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Travassos R, Martins SA, Fernandes A, Correia JDG, Melo R. Tailored Viral-like Particles as Drivers of Medical Breakthroughs. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6699. [PMID: 38928403 PMCID: PMC11204272 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the recognized potential of nanoparticles, only a few formulations have progressed to clinical trials, and an even smaller number have been approved by the regulatory authorities and marketed. Virus-like particles (VLPs) have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional nanoparticles due to their safety, biocompatibility, immunogenicity, structural stability, scalability, and versatility. Furthermore, VLPs can be surface-functionalized with small molecules to improve circulation half-life and target specificity. Through the functionalization and coating of VLPs, it is possible to optimize the response properties to a given stimulus, such as heat, pH, an alternating magnetic field, or even enzymes. Surface functionalization can also modulate other properties, such as biocompatibility, stability, and specificity, deeming VLPs as potential vaccine candidates or delivery systems. This review aims to address the different types of surface functionalization of VLPs, highlighting the more recent cutting-edge technologies that have been explored for the design of tailored VLPs, their importance, and their consequent applicability in the medical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Travassos
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; (R.T.); (S.A.M.); (A.F.)
| | - Sofia A. Martins
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; (R.T.); (S.A.M.); (A.F.)
| | - Ana Fernandes
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; (R.T.); (S.A.M.); (A.F.)
| | - João D. G. Correia
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; (R.T.); (S.A.M.); (A.F.)
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal
| | - Rita Melo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, CTN, Estrada Nacional 10 (km 139.7), 2695-066 Bobadela, Portugal; (R.T.); (S.A.M.); (A.F.)
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Dietrich A, Schiemer R, Kurmann J, Zhang S, Hubbuch J. Raman-based PAT for VLP precipitation: systematic data diversification and preprocessing pipeline identification. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1399938. [PMID: 38882637 PMCID: PMC11177211 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1399938] [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: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are a promising class of biopharmaceuticals for vaccines and targeted delivery. Starting from clarified lysate, VLPs are typically captured by selective precipitation. While VLP precipitation is induced by step-wise or continuous precipitant addition, current monitoring approaches do not support the direct product quantification, and analytical methods usually require various, time-consuming processing and sample preparation steps. Here, the application of Raman spectroscopy combined with chemometric methods may allow the simultaneous quantification of the precipitated VLPs and precipitant owing to its demonstrated advantages in analyzing crude, complex mixtures. In this study, we present a Raman spectroscopy-based Process Analytical Technology (PAT) tool developed on batch and fed-batch precipitation experiments of Hepatitis B core Antigen VLPs. We conducted small-scale precipitation experiments providing a diversified data set with varying precipitation dynamics and backgrounds induced by initial dilution or spiking of clarified Escherichia coli-derived lysates. For the Raman spectroscopy data, various preprocessing operations were systematically combined allowing the identification of a preprocessing pipeline, which proved to effectively eliminate initial lysate composition variations as well as most interferences attributed to precipitates and the precipitant present in solution. The calibrated partial least squares models seamlessly predicted the precipitant concentration with R 2 of 0.98 and 0.97 in batch and fed-batch experiments, respectively, and captured the observed precipitation trends with R 2 of 0.74 and 0.64. Although the resolution of fine differences between experiments was limited due to the observed non-linear relationship between spectral data and the VLP concentration, this study provides a foundation for employing Raman spectroscopy as a PAT sensor for monitoring VLP precipitation processes with the potential to extend its applicability to other phase-behavior dependent processes or molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle Dietrich
- Institute of Process Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Robin Schiemer
- Institute of Process Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Jasper Kurmann
- Institute of Process Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Shiqi Zhang
- Institute of Process Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Jürgen Hubbuch
- Institute of Process Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
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Pusara S, Wenzel W, Kozlowska M. Impact of DNA on interactions between core proteins of Hepatitis B virus-like particles comprising different C-terminals. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 263:130365. [PMID: 38401590 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) virus-like particles (VLPs) are promising therapeutic agents derived from HBV core proteins (Cp). This study investigates the assembly dynamics of HBV VLPs, which is crucial for their potential as drug carriers or gene delivery systems. Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations explore the impact of C-terminal domain length (in the Cp ranging from Cp149 to wild-type Cp183) on Cp assembly and stability, particularly in the presence of DNA. Our findings reveal that the C-terminal nucleic acid binding region significantly influences Cp assembly and stability of trimers comprising Cp dimers. Shorter C-terminal domains (Cp164, Cp167) enhance stability and protein-protein interactions, while interactions between naturally occurring Cp183 are destabilized in the absence of DNA. Interestingly, DNA addition further stabilizes Cp assemblies, and this effect is influenced by the length of the nucleic acid binding region. Shorter C-terminal domains show less dependency on DNA content. This stabilization is attributed to electrostatic forces between positively charged C-terminal chains and negatively charged nucleic acids. Our study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms governing protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions in HBV VLP assembly, providing insights into Cp processability and informing the development of efficient gene therapy carriers using VLP technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srdjan Pusara
- Institute of Nanotechnology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology KIT, Kaiserstraße 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wenzel
- Institute of Nanotechnology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology KIT, Kaiserstraße 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Mariana Kozlowska
- Institute of Nanotechnology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology KIT, Kaiserstraße 12, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany.
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Shahsavandi S, Ebrahimi MM, Nazari A, Khalili I. Effects of ultra-filtration purification of infectious bursal disease virus on immune responses and cytokine activation in specific pathogen free chickens. VETERINARY RESEARCH FORUM : AN INTERNATIONAL QUARTERLY JOURNAL 2024; 15:49-55. [PMID: 38464605 PMCID: PMC10921136 DOI: 10.30466/vrf.2023.2009350.3978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Purification is an important step in the production of viral vaccines that strongly affects product recovery and subsequent immune responses. The present study was carried out with the aim of improving the purification of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) by the tangential flow filtration (TFF) method. Then, the effect of the purified virus on the induction of immune responses against IBDV in specific pathogen free (SPF) chickens was investigated. The IBD07IR strain was propagated in embryonated SPF eggs. The virus was purified using a 100 kDa cassette. The quality of the recovered viruses was evaluated by titration. A total number of 60 SPF chickens were randomly divided into three groups (n = 20) and received the concentrated viral antigen, commercial live IBDV vaccine and phosphate-buffered saline at the age of 3 weeks by eye drop method. The bursa of Fabricius was examined histopathologically for possible changes. Sera were collected at 1-week intervals from day 0 until the end of 6 weeks after vaccination. The IBDV-specific antibody levels, induction of cell-mediated immunity and mRNA expression levels of cytokines were evaluated. The results showed that despite a relative raise in virus titer from 7.66 to 8.17 embryo infectious dose (EID)50 mL-1 following purification, both the purified IBDV and commercial vaccine are able to induce strong immune responses against the virus. Within a context of egg-based IBDV vaccine production, a single-step TFF can be applied for the relatively purification. This platform requires a further study in the selection of multiple membranes to optimize the operating conditions and final product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahla Shahsavandi
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mohammad Majid Ebrahimi
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran
| | - Ali Nazari
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran
| | - Iraj Khalili
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran
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Aves KL, Sander AF. Design and Purification of Tag/Catcher AP205-Based Capsid Virus-Like Particle Vaccines. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2720:127-141. [PMID: 37775662 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3469-1_9] [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: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Capsid virus-like particles (cVLPs), assembled from viral coat proteins, are used as therapeutic cargo delivery vehicles as well as molecular scaffolds for display of vaccine antigens. A versatile vaccine platform has been developed based on the Acinetobacter phage AP205 cVLP, which has been shown to significantly improve antigen-specific antibody responses. This modular cVLP platform exploits a split-protein (Tag/Catcher) conjugation system to enable high-density, unidirectional antigen display. Accordingly, protein antigens can be independently expressed and quality-checked prior to conjugation to pre-assembled cVLPs. Here, we describe considerations for the design of vaccine antigens with genetically fused split-protein (Tag or Catcher) binding partners and provide protocols for the expression and purification of corresponding Tag- or Catcher-AP205 cVLPs from E.coli. Finally, we describe a generic protocol for the formulation and quality assessment of experimental/pre-clinical AP205 cVLP-based vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara-Lee Aves
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Adam F Sander
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Valentic A, Böhner N, Hubbuch J. Absolute Quantification of Hepatitis B Core Antigen (HBcAg) Virus-like Particles and Bound Nucleic Acids. Viruses 2023; 16:13. [PMID: 38275948 PMCID: PMC10820971 DOI: 10.3390/v16010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Effective process development towards intensified processing for gene delivery applications using Hepatitis B core Antigen (HBcAg) virus-like particles (VLPs) relies on analytical methods for the absolute quantification of HBcAg VLP proteins and bound nucleic acids. We investigated a silica spin column (SC)-based extraction procedure, including proteinase K lysis and silica chromatography, for the absolute quantification of different species of nucleic acids bound to HBcAg VLPs analyzed by dye-based fluorescence assays. This revealed load-dependent nucleic acid recoveries of the silica-SC-based extraction. We also developed a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method to separate and quantify the HBcAg proteins and the bound nucleic acids simultaneously without prior sample treatment by dissociation reagents. The method demonstrated sufficient linearity, accuracy, and precision coefficients and is suited for determining absolute protein and nucleic acid concentrations and HBcAg protein purities at various purification stages. Both the silica-SC-based extraction and the RP-based extraction presented overcome the limitations of analytical techniques, which are restricted to relative or qualitative analyses for HBcAg VLPs with bound nucleic acids. In combination with existing analytics, the methods for an absolute quantification of HBcAg VLPs and bound nucleic acids presented here are required to evaluate downstream purification steps, such as the removal of host cell-derived nucleic acids, concurrent protein loss, and efficient loading with therapeutic nucleic acids. Hence, the methods are key for effective process development when using HBcAg VLP as potential gene delivery vehicles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jürgen Hubbuch
- Institute of Process Engineering in Life Sciences—Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany; (A.V.); (N.B.)
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Chauhan S, Khasa YP. Challenges and Opportunities in the Process Development of Chimeric Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1828. [PMID: 38140232 PMCID: PMC10747103 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121828] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccines are integral to human life to protect them from life-threatening diseases. However, conventional vaccines often suffer limitations like inefficiency, safety concerns, unavailability for non-culturable microbes, and genetic variability among pathogens. Chimeric vaccines combine multiple antigen-encoding genes of similar or different microbial strains to protect against hyper-evolving drug-resistant pathogens. The outbreaks of dreadful diseases have led researchers to develop economical chimeric vaccines that can cater to a large population in a shorter time. The process development begins with computationally aided omics-based approaches to design chimeric vaccines. Furthermore, developing these vaccines requires optimizing upstream and downstream processes for mass production at an industrial scale. Owing to the complex structures and complicated bioprocessing of evolving pathogens, various high-throughput process technologies have come up with added advantages. Recent advancements in high-throughput tools, process analytical technology (PAT), quality-by-design (QbD), design of experiments (DoE), modeling and simulations, single-use technology, and integrated continuous bioprocessing have made scalable production more convenient and economical. The paradigm shift to innovative strategies requires significant attention to deal with major health threats at the global scale. This review outlines the challenges and emerging avenues in the bioprocess development of chimeric vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yogender Pal Khasa
- Department of Microbiology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India;
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Du P, Yan Q, Zhang XA, Zeng W, Xie K, Yuan Z, Liu X, Liu X, Zhang L, Wu K, Li X, Fan S, Zhao M, Chen J. Virus-like particle vaccines with epitopes from porcine epidemic virus and transmissible gastroenteritis virus incorporated into self-assembling ADDomer platform provide clinical immune responses in piglets. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1251001. [PMID: 37942329 PMCID: PMC10628522 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1251001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) and transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) are major intestinal coronaviruses that cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and mortality in piglets. These viruses coexist and lead to significant economic losses in the swine industry. Virus-like particles (VLPs) have emerged as promising alternatives to conventional inactivated vaccines due to their exceptional safety, efficacy, and ability to provide multi-disease protection with a single dose. Methods Our study focused on specific antigenic epitopes from the PEDV S protein (SS2 and 2C10 regions) and the TGEV S protein (A and D sites) as target candidates. These epitopes were integrated into the ADDomer framework, and we successfully generated recombinant proteins AD, AD-P, AD-T, and AD-PT using the baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS). By meticulously optimizing conditions in High Five cells, we successfully expressed and purified the recombinant proteins. Subsequently, we developed the recombinant ADDomer-VLP vaccine and conducted a comprehensive evaluation of its efficacy in piglets. Results Following ultrafiltration concentration and sucrose gradient centrifugation purification, the recombinant proteins self-assembled into VLPs as observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Administration of the vaccine did not result in any adverse reactions in the immunized piglets. Additionally, no significant instances of fever were detected in any of the experimental groups, and there were no notable changes in average daily weight gain compared to the control group that received PBS. The recombinant ADDomer-VLP vaccines demonstrated strong immunogenicity, effectively stimulating the production of neutralizing antibodies against both PEDV and TGEV. Moreover, the recombinant ADDomer-VLP vaccine induced elevated levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-4, and enhanced cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity in the peripheral blood of piglets. Discussion These recombinant VLPs have demonstrated the ability to induce strong cellular and humoral immune responses in piglets, making them an incredibly promising platform for the rapid and simplified development of epitope vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Du
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Quanhui Yan
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao-Ai Zhang
- Agro-Biological Gene Research Center, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Breeding, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weijun Zeng
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Kaiyuan Xie
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhongmao Yuan
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaodi Liu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xueyi Liu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lihong Zhang
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Keke Wu
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaowen Li
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuangqi Fan
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mingqiu Zhao
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinding Chen
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Lücking D, Mercier C, Alarcón-Schumacher T, Erdmann S. Extracellular vesicles are the main contributor to the non-viral protected extracellular sequence space. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:112. [PMID: 37848554 PMCID: PMC10582014 DOI: 10.1038/s43705-023-00317-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Environmental virus metagenomes, commonly referred to as "viromes", are typically generated by physically separating virus-like particles (VLPs) from the microbial fraction based on their size and mass. However, most methods used to purify VLPs, enrich extracellular vesicles (EVs) and gene transfer agents (GTAs) simultaneously. Consequently, the sequence space traditionally referred to as a "virome" contains host-associated sequences, transported via EVs or GTAs. We therefore propose to call the genetic material isolated from size-fractionated (0.22 µm) and DNase-treated samples protected environmental DNA (peDNA). This sequence space contains viral genomes, DNA transduced by viruses and DNA transported in EVs and GTAs. Since there is no genetic signature for peDNA transported in EVs, GTAs and virus particles, we rely on the successful removal of contaminating remaining cellular and free DNA when analyzing peDNA. Using marine samples collected from the North Sea, we generated a thoroughly purified peDNA dataset and developed a bioinformatic pipeline to determine the potential origin of the purified DNA. This pipeline was applied to our dataset as well as existing global marine "viromes". Through this pipeline, we identified known GTA and EV producers, as well as organisms with actively transducing proviruses as the source of the peDNA, thus confirming the reliability of our approach. Additionally, we identified novel and widespread EV producers, and found quantitative evidence suggesting that EV-mediated gene transfer plays a significant role in driving horizontal gene transfer (HGT) in the world's oceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Lücking
- Max-Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Celsiusstraße 1, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | - Coraline Mercier
- Max-Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Celsiusstraße 1, 28359, Bremen, Germany
| | | | - Susanne Erdmann
- Max-Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Celsiusstraße 1, 28359, Bremen, Germany.
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Hillebrandt N, Hubbuch J. Size-selective downstream processing of virus particles and non-enveloped virus-like particles. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1192050. [PMID: 37304136 PMCID: PMC10248422 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1192050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-enveloped virus-like particles (VLPs) are versatile protein nanoparticles with great potential for biopharmaceutical applications. However, conventional protein downstream processing (DSP) and platform processes are often not easily applicable due to the large size of VLPs and virus particles (VPs) in general. The application of size-selective separation techniques offers to exploit the size difference between VPs and common host-cell impurities. Moreover, size-selective separation techniques offer the potential for wide applicability across different VPs. In this work, basic principles and applications of size-selective separation techniques are reviewed to highlight their potential in DSP of VPs. Finally, specific DSP steps for non-enveloped VLPs and their subunits are reviewed as well as the potential applications and benefits of size-selective separation techniques are shown.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jürgen Hubbuch
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
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11
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Yuan B, Liu Y, Lv M, Sui Y, Hou S, Yang T, Belhadj Z, Zhou Y, Chang N, Ren Y, Sun C. Virus-like particle-based nanocarriers as an emerging platform for drug delivery. J Drug Target 2023; 31:433-455. [PMID: 36940208 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2023.2193358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
New nanocarrier technologies are emerging, and they have great potential for improving drug delivery, targeting efficiency, and bioavailability. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are natural nanoparticles from animal and plant viruses and bacteriophages. Hence, VLPs present several great advantages, such as morphological uniformity, biocompatibility, reduced toxicity, and easy functionalisation. VLPs can deliver many active ingredients to the target tissue and have great potential as a nanocarrier to overcome the limitations associated with other nanoparticles. This review will focus primarily on the construction and applications of VLPs, particularly as a novel nanocarrier to deliver active ingredients. Herein, the main methods for the construction, purification, and characterisation of VLPs, as well as various VLP-based materials used in delivery systems are summarised. The biological distribution of VLPs in drug delivery, phagocyte-mediated clearance, and toxicity are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, No.100, Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Meilin Lv
- Harbin Medical University-Daqing, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Yilei Sui
- Harbin Medical University-Daqing, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Shenghua Hou
- Harbin Medical University-Daqing, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Tinghui Yang
- Harbin Medical University-Daqing, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Zakia Belhadj
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yulong Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Naidan Chang
- Harbin Medical University-Daqing, Daqing 163319, China
| | - Yachao Ren
- Harbin Medical University-Daqing, Daqing 163319, China.,School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, tianjin, 300000, China
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Vormittag P, Wolff MW. Editorial: Advances in bioprocessing of viral vectors and virus-like particles. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1166430. [PMID: 36998809 PMCID: PMC10043472 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1166430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael W. Wolff
- Institute of Bioprocess Engineering and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Mittelhessen (THM), Giessen, Germany
- Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Giessen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Michael W. Wolff,
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13
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Kim SA, Lee Y, Ko Y, Kim S, Kim GB, Lee NK, Ahn W, Kim N, Nam GH, Lee EJ, Kim IS. Protein-based nanocages for vaccine development. J Control Release 2023; 353:767-791. [PMID: 36516900 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Protein nanocages have attracted considerable attention in various fields of nanomedicine due to their intrinsic properties, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, high structural stability, and ease of modification of their surfaces and inner cavities. In vaccine development, these protein nanocages are suited for efficient targeting to and retention in the lymph nodes and can enhance immunogenicity through various mechanisms, including excellent uptake by antigen-presenting cells and crosslinking with multiple B cell receptors. This review highlights the superiority of protein nanocages as antigen delivery carriers based on their physiological and immunological properties such as biodistribution, immunogenicity, stability, and multifunctionality. With a focus on design, we discuss the utilization and efficacy of protein nanocages such as virus-like particles, caged proteins, and artificial caged proteins against cancer and infectious diseases such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In addition, we summarize available knowledge on the protein nanocages that are currently used in clinical trials and provide a general outlook on conventional distribution techniques and hurdles faced, particularly for therapeutic cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong A Kim
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Chemical & Biological Integrative Research Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeram Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeju Ko
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Seohyun Kim
- Department of Research and Development, SHIFTBIO INC., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Beom Kim
- Department of Research and Development, SHIFTBIO INC., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Na Kyeong Lee
- Chemical & Biological Integrative Research Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonkyung Ahn
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Nayeon Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi-Hoon Nam
- Department of Research and Development, SHIFTBIO INC., Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Jung Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
| | - In-San Kim
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Chemical & Biological Integrative Research Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Wegner CH, Hubbuch J. Calibration-free PAT: Locating selective crystallization or precipitation sweet spot in screenings with multi-way PARAFAC models. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1051129. [PMID: 36588941 PMCID: PMC9797130 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1051129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
When developping selective crystallization or precipitation processes, biopharmaceutical modalities require empirical screenings and analytics tailored to the specific needs of the target molecule. The multi-way chemometric approach called parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) coupled with ultraviolet visible light (UV/Vis) spectroscopy is able to predict specific concentrations and spectra from highly structured data sets without the need for calibration samples and reference analytics. These calculated models can provide exploratory information on pure species spectra and concentrations in all analyzed samples by representing one model component with one species. In this work, protein mixtures, monoclonal antibodies, and virus-like particles in chemically defined and complex solutions were investigated in three high-throughput crystallization or precipitation screenings with the aim to construct one PARAFAC model per case. Spectroscopic data sets of samples after the selective crystallization or precipitation, washing, and redissolution were recorded and arranged into a four-dimensional data set per case study. Different reference analytics and pure species spectra served as validation. Appropriate spectral preprocessing parameters were found for all case studies allowing even the application of this approach to the third case study in which quantitative concentration analytics are missing. Regardless of the modality or the number of species present in complex solutions, all models were able to estimate the specific concentration and find the optimal process condition regarding yield and product purity. It was shown that in complex solutions, species demonstrating similar phase behavior can be clustered as one component and described in the model. PARAFAC as a calibration-free approach coupled with UV/Vis spectroscopy provides a fast overview of species present in complex solution and of their concentration during selective crystallization or precipitation, washing, and redissolution.
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15
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Valentic A, Müller J, Hubbuch J. Effects of Different Lengths of a Nucleic Acid Binding Region and Bound Nucleic Acids on the Phase Behavior and Purification Process of HBcAg Virus-Like Particles. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:929243. [PMID: 35845397 PMCID: PMC9283707 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.929243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are macromolecular structures with great potential as vehicles for the targeted administration of functional molecules. Loaded with nucleic acids, VLPs are a promising approach for nanocarriers needed for gene therapy. There is broad knowledge of the manufacturing of the truncated wild-type lacking a nucleic acid binding region, which is mainly being investigated for vaccine applications. Whereas for their potential application as a nanocarrier for gene therapy, hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) VLPs with a nucleic acid binding region for efficient cargo-loading are being investigated. VLP structure, loading, and phase behavior are of central importance to their therapeutic efficacy and thereby considerably affecting the production process. Therefore, HBcAg VLPs with different lengths of the nucleic acid binding region were produced in E. coli. VLP attributes such as size, zeta potential, and loading with host cell-derived nucleic acids were evaluated. Capsid’s size and zeta potential of the VLP constructs did not differ remarkably, whereas the analysis of the loading with host cell-derived nucleic acids revealed strong differences in the binding of host cell-derived nucleic acids dependent on the length of the binding region of the constructs, with a non-linear correlation but a two-zone behavior. Moreover, the phase behavior and purification process of the HBcAg VLPs as a function of the liquid phase conditions and the presence of host cell-derived nucleic acids were investigated. Selective VLP precipitation using ammonium sulfate was scarcely affected by the encapsulated nucleic acids. However, the disassembly reaction, which is crucial for structure homogeneity, separation of encapsulated impurities, and effective loading of the VLPs with therapeutic nucleic acids, was affected both by the studied liquid phase conditions, varying pH and concentration of reducing agents, and the different VLP constructs and amount of bound nucleic acids, respectively. Thereby, capsid-stabilizing effects of the bound nucleic acids and capsid-destabilizing effects of the nucleic acid binding region were observed, following the two-zone behavior of the construct’s loading, and a resulting correlation between the capsid stability and disassembly yields could be derived.
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16
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Gerstweiler L, Billakanti J, Bi J, Middelberg APJ. An integrated and continuous downstream process for microbial virus-like particle vaccine biomanufacture. Biotechnol Bioeng 2022; 119:2122-2133. [PMID: 35478403 PMCID: PMC9542101 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we present the first integrated and continuous downstream process for the production of microbial virus‐like particle vaccines. Modular murine polyomavirus major capsid VP1 with integrated J8 antigen was used as a model virus‐like particle vaccine. The integrated continuous downstream process starts with crude cell lysate and consists of a flow‐through chromatography step followed by periodic counter‐current chromatography (PCC) (bind‐elute) using salt‐tolerant mixed‐mode resin and subsequent in‐line assembly. The automated process showed a robust behavior over different inlet feed concentrations ranging from 1.0 to 3.2 mg ml−1 with only minimal adjustments needed, and produced continuously high‐quality virus‐like particles, free of nucleic acids, with constant purity over extended periods of time. The average size remained constant between 44.8 ± 2.3 and 47.2 ± 2.9 nm comparable to literature. The process had an overall product recovery of 88.6% and a process productivity up to 2.56 mg h−1 mlresin−1 in the PCC step, depending on the inlet concentration. Integrating a flow through step with a subsequent PCC step allowed streamlined processing, showing a possible continuous pathway for a wide range of products of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Gerstweiler
- The University of Adelaide, School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, 5005, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jagan Billakanti
- Global Life Sciences Solutions Australia Pty Ltd, Level 11, 32 Phillip St, Parramatta, NSW, 2150, Australia
| | - Jingxiu Bi
- The University of Adelaide, School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, 5005, Adelaide, Australia
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17
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Leong HY, Fu XQ, Show PL, Yao SJ, Lin DQ. Downstream processing of virus-like particles with aqueous two-phase systems: applications and challenges. J Sep Sci 2022; 45:2064-2076. [PMID: 35191590 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.202100947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The advancement of recombinant virus-like particle-based vaccines has attracted global attention owing to substantially safety and high efficacy in provoking a protective immunity against various chronic and infectious diseases in humans and animals. A robust, low-cost and scalability separation and purification technology is of utmost importance in the downstream processing of recombinant virus-like particles to produce affordable and safe vaccines. Being a relatively simple, environmentally friendly and efficient biomolecules recovery approach, aqueous two-phase systems have received great attention from researchers worldwide. This review aims to highlight the challenges and outlook in addition to the current applications of aqueous two-phase systems in downstream processing of virus-like particles. The efforts will confidently reinforce scholars' knowledge and fill in the valuable research gap in the aspect of concerning recombinant virus-like particle-based vaccines development, particularly related to the virus-like particles downstream production processes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yi Leong
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Xiao-Qian Fu
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Pau Loke Show
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Broga Road, Selangor Darul Ehsan, 43500 Semenyih, Malaysia
| | - Shan-Jing Yao
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Dong-Qiang Lin
- Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
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18
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Hillebrandt N, Vormittag P, Dietrich A, Hubbuch J. Process Monitoring Framework for Cross‐flow Diafiltration‐based Virus‐like Particle Disassembly: Tracing Product Properties and Filtration Performance. Biotechnol Bioeng 2022; 119:1522-1538. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.28063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nils Hillebrandt
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Fritz‐Haber‐Weg 2 76131 Karlsruhe Baden‐Württemberg Germany
| | - Philipp Vormittag
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Fritz‐Haber‐Weg 2 76131 Karlsruhe Baden‐Württemberg Germany
| | - Annabelle Dietrich
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Fritz‐Haber‐Weg 2 76131 Karlsruhe Baden‐Württemberg Germany
| | - Jürgen Hubbuch
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Fritz‐Haber‐Weg 2 76131 Karlsruhe Baden‐Württemberg Germany
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19
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Hillebrandt N, Vormittag P, Dietrich A, Wegner CH, Hubbuch J. Process development for cross-flow diafiltration-based VLP disassembly: A novel high-throughput screening approach. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 118:3926-3940. [PMID: 34170511 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are particulate structures, which are applied as vaccines or delivery vehicles. VLPs assemble from subunits, named capsomeres, composed of recombinantly expressed viral structural proteins. During downstream processing, in vivo-assembled VLPs are typically dis- and reassembled to remove encapsulated impurities and to improve particle morphology. Disassembly is achieved in a high-pH solution and by the addition of a denaturant or reducing agent. The optimal disassembly conditions depend on the VLP amino acid sequence and structure, thus requiring material-consuming disassembly experiments. To this end, we developed a low-volume and high-resolution disassembly screening that provides time-resolved insight into the VLP disassembly progress. In this study, two variants of C-terminally truncated hepatitis B core antigen were investigated showing different disassembly behaviors. For both VLPs, the best capsomere yield was achieved at moderately high urea concentration and pH. Nonetheless, their disassembly behaviors differed particularly with respect to disassembly rate and aggregation. Based on the high-throughput screening results, a diafiltration-based disassembly process step was developed. Compared with mixing-based disassembly, it resulted in higher yields of up to 0.84 and allowed for integrated purification. This process step was embedded in a filtration-based process sequence of disassembly, capsomere separation, and reassembly, considerably reducing high-molecular-weight species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Hillebrandt
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences - Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Philipp Vormittag
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences - Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Annabelle Dietrich
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences - Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Christina H Wegner
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences - Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Hubbuch
- Institute of Engineering in Life Sciences - Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
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20
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Nooraei S, Bahrulolum H, Hoseini ZS, Katalani C, Hajizade A, Easton AJ, Ahmadian G. Virus-like particles: preparation, immunogenicity and their roles as nanovaccines and drug nanocarriers. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:59. [PMID: 33632278 PMCID: PMC7905985 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-00806-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 311] [Impact Index Per Article: 103.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are virus-derived structures made up of one or more different molecules with the ability to self-assemble, mimicking the form and size of a virus particle but lacking the genetic material so they are not capable of infecting the host cell. Expression and self-assembly of the viral structural proteins can take place in various living or cell-free expression systems after which the viral structures can be assembled and reconstructed. VLPs are gaining in popularity in the field of preventive medicine and to date, a wide range of VLP-based candidate vaccines have been developed for immunization against various infectious agents, the latest of which is the vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, the efficacy of which is being evaluated. VLPs are highly immunogenic and are able to elicit both the antibody- and cell-mediated immune responses by pathways different from those elicited by conventional inactivated viral vaccines. However, there are still many challenges to this surface display system that need to be addressed in the future. VLPs that are classified as subunit vaccines are subdivided into enveloped and non- enveloped subtypes both of which are discussed in this review article. VLPs have also recently received attention for their successful applications in targeted drug delivery and for use in gene therapy. The development of more effective and targeted forms of VLP by modification of the surface of the particles in such a way that they can be introduced into specific cells or tissues or increase their half-life in the host is likely to expand their use in the future. Recent advances in the production and fabrication of VLPs including the exploration of different types of expression systems for their development, as well as their applications as vaccines in the prevention of infectious diseases and cancers resulting from their interaction with, and mechanism of activation of, the humoral and cellular immune systems are discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saghi Nooraei
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), P. O. BOX: 14155-6343, Tehran, 1497716316, Iran
| | - Howra Bahrulolum
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), P. O. BOX: 14155-6343, Tehran, 1497716316, Iran
| | - Zakieh Sadat Hoseini
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), P. O. BOX: 14155-6343, Tehran, 1497716316, Iran
| | - Camellia Katalani
- Sari Agriculture Science and Natural Resource University (SANRU), Genetics and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute of Tabarestan (GABIT), Sari, Iran
| | - Abbas Hajizade
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Andrew J Easton
- School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.
| | - Gholamreza Ahmadian
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), P. O. BOX: 14155-6343, Tehran, 1497716316, Iran.
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21
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Gerstweiler L, Billakanti J, Bi J, Middelberg A. Comparative evaluation of integrated purification pathways for bacterial modular polyomavirus major capsid protein VP1 to produce virus-like particles using high throughput process technologies. J Chromatogr A 2021; 1639:461924. [PMID: 33545579 PMCID: PMC7825977 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2021.461924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Modular virus-like particles and capsomeres are potential vaccine candidates that can induce strong immune responses. There are many described protocols for the purification of microbially-produced viral protein in the literature, however, they suffer from inherent limitations in efficiency, scalability and overall process costs. In this study, we investigated alternative purification pathways to identify and optimise a suitable purification pathway to overcome some of the current challenges. Among the methods, the optimised purification strategy consists of an anion exchange step in flow through mode followed by a multi modal cation exchange step in bind and elute mode. This approach allows an integrated process without any buffer adjustment between the purification steps. The major contaminants like host cell proteins, DNA and aggregates can be efficiently removed by the optimised strategy, without the need for a size exclusion polishing chromatography step, which otherwise could complicate the process scalability and increase overall cost. High throughput process technology studies were conducted to optimise binding and elution conditions for multi modal cation exchanger, Capto™ MMC and strong anion exchanger Capto™ Q. A dynamic binding capacity of 14 mg ml−1 was achieved for Capto™ MMC resin. Samples derived from each purification process were thoroughly characterized by RP-HPLC, SEC-HPLC, SDS-PAGE and LC-ESI-MS/MS Mass Spectrometry analytical methods. Modular polyomavirus major capsid protein could be purified within hours using the optimised process achieving purities above 87% and above 96% with inclusion of an initial precipitation step. Purified capsid protein could be easily assembled in-vitro into well-defined virus-like particles by lowering pH with addition of calcium chloride to the eluate. High throughout studies allowed the screening of a vast design space within weeks, rather than months, and unveiled complicated binding behaviour for CaptoTM MMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Gerstweiler
- The University of Adelaide, School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Jagan Billakanti
- Cytiva, Product and Application Specialist Downstream Design-In ANZ, Suite 547, Level 5, 7 Eden Park Drive, Macquarie Park, NSW 2113, Australia
| | - Jingxiu Bi
- The University of Adelaide, School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Anton Middelberg
- The University of Adelaide, Division of Research and Innovation, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
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22
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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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