Duhalt
- Centro de Nanociencias y Nanotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Km 107 carretera, Tijuana-Ensenada, Baja California, 22860, Mexico.
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8
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Ghasemian K, Broer I, Schön J, Killisch R, Kolp N, Springer A, Huckauf J. Oral and Subcutaneous Immunization with a Plant-Produced Mouse-Specific Zona Pellucida 3 Peptide Presented on Hepatitis B Core Antigen Virus-like Particles. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020462. [PMID: 36851339 PMCID: PMC9963689 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
A short mouse-specific peptide from zona pellucida 3 (mZP3, amino acids 328-342) has been shown to be associated with antibody-mediated contraception. In this study, we investigated the production of mZP3 in the plant, as an orally applicable host, and examined the immunogenicity of this small peptide in the BALB/c mouse model. The mZP3 peptide was inserted into the major immunodominant region of the hepatitis B core antigen and was produced in Nicotiana benthamiana plants via Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression. Soluble HBcAg-mZP3 accumulated at levels up to 2.63 mg/g leaf dry weight (LDW) containing ~172 µg/mg LDW mZP3 peptide. Sucrose gradient analysis and electron microscopy indicated the assembly of the HBcAg-mZP3 virus-like particles (VLPs) in the soluble protein fraction. Subcutaneously administered mZP3 peptide displayed on HBcAg VLPs was immunogenic in BALB/c mice at a relatively low dosage (5.5 µg mZP3 per dose) and led to the generation of mZP3-specific antibodies that bound to the native zona pellucida of wild mice. Oral delivery of dried leaves expressing HBcAg-mZP3 also elicited mZP3-specific serum IgG and mucosal IgA that cross-reacted with the zona pellucida of wild mice. According to these results, it is worthwhile to investigate the efficiency of plants producing HBcAg-mZP3 VLPs as immunogenic edible baits in reducing the fertility of wild mice through inducing antibodies that cross-react to the zona pellucida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadijeh Ghasemian
- Department of Agrobiotechnology and Risk Assessment for Bio and Gene Technology, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Inge Broer
- Department of Agrobiotechnology and Risk Assessment for Bio and Gene Technology, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Jennifer Schön
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Richard Killisch
- BIOSERV, Analytik und Medizinprodukte GmbH, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Nadine Kolp
- BIOSERV, Analytik und Medizinprodukte GmbH, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Armin Springer
- Medical Biology and Electron Microscopy Center, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Jana Huckauf
- Department of Agrobiotechnology and Risk Assessment for Bio and Gene Technology, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
- Correspondence:
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9
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Virus-like particles displaying conserved toxin epitopes stimulate polyspecific, murine antibody responses capable of snake venom recognition. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11328. [PMID: 35790745 PMCID: PMC9256628 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13376-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Antivenom is currently the first-choice treatment for snakebite envenoming. However, only a low proportion of antivenom immunoglobulins are specific to venom toxins, resulting in poor dose efficacy and potency. We sought to investigate whether linear venom epitopes displayed on virus like particles can stimulate an antibody response capable of recognising venom toxins from diverse medically important species. Bioinformatically-designed epitopes, corresponding to predicted conserved regions of group I phospholipase A2 and three finger toxins, were engineered for display on the surface of hepatitis B core antigen virus like particles and used to immunise female CD1 mice over a 14 weeks. Antibody responses to all venom epitope virus like particles were detectable by ELISA by the end of the immunisation period, although total antibody and epitope specific antibody titres were variable against the different epitope immunogens. Immunoblots using pooled sera demonstrated recognition of various venom components in a diverse panel of six elapid venoms, representing three continents and four genera. Insufficient antibody yields precluded a thorough assessment of the neutralising ability of the generated antibodies, however we were able to test polyclonal anti-PLA2 IgG from three animals against the PLA2 activity of Naja nigricollis venom, all of which showed no neutralising ability. This study demonstrates proof-of-principle that virus like particles engineered to display conserved toxin linear epitopes can elicit specific antibody responses in mice which are able to recognise a geographically broad range of elapid venoms.
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10
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Roman-Sosa G, Leske A, Ficht X, Dau TH, Holzerland J, Hoenen T, Beer M, Kammerer R, Schirmbeck R, Rey FA, Cordo SM, Groseth A. Immunization with GP1 but Not Core-like Particles Displaying Isolated Receptor-Binding Epitopes Elicits Virus-Neutralizing Antibodies against Junín Virus. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10020173. [PMID: 35214632 PMCID: PMC8874384 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10020173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
New World arenaviruses are rodent-transmitted viruses and include a number of pathogens that are responsible for causing severe human disease. This includes Junín virus (JUNV), which is the causative agent of Argentine hemorrhagic fever. The wild nature and mobility of the rodent reservoir host makes it difficult to control the disease, and currently passive immunization with high-titer neutralizing antibody-containing plasma from convalescent patients is the only specific therapy. However, dwindling supplies of naturally available convalescent plasma, and challenges in developing similar resources for other closely related viruses, have made the development of alternative antibody-based therapeutic approaches of critical importance. In this study, we sought to induce a neutralizing antibody response in rabbits against the receptor-binding subunit of the viral glycoprotein, GP1, and the specific peptide sequences in GP1 involved in cellular receptor contacts. While these specific receptor-interacting peptides did not efficiently induce the production of neutralizing antibodies when delivered as a particulate antigen (as part of hepatitis B virus core-like particles), we showed that recombinant JUNV GP1 purified from transfected mammalian cells induced virus-neutralizing antibodies at high titers in rabbits. Further, neutralization was observed across a range of unrelated JUNV strains, a feature that is critical for effectiveness in the field. These results underscore the potential of GP1 alone to induce a potent neutralizing antibody response and highlight the importance of epitope presentation. In addition, effective virus neutralization by rabbit antibodies supports the potential applicability of this species for the future development of immunotherapeutics (e.g., based on humanized monoclonal antibodies). Such information can be applied in the design of vaccines and immunogens for both prevention and specific therapies against this and likely also other closely related pathogenic New World arenaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gleyder Roman-Sosa
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (X.F.); (R.S.)
- Correspondence: (G.R.-S.); (A.G.)
| | - Anne Leske
- Laboratory for Arenavirus Biology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (A.L.); (J.H.)
| | - Xenia Ficht
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (X.F.); (R.S.)
| | - Tung Huy Dau
- Laboratory for Immunogenetics, Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (T.H.D.); (R.K.)
| | - Julia Holzerland
- Laboratory for Arenavirus Biology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (A.L.); (J.H.)
| | - Thomas Hoenen
- Laboratory for Integrative Cell and Infection Biology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald, Germany;
| | - Martin Beer
- National and OIE Reference Laboratory for BHV-1, Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald, Germany;
| | - Robert Kammerer
- Laboratory for Immunogenetics, Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (T.H.D.); (R.K.)
| | - Reinhold Schirmbeck
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (X.F.); (R.S.)
| | - Felix A. Rey
- Structural Virology Unit, CNRS UMR3569, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris, 75015 Paris, France;
| | - Sandra M. Cordo
- Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), University of Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Pabellón II, Piso 4, Buenos Aires 1428, Argentina;
| | - Allison Groseth
- Laboratory for Arenavirus Biology, Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, 17493 Greifswald, Germany; (A.L.); (J.H.)
- Correspondence: (G.R.-S.); (A.G.)
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11
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Miao Y, Yang T, Yang S, Yang M, Mao C. Protein nanoparticles directed cancer imaging and therapy. NANO CONVERGENCE 2022; 9:2. [PMID: 34997888 PMCID: PMC8742799 DOI: 10.1186/s40580-021-00293-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Cancer has been a serious threat to human health. Among drug delivery carriers, protein nanoparticles are unique because of their mild and environmentally friendly preparation methods. They also inherit desired characteristics from natural proteins, such as biocompatibility and biodegradability. Therefore, they have solved some problems inherent to inorganic nanocarriers such as poor biocompatibility. Also, the surface groups and cavity of protein nanoparticles allow for easy surface modification and drug loading. Besides, protein nanoparticles can be combined with inorganic nanoparticles or contrast agents to form multifunctional theranostic platforms. This review introduces representative protein nanoparticles applicable in cancer theranostics, including virus-like particles, albumin nanoparticles, silk protein nanoparticles, and ferritin nanoparticles. It also describes the common methods for preparing them. It then critically analyzes the use of a variety of protein nanoparticles in improved cancer imaging and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Miao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tao Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuxu Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 3 East Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310016, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Mingying Yang
- Institute of Applied Bioresource Research, College of Animal Science, Zhejiang University, Yuhangtang Road 866, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Chuanbin Mao
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Stephenson Life Science Research Center, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology, University of Oklahoma, 101 Stephenson Parkway, Norman, OK, 73019-5251, USA.
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12
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Suffian IFBM, Al-Jamal KT. Bioengineering of virus-like particles as dynamic nanocarriers for in vivo delivery and targeting to solid tumours. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 180:114030. [PMID: 34736988 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are known as self-assembled, non-replicative and non-infectious protein particles, which imitate the formation and structure of original wild type viruses, however, lack the viral genome and/or their fragments. The capacity of VLPs to encompass small molecules like nucleic acids and others has made them as novel vessels of nanocarriers for drug delivery applications. In addition, VLPs surface have the capacity to achieve variation of the surface display via several modification strategies including genetic modification, chemical modification, and non-covalent modification. Among the VLPs nanocarriers, Hepatitis B virus core (HBc) particles have been the most encouraging candidate. HBc particles are hollow nanoparticles in the range of 30-34 nm in diameter and 7 nm thick envelopes, consisting of 180 or 240 copies of identical polypeptide monomer. They also employ a distinctive position among the VLPs carriers due to the high-level synthesis, which serves as a strong protective capsid shell and efficient self-assembly properties. This review highlights on the bioengineering of HBc particles as dynamic nanocarriers for in vivo delivery and specific targeting to solid tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izzat F B M Suffian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia (Kuantan Campus), Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Bandar Indera Mahkota, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia.
| | - Khuloud T Al-Jamal
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, Franklin-Wilkins Building, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, UK.
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13
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Hepatitis B core-based virus-like particles: A platform for vaccine development in plants. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 29:e00605. [PMID: 33732633 PMCID: PMC7937989 DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2021.e00605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are a class of structures formed by the self-assembly of viral capsid protein subunits and contain no infective viral genetic material. The Hepatitis B core (HBc) antigen is capable of assembling into VLPs that can elicit strong immune responses and has been licensed as a commercial vaccine against Hepatitis B. The HBc VLPs have also been employed as a platform for the presentation of foreign epitopes to the immune system and have been used to develop vaccines against, for example, influenza A and Foot-and-mouth disease. Plant expression systems are rapid, scalable and safe, and are capable of providing correct post-translational modifications and reducing upstream production costs. The production of HBc-based virus-like particles in plants would thus greatly increase the efficiency of vaccine production. This review investigates the application of plant-based HBc VLP as a platform for vaccine production.
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14
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Production of the HBc Protein from Different HBV Genotypes in E. coli. Use of Reassociated HBc VLPs for Packaging of ss- and dsRNA. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9020283. [PMID: 33573151 PMCID: PMC7912224 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The core proteins (HBc) of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes A, B, C, D, E, F, and G were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli), and HBc-formed virus-like particles (VLPs) were purified with ammonium sulfate precipitation, gel filtration, and ion exchange chromatography (IEX). The best VLP yield was found for the HBc of the HBV genotypes D and G. For the HBc of the HBV genotypes D, F, and G, the possibility of dissociation and reassociation maintaining the native HBc structure was demonstrated. Single-stranded (ss) and double-stranded (ds) ribonucleic acid (RNA) was successfully packed into HBc VLPs for the HBV genotypes D and G.
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15
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Vormittag P, Klamp T, Hubbuch J. Optimization of a Soft Ensemble Vote Classifier for the Prediction of Chimeric Virus-Like Particle Solubility and Other Biophysical Properties. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:881. [PMID: 32850736 PMCID: PMC7411134 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric virus-like particles (cVLPs) are protein-based nanostructures applied as investigational vaccines against infectious diseases, cancer, and immunological disorders. Low solubility of cVLP vaccine candidates is a challenge that can prevent development of these very substances. Solubility of cVLPs is typically assessed empirically, leading to high time and material requirements. Prediction of cVLP solubility in silico can aid in reducing this effort. Protein aggregation by hydrophobic interaction is an important factor driving protein insolubility. In this article, a recently developed soft ensemble vote classifier (sEVC) for the prediction of cVLP solubility was used based on 91 literature amino acid hydrophobicity scales. Optimization algorithms were developed to boost model performance, and the model was redesigned as a regression tool for ammonium sulfate concentration required for cVLP precipitation. The present dataset consists of 568 cVLPs, created by insertion of 71 different peptide sequences using eight different insertion strategies. Two optimization algorithms were developed that (I) modified the sEVC with regard to systematic misclassification based on the different insertion strategies, and (II) modified the amino acid hydrophobicity scale tables to improve classification. The second algorithm was additionally used to synthesize scales from random vectors. Compared to the unmodified model, Matthew’s Correlation Coefficient (MCC), and accuracy of the test set predictions could be elevated from 0.63 and 0.81 to 0.77 and 0.88, respectively, for the best models. This improved performance compared to literature scales was suggested to be due to a decreased correlation between synthesized scales. In these, tryptophan was identified as the most hydrophobic amino acid, i.e., the amino acid most problematic for cVLP solubility, supported by previous literature findings. As a case study, the sEVC was redesigned as a regression tool and applied to determine ammonium sulfate concentrations for the precipitation of cVLPs. This was evaluated with a small dataset of ten cVLPs resulting in an R2 of 0.69. In summary, we propose optimization algorithms that improve sEVC model performance for the prediction of cVLP solubility, allow for the synthesis of amino acid scale tables, and further evaluate the sEVC as regression tool to predict cVLP-precipitating ammonium sulfate concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Vormittag
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | | | - Jürgen Hubbuch
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
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16
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Vormittag P, Klamp T, Hubbuch J. Ensembles of Hydrophobicity Scales as Potent Classifiers for Chimeric Virus-Like Particle Solubility - An Amino Acid Sequence-Based Machine Learning Approach. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:395. [PMID: 32432098 PMCID: PMC7217080 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are protein-based nanoscale structures that show high potential as immunotherapeutics or cargo delivery vehicles. Chimeric VLPs are decorated with foreign peptides resulting in structures that confer immune responses against the displayed epitope. However, insertion of foreign sequences often results in insoluble proteins, calling for methods capable of assessing a VLP candidate's solubility in silico. The prediction of VLP solubility requires a model that can identify critical hydrophobicity-related parameters, distinguishing between VLP-forming aggregation and aggregation leading to insoluble virus protein clusters. Therefore, we developed and implemented a soft ensemble vote classifier (sEVC) framework based on chimeric hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) amino acid sequences and 91 publicly available hydrophobicity scales. Based on each hydrophobicity scale, an individual decision tree was induced as classifier in the sEVC. An embedded feature selection algorithm and stratified sampling proved beneficial for model construction. With a learning experiment, model performance in the space of model training set size and number of included classifiers in the sEVC was explored. Additionally, seven models were created from training data of 24-384 chimeric HBcAg constructs, which were validated by 100-fold Monte Carlo cross-validation. The models predicted external test sets of 184-544 chimeric HBcAg constructs. Best models showed a Matthew's correlation coefficient of >0.6 on the validation and the external test set. Feature selection was evaluated for classifiers with best and worst performance in the chimeric HBcAg VLP solubility scenario. Analysis of the associated hydrophobicity scales allowed for retrieval of biological information related to the mechanistic backgrounds of VLP solubility, suggesting a special role of arginine for VLP assembly and solubility. In the future, the developed sEVC could further be applied to hydrophobicity-related problems in other domains, such as monoclonal antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Vormittag
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | | | - Jürgen Hubbuch
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
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17
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Diamos AG, Pardhe MD, Sun H, Hunter JGL, Mor T, Meador L, Kilbourne J, Chen Q, Mason HS. Codelivery of improved immune complex and virus-like particle vaccines containing Zika virus envelope domain III synergistically enhances immunogenicity. Vaccine 2020; 38:3455-3463. [PMID: 32173095 PMCID: PMC7102565 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.02.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) reemergence poses a significant health threat especially due to its risks to fetal development, necessitating safe and effective vaccines that can protect pregnant women. Zika envelope domain III (ZE3) has been identified as a safe and effective vaccine candidate, however it is poorly immunogenic. We previously showed that plant-made recombinant immune complex (RIC) vaccines are a robust platform to improve the immunogenicity of weak antigens. In this study, we altered the antigen fusion site on the RIC platform to accommodate N-terminal fusion to the IgG heavy chain (N-RIC), and thus a wider range of antigens, with a resulting 40% improvement in RIC expression over the normal C-terminal fusion (C-RIC). Both types of RICs containing ZE3 were efficiently assembled in plants and purified to >95% homogeneity with a simple one-step purification. Both ZE3 RICs strongly bound complement receptor C1q and elicited strong ZE3-specific antibody titers that correlated with ZIKV neutralization. When either N-RIC or C-RIC was codelivered with plant-produced hepatitis B core (HBc) virus-like particles (VLP) displaying ZE3, the combination elicited 5-fold greater antibody titers (>1,000,000) and more strongly neutralized ZIKV than either RICs or VLPs alone, after only two doses without adjuvant. These findings demonstrate that antigens that require a free N-terminus for optimal antigen display can now be used with the RIC system, and that plant-made RICs and VLPs are highly effective vaccines targeting ZE3. Thus, the RIC platform can be more generally applied to a wider variety of antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew G Diamos
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, and The School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, United States
| | - Mary D Pardhe
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, and The School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, United States
| | - Haiyan Sun
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, and The School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, United States
| | - Joseph G L Hunter
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, and The School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, United States
| | - Tsafrir Mor
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, and The School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, United States
| | - Lydia Meador
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, and The School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, United States
| | - Jacquelyn Kilbourne
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, and The School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, United States
| | - Qiang Chen
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, and The School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, United States
| | - Hugh S Mason
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines and Virotherapy, The Biodesign Institute, and The School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-4501, United States.
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18
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Maini MK, Burton AR. Restoring, releasing or replacing adaptive immunity in chronic hepatitis B. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 16:662-675. [PMID: 31548710 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-019-0196-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Multiple new therapeutic approaches are currently being developed to achieve sustained, off-treatment suppression of HBV, a persistent hepatotropic infection that kills ~2,000 people a day. A fundamental therapeutic goal is the restoration of robust HBV-specific adaptive immune responses that are able to maintain prolonged immunosurveillance of residual infection. Here, we provide insight into key components of successful T cell and B cell responses to HBV, discussing the importance of different specificities and effector functions, local intrahepatic immunity and pathogenic potential. We focus on the parallels and interactions between T cell and B cell responses, highlighting emerging areas for future investigation. We review the potential for different immunotherapies in development to restore or release endogenous adaptive immunity by direct or indirect approaches, including limitations and risks. Finally, we consider an alternative HBV treatment strategy of replacing failed endogenous immunity with infusions of highly targeted T cells or antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mala K Maini
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Alice R Burton
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
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19
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Zhang Q, Xu D, Guo Q, Shan W, Yang J, Lin T, Ye S, Zhou X, Ge Y, Bi S, Ren L. Theranostic Quercetin Nanoparticle for Treatment of Hepatic Fibrosis. Bioconjug Chem 2019; 30:2939-2946. [PMID: 31644261 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.9b00631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The progression of hepatic fibrosis can lead to cirrhosis and hepatic failure, but the development of antifibrotic drugs have faced the challenges of poor effectiveness and targeted specificity. Herein, a theranostic strategy was carried to encapsulate a natural medicine (Quercetin, QR) into hepatitis B core (HBc) protein nanocages (NCs) for imaging and targeted treatment of hepatic fibrosis. It was noted that nanoparticles (RGD-HBc/QR) with surface-displayed RGD targeting ligand exhibit a rather high selectivity toward activated HSCs via the binding affinity with integrin αvβ3, and an efficient inhibition of proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vitro and in vivo. Once encapsulated in quercetin-gadolinium complex and/or labeled with the NIR fluorescent probes (Cy5.5), the resulting nanoparticles (RGD-HBc/QGd) show great potential as NIR fluorescent and magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents for hepatic fibrosis in vivo. Therefore, the multifunctional integrin-targeted nanoparticles could selectively deliver QR to the activated HSCs, and may provide an effective antifibrotic theranostic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province University/Research Center of Biomedical Engineering of Xiamen, Department of Biomaterials, College of Materials , Xiamen University , Xiamen 361005 , P. R. China
| | - Dan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province University/Research Center of Biomedical Engineering of Xiamen, Department of Biomaterials, College of Materials , Xiamen University , Xiamen 361005 , P. R. China
| | - Qiuyan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province University/Research Center of Biomedical Engineering of Xiamen, Department of Biomaterials, College of Materials , Xiamen University , Xiamen 361005 , P. R. China
| | - Wenjun Shan
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy , Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University) , Chongqing 400038 , P. R. China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine , Xiamen University , Xiamen 361005 , P. R. China
| | - Tongtong Lin
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province University/Research Center of Biomedical Engineering of Xiamen, Department of Biomaterials, College of Materials , Xiamen University , Xiamen 361005 , P. R. China
| | - Shefang Ye
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province University/Research Center of Biomedical Engineering of Xiamen, Department of Biomaterials, College of Materials , Xiamen University , Xiamen 361005 , P. R. China
| | - Xi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province University/Research Center of Biomedical Engineering of Xiamen, Department of Biomaterials, College of Materials , Xiamen University , Xiamen 361005 , P. R. China
| | - Yunlong Ge
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine , Xiamen University , Xiamen 361005 , P. R. China
| | - Shengli Bi
- National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention , Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention , Beijing 102206 , P. R. China
| | - Lei Ren
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province University/Research Center of Biomedical Engineering of Xiamen, Department of Biomaterials, College of Materials , Xiamen University , Xiamen 361005 , P. R. China.,State Key Lab of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces , Xiamen University , Xiamen 361005 , P. R. China
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20
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Rezaei M, Rabbani-Khorasgani M, Zarkesh-Esfahani SH, Emamzadeh R, Abtahi H. Prediction of the Omp16 Epitopes for the Development of an Epitope-based Vaccine Against Brucellosis. Infect Disord Drug Targets 2019; 19:36-45. [PMID: 29984663 DOI: 10.2174/1871526518666180709121653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brucellosis is an infectious disease caused by Brucella bacteria that cause disease in animals and humans. Brucellosis is one of the most common zoonotic diseases transmitted from animals-to-human through direct contact with infected animals and also consumption of unpasteurized dairy products. Due to the wide incidence of brucellosis in Iran and economical costs in industrial animal husbandry, Vaccination is the best way to prevent this disease. All of the available commercial vaccines against brucellosis are derived from live attenuated strains of Brucella but because of the disadvantage of live attenuated vaccines, protective subunit vaccine against Brucella may be a good candidate for the production of new recombinant vaccines based on Brucella Outer Membrane Protein (OMP) antigens. In the present study, comprehensive bioinformatics analysis has been conducted on prediction software to predict T and B cell epitopes, the secondary and tertiary structures and antigenicity of Omp16 antigen and the validation of used software confirmed by experimental results. CONCLUSION The final epitope prediction results have proposed that the three epitopes were predicted for the Omp16 protein with antigenicity ability. We hypothesized that these epitopes likely have the protective capacity to stimulate both the B-cell and T-cell mediated immune responses and so may be effective as an immunogenic candidate for the development of an epitope-based vaccine against brucellosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Rezaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | | | - Rahman Emamzadeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hamid Abtahi
- Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Arak University of Medical Science, Arak, Iran
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21
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Rüdt M, Vormittag P, Hillebrandt N, Hubbuch J. Process monitoring of virus-like particle reassembly by diafiltration with UV/Vis spectroscopy and light scattering. Biotechnol Bioeng 2019; 116:1366-1379. [PMID: 30684365 PMCID: PMC6593973 DOI: 10.1002/bit.26935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) have shown great potential as biopharmaceuticals in the market and in clinics. Nonenveloped, in vivo assembled VLPs are typically disassembled and reassembled in vitro to improve particle stability, homogeneity, and immunogenicity. At the industrial scale, cross-flow filtration (CFF) is the method of choice for performing reassembly by diafiltration. Here, we developed an experimental CFF setup with an on-line measurement loop for the implementation of process analytical technology (PAT). The measurement loop included an ultraviolet and visible (UV/Vis) spectrometer as well as a light scattering photometer. These sensors allowed for monitoring protein concentration, protein tertiary structure, and protein quaternary structure. The experimental setup was tested with three Hepatitis B core Antigen (HBcAg) variants. With each variant, three reassembly processes were performed at different transmembrane pressures (TMPs). While light scattering provided information on the assembly progress, UV/Vis allowed for monitoring the protein concentration and the rate of VLP assembly based on the microenvironment of Tyrosine-132. VLP formation was verified by off-line dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Furthermore, the experimental results provided evidence of aggregate-related assembly inhibition and showed that off-line size-exclusion chromatography does not provide a complete picture of the particle content. Finally, a Partial-Least Squares (PLS) model was calibrated to predict VLP concentrations in the process solution. Q 2 values of 0.947-0.984 were reached for the three HBcAg variants. In summary, the proposed experimental setup provides a powerful platform for developing and monitoring VLP reassembly steps by CFF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Rüdt
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation EngineeringKarlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)KarlsruheGermany
| | - Philipp Vormittag
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation EngineeringKarlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)KarlsruheGermany
| | - Nils Hillebrandt
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation EngineeringKarlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)KarlsruheGermany
| | - Jürgen Hubbuch
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation EngineeringKarlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)KarlsruheGermany
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22
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Heterologous prime-boost immunization with vesiculovirus-based vectors expressing HBV Core antigen induces CD8 + T cell responses in naïve and persistently infected mice and protects from challenge. Antiviral Res 2019; 168:156-167. [PMID: 31153968 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2019.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections cause more than 800,000 deaths per year and currently approved treatments do not cure the disease. Because a hallmark of acute infection resolution is the presence of functional CD8+ T cells to the virus, activation of the immune system with therapeutic vaccines represents a potential approach for treating chronic hepatitis B. In this study, we evaluated the immunogenicity and efficacy of two attenuated vesiculovirus-based platforms expressing HBV Core antigen, the highly attenuated vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) N4CT1 and a unique vaccine platform [virus-like vesicles (VLV)] that is based on a Semliki Forest virus replicon expressing the VSV glycoprotein. We found that heterologous prime-boost immunization with VLV and N4CT1 induced Core-specific CD8+ T cell responses in naïve mice. When immunized mice were later challenged with AAV-HBV, functional Core-specific CD8+ T cells were present in the liver, and mice were protected from establishment of persistent infection. In contrast, when mice with pre-established persistent HBV replication received prime-boost immunization, functional Core-specific CD8+ T cells were found in the spleen but not in the liver. These results highlight the importance of investigating the therapeutic value of different HBV antigens alone and in combination using preclinical animal models, and understanding the correlation between anti-HBV efficacy in these models with human infection.
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23
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Guo J, Zhou A, Sun X, Sha W, Ai K, Pan G, Zhou C, Zhou H, Cong H, He S. Immunogenicity of a Virus-Like-Particle Vaccine Containing Multiple Antigenic Epitopes of Toxoplasma gondii Against Acute and Chronic Toxoplasmosis in Mice. Front Immunol 2019; 10:592. [PMID: 30984177 PMCID: PMC6449433 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There is no effective protective vaccine against human toxoplasmosis, which is a potential threat to nearly a third of the world population. Vaccines based on virus-like particles (VLPs) have been highly successful in humans for many years, but have rarely been applied against Toxoplasma gondii infection. In this study, we inserted a B cell epitope (SAG182−102 or SAG1301−320), a CD8+ cell epitope (HF10 or ROP7), and a CD4+ cell epitope (AS15) of T. gondii into a truncated HBcΔ(amino acids1–149) particle to construct four chimeric VLP vaccine formulations, i.e., HBcΔH82, HBcΔH301, HBcΔ R82, and HBcΔ R301. When these chimeric HBc particles were expressed in Escherichia coli, they showed icosahedral morphology similar to that of the original VLPs and were evaluated as vaccine formulations against acute and chronic toxoplasmosis in a mouse model (BALB/c mice (H-2d). All these chimeric HBc VLPs induced strong humoral and cellular immune responses with high IgG antibody titers and interferon(IFN)-γ production. Only the mice immunized with HBcΔH82 showed prolonged survival time (15.6 ± 3.8 vs. 5.6 ± 0.8 days) against acute infection with RH tachyzoites and decrease in brain parasite load (1,454 ± 239 vs. 2,091 ± 263) against chronic infection with Prugniuad cysts, as compared to the findings for the control group. These findings suggest that HBc VLPs would act as an effective carrier for delivering effective multiple antigenic epitopes and would be beneficial for developing a safe and long-acting vaccine against toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Guo
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Aihua Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiahui Sun
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenchao Sha
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Kang Ai
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ge Pan
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chunxue Zhou
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Huaiyu Zhou
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hua Cong
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shenyi He
- Department of Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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24
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Abstract
The highly immunogenic icosahedral capsid of hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be exploited as a nanoparticulate display platform for heterologous molecules. Its constituent core protein (HBc) of only ~180 amino acids spontaneously forms capsid-like particles (CLPs) even in E. coli. The immunodominant c/e1 epitope in the center of the HBc primary sequence comprises a solvent-exposed loop that tolerates insertions of flexible peptide sequences yet also of selected whole proteins as long as their 3D structures fit into the two acceptor sites. This constraint is largely overcome in the SplitCore system, where the sequences flanking the loop are expressed as two separate but self-complementing entities, with the foreign sequence fixed to the carrier at one end only. Both the contiguous and the split type of CLP strongly enhance immunogenicity of the displayed sequence but also nonvaccine applications can easily be envisaged. After a brief survey of the basic features of the two HBc carrier forms, we provide conceptual guidelines concerning which foreign proteins are likely to be presentable, or not, on either carrier type. We describe generally applicable protocols for CLP expression in E. coli, cell lysis and CLP enrichment by sucrose gradient velocity sedimentation, plus a simple but meaningful gel electrophoretic assay to assess proper particle formation.
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25
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Diamos AG, Larios D, Brown L, Kilbourne J, Kim HS, Saxena D, Palmer KE, Mason HS. Vaccine synergy with virus-like particle and immune complex platforms for delivery of human papillomavirus L2 antigen. Vaccine 2019; 37:137-144. [PMID: 30459071 PMCID: PMC6291209 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2018.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Diverse HPV subtypes are responsible for considerable disease burden worldwide, necessitating safe, cheap, and effective vaccines. The HPV minor capsid protein L2 is a promising candidate to create broadly protective HPV vaccines, though it is poorly immunogenic by itself. To create highly immunogenic and safe vaccine candidates targeting L2, we employed a plant-based recombinant protein expression system to produce two different vaccine candidates: L2 displayed on the surface of hepatitis B core (HBc) virus-like particles (VLPs) or L2 genetically fused to an immunoglobulin capable of forming recombinant immune complexes (RIC). Both vaccine candidates were potently immunogenic in mice, but were especially so when delivered together, generating very consistent and high antibody titers directed against HPV L2 (>1,000,000) that correlated with virus neutralization. These data indicate a novel immune response synergy upon co-delivery of VLP and RIC platforms, a strategy that can be adapted generally for many different antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew G Diamos
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, & Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute at ASU; and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States
| | - Dalia Larios
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, & Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute at ASU; and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States
| | - Lauren Brown
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, & Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute at ASU; and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States
| | - Jacquelyn Kilbourne
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, & Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute at ASU; and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States
| | - Hyun Soon Kim
- Plant Systems Engineering Research Center, KRIBB, Gwahang-ro 125, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Divyasha Saxena
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Emerging Infectious Diseases and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, United States, Center for Predictive Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
| | - Kenneth E Palmer
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Emerging Infectious Diseases and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY, United States, Center for Predictive Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
| | - Hugh S Mason
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines, & Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute at ASU; and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States.
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26
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Wesołowska A, Kozak Ljunggren M, Jedlina L, Basałaj K, Legocki A, Wedrychowicz H, Kesik-Brodacka M. A Preliminary Study of a Lettuce-Based Edible Vaccine Expressing the Cysteine Proteinase of Fasciola hepatica for Fasciolosis Control in Livestock. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2592. [PMID: 30483259 PMCID: PMC6244665 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral vaccination with edible vaccines is one of the most promising approaches in modern vaccinology. Edible vaccines are an alternative to conventional vaccines, which are typically delivered by injection. Here, freeze-dried transgenic lettuce expressing the cysteine proteinase of the trematode Fasciola hepatica (CPFhW) was used to orally vaccinate cattle and sheep against fasciolosis, which is the most important trematode disease due to the parasite's global distribution, wide spectrum of host species and significant economic losses of farmers. In the study, goals such as reducing the intensity of infection, liver damage and F. hepatica fecundity were achieved. Moreover, we demonstrated that the host sex influenced the outcome of infection following vaccination, with female calves and male lambs showing better protection than their counterparts. Since differences occurred following vaccination and infection, different immunization strategies should be considered for different sexes and host species when developing new control methods. The results of the present study highlight the potential of oral vaccination with plant-made and plant-delivered vaccines for F. hepatica infection control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Wesołowska
- Polish Academy of Sciences, Witold Stefanski Institute of Parasitology, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Luiza Jedlina
- Polish Academy of Sciences, Witold Stefanski Institute of Parasitology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Basałaj
- Polish Academy of Sciences, Witold Stefanski Institute of Parasitology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Legocki
- Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Poznan, Poland
| | - Halina Wedrychowicz
- Polish Academy of Sciences, Witold Stefanski Institute of Parasitology, Warsaw, Poland
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27
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Diamos AG, Mason HS. High-level expression and enrichment of norovirus virus-like particles in plants using modified geminiviral vectors. Protein Expr Purif 2018; 151:86-92. [PMID: 29908914 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2018.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant virus-like particles (VLPs) are proven to be safe and effective vaccine candidates. We have previously described a plant-based recombinant protein expression system based on agroinfiltration of a replicating vector derived from the geminivirus bean yellow dwarf virus (BeYDV). The system has been systematically optimized to improve expression and reduce cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Using these modifications, we show that VLPs derived from genotype GII.4 norovirus, the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide, can be produced at >1 mg/g leaf fresh weight (LFW), over three times the highest level ever reported in plant-based systems. We also produced norovirus GI VLPs at 2.3 mg/g LFW. Treatment of VLP-containing crude leaf extracts with acid, detergent, or heat enhanced recovery and allowed selective enrichment of norovirus VLPs. Optimal treatment conditions allowed removal of >90% of endogenous plant proteins without any loss of norovirus VLPs. Selective enrichment of hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) VLPs by acid treatment was also demonstrated, with some losses in yield that were partially mitigated in the presence of detergent. Sedimentation analysis confirmed that acid and detergent did not inhibit proper assembly of norovirus VLPs, although heat treatment had a small negative effect. These results demonstrate that milligram quantities of norovirus VLPs can be obtained and highly enriched in a matter of days from a single plant leaf using the BeYDV plant expression system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew G Diamos
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines & Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute at ASU and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Hugh S Mason
- Center for Immunotherapy, Vaccines & Virotherapy, Biodesign Institute at ASU and School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.
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28
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Li Z, Wei J, Yang Y, Liu L, Ma G, Zhang S, Su Z. A two-step heat treatment of cell disruption supernatant enables efficient removal of host cell proteins before chromatographic purification of HBc particles. J Chromatogr A 2018; 1581-1582:71-79. [PMID: 30391034 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2018.10.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The thermal stability of HBc particles was systematically investigated for efficient removal of host cell proteins (HCP) by heat treatment before chromatographic step. The HBc particles were found stable up to 80°C for 30 min without any noticeable change in circular dichroism spectra, fluorescence spectra and transmission electron microscope observation. When heating was applied to precipitate the HCP in the cell disruption supernatant of HBc fermentation, the HCP removal effect was more obvious as the temperature went higher. However, a phenomenon was found beyond 70°C where the recovered HBc particles had larger than normal size and molecular weight as observed by dynamic light scattering and multi-angle laser light scattering. Analysis found that the HBc particles possess nanopores which expand with temperature. When the temperature was above 70℃, the pores were large enough for some HCP to penetrate in, but not being able to get out after cooling down. To fully utilize the thermal stability and avoid the interference of HCP entering, a two-step heat treatment strategy was designed. The supernatant was firstly heated up to 60°C for 30 min to precipitate most HCP, then another 30 min at 70°C was used to remove the rest impurities. The two-step heat treatment effectively avoided the HCP entering problem, achieving 85.8% particle recovery and 74.7% purity. With further one-step hydrophobic interaction chromatography, the purity was increased to 99.0% with overall process recovery of 77.7%, considerably higher than those reported in the literature. The same process design was applied to purify three HBc-related products, including OVA-HBc, M2e-HBc and NP-HBc. All recoveries were higher than 50% with purity greater than 97%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Jiangxue Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Yanli Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China
| | - Lili Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China
| | - Guanghui Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China
| | - Songping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China.
| | - Zhiguo Su
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China.
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29
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Krieger J, Stifter K, Riedl P, Schirmbeck R. Cationic domains in particle-forming and assembly-deficient HBV core antigens capture mammalian RNA that stimulates Th1-biased antibody responses by DNA vaccination. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14660. [PMID: 30279478 PMCID: PMC6168482 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32971-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The HBV core protein self-assembles into particles and encapsidates immune-stimulatory bacterial RNA through a cationic COOH-terminal (C150-183) domain. To investigate if different cationic domains have an impact on the endogenous RNA-binding of HBV-C antigens in mammalian cells, we developed a strep-tag (st) based expression/purification system for HBV-C/RNA antigens in vector-transfected HEK-293 cells. We showed that HBV-stC but not HBV-stC149 particles (lacking the cationic domain) capture low amounts of mammalian RNA. Prevention of specific phosphorylation in cationic domains, either by exchanging the serine residues S155, S162 and S170 with alanines (HBV-stCAAA) or by exchanging the entire cationic domain with a HIV-tat48-57-like sequence (HBV-stC149tat) enhanced the encapsidation of RNA into mutant core particles. Particle-bound mammalian RNA functioned as TLR-7 ligand and induced a Th1-biased humoral immunity in B6 but not in TLR-7-/- mice by exogenous (protein) and endogenous (DNA) vaccines. Compared to core particles, binding of mammalian RNA to freely exposed cationic domains in assembly-deficient antigens was enhanced. However, RNA bound to non-particulate antigens unleash its Th1-stimulating adjuvant activity by DNA- but not protein-based vaccination. Mammalian RNAs targeted by an endogenously expressed antigen thus function as a natural adjuvant in the host that facilitates priming of Th1-biased immune responses by DNA-based immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Krieger
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Katja Stifter
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Petra Riedl
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
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30
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Schumacher J, Bacic T, Staritzbichler R, Daneschdar M, Klamp T, Arnold P, Jägle S, Türeci Ö, Markl J, Sahin U. Enhanced stability of a chimeric hepatitis B core antigen virus-like-particle (HBcAg-VLP) by a C-terminal linker-hexahistidine-peptide. J Nanobiotechnology 2018; 16:39. [PMID: 29653575 PMCID: PMC5897928 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-018-0363-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Virus-like-particles (VLPs) are attractive nanoparticulate scaffolds for broad applications in material/biological sciences and medicine. Prior their functionalization, specific adaptations have to be carried out. These adjustments frequently lead to disordered particles, but the particle integrity is an essential factor for the VLP suitability. Therefore, major requirements for particle stabilization exist. The objective of this study was to evaluate novel stabilizing elements for functionalized chimeric hepatitis B virus core antigen virus-like particles (HBcAg-VLP), with beneficial characteristics for vaccine development, imaging or delivery. RESULTS The effects of a carboxy-terminal polyhistidine-peptide and an intradimer disulfide-bridge on the stability of preclinically approved chimeric HBcAg-VLPs were assessed. We purified recombinant chimeric HBcAg-VLPs bearing different modified C-termini and compared their physical and chemical particle stability by quantitative protein-biochemical and biophysical techniques. We observed lower chemical resistance of T = 3- compared to T = 4-VLP (triangulation number) capsids and profound impairment of accessibility of hexahistidine-peptides in assembled VLPs. Histidines attached to the C-terminus were associated with superior mechanical and/or chemical particle stability depending on the number of histidine moieties. A molecular modeling approach based on cryo-electron microscopy and biolayer interferometry revealed the underlying structural mechanism for the strengthening of the integrity of VLPs. Interactions triggering capsid stabilization occur on a highly conserved residue on the basis of HBcAg-monomers as well as on hexahistidine-peptides of adjacent monomers. This new stabilization mechanism appears to mimic an evolutionary conserved stabilization concept for hepadnavirus core proteins. CONCLUSIONS These findings establish the genetically simply transferable C-terminal polyhistidine-peptide as a general stabilizing element for chimeric HBcAg-VLPs to increase their suitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Schumacher
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Protein Therapeutics Corporation, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine III, Translational and Experimental Oncology, University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tijana Bacic
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Protein Therapeutics Corporation, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine III, Translational and Experimental Oncology, University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - René Staritzbichler
- TRON Translational Oncology, University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University, TRON gGmbH, Freiligrathstrasse 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Matin Daneschdar
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Translational and Experimental Oncology, University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Thorsten Klamp
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Protein Therapeutics Corporation, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine III, Translational and Experimental Oncology, University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Philipp Arnold
- Institute of Zoology, Johannes Gutenberg University, Johannes-von-Müller-Weg 6, 55128, Mainz, Germany.,Anatomical Institute, Otto-Hahn Platz 8, 24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - Sabrina Jägle
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Protein Therapeutics Corporation, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine III, Translational and Experimental Oncology, University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Özlem Türeci
- Ganymed Pharmaceuticals AG, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jürgen Markl
- Institute of Zoology, Johannes Gutenberg University, Johannes-von-Müller-Weg 6, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ugur Sahin
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Protein Therapeutics Corporation, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany. .,Department of Internal Medicine III, Translational and Experimental Oncology, University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131, Mainz, Germany. .,TRON Translational Oncology, University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University, TRON gGmbH, Freiligrathstrasse 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
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31
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Zhang Q, Shan W, Ai C, Chen Z, Zhou T, Lv X, Zhou X, Ye S, Ren L, Wang X. Construction of Multifunctional Fe 3O 4-MTX@HBc Nanoparticles for MR Imaging and Photothermal Therapy/Chemotherapy. Nanotheranostics 2018; 2:87-95. [PMID: 29291165 PMCID: PMC5743840 DOI: 10.7150/ntno.21942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
To accomplish effective cancer imaging and integrated therapy, the multifunctional nanotheranostic Fe3O4-MTX@HBc core-shell nanoparticles (NPs) were designed. A straightforward method was demonstrated for efficient encapsulation of magnetic NPs into the engineered virus-like particles (VLPs) through the affinity of histidine tags for the methotrexate (MTX)-Ni2+ chelate. HBc144-His VLPs shell could protect Fe3O4-MTX NPs from the recognition by the reticuloendothelial system as well as could increase their cellular uptake efficiency. Through our well-designed tactic, the photothermal efficiency of Fe3O4 NPs were obviously improved in vitro and in vivo upon near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation. Moreover, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results showed that the Fe3O4-MTX@HBc core-shell NPs were reliable T2-type MRI contrast agents for tumor imaging. Hence the Fe3O4-MTX@HBc core-shell NPs may act as a promising theranostic platform for multimodal cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361002, Fujian, P. R. China
| | - Wenjun Shan
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province University/Research Center of Biomedical Engineering of Xiamen, Department of Biomaterials, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, P. R. China
| | - Chaochao Ai
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province University/Research Center of Biomedical Engineering of Xiamen, Department of Biomaterials, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, P. R. China
| | - Zhiwei Chen
- Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, P. R. China
| | - Tiantian Zhou
- Department of Electronic Science, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Plasma and Magnetic Resonance Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, P. R. China
| | - Xiaolin Lv
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province University/Research Center of Biomedical Engineering of Xiamen, Department of Biomaterials, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, P. R. China
| | - Xi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province University/Research Center of Biomedical Engineering of Xiamen, Department of Biomaterials, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, P. R. China
| | - Shefang Ye
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province University/Research Center of Biomedical Engineering of Xiamen, Department of Biomaterials, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, P. R. China
| | - Lei Ren
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province University/Research Center of Biomedical Engineering of Xiamen, Department of Biomaterials, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, P. R. China.,Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Exploitation and Utilization of Marine Biological Resources, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, Fujian, P. R. China.,State Key Lab of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Xiumin Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361002, Fujian, P. R. China
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32
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Yang M, Lai H, Sun H, Chen Q. Virus-like particles that display Zika virus envelope protein domain III induce potent neutralizing immune responses in mice. Sci Rep 2017; 7:7679. [PMID: 28794424 PMCID: PMC5550446 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08247-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Several Zika virus (ZIKV) vaccine candidates have recently been described which use inactivated whole virus, DNA or RNA that express the virus' Envelope (E) glycoprotein as the antigen. These were successful in stimulating production of virus-targeted antibodies that protected animals against ZIKV challenges, but their use potentially will predispose vaccinated individuals to infection by the related Dengue virus (DENV). We have devised a virus like particle (VLP) carrier based on the hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) that displays the ZIKV E protein domain III (zDIII), and shown that it can be produced quickly and easily purified in large quantities from Nicotiana benthamiana plants. HBcAg-zDIII VLPs are shown to be highly immunogenic, as two doses elicited potent humoral and cellular responses in mice that exceed the threshold correlated with protective immunity against multiple strains of Zika virus. Notably, HBcAg-zDIII VLPs-elicited antibodies did not enhance the infection of DENV in Fc gamma receptor-expressing cells, offsetting the concern of ZIKV vaccines inducing cross-reactive antibodies and sensitizing people to subsequent DENV infection. Thus, our zDIII-based vaccine offers improved safety and lower cost production than other current alternatives, with equivalent effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yang
- The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Huafang Lai
- The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Haiyan Sun
- The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Qiang Chen
- The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.
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33
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Berardi A, Lomonossoff GP, Evans DJ, Barker SA. Plant-expressed Hepatitis B core antigen virus-like particles: Characterization and investigation of their stability in simulated and pig gastro-intestinal fluids. Int J Pharm 2017; 522:147-156. [PMID: 28263835 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2017.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Revised: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are potential oral vaccine candidates, as their highly compact structure may allow them to withstand the harsh conditions of the gastro-intestinal (GI) environment. Hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) is an immunogenic protein that assembles into 30 or 34nm diameter VLPs. Here, the stabilities of both the HBcAg polypeptide itself and the three-dimensional structure of the VLPs upon exposure to in vitro and ex vivo simulated gastric and intestinal fluids were investigated. Plant-expressed HBcAg VLPs were efficiently purified by sucrose density gradient and characterized. The purified VLPs did not show major chemical or physical instability upon exposure to the low pH conditions typically found in the stomach; however, they completely agglomerated upon acidification and subsequent pH neutralization. The HBcAg polypeptide was highly digested upon exposure to pepsin in simulated gastric fluids. HBcAg appeared more stable in both simulated and ex vivo intestinal fluids, where despite a partial digestion of the HBcAg polypeptide, the VLPs maintained their most immunogenic epitopes and their particulate conformation. These results suggest that HBcAg VLPs are likely to be unstable in gastric fluids, yet if the gastric instability could be bypassed, they could maintain their particulate structure and immunogenicity in intestinal fluids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Berardi
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK; Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - George P Lomonossoff
- Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - David J Evans
- Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Susan A Barker
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK.
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34
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Jeong H, Seong BL. Exploiting virus-like particles as innovative vaccines against emerging viral infections. J Microbiol 2017; 55:220-230. [PMID: 28243941 PMCID: PMC7090582 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-017-7058-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 02/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Emerging viruses pose a major threat to humans and livestock with global public health and economic burdens. Vaccination remains an effective tool to reduce this threat, and yet, the conventional cell culture often fails to produce sufficient vaccine dose. As an alternative to cell-culture based vaccine, virus-like particles (VLPs) are considered as a highpriority vaccine strategy against emerging viruses. VLPs represent highly ordered repetitive structures via macromolecular assemblies of viral proteins. The particulate nature allows efficient uptake into antigen presenting cells stimulating both innate and adaptive immune responses towards enhanced vaccine efficacy. Increasing research activity and translation opportunity necessitate the advances in the design of VLPs and new bioprocessing modalities for efficient and cost-effective production. Herein, we describe major achievements and challenges in this endeavor, with respect to designing strategies to harnessing the immunogenic potential, production platforms, downstream processes, and some exemplary cases in developing VLP-based vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hotcherl Jeong
- Department of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Baik Lin Seong
- Department of Biotechnology & Vaccine Translational Research Center, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
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35
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Pumpens P, Grens E. The true story and advantages of the famous Hepatitis B virus core particles: Outlook 2016. Mol Biol 2016. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893316040099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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36
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The Hepatitis B Virus Core Variants that Expose Foreign C-Terminal Insertions on the Outer Surface of Virus-Like Particles. Mol Biotechnol 2016; 57:1038-49. [PMID: 26446016 PMCID: PMC4619458 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-015-9895-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The major immunodominant region (MIR) and N-terminus of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) core (HBc) protein were used to expose foreign insertions on the outer surface of HBc virus-like particles (VLPs). The additions to the HBc positively charged arginine-rich C-terminal (CT) domain are usually not exposed on the VLP surface. Here, we constructed a set of recombinant HBcG vectors in which CT arginine stretches were substituted by glycine residues. In contrast to natural HBc VLPs and recombinant HBc VLP variants carrying native CT domain, the HBcG VLPs demonstrated a lowered capability to pack bacterial RNA during expression in Escherichia coli cells. The C-terminal addition of a model foreign epitope from the HBV preS1 sequence to the HBcG vectors resulted in the exposure of the inserted epitope on the VLP surface, whereas the same preS1 sequences added to the native CT of the natural HBc protein remained buried within the HBc VLPs. Based on the immunisation of mice, the preS1 epitope added to the HBcG vectors as a part of preS1(20-47) and preS1phil sequences demonstrated remarkable immunogenicity. The same epitope added to the original C-terminus of the HBc protein did not induce a notable level of anti-preS1 antibodies. HBcG vectors may contribute to the further development of versatile HBc VLP-based vaccine and gene therapy applications.
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37
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Stifter K, Schuster C, Schlosser M, Boehm BO, Schirmbeck R. Exploring the induction of preproinsulin-specific Foxp3(+) CD4(+) Treg cells that inhibit CD8(+) T cell-mediated autoimmune diabetes by DNA vaccination. Sci Rep 2016; 6:29419. [PMID: 27406624 PMCID: PMC4942695 DOI: 10.1038/srep29419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA vaccination is a promising strategy to induce effector T cells but also regulatory Foxp3+ CD25+ CD4+ Treg cells and inhibit autoimmune disorders such as type 1 diabetes. Little is known about the antigen requirements that facilitate priming of Treg cells but not autoreactive effector CD8+ T cells. We have shown that the injection of preproinsulin (ppins)-expressing pCI/ppins vector into PD-1- or PD-L1-deficient mice induced Kb/A12-21-monospecific CD8+ T cells and autoimmune diabetes. A pCI/ppinsΔA12-21 vector (lacking the critical Kb/A12-21 epitope) did not induce autoimmune diabetes but elicited a systemic Foxp3+ CD25+ Treg cell immunity that suppressed diabetes induction by a subsequent injection of the diabetogenic pCI/ppins. TGF-β expression was significantly enhanced in the Foxp3+ CD25+ Treg cell population of vaccinated/ppins-primed mice. Ablation of Treg cells in vaccinated/ppins-primed mice by anti-CD25 antibody treatment abolished the protective effect of the vaccine and enabled diabetes induction by pCI/ppins. Adoptive transfer of Treg cells from vaccinated/ppins-primed mice into PD-L1−/− hosts efficiently suppressed diabetes induction by pCI/ppins. We narrowed down the Treg-stimulating domain to a 15-residue ppins76–90 peptide. Vaccine-induced Treg cells thus play a crucial role in the control of de novo primed autoreactive effector CD8+ T cells in this diabetes model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Stifter
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Cornelia Schuster
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Michael Schlosser
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Research Group of Predictive Diagnostics, University Medical Centre Greifswald, Karlsburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Otto Boehm
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 636921, Singapore, Singapore.,Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Reinhold Schirmbeck
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
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Baltabekova AZ, Shagyrova ZS, Kamzina AS, Voykov M, Zhiyenbay Y, Ramanculov EM, Shustov AV. SplitCore Technology Allows Efficient Production of Virus-Like Particles Presenting a Receptor-Contacting Epitope of Human IgE. Mol Biotechnol 2016; 57:746-55. [PMID: 25837568 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-015-9867-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) plays a central role in type I hypersensitivity including allergy and asthma. Novel treatment strategy envisages development of a therapeutic vaccine designed to elicit autologous blocking antibodies against the IgE. We sought to develop an IgE-epitope antigen that induces antibodies against a receptor-contacting epitope on human IgE molecule. We designed the VLP immunogens which utilize hepatitis B virus core protein (HBcAg) as a carrier, and present arrays of the receptor-contacting epitopes of the human IgE on their surfaces. FG loop from the IgE domain Cε3 was engineered into the HBcAg. Two constructs explore a well-established approach of insertion into a main immunodominant region of the HBcAg. Third construct is different in that the carrier is produced in a form of an assembly of two polypeptide chains which upon expression remain associated in a stable VLP-forming subunit (SplitCore technology). No VLPs were isolated from E.coli expressing the IgE-epitope antigens with contiguous sequences. On the contrary, the SplitCore antigen carrying the FG loop efficiently formed the VLPs. Immunization of mice with the VLPs presenting receptor-contacting epitope of the IgE elicited antibodies recognizing the human IgE in ELISA.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Zh Baltabekova
- National Center for Biotechnology, Valikhanova 13/1, 010000, Astana, Kazakhstan
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39
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Engineering virus-like particles as vaccine platforms. Curr Opin Virol 2016; 18:44-9. [PMID: 27039982 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Revised: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) have been utilized as vaccine platforms to increase the immunogenicity of heterologous antigens. A variety of diverse VLP types can serve as vaccine platforms, and research has focused on engineering VLPs to improve their efficacy as vaccines, enhance their stability, and allow for more versatile display of antigens. Here, we review selected VLP vaccine platforms, highlight efforts to improve these platforms through structure-informed rational design, and point to areas of future research that will assist in these efforts.
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40
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Ladd Effio C, Baumann P, Weigel C, Vormittag P, Middelberg A, Hubbuch J. High-throughput process development of an alternative platform for the production of virus-like particles in Escherichia coli. J Biotechnol 2015; 219:7-19. [PMID: 26707548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2015.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Revised: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The production of safe vaccines against untreatable or new diseases has pushed the research in the field of virus-like particles (VLPs). Currently, a large number of commercial VLP-based human vaccines and vaccine candidates are available or under development. A promising VLP production route is the controlled in vitro assembly of virus proteins into capsids. In the study reported here, a high-throughput screening (HTS) procedure was implemented for the upstream process development of a VLP platform in bacterial cell systems. Miniaturized cultivations were carried out in 48-well format in the BioLector system (m2p-Labs, Germany) using an Escherichia coli strain with a tac promoter producing the murine polyomavirus capsid protein (VP1). The screening procedure incorporated micro-scale cultivations, HTS cell disruption by sonication and HTS-compatible analytics by capillary gel electrophoresis. Cultivation temperatures, shaking speeds, induction and medium conditions were varied to optimize the product expression in E. coli. The most efficient system was selected based on an evaluation of soluble and insoluble product concentrations as well as on the percentage of product in the total soluble protein fraction. The optimized system was scaled up to cultivation 2.5L shaker flask scale and purified using an anion exchange chromatography membrane adsorber, followed by a size exclusion chromatography polishing procedure. For proof of concept, purified VP1 capsomeres were assembled under defined buffer conditions into empty capsids and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The presented HTS procedure allowed for a fast development of an efficient production process of VLPs in E. coli. Under optimized cultivation conditions, the VP1 product totalled up to 43% of the total soluble protein fraction, yielding 1.63 mg VP1 per mL of applied cultivation medium. The developed production process strongly promotes the murine polyoma-VLP platform, moving towards an industrially feasible technology for new chimeric vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Ladd Effio
- Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany.
| | - Pascal Baumann
- Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany.
| | - Claudia Weigel
- Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Philipp Vormittag
- Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Anton Middelberg
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jürgen Hubbuch
- Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany.
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41
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Kolb P, Wallich R, Nassal M. Whole-Chain Tick Saliva Proteins Presented on Hepatitis B Virus Capsid-Like Particles Induce High-Titered Antibodies with Neutralizing Potential. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136180. [PMID: 26352137 PMCID: PMC4564143 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are vectors for various, including pathogenic, microbes. Tick saliva contains multiple anti-host defense factors that enable ticks their bloodmeals yet also facilitate microbe transmission. Lyme disease-causing borreliae profit specifically from the broadly conserved tick histamine release factor (tHRF), and from cysteine-rich glycoproteins represented by Salp15 from Ixodes scapularis and Iric-1 from Ixodes ricinus ticks which they recruit to their outer surface protein C (OspC). Hence these tick proteins are attractive targets for anti-tick vaccines that simultaneously impair borrelia transmission. Main obstacles are the tick proteins´ immunosuppressive activities, and for Salp15 orthologs, the lack of efficient recombinant expression systems. Here, we exploited the immune-enhancing properties of hepatitis B virus core protein (HBc) derived capsid-like particles (CLPs) to generate, in E. coli, nanoparticulate vaccines presenting tHRF and, as surrogates for the barely soluble wild-type proteins, cysteine-free Salp15 and Iric-1 variants. The latter CLPs were exclusively accessible in the less sterically constrained SplitCore system. Mice immunized with tHRF CLPs mounted a strong anti-tHRF antibody response. CLPs presenting cysteine-free Salp15 and Iric-1 induced antibodies to wild-type, including glycosylated, Salp15 and Iric-1. The broadly distributed epitopes included the OspC interaction sites. In vitro, the anti-Salp15 antibodies interfered with OspC binding and enhanced human complement-mediated killing of Salp15 decorated borreliae. A mixture of all three CLPs induced high titered antibodies against all three targets, suggesting the feasibility of combination vaccines. These data warrant in vivo validation of the new candidate vaccines´ protective potential against tick infestation and Borrelia transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Kolb
- University Hospital Freiburg, Internal Medicine 2 / Molecular Biology, Hugstetter Str. 55, D-79106, Freiburg, Germany
- University of Freiburg, Biological Faculty, Schänzlestr. 1, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Reinhard Wallich
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Institute of Immunology, Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, D-69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Nassal
- University Hospital Freiburg, Internal Medicine 2 / Molecular Biology, Hugstetter Str. 55, D-79106, Freiburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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42
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Preparation by alkaline treatment and detailed characterisation of empty hepatitis B virus core particles for vaccine and gene therapy applications. Sci Rep 2015; 5:11639. [PMID: 26113394 PMCID: PMC4650659 DOI: 10.1038/srep11639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) core (HBc) virus-like particles (VLPs) are one of the most powerful protein engineering tools utilised to expose immunological epitopes and/or cell-targeting signals and for the packaging of genetic material and immune stimulatory sequences. Although HBc VLPs and their numerous derivatives are produced in highly efficient bacterial and yeast expression systems, the existing purification and packaging protocols are not sufficiently optimised and standardised. Here, a simple alkaline treatment method was employed for the complete removal of internal RNA from bacteria- and yeast-produced HBc VLPs and for the conversion of these VLPs into empty particles, without any damage to the VLP structure. The empty HBc VLPs were able to effectively package the added DNA and RNA sequences. Furthermore, the alkaline hydrolysis technology appeared efficient for the purification and packaging of four different HBc variants carrying lysine residues on the HBc VLP spikes. Utilising the introduced lysine residues and the intrinsic aspartic and glutamic acid residues exposed on the tips of the HBc spikes for chemical coupling of the chosen peptide and/or nucleic acid sequences ensured a standard and easy protocol for the further development of versatile HBc VLP-based vaccine and gene therapy applications.
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43
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Block TM, Rawat S, Brosgart CL. Chronic hepatitis B: A wave of new therapies on the horizon. Antiviral Res 2015; 121:69-81. [PMID: 26112647 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2015.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the Australia antigen (Blumberg et al., 1965), which in 1967 was identified to be the hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen. Even though several antiviral medications have been in use for the management of chronic HBV infection for more than 20years, sustained clearance of HBsAg, similar to the sustained viral response (SVR) or cure in chronic hepatitis C, occurs in only a minority of treated patients. Moreover, even after 10years of effective suppression of HBV viremia with current therapy, there is only a 40-70% reduction in deaths from liver cancer. Recent success in developing antivirals for hepatitis C that are effective across all genotypes has renewed interest in a similar cure for chronic HBV infection. In this article, we review a wave of newly identified drug targets, investigational compounds and experimental strategies that are now under clinical evaluation or in preclinical development. The paper forms part of a symposium in Antiviral Research on "An unfinished story: From the discovery of the Australia antigen to the development of new curative therapies for hepatitis B."
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M Block
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA.
| | - Siddhartha Rawat
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, 3805 Old Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA
| | - Carol L Brosgart
- University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine, Departments of Medicine, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, USA
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44
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Peyret H, Gehin A, Thuenemann EC, Blond D, El Turabi A, Beales L, Clarke D, Gilbert RJC, Fry EE, Stuart DI, Holmes K, Stonehouse NJ, Whelan M, Rosenberg W, Lomonossoff GP, Rowlands DJ. Tandem fusion of hepatitis B core antigen allows assembly of virus-like particles in bacteria and plants with enhanced capacity to accommodate foreign proteins. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0120751. [PMID: 25830365 PMCID: PMC4382129 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The core protein of the hepatitis B virus, HBcAg, assembles into highly immunogenic virus-like particles (HBc VLPs) when expressed in a variety of heterologous systems. Specifically, the major insertion region (MIR) on the HBcAg protein allows the insertion of foreign sequences, which are then exposed on the tips of surface spike structures on the outside of the assembled particle. Here, we present a novel strategy which aids the display of whole proteins on the surface of HBc particles. This strategy, named tandem core, is based on the production of the HBcAg dimer as a single polypeptide chain by tandem fusion of two HBcAg open reading frames. This allows the insertion of large heterologous sequences in only one of the two MIRs in each spike, without compromising VLP formation. We present the use of tandem core technology in both plant and bacterial expression systems. The results show that tandem core particles can be produced with unmodified MIRs, or with one MIR in each tandem dimer modified to contain the entire sequence of GFP or of a camelid nanobody. Both inserted proteins are correctly folded and the nanobody fused to the surface of the tandem core particle (which we name tandibody) retains the ability to bind to its cognate antigen. This technology paves the way for the display of natively folded proteins on the surface of HBc particles either through direct fusion or through non-covalent attachment via a nanobody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadrien Peyret
- Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Annick Gehin
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Eva C. Thuenemann
- Department of Biological Chemistry, John Innes Centre, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Donatienne Blond
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Aadil El Turabi
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- iQur Ltd, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Beales
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- iQur Ltd, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dean Clarke
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | | | - Elizabeth E. Fry
- UK Division of Structural Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - David I. Stuart
- UK Division of Structural Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kris Holmes
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola J. Stonehouse
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - David J. Rowlands
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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45
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Schickli JH, Whitacre DC, Tang RS, Kaur J, Lawlor H, Peters CJ, Jones JE, Peterson DL, McCarthy MP, Van Nest G, Milich DR. Palivizumab epitope-displaying virus-like particles protect rodents from RSV challenge. J Clin Invest 2015; 125:1637-47. [PMID: 25751145 PMCID: PMC4409022 DOI: 10.1172/jci78450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of serious viral bronchiolitis in infants, young children, and the elderly. Currently, there is not an FDA-approved vaccine available for RSV, though the mAb palivizumab is licensed to reduce the incidence of RSV disease in premature or at-risk infants. The palivizumab epitope is a well-characterized, approximately 24-aa helix-loop-helix structure on the RSV fusion (F) protein (F254-277). Here, we genetically inserted this epitope and multiple site variants of this epitope within a versatile woodchuck hepadnavirus core-based virus-like particle (WHcAg-VLP) to generate hybrid VLPs that each bears 240 copies of the RSV epitope in a highly immunogenic arrayed format. A challenge of such an epitope-focused approach is that to be effective, the conformational F254-277 epitope must elicit antibodies that recognize the intact virus. A number of hybrid VLPs containing RSV F254-277 were recognized by palivizumab in vitro and elicited high-titer and protective neutralizing antibody in rodents. Together, the results from this proof-of-principle study suggest that the WHcAg-VLP technology may be an applicable approach to eliciting a response to other structural epitopes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Darrell L. Peterson
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Biochemistry,
Richmond, Virginia, USA
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McGonigle R, Yap WB, Ong ST, Gatherer D, Bakker SE, Tan WS, Bhella D. An N-terminal extension to the hepatitis B virus core protein forms a poorly ordered trimeric spike in assembled virus-like particles. J Struct Biol 2014; 189:73-80. [PMID: 25557498 PMCID: PMC4318616 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2014.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Revised: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 12/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Virus-like particles composed of the core antigen of hepatitis B virus (HBcAg) have been shown to be an effective platform for the display of foreign epitopes in vaccine development. Heterologous sequences have been successfully inserted at both amino and carboxy termini as well as internally at the major immunodominant epitope. We used cryogenic electron microscopy (CryoEM) and three-dimensional image reconstruction to investigate the structure of VLPs assembled from an N-terminal extended HBcAg that contained a polyhistidine tag. The insert was seen to form a trimeric spike on the capsid surface that was poorly resolved, most likely owing to it being flexible. We hypothesise that the capacity of N-terminal inserts to form trimers may have application in the development of multivalent vaccines to trimeric antigens. Our analysis also highlights the value of tools for local resolution assessment in studies of partially disordered macromolecular assemblies by cryoEM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard McGonigle
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Sir Michael Stoker Building, Garscube Campus, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, Scotland, UK
| | - Wei Boon Yap
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Swee Tin Ong
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Derek Gatherer
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Sir Michael Stoker Building, Garscube Campus, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, Scotland, UK
| | - Saskia E Bakker
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Sir Michael Stoker Building, Garscube Campus, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, Scotland, UK
| | - Wen Siang Tan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - David Bhella
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Sir Michael Stoker Building, Garscube Campus, 464 Bearsden Road, Glasgow G61 1QH, Scotland, UK.
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Skrastina D, Petrovskis I, Lieknina I, Bogans J, Renhofa R, Ose V, Dishlers A, Dekhtyar Y, Pumpens P. Silica nanoparticles as the adjuvant for the immunisation of mice using hepatitis B core virus-like particles. PLoS One 2014; 9:e114006. [PMID: 25436773 PMCID: PMC4250084 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 11/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in nanotechnology and nanomaterials have facilitated the development of silicon dioxide, or Silica, particles as a promising immunological adjuvant for the generation of novel prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines. In the present study, we have compared the adjuvanting potential of commercially available Silica nanoparticles (initial particles size of 10–20 nm) with that of aluminium hydroxide, or Alum, as well as that of complete and incomplete Freund's adjuvants for the immunisation of BALB/c mice with virus-like particles (VLPs) formed by recombinant full-length Hepatitis B virus core (HBc) protein. The induction of B-cell and T-cell responses was studied after immunisation. Silica nanoparticles were able to adsorb maximally 40% of the added HBc, whereas the adsorption capacity of Alum exceeded 90% at the same VLPs/adjuvant ratio. Both Silica and Alum formed large complexes with HBc VLPs that sedimented rapidly after formulation, as detected by dynamic light scattering, spectrophotometry, and electron microscopy. Both Silica and Alum augmented the humoral response against HBc VLPs to the high anti-HBc level in the case of intraperitoneal immunisation, whereas in subcutaneous immunisation, the Silica-adjuvanted anti-HBc level even exceeded the level adjuvanted by Alum. The adjuvanting of HBc VLPs by Silica resulted in the same typical IgG2a/IgG1 ratios as in the case of the adjuvanting by Alum. The combination of Silica with monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) led to the same enhancement of the HBc-specific T-cell induction as in the case of the Alum and MPL combination. These findings demonstrate that Silica is not a weaker putative adjuvant than Alum for induction of B-cell and T-cell responses against recombinant HBc VLPs. This finding may have an essential impact on the development of the set of Silica-adjuvanted vaccines based on a long list of HBc-derived virus-like particles as the biological component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dace Skrastina
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Ilva Lieknina
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | - Janis Bogans
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | - Regina Renhofa
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | - Velta Ose
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | | | - Yuri Dekhtyar
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanotechnologies, Riga Technical University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Paul Pumpens
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
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48
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Tan WS, Ho KL. Phage display creates innovative applications to combat hepatitis B virus. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:11650-11670. [PMID: 25206271 PMCID: PMC4155357 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i33.11650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has killed countless lives in human history. The invention of HBV vaccines in the 20th century has reduced significantly the rate of the viral infection. However, currently there is no effective treatment for chronic HBV carriers. Newly emerging vaccine escape mutants and drug resistant strains have complicated the viral eradication program. The entire world is now facing a new threat of HBV and human immunodeficiency virus co-infection. Could phage display provide solutions to these life-threatening problems? This article reviews critically and comprehensively the innovative and potential applications of phage display in the development of vaccines, therapeutic agents, diagnostic reagents, as well as gene and drug delivery systems to combat HBV. The application of phage display in epitope mapping of HBV antigens is also discussed in detail. Although this review mainly focuses on HBV, the innovative applications of phage display could also be extended to other infectious diseases.
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Lange M, Fiedler M, Bankwitz D, Osburn W, Viazov S, Brovko O, Zekri AR, Khudyakov Y, Nassal M, Pumpens P, Pietschmann T, Timm J, Roggendorf M, Walker A. Hepatitis C virus hypervariable region 1 variants presented on hepatitis B virus capsid-like particles induce cross-neutralizing antibodies. PLoS One 2014; 9:e102235. [PMID: 25014219 PMCID: PMC4094522 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0102235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is still a serious global health burden. Despite improved therapeutic options, a preventative vaccine would be desirable especially in undeveloped countries. Traditionally, highly conserved epitopes are targets for antibody-based prophylactic vaccines. In HCV-infected patients, however, neutralizing antibodies are primarily directed against hypervariable region I (HVRI) in the envelope protein E2. HVRI is the most variable region of HCV, and this heterogeneity contributes to viral persistence and has thus far prevented the development of an effective HVRI-based vaccine. The primary goal of an antibody-based HCV vaccine should therefore be the induction of cross-reactive HVRI antibodies. In this study we approached this problem by presenting selected cross-reactive HVRI variants in a highly symmetric repeated array on capsid-like particles (CLPs). SplitCore CLPs, a novel particulate antigen presentation system derived from the HBV core protein, were used to deliberately manipulate the orientation of HVRI and therefore enable the presentation of conserved parts of HVRI. These HVRI-CLPs induced high titers of cross-reactive antibodies, including neutralizing antibodies. The combination of only four HVRI CLPs was sufficient to induce antibodies cross-reactive with 81 of 326 (24.8%) naturally occurring HVRI peptides. Most importantly, HVRI CLPs with AS03 as an adjuvant induced antibodies with a 10-fold increase in neutralizing capability. These antibodies were able to neutralize infectious HCVcc isolates and 4 of 19 (21%) patient-derived HCVpp isolates. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the induction of at least partially cross-neutralizing antibodies is possible. This approach might be useful for the development of a prophylactic HCV vaccine and should also be adaptable to other highly variable viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Lange
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Melanie Fiedler
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - William Osburn
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sergei Viazov
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Olena Brovko
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Yury Khudyakov
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Michael Nassal
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Paul Pumpens
- Department of Recombinant biotechnology, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
| | | | - Jörg Timm
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Michael Roggendorf
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Andreas Walker
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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50
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Stieler JT, Prange R. Involvement of ESCRT-II in hepatitis B virus morphogenesis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e91279. [PMID: 24614091 PMCID: PMC3948859 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an enveloped DNA virus that replicates via reverse transcription of its pregenomic RNA (pgRNA). Budding of HBV is supposed to occur at intracellular membranes and requires scission functions of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) provided by ESCRT-III and VPS4. Here, we have investigated the impact of the upstream-acting ESCRT-I and ESCRT-II complexes in HBV morphogenesis. RNA interference knockdown of the ESCRT-I subunits TSG101 and VPS28 did not block, but rather stimulate virus release. In contrast, RNAi-mediated depletion of the ESCRT-II components EAP20, EAP30 and EAP45 greatly reduced virus egress. By analyzing different steps of the HBV maturation pathway, we find that the knockdown of ESCRT-II not only inhibited the production and/or release of enveloped virions, but also impaired intracellular nucleocapsid formation. Transcription/translation studies revealed that the depletion of ESCRT-II neither affected the synthesis and nuclear export of HBV-specific RNAs nor the expression of the viral core and envelope proteins. Moreover, the absence of ESCRT-II had no effects on the assembly capability and integrity of HBV core/capsids. However, the level of encapsidated pgRNA was significantly reduced in ESCRT-II-depleted cells, implicating that ESCRT-II directs steps accompanying the formation of replication-competent nucleocapsids, like e.g. assisting in RNA trafficking and encapsidation. In support of this, the capsid protein was found to interact and colocalize with ESCRT-II subunits in virus-producing cells. Together, these results indicate an essential role for ESCRT-II in the HBV life cycle and suggest that ESCRT-II functions prior to the final HBV budding reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens T. Stieler
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Reinhild Prange
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- * E-mail:
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