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Seyfizadeh N, Kalbermatter D, Imhof T, Ries M, Müller C, Jenner L, Blumenschein E, Yendrzheyevskiy A, Grün F, Moog K, Eckert D, Engel R, Diebolder P, Chami M, Krauss J, Schaller T, Arndt M. Development of a highly effective combination monoclonal antibody therapy against Herpes simplex virus. J Biomed Sci 2024; 31:56. [PMID: 38807208 PMCID: PMC11134845 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-024-01045-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infections with Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 or -2 usually present as mild chronic recurrent disease, however in rare cases can result in life-threatening conditions with a large spectrum of pathology. Monoclonal antibody therapy has great potential especially to treat infections with virus resistant to standard therapies. HDIT101, a humanized IgG targeting HSV-1/2 gB was previously investigated in phase 2 clinical trials. The aim of this study was to develop a next-generation therapy by combining different antiviral monoclonal antibodies. METHODS A lymph-node derived phage display library (LYNDAL) was screened against recombinant gB from Herpes simplex virus (HSV) -1 and HDIT102 scFv was selected for its binding characteristics using bio-layer interferometry. HDIT102 was further developed as fully human IgG and tested alone or in combination with HDIT101, a clinically tested humanized anti-HSV IgG, in vitro and in vivo. T-cell stimulating activities by antigen-presenting cells treated with IgG-HSV immune complexes were analyzed using primary human cells. To determine the epitopes, the cryo-EM structures of HDIT101 or HDIT102 Fab bound to HSV-1F as well as HSV-2G gB protein were solved at resolutions < 3.5 Å. RESULTS HDIT102 Fab showed strong binding to HSV-1F gB with Kd of 8.95 × 10-11 M and to HSV-2G gB with Kd of 3.29 × 10-11 M. Neutralization of cell-free virus and inhibition of cell-to-cell spread were comparable between HDIT101 and HDIT102. Both antibodies induced internalization of gB from the cell surface into acidic endosomes by binding distinct epitopes in domain I of gB and compete for binding. CryoEM analyses revealed the ability to form heterogenic immune complexes consisting of two HDIT102 and one HDIT101 Fab bound to one gB trimeric molecule. Both antibodies mediated antibody-dependent phagocytosis by antigen presenting cells which stimulated autologous T-cell activation. In vivo, the combination of HDIT101 and HDIT102 demonstrated synergistic effects on survival and clinical outcome in immunocompetent BALB/cOlaHsd mice. CONCLUSION This biochemical and immunological study showcases the potential of an effective combination therapy with two monoclonal anti-gB IgGs for the treatment of HSV-1/2 induced disease conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narges Seyfizadeh
- Heidelberg ImmunoTherapeutics GmbH, Max-Jarecki Str. 21, Heidelberg, 69115, Germany
| | - David Kalbermatter
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, Basel, CH - 4056, Switzerland
- Present address: University of Bern, Institute of Anatomy, Balzerstrasse 2, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Imhof
- Heidelberg ImmunoTherapeutics GmbH, Max-Jarecki Str. 21, Heidelberg, 69115, Germany
| | - Moritz Ries
- Heidelberg ImmunoTherapeutics GmbH, Max-Jarecki Str. 21, Heidelberg, 69115, Germany
| | - Christian Müller
- Heidelberg ImmunoTherapeutics GmbH, Max-Jarecki Str. 21, Heidelberg, 69115, Germany
| | - Leonie Jenner
- Heidelberg ImmunoTherapeutics GmbH, Max-Jarecki Str. 21, Heidelberg, 69115, Germany
| | | | | | - Frank Grün
- Vanudis GmbH, Max-Jarecki Str. 21, Heidelberg, 69115, Germany
| | - Kevin Moog
- Heidelberg ImmunoTherapeutics GmbH, Max-Jarecki Str. 21, Heidelberg, 69115, Germany
| | - Daniel Eckert
- Heidelberg ImmunoTherapeutics GmbH, Max-Jarecki Str. 21, Heidelberg, 69115, Germany
| | - Ronja Engel
- Heidelberg ImmunoTherapeutics GmbH, Max-Jarecki Str. 21, Heidelberg, 69115, Germany
| | - Philipp Diebolder
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Im Neuenheimer Feld 460, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
- Present address: Bio-Rad AbD Serotec GmbH, Anna-Sigmund-Str. 5, Neuried, 82061, Germany
| | - Mohamed Chami
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, Basel, CH - 4056, Switzerland
| | - Jürgen Krauss
- Heidelberg ImmunoTherapeutics GmbH, Max-Jarecki Str. 21, Heidelberg, 69115, Germany
| | - Torsten Schaller
- Heidelberg ImmunoTherapeutics GmbH, Max-Jarecki Str. 21, Heidelberg, 69115, Germany
| | - Michaela Arndt
- Heidelberg ImmunoTherapeutics GmbH, Max-Jarecki Str. 21, Heidelberg, 69115, Germany.
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Slein MD, Backes IM, Garland CR, Kelkar NS, Leib DA, Ackerman ME. Effector functions are required for broad and potent protection of neonatal mice with antibodies targeting HSV glycoprotein D. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101417. [PMID: 38350452 PMCID: PMC10897633 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Multiple failed herpes simplex virus (HSV) vaccine candidates induce robust neutralizing antibody (Ab) responses in clinical trials, raising the hypothesis that Fc-domain-dependent effector functions may be critical for protection. While neonatal HSV (nHSV) infection results in mortality and lifelong neurological morbidity in humans, it is uncommon among neonates with a seropositive birthing parent, supporting the hypothesis that Ab-based therapeutics could protect neonates from HSV. We therefore investigated the mechanisms of monoclonal Ab (mAb)-mediated protection in a mouse model of nHSV infection. For a panel of glycoprotein D (gD)-specific mAbs, neutralization and effector functions contributed to nHSV-1 protection. In contrast, effector functions alone were sufficient to protect against nHSV-2, exposing a functional dichotomy between virus types consistent with vaccine trial results. Effector functions are therefore crucial for protection by these gD-specific mAbs, informing effective Ab and vaccine design and demonstrating the potential of polyfunctional Abs as therapeutics for nHSV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Slein
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA; Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Iara M Backes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA; Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Callaghan R Garland
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Natasha S Kelkar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA; Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - David A Leib
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA.
| | - Margaret E Ackerman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA; Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA.
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Dohadwala S, Geib MT, Politch JA, Anderson DJ. Innovations in monoclonal antibody-based multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2024; 5:1337479. [PMID: 38264184 PMCID: PMC10803587 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1337479] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are currently being produced for a number of clinical applications including contraception and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Combinations of contraceptive and anti-STI mAbs, including antibodies against HIV-1 and HSV-2, provide a powerful and flexible approach for highly potent and specific multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) products with desirable efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetic profiles. MAbs can be administered systemically by injection, or mucosally via topical products (e.g., films, gels, rings) which can be tailored for vaginal, penile or rectal administration to address the needs of different populations. The MPT field has faced challenges with safety, efficacy, production and cost. Here, we review the state-of-the-art of mAb MPTs that tackle these challenges with innovative strategies in mAb engineering, manufacturing, and delivery that could usher in a new generation of safe, efficacious, cost-effective, and scalable mAb MPTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Dohadwala
- Department of Virology, Immunology and Microbiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Matthew T. Geib
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Joseph A. Politch
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Deborah J. Anderson
- Department of Virology, Immunology and Microbiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
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Schump MD, Bernstein DI, Bravo FJ, Neff CP. Selection, activity, and nuclease stabilization of cross-neutralizing DNA aptamers targeting HSV-1 and HSV-2. Virology 2024; 589:109916. [PMID: 37925791 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.109916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Cross-neutralizing aptamers targeting both HSV-1 and HSV-2 were developed by selecting against the ectodomains of glycoprotein D (gD) from both viruses in parallel as well as sequentially using the SELEX method. Since gD facilitates viral invasion, sterically blocking the host-receptor interaction prevents infection. Candidate aptamers were screened, and lead aptamers were identified that exhibited exceptional neutralizing activity against both viruses in vitro. The specificity of the aptamers was confirmed by comparing their activity to scrambled versions of themselves. Modifications of the lead compounds were tested to define critical motifs to guide development. Stability of the aptamers was increased using phosphorothioate backbone linkages, and 2' methoxy substitutions of terminal and key internal bases. Aptamers were applied in a guinea pig vaginal HSV-2 infection model and found to reduce both the viral load of infected animals and the severity of the resulting disease. These results suggest that cross-neutralizing aptamers can be developed into on-demand antiviral interventions effective against both HSV-1 and HSV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Schump
- Apspeeda Biosciences, 12635 E. Montview Blvd., Ste 100, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - David I Bernstein
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Fernando J Bravo
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Charles P Neff
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
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Slein MD, Backes IM, Garland CR, Kelkar NS, Leib DA, Ackerman ME. Antibody effector functions are required for broad and potent protection of neonates from herpes simplex virus infection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.29.555423. [PMID: 37693377 PMCID: PMC10491243 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.29.555423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The failure of multiple herpes simplex virus (HSV) vaccine candidates that induce neutralizing antibody responses raises the hypothesis that other activities, such as Fc domain-dependent effector functions, may be critical for protection. While neonatal HSV (nHSV) infection result in mortality and lifelong neurological morbidity in humans, it is uncommon among neonates with a seropositive birthing parent, suggesting the potential efficacy of antibody-based therapeutics to protect neonates. We therefore investigated the mechanisms of monoclonal antibody (mAb)-mediated protection in a mouse model of nHSV infection. Both neutralization and effector functions contributed to robust protection against nHSV-1. In contrast, effector functions alone were sufficient to protect against nHSV-2, exposing a functional dichotomy between virus types that is consistent with vaccine trial results. Together, these results emphasize that effector functions are crucial for optimal mAb-mediated protection, informing effective Ab and vaccine design, and demonstrating the potential of polyfunctional Abs as potent therapeutics for nHSV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D. Slein
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Iara M. Backes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Callaghan R. Garland
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Natasha S. Kelkar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - David A. Leib
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| | - Margaret E. Ackerman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
- Lead Contact
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