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Prosper P, Rodríguez Puertas R, Guérin DMA, Branda MM. Computational method for designing vaccines applied to virus-like particles (VLPs) as epitope carriers. Vaccine 2024; 42:3916-3929. [PMID: 38782665 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Nonenveloped virus-like particles (VLPs) are self-assembled oligomeric structures composed of one or more proteins that originate from diverse viruses. Because these VLPs have similar antigenicity to the parental virus, they are successfully used as vaccines against cognate virus infection. Furthermore, after foreign antigenic sequences are inserted in their protein components (chimVLPs), some VLPs are also amenable to producing vaccines against pathogens other than the virus it originates from (these VLPs are named platform or epitope carrier). Designing chimVLP vaccines is challenging because the immunogenic response must be oriented against a given antigen without altering stimulant properties inherent to the VLP. An important step in this process is choosing the location of the sequence modifications because this must be performed without compromising the assembly and stability of the original VLP. Currently, many immunogenic data and computational tools can help guide the design of chimVLPs, thus reducing experimental costs and work. In this study, we analyze the structure of a novel VLP that originate from an insect virus and describe the putative regions of its three structural proteins amenable to insertion. For this purpose, we employed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to assess chimVLP stability by comparing mutated and wild-type (WT) VLP protein trajectories. We applied this procedure to design a chimVLP that can serve as a prophylactic vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The methodology described in this work is generally applicable for VLP-based vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascalita Prosper
- Instituto de Física Aplicada - INFAP, Universidad Nacional de San Luis/CONICET, Argentina, Av. Ejército de los Andes 950, 5700 San Luis, San Luis, Argentina
| | - Rafael Rodríguez Puertas
- Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU), Dept. Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, B° Sarriena S/N, 48940 Leioa, Vizcaya, Spain; Neurodegenerative Diseases, BioCruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Diego M A Guérin
- Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU) and Instituto Biofisika (CSIC, UPV/EHU), B° Sarriena S/N, 48940 Leioa, Vizcaya, Spain
| | - María Marta Branda
- Instituto de Física Aplicada - INFAP, Universidad Nacional de San Luis/CONICET, Argentina, Av. Ejército de los Andes 950, 5700 San Luis, San Luis, Argentina.
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Dietrich A, Schiemer R, Kurmann J, Zhang S, Hubbuch J. Raman-based PAT for VLP precipitation: systematic data diversification and preprocessing pipeline identification. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1399938. [PMID: 38882637 PMCID: PMC11177211 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1399938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are a promising class of biopharmaceuticals for vaccines and targeted delivery. Starting from clarified lysate, VLPs are typically captured by selective precipitation. While VLP precipitation is induced by step-wise or continuous precipitant addition, current monitoring approaches do not support the direct product quantification, and analytical methods usually require various, time-consuming processing and sample preparation steps. Here, the application of Raman spectroscopy combined with chemometric methods may allow the simultaneous quantification of the precipitated VLPs and precipitant owing to its demonstrated advantages in analyzing crude, complex mixtures. In this study, we present a Raman spectroscopy-based Process Analytical Technology (PAT) tool developed on batch and fed-batch precipitation experiments of Hepatitis B core Antigen VLPs. We conducted small-scale precipitation experiments providing a diversified data set with varying precipitation dynamics and backgrounds induced by initial dilution or spiking of clarified Escherichia coli-derived lysates. For the Raman spectroscopy data, various preprocessing operations were systematically combined allowing the identification of a preprocessing pipeline, which proved to effectively eliminate initial lysate composition variations as well as most interferences attributed to precipitates and the precipitant present in solution. The calibrated partial least squares models seamlessly predicted the precipitant concentration with R 2 of 0.98 and 0.97 in batch and fed-batch experiments, respectively, and captured the observed precipitation trends with R 2 of 0.74 and 0.64. Although the resolution of fine differences between experiments was limited due to the observed non-linear relationship between spectral data and the VLP concentration, this study provides a foundation for employing Raman spectroscopy as a PAT sensor for monitoring VLP precipitation processes with the potential to extend its applicability to other phase-behavior dependent processes or molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle Dietrich
- Institute of Process Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Robin Schiemer
- Institute of Process Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Jasper Kurmann
- Institute of Process Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Shiqi Zhang
- Institute of Process Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Jürgen Hubbuch
- Institute of Process Engineering in Life Sciences, Section IV: Biomolecular Separation Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
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Luo H, Ma Y, Bi J, Li Z, Wang Y, Su Z, Gerstweiler L, Ren Y, Zhang S. Experimental and molecular dynamics simulation studies on the physical properties of three HBc-VLP derivatives as nanoparticle protein vaccine candidates. Vaccine 2024:S0264-410X(24)00599-1. [PMID: 38811268 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.05.040] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Self-assembling virus-like particles (VLPs) are promising platforms for vaccine development. However, the unpredictability of the physical properties, such as self-assembly capability, hydrophobicity, and overall stability in engineered protein particles fused with antigens, presents substantial challenges in their downstream processing. We envision that these challenges can be addressed by combining more precise computer-aided molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with experimental studies on the modified products, with more to-date forcefield descriptions and larger models closely resembling real assemblies, realized by rapid advancement in computing technology. In this study, three chimeric designs based on the hepatitis B core (HBc) protein as model vaccine candidates were constructed to study and compare the influence of inserted epitopes as well as insertion strategy on HBc modifications. Large partial VLP models containing 17 chains for the HBc chimeric model vaccines were constructed based on the wild-type (wt) HBc assembly template. The findings from our simulation analysis have demonstrated good consistency with experimental results, pertaining to the surface hydrophobicity and overall stability of the chimeric vaccine candidates. Furthermore, the different impact of foreign antigen insertions on the HBc scaffold was investigated through simulations. It was found that separately inserting two epitopes into the HBc platform at the N-terminal and the major immunogenic regions (MIR) yields better results compared to a serial insertion at MIR in terms of protein structural stability. This study substantiates that an MD-guided design approach can facilitate vaccine development and improve its manufacturing efficiency by predicting products with extreme surface hydrophobicity or structural instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Luo
- School of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia; State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Preparation and Delivery (CAS), Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China; Institute of Pharmaceutical and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong 030619, PR China
| | - Yanyan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Preparation and Delivery (CAS), Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China
| | - Jingxiu Bi
- School of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Zhengjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Preparation and Delivery (CAS), Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China
| | - Yingli Wang
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong 030619, PR China
| | - Zhiguo Su
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Preparation and Delivery (CAS), Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China
| | - Lukas Gerstweiler
- School of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia.
| | - Ying Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Mesoscience and Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China; School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China.
| | - Songping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Preparation and Delivery (CAS), Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China.
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Huang Y, Guo X, Wu Y, Chen X, Feng L, Xie N, Shen G. Nanotechnology's frontier in combatting infectious and inflammatory diseases: prevention and treatment. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:34. [PMID: 38378653 PMCID: PMC10879169 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01745-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammation-associated diseases encompass a range of infectious diseases and non-infectious inflammatory diseases, which continuously pose one of the most serious threats to human health, attributed to factors such as the emergence of new pathogens, increasing drug resistance, changes in living environments and lifestyles, and the aging population. Despite rapid advancements in mechanistic research and drug development for these diseases, current treatments often have limited efficacy and notable side effects, necessitating the development of more effective and targeted anti-inflammatory therapies. In recent years, the rapid development of nanotechnology has provided crucial technological support for the prevention, treatment, and detection of inflammation-associated diseases. Various types of nanoparticles (NPs) play significant roles, serving as vaccine vehicles to enhance immunogenicity and as drug carriers to improve targeting and bioavailability. NPs can also directly combat pathogens and inflammation. In addition, nanotechnology has facilitated the development of biosensors for pathogen detection and imaging techniques for inflammatory diseases. This review categorizes and characterizes different types of NPs, summarizes their applications in the prevention, treatment, and detection of infectious and inflammatory diseases. It also discusses the challenges associated with clinical translation in this field and explores the latest developments and prospects. In conclusion, nanotechnology opens up new possibilities for the comprehensive management of infectious and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujing Huang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaohan Guo
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xingyu Chen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Lixiang Feng
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Na Xie
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Guobo Shen
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Liu S, Hu M, Liu X, Liu X, Chen T, Zhu Y, Liang T, Xiao S, Li P, Ma X. Nanoparticles and Antiviral Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 12:30. [PMID: 38250843 PMCID: PMC10819235 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12010030] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Viruses have threatened human lives for decades, causing both chronic and acute infections accompanied by mild to severe symptoms. During the long journey of confrontation, humans have developed intricate immune systems to combat viral infections. In parallel, vaccines are invented and administrated to induce strong protective immunity while generating few adverse effects. With advancements in biochemistry and biophysics, different kinds of vaccines in versatile forms have been utilized to prevent virus infections, although the safety and effectiveness of these vaccines are diverse from each other. In this review, we first listed and described major pathogenic viruses and their pandemics that emerged in the past two centuries. Furthermore, we summarized the distinctive characteristics of different antiviral vaccines and adjuvants. Subsequently, in the main body, we reviewed recent advances of nanoparticles in the development of next-generation vaccines against influenza viruses, coronaviruses, HIV, hepatitis viruses, and many others. Specifically, we described applications of self-assembling protein polymers, virus-like particles, nano-carriers, and nano-adjuvants in antiviral vaccines. We also discussed the therapeutic potential of nanoparticles in developing safe and effective mucosal vaccines. Nanoparticle techniques could be promising platforms for developing broad-spectrum, preventive, or therapeutic antiviral vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Liu
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou 510005, China; (S.L.); (M.H.); (X.L.); (X.L.); (T.C.); (Y.Z.); (T.L.); (S.X.); (P.L.)
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Meilin Hu
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou 510005, China; (S.L.); (M.H.); (X.L.); (X.L.); (T.C.); (Y.Z.); (T.L.); (S.X.); (P.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511400, China
| | - Xiaoqing Liu
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou 510005, China; (S.L.); (M.H.); (X.L.); (X.L.); (T.C.); (Y.Z.); (T.L.); (S.X.); (P.L.)
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xingyu Liu
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou 510005, China; (S.L.); (M.H.); (X.L.); (X.L.); (T.C.); (Y.Z.); (T.L.); (S.X.); (P.L.)
| | - Tao Chen
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou 510005, China; (S.L.); (M.H.); (X.L.); (X.L.); (T.C.); (Y.Z.); (T.L.); (S.X.); (P.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511400, China
| | - Yiqiang Zhu
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou 510005, China; (S.L.); (M.H.); (X.L.); (X.L.); (T.C.); (Y.Z.); (T.L.); (S.X.); (P.L.)
| | - Taizhen Liang
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou 510005, China; (S.L.); (M.H.); (X.L.); (X.L.); (T.C.); (Y.Z.); (T.L.); (S.X.); (P.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511400, China
| | - Shiqi Xiao
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou 510005, China; (S.L.); (M.H.); (X.L.); (X.L.); (T.C.); (Y.Z.); (T.L.); (S.X.); (P.L.)
| | - Peiwen Li
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou 510005, China; (S.L.); (M.H.); (X.L.); (X.L.); (T.C.); (Y.Z.); (T.L.); (S.X.); (P.L.)
| | - Xiancai Ma
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio-Island, Guangzhou 510005, China; (S.L.); (M.H.); (X.L.); (X.L.); (T.C.); (Y.Z.); (T.L.); (S.X.); (P.L.)
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511400, China
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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Chen YL, Bao CJ, Duan JL, Xie Y, Lu WL. Overcoming biological barriers by virus-like drug particles for drug delivery. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 203:115134. [PMID: 37926218 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115134] [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: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) have natural structural antigens similar to those found in viruses, making them valuable in vaccine immunization. Furthermore, VLPs have demonstrated significant potential in drug delivery, and emerged as promising vectors for transporting chemical drug, genetic drug, peptide/protein, and even nanoparticle drug. With virus-like permeability and strong retention, they can effectively target specific organs, tissues or cells, facilitating efficient intracellular drug release. Further modifications allow VLPs to transfer across various physiological barriers, thus acting the purpose of efficient drug delivery and accurate therapy. This article provides an overview of VLPs, covering their structural classifications, deliverable drugs, potential physiological barriers in drug delivery, strategies for overcoming these barriers, and future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Chun-Jie Bao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jia-Lun Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ying Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Wan-Liang Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery Systems, and School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
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Allam AM, Elbayoumy MK, Ghazy AA. Perspective vaccines for emerging viral diseases in farm animals. Clin Exp Vaccine Res 2023; 12:179-192. [PMID: 37599803 PMCID: PMC10435774 DOI: 10.7774/cevr.2023.12.3.179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The world has watched the emergence of numerous animal viruses that may threaten animal health which were added to the perpetual growing list of animal pathogens. This emergence drew the attention of the experts and animal health groups to the fact that it has become necessary to work on vaccine development. The current review aims to explore the perspective vaccines for emerging viral diseases in farm animals. This aim was fulfilled by focusing on modern technologies as well as next generation vaccines that have been introduced in the field of vaccines, either in clinical developments pending approval, or have already come to light and have been applied to animals with acceptable results such as viral-vectored vaccines, virus-like particles, and messenger RNA-based platforms. Besides, it shed the light on the importance of differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals technology in eradication programs of emerging viral diseases. The new science of nanomaterials was explored to elucidate its role in vaccinology. Finally, the role of Bioinformatics or Vaccinomics and its assist in vaccine designing and developments were discussed. The reviewing of the published manuscripts concluded that the use of conventional vaccines is considered an out-of-date approach in eliminating emerging diseases. However, these types of vaccines are considered the suitable plan especially in countries with few resources and capabilities. Piloted vaccines that rely on genetic-based technologies with continuous analyses of current viruses should be the aim of future vaccinology. Smart genomics of emerging viruses will be the gateway to choosing appropriate vaccines, regardless of the evolutionary rates of viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Mohammad Allam
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Karam Elbayoumy
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Alaa Abdelmoneam Ghazy
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
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Choi YM, Kim DH, Jang J, Kim BJ. A hepatitis B virus-derived peptide combined with HBsAg exerts an anti-HBV effect in an HBV transgenic mouse model as a therapeutic vaccine. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1155637. [PMID: 37334373 PMCID: PMC10272379 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1155637] [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: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction For complete or functional cure of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, application of immunotherapy is now being attempted. Recently, we reported that a 6-mer hepatitis B virus (HBV)-derived peptide, Poly6, exerts a strong anticancer effect in tumor-implanted mice through inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-producing DCs (Tip-DCs) in a type 1 interferon (IFN-I)-dependent manner, suggesting its potential as a vaccine adjuvant. Methods In this study, we explored the potential of Poly6 in combination with HBsAg as a therapeutic vaccine against hepatitis B virus infection. We investigated the immunotherapeutic potential of Poly6 combined with HBsAg vaccination against hepatitis B virus infection in C57BL/6 mice or an HBV transgenic mouse model. Results In C57BL/6 mice, Poly6 enhanced DC maturation and DC migration capacity in an IFN-I-dependent manner. Moreover, the addition of Poly6 to alum in combination with HBsAg also led to enhanced HBsAg-specific cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses, suggesting its potential as an adjuvant of HBsAg-based vaccines. In HBV transgenic mice, vaccination with Poly6 combined with HBsAg exerted a strong anti-HBV effect via induction of HBV-specific humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. In addition, it also induced HBV-specific effector memory T cells (TEM). Discussion Our data indicated that vaccination with Poly6 in combination with HBsAg exerts an anti-HBV effect in HBV transgenic mice, which is mainly mediated by HBV-specific CMI and humoral immune responses via IFN-I-dependent DC activation, suggesting the feasibility of Poly6 as an adjuvant for an HBV therapeutic vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Min Choi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Junghwa Jang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bum-Joon Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Liver Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center (SNUMRC), Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Jahantigh HR, Shahbazi B, Gouklai H, Van der Weken H, Gharibi Z, Rezaei Z, Habibi M, Ahmadi K. Design peptide and multi-epitope protein vaccine candidates against monkeypox virus using reverse vaccinology approach: an in-silico study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:14398-14418. [PMID: 37154825 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2201850] [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: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Monkeypox is a zoonotic virus that has recently affected different countries worldwide. On July 23, 2022, the WHO declared the outbreak of monkeypox as a public health emergency of international concern. Surveillance studies conducted in Central Africa in the 1980s and later during outbreaks in the same region showed smallpox vaccines to be clinically somewhat effective against Monkeypox virus. However, there is no specific vaccine against this virus. This research used bioinformatics techniques to establish a novel multi-epitope vaccine candidate against Monkeypox that can induce a strong immune response. Five well-known antigenic proteins (E8L, A30L, A35R, A29L, and B21R) of the virus were picked and assessed as possible immunogenic peptides. Two suitable peptide candidates were selected according to bio-informatics analysis. Based upon in silico evaluation, two multi-epitope vaccine candidates (ALALAR and ALAL) were built with rich-epitope domains consisting of high-ranking T and B-cell epitopes. After predicting and evaluating the 3D structure of the protein candidates, the most efficient 3D models were considered for docking studies with Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and the HLA-A * 11:01, HLA-A*01:01, HLA-A*02:01, HLA-A*03:01, HLA-A*07:02, HLA-A*15:01, HLA-A*30:01 receptors. Subsequently, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of up to 150 nanoseconds was employed to assess the durability of the interaction of the vaccine candidates with immune receptors. MD studies showed that M5-HLA-A*11:01, ALAL-TLR4, and ALALAR-TLR4 complexes were stable during simulation. Analysis of the in silico outcomes indicates that the M5 peptide and ALAL and ALALAR proteins may be suitable vaccine candidates against the Monkeypox virus.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Reza Jahantigh
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine - Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- Animal Health and Zoonosis PhD Course, Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Behzad Shahbazi
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Gouklai
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Hans Van der Weken
- Laboratory of Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Zahra Gharibi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Zahra Rezaei
- Professor Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehri Habibi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Pasteur Ave., Tehran, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Ahmadi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
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Wang C, Xiao C, Chen Y, Li Y, Zhang Q, Shan W, Li Y, Bi S, Wang Y, Wang X, Ren L. Sequential administration of virus-like particle-based nanomedicine to elicit enhanced tumor chemotherapy. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:2674-2683. [PMID: 36857702 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb02163c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Protein cages have played a long-standing role in biomedicine applications, especially in tumor chemotherapy. Among protein cages, virus like particles (VLPs) have received attention for their potential applications in vaccine development and targeted drug delivery. However, most of the existing protein-based platform technologies are plagued with immunological problems that may limit their systemic delivery efficiency as drug carriers. Here, we show that using immune-orthogonal protein cages sequentially and modifying the dominant loop epitope can circumvent adaptive immune responses and enable effective drug delivery using repeated dosing. We genetically modified three different hepadnavirus core protein derived VLPs as delivery vectors for doxorubicin (DOX). These engineered VLPs have similar assembly characteristics, particle sizes, and immunological properties. Our results indicated that there was negligible antibody cross-reactivity in either direction between these three RGD-VLPs in mice that were previously immunized against HBc VLPs. Moreover, the sequential administration of multiple RGD-VLP-based nanomedicine (DOX@RGD-VLPs) could effectively reduce immune clearance and inhibited tumor growth. Hence, this study could provide an attractive protein cage-based platform for therapeutic drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chufan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province University/Research Center of Biomedical Engineering of Xiamen, Department of Biomaterials, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Cheng Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province University/Research Center of Biomedical Engineering of Xiamen, Department of Biomaterials, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Yurong Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, P. R. China
| | - Yao Li
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province University/Research Center of Biomedical Engineering of Xiamen, Department of Biomaterials, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province University/Research Center of Biomedical Engineering of Xiamen, Department of Biomaterials, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
| | - Wenjun Shan
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, P. R. China
| | - Yulin Li
- Henan Bioengineering Research Center, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shengli Bi
- Chinese Center for Disease Control & Prevention, Institute Viral Disease Control & Prevention, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yunlong Wang
- Henan Bioengineering Research Center, Zhengdong New District, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiumin Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, P. R. China
| | - Lei Ren
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Fujian Province University/Research Center of Biomedical Engineering of Xiamen, Department of Biomaterials, College of Materials, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
- State Key Lab of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, P. R. China
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11
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Gupta R, Arora K, Roy SS, Joseph A, Rastogi R, Arora NM, Kundu PK. Platforms, advances, and technical challenges in virus-like particles-based vaccines. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1123805. [PMID: 36845125 PMCID: PMC9947793 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1123805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral infectious diseases threaten human health and global stability. Several vaccine platforms, such as DNA, mRNA, recombinant viral vectors, and virus-like particle-based vaccines have been developed to counter these viral infectious diseases. Virus-like particles (VLP) are considered real, present, licensed and successful vaccines against prevalent and emergent diseases due to their non-infectious nature, structural similarity with viruses, and high immunogenicity. However, only a few VLP-based vaccines have been commercialized, and the others are either in the clinical or preclinical phases. Notably, despite success in the preclinical phase, many vaccines are still struggling with small-scale fundamental research owing to technical difficulties. Successful production of VLP-based vaccines on a commercial scale requires a suitable platform and culture mode for large-scale production, optimization of transduction-related parameters, upstream and downstream processing, and monitoring of product quality at each step. In this review article, we focus on the advantages and disadvantages of various VLP-producing platforms, recent advances and technical challenges in VLP production, and the current status of VLP-based vaccine candidates at commercial, preclinical, and clinical levels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Prabuddha K. Kundu
- Department of Research and Development, Premas Biotech Pvt Ltd., Sector IV, Industrial Model Township (IMT), Manesar, Gurgaon, India
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12
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Li W, Duan X, Chen X, Zhan M, Peng H, Meng Y, Li X, Li XY, Pang G, Dou X. Immunotherapeutic approaches in EBV-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1079515. [PMID: 36713430 PMCID: PMC9875085 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1079515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was the first tumor virus in humans. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) accounts for approximately 60% of the 200,000 new tumor cases caused by EBV infection worldwide each year. NPC has an insidious onset and is highly malignant, with more than 70% of patients having intermediate to advanced disease at the time of initial diagnosis, and is strongly implicated in epithelial cancers as well as malignant lymphoid and natural killer/T cell lymphomas. Over 90% of patients with confirmed undifferentiated NPC are infected with EBV. In recent decades, much progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms of NPC and developing therapeutic approaches. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are the main treatment options for NPC; however, they have a limited efficacy in patients with locally advanced or distant metastatic tumors. Tumor immunotherapy, including vaccination, adoptive cell therapy, and immune checkpoint blockade, represents a promising therapeutic approach for NPC. Significant breakthroughs have recently been made in the application of immunotherapy for patients with recurrent or metastatic NPC (RM-NPC), indicating a broad prospect for NPC immunotherapy. Here, we review important research findings regarding immunotherapy for NPC patients and provide insights for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Xiaobing Duan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Xingxing Chen
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Meixiao Zhan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Haichuan Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Ya Meng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Xiaobin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China
| | - Xian-Yang Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China,Department of R&D, OriCell Therapeutics Co. Ltd, Pudong, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Xiaohui Dou, ; Guofu Pang, ; Xian-Yang Li,
| | - Guofu Pang
- Department of Urology, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China,*Correspondence: Xiaohui Dou, ; Guofu Pang, ; Xian-Yang Li,
| | - Xiaohui Dou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China,Health Management Center, Zhuhai People’s Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Zhuhai, China,*Correspondence: Xiaohui Dou, ; Guofu Pang, ; Xian-Yang Li,
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13
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Salod Z, Mahomed O. Mapping Potential Vaccine Candidates Predicted by VaxiJen for Different Viral Pathogens between 2017-2021-A Scoping Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:1785. [PMID: 36366294 PMCID: PMC9695814 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10111785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Reverse vaccinology (RV) is a promising alternative to traditional vaccinology. RV focuses on in silico methods to identify antigens or potential vaccine candidates (PVCs) from a pathogen's proteome. Researchers use VaxiJen, the most well-known RV tool, to predict PVCs for various pathogens. The purpose of this scoping review is to provide an overview of PVCs predicted by VaxiJen for different viruses between 2017 and 2021 using Arksey and O'Malley's framework and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. We used the term 'vaxijen' to search PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, and ProQuest One Academic. The protocol was registered at the Open Science Framework (OSF). We identified articles on this topic, charted them, and discussed the key findings. The database searches yielded 1033 articles, of which 275 were eligible. Most studies focused on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), published between 2020 and 2021. Only a few articles (8/275; 2.9%) conducted experimental validations to confirm the predictions as vaccine candidates, with 2.2% (6/275) articles mentioning recombinant protein expression. Researchers commonly targeted parts of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein, with the frequently predicted epitopes as PVCs being major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I T cell epitopes WTAGAAAYY, RQIAPGQTG, IAIVMVTIM, and B cell epitope IAPGQTGKIADY, among others. The findings of this review are promising for the development of novel vaccines. We recommend that vaccinologists use these findings as a guide to performing experimental validation for various viruses, with SARS-CoV-2 as a priority, because better vaccines are needed, especially to stay ahead of the emergence of new variants. If successful, these vaccines could provide broader protection than traditional vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zakia Salod
- Discipline of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4051, South Africa
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14
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Miao J, Gao P, Li Q, He K, Zhang L, Wang J, Huang L. Advances in Nanoparticle Drug Delivery Systems for Anti-Hepatitis B Virus Therapy: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011227. [PMID: 34681886 PMCID: PMC8538950 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is an infectious viral disease that is prevalent worldwide. Traditional nucleoside analogues, as well as the novel drug targets against hepatitis B virus (HBV), are associated with certain critical factors that influence the curative effect, such as biological stability and safety, effective drug delivery, and controlled release. Nanoparticle drug delivery systems have significant advantages and have provided a basis for the development of anti-HBV strategies. In this review, we aim to review the advances in nanoparticle drug delivery systems for anti-hepatitis B virus therapy by summarizing the relevant literature. First, we focus on the characteristics of nanoparticle drug delivery systems for anti-HBV therapy. Second, we discuss the nanoparticle delivery systems for anti-HBV nucleoside drugs, gene-based drugs, and vaccines. Lastly, we provide an overview of the prospects for nanoparticle-based anti-HBV agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Miao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China; (J.M.); (P.G.); (K.H.); (L.Z.)
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Drug Evaluation and Clinical Research, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China; (J.M.); (P.G.); (K.H.); (L.Z.)
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China;
| | - Kaifeng He
- Department of Pharmacy, The Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China; (J.M.); (P.G.); (K.H.); (L.Z.)
| | - Liwen Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China; (J.M.); (P.G.); (K.H.); (L.Z.)
| | - Junyan Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China; (J.M.); (P.G.); (K.H.); (L.Z.)
- Correspondence: (J.W.); (L.H.)
| | - Lingfei Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou 310052, China; (J.M.); (P.G.); (K.H.); (L.Z.)
- Correspondence: (J.W.); (L.H.)
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15
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Venkataraman S, Hefferon K, Makhzoum A, Abouhaidar M. Combating Human Viral Diseases: Will Plant-Based Vaccines Be the Answer? Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9070761. [PMID: 34358177 PMCID: PMC8310141 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9070761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular pharming or the technology of application of plants and plant cell culture to manufacture high-value recombinant proteins has progressed a long way over the last three decades. Whether generated in transgenic plants by stable expression or in plant virus-based transient expression systems, biopharmaceuticals have been produced to combat several human viral diseases that have impacted the world in pandemic proportions. Plants have been variously employed in expressing a host of viral antigens as well as monoclonal antibodies. Many of these biopharmaceuticals have shown great promise in animal models and several of them have performed successfully in clinical trials. The current review elaborates the strategies and successes achieved in generating plant-derived vaccines to target several virus-induced health concerns including highly communicable infectious viral diseases. Importantly, plant-made biopharmaceuticals against hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), the cancer-causing virus human papillomavirus (HPV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), influenza virus, zika virus, and the emerging respiratory virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been discussed. The use of plant virus-derived nanoparticles (VNPs) and virus-like particles (VLPs) in generating plant-based vaccines are extensively addressed. The review closes with a critical look at the caveats of plant-based molecular pharming and future prospects towards further advancements in this technology. The use of biopharmed viral vaccines in human medicine and as part of emergency response vaccines and therapeutics in humans looks promising for the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srividhya Venkataraman
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada; (K.H.); (M.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Kathleen Hefferon
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada; (K.H.); (M.A.)
| | - Abdullah Makhzoum
- Department of Biological Sciences & Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science & Technology, Palapye, Botswana;
| | - Mounir Abouhaidar
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada; (K.H.); (M.A.)
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16
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Zhang B, Yin S, Wang Y, Su Z, Bi J. Cost-effective purification process development for chimeric hepatitis B core (HBc) virus-like particles assisted by molecular dynamic simulation. Eng Life Sci 2021; 21:438-452. [PMID: 34140854 PMCID: PMC8182290 DOI: 10.1002/elsc.202000104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Inserting foreign epitopes to hepatitis B core (HBc) virus-like particles (VLPs) could influence the molecular conformation and therefore vary the purification process. In this study, a cost-effective purification process was developed for two chimeric HBc VLPs displaying Epstein-Barr nuclear antigens 1 (EBNA1), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) core. Both chimeric VLPs were expressed in soluble form with high production yields in Escherichia coli. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulation was employed to predict the stability of chimeric VLPs. HCV core-HBc was found to be less stable in water environment compared with EBNA1-HBc, indicating its higher hydrophobicity. Assisting with MD simulation, ammonium sulfate precipitation was optimized to remove host cell proteins with high target protein recovery yields. Moreover, 99% DNA impurities were removed using POROS 50 HQ chromatography. In characterization measurement, we found that inserting HCV core epitope would reduce the ratio of α-helix of HCV core-HBc. This could be another reason on the top of its higher hydrophobicity predicted by MD simulation, causing its less stability. Tertiary structure, transmission electron microscopy, and immunogenicity results indicate that two chimeric VLPs maintained correct VLP structure ensuring its bioactivity after being processed by the developed cost-effective purification approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingyang Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering & Advanced Materials, Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical SciencesUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Shuang Yin
- School of Chemical Engineering & Advanced Materials, Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical SciencesUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Yingli Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine and Food EngineeringShanxi University of Traditional Chinese MedicineJinzhongShanxi ProvinceP. R. China
| | - Zhiguo Su
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process EngineeringChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingP. R. China
| | - Jingxiu Bi
- School of Chemical Engineering & Advanced Materials, Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical SciencesUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
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17
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Gerstweiler L, Bi J, Middelberg APJ. Virus-like particle preparation is improved by control over capsomere-DNA interactions during chromatographic purification. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 118:1707-1720. [PMID: 33484156 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Expression of viral capsomeres in bacterial systems and subsequent in vitro assembly into virus-like particles is a possible pathway for affordable future vaccines. However, purification is challenging as viral capsomeres show poor binding to chromatography media. In this study, the behavior of capsomeres in unfractionated bacterial lysate was compared with that for purified capsomeres, with or without added microbial DNA, to better understand reasons for poor bioprocess behavior. We show that aggregates or complexes form through the interaction between viral capsomeres and DNA, especially in bacterial lysates rich in contaminating DNA. The formation of these complexes prevents the target protein capsomeres from accessing the pores of chromatography media. We find that protein-DNA interactions can be modulated by controlling the ionic strength of the buffer and that at elevated ionic strengths the protein-DNA complexes dissociate. Capsomeres thus released show enhanced bind-elute behavior on salt-tolerant chromatography media. DNA could therefore be efficiently removed. We believe this is the first report of the use of an optimized salt concentration that dissociates capsomere-DNA complexes yet enables binding to salt-tolerant media. Post purification, assembly experiments indicate that DNA-protein interactions can play a negative role during in vitro assembly, as DNA-protein complexes could not be assembled into virus-like particles, but formed worm-like structures. This study reveals that the control over DNA-protein interaction is a critical consideration during downstream process development for viral vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Gerstweiler
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jingxiu Bi
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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