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McMahon R, Fuchs U, Schneider M, Hadl S, Hochreiter R, Bitzer A, Kosulin K, Koren M, Mader R, Zoihsl O, Wressnigg N, Dubischar K, Buerger V, Eder-Lingelbach S, Jaramillo JC. A randomized, double-blinded Phase 3 study to demonstrate lot-to-lot consistency and to confirm immunogenicity and safety of the live-attenuated chikungunya virus vaccine candidate VLA1553 in healthy adults†. J Travel Med 2024; 31:taad156. [PMID: 38091981 PMCID: PMC10911060 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taad156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global spread of the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) increases the exposure risk for individuals travelling to or living in endemic areas. This Phase 3 study was designed to demonstrate manufacturing consistency between three lots of the single shot live-attenuated CHIKV vaccine VLA1553, and to confirm the promising immunogenicity and safety data obtained in previous trials. METHODS This randomized, double-blinded, lot-to-lot consistency, Phase 3 study, assessed immunogenicity and safety of VLA1553 in 408 healthy adults (18-45 years) in 12 sites across the USA. The primary endpoint was a comparison of the geometric mean titre (GMT) ratios of CHIKV-specific neutralizing antibodies between three VLA1553 lots at 28 days post-vaccination. Secondary endpoints included immunogenicity and safety over 6 months post-vaccination. RESULTS GMTs were comparable between the lots meeting the acceptance criteria for equivalence. The average GMT (measured by 50% CHIKV micro plaque neutralization test; μPRNT50) peaked with 2643 at 28 days post-vaccination and decreased to 709 at 6 months post-vaccination. An excellent seroresponse rate (defined as μPRNT50 titre ≥ 150 considered protective) was achieved in 97.8% of participants at 28 days post-vaccination and still persisted in 96% at 6 months after vaccination. Upon VLA1553 immunization, 72.5% of participants experienced adverse events (AEs), without significant differences between lots (related solicited systemic AE: 53.9% of participants; related solicited local AE: 19.4%). Overall, AEs were mostly mild or moderate and resolved without sequela, usually within 3 days. With 3.9% of participants experiencing severe AEs, 2.7% were classified as related, whereas none of the six reported serious adverse events was related to the administration of VLA1553. CONCLUSIONS All three lots of VLA1553 recapitulated the safety and immunogenicity profiles of a preceding Phase 3 study, fulfilling pre-defined consistency requirements. These results highlight the manufacturability of VLA1553, a promising vaccine for the prevention of CHIKV disease for those living in or travelling to endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Michael Koren
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Robert Mader
- CRETA GmbH, Campus Vienna Biocenter 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria
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2
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Rao S, Erku D, Mahalingam S, Taylor A. Immunogenicity, safety and duration of protection afforded by chikungunya virus vaccines undergoing human clinical trials. J Gen Virol 2024; 105. [PMID: 38421278 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background. Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) causes chikungunya fever and has been responsible for major global epidemics of arthritic disease over the past two decades. Multiple CHIKV vaccine candidates are currently undergoing or have undergone human clinical trials, with one vaccine candidate receiving FDA approval. This scoping review was performed to evaluate the 'efficacy', 'safety' and 'duration of protection' provided by CHIKV vaccine candidates in human clinical trials.Methods. This scoping literature review addresses studies involving CHIKV vaccine clinical trials using available literature on the PubMed, Medline Embase, Cochrane Library and Clinicaltrial.gov databases published up to 25 August 2023. Covidence software was used to structure information and review the studies included in this article.Results. A total of 1138 studies were screened and, after removal of duplicate studies, 12 relevant studies were thoroughly reviewed to gather information. This review summarizs that all seven CHIKV vaccine candidates achieved over 90 % seroprotection against CHIKV after one or two doses. All vaccines were able to provide neutralizing antibody protection for at least 28 days.Conclusions. A variety of vaccine technologies have been used to develop CHIKV vaccine candidates. With one vaccine candidate having recently received FDA approval, it is likely that further CHIKV vaccines will be available commercially in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shambhavi Rao
- The Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Southport, QLD, 4215, Australia
- Global Virus Network (GVN) Centre of Excellence in Arboviruses, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Daniel Erku
- Centre for Applied Health Economics, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Southport, QLD, 4215, Australia
| | - Suresh Mahalingam
- The Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Southport, QLD, 4215, Australia
- Global Virus Network (GVN) Centre of Excellence in Arboviruses, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Adam Taylor
- The Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Southport, QLD, 4215, Australia
- Global Virus Network (GVN) Centre of Excellence in Arboviruses, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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3
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Mohammadian Farsani A, Mokhtari N, Nooraei S, Bahrulolum H, Akbari A, Farsani ZM, Khatami S, Ebadi MS, Ahmadian G. Lipid nanoparticles: The game-changer in CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24606. [PMID: 38288017 PMCID: PMC10823087 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
The steady progress in genome editing, especially genome editing based on the use of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and programmable nucleases to make precise modifications to genetic material, has provided enormous opportunities to advance biomedical research and promote human health. However, limited transfection efficiency of CRISPR-Cas9 poses a substantial challenge, hindering its wide adoption for genetic modification. Recent advancements in nanoparticle technology, specifically lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), offer promising opportunities for targeted drug delivery. LNPs are becoming popular as a means of delivering therapeutics, including those based on nucleic acids and mRNA. Notably, certain LNPs, such as Polyethylene glycol-phospholipid-modified cationic lipid nanoparticles and solid lipid nanoparticles, exhibit remarkable potential for efficient CRISPR-Cas9 delivery as a gene editing instrument. This review will introduce the molecular mechanisms and diverse applications of the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system, current strategies for delivering CRISPR/Cas9-based tools, the advantage of LNPs for CRISPR-Cas9 delivery, an overview of strategies for overcoming off-target genome editing, and approaches for improving genome targeting and tissue targeting. We will also highlight current developments and recent clinical trials for the delivery of CRISPR/Cas9. Finally, future directions for overcoming the limitations and adaptation of this technology for clinical trials will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arezoo Mohammadian Farsani
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Negin Mokhtari
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi Univesity, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saghi Nooraei
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Howra Bahrulolum
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbari
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zoheir Mohammadian Farsani
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyedmoein Khatami
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mozhdeh sadat Ebadi
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Life Science Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Ahmadian
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
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Flandes X, Hansen CA, Palani S, Abbas K, Bennett C, Caro WP, Hutubessy R, Khazhidinov K, Lambach P, Maure C, Marshall C, Rojas DP, Rosewell A, Sahastrabuddhe S, Tufet M, Wilder-Smith A, Beasley DWC, Bourne N, Barrett ADT. Vaccine value profile for Chikungunya. Vaccine 2023:S0264-410X(23)00915-5. [PMID: 38407992 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.07.069] [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: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) a mosquito-borne alphavirus is the causative agent of Chikungunya (CHIK), a disease with low mortality but high acute and chronic morbidity resulting in a high overall burden of disease. After the acute disease phase, chronic disease including persistent arthralgia is very common, and can cause fatigue and pain that is severe enough to limit normal activities. On average, around 40% of people infected with CHIKV will develop chronic arthritis, which may last for months or years. Recommendations for protection from CHIKV focus on infection control through preventing mosquito proliferation. There is currently no licensed antiviral drug or vaccine against CHIKV. Therefore, one of the most important public health impacts of vaccination would be to decrease burden of disease and economic losses in areas impacted by the virus, and prevent or reduce chronic morbidity associated with CHIK. This benefit would particularly be seen in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC) and socio-economically deprived areas, as they are more likely to have more infections and more severe outcomes. This 'Vaccine Value Profile' (VVP) for CHIK is intended to provide a high-level, holistic assessment of the information and data that are currently available to inform the potential public health, economic and societal value of vaccines in the development pipeline and vaccine-like products.This VVP was developed by a working group of subject matter experts from academia, non-profit organizations, public private partnerships, and multi-lateral organizations. All contributors have extensive expertise on various elements of the CHIK VVP and collectively aimed to identify current research and knowledge gaps.The VVP was developed using only existing and publicly available information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximena Flandes
- Department of Preventative Medicine and Population Health and University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Clairissa A Hansen
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Sunil Palani
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Kaja Abbas
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom; School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Clara Maure
- International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | | | - Marta Tufet
- Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - David W C Beasley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States; Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States.
| | - Nigel Bourne
- Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States.
| | - Alan D T Barrett
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States.
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5
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Henderson Sousa F, Ghaisani Komarudin A, Findlay-Greene F, Bowolaksono A, Sasmono RT, Stevens C, Barlow PG. Evolution and immunopathology of chikungunya virus informs therapeutic development. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm049804. [PMID: 37014125 PMCID: PMC10110403 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), a mosquito-borne alphavirus, is an emerging global threat identified in more than 60 countries across continents. The risk of CHIKV transmission is rising due to increased global interactions, year-round presence of mosquito vectors, and the ability of CHIKV to produce high host viral loads and undergo mutation. Although CHIKV disease is rarely fatal, it can progress to a chronic stage, during which patients experience severe debilitating arthritis that can last from several weeks to months or years. At present, there are no licensed vaccines or antiviral drugs for CHIKV disease, and treatment is primarily symptomatic. This Review provides an overview of CHIKV pathogenesis and explores the available therapeutic options and the most recent advances in novel therapeutic strategies against CHIKV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Henderson Sousa
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, UK
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences and UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Amalina Ghaisani Komarudin
- Eijkman Research Center for Molecular Biology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong Science Center, Cibinong, Kabupaten Bogor 16911, Indonesia
| | - Fern Findlay-Greene
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, UK
| | - Anom Bowolaksono
- Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms in Biological System (CEMBIOS) Research Group, Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia, Depok 16424, Indonesia
| | - R. Tedjo Sasmono
- Eijkman Research Center for Molecular Biology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong Science Center, Cibinong, Kabupaten Bogor 16911, Indonesia
| | - Craig Stevens
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, UK
| | - Peter G. Barlow
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, UK
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6
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Millsapps EM, Underwood EC, Barr KL. Development and Application of Treatment for Chikungunya Fever. Res Rep Trop Med 2022; 13:55-66. [PMID: 36561535 PMCID: PMC9767026 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s370046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The development and application of treatment for Chikungunya fever (CHIKF) remains complicated as there is no current standard treatment and many barriers to research exist. Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) causes serious global health implications due to its socioeconomic impact and high morbidity rates. In research, treatment through natural and pharmaceutical techniques is being evaluated for their efficacy and effectiveness. Natural treatment options, such as homeopathy and physiotherapy, give patients a variety of options for how to best manage acute and chronic symptoms. Some of the most used pharmaceutical therapies for CHIKV include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), methotrexate (MTX), chloroquine, and ribavirin. Currently, there is no commercially available vaccine for chikungunya, but vaccine development is crucial for this virus. Potential treatments need further research until they can become a standard part of treatment. The barriers to research for this complicated virus create challenges in the efficacy and equitability of its research. The rising need for increased research to fully understand chikungunya in order to develop more effective treatment options is vital in protecting endemic populations globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M Millsapps
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Disease Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Emma C Underwood
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Disease Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Kelli L Barr
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Disease Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA,Correspondence: Kelli L Barr, Center for Global Health and Infectious Disease Research, University of South Florida, 3720 Spectrum Blvd. Suite 304, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA, Tel +1 813 974 4480, Fax +1 813 974 4962, Email
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7
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Tsai SK, Hsu YL, Chiao DJ, Shu PY, Lin HT, Chang SF, Lin HC, Huang SH, Wang CH, Hsiung CC, Lin CC, Wu TY, Kuo SC. Antigenicity and immunogenicity of chikungunya virus-like particles from mosquito cells. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 107:219-232. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-12280-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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A Bivalent Trans-Amplifying RNA Vaccine Candidate Induces Potent Chikungunya and Ross River Virus Specific Immune Responses. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10091374. [PMID: 36146452 PMCID: PMC9503900 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10091374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alphaviruses such as the human pathogenic chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Ross River virus (RRV) can cause explosive outbreaks raising public health concerns. However, no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment is yet available. We recently established a CHIKV vaccine candidate based on trans-amplifying RNA (taRNA). This novel system consists of a replicase-encoding mRNA and a trans-replicon (TR) RNA encoding the antigen. The TR-RNA is amplified by the replicase in situ. We were interested in determining whether multiple TR-RNAs can be amplified in parallel and if, thus, a multivalent vaccine candidate can be generated. In vitro, we observed an efficient amplification of two TR-RNAs, encoding for the CHIKV and the RRV envelope proteins, by the replicase, which resulted in a high antigen expression. Vaccination of BALB/c mice with the two TR-RNAs induced CHIKV- and RRV-specific humoral and cellular immune responses. However, antibody titers and neutralization capacity were higher after immunization with a single TR-RNA. In contrast, alphavirus-specific T cell responses were equally potent after the bivalent vaccination. These data show the proof-of-principle that the taRNA system can be used to generate multivalent vaccines; however, further optimizations will be needed for clinical application.
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9
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Hameed SA, Paul S, Dellosa GKY, Jaraquemada D, Bello MB. Towards the future exploration of mucosal mRNA vaccines against emerging viral diseases; lessons from existing next-generation mucosal vaccine strategies. NPJ Vaccines 2022; 7:71. [PMID: 35764661 PMCID: PMC9239993 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-022-00485-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The mRNA vaccine platform has offered the greatest potential in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic owing to rapid development, effectiveness, and scalability to meet the global demand. There are many other mRNA vaccines currently being developed against different emerging viral diseases. As with the current COVID-19 vaccines, these mRNA-based vaccine candidates are being developed for parenteral administration via injections. However, most of the emerging viruses colonize the mucosal surfaces prior to systemic infection making it very crucial to target mucosal immunity. Although parenterally administered vaccines would induce a robust systemic immunity, they often provoke a weak mucosal immunity which may not be effective in preventing mucosal infection. In contrast, mucosal administration potentially offers the dual benefit of inducing potent mucosal and systemic immunity which would be more effective in offering protection against mucosal viral infection. There are however many challenges posed by the mucosal environment which impede successful mucosal vaccination. The development of an effective delivery system remains a major challenge to the successful exploitation of mucosal mRNA vaccination. Nonetheless, a number of delivery vehicles have been experimentally harnessed with different degrees of success in the mucosal delivery of mRNA vaccines. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of mRNA vaccines and summarise their application in the fight against emerging viral diseases with particular emphasis on COVID-19 mRNA platforms. Furthermore, we discuss the prospects and challenges of mucosal administration of mRNA-based vaccines, and we explore the existing experimental studies on mucosal mRNA vaccine delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sodiq A. Hameed
- grid.7849.20000 0001 2150 7757Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Stephane Paul
- CIRI – Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Team GIMAP, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, U1111, CNRS, UMR530, CIC 1408 Vaccinology, F42023 Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Giann Kerwin Y. Dellosa
- grid.7849.20000 0001 2150 7757Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Dolores Jaraquemada
- grid.7080.f0000 0001 2296 0625Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola, Spain
| | - Muhammad Bashir Bello
- grid.412771.60000 0001 2150 5428Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University PMB, 2346 Sokoto, Nigeria
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The Tetraspanin CD81 Is a Host Factor for Chikungunya Virus Replication. mBio 2022; 13:e0073122. [PMID: 35612284 PMCID: PMC9239085 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00731-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arthritogenic reemerging virus replicating in plasma membrane-derived compartments termed "spherules." Here, we identify the human transmembrane protein CD81 as host factor required for CHIKV replication. Ablation of CD81 results in decreased CHIKV permissiveness, while overexpression enhances infection. CD81 is dispensable for virus uptake but critically required for viral genome replication. Likewise, murine CD81 is crucial for CHIKV permissiveness and is expressed in target cells such as dermal fibroblasts, muscle and liver cells. Whereas related alphaviruses, including Ross River virus (RRV), Semliki Forest virus (SFV), Sindbis virus (SINV) and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), also depend on CD81 for infection, RNA viruses from other families, such as coronaviruses, replicate independently of CD81. Strikingly, the replication-enhancing function of CD81 is linked to cholesterol binding. These results define a mechanism exploited by alphaviruses to hijack the membrane microdomain-modeling protein CD81 for virus replication through interaction with cholesterol. IMPORTANCE In this study, we discover the tetraspanin CD81 as a host factor for the globally emerging chikungunya virus and related alphaviruses. We show that CD81 promotes replication of viral genomes in human and mouse cells, while virus entry into cells is independent of CD81. This provides novel insights into how alphaviruses hijack host proteins to complete their life cycle. Alphaviruses replicate at distinct sites of the plasma membrane, which are enriched in cholesterol. We found that the cholesterol-binding ability of CD81 is important for its function as an alphavirus host factor. This discovery thus broadens our understanding of the alphavirus replication process and the use of host factors to reprogram cells into virus replication factories.
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Thompson D, Metz SW, Abad C, Beaty S, Warfield K. Immunological implications of diverse production approaches for Chikungunya virus-like particle vaccines. Vaccine 2022; 40:3009-3017. [PMID: 35459557 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an arbovirus from the Alphavirus genus, causes sporadic outbreaks and epidemics and can cause acute febrile illness accompanied by severe long-term arthralgias. Over 20 CHIKV vaccine candidates have been developed over the last two decades, utilizing a wide range of vaccine platforms, including virus-like particles (VLP). A CHIKV VLP vaccine candidate is among three candidates in late-stage clinical testing and has potentially promising data in nonclinical and clinical studies exploring safety and vaccine immunogenicity. Despite the consistency of the CHIKV VLP structure, vaccine candidates vary significantly in protein sequence identity, structural protein expression cassettes and their mode of production. Here, we explore the impact of CHIKV VLP coding sequence variation and the chosen expression platform, which affect VLP expression yields, antigenicity and overall vaccine immunogenicity. Additionally, we explore the potential of the CHIKV VLP platform to be modified to elicit protection against other pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Thompson
- Emergent BioSolutions Inc., 400 Professional Dr, Gaithersburg, MD 20879, USA
| | - Stefan W Metz
- Emergent BioSolutions Inc., 400 Professional Dr, Gaithersburg, MD 20879, USA
| | - Carmen Abad
- Emergent BioSolutions Inc., 400 Professional Dr, Gaithersburg, MD 20879, USA
| | - Shannon Beaty
- Emergent BioSolutions Inc., 400 Professional Dr, Gaithersburg, MD 20879, USA
| | - Kelly Warfield
- Emergent BioSolutions Inc., 400 Professional Dr, Gaithersburg, MD 20879, USA.
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12
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Shukla M, Chandley P, Tapryal S, Kumar N, Mukherjee SP, Rohatgi S. Expression, Purification, and Refolding of Chikungunya Virus Full-Length Envelope E2 Protein along with B-Cell and T-Cell Epitope Analyses Using Immuno-Informatics Approaches. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:3491-3513. [PMID: 35128258 PMCID: PMC8811930 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c05975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-transmitted alphavirus, which causes severe illness in humans and is responsible for epidemic outbreaks in Africa, Asia, North and South America, and Europe. Despite its increased global prevalence, no licensed vaccines are available to date for treating or preventing CHIKV infection. The envelope E2 protein is one of the promising subunit vaccine candidates against CHIKV. In this study, we describe successful cloning, expression, and purification of CHIKV E2 full-length (E2-FL) and truncated (E2-ΔC and E2-ΔNC) proteins in the Escherichia coli expression system. The recombinant E2 proteins were purified from inclusion bodies using Ni-NTA chromatography. Further, we describe a detailed refolding procedure for obtaining the CHIKV E2-FL protein in native conformation, which was confirmed using circular dichroism and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. BALB/c mice immunized with the three different E2 proteins exhibited increased E2-specific antibody titers compared to sham-immunized controls, suggesting induction of strong humoral immune response. On analyzing the E2-specific antibody response generated in immunized mice, the CHIKV E2-FL protein was observed to be the most immunogenic among the three different CHIKV E2 antigens used in the study. Our B-cell and T-cell epitope mapping results indicate that the presence of specific immunogenic peptides located in the N-terminal and C-terminal regions of the CHIKV E2-FL protein may contribute to its increased immunogenicity, compared to truncated CHIKV E2 proteins. In summary, our study provides a detailed protocol for expressing, purifying, and refolding of the CHIKV E2-FL protein and provides an understanding of its immunogenic epitopes, which can be exploited for the development of novel multiepitope-based anti-CHIKV vaccine strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Shukla
- Department
of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian
Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Pankaj Chandley
- Department
of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian
Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Suman Tapryal
- Department
of Biotechnology, Central University of
Rajasthan, Bandersindri,
Kishangarh, Ajmer 305817, Rajasthan, India
| | - Narendra Kumar
- Jaypee
University of Information Technology, Waknaghat, Solan 173234, India
| | - Sulakshana P. Mukherjee
- Department
of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian
Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee 247667, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Soma Rohatgi
- Department
of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian
Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee 247667, Uttarakhand, India
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13
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Abdelzaher HM, Gabr AS, Saleh BM, Abdel Gawad RM, Nour AA, Abdelanser A. RNA Vaccines against Infectious Diseases: Vital Progress with Room for Improvement. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1211. [PMID: 34835142 PMCID: PMC8622374 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9111211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
mRNA vaccines have amassed a strong interest from scientists and nonscientists alike for their potential in treating cancer and curbing the spread of infectious diseases. Their success has been bolstered by the COVID-19 pandemic as mRNA vaccines for the SARS-CoV-2 virus showed unrivaled efficiency and success. The strategy relies on the delivery of an RNA transcript that carries the sequence of an antigenic molecule into the body's cells where the antigen is manufactured. The lack of use of infectious pathogens and the fact that they are made of nucleic acids render these vaccines a favorable alternative to other vaccination modalities. However, mRNA vaccination still suffers from a great deal of hurdles starting from their safety, cellular delivery, uptake and response to their manufacturing, logistics and storage. In this review, we examine the premise of RNA vaccination starting from their conceptualization to their clinical applications. We also thoroughly discuss the advances in the field of RNA vaccination for infectious diseases. Finally, we discuss the challenges impeding their progress and shed light on potential areas of research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Anwar Abdelanser
- Institute of Global Public Health, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt; (H.M.A.); (A.S.G.); (B.M.S.); (R.M.A.G.); (A.A.N.)
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14
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van Goudoever MJF, Mulderij-Jansen VIC, Duits AJ, Tami A, Gerstenbluth II, Bailey A. The Impact of Health Risk Communication: A Study on the Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika Epidemics in Curaçao, Analyzed by the Social Amplification of Risk Framework (SARF). QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2021; 31:1801-1811. [PMID: 33926311 PMCID: PMC8446899 DOI: 10.1177/10497323211007815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Epidemics of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika have been threatening the Caribbean. Since risk communication (RC) plays a fundamental role in preventing and controlling diseases understanding how RC works is essential for enabling risk-reducing behavior. This multimethod qualitative study compares news reports with local's and health professional's perspectives, currently lacking in RC research. It was found that RC strategies were obstructed by a lack of governmental structure, organization, and communication. The content analysis showed that the majority of newspaper articles contained negative reporting on the government. Furthermore, this study shows how trust and heuristics attenuate or amplify people's risk perceptions and possibly positively and negatively influence people's risk-reducing behavior. A transcending approach (e.g., structural, cooperative, and multidisciplinary) of the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases and the corresponding RC is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vaitiare I. C. Mulderij-Jansen
- Utrecht University, Utrecht, The
Netherlands
- Curaçao Biomedical & Health
Research Institute, Willemstad, Curaçao
- University Medical Center
Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ashley J. Duits
- Curaçao Biomedical & Health
Research Institute, Willemstad, Curaçao
- Red Cross Blood Bank Foundation,
Willemstad, Curaçao
| | - Adriana Tami
- University Medical Center
Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Izzy I. Gerstenbluth
- Curaçao Biomedical & Health
Research Institute, Willemstad, Curaçao
- Ministry of Health Environment
and Nature of Curaçao, Willemstad, Curaçao
| | - Ajay Bailey
- Utrecht University, Utrecht, The
Netherlands
- Manipal Academy of Higher
Education, Manipal, India
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15
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August A, Attarwala HZ, Himansu S, Kalidindi S, Lu S, Pajon R, Han S, Lecerf JM, Tomassini JE, Hard M, Ptaszek LM, Crowe JE, Zaks T. A phase 1 trial of lipid-encapsulated mRNA encoding a monoclonal antibody with neutralizing activity against Chikungunya virus. Nat Med 2021; 27:2224-2233. [PMID: 34887572 PMCID: PMC8674127 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-021-01573-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection causes acute disease characterized by fever, rash and arthralgia, which progresses to severe and chronic arthritis in up to 50% of patients. Moreover, CHIKV infection can be fatal in infants or immunocompromised individuals and has no approved therapy or prevention. This phase 1, first-in-human, randomized, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept trial conducted from January 2019 to June 2020 evaluated the safety and pharmacology of mRNA-1944, a lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated messenger RNA encoding the heavy and light chains of a CHIKV-specific monoclonal neutralizing antibody, CHKV-24 ( NCT03829384 ). The primary outcome was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of escalating doses of mRNA-1944 administered via intravenous infusion in healthy participants aged 18-50 years. The secondary objectives included determination of the pharmacokinetics of mRNA encoding for CHKV-24 immunoglobulin heavy and light chains and ionizable amino lipid component and the pharmacodynamics of mRNA-1944 as assessed by serum concentrations of mRNA encoding for CHKV-24 immunoglobulin G (IgG), plasma concentrations of ionizable amino lipid and serum concentrations of CHKV-24 IgG. Here we report the results of a prespecified interim analysis of 38 healthy participants who received intravenous single doses of mRNA-1944 or placebo at 0.1, 0.3 and 0.6 mg kg-1, or two weekly doses at 0.3 mg kg-1. At 12, 24 and 48 h after single infusions, dose-dependent levels of CHKV-24 IgG with neutralizing activity were observed at titers predicted to be therapeutically relevant concentrations (≥1 µg ml-1) across doses that persisted for ≥16 weeks at 0.3 and 0.6 mg kg-1 (mean t1/2 approximately 69 d). A second 0.3 mg kg-1 dose 1 week after the first increased CHKV-24 IgG levels 1.8-fold. Adverse effects were mild to moderate in severity, did not worsen with a second mRNA-1944 dose and none were serious. To our knowledge, mRNA-1944 is the first mRNA-encoded monoclonal antibody showing in vivo expression and detectable ex vivo neutralizing activity in a clinical trial and may offer a treatment option for CHIKV infection. Further evaluation of the potential therapeutic use of mRNA-1944 in clinical trials for the treatment of CHIKV infection is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sunny Himansu
- grid.479574.c0000 0004 1791 3172Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Shiva Kalidindi
- grid.479574.c0000 0004 1791 3172Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Sophia Lu
- grid.479574.c0000 0004 1791 3172Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Rolando Pajon
- grid.479574.c0000 0004 1791 3172Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Shu Han
- grid.479574.c0000 0004 1791 3172Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, MA USA
| | | | | | - Marjie Hard
- grid.479574.c0000 0004 1791 3172Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Leon M. Ptaszek
- grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | - James E. Crowe
- grid.412807.80000 0004 1936 9916Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Tal Zaks
- grid.479574.c0000 0004 1791 3172Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, MA USA
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16
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Abstract
Introduction: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), a reemerging human arthropod borne virus, can causes global epidemic outbreaks and has become a serious health concern due to the unavailability of any antiviral therapy/vaccine. Extensive research has been conducted to target different proteins from CHIKV to curtail the spread of virus.Areas covered: This review provides an overview of the granted patents including the current status of antiviral strategies targeting CHIKV.Expert opinion: Under the current scenario, potential molecules and different approaches have been utilized to suppress CHIKV infection. MV-CHIKV and VRC-CHKVLP059-00-VP vaccine candidates have successfully completed phase I clinical trials and ribavirin (inhibitor) has shown significant inhibition of CHIKV replication and could be the most promising candidates. The drug resistance and toxicity can be modulated by using the inhibitors/drugs in combination. Moreover, nanoparticle formulations can improve the efficacy and bioavailability of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritu Ghildiyal
- Center for Emerging Diseases, Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida, U P, India
| | - Reema Gabrani
- Center for Emerging Diseases, Department of Biotechnology, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida, U P, India
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17
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Gao S, Song S, Zhang L. Recent Progress in Vaccine Development Against Chikungunya Virus. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2881. [PMID: 31921059 PMCID: PMC6930866 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya fever (CHIKF) is an acute infectious disease that is mediated by the mosquito-transmitted chikungunya virus (CHIKV). People infected with CHIKV may experience high fever, severe joint pain, skin rash, and headache. In recent years, this disease has become a global public health problem. However, there is no licensed vaccine available for CHIKV. Accumulating research data have provided novel approaches and new directions for the development of CHIKV vaccines. Our review focuses on recent progress in CHIKV vaccine studies. The potential vaccine candidates are classified into seven types: inactivated vaccine, subunit vaccine, live-attenuated vaccine, recombinant virus-vectored vaccine, virus-like particle vaccine, chimeric vaccine, and nucleic acid vaccine. These studies will provide important insights into the future development of CHIKV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Gao
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Siqi Song
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China.,School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Leiliang Zhang
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
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18
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Maciel LG, Oliveira AA, Romão TP, Leal LLL, Guido RVC, Silva-Filha MHNL, Dos Anjos JV, Soares TA. Discovery of 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives as a novel class of noncompetitive inhibitors of 3-hydroxykynurenine transaminase (HKT) from Aedes aegypti. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 28:115252. [PMID: 31864777 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.115252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The mosquito Aedes aegypti is the vector of arboviruses such as Zika, Chikungunya, dengue and yellow fever. These infectious diseases have a major impact on public health. The unavailability of effective vaccines or drugs to prevent or treat most of these diseases makes vector control the main form of prevention. One strategy to promote mosquito population control is the use of synthetic insecticides to inhibit key enzymes in the metabolic pathway of these insects, particularly during larval stages. One of the main targets of the kynurenine detoxification pathway in mosquitoes is the enzyme 3-hydroxykynurenine transaminase (HKT), which catalyzes the conversion of 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) into xanthurenic acid (XA). In this work, we report eleven newly synthesized oxadiazole derivatives and demonstrate that these compounds are potent noncompetitive inhibitors of HKT from Ae. aegypti. The present data provide direct evidence that HKT can be explored as a molecular target for the discovery of novel larvicides against Ae. aegypti. More importantly, it ensures that structural information derived from the HKT 3D-structure can be used to guide the development of more potent inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa G Maciel
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry - Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Jornalista Aníbal Fernandes, s/n°Cidade Universitária - Recife, PE 50740-560, Brazil
| | - Andrew A Oliveira
- Sao Carlos Institute of Physics - University of São Paulo, Av. Joao Dagnone, 1100 Jardim Santa Angelina, São Carlos, SP 13563-120, Brazil
| | - Tatiany P Romão
- Institute Aggeu Magalhães (IAM) - FIOCRUZ, Av. Professor Moraes Rego s/n°, Recife, PE 50740-560 Brazil
| | - Laylla L L Leal
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry - Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Jornalista Aníbal Fernandes, s/n°Cidade Universitária - Recife, PE 50740-560, Brazil
| | - Rafael V C Guido
- Sao Carlos Institute of Physics - University of São Paulo, Av. Joao Dagnone, 1100 Jardim Santa Angelina, São Carlos, SP 13563-120, Brazil
| | | | - Janaína V Dos Anjos
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry - Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Jornalista Aníbal Fernandes, s/n°Cidade Universitária - Recife, PE 50740-560, Brazil.
| | - Thereza A Soares
- Department of Fundamental Chemistry - Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Jornalista Aníbal Fernandes, s/n°Cidade Universitária - Recife, PE 50740-560, Brazil.
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19
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Plotkin SA. Chikungunya Virus: A Back-Breaking Problem. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2019; 8:95-96. [PMID: 30840767 DOI: 10.1093/jpids/piz012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stanley A Plotkin
- Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, Vaxconsult, Doylestown, Pennsylvania
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