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Farasatkia A, Maeso L, Gharibi H, Dolatshahi-Pirouz A, Stojanovic GM, Edmundo Antezana P, Jeong JH, Federico Desimone M, Orive G, Kharaziha M. Design of nanosystems for melanoma treatment. Int J Pharm 2024; 665:124701. [PMID: 39278291 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124701] [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: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 08/24/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma is a prevalent and concerning form of skin cancer affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Unfortunately, traditional treatments can be invasive and painful, prompting the need for alternative therapies with improved efficacy and patient outcomes. Nanosystems offer a promising solution to these obstacles through the rational design of nanoparticles (NPs) which are structured into nanocomposite forms, offering efficient approaches to cancer treatment procedures. A range of NPs consisting of polymeric, metallic and metal oxide, carbon-based, and virus-like NPs have been studied for their potential in treating skin cancer. This review summarizes the latest developments in functional nanosystems aimed at enhancing melanoma treatment. The fundamentals of these nanosystems, including NPs and the creation of various functional nanosystem types, facilitating melanoma treatment are introduced. Then, the advances in the applications of functional nanosystems for melanoma treatment are summarized, outlining both their benefits and the challenges encountered in implementing nanosystem therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asal Farasatkia
- Department of Materials Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Iran
| | - Lidia Maeso
- NanoBioCel Research Group, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Hamidreza Gharibi
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Goran M Stojanovic
- Department of Electronics, Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, 21000, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Pablo Edmundo Antezana
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química y Metabolismo del Fármaco (IQUIMEFA, CONICET), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jee-Heon Jeong
- Laboratory of Drug Delivery and Cell Therapy (LDDCT). Department of Precision Medicine. School of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University. South Korea
| | - Martin Federico Desimone
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química y Metabolismo del Fármaco (IQUIMEFA, CONICET), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Ciências Biológicas (ICB), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande - FURG, Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Gorka Orive
- NanoBioCel Research Group, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Bioaraba, NanoBioCel Research Group, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain; University Institute for Regenerative Medicine and Oral Implantology - UIRMI (UPV/EHU-Fundación Eduardo Anitua), Vitoria 01007, Spain.
| | - Mahshid Kharaziha
- Department of Materials Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Iran.
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Jahanafrooz Z, Oroojalian F, Mokhtarzadeh A, Rahdar A, Díez-Pascual AM. Nanovaccines: Immunogenic tumor antigens, targeted delivery, and combination therapy to enhance cancer immunotherapy. Drug Dev Res 2024; 85:e22244. [PMID: 39138855 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22244] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Nanovaccines have been designed to overcome the limitations associated with conventional vaccines. Effective delivery methods such as engineered carriers or smart nanoparticles (NPs) are critical requisites for inducing self-tolerance and optimizing vaccine immunogenicity with minimum side effects. NPs can be used as adjuvants, immunogens, or nanocarriers to develop nanovaccines for efficient antigen delivery. Multiloaded nanovaccines carrying multiple tumor antigens along with immunostimulants can effectively increase immunity against tumor cells. They can be biologically engineered to boost interactions with dendritic cells and to allow a gradual and constant antigen release. Modifying NPs surface properties, using high-density lipoprotein-mimicking nanodiscs, and developing nano-based artificial antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cell-derived-exosomes are amongst the new developed technologies to enhance antigen-presentation and immune reactions against tumor cells. The present review provides an overview on the different perspectives, improvements, and barriers of successful clinical application of current cancer therapeutic and vaccination options. The immunomodulatory effects of different types of nanovaccines and the nanoparticles incorporated into their structure are described. The advantages of using nanovaccines to prevent and treat common illnesses such as AIDS, malaria, cancer and tuberculosis are discussed. Further, potential paths to develop optimal cancer vaccines are described. Given the immunosuppressive characteristics of both cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment, applying immunomodulators and immune checkpoint inhibitors in combination with other conventional anticancer therapies are necessary to boost the effectiveness of the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Jahanafrooz
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Maragheh, Maragheh, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Oroojalian
- Natural Products & Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences Bojnurd, Bojnurd, Iran
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Ahad Mokhtarzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Abbas Rahdar
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran
| | - Ana M Díez-Pascual
- Universidad de Alcalá, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Química Analítica, Química Física e Ingenieria Química, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
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Sun W, Xie S, Liu SF, Hu X, Xing D. Evolving Tumor Characteristics and Smart Nanodrugs for Tumor Immunotherapy. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:3919-3942. [PMID: 38708176 PMCID: PMC11070166 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s453265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Typical physiological characteristics of tumors, such as weak acidity, low oxygen content, and upregulation of certain enzymes in the tumor microenvironment (TME), provide survival advantages when exposed to targeted attacks by drugs and responsive nanomedicines. Consequently, cancer treatment has significantly progressed in recent years. However, the evolution and adaptation of tumor characteristics still pose many challenges for current treatment methods. Therefore, efficient and precise cancer treatments require an understanding of the heterogeneity degree of various factors in cancer cells during tumor evolution to exploit the typical TME characteristics and manage the mutation process. The highly heterogeneous tumor and infiltrating stromal cells, immune cells, and extracellular components collectively form a unique TME, which plays a crucial role in tumor malignancy, including proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and immune escape. Therefore, the development of new treatment methods that can adapt to the evolutionary characteristics of tumors has become an intense focus in current cancer treatment research. This paper explores the latest understanding of cancer evolution, focusing on how tumors use new antigens to shape their "new faces"; how immune system cells, such as cytotoxic T cells, regulatory T cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells, help tumors become "invisible", that is, immune escape; whether the diverse cancer-associated fibroblasts provide support and coordination for tumors; and whether it is possible to attack tumors in reverse. This paper discusses the limitations of targeted therapy driven by tumor evolution factors and explores future strategies and the potential of intelligent nanomedicines, including the systematic coordination of tumor evolution factors and adaptive methods, to meet this therapeutic challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenshe Sun
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shaowei Xie
- Department of Ultrasound, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shi Feng Liu
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaokun Hu
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongming Xing
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
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Josi R, Speiser DE, de Brot S, Vogt AC, Sevick-Muraca EM, Tolstonog GV, Bachmann MF, Mohsen MO. A tetravalent nanovaccine that inhibits growth of HPV-associated head and neck carcinoma via dendritic and T cell activation. iScience 2024; 27:109439. [PMID: 38523774 PMCID: PMC10957412 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The global incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV) associated head and neck carcinoma is on the rise, in response to this a tetravalent therapeutic vaccine named Qβ-HPVag was developed. This vaccine, utilizing virus-like particles (VLPs) loaded with toll-like receptor ligands and chemically coupled to four HPV16-derived peptides, demonstrated strong anti-tumor effects in a murine head and neck cancer model. Qβ-HPVag impeded tumor progression, increased infiltration of HPV-specific T cells, and significantly improved survival. The vaccine`s efficacy was associated with immune repolarization in the tumor microenvironment, characterized by expanded activated dendritic cell subsets (cDC1, cDC2, DC3). Notably, mice responding to treatment exhibited a higher percentage of migratory DC3 cells expressing CCR7. These findings suggest promising prospects for optimized VLP-based vaccines in treating HPV-associated head and neck cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romano Josi
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), Bern, Switzerland
| | - Daniel E. Speiser
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Simone de Brot
- COMPATH, Institute of Animal Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Cathrine Vogt
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), Bern, Switzerland
| | - Eva M. Sevick-Muraca
- Center for Molecular Imaging, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Genrich V. Tolstonog
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Agora Cancer Research Centre, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Martin F. Bachmann
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Henry Welcome Building for Molecular Physiology, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mona O. Mohsen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Tajarub Research & Development, Doha, State of Qatar
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Josi R, Ogrina A, Rothen D, Balke I, Casaramona AS, de Brot S, Mohsen MO. Intranodal Injection of Immune Activator Demonstrates Antitumor Efficacy in an Adjuvant Approach. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:355. [PMID: 38675737 PMCID: PMC11054762 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12040355] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor-draining lymph nodes (tdLN) are the initial site of metastases and are the prime site for generating robust antitumor responses. In this study, we explored the efficacy of a universal immune activator (ImmAct) targeted to the tdLN. This approach can be viewed as an attempt to turn a cold, unresponsive tdLN into a hot, responsive site. The adjuvant antitumor efficacy of our novel intranodal injection was evaluated in an aggressive metastatic mammary carcinoma murine model. The cancer cells were inoculated subcutaneously in the lower quadrant of the mouse to provoke the tdLN (inguinal lymph node). The study encompasses a range of methodologies, including in vivo and in vitro assays and high-dimensional flow cytometry analysis. Our findings demonstrated that intranodal administration of ImmAct following the dissection of the primary tumor led to improved tumor-free survival and minimized weight loss. ImmAct led to both local and systemic alterations in the cellular and humoral immunity. Additionally, after ImmAct treatment, non-responders showed a higher rate of exhausted CD8+ T cells compared to responders. Indeed, our innovative approach surpassed the gold standard surgery of sentinel lymph node excision. Overall, intranodal administration of ImmAct yielded a robust antitumor immune response, offering protection against micrometastases and relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romano Josi
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland (M.O.M.)
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology RIA, University Hospital Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anete Ogrina
- Plant Virology Laboratory, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia (I.B.)
| | - Dominik Rothen
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland (M.O.M.)
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology RIA, University Hospital Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ina Balke
- Plant Virology Laboratory, Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia (I.B.)
| | - Arnau Solé Casaramona
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland (M.O.M.)
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology RIA, University Hospital Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences (GCB), University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Simone de Brot
- COMPATH, Institute of Animal Pathology, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Mona O. Mohsen
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland (M.O.M.)
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology RIA, University Hospital Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Tajarub Research & Development, Doha P.O. Box 12627, Qatar
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Huang X, Zhu X, Yang H, Li Q, Gai L, Sui X, Lu H, Feng J. Nanomaterial Delivery Vehicles for the Development of Neoantigen Tumor Vaccines for Personalized Treatment. Molecules 2024; 29:1462. [PMID: 38611742 PMCID: PMC11012694 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071462] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor vaccines have been considered a promising therapeutic approach for treating cancer in recent years. With the development of sequencing technologies, tumor vaccines based on neoantigens or genomes specifically expressed in tumor cells, mainly in the form of peptides, nucleic acids, and dendritic cells, are beginning to receive widespread attention. Therefore, in this review, we have introduced different forms of neoantigen vaccines and discussed the development of these vaccines in treating cancer. Furthermore, neoantigen vaccines are influenced by factors such as antigen stability, weak immunogenicity, and biosafety in addition to sequencing technology. Hence, the biological nanomaterials, polymeric nanomaterials, inorganic nanomaterials, etc., used as vaccine carriers are principally summarized here, which may contribute to the design of neoantigen vaccines for improved stability and better efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; (X.H.); (X.Z.); (H.Y.); (Q.L.); (X.S.)
| | - Xiaolong Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; (X.H.); (X.Z.); (H.Y.); (Q.L.); (X.S.)
| | - Huan Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; (X.H.); (X.Z.); (H.Y.); (Q.L.); (X.S.)
| | - Qinyi Li
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; (X.H.); (X.Z.); (H.Y.); (Q.L.); (X.S.)
| | - Lizhi Gai
- College of Material, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Organosilicon Chemistry and Material Technology of Ministry of Education, and Key Laboratory of Organosilicon Material Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China;
| | - Xinbing Sui
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; (X.H.); (X.Z.); (H.Y.); (Q.L.); (X.S.)
| | - Hua Lu
- College of Material, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Organosilicon Chemistry and Material Technology of Ministry of Education, and Key Laboratory of Organosilicon Material Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China;
| | - Jiao Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; (X.H.); (X.Z.); (H.Y.); (Q.L.); (X.S.)
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Dehghankhold M, Sadat Abolmaali S, Nezafat N, Mohammad Tamaddon A. Peptide nanovaccine in melanoma immunotherapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 129:111543. [PMID: 38301413 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111543] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma is an especially fatal neoplasm resistant to traditional treatment. The advancement of novel therapeutical approaches has gained attention in recent years by shedding light on the molecular mechanisms of melanoma tumorigenesis and their powerful interplay with the immune system. The presence of many mutations in melanoma cells results in the production of a varied array of antigens. These antigens can be recognized by the immune system, thereby enabling it to distinguish between tumors and healthy cells. In the context of peptide cancer vaccines, generally, they are designed based on tumor antigens that stimulate immunity through antigen-presenting cells (APCs). As naked peptides often have low potential in eliciting a desirable immune reaction, immunization with such compounds usually necessitates adjuvants and nanocarriers. Actually, nanoparticles (NPs) can provide a robust immune response to peptide-based melanoma vaccines. They improve the directing of peptide vaccines to APCs and induce the secretion of cytokines to get maximum immune response. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge of the utilization of nanotechnology in peptide vaccines emphasizing melanoma, as well as highlights the significance of physicochemical properties in determining the fate of these nanovaccines in vivo, including their drainage to lymph nodes, cellular uptake, and influence on immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahvash Dehghankhold
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Samira Sadat Abolmaali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Navid Nezafat
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Computational vaccine and Drug Design Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Ali Mohammad Tamaddon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Amorim AC, Burke AJ. What is the future of click chemistry in drug discovery and development? Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:267-280. [PMID: 38214914 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2302151] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The concept of click chemistry was introduced in 2001 as an effective, efficient, and sustainable approach to making functional groups harnessing the thermodynamic properties of a set of known chemical reactions that are based on nature. Some of the most common examples include reactions that produce 1,2,3-triazoles, which have been used with great success in drug discovery and development, and in chemical biology. The reactions unite two molecules quickly and irreversibly, and the reactions can be performed inside living cells, without harming the cell. AREAS COVERED The main focus of this perspective is the future of click chemistry in drug discovery and development, exemplified by novel click chemistry approaches and other aspects of the drug development enterprise, like SPAAC and analogous techniques, PROTACs, as well as diversity-oriented click chemistry. EXPERT OPINION Drug discovery and development has benefited enormously from the amazing advances that have been made in the field of click chemistry since 2001. The methods most likely to have the most future applications include metal-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloadditions giving 1,2,3-triazoles, SPAAC for medical diagnostics and vaccine development, other congeners, Sulfur-Fluoride Exchange (SuFEx) and Diversity-Oriented Clicking (DOC), a concept with diverse molecular methodology with the potential for obtaining extensive molecular diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C Amorim
- Chemistry Department, Coimbra Chemistry Centre, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Anthony J Burke
- Chemistry Department, Coimbra Chemistry Centre, Institute of Molecular Sciences, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Institute for Research and Advanced Studies, Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal
- Center for Neurosciences and Cellular Biology (CNC), Polo I, Universidade de Coimbra Rua Larga Faculdade de Medicina, Coimbra, Portugal
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Barajas A, Amengual-Rigo P, Pons-Grífols A, Ortiz R, Gracia Carmona O, Urrea V, de la Iglesia N, Blanco-Heredia J, Anjos-Souza C, Varela I, Trinité B, Tarrés-Freixas F, Rovirosa C, Lepore R, Vázquez M, de Mattos-Arruda L, Valencia A, Clotet B, Aguilar-Gurrieri C, Guallar V, Carrillo J, Blanco J. Virus-like particle-mediated delivery of structure-selected neoantigens demonstrates immunogenicity and antitumoral activity in mice. J Transl Med 2024; 22:14. [PMID: 38172991 PMCID: PMC10763263 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04843-8] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neoantigens are patient- and tumor-specific peptides that arise from somatic mutations. They stand as promising targets for personalized therapeutic cancer vaccines. The identification process for neoantigens has evolved with the use of next-generation sequencing technologies and bioinformatic tools in tumor genomics. However, in-silico strategies for selecting immunogenic neoantigens still have very low accuracy rates, since they mainly focus on predicting peptide binding to Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules, which is key but not the sole determinant for immunogenicity. Moreover, the therapeutic potential of neoantigen-based vaccines may be enhanced using an optimal delivery platform that elicits robust de novo immune responses. METHODS We developed a novel neoantigen selection pipeline based on existing software combined with a novel prediction method, the Neoantigen Optimization Algorithm (NOAH), which takes into account structural features of the peptide/MHC-I interaction, as well as the interaction between the peptide/MHC-I complex and the TCR, in its prediction strategy. Moreover, to maximize neoantigens' therapeutic potential, neoantigen-based vaccines should be manufactured in an optimal delivery platform that elicits robust de novo immune responses and bypasses central and peripheral tolerance. RESULTS We generated a highly immunogenic vaccine platform based on engineered HIV-1 Gag-based Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) expressing a high copy number of each in silico selected neoantigen. We tested different neoantigen-loaded VLPs (neoVLPs) in a B16-F10 melanoma mouse model to evaluate their capability to generate new immunogenic specificities. NeoVLPs were used in in vivo immunogenicity and tumor challenge experiments. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate the relevance of incorporating other immunogenic determinants beyond the binding of neoantigens to MHC-I. Thus, neoVLPs loaded with neoantigens enhancing the interaction with the TCR can promote the generation of de novo antitumor-specific immune responses, resulting in a delay in tumor growth. Vaccination with the neoVLP platform is a robust alternative to current therapeutic vaccine approaches and a promising candidate for future personalized immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Barajas
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
- University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
| | | | - Anna Pons-Grífols
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
- Univeritat Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola, Spain
| | - Raquel Ortiz
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
- Univeritat Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola, Spain
| | | | - Victor Urrea
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | - Nuria de la Iglesia
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | - Juan Blanco-Heredia
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | - Carla Anjos-Souza
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | - Ismael Varela
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | - Benjamin Trinité
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | | | - Carla Rovirosa
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Bonaventura Clotet
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
- University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
- Infectious Diseases Department, Germans Trias I Pujol Hospital, Badalona, Spain
| | | | - Victor Guallar
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institution for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jorge Carrillo
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julià Blanco
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Crta del Canyet S/N., 08916, Badalona, Spain
- University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Vic, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
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Jung E, Chung YH, Steinmetz NF. TLR Agonists Delivered by Plant Virus and Bacteriophage Nanoparticles for Cancer Immunotherapy. Bioconjug Chem 2023; 34:1596-1605. [PMID: 37611278 PMCID: PMC10538388 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are promising targets in cancer immunotherapy due to their role in activating the immune system; therefore, various small-molecule TLR agonists have been tested in clinical applications. However, the clinical use of TLR agonists is hindered by their non-specific side effects and poor pharmacokinetics. To overcome these limitations, we used plant virus nanoparticles (VNPs) and bacteriophage virus-like particles (VLPs) as drug delivery systems. We conjugated TLR3 or TLR7 agonists to cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) VNPs, cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV) VNPs, and bacteriophage Qβ VLPs. The conjugation of TLR7 agonist, 2-methoxyethoxy-8-oxo-9-(4-carboxybenzyl)adenine (1V209), resulted in the potent activation of immune cells and promoted the production of pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin 6. We found that 1V209 conjugated to CPMV, CCMV, and Qβ reduced tumor growth in vivo and prolonged the survival of mice compared to those treated with free 1V209 or a simple admixture of 1V209 and viral particles. Nucleic acid-based TLR3 agonist, polyinosinic acid with polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)), was also delivered by CPMV VNPs, resulting in enhanced mice survival. All our data suggest that coupling and co-delivery are required to enhance the anti-tumor efficacy of TLR agonists and simple mixing of the VLPs with the agonists does not confer a survival benefit. The delivery of 1V209 or poly(I:C) conjugated to VNPs/VLPs probably enhances their efficacy due to the multivalent presentation, prolongation of tumor residence time, and targeting of the innate immune cells mediated by the VNP/VLP carrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunkyeong Jung
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Young Hun Chung
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, California 92093, United States
| | - Nicole F Steinmetz
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Center for Nano-ImmunoEngineering, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, California 92093, United States
- Institute for Materials Discovery and Design, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, California 92093, United States
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11
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Ruzzi F, Semprini MS, Scalambra L, Palladini A, Angelicola S, Cappello C, Pittino OM, Nanni P, Lollini PL. Virus-like Particle (VLP) Vaccines for Cancer Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12963. [PMID: 37629147 PMCID: PMC10454695 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer vaccines are increasingly being studied as a possible strategy to prevent and treat cancers. While several prophylactic vaccines for virus-caused cancers are approved and efficiently used worldwide, the development of therapeutic cancer vaccines needs to be further implemented. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are self-assembled protein structures that mimic native viruses or bacteriophages but lack the replicative material. VLP platforms are designed to display single or multiple antigens with a high-density pattern, which can trigger both cellular and humoral responses. The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of preventive VLP-based vaccines currently approved worldwide against HBV and HPV infections or under evaluation to prevent virus-caused cancers. Furthermore, preclinical and early clinical data on prophylactic and therapeutic VLP-based cancer vaccines were summarized with a focus on HER-2-positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ruzzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Maria Sofia Semprini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Laura Scalambra
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Arianna Palladini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Stefania Angelicola
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Chiara Cappello
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Olga Maria Pittino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Patrizia Nanni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
| | - Pier-Luigi Lollini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC) and Alma Mater Institute on Healthy Planet, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (F.R.); (M.S.S.); (L.S.); (S.A.); (C.C.); (O.M.P.); (P.N.)
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12
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Mellid-Carballal R, Gutierrez-Gutierrez S, Rivas C, Garcia-Fuentes M. Viral protein nanoparticles (Part 1): Pharmaceutical characteristics. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 187:106460. [PMID: 37156338 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Viral protein nanoparticles fill the gap between viruses and synthetic nanoparticles. Combining advantageous properties of both systems, they have revolutionized pharmaceutical research. Virus-like particles are characterized by a structure identical to viruses but lacking genetic material. Another type of viral protein nanoparticles, virosomes, are similar to liposomes but include viral spike proteins. Both systems are effective and safe vaccine candidates capable of overcoming the disadvantages of both traditional and subunit vaccines. Besides, their particulate structure, biocompatibility, and biodegradability make them good candidates as vectors for drug and gene delivery, and for diagnostic applications. In this review, we analyze viral protein nanoparticles from a pharmaceutical perspective and examine current research focused on their development process, from production to administration. Advances in synthesis, modification and formulation of viral protein nanoparticles are critical so that large-scale production of viral protein nanoparticle products becomes viable and affordable, which ultimately will increase their market penetration in the future. We will discuss their expression systems, modification strategies, formulation, biopharmaceutical properties, and biocompatibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocio Mellid-Carballal
- CiMUS Research Center, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Sara Gutierrez-Gutierrez
- CiMUS Research Center, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Carmen Rivas
- CiMUS Research Center, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Departamento de Biología Molecular y Celular, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB)-CSIC, Spain
| | - Marcos Garcia-Fuentes
- CiMUS Research Center, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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13
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Park J, Pho T, Champion JA. Chemical and biological conjugation strategies for the development of multivalent protein vaccine nanoparticles. Biopolymers 2023; 114:e23563. [PMID: 37490564 PMCID: PMC10528127 DOI: 10.1002/bip.23563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
The development of subunit vaccine platforms has been of considerable interest due to their good safety profile and ability to be adapted to new antigens, compared to other vaccine typess. Nevertheless, subunit vaccines often lack sufficient immunogenicity to fully protect against infectious diseases. A wide variety of subunit vaccines have been developed to enhance antigen immunogenicity by increasing antigen multivalency, as well as stability and delivery properties, via presentation of antigens on protein nanoparticles. Increasing multivalency can be an effective approach to provide a potent humoral immune response by more strongly engaging and clustering B cell receptors (BCRs) to induce activation, as well as increased uptake by antigen presenting cells and their subsequent T cell activation. Proper orientation of antigen on protein nanoparticles is also considered a crucial factor for enhanced BCR engagement and subsequent immune responses. Therefore, various strategies have been reported to decorate highly repetitive surfaces of protein nanoparticle scaffolds with multiple copies of antigens, arrange antigens in proper orientation, or combinations thereof. In this review, we describe different chemical bioconjugation methods, approaches for genetic fusion of recombinant antigens, biological affinity tags, and enzymatic conjugation methods to effectively present antigens on the surface of protein nanoparticle vaccine scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeyoung Park
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 950 Atlantic Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA, 30332-2000, USA
| | - Thomas Pho
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 950 Atlantic Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA, 30332-2000, USA
- BioEngineering Program
| | - Julie A. Champion
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 950 Atlantic Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA, 30332-2000, USA
- BioEngineering Program
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14
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Viscidi RP, Rowley T, Bossis I. Bioengineered Bovine Papillomavirus L1 Protein Virus-like Particle (VLP) Vaccines for Enhanced Induction of CD8 T Cell Responses through Cross-Priming. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9851. [PMID: 37372999 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129851] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Safe and effective T cell vaccines are needed for the treatment or prevention of cancers as well as infectious agents where vaccines for neutralizing antibodies have performed poorly. Recent research highlights an important role for tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM cells) in protective immunity and the role of a subset of dendritic cells that are capable of cross-priming for the induction of TRM cells. However, efficient vaccine technologies that operate through cross-priming and induce robust CD8+ T cell responses are lacking. We developed a platform technology by genetically engineering the bovine papillomavirus L1 major capsid protein to insert a polyglutamic acid/cysteine motif in place of wild-type amino acids in the HI loop. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are formed by self-assembly in insect cells infected with a recombinant baculovirus. Polyarginine/cysteine-tagged antigens are linked to the VLP by a reversible disulfide bond. The VLP possesses self-adjuvanting properties due to the immunostimulatory activity of papillomavirus VLPs. Polyionic VLP vaccines induce robust CD8+ T cell responses in peripheral blood and tumor tissues. A prostate cancer polyionic VLP vaccine was more efficacious than other vaccines and immunotherapies for the treatment of prostate cancer in a physiologically relevant murine model and successfully treated more advanced diseases than the less efficacious technologies. The immunogenicity of polyionic VLP vaccines is dependent on particle size, reversible linkage of the antigen to the VLP, and an interferon type 1 and Toll-like receptor (TLR)3/7-dependent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael P Viscidi
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Treva Rowley
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Ioannis Bossis
- Department of Animal Production, School of Agricultural Sciences, Forestry & Natural Resources, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
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15
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Feola S, Chiaro J, Cerullo V. Integrating immunopeptidome analysis for the design and development of cancer vaccines. Semin Immunol 2023; 67:101750. [PMID: 37003057 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
The repertoire of naturally presented peptides within the MHC (major histocompatibility complex) or HLA (human leukocyte antigens) system on the cellular surface of every mammalian cell is referred to as ligandome or immunopeptidome. This later gained momentum upon the discovery of CD8 + T cells able to recognize and kill cancer cells in an MHC-I antigen-restricted manner. Indeed, cancer immune surveillance relies on T cell recognition of MHC-I-restricted peptides, making the identification of those peptides the core for designing T cell-based cancer vaccines. Moreover, the breakthrough of antibodies targeting immune checkpoint molecules has led to a new and strong interest in discovering suitable targets for CD8 +T cells. Therapeutic cancer vaccines are designed for the artificial generation and/or stimulation of CD8 +T cells; thus, their combination with ICIs to unleash the breaks of the immune system comes as a natural consequence to enhance anti-tumor efficacy. In this context, the identification and knowledge of peptide candidates take advantage of the fast technology updates in immunopeptidome and mass spectrometric methodologies, paying the way to the rational design of vaccines for immunotherapeutic approaches. In this review, we discuss mainly the role of immunopeptidome analysis and its application for the generation of therapeutic cancer vaccines with main focus on HLA-I peptides. Here, we review cancer vaccine platforms based on two different preparation methods: pathogens (viruses and bacteria) and not (VLPs, nanoparticles, subunits vaccines) that exploit discoveries in the ligandome field to generate and/or enhance anti-tumor specific response. Finally, we discuss possible drawbacks and future challenges in the field that remain still to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Feola
- Drug Research Program (DRP) ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Faculty of Pharmacy Helsinki University, Viikinkaari 5E, Finland; Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, Finland; Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, Haartmaninkatu 8, Finland
| | - Jacopo Chiaro
- Drug Research Program (DRP) ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Faculty of Pharmacy Helsinki University, Viikinkaari 5E, Finland; Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, Finland; Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, Haartmaninkatu 8, Finland
| | - Vincenzo Cerullo
- Drug Research Program (DRP) ImmunoViroTherapy Lab (IVT), Faculty of Pharmacy Helsinki University, Viikinkaari 5E, Finland; Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), University of Helsinki, Fabianinkatu 33, Finland; Translational Immunology Program (TRIMM), Faculty of Medicine Helsinki University, Haartmaninkatu 8, Finland; Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Naples University "Federico II", S. Pansini 5, Italy.
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16
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Biri-Kovács B, Bánóczi Z, Tummalapally A, Szabó I. Peptide Vaccines in Melanoma: Chemical Approaches towards Improved Immunotherapeutic Efficacy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020452. [PMID: 36839774 PMCID: PMC9963291 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer of the skin is by far the most common of all cancers. Although the incidence of melanoma is relatively low among skin cancers, it can account for a high number of skin cancer deaths. Since the start of deeper insight into the mechanisms of melanoma tumorigenesis and their strong interaction with the immune system, the development of new therapeutical strategies has been continuously rising. The high number of melanoma cell mutations provides a diverse set of antigens that the immune system can recognize and use to distinguish tumor cells from normal cells. Peptide-based synthetic anti-tumor vaccines are based on tumor antigens that elicit an immune response due to antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Although targeting APCs with peptide antigens is the most important assumption for vaccine development, peptide antigens alone are poorly immunogenic. The immunogenicity of peptide antigens can be improved not only by synthetic modifications but also by the assistance of adjuvants and/or delivery systems. The current review summarizes the different chemical approaches for the development of effective peptide-based vaccines for the immunotherapeutic treatment of advanced melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beáta Biri-Kovács
- ELKH-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Bánóczi
- ELKH-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Ildikó Szabó
- ELKH-ELTE Research Group of Peptide Chemistry, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Institute of Chemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-TTK Lendület “Momentum” Peptide-Based Vaccines Research Group, Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-13722500
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17
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Bo Y, Wang H. Biomaterial-Based In Situ Cancer Vaccines. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023:e2210452. [PMID: 36649567 PMCID: PMC10408245 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202210452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapies have reshaped the paradigm for cancer treatment over the past decade. Among them, therapeutic cancer vaccines that aim to modulate antigen-presenting cells and subsequent T cell priming processes are among the first FDA-approved cancer immunotherapies. However, despite showing benign safety profiles and the capability to generate antigen-specific humoral and cellular responses, cancer vaccines have been limited by the modest therapeutic efficacy, especially for immunologically cold solid tumors. One key challenge lies in the identification of tumor-specific antigens, which involves a costly and lengthy process of tumor cell isolation, DNA/RNA extraction, sequencing, mutation analysis, epitope prediction, peptide synthesis, and antigen screening. To address these issues, in situ cancer vaccines have been actively pursued to generate endogenous antigens directly from tumors and utilize the generated tumor antigens to elicit potent cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response. Biomaterials-based in situ cancer vaccines, in particular, have achieved significant progress by taking advantage of biomaterials that can synergize antigens and adjuvants, troubleshoot delivery issues, home, and manipulate immune cells in situ. This review will provide an overview of biomaterials-based in situ cancer vaccines, either living or artificial materials, under development or in the clinic, and discuss the design criteria for in situ cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Bo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Cancer Center at Illinois (CCIL), Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Carle College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
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18
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Dror Levinsky M, Brenner B, Yalon M, Levi Z, Livneh Z, Cohen Z, Paz-Elizur T, Grossman R, Ram Z, Volovitz I. A Highly Sensitive Flow Cytometric Approach to Detect Rare Antigen-Specific T Cells: Development and Comparison to Standard Monitoring Tools. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:574. [PMID: 36765532 PMCID: PMC9913544 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030574] [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: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Personalized vaccines against patient-unique tumor-associated antigens represent a promising new approach for cancer immunotherapy. Vaccine efficacy is assessed by quantification of changes in the frequency and/or the activity of antigen-specific T cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot (ELISpot) and flow cytometry (FCM) are methodologies frequently used for assessing vaccine efficacy. We tested these methodologies and found that both ELISpot and standard FCM [monitoring CD3/CD4/CD8/IFNγ/Viability+CD14+CD19 (dump)] demonstrate background IFNγ secretion, which, in many cases, was higher than the antigen-specific signal measured by the respective methodology (frequently ranging around 0.05-0.2%). To detect such weak T-cell responses, we developed an FCM panel that included two early activation markers, 4-1BB (CD137) and CD40L (CD154), in addition to the above-cited markers. These two activation markers have a close to zero background expression and are rapidly upregulated following antigen-specific activation. They enabled the quantification of rare T cells responding to antigens within the assay well. Background IFNγ-positive CD4 T cell frequencies decreased to 0.019% ± 0.028% and CD8 T cells to 0.009% ± 0.013%, which are 19 and 13 times lower, respectively, than without the use of these markers. The presented methodology enables highly sensitive monitoring of T-cell responses to tumor-associated antigens in the very low, but clinically relevant, frequencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meytal Dror Levinsky
- The Cancer Immunotherapy Laboratory, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel
- The Neurosurgery Department, The Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel
- The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, The Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Baruch Brenner
- The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, The Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- The Institute of Oncology, Davidoff Cancer Center, The Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel
| | - Michal Yalon
- The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, The Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- The Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Department, Safra Children’s Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel
| | - Zohar Levi
- The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, The Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- The Gastroenterology Department; The Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel
| | - Zvi Livneh
- The Biomolecular Sciences Department, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Zoya Cohen
- The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, The Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- The Felsenstein Medical Research Center, The Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel
| | - Tamar Paz-Elizur
- The Biomolecular Sciences Department, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Rachel Grossman
- The Neurosurgery Department, The Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel
- The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, The Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Zvi Ram
- The Neurosurgery Department, The Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel
- The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, The Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Ilan Volovitz
- The Cancer Immunotherapy Laboratory, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel
- The Neurosurgery Department, The Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel
- The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, The Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
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19
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Mohsen MO, Heath M, Kramer MF, Velazquez TC, Bullimore A, Skinner MA, Speiser DE, Bachmann MF. In situ delivery of nanoparticles formulated with micron-sized crystals protects from murine melanoma. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-004643. [PMID: 36100311 PMCID: PMC9472128 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-004643] [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] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Intratumoral injections of novel therapeutics can activate tumor antigen-specific T cells for locoregional tumor control and may even induce durable systemic protection (against distant metastases) via recirculating T cells. Here we explored the possibility of a universal immunotherapy that promotes T-cell responses in situ and beyond, upon intratumoral injection of nanoparticles formulated with micron-sized crystals. Methods Cucumber mosaic virus-like particles containing a tetanus toxin peptide (CuMVTT) were formulated with microcrystalline tyrosine (MCT) adjuvant and injected directly in B16F10 melanoma tumors. To further enhance immunogenicity, we loaded the nanoparticles with a TLR7/8 ligand and incorporated a universal tetanus toxin T-helper cell peptide. We assessed therapeutic efficacy and induction of local and systemic immune responses, including RNA sequencing, providing broad insight into the tumor microenvironment and correlates of protection. Results MCT crystals were successfully decorated with CuMVTT nanoparticles. This ‘immune-enhancer’ formed immunogenic depots in injected tumors, enhanced polyfunctional CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, and inhibited B16F10 tumor growth locally and systemically. Local inflammation and immune responses were associated with upregulation of genes involved in complement activation and collagen formation. Conclusions Our new immune-enhancer turned immunologically cold tumors into hot ones and inhibited local and distant tumor growth. This type of immunotherapy does not require the identification of (patient–individual) relevant tumor antigens. It is well tolerated, non-infectious, and affordable, and can readily be upscaled for future clinical testing and broad application in melanoma and likely other solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona O Mohsen
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Daniel E Speiser
- Department of Oncology UNIL CHUV, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Martin F Bachmann
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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20
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Mohsen MO, Bachmann MF. Virus-like particle vaccinology, from bench to bedside. Cell Mol Immunol 2022; 19:993-1011. [PMID: 35962190 PMCID: PMC9371956 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-022-00897-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) have become key tools in biology, medicine and even engineering. After their initial use to resolve viral structures at the atomic level, VLPs were rapidly harnessed to develop antiviral vaccines followed by their use as display platforms to generate any kind of vaccine. Most recently, VLPs have been employed as nanomachines to deliver pharmaceutically active products to specific sites and into specific cells in the body. Here, we focus on the use of VLPs for the development of vaccines with broad fields of indications ranging from classical vaccines against viruses to therapeutic vaccines against chronic inflammation, pain, allergy and cancer. In this review, we take a walk through time, starting with the latest developments in experimental preclinical VLP-based vaccines and ending with marketed vaccines, which earn billions of dollars every year, paving the way for the next wave of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines already visible on the horizon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona O Mohsen
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Department of Immunology RIA, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Saiba Biotech AG, Bahnhofstr. 13, CH-8808, Pfaeffikon, Switzerland.
| | - Martin F Bachmann
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Immunology RIA, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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21
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Enhanced T-Cell Priming and Improved Anti-Tumor Immunity through Lymphatic Delivery of Checkpoint Blockade Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071823. [PMID: 35406595 PMCID: PMC8997812 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071823] [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: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
An infusion of checkpoint blockade immunotherapy (CBI) has revolutionized cancer treatments for some patients, but the majority of patients experience disappointing responses. Because adaptive immune responses are mounted by the concentrated assembly of antigens, immune cells, and mediators in the secluded and protective environment of draining lymph nodes (dLNs), we hypothesize that lymphatic delivery of CBI (αCTLA-4 and αPD-1) to tumor dLNs (tdLNs) improves anti-tumor responses over intravenous (i.v.) administration, and that vaccination against tumor associated antigen (TAA) further enhances these responses. Mono- and combination CBI were administered i.v. or through image-guided intradermal (i.d.) injection to reach tdLNs in vaccinated and unvaccinated animals bearing either primary or orthotopically metastasizing B16F10 melanoma. Vaccination and boost against TAA, Melan-A, was accomplished with virus-like particles (VLP) directed to tdLNs followed by VLP boost after CBI administration. Lymphatic delivery of CBIs reduced primary tumor size and metastatic tumor burden, alleviated the pro-tumorigenic immune environment, and improved survival over systemic administration of CBIs. Animals receiving CBIs lymphatically exhibited significantly enhanced survival over those receiving therapies administered partially or completely through systemic routes. By combining vaccination and CBI for effective T-cell priming in the protected environment of dLNs, anti-tumor responses may be improved.
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22
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Mohsen MO, Speiser DE, Michaux J, Pak H, Stevenson BJ, Vogel M, Inchakalody VP, de Brot S, Dermime S, Coukos G, Bassani-Sternberg M, Bachmann MF. Bedside formulation of a personalized multi-neoantigen vaccine against mammary carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-002927. [PMID: 35017147 PMCID: PMC8753436 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Harnessing the immune system to purposely recognize and destroy tumors represents a significant breakthrough in clinical oncology. Non-synonymous mutations (neoantigenic peptides) were identified as powerful cancer targets. This knowledge can be exploited for further improvements of active immunotherapies, including cancer vaccines, as T cells specific for neoantigens are not attenuated by immune tolerance mechanism and do not harm healthy tissues. The current study aimed at developing an optimized multitarget vaccine using short or long neoantigenic peptides utilizing virus-like particles (VLPs) as an efficient vaccine platform. Methods Mutations of murine mammary carcinoma cells were identified by integrating mass spectrometry-based immunopeptidomics and whole exome sequencing. Neoantigenic peptides were synthesized and covalently linked to virus-like nanoparticles using a Cu-free click chemistry method for easy preparation of vaccines against mouse mammary carcinoma. Results As compared with short peptides, vaccination with long peptides was superior in the generation of neoantigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, which readily produced interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor-necrosis factor α (TNF-α). The resulting anti-tumor effect was associated with favorable immune re-polarization in the tumor microenvironment through reduction of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Vaccination with long neoantigenic peptides also decreased post-surgical tumor recurrence and metastases, and prolonged mouse survival, despite the tumor’s low mutational burden. Conclusion Integrating mass spectrometry-based immunopeptidomics and whole exome sequencing is an efficient approach for identifying neoantigenic peptides. Our multitarget VLP-based vaccine shows a promising anti-tumor effect in an aggressive murine mammary carcinoma model. Future clinical application using this strategy is readily feasible and practical, as click chemistry coupling of personalized synthetic peptides to the nanoparticles can be done at the bedside directly before injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona O Mohsen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar .,Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Daniel E Speiser
- Department of Oncology UNIL CHUV, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Justine Michaux
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - HuiSong Pak
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Monique Vogel
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Said Dermime
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Doha, Qatar
| | - Georges Coukos
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michal Bassani-Sternberg
- Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland .,University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Martin F Bachmann
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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23
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Ye T, Li F, Ma G, Wei W. Enhancing therapeutic performance of personalized cancer vaccine via delivery vectors. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 177:113927. [PMID: 34403752 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, personalized cancer vaccines have gained increasing attention as emerging immunotherapies with the capability to overcome interindividual differences and show great benefits for individual patients in the clinic due to the highly tailored vaccine formulations. A large number of materials have been studied as delivery vectors to enhance the therapeutic performance of personalized cancer vaccines, including artificial materials, engineered microorganisms, cells and cell derivatives. These delivery vectors with distinct features are employed to change antigen biodistributions and to facilitate antigen uptake, processing and presentation, improving the strength, velocity, and duration of the immune response when delivered by different strategies. Here, we provide an overview of personalized cancer vaccine delivery vectors, describing their materials, physicochemical properties, delivery strategies and challenges for clinical transformation.
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24
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Neutralization of MERS coronavirus through a scalable nanoparticle vaccine. NPJ Vaccines 2021; 6:107. [PMID: 34429427 PMCID: PMC8384877 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-021-00365-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MERS-CoV continues to cause human outbreaks, so far in 27 countries worldwide following the first registered epidemic in Saudi Arabia in 2012. In this study, we produced a nanovaccine based on virus-like particles (VLPs). VLPs are safe vaccine platforms as they lack any replication-competent genetic material, and are used since many years against hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis E virus (HEV) and human papilloma virus (HPV). In order to produce a vaccine that is readily scalable, we genetically fused the receptor-binding motif (RBM) of MERS-CoV spike protein into the surface of cucumber-mosaic virus VLPs. The employed CuMVTT-VLPs represent a new immunologically optimized vaccine platform incorporating a universal T cell epitope derived from tetanus toxin (TT). The resultant vaccine candidate (mCuMVTT-MERS) is a mosaic particle and consists of unmodified wild type monomers and genetically modified monomers displaying RBM, co-assembling within E. coli upon expression. mCuMVTT-MERS vaccine is self-adjuvanted with ssRNA, a TLR7/8 ligand which is spontaneously packaged during the bacterial expression process. The developed vaccine candidate induced high anti-RBD and anti-spike antibodies in a murine model, showing high binding avidity and an ability to completely neutralize MERS-CoV/EMC/2012 isolate, demonstrating the protective potential of the vaccine candidate for dromedaries and humans.
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25
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Cancer Vaccines: Promising Therapeutics or an Unattainable Dream. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9060668. [PMID: 34207062 PMCID: PMC8233841 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9060668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The advent of cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized the field of cancer treatment and offers cancer patients new hope. Although this therapy has proved highly successful for some patients, its efficacy is not all encompassing and several cancer types do not respond. Cancer vaccines offer an alternate approach to promote anti-tumor immunity that differ in their mode of action from antibody-based therapies. Cancer vaccines serve to balance the equilibrium of the crosstalk between the tumor cells and the host immune system. Recent advances in understanding the nature of tumor-mediated tolerogenicity and antigen presentation has aided in the identification of tumor antigens that have the potential to enhance anti-tumor immunity. Cancer vaccines can either be prophylactic (preventative) or therapeutic (curative). An exciting option for therapeutic vaccines is the emergence of personalized vaccines, which are tailor-made and specific for tumor type and individual patient. This review summarizes the current standing of the most promising vaccine strategies with respect to their development and clinical efficacy. We also discuss prospects for future development of stem cell-based prophylactic vaccines.
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26
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Mao C, Beiss V, Fields J, Steinmetz NF, Fiering S. Cowpea mosaic virus stimulates antitumor immunity through recognition by multiple MYD88-dependent toll-like receptors. Biomaterials 2021; 275:120914. [PMID: 34126409 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.120914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV), a non-enveloped plant virus, and empty CPMV (eCPMV), a virus-like particle (VLP) composed of CPMV capsid without nucleic acids, are potent in situ cancer vaccines when administered intratumorally (I.T.). However, it is unclear how immune cells recognize these nanoparticles and why they are immunogenic, which was investigated in this study. CPMV generated stronger selective induction of cytokines and chemokines in naïve mouse splenocytes and exhibited more potent anti-tumor efficacy than eCPMV. MyD88 is required for both CPMV- and eCPMV-elicited immune responses. Screening with human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cell toll-like receptor (TLR) reporter assays along with experiments in corresponding TLR-/- mice indicated CPMV and eCPMV capsids are recognized by MyD88-dependent TLR2 and TLR4. CPMV, but not eCPMV, is additionally recognized by TLR7. Secretion of type I interferons (IFNs), which requires the interaction between TLR7 and encapsulated single-stranded RNAs (ssRNAs), is critical to CPMV's better efficacy. The same recognition mechanisms are also functional in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Overall, these findings link CPMV immunotherapy efficacy with molecular recognition, provide rationale for how to develop more potent viral particles, accentuate the value of multi-TLR agonists as in situ cancer vaccines, and highlight the functional importance of type I IFNs for in situ vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenkai Mao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, United States
| | - Veronique Beiss
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States
| | - Jennifer Fields
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, United States; Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical System, Lebanon, NH, 03756, United States
| | - Nicole F Steinmetz
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States; Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States; Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States; Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States; Center for Nano-ImmunoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States; Institute for Materials Design and Discovery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States
| | - Steven Fiering
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, United States; Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical System, Lebanon, NH, 03756, United States.
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27
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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: 339] [Impact Index Per Article: 113.0] [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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28
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Cancer Vaccines: Antigen Selection Strategy. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9020085. [PMID: 33503926 PMCID: PMC7911511 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9020085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Unlike traditional cancer therapies, cancer vaccines (CVs) harness a high specificity of the host’s immunity to kill tumor cells. CVs can train and bolster the patient’s immune system to recognize and eliminate malignant cells by enhancing immune cells’ identification of antigens expressed on cancer cells. Various features of antigens like immunogenicity and avidity influence the efficacy of CVs. Therefore, the choice and application of antigens play a critical role in establishing and developing CVs. Tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), a group of proteins expressed at elevated levels in tumor cells but lower levels in healthy normal cells, have been well-studied and developed in CVs. However, immunological tolerance, HLA restriction, and adverse events are major obstacles that threaten TAA-based CVs’ efficacy due to the “self-protein” characteristic of TAAs. As “abnormal proteins” that are completely absent from normal cells, tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) can trigger a robust immune response against tumor cells with high specificity and without going through central tolerance, contributing to cancer vaccine development feasibility. In this review, we focus on the unique features of TAAs and TSAs and their application in vaccines, summarizing their performance in preclinical and clinical trials.
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29
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Li J, Burgess DJ. Nanomedicine-based drug delivery towards tumor biological and immunological microenvironment. Acta Pharm Sin B 2020; 10:2110-2124. [PMID: 33304781 PMCID: PMC7714990 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The complex tumor microenvironment is a most important factor in cancer development. The biological microenvironment is composed of a variety of barriers including the extracellular matrix and associated cells such as endothelia cells, pericytes, and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Different strategies can be utilized to enhance nanoparticle-based drug delivery and distribution into tumor tissues addressing the extracellular matrix or cellular components. In addition to the biological microenvironment, the immunological conditions around the tumor tissue can be very complicated and cancer cells have various ways of evading immune surveillance. Nanoparticle drug delivery systems can enhance cancer immunotherapy by tuning the immunological response and memory of various immune cells such as T cells, B cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells. In this review, the main components in the tumor biological and immunological environment are discussed. The focus is on recent advances in nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems towards targets within the tumor microenvironment to improve cancer chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-3092, USA
| | - Diane J. Burgess
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-3092, USA
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30
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Cancer vaccines: shared tumor antigens return to the spotlight. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:251. [PMID: 33127890 PMCID: PMC7599325 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00364-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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31
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Manspeaker MP, Thomas SN. Lymphatic immunomodulation using engineered drug delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 160:19-35. [PMID: 33058931 PMCID: PMC7736326 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Though immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of cancer to improve disease outcomes, an array of challenges remain that limit wider clinical success, including low rate of response and immune-related adverse events. Targeting immunomodulatory drugs to therapeutically relevant tissues offers a way to overcome these challenges by potentially enabling enhanced therapeutic efficacy and decreased incidence of side effects. Research highlighting the importance of lymphatic tissues in the response to immunotherapy has increased interest in the application of engineered drug delivery systems (DDSs) to enable specific targeting of immunomodulators to lymphatic tissues and cells that they house. To this end, a variety of DDS platforms have been developed that enable more efficient uptake into lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes to provide targeted modulation of the immune response to cancer. This can occur either by delivery of immunotherapeutics to lymphatics tissues or by direct modulation of the lymphatic vasculature itself due to their direct involvement in tumor immune processes. This review will highlight DDS platforms that, by enabling the activities of cancer vaccines, chemotherapeutics, immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) antibodies, and anti- or pro-lymphangiogenic factors to lymphatic tissues through directed delivery and controlled release, augment cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret P Manspeaker
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States of America; Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Susan N Thomas
- Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States of America; George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States of America; Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America; Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States of America.
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32
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Domínguez‐Romero AN, Martínez‐Cortés F, Munguía ME, Odales J, Gevorkian G, Manoutcharian K. Generation of multiepitope cancer vaccines based on large combinatorial libraries of survivin-derived mutant epitopes. Immunology 2020; 161:123-138. [PMID: 32619293 PMCID: PMC7496785 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune tolerance is the main challenge in the field of cancer vaccines, so modified peptide sequences or naturally occurring mutated versions of cancer-related wild-type (WT) antigens represent a promising pathway. However, the low immunogenicity of mutation-induced neoantigens and, particularly, their incapacity to activate CD8+ T cells are generating doubts on the success of neoantigen-based cancer vaccines in clinical trials. We developed a novel vaccine approach based on a new class of vaccine immunogens, called variable epitope libraries (VELs). We used three regions of survivin (SVN), composed of 40, 49 and 51 amino acids, along with the complete SVN protein to generate the VELs as multiepitope vaccines. BALB/c mice, challenged with the aggressive and highly metastatic 4T1 cell line, were vaccinated in a therapeutic setting. We showed significant tumor growth inhibition and, most importantly, strong suppression of lung metastasis after a single immunization using VEL vaccines. We demonstrated vaccine-induced broad cellular immune responses concomitant with extensive tumor infiltration of T cells, the activation of CD107a+ IFN-γ+ T cells in the spleen and a significant increase in the number of CD3+ CD8+ Ly6C+ effector T cells. In addition, we observed the presence of interferon-γ-, granzyme B- and perforin-producing lymphocytes along with modifications in the amount of CD11b+ Ly6Cint/low Ly6G+ granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells and CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ regulatory T cells in the lungs and tumors of mice. In summary, we showed that the VELs represent a potent new class of cancer immunotherapy and propose the application of the VEL vaccine concept as a true alternative to currently available vaccine platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fernando Martínez‐Cortés
- Instituto de Investigaciones BiomédicasUniversidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)MéxicoDFMéxico
| | - María Elena Munguía
- Instituto de Investigaciones BiomédicasUniversidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)MéxicoDFMéxico
| | - Josué Odales
- Instituto de Investigaciones BiomédicasUniversidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)MéxicoDFMéxico
| | - Goar Gevorkian
- Instituto de Investigaciones BiomédicasUniversidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)MéxicoDFMéxico
| | - Karen Manoutcharian
- Instituto de Investigaciones BiomédicasUniversidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)MéxicoDFMéxico
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33
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Shukla S, Hu H, Cai H, Chan SK, Boone CE, Beiss V, Chariou PL, Steinmetz NF. Plant Viruses and Bacteriophage-Based Reagents for Diagnosis and Therapy. Annu Rev Virol 2020; 7:559-587. [PMID: 32991265 PMCID: PMC8018517 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-virology-010720-052252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Viral nanotechnology exploits the prefabricated nanostructures of viruses, which are already abundant in nature. With well-defined molecular architectures, viral nanocarriers offer unprecedented opportunities for precise structural and functional manipulation using genetic engineering and/or bio-orthogonal chemistries. In this manner, they can be loaded with diverse molecular payloads for targeted delivery. Mammalian viruses are already established in the clinic for gene therapy and immunotherapy, and inactivated viruses or virus-like particles have long been used as vaccines. More recently, plant viruses and bacteriophages have been developed as nanocarriers for diagnostic imaging, vaccine and drug delivery, and combined diagnosis/therapy (theranostics). The first wave of these novel virus-based tools has completed clinical development and is poised to make an impact on clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourabh Shukla
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - He Hu
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Hui Cai
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Soo-Khim Chan
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Christine E Boone
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Veronique Beiss
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Paul L Chariou
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Nicole F Steinmetz
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
- Moores Cancer Center and Center for Nano-ImmunoEngineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA;
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34
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Abstract
Personalized cancer vaccines (PCVs) are reinvigorating vaccine strategies in cancer immunotherapy. In contrast to adoptive T-cell therapy and checkpoint blockade, the PCV strategy modulates the innate and adaptive immune systems with broader activation to redeploy antitumor immunity with individualized tumor-specific antigens (neoantigens). Following a sequential scheme of tumor biopsy, mutation analysis, and epitope prediction, the administration of neoantigens with synthetic long peptide (SLP) or mRNA formulations dramatically improves the population and activity of antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Despite the promising prospect of PCVs, there is still great potential for optimizing prevaccination procedures and vaccine potency. In particular, the arduous development of tumor-associated antigen (TAA)-based vaccines provides valuable experience and rational principles for augmenting vaccine potency which is expected to advance PCV through the design of adjuvants, delivery systems, and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) reversion since current personalized vaccination simply admixes antigens with adjuvants. Considering the broader application of TAA-based vaccine design, these two strategies complement each other and can lead to both personalized and universal therapeutic methods. Chemical strategies provide vast opportunities for (1) exploring novel adjuvants, including synthetic molecules and materials with optimizable activity, (2) constructing efficient and precise delivery systems to avoid systemic diffusion, improve biosafety, target secondary lymphoid organs, and enhance antigen presentation, and (3) combining bioengineering methods to innovate improvements in conventional vaccination, "smartly" re-educate the TME, and modulate antitumor immunity. As chemical strategies have proven versatility, reliability, and universality in the design of T cell- and B cell-based antitumor vaccines, the union of such numerous chemical methods in vaccine construction is expected to provide new vigor and vitality in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hao Li
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Mei Li
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, 100069 Beijing, China.,Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084 Beijing, China
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35
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Chung YH, Cai H, Steinmetz NF. Viral nanoparticles for drug delivery, imaging, immunotherapy, and theranostic applications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 156:214-235. [PMID: 32603813 PMCID: PMC7320870 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 203] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Viral nanoparticles (VNPs) encompass a diverse array of naturally occurring nanomaterials derived from plant viruses, bacteriophages, and mammalian viruses. The application and development of VNPs and their genome-free versions, the virus-like particles (VLPs), for nanomedicine is a rapidly growing. VLPs can encapsulate a wide range of active ingredients as well as be genetically or chemically conjugated to targeting ligands to achieve tissue specificity. VLPs are manufactured through scalable fermentation or molecular farming, and the materials are biocompatible and biodegradable. These properties have led to a wide range of applications, including cancer therapies, immunotherapies, vaccines, antimicrobial therapies, cardiovascular therapies, gene therapies, as well as imaging and theranostics. The use of VLPs as drug delivery agents is evolving, and sufficient research must continuously be undertaken to translate these therapies to the clinic. This review highlights some of the novel research efforts currently underway in the VNP drug delivery field in achieving this greater goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Hun Chung
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Hui Cai
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Nicole F Steinmetz
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States; Department of NanoEngineering, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States; Department of Radiology, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States; Moores Cancer Center, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States; Center for Nano-ImmunoEngineering, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States.
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36
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Mohsen MO, Augusto G, Bachmann MF. The 3Ds in virus-like particle based-vaccines: "Design, Delivery and Dynamics". Immunol Rev 2020; 296:155-168. [PMID: 32472710 PMCID: PMC7496916 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Vaccines need to be rationally designed in order be delivered to the immune system for maximizing induction of dynamic immune responses. Virus‐like particles (VLPs) are ideal platforms for such 3D vaccines, as they allow the display of complex and native antigens in a highly repetitive form on their surface and can easily reach lymphoid organs in intact form for optimal activation of B and T cells. Adjusting size and zeta potential may allow investigators to further fine‐tune delivery to lymphoid organs. An additional way to alter vaccine transfer to lymph nodes and spleen may be the formulation with micron‐sized adjuvants that creates a local depot and results in a slow release of antigen and adjuvant. Ideally, the adjuvant in addition stimulates the innate immune system. The dynamics of the immune response may be further enhanced by inclusion of Toll‐like receptor ligands, which many VLPs naturally package. Hence, considering the 3Ds in vaccine development may allow for enhancement of their attributes to tackle complex diseases, not usually amenable to conventional vaccine strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona O Mohsen
- Interim Translational Research Institute "iTRI", National Center for Cancer Care & Research (NCCCR), Doha, Qatar.,Department of BioMedical Research, Immunology RIA, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gilles Augusto
- Department of BioMedical Research, Immunology RIA, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Martin F Bachmann
- Department of BioMedical Research, Immunology RIA, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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37
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Cheng K, Kang Q, Zhao X. Biogenic nanoparticles as immunomodulator for tumor treatment. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 12:e1646. [DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Keman Cheng
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST) Beijing China
- Department of Biomaterials, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province College of Materials, Xiamen University Xiamen Fujian China
| | - Qinglin Kang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Xiao Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST) Beijing China
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38
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Hillebrandt N, Vormittag P, Bluthardt N, Dietrich A, Hubbuch J. Integrated Process for Capture and Purification of Virus-Like Particles: Enhancing Process Performance by Cross-Flow Filtration. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:489. [PMID: 32671023 PMCID: PMC7326125 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are emerging nanoscale protein assemblies applied as prophylactic vaccines and in development as therapeutic vaccines or cargo delivery systems. Downstream processing (DSP) of VLPs comes both with challenges and opportunities, depending on the complexity and size of the structures. Filtration, precipitation/re-dissolution and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) are potent technologies exploiting the size difference between product and impurities. In this study, we therefore investigated the integration of these technologies within a single unit operation, resulting in three different processes, one of which integrates all three technologies. VLPs, contained in clarified lysate from Escherichia coli, were precipitated by ammonium sulfate, washed, and re-dissolved in a commercial cross-flow filtration (CFF) unit. Processes were analyzed for yield, purity, as well as productivity and were found to be largely superior to a reference centrifugation process. Productivity was increased 2.6-fold by transfer of the wash and re-dissolution process to the CFF unit. Installation of a multimodal SEC column in the permeate line increased purity to 96% while maintaining a high productivity and high yield of 86%. In addition to these advantages, CFF-based capture and purification allows for scalable and disposable DSP. In summary, the developed set-up resulted in high yields and purities, bearing the potential to be applied as an integrated process step for capture and purification of in vivo-assembled VLPs and other protein nanoparticles.
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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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39
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Bhardwaj P, Bhatia E, Sharma S, Ahamad N, Banerjee R. Advancements in prophylactic and therapeutic nanovaccines. Acta Biomater 2020; 108:1-21. [PMID: 32268235 PMCID: PMC7163188 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Vaccines activate suitable immune responses to fight against diseases but can possess limitations such as compromised efficacy and immunogenic responses, poor stability, and requirement of adherence to multiple doses. ‘Nanovaccines’ have been explored to elicit a strong immune response with the advantages of nano-sized range, high antigen loading, enhanced immunogenicity, controlled antigen presentation, more retention in lymph nodes and promote patient compliance by a lower frequency of dosing. Various types of nanoparticles with diverse pathogenic or foreign antigens can help to overcome immunotolerance and alleviate the need of booster doses as required with conventional vaccines. Nanovaccines have the potential to induce both cell-mediated and antibody-mediated immunity and can render long-lasting immunogenic memory. With such properties, nanovaccines have shown high potential for the prevention of infectious diseases such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), malaria, tuberculosis, influenza, and cancer. Their therapeutic potential has also been explored in the treatment of cancer. The various kinds of nanomaterials used for vaccine development and their effects on immune system activation have been discussed with special relevance to their implications in various pathological conditions. Statement of Significance Interaction of nanoparticles with the immune system has opened multiple avenues to combat a variety of infectious and non-infectious pathological conditions. Limitations of conventional vaccines have paved the path for nanomedicine associated benefits with a hope of producing effective nanovaccines. This review highlights the role of different types of nanovaccines and the role of nanoparticles in modulating the immune response of vaccines. The applications of nanovaccines in infectious and non-infectious diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, AIDS, influenza, and cancers have been discussed. It will help the readers develop an understanding of mechanisms of immune activation by nanovaccines and design appropriate strategies for novel nanovaccines.
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40
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Virus-Like Particles as an Immunogenic Platform for Cancer Vaccines. Viruses 2020; 12:v12050488. [PMID: 32349216 PMCID: PMC7291217 DOI: 10.3390/v12050488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLP) spontaneously assemble from viral structural proteins. They are naturally biocompatible and non-infectious. VLP can serve as a platform for many potential vaccine epitopes, display them in a dense repeating array, and elicit antibodies against non-immunogenic substances, including tumor-associated self-antigens. Genetic or chemical conjugation facilitates the multivalent display of a homologous or heterologous epitope. Most VLP range in diameter from 25 to 100 nm and, in most cases, drain freely into the lymphatic vessels and induce antibodies with high titers and affinity without the need for additional adjuvants. VLP administration can be performed using different strategies, regimens, and doses to improve the immunogenicity of the antigen they expose on their surface. This article summarizes the features of VLP and presents them as a relevant platform technology to address not only infectious diseases but also chronic diseases and cancer.
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41
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Mohsen MO, Speiser DE, Knuth A, Bachmann MF. Virus-like particles for vaccination against cancer. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 12:e1579. [PMID: 31456339 PMCID: PMC6916610 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Active immunotherapy of cancer aims to treat the disease by inducing effective cellular and humoral immune responses. Virus‐like particle‐based vaccines have evolved dramatically over the last few decades, greatly reducing morbidity and mortality of several infectious diseases and expectedly preventing cervical cancer caused by human papilloma virus. In contrast to these broad successes of disease prevention, therapeutic cancer vaccines remain to demonstrate clinical benefit. Yet, several preclinical and clinical trials have revealed promising results and are paving the way for medical breakthroughs. This study reviews and discusses the recent preclinical development and clinical trials in this field. This article is categorized under: Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus‐Based Structures Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona O Mohsen
- The Interim Translational Research Institute "iTRI", National Center for Cancer Care & Research (NCCCR), Doha, Qatar.,Department of BioMedical Research, Immunology RIA, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Daniel E Speiser
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Knuth
- The Interim Translational Research Institute "iTRI", National Center for Cancer Care & Research (NCCCR), Doha, Qatar
| | - Martin F Bachmann
- Department of BioMedical Research, Immunology RIA, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Nuffield Department of Medicine, Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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