A Universal Plug-and-Display Vaccine Carrier Based on HBsAg VLP to Maximize Effective Antibody Response

Rational structure-guided design of a blood stage malaria vaccine immunogen presenting a single epitope from PfRH5

There is an urgent need for improved malaria vaccine immunogens. Invasion of erythrocytes by Plasmodium falciparum is essential for its life cycle, preceding symptoms of disease and parasite transmission. Antibodies which target PfRH5 are highly effective at preventing erythrocyte invasion and the most potent growth-inhibitory antibodies bind a single epitope. Here we use structure-guided approaches to design a small synthetic immunogen, RH5-34EM which recapitulates this epitope. Structural biology and biophysics demonstrate that RH5-34EM is correctly folded and binds neutralising monoclonal antibodies with nanomolar affinity. In immunised rats, RH5-34EM induces PfRH5-targeting antibodies that inhibit parasite growth. While PfRH5-specific antibodies were induced at a lower concentration by RH5-34EM than by PfRH5, RH5-34EM induced antibodies that were a thousand-fold more growth-inhibitory as a factor of PfRH5-specific antibody concentration. Finally, we show that priming with RH5-34EM and boosting with PfRH5 achieves the best balance between antibody quality and quantity and induces the most effective growth-inhibitory response. This rationally designed vaccine immunogen is now available for use as part of future malaria vaccines, alone or in combination with other immunogens.

Affimer reagents enable targeted delivery of therapeutic agents and RNA via virus-like particles

Monoclonal antibodies have revolutionized therapies, but non-immunoglobulin scaffolds are becoming compelling alternatives owing to their adaptability. Their ability to be labeled with imaging or cytotoxic compounds and to create multimeric proteins is an attractive strategy for therapeutics. Focusing on HER2, a frequently overexpressed receptor in breast cancer, this study addresses some limitations of conventional targeting moieties by harnessing the potential of these scaffolds. HER2-binding Affimers were isolated and characterized, demonstrating potency as binding reagents and efficient internalization by HER2-overexpressing cells. Affimers conjugated with cytotoxic agent achieved dose-dependent reductions in cell viability within HER2-overexpressing cell lines. Bispecific Affimers, targeting HER2 and virus-like particles, facilitated efficient internalization of virus-like particles carrying enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP)-encoding RNA, leading to protein expression. Anti-HER2 affibody or designed ankyrin repeat protein (DARPin) fusion constructs with the anti-VLP Affimer further underscore the adaptability of this approach. This study demonstrates the versatility of scaffolds for precise delivery of cargos into cells, advancing biotechnology and therapeutic research.

Proactive vaccination using multiviral Quartet Nanocages to elicit broad anti-coronavirus responses

Defending against future pandemics requires vaccine platforms that protect across a range of related pathogens. Nanoscale patterning can be used to address this issue. Here, we produce quartets of linked receptor-binding domains (RBDs) from a panel of SARS-like betacoronaviruses, coupled to a computationally designed nanocage through SpyTag/SpyCatcher links. These Quartet Nanocages, possessing a branched morphology, induce a high level of neutralizing antibodies against several different coronaviruses, including against viruses not represented in the vaccine. Equivalent antibody responses are raised to RBDs close to the nanocage or at the tips of the nanoparticle's branches. In animals primed with SARS-CoV-2 Spike, boost immunizations with Quartet Nanocages increase the strength and breadth of an otherwise narrow immune response. A Quartet Nanocage including the Omicron XBB.1.5 'Kraken' RBD induced antibodies with binding to a broad range of sarbecoviruses, as well as neutralizing activity against this variant of concern. Quartet nanocages are a nanomedicine approach with potential to confer heterotypic protection against emergent zoonotic pathogens and facilitate proactive pandemic protection.

Preclinical development of a stabilized RH5 virus-like particle vaccine that induces improved antimalarial antibodies

Plasmodium falciparum reticulocyte-binding protein homolog 5 (RH5) is a leading blood-stage malaria vaccine antigen target, currently in a phase 2b clinical trial as a full-length soluble protein/adjuvant vaccine candidate called RH5.1/Matrix-M. We identify that disordered regions of the full-length RH5 molecule induce non-growth inhibitory antibodies in human vaccinees and that a re-engineered and stabilized immunogen (including just the alpha-helical core of RH5) induces a qualitatively superior growth inhibitory antibody response in rats vaccinated with this protein formulated in Matrix-M adjuvant. In parallel, bioconjugation of this immunogen, termed "RH5.2," to hepatitis B surface antigen virus-like particles (VLPs) using the "plug-and-display" SpyTag-SpyCatcher platform technology also enables superior quantitative antibody immunogenicity over soluble protein/adjuvant in vaccinated mice and rats. These studies identify a blood-stage malaria vaccine candidate that may improve upon the current leading soluble protein vaccine candidate RH5.1/Matrix-M. The RH5.2-VLP/Matrix-M vaccine candidate is now under evaluation in phase 1a/b clinical trials.

Advances in virus-like particle-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has incurred devastating human and economic losses. Vaccination remains the most effective approach for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, the sustained evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants has provoked concerns among the scientific community regarding the development of next-generation COVID-19 vaccines. Among these, given their safety, immunogenicity, and flexibility to display varied and native epitopes, virus-like particle (VLP)-based vaccines represent one of the most promising next-generation vaccines. In this review, we summarize the advantages and characteristics of VLP platforms, strategies for antigen display, and current clinical trial progress of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines based on VLP platforms. Importantly, the experience and lessons learned from the development of SARS-CoV-2 VLP vaccines provide insights into the development of strategies based on VLP vaccines to prevent future coronavirus pandemics and other epidemics.

Encapsulation of Transketolase into In Vitro-Assembled Protein Nanocompartments Improves Thermal Stability

Protein compartments offer definitive structures with a large potential design space that are of particular interest for green chemistry and therapeutic applications. One family of protein compartments, encapsulins, are simple prokaryotic nanocompartments that self-assemble from a single monomer into selectively permeable cages of between 18 and 42 nm. Over the past decade, encapsulins have been developed for a diverse application portfolio utilizing their defined cargo loading mechanisms and repetitive surface display. Although it has been demonstrated that encapsulation of non-native cargo proteins provides protection from protease activity, the thermal effects arising from enclosing cargo within encapsulins remain poorly understood. This study aimed to establish a methodology for loading a reporter protein into thermostable encapsulins to determine the resulting stability change of the cargo. Building on previous in vitro reassembly studies, we first investigated the effectiveness of in vitro reassembly and cargo-loading of two size classes of encapsulins Thermotoga maritima T = 1 and Myxococcus xanthus T = 3, using superfolder Green Fluorescent Protein. We show that the empty T. maritima capsid reassembles with higher yield than the M. xanthus capsid and that in vitro loading promotes the formation of the M. xanthus T = 3 capsid form over the T = 1 form, while overloading with cargo results in malformed T. maritima T = 1 encapsulins. For the stability study, a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-probed industrially relevant enzyme cargo, transketolase, was then loaded into the T. maritima encapsulin. Our results show that site-specific orthogonal FRET labels can reveal changes in thermal unfolding of encapsulated cargo, suggesting that in vitro loading of transketolase into the T. maritima T = 1 encapsulin shell increases the thermal stability of the enzyme. This work supports the move toward fully harnessing structural, spatial, and functional control of in vitro assembled encapsulins with applications in cargo stabilization.

Development of an improved blood-stage malaria vaccine targeting the essential RH5-CyRPA-RIPR invasion complex

Reticulocyte-binding protein homologue 5 (RH5), a leading blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum malaria vaccine target, interacts with cysteine-rich protective antigen (CyRPA) and RH5-interacting protein (RIPR) to form an essential heterotrimeric "RCR-complex". We investigate whether RCR-complex vaccination can improve upon RH5 alone. Using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) we show that parasite growth-inhibitory epitopes on each antigen are surface-exposed on the RCR-complex and that mAb pairs targeting different antigens can function additively or synergistically. However, immunisation of female rats with the RCR-complex fails to outperform RH5 alone due to immuno-dominance of RIPR coupled with inferior potency of anti-RIPR polyclonal IgG. We identify that all growth-inhibitory antibody epitopes of RIPR cluster within the C-terminal EGF-like domains and that a fusion of these domains to CyRPA, called "R78C", combined with RH5, improves the level of in vitro parasite growth inhibition compared to RH5 alone. These preclinical data justify the advancement of the RH5.1 + R78C/Matrix-M™ vaccine candidate to Phase 1 clinical trial.

The Potential of Plant-Produced Virus-like Particle Vaccines for African Horse Sickness and Other Equine Orbiviruses

African horse sickness is a devastating viral disease of equids. It is transmitted by biting midges of the genus Culicoides with mortalities reaching over 90% in naïve horses. It is endemic to sub-Saharan Africa and is seasonally endemic in many parts of southern Africa. However, outbreaks in Europe and Asia have occurred that caused significant economic issues. There are attenuated vaccines available for control of the virus but concerns regarding the safety and efficacy means that alternatives are sought. One promising alternative is the use of virus-like particles in vaccine preparations, which have the potential to be safer and more efficacious as vaccines against African horse sickness. These particles are best made in a complex, eukaryotic system, but due to technical challenges, this may cause significant economic strain on the developing countries most affected by the disease. Therefore, this review also summarises the success so far, and potential, of recombinant protein expression in plants to reduce the economic strain of production.

mRNA vaccines expressing malaria transmission-blocking antigens Pfs25 and Pfs230D1 induce a functional immune response

Malaria transmission-blocking vaccines (TBV) are designed to inhibit the sexual stage development of the parasite in the mosquito host and can play a significant role in achieving the goal of malaria elimination. Preclinical and clinical studies using protein-protein conjugates of leading TBV antigens Pfs25 and Pfs230 domain 1 (Pfs230D1) have demonstrated the feasibility of TBV. Nevertheless, other promising vaccine platforms for TBV remain underexplored. The recent success of mRNA vaccines revealed the potential of this technology for infectious diseases. We explored the mRNA platform for TBV development. mRNA constructs of Pfs25 and Pfs230D1 variously incorporating signal peptides (SP), GPI anchor, and Trans Membrane (TM) domain were assessed in vitro for antigen expression, and selected constructs were evaluated in mice. Only mRNA constructs with GPI anchor or TM domain that resulted in high cell surface expression of the antigens yielded strong immune responses in mice. These mRNA constructs generated higher transmission-reducing functional activity versus the corresponding alum-adjuvanted protein-protein conjugates used as comparators. Pfs25 mRNA with GPI anchor or TM maintained >99% transmission reducing activity through 126 days, the duration of the study, demonstrating the potential of mRNA platform for TBV.

Bacteriophage Virus-Like Particles: Platforms for Vaccine Design

Virus-like particles (VLPs) derived from bacteriophages have many applications in biomedical sciences, especially in the development of candidate vaccines against viral and bacterial infections. Bacteriophage VLPs can be manufactured cheaply and in large quantities in bacteria compared to eukaryotic expression systems. In addition to this, bacteriophage VLPs are excellent platforms for vaccine design for the following reason: Humans do not have preexisting antibodies against bacteriophage VLPs. Thus, antigens displayed on bacteriophage VLP platforms are expected to be highly immunogenic. As such, VLPs derived from MS2, PP7, Qβ, AP205, P22 bacteriophages, etc. have been used to develop candidate vaccines against human infectious and noninfectious agents. This mini-review summarizes data from some of the candidate bacteriophage-based VLP peptide vaccines that have been developed. The review also highlights some strategies used to develop the candidate bacteriophage-based VLP peptide vaccines.

MS2 Virus-like Particles as a Versatile Peptide Presentation Platform: Insights into the Deterministic Abilities for Accommodating Heterologous Peptide Lengths

Virus-like particles (VLPs) are nanostructures with the potential to present heterologous peptides at high density, thereby triggering heightened immunogenicity. RNA bacteriophage MS2 VLPs are a compelling delivery platform among them. However, a notable hurdle arises from the immune response toward MS2 coat protein, swiftly eliminating subsequent vaccinations via the same vector. Although larger inserts effectively mask carrier epitopes, current research predominantly focuses on displaying short conserved peptides (<30 aa). A systematic evaluation regarding the deterministic ability of MS2 VLPs as a platform for presenting heterologous peptides remains a gap. In light of this, we employed the "single-chain dimer" paradigm to scrutinize the tolerance of MS2 VLPs for peptide/protein insertions. The results unveiled functional MS2 VLP assembly solely for inserts smaller than 91 aa. Particularly noteworthy is the largest insertion achieved on the MS2 VLPs to date: the RNA helicase A (RHA) dsRNA-binding domains (dsRBD1). Attempts to introduce additional linkers or empty coat subunits fail to augment the expression level or assembly of the MS2 VLPs displaying dsRBD1, affirming 91 aa as the upper threshold for exogenous protein presentation. By illuminating the precise confines of MS2 VLPs in accommodating distinct peptide lengths, our study informs the selection of appropriate peptide and protein dimensions. This revelation not only underscores the scope of MS2 VLPs but also establishes a pivotal reference point, facilitating the strategic manipulation of MS2 VLPs to design next-generation epitope/antibody-based therapeutics.

A nanoparticle vaccine displaying the ookinete PSOP25 antigen elicits transmission-blocking antibody response against Plasmodium berghei

BACKGROUND

Safe and effective vaccines are crucial for the control and eventual elimination of malaria. Novel approaches to optimize and improve vaccine efficacy are urgently required. Nanoparticle-based delivery platforms are considered potent and powerful tools for vaccine development.

METHODS

In this study, we developed a transmission-blocking vaccine against malaria by conjugating the ookinete surface antigen PSOP25 to the Acinetobacter phage coat protein AP205, forming virus-like particles (VLPs) using the SpyTag/SpyCatcher adaptor system. The combination of AP205-2*SpyTag with PSOP25-SpyCatcher resulted in the formation of AP205-PSOP25 complexes (VLP-PSOP25). The antibody titers and avidity of serum from each immunization group were assessed by ELISA. Western blot and IFA were performed to confirm the specific reactivity of the elicit antisera to the native PSOP25 in Plasmodium berghei ookinetes. Both in vitro and in vivo assays were conducted to evaluate the transmission-blocking activity of VLP-PSOP25 vaccine.

RESULTS

Immunization of mice with VLP-PSOP25 could induced higher levels of high-affinity antibodies than the recombinant PSOP25 (rPSOP25) alone or mixtures of untagged AP205 and rPSOP25 but was comparable to rPSOP25 formulated with alum. Additionally, the VLP-PSOP25 vaccine enhanced Th1-type immune response with remarkably increased levels of IgG2a subclass. The antiserum generated by VLP-PSOP25 specifically recognizes the native PSOP25 antigen in P. berghei ookinetes. Importantly, antisera generated by inoculation with the VLP-PSOP25 could inhibit ookinete development in vitro and reduce the prevalence of infected mosquitoes or oocyst intensity in direct mosquito feeding assays.

CONCLUSIONS

Antisera elicited by immunization with the VLP-PSOP25 vaccine confer moderate transmission-reducing activity and transmission-blocking activity. Our results support the utilization of the AP205-SpyTag/SpyCatcher platform for next-generation TBVs development.

Large-Scale Purification and Characterization of Recombinant Receptor-Binding Domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Expressed in Yeast

SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is an essential component of numerous protein-based vaccines for COVID-19. The receptor-binding domain of this spike protein is a promising antigen with ease of expression in microbial hosts and scalability at comparatively low production costs. This study describes the production, purification, and characterization of RBD of SARS-CoV-2 protein, which is currently in clinical trials, from a commercialization perspective. The protein was expressed in Pichia pastoris in a large-scale bioreactor of 1200 L capacity. Protein capture and purification are conducted through mixed-mode chromatography followed by hydrophobic interaction chromatography. This two-step purification process produced RBD with an overall productivity of ~21 mg/L at >99% purity. The protein's primary, secondary, and tertiary structures were also verified using LCMS-based peptide mapping, circular dichroism, and fluorescence spectroscopy, respectively. The glycoprotein was further characterized for quality attributes such as glycosylation, molecular weight, purity, di-sulfide bonding, etc. Through structural analysis, it was confirmed that the product maintained a consistent quality across different batches during the large-scale production process. The binding capacity of RBD of spike protein was also assessed using human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor. A low binding constant range of KD values, ranging between 3.63 × 10-8 to 6.67 × 10-8, demonstrated a high affinity for the ACE2 receptor, revealing this protein as a promising candidate to prevent the entry of COVID-19 virus.

An Overview of Recent Developments in the Application of Antigen Displaying Vaccine Platforms: Hints for Future SARS-CoV-2 VLP Vaccines

Recently, a great effort has been devoted to studying attenuated and subunit vaccine development against SARS-CoV-2 since its outbreak in December 2019. It is known that diverse virus-like particles (VLPs) are extensively employed as carriers to display various antigenic and immunostimulatory cargo modules for vaccine development. Single or multiple antigens or antigenic domains such as the spike or nucleocapsid protein or their variants from SARS-CoV-2 could also be incorporated into VLPs via either a genetic or chemical display approach. Such antigen display platforms would help screen safer and more effective vaccine candidates capable of generating a strong immune response with or without adjuvant. This review aims to provide valuable insights for the future development of SARS-CoV-2 VLP vaccines by summarizing the latest updates and perspectives on the vaccine development of VLP platforms for genetic and chemical displaying antigens from SARS-CoV-2.

T Cell Activating Thermostable Self-Assembly Nanoscaffold Tailored for Cellular Immunity Antigen Delivery

Antigen delivery based on non-virus-like particle self-associating protein nanoscffolds, such as Aquifex aeolicus lumazine synthase (AaLS), is limited due to the immunotoxicity and/or premature clearance of antigen-scaffold complex resulted from triggering unregulated innate immune responses. Here, using rational immunoinformatics prediction and computational modeling, we screen the T epitope peptides from thermophilic nanoproteins with the same spatial structure as hyperthermophilic icosahedral AaLS, and reassemble them into a novel thermostable self-assembling nanoscaffold RPT that can specifically activate T cell-mediated immunity. Tumor model antigen ovalbumin T epitopes and the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 receptor-binding domain are loaded onto the scaffold surface through the SpyCather/SpyTag system to construct nanovaccines. Compared to AaLS, RPT -constructed nanovaccines elicit more potent cytotoxic T cell and CD4+ T helper 1 (Th1)-biased immune responses, and generate less anti-scaffold antibody. Moreover, RPT significantly upregulate the expression of transcription factors and cytokines related to the differentiation of type-1 conventional dendritic cells, promoting the cross-presentation of antigens to CD8+ T cells and Th1 polarization of CD4+ T cells. RPT confers antigens with increased stability against heating, freeze-thawing, and lyophilization with almost no antigenicity loss. This novel nanoscaffold offers a simple, safe, and robust strategy for boosting T-cell immunity-dependent vaccine development.

A potent and durable malaria transmission-blocking vaccine designed from a single-component 60-copy Pfs230D1 nanoparticle

Malaria transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) reduce disease transmission by breaking the continuous cycle of infection between the human host and the mosquito vector. Domain 1 (D1) of Pfs230 is a leading TBV candidate and comprises the majority of transmission-reducing activity (TRA) elicited by Pfs230. Here we show that the fusion of Pfs230D1 to a 60-copy multimer of the catalytic domain of dihydrolipoyl acetyltransferase protein (E2p) results in a single-component nanoparticle composed of 60 copies of the fusion protein with high stability, homogeneity, and production yields. The nanoparticle presents a potent human transmission-blocking epitope within Pfs230D1, indicating the antigen is correctly oriented on the surface of the nanoparticle. Two vaccinations of New Zealand White rabbits with the Pfs230D1 nanoparticle elicited a potent and durable antibody response with high TRA when formulated in two distinct adjuvants suitable for translation to human use. This single-component nanoparticle vaccine may play a key role in malaria control and has the potential to improve production pipelines and the cost of manufacturing of a potent and durable TBV.

Determining buffer conditions for downstream processing of VLP-based recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen using multimodal resins in bind-elute and flow-through purification modes

The difficulties in purification of VLP-based recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (rHBsAg) are mainly emerged from inefficient semi-purification step plus proteins physicochemical properties and these issues make the downstream processing (DSP) very lengthy and expensive. In this study, optimization of rHBsAg (recombinantly-expressed in Pichia pastoris) DSP was performed using selection of buffering conditions in the semi-purification step. In the semi-purification optimization step, up to 73% of the protein impurities were eliminated and the utmost increase in rHBsAg purity (ca. 3.6-fold) was achieved using 20 mM sodium acetate, pH 4.5. By using rHBsAg binding and nonbinding situations obtained from the response surface plot in design of experiments (DOE), additional bind-elute and flow-through purification mode experiments were conducted and rHBsAg with high purity (near 100%) and recovery (> 83%) was achieved. Following assessment of critical quality attributes (i.e., purity, particle size distribution, host cell DNA, host cell protein, secondary structures, specific activity and relative potency), it was indicated that the characteristics of rHBsAg purified by the new DSP were similar or superior to the ones obtained from conventional DSP. The purification performance of the resin was constantly retained (97-100%) and no significant resin damage took place after 10 adsorption-elution-cleaning cycles. The new DSP developed for production of rHBsAg in this study can substitute the conventional one with granting satisfactory target protein quality, long-lasting resin efficacy, shorter and less expensive process. This process may be also employable for purification of both non-VLP- and VLP- based target proteins expressed in the yeast.

Site-Specific Modification of Virus-Like Particles for Exogenous Tumor Antigen Display and Minimizing Preexisting Immunity

The widespread preexisting immunity against virus-like particles (VLPs) seriously limits the applications of VLPs as vaccine vectors. Enabling technology for exogenous antigen display should not only ensure the assembly ability of VLPs and site-specific modification, but also consider the effect of preexisting immunity on the behavior of VLPs in vivo. Here, combining genetic code expansion technique and synthetic biology strategy, a site-specific modification method for hepatitis B core (HBc) VLPs via incorporating azido-phenylalanine into the desired positions is described. Through modification position screening, it is found that HBc VLPs incorporated with azido-phenylalanine at the main immune region can effectively assemble and rapidly conjugate with the dibenzocycolctyne-modified tumor-associated antigens, mucin-1 (MUC1). The site-specific modification of HBc VLPs not only improves the immunogenicity of MUC1 antigens but also shields the immunogenicity of HBc VLPs themselves, thereby activating a strong and persistent anti-MUC1 immune response even in the presence of preexisting anti-HBc immunity, which results in the efficient tumor elimination in a lung metastatic mouse model. Together, these results demonstrate the site-specific modification strategy enabled HBc VLPs behave as a potent antitumor vaccine and this strategy to manipulate immunogenicity of VLPs may be suitable for other VLP-based vaccine vectors.

Multiviral Quartet Nanocages Elicit Broad Anti-Coronavirus Responses for Proactive Vaccinology

Defending against future pandemics may require vaccine platforms that protect across a range of related pathogens. The presentation of multiple receptor-binding domains (RBDs) from evolutionarily-related viruses on a nanoparticle scaffold elicits a strong antibody response to conserved regions. Here we produce quartets of tandemly-linked RBDs from SARS-like betacoronaviruses coupled to the mi3 nanocage through a SpyTag/SpyCatcher spontaneous reaction. These Quartet Nanocages induce a high level of neutralizing antibodies against several different coronaviruses, including against viruses not represented on the vaccine. In animals primed with SARS-CoV-2 Spike, boost immunizations with Quartet Nanocages increased the strength and breadth of an otherwise narrow immune response. Quartet Nanocages are a strategy with potential to confer heterotypic protection against emergent zoonotic coronavirus pathogens and facilitate proactive pandemic protection.

A perspective on SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles vaccines

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) first appeared in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has spread to almost all corners of the world at an alarming rate. Vaccination is important for the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts are underway worldwide to develop an effective vaccine against COVID-19 using both traditional and innovative vaccine strategies. Compared to other vaccine platforms, SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particles （VLPs ）vaccines, as a new vaccine platform, have unique advantages: they have artificial nanostructures similar to natural SARS-CoV-2, which can stimulate good cellular and humoral immune responses in the organism; they have no viral nucleic acids, have good safety and thermal stability, and can be mass-produced and stored; their surfaces can be processed and modified, such as the adjuvant addition, etc.; they can be considered as an ideal platform for COVID-19 vaccine development. This review aims to shed light on the current knowledge and progress of VLPs vaccines against COVID-19, especially those undergoing clinical trials.

Molecular engineering of a cryptic epitope in Spike RBD improves manufacturability and neutralizing breadth against SARS-CoV-2 variants

There is a continued need for sarbecovirus vaccines that can be manufactured and distributed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Subunit protein vaccines are manufactured at large scales at low costs, have less stringent temperature requirements for distribution in LMICs, and several candidates have shown protection against SARS-CoV-2. We previously reported an engineered variant of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein receptor binding domain antigen (RBD-L452K-F490W; RBD-J) with enhanced manufacturability and immunogenicity compared to the ancestral RBD. Here, we report a second-generation engineered RBD antigen (RBD-J6) with two additional mutations to a hydrophobic cryptic epitope in the RBD core, S383D and L518D, that further improved expression titers and biophysical stability. RBD-J6 retained binding affinity to human convalescent sera and to all tested neutralizing antibodies except antibodies that target the class IV epitope on the RBD core. K18-hACE2 transgenic mice immunized with three doses of a Beta variant of RBD-J6 displayed on a virus-like particle (VLP) generated neutralizing antibodies (nAb) to nine SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern at similar levels as two doses of Comirnaty. The vaccinated mice were also protected from challenge with Alpha or Beta SARS-CoV-2. This engineered antigen could be useful for modular RBD-based subunit vaccines to enhance manufacturability and global access, or for further development of variant-specific or broadly acting booster vaccines.

Protein-based nanocages for vaccine development

Protein nanocages have attracted considerable attention in various fields of nanomedicine due to their intrinsic properties, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, high structural stability, and ease of modification of their surfaces and inner cavities. In vaccine development, these protein nanocages are suited for efficient targeting to and retention in the lymph nodes and can enhance immunogenicity through various mechanisms, including excellent uptake by antigen-presenting cells and crosslinking with multiple B cell receptors. This review highlights the superiority of protein nanocages as antigen delivery carriers based on their physiological and immunological properties such as biodistribution, immunogenicity, stability, and multifunctionality. With a focus on design, we discuss the utilization and efficacy of protein nanocages such as virus-like particles, caged proteins, and artificial caged proteins against cancer and infectious diseases such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In addition, we summarize available knowledge on the protein nanocages that are currently used in clinical trials and provide a general outlook on conventional distribution techniques and hurdles faced, particularly for therapeutic cancer vaccines.

Display of multiple proteins on engineered canine parvovirus-like particles expressed in cultured silkworm cells and silkworm larvae

Recent progress has been made dramatically in decorating virus-like particles (VLPs) on the surface or inside with functional molecules, such as antigens or nucleic acids. However, it is still challenging to display multiple antigens on the surface of VLP to meet the requirement as a practical vaccine candidate. Herein this study, we focus on the expression and engineering of the capsid protein VP2 of canine parvovirus for VLP display in the silkworm-expression system. The chemistry of the SpyTag/SpyCatcher (SpT/SpC) and SnoopTag/SnoopCatcher (SnT/SnC) are efficient protein covalent ligation systems to modify VP2 genetically, where SpyTag/SnoopTag are inserted into the N-terminus or two distinct loop regions (Lx and L2) of VP2. The SpC-EGFP and SnC-mCherry are employed as model proteins to evaluate their binding and display on six SnT/SnC-modified VP2 variants. From a series of protein binding assays between indicated protein partners, we showed that the VP2 variant with SpT inserted at the L2 region significantly enhanced VLP display to 80% compared to 5.4% from N-terminal SpT-fused VP2-derived VLPs. In contrast, the VP2 variant with SpT at the Lx region failed to form VLPs. Moreover, the SpT (Lx)/SnT (L2) double-engineered chimeric VP2 variants showed covalent conjugation capacity to both SpC/SnC protein partners. The orthogonal ligations between those binding partners were confirmed by both mixing purified proteins and co-infecting cultured silkworm cells or larvae with desired recombinant viruses. Our results indicate that a convenient VLP display platform was successfully developed for multiple antigen displays on demand. Further verifications can be performed to assess its capacity for displaying desirable antigens and inducing a robust immune response to targeted pathogens.

Modular capsid decoration boosts adenovirus vaccine-induced humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2

Adenovirus vector vaccines have been widely and successfully deployed in response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, despite inducing potent T cell immunity, improvement of vaccine-specific antibody responses upon homologous boosting is modest compared with other technologies. Here, we describe a system enabling modular decoration of adenovirus capsid surfaces with antigens and demonstrate potent induction of humoral immunity against these displayed antigens. Ligand attachment via a covalent bond was achieved using a protein superglue, DogTag/DogCatcher (similar to SpyTag/SpyCatcher), in a rapid and spontaneous reaction requiring only co-incubation of ligand and vector components. DogTag was inserted into surface-exposed loops in the adenovirus hexon protein to allow attachment of DogCatcher-fused ligands on virus particles. Efficient coverage of the capsid surface was achieved using various ligands, with vector infectivity retained in each case. Capsid decoration shielded particles from vector neutralizing antibodies. In prime-boost regimens, adenovirus vectors decorated with the receptor-binding domain of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike induced >10-fold higher SARS-CoV-2 neutralization titers compared with an undecorated vector encoding spike. Importantly, decorated vectors achieved equivalent or superior T cell immunogenicity against encoded antigens compared with undecorated vectors. We propose capsid decoration using protein superglues as a novel strategy to improve efficacy and boostability of adenovirus-based vaccines and therapeutics.

Development of virus-like particles-based vaccines against coronaviruses

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and the current severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are the most impactful coronaviruses in human history, especially the latter, which brings revolutionary changes to human vaccinology. Due to its high infectivity, the virus spreads rapidly throughout the world and was declared a pandemic in March 2020. A vaccine would normally take more than 10 years to be developed. As such, there is no vaccine available for SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. Currently, 10 vaccines have been approved for emergency use by World Health Organization (WHO) against SARS-CoV-2. Virus-like particle (VLP)s are nanoparticles resembling the native virus but devoid of the viral genome. Due to their self-adjuvanting properties, VLPs have been explored extensively for vaccine development. However, none of the approved vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 was based on VLP and only 4% of the vaccine candidates in clinical trials were based on VLPs. In the current review, we focused on discussing the major advances in the development of VLP-based vaccine candidates against the SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2, including those in clinical and pre-clinical studies, to give a comprehensive overview of the VLP-based vaccines against the coronaviruses.

SpyStapler-mediated assembly of nanoparticle vaccines

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has wreaked havoc around the globe, with no end in sight. The rapid emergence of viral mutants, marked by rapid transmission and effective immune evasion, has also posed unprecedented challenges for vaccine development, not least in its speed, mass production, and distribution. Here we report a versatile "plug-and-display" strategy for creating protein vaccines, including those against malaria parasites and SARS-CoV-2, through the combined use of the intrinsically disordered protein ligase SpyStapler and computationally designed viral-like particles. The resulting protein nanoparticles harboring multiple antigens induce potent neutralizing antibody responses in mice, substantially stronger than those induced by the corresponding free antigens. This modular vaccine design enabled by SpyStapler furnishes us with a new weapon for combatting infectious diseases.

ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL

Supplementary material (further details of the protein sequences, cloning procedures, TEM imaging, ELISA details, and reaction controls) is available in the online version of this article at 10.1007/s12274-022-4951-9.

Virus-like particles displaying conserved toxin epitopes stimulate polyspecific, murine antibody responses capable of snake venom recognition

Antivenom is currently the first-choice treatment for snakebite envenoming. However, only a low proportion of antivenom immunoglobulins are specific to venom toxins, resulting in poor dose efficacy and potency. We sought to investigate whether linear venom epitopes displayed on virus like particles can stimulate an antibody response capable of recognising venom toxins from diverse medically important species. Bioinformatically-designed epitopes, corresponding to predicted conserved regions of group I phospholipase A₂ and three finger toxins, were engineered for display on the surface of hepatitis B core antigen virus like particles and used to immunise female CD1 mice over a 14 weeks. Antibody responses to all venom epitope virus like particles were detectable by ELISA by the end of the immunisation period, although total antibody and epitope specific antibody titres were variable against the different epitope immunogens. Immunoblots using pooled sera demonstrated recognition of various venom components in a diverse panel of six elapid venoms, representing three continents and four genera. Insufficient antibody yields precluded a thorough assessment of the neutralising ability of the generated antibodies, however we were able to test polyclonal anti-PLA₂ IgG from three animals against the PLA₂ activity of Naja nigricollis venom, all of which showed no neutralising ability. This study demonstrates proof-of-principle that virus like particles engineered to display conserved toxin linear epitopes can elicit specific antibody responses in mice which are able to recognise a geographically broad range of elapid venoms.

Protein Cages: From Fundamentals to Advanced Applications

Proteins that self-assemble into polyhedral shell-like structures are useful molecular containers both in nature and in the laboratory. Here we review efforts to repurpose diverse protein cages, including viral capsids, ferritins, bacterial microcompartments, and designed capsules, as vaccines, drug delivery vehicles, targeted imaging agents, nanoreactors, templates for controlled materials synthesis, building blocks for higher-order architectures, and more. A deep understanding of the principles underlying the construction, function, and evolution of natural systems has been key to tailoring selective cargo encapsulation and interactions with both biological systems and synthetic materials through protein engineering and directed evolution. The ability to adapt and design increasingly sophisticated capsid structures and functions stands to benefit the fields of catalysis, materials science, and medicine.

Comparison of Bacterial Expression Systems Based on Potato Virus Y-like Particles for Vaccine Generation

Plant-based virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines have been studied for years, demonstrating their potential as antigen-presenting platforms. In this paper, we describe the development of, and compare between, simple Escherichia coli-based antigen display platforms for the generation of potato virus Y (PVY) VLP-derived vaccines, thus allowing the production of vaccines from a single bacterial cell culture. We constructed four systems with the major cat allergen Fel d 1; namely, direct fusion with plant virus PVY coat protein (CP), mosaic PVY VLPs, and two coexpression variants of conjugates (SpyTag/SpyCatcher) allowing coexpression and conjugation directly in E. coli cells. For control experiments, we included PVY VLPs chemically coupled with Fel d 1. All constructed PVY-Fel d 1 variants were well expressed and soluble, formed PVY-like filamentous particles, and were recognized by monoclonal Fel d 1 antibodies. Our results indicate that all vaccine variants induced high titers of anti-Fel d 1 antibodies in murine models. Mice that were immunized with the chemically coupled Fel d 1 antigen exhibited the highest antibody titers and antibody-antigen interaction specificity, as detected by binding avidity and recognition of native Fel d 1. IgG1 subclass antibodies were found to be the dominant IgG class against PVY-Fel d 1. PVY CP-derived VLPs represent an efficient platform for the comparison of various antigen presentation systems to help evaluate different vaccine designs.

SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain displayed on HBsAg virus-like particles elicits protective immunity in macaques

Authorized vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 remain less available in low- and middle-income countries due to insufficient supply, high costs, and storage requirements. Global immunity could still benefit from new vaccines using widely available, safe adjuvants, such as alum and protein subunits, suited to low-cost production in existing manufacturing facilities. Here, a clinical-stage vaccine candidate comprising a SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain-hepatitis B surface antigen virus-like particle elicited protective immunity in cynomolgus macaques. Titers of neutralizing antibodies (>104) induced by this candidate were above the range of protection for other licensed vaccines in nonhuman primates. Including CpG 1018 did not significantly improve the immunological responses. Vaccinated animals challenged with SARS-CoV-2 showed reduced median viral loads in bronchoalveolar lavage (~3.4 log10) and nasal mucosa (~2.9 log10) versus sham controls. These data support the potential benefit of this design for a low-cost modular vaccine platform for SARS-CoV-2 and other variants of concern or betacoronaviruses.

Virus-like particles against infectious disease and cancer: guidance for the nano-architect

Virus-like particles (VLPs) can play important roles in prevention and therapy for infectious diseases and cancer. Here we describe recent advances in rational construction of VLP assemblies, as well as new approaches to enhance long-lasting antibody and CD8⁺ T cell responses. DNA origami and computational protein design identified optimal spacing of antigens. Chemical biology advances enabled simple and irreversible VLP decoration with protein or polysaccharide antigens. Mosaic VLPs co-displayed antigens to generate cross-reactive antibodies against different influenza strains and coronaviruses. The mode of action of adjuvants inside VLPs was established through knock-outs and repackaging of innate immune stimuli. VLPs themselves showed their power as adjuvants in cancer models. Finally, landmark clinical results were obtained against malaria and the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Rapid, high throughput protein estimation method for saponin and alhydrogel adjuvanted R21 VLP Malaria vaccine based on intrinsic fluorescence

Protein content estimation of recombinant vaccines at drug product (DP) stage is a crucial lot release and stability indicating assay in biopharmaceutical industries. Regulatory bodies such as US-FDA and WHO necessitates the quantitation of protein content to assess process parameters as well as formulation losses. Estimation of protein content at DP stage in presence of adjuvants (e.g AlOOH, AlPO₄, saponin and squalene) is quite challenging, and the challenge intensifies when the target protein is in Virus like particles (VLP) form, owing to its size and structural complexity. Methods available for protein estimation of adjuvanted vaccines mostly suffer from inaccuracy at lower protein concentrations and in most cases require antigen desorption before analysis. Present research work is based on the development of a rapid plate-based method for protein estimation through intrinsic fluorescence by using Malaria vaccine R21 VLP as a model protein. Present method exhibited linearity for protein estimation of R21, in the range of 5-30 µg/mL in Alhydrogel and 4-20 µg/mL for Matrix M adjuvant. The method was validated as per ICH guidelines. The limit of quantification was found to be 0.94 µg/mL for both Alhydrogel and Matrix M adjuvanted R21. The method was found specific, precise and repeatable. This method is superior in terms of less sample quantity requirement, multiple sample analysis, short turnaround time and is non-invasive. This method was found to be stability indicating, works for other proteins containing tryptophan residues and operates well even in presence of host cell proteins. Based on the study, present method can be used in vaccine industries for routine in-process sample analysis (both inline and offline), lot release of VLP based drug products in presence of Alhydrogel and saponin based adjuvant systems.

Advances in pathogenesis and precision medicine for nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a squamous carcinoma with apparent geographical and racial distribution, mostly prevalent in East and Southeast Asia, particularly concentrated in southern China. The epidemiological trend over the past decades has suggested a substantial reduction in the incidence rate and mortality rate due to NPC. These results may reflect changes in lifestyle and environment, and more importantly, a deeper comprehension of the pathogenic mechanism of NPC, leading to much progress in the preventing, screening, and treating for this cancer. Herein, we present the recent advances on the key signal pathways involved in pathogenesis of NPC, the mechanism of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) entry into the cell, and the progress of EBV vaccine and screening biomarkers. We will also discuss in depth the development of various therapeutic approaches including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, surgery, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. These research advancements have led to a new era of precision medicine in NPC.

Poor CD4+ T Cell Immunogenicity Limits Humoral Immunity to P. falciparum Transmission-Blocking Candidate Pfs25 in Humans

Plasmodium falciparum transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) targeting the Pfs25 antigen have shown promise in mice but the same efficacy has never been achieved in humans. We have previously published pre-clinical data related to a TBV candidate Pfs25-IMX313 encoded in viral vectors which was very promising and hence progressed to human clinical trials. The results from the clinical trial of this vaccine were very modest. Here we unravel why, contrary to mice, this vaccine has failed to induce robust antibody (Ab) titres in humans to elicit transmission-blocking activity. We examined Pfs25-specific B cell and T follicular helper (Tfh) cell responses in mice and humans after vaccination with Pfs25-IMX313 encoded by replication-deficient chimpanzee adenovirus serotype 63 (ChAd63) and the attenuated orthopoxvirus modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) delivered in the heterologous prime-boost regimen via intramuscular route. We found that after vaccination, the Pfs25-IMX313 was immunologically suboptimal in humans compared to mice in terms of serum Ab production and antigen-specific B, CD4⁺ and Tfh cell responses. We identified that the key determinant for the poor anti-Pfs25 Ab formation in humans was the lack of CD4⁺ T cell recognition of Pfs25-IMX313 derived peptide epitopes. This is supported by correlations established between the ratio of proliferated antigen-specific CD4⁺/Tfh-like T cells, CXCL13 sera levels, and the corresponding numbers of circulating Pfs25-specific memory B cells, that consequently reflected on antigen-specific IgG sera levels. These correlations can inform the design of next-generation Pfs25-based vaccines for robust and durable blocking of malaria transmission.

N-Terminal Modification of Gly-His-Tagged Proteins with Azidogluconolactone

Site-specific protein modifications are vital for biopharmaceutical drug development. Gluconoylation is a non-enzymatic, post-translational modification of N-terminal HisTags. We report high-yield, site-selective in vitro α-aminoacylation of peptides, glycoproteins, antibodies, and virus-like particles (VLPs) with azidogluconolactone at pH 7.5 in 1 h. Conjugates slowly hydrolyse, but diol-masking with borate esters inhibits reversibility. In an example, we multimerise azidogluconoylated SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) onto VLPs via click-chemistry, to give a COVID-19 vaccine. Compared to yeast antigen, HEK-derived RBD was immunologically superior, likely due to observed differences in glycosylation. We show the benefits of ordered over randomly oriented multimeric antigen display, by demonstrating single-shot seroconversion and best virus-neutralizing antibodies. Azidogluconoylation is simple, fast and robust chemistry, and should accelerate research and development.

Virus-Like Particle Vaccines Against Respiratory Viruses and Protozoan Parasites

The field of vaccinology underwent massive advances over the past decades with the introduction of virus-like particles (VLPs), a supra-molecular nanoparticle vaccine platform that resembles viral structures without the ability to replicate in hosts. This innovative approach has been remarkably effective, as evidenced by its profound immunogenicity and safety. These highly desirable intrinsic properties enabled their further development as vaccines against a multitude of diseases. To date, several VLP-based vaccines have already been commercialized and many more are undergoing clinical evaluation prior to FDA approval. However, efficacious vaccines against a plethora of pathogens are still lacking, which imposes a tremendous socioeconomic burden and continues to threaten public health throughout the globe. This is especially the case for several respiratory pathogens and protozoan parasites. In this review, we briefly describe the fundamentals of VLP vaccines and the unique properties that enable these to be such valuable vaccine candidates and summarize current advances in VLP-based vaccines targeting respiratory and parasitic diseases of global importance.

A modular protein subunit vaccine candidate produced in yeast confers protection against SARS-CoV-2 in non-human primates

Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 have been distributed at massive scale in developed countries, and have been effective at preventing COVID-19. Access to vaccines is limited, however, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to insufficient supply, high costs, and cold storage requirements. New vaccines that can be produced in existing manufacturing facilities in LMICs, can be manufactured at low cost, and use widely available, proven, safe adjuvants like alum, would improve global immunity against SARS-CoV-2. One such protein subunit vaccine is produced by the Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd. and is currently in clinical testing. Two protein components, the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) and hepatitis B surface antigen virus-like particles (VLPs), are each produced in yeast, which would enable a low-cost, high-volume manufacturing process. Here, we describe the design and preclinical testing of the RBD-VLP vaccine in cynomolgus macaques. We observed titers of neutralizing antibodies (>104) above the range of protection for other licensed vaccines in non-human primates. Interestingly, addition of a second adjuvant (CpG1018) appeared to improve the cellular response while reducing the humoral response. We challenged animals with SARS-CoV-2, and observed a ~3.4 and ~2.9 log10 reduction in median viral loads in bronchoalveolar lavage and nasal mucosa, respectively, compared to sham controls. These results inform the design and formulation of current clinical COVID-19 vaccine candidates like the one described here, and future designs of RBD-based vaccines against variants of SARS-CoV-2 or other betacoronaviruses.

Development of a Modular Vaccine Platform for Multimeric Antigen Display Using an Orthobunyavirus Model

Emerging infectious diseases represent an increasing threat to human and animal health. Therefore, safe and effective vaccines that could be available within a short time frame after an outbreak are required for adequate prevention and control. Here, we developed a robust and versatile self-assembling multimeric protein scaffold particle (MPSP) vaccine platform using lumazine synthase (LS) from Aquifex aeolicus. This scaffold allowed the presentation of peptide epitopes by genetic fusion as well as the presentation of large antigens by bacterial superglue-based conjugation to the pre-assembled particle. Using the orthobunyavirus model Schmallenberg virus (SBV) we designed MPSPs presenting major immunogens of SBV and assessed their efficacy in a mouse model as well as in cattle, a target species of SBV. All prototype vaccines conferred protection from viral challenge infection and the multivalent presentation of the selected antigens on the MPSP markedly improved their immunogenicity compared to the monomeric subunits. Even a single shot vaccination protected about 80% of mice from an otherwise lethal dose of SBV. Most importantly, the MPSPs induced a virtually sterile immunity in cattle. Altogether, LS represents a promising platform for modular and rapid vaccine design.

Reduced blood-stage malaria growth and immune correlates in humans following RH5 vaccination

BACKGROUND

Development of an effective vaccine against the pathogenic blood-stage infection of human malaria has proved challenging, and no candidate vaccine has affected blood-stage parasitemia following controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) with blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum.

METHODS

We undertook a phase I/IIa clinical trial in healthy adults in the United Kingdom of the RH5.1 recombinant protein vaccine, targeting the P. falciparum reticulocyte-binding protein homolog 5 (RH5), formulated in AS01B adjuvant. We assessed safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy against blood-stage CHMI. Trial registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02927145.

FINDINGS

The RH5.1/AS01B formulation was administered using a range of RH5.1 protein vaccine doses (2, 10, and 50 μg) and was found to be safe and well tolerated. A regimen using a delayed and fractional third dose, in contrast to three doses given at monthly intervals, led to significantly improved antibody response longevity over ∼2 years of follow-up. Following primary and secondary CHMI of vaccinees with blood-stage P. falciparum, a significant reduction in parasite growth rate was observed, defining a milestone for the blood-stage malaria vaccine field. We show that growth inhibition activity measured in vitro using purified immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody strongly correlates with in vivo reduction of the parasite growth rate and also identify other antibody feature sets by systems serology, including the plasma anti-RH5 IgA1 response, that are associated with challenge outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data provide a new framework to guide rational design and delivery of next-generation vaccines to protect against malaria disease.

FUNDING

This study was supported by USAID, UK MRC, Wellcome Trust, NIAID, and the NIHR Oxford-BRC.

Plasmodium falciparum Pf77 and male development gene 1 as vaccine antigens that induce potent transmission-reducing antibodies

Malaria vaccines that disrupt the Plasmodium life cycle in mosquitoes and reduce parasite transmission in endemic areas are termed transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs). Despite decades of research, there are only a few Plasmodium falciparum antigens that indisputably and reproducibly demonstrate transmission-blocking immunity. So far, only two TBV candidates have advanced to phase 1/2 clinical testing with limited success. By applying an unbiased transcriptomics-based approach, we have identified Pf77 and male development gene 1 (PfMDV-1) as two P. falciparum TBV antigens that, upon immunization, induced antibodies that caused reductions in oocyst counts in Anopheles mosquito midguts in a standard membrane feeding assay. In-depth studies were performed to characterize the genetic diversity of, stage-specific expression by, and natural immunity to these two molecules to evaluate their suitability as TBV candidates. Pf77 and PfMDV-1 display limited antigenic polymorphism, are pan-developmentally expressed within the parasite, and induce naturally occurring antibodies in Ghanaian adults, which raises the prospect of natural boosting of vaccine-induced immune response in endemic regions. Together, these biological properties suggest that Pf77 and PfMDV-1 may warrant further investigation as TBV candidates.

In Vitro Assembly of Virus-Like Particles and Their Applications

Virus-like particles (VLPs) are increasingly used for vaccine development and drug delivery. Assembly of VLPs from purified monomers in a chemically defined reaction is advantageous compared to in vivo assembly, because it avoids encapsidation of host-derived components and enables loading with added cargoes. This review provides an overview of ex cella VLP production methods focusing on capsid protein production, factors that impact the in vitro assembly, and approaches to characterize in vitro VLPs. The uses of in vitro produced VLPs as vaccines and for therapeutic delivery are also reported.

Application of In-Situ and Soft-Sensors for Estimation of Recombinant P. pastoris GS115 Biomass Concentration: A Case Analysis of HBcAg (Mut+) and HBsAg (MutS) Production Processes under Varying Conditions

Microbial biomass concentration is a key bioprocess parameter, estimated using various labor, operator and process cross-sensitive techniques, analyzed in a broad context and therefore the subject of correct interpretation. In this paper, the authors present the results of P. pastoris cell density estimation based on off-line (optical density, wet/dry cell weight concentration), in-situ (turbidity, permittivity), and soft-sensor (off-gas O₂/CO₂, alkali consumption) techniques. Cultivations were performed in a 5 L oxygen-enriched stirred tank bioreactor. The experimental plan determined varying aeration rates/levels, glycerol or methanol substrates, residual methanol levels, and temperature. In total, results from 13 up to 150 g (dry cell weight)/L cultivation runs were analyzed. Linear and exponential correlation models were identified for the turbidity sensor signal and dry cell weight concentration (DCW). Evaluated linear correlation between permittivity and DCW in the glycerol consumption phase (<60 g/L) and medium (for Mut⁺ strain) to significant (for Mut^S strain) linearity decline for methanol consumption phase. DCW and permittivity-based biomass estimates used for soft-sensor parameters identification. Dataset consisting from 4 Mut⁺ strain cultivation experiments used for estimation quality (expressed in NRMSE) comparison for turbidity-based (8%), permittivity-based (11%), O₂ uptake-based (10%), CO₂ production-based (13%), and alkali consumption-based (8%) biomass estimates. Additionally, the authors present a novel solution (algorithm) for uncommon in-situ turbidity and permittivity sensor signal shift (caused by the intensive stirrer rate change and antifoam agent addition) on-line identification and minimization. The sensor signal filtering method leads to about 5-fold and 2-fold minimized biomass estimate drifts for turbidity- and permittivity-based biomass estimates, respectively.

Transmission-Blocking Vaccines: Harnessing Herd Immunity for Malaria Elimination

INTRODUCTION

Transmission-blocking vaccines (TBV) prevent community spread of malaria by targeting mosquito sexual stage parasites, a life-cycle bottleneck, and will be used in elimination programs. TBV rely on herd immunity to reduce mosquito infections and thereby new infections in both vaccine recipients and non-recipients, but do not provide protection once an individual receives an infectious mosquito bite which complicates clinical development.

AREAS COVERED

Here, we describe the concept and biology behind TBV, and we provide an update on clinical development of the leading vaccine candidate antigens. Search terms 'malaria vaccine,' 'sexual stages,' 'transmission blocking vaccine,' 'VIMT' and 'SSM-VIMT' were used for PubMed queries to identify relevant literature.

EXPERT OPINION

Candidates targeting P. falciparum zygote surface antigen Pfs25, and its P. vivax orthologue Pvs25, induced functional activity in humans that reduced mosquito infection in surrogate assays, but require increased durability to be useful in the field. Candidates targeting gamete surface antigens Pfs230 and Pfs48/45, respectively, are in or nearing clinical trials. Nanoparticle platforms and adjuvants are being explored to enhance immunogenicity. Efficacy trials require special considerations, such as cluster-randomized designs to measure herd immunity that reduces human and mosquito infection rates, while addressing human and mosquito movements as confounding factors.

Modular vaccine platform based on the norovirus-like particle

BACKGROUND

Virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines have recently emerged as a safe and effective alternative to conventional vaccine technologies. The strong immunogenic effects of VLPs can be harnessed for making vaccines against any pathogen by decorating VLPs with antigens from the pathogen. Producing the antigenic pathogen fragments and the VLP platform separately makes vaccine development rapid and convenient. Here we decorated the norovirus-like particle with two conserved influenza antigens and tested for the immunogenicity of the vaccine candidates in BALB/c mice.

RESULTS

SpyTagged noro-VLP was expressed with high efficiency in insect cells and purified using industrially scalable methods. Like the native noro-VLP, SpyTagged noro-VLP is stable for months when refrigerated in a physiological buffer. The conserved influenza antigens were produced separately as SpyCatcher fusions in E. coli before covalent conjugation on the surface of noro-VLP. The noro-VLP had a high adjuvant effect, inducing high titers of antibody production against the antigens presented on its surface.

CONCLUSIONS

The modular noro-VLP vaccine platform presented here offers a rapid, convenient and safe method to present various soluble protein antigens to the immune system for vaccination and antibody production purposes.

Overcoming Symmetry Mismatch in Vaccine Nanoassembly through Spontaneous Amidation

Matching of symmetry at interfaces is a fundamental obstacle in molecular assembly. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are important vaccine platforms against pathogenic threats, including Covid-19. However, symmetry mismatch can prohibit vaccine nanoassembly. We established an approach for coupling VLPs to diverse antigen symmetries. SpyCatcher003 enabled efficient VLP conjugation and extreme thermal resilience. Many people had pre-existing antibodies to SpyTag:SpyCatcher but less to the 003 variants. We coupled the computer-designed VLP not only to monomers (SARS-CoV-2) but also to cyclic dimers (Newcastle disease, Lyme disease), trimers (influenza hemagglutinins), and tetramers (influenza neuraminidases). Even an antigen with dihedral symmetry could be displayed. For the global challenge of influenza, SpyTag-mediated display of trimer and tetramer antigens strongly induced neutralizing antibodies. SpyCatcher003 conjugation enables nanodisplay of diverse symmetries towards generation of potent vaccines.

Overcoming Symmetry Mismatch in Vaccine Nanoassembly through Spontaneous Amidation

Matching of symmetry at interfaces is a fundamental obstacle in molecular assembly. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are important vaccine platforms against pathogenic threats, including Covid-19. However, symmetry mismatch can prohibit vaccine nanoassembly. We established an approach for coupling VLPs to diverse antigen symmetries. SpyCatcher003 enabled efficient VLP conjugation and extreme thermal resilience. Many people had pre-existing antibodies to SpyTag:SpyCatcher but less to the 003 variants. We coupled the computer-designed VLP not only to monomers (SARS-CoV-2) but also to cyclic dimers (Newcastle disease, Lyme disease), trimers (influenza hemagglutinins), and tetramers (influenza neuraminidases). Even an antigen with dihedral symmetry could be displayed. For the global challenge of influenza, SpyTag-mediated display of trimer and tetramer antigens strongly induced neutralizing antibodies. SpyCatcher003 conjugation enables nanodisplay of diverse symmetries towards generation of potent vaccines.

Association between Antibody Responses to Epstein-Barr Virus Glycoproteins, Neutralization of Infectivity, and the Risk of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a human oncogenic gammaherpesvirus that infects over 90% of humans in the world and is causally associated with a spectrum of epithelial and B-cell malignancies such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). A prophylactic vaccine against EBV is called for, but no approved vaccine is available yet.

While Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the major cause of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), the value of the humoral immune response to EBV glycoproteins and NPC development remains unclear. Correlation between antiglycoprotein antibody levels, neutralization of EBV infectivity, and the risk of NPC requires systematic study. Here, we applied a cytometry-based method and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure neutralization of infectivity and antibody response to EBV glycoproteins (gH/gL, gB, gp350, and gp42) of plasma samples from 20 NPC cases and 20 high-risk and 20 low-risk healthy controls nested within a screening cohort in Sihui, southern China. We found that NPC cases have similar plasma neutralizing activity in both B cells and epithelial cells and EBV glycoprotein-specific IgA and IgG antibody levels compared with those of healthy controls. Significant correlations were observed between gH/gL IgG and gB IgG and the neutralizing ability against EBV infection of epithelial cells and B cells. These results indicate that a high level of glycoprotein antibodies may favor protection against primary EBV infection, instead of being low-risk biomarkers for NPC in long-term EBV-infected adults. In conclusion, this study provides novel insights into the humoral immune response to EBV infection and NPC development, providing valuable leads for future research that is important for prevention and treatment of EBV-related diseases.

IMPORTANCE Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a human oncogenic gammaherpesvirus that infects over 90% of humans in the world and is causally associated with a spectrum of epithelial and B-cell malignancies such as nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). A prophylactic vaccine against EBV is called for, but no approved vaccine is available yet. Therefore, EBV remains a major public health concern. To facilitate novel vaccines and therapeutics for NPC, it is of great importance to explore the impact of humoral immune response to EBV glycoproteins before the development of NPC. Therefore, in this study, we systematically assessed the correlation between antiglycoprotein antibody levels, neutralization of EBV infectivity, and the risk of NPC development. These results provide valuable information that will contribute to designing effective prevention and treatment strategies for EBV-related diseases such as NPC.

A platform incorporating trimeric antigens into self-assembling nanoparticles reveals SARS-CoV-2-spike nanoparticles to elicit substantially higher neutralizing responses than spike alone

Antigens displayed on self-assembling nanoparticles can stimulate strong immune responses and have been playing an increasingly prominent role in structure-based vaccines. However, the development of such immunogens is often complicated by inefficiencies in their production. To alleviate this issue, we developed a plug-and-play platform using the spontaneous isopeptide-bond formation of the SpyTag:SpyCatcher system to display trimeric antigens on self-assembling nanoparticles, including the 60-subunit Aquifex aeolicus lumazine synthase (LuS) and the 24-subunit Helicobacter pylori ferritin. LuS and ferritin coupled to SpyTag expressed well in a mammalian expression system when an N-linked glycan was added to the nanoparticle surface. The respiratory syncytial virus fusion (F) glycoprotein trimer-stabilized in the prefusion conformation and fused with SpyCatcher-could be efficiently conjugated to LuS-SpyTag or ferritin-SpyTag, enabling multivalent display of F trimers with prefusion antigenicity. Similarly, F-glycoprotein trimers from human parainfluenza virus-type 3 and spike-glycoprotein trimers from SARS-CoV-2 could be displayed on LuS nanoparticles with decent yield and antigenicity. Notably, murine vaccination with 0.08 µg of SARS-CoV-2 spike-LuS nanoparticle elicited similar neutralizing responses as 2.0 µg of spike, which was ~ 25-fold higher on a weight-per-weight basis. The versatile platform described here thus allows for multivalent plug-and-play presentation on self-assembling nanoparticles of trimeric viral antigens, with SARS-CoV-2 spike-LuS nanoparticles inducing particularly potent neutralizing responses.

Covalent protein display on Hepatitis B core-like particles in plants through the in vivo use of the SpyTag/SpyCatcher system

Virus-like particles (VLPs) can be used as nano-carriers and antigen-display systems in vaccine development and therapeutic applications. Conjugation of peptides or whole proteins to VLPs can be achieved using different methods such as the SpyTag/SpyCatcher system. Here we investigate the conjugation of tandem Hepatitis B core (tHBcAg) VLPs and the model antigen GFP in vivo in Nicotiana benthamiana. We show that tHBcAg VLPs could be successfully conjugated with GFP in the cytosol and ER without altering VLP formation or GFP fluorescence. Conjugation in the cytosol was more efficient when SpyCatcher was displayed on tHBcAg VLPs instead of being fused to GFP. This effect was even more obvious in the ER, showing that it is optimal to display SpyCatcher on the tHBcAg VLPs and SpyTag on the binding partner. To test transferability of the GFP results to other antigens, we successfully conjugated tHBcAg VLPs to the HIV capsid protein P24 in the cytosol. This work presents an efficient strategy which can lead to time and cost saving post-translational, covalent conjugation of recombinant proteins in plants.

Column-free purification and coating of SpyCatcher protein on ELISA wells generates universal solid support for capturing of SpyTag-fusion protein from the non-purified condition

•Spy Tag-Protein covalent interaction is rapid and specific method for protein immobilization.•Column free purification of SpyCatcher protein enables develop a universal solid support for SpyTag protein purification.•This method is highly simple and applicable to other proteins.