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Fogaça MBT, Lopes-Luz L, Saavedra DP, de Oliveira NKAB, Jesus Sousa MBD, Perez JDP, de Andrade IA, Crispim GJB, Pinto LDS, Ferreira MRA, Ribeiro BM, Nagata T, Conceição FR, Stefani MMDA, Bührer-Sékula S. Production of antigens expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana plant and Escherichia coli for the SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody detection by ELISA. J Virol Methods 2024; 329:114969. [PMID: 38834144 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2024.114969] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
The recent COVID-19 pandemic disclosed a critical shortage of diagnostic kits worldwide, emphasizing the urgency of utilizing all resources available for the development and production of diagnostic tests. Different heterologous protein expression systems can be employed for antigen production. This study assessed novel SARS-CoV-2 proteins produced by a transient expression system in Nicotiana benthamiana utilizing an infectious clone vector based on pepper ringspot virus (PepRSV). These proteins included the truncated S1-N protein (spike protein N-terminus residues 12-316) and antigen N (nucleocapsid residues 37-402). Two other distinct SARS-CoV-2 antigens expressed in Escherichia coli were evaluated: QCoV9 chimeric antigen protein (spike protein residues 449-711 and nucleocapsid protein residues 160-406) and QCoV7 truncated antigen (nucleocapsid residues 37-402). ELISAs using the four antigens individually and the same panel of samples were performed for the detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. Sensitivity was evaluated using 816 samples from 351 COVID-19 patients hospitalized between 5 and 65 days after symptoms onset; specificity was tested using 195 samples collected before 2018, from domiciliary contacts of leprosy patients. Our findings demonstrated consistent test sensitivity, ranging from 85 % to 88 % with specificity of 97.5 %, regardless of the SARS-CoV2 antigen and the expression system used for production. Our results highlight the potential of plant expression systems as useful alternative platforms to produce recombinant antigens and for the development of diagnostic tests, particularly in resource-constrained settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Bernardes Torres Fogaça
- Laboratório de Produção e Desenvolvimento de Testes Rápidos, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil; Innovation Hub in Point of Care Technologies, Universidade Federal de Goiás-Merck S/A. Alliance, Goiânia, Goiás 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Lopes-Luz
- Laboratório de Produção e Desenvolvimento de Testes Rápidos, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil; Innovation Hub in Point of Care Technologies, Universidade Federal de Goiás-Merck S/A. Alliance, Goiânia, Goiás 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Djairo Pastor Saavedra
- Laboratório de Produção e Desenvolvimento de Testes Rápidos, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil; Innovation Hub in Point of Care Technologies, Universidade Federal de Goiás-Merck S/A. Alliance, Goiânia, Goiás 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Nicolle Kathlen Alves Belem de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Produção e Desenvolvimento de Testes Rápidos, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Maria Beatris de Jesus Sousa
- Laboratório de Produção e Desenvolvimento de Testes Rápidos, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Julio Daniel Pacheco Perez
- Laboratório de Produção e Desenvolvimento de Testes Rápidos, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Ikaro Alves de Andrade
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Gildemar José Bezerra Crispim
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil; Hospital Regional de Santa Maria, Brasília, DF 72502-100, Brazil
| | - Luciano da Silva Pinto
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, CP 354, Pelotas, RS CEP 96160-000, Brazil
| | - Marcos Roberto Alves Ferreira
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, CP 354, Pelotas, RS CEP 96160-000, Brazil
| | - Bergmann Morais Ribeiro
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Tatsuya Nagata
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Fabricio Rochedo Conceição
- Centro de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Núcleo de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, CP 354, Pelotas, RS CEP 96160-000, Brazil
| | - Mariane Martins de Araújo Stefani
- Laboratório de Produção e Desenvolvimento de Testes Rápidos, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Samira Bührer-Sékula
- Laboratório de Produção e Desenvolvimento de Testes Rápidos, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil; Innovation Hub in Point of Care Technologies, Universidade Federal de Goiás-Merck S/A. Alliance, Goiânia, Goiás 74690-900, Brazil.
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Merwaiss F, Lozano‐Sanchez E, Zulaica J, Rusu L, Vazquez‐Vilar M, Orzáez D, Rodrigo G, Geller R, Daròs J. Plant virus-derived nanoparticles decorated with genetically encoded SARS-CoV-2 nanobodies display enhanced neutralizing activity. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024; 22:876-891. [PMID: 37966715 PMCID: PMC10955499 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Viral nanoparticles (VNPs) are a new class of virus-based formulations that can be used as building blocks to implement a variety of functions of potential interest in biotechnology and nanomedicine. Viral coat proteins (CP) that exhibit self-assembly properties are particularly appropriate for displaying antigens and antibodies, by generating multivalent VNPs with therapeutic and diagnostic potential. Here, we developed genetically encoded multivalent VNPs derived from two filamentous plant viruses, potato virus X (PVX) and tobacco etch virus (TEV), which were efficiently and inexpensively produced in the biofactory Nicotiana benthamiana plant. PVX and TEV-derived VNPs were decorated with two different nanobodies recognizing two different regions of the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. The addition of different picornavirus 2A ribosomal skipping peptides between the nanobody and the CP allowed for modulating the degree of VNP decoration. Nanobody-decorated VNPs purified from N. benthamiana tissues successfully recognized the RBD antigen in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and showed efficient neutralization activity against pseudoviruses carrying the Spike protein. Interestingly, multivalent PVX and TEV-derived VNPs exhibited a neutralizing activity approximately one order of magnitude higher than the corresponding nanobody in a dimeric format. These properties, combined with the ability to produce VNP cocktails in the same N. benthamiana plant based on synergistic infection of the parent PVX and TEV, make these green nanomaterials an attractive alternative to standard antibodies for multiple applications in diagnosis and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Merwaiss
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de PlantasConsejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas – Universitat Politècnica de ValènciaValenciaSpain
| | - Enrique Lozano‐Sanchez
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de PlantasConsejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas – Universitat Politècnica de ValènciaValenciaSpain
| | - João Zulaica
- Institute for Integrative Systems BiologyConsejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas – Universitat de ValènciaPaternaSpain
| | - Luciana Rusu
- Institute for Integrative Systems BiologyConsejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas – Universitat de ValènciaPaternaSpain
| | - Marta Vazquez‐Vilar
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de PlantasConsejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas – Universitat Politècnica de ValènciaValenciaSpain
| | - Diego Orzáez
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de PlantasConsejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas – Universitat Politècnica de ValènciaValenciaSpain
| | - Guillermo Rodrigo
- Institute for Integrative Systems BiologyConsejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas – Universitat de ValènciaPaternaSpain
| | - Ron Geller
- Institute for Integrative Systems BiologyConsejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas – Universitat de ValènciaPaternaSpain
| | - José‐Antonio Daròs
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de PlantasConsejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas – Universitat Politècnica de ValènciaValenciaSpain
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Saba-Mayoral A, Rosa C, Sobrino-Mengual G, Armario-Najera V, Christou P, Capell T. Production of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain in stably transformed rice plants for developing country applications. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2023; 21:1094-1096. [PMID: 36740598 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Saba-Mayoral
- Applied Plant Biotechnology Group, Department of Plant Production and Forestry Science, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio CERCA Center, Lleida, Spain
| | - Claudia Rosa
- Applied Plant Biotechnology Group, Department of Plant Production and Forestry Science, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio CERCA Center, Lleida, Spain
| | - Guillermo Sobrino-Mengual
- Applied Plant Biotechnology Group, Department of Plant Production and Forestry Science, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio CERCA Center, Lleida, Spain
| | - Victoria Armario-Najera
- Applied Plant Biotechnology Group, Department of Plant Production and Forestry Science, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio CERCA Center, Lleida, Spain
| | - Paul Christou
- Applied Plant Biotechnology Group, Department of Plant Production and Forestry Science, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio CERCA Center, Lleida, Spain
- ICREA, Catalan Institute for Research and Advanced Studies, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa Capell
- Applied Plant Biotechnology Group, Department of Plant Production and Forestry Science, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio CERCA Center, Lleida, Spain
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Schwestka J, Zeh L, Tschofen M, Schubert F, Arcalis E, Esteve-Gasent M, Pedrazzini E, Vitale A, Stoger E. Generation of multi-layered protein bodies in N. benthamiana for the encapsulation of vaccine antigens. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1109270. [PMID: 36733717 PMCID: PMC9887037 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1109270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The ability of plants to assemble particulate structures such as virus-like particles and protein storage organelles allows the direct bioencapsulation of recombinant proteins during the manufacturing process, which holds promise for the development of new drug delivery vehicles. Storage organelles found in plants such as protein bodies (PBs) have been successfully used as tools for accumulation and encapsulation of recombinant proteins. The fusion of sequences derived from 27-kDa-γ-zein, a major storage protein of maize, with a protein of interest leads to the incorporation of the chimeric protein into the stable and protected environment inside newly induced PBs. While this procedure has proven successful for several, but not all recombinant proteins, the aim of this study was to refine the technology by using a combination of PB-forming proteins, thereby generating multi-layered protein assemblies in N. benthamiana. We used fluorescent proteins to demonstrate that up to three proteinaceous components can be incorporated into different layers. In addition to 27-kDa-γ-zein, which is essential for PB initiation, 16-kDa-γ-zein was identified as a key element to promote the incorporation of a third zein-component into the core of the PBs. We show that a vaccine antigen could be incorporated into the matrix of multi-layered PBs, and the protein microparticles were characterized by confocal and electron microscopy as well as flow cytometry. In future, this approach will enable the generation of designer PBs that serve as drug carriers and integrate multiple components that can be functionalized in different ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Schwestka
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Zeh
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marc Tschofen
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fabian Schubert
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elsa Arcalis
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Esteve-Gasent
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Emanuela Pedrazzini
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vitale
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Milano, Italy
| | - Eva Stoger
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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Abstract
The idea of producing vaccines in plants originated in the late 1980s. Initially, it was contemplated that this notion could facilitate the concept of edible vaccines, making them more cost effective and easily accessible. Initial studies on edible vaccines focussed on the use of a variety of different transgenic plant host species for the production of vaccine antigens. However, adequate expression levels of antigens, the difficulties predicted with administration of consistent doses, and regulatory rules required for growth of transgenic plants gave way to the development of vaccine candidates that could be purified and administered parenterally. The field has subsequently advanced with improved expression techniques including a shift from using transgenic to transient expression of antigens, refinement of purification protocols, a deeper understanding of the biological processes and a wealth of evidence of immunogenicity and efficacy of plant-produced vaccine candidates, all contributing to the successful practice of what is now known as biopharming or plant molecular farming. The establishment of this technology has resulted in the development of many different types of vaccine candidates including subunit vaccines and various different types of nanoparticle vaccines targeting a wide variety of bacterial and viral diseases. This has brought further acceptance of plants as a suitable platform for vaccine production and in this review, we discuss the most recent advances in the production of vaccines in plants for human use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Stander
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa
| | - Sandiswa Mbewana
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa
| | - Ann E Meyers
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa.
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De Martinis D, Hitzeroth II, Matsuda R, Soto Pérez N, Benvenuto E. Editorial: Engineering the Plant Biofactory for the Production of Biologics and Small-Molecule Medicines-Volume 2. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:942746. [PMID: 35873996 PMCID: PMC9301360 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.942746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Domenico De Martinis
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Ryo Matsuda
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Natacha Soto Pérez
- Plant Biotechnology Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Havana, Cuba
| | - Eugenio Benvenuto
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Rome, Italy
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Multi-approach LC-MS methods for the characterization of species-specific attributes of monoclonal antibodies from plants. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2022; 216:114796. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2022.114796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Chung YH, Church D, Koellhoffer EC, Osota E, Shukla S, Rybicki EP, Pokorski JK, Steinmetz NF. Integrating plant molecular farming and materials research for next-generation vaccines. NATURE REVIEWS. MATERIALS 2021; 7:372-388. [PMID: 34900343 DOI: 10.1038/s41578-021-00399-395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Biologics - medications derived from a biological source - are increasingly used as pharmaceuticals, for example, as vaccines. Biologics are usually produced in bacterial, mammalian or insect cells. Alternatively, plant molecular farming, that is, the manufacture of biologics in plant cells, transgenic plants and algae, offers a cheaper and easily adaptable strategy for the production of biologics, in particular, in low-resource settings. In this Review, we discuss current vaccination challenges, such as cold chain requirements, and highlight how plant molecular farming in combination with advanced materials can be applied to address these challenges. The production of plant viruses and virus-based nanotechnologies in plants enables low-cost and regional fabrication of thermostable vaccines. We also highlight key new vaccine delivery technologies, including microneedle patches and material platforms for intranasal and oral delivery. Finally, we provide an outlook of future possibilities for plant molecular farming of next-generation vaccines and biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Hun Chung
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Derek Church
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Edward C Koellhoffer
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Elizabeth Osota
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Biomedical Science Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Sourabh Shukla
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Edward P Rybicki
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jonathan K Pokorski
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Institute for Materials Discovery and Design, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Center for Nano-Immuno Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Nicole F Steinmetz
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA USA
- Institute for Materials Discovery and Design, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Center for Nano-Immuno Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
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Chung YH, Church D, Koellhoffer EC, Osota E, Shukla S, Rybicki EP, Pokorski JK, Steinmetz NF. Integrating plant molecular farming and materials research for next-generation vaccines. NATURE REVIEWS. MATERIALS 2021; 7:372-388. [PMID: 34900343 PMCID: PMC8647509 DOI: 10.1038/s41578-021-00399-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Biologics - medications derived from a biological source - are increasingly used as pharmaceuticals, for example, as vaccines. Biologics are usually produced in bacterial, mammalian or insect cells. Alternatively, plant molecular farming, that is, the manufacture of biologics in plant cells, transgenic plants and algae, offers a cheaper and easily adaptable strategy for the production of biologics, in particular, in low-resource settings. In this Review, we discuss current vaccination challenges, such as cold chain requirements, and highlight how plant molecular farming in combination with advanced materials can be applied to address these challenges. The production of plant viruses and virus-based nanotechnologies in plants enables low-cost and regional fabrication of thermostable vaccines. We also highlight key new vaccine delivery technologies, including microneedle patches and material platforms for intranasal and oral delivery. Finally, we provide an outlook of future possibilities for plant molecular farming of next-generation vaccines and biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Hun Chung
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Derek Church
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Edward C. Koellhoffer
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Elizabeth Osota
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Biomedical Science Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Sourabh Shukla
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Edward P. Rybicki
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jonathan K. Pokorski
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Institute for Materials Discovery and Design, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Center for Nano-Immuno Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Nicole F. Steinmetz
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA USA
- Institute for Materials Discovery and Design, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Center for Nano-Immuno Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
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Maharjan PM, Choe S. Plant-Based COVID-19 Vaccines: Current Status, Design, and Development Strategies of Candidate Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:992. [PMID: 34579229 PMCID: PMC8473425 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9090992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in its second year has led to massive global human and economic losses. The high transmission rate and the emergence of diverse SARS-CoV-2 variants demand rapid and effective approaches to preventing the spread, diagnosing on time, and treating affected people. Several COVID-19 vaccines are being developed using different production systems, including plants, which promises the production of cheap, safe, stable, and effective vaccines. The potential of a plant-based system for rapid production at a commercial scale and for a quick response to an infectious disease outbreak has been demonstrated by the marketing of carrot-cell-produced taliglucerase alfa (Elelyso) for Gaucher disease and tobacco-produced monoclonal antibodies (ZMapp) for the 2014 Ebola outbreak. Currently, two plant-based COVID-19 vaccine candidates, coronavirus virus-like particle (CoVLP) and Kentucky Bioprocessing (KBP)-201, are in clinical trials, and many more are in the preclinical stage. Interim phase 2 clinical trial results have revealed the high safety and efficacy of the CoVLP vaccine, with 10 times more neutralizing antibody responses compared to those present in a convalescent patient's plasma. The clinical trial of the CoVLP vaccine could be concluded by the end of 2021, and the vaccine could be available for public immunization thereafter. This review encapsulates the efforts made in plant-based COVID-19 vaccine development, the strategies and technologies implemented, and the progress accomplished in clinical trials and preclinical studies so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puna Maya Maharjan
- G+FLAS Life Sciences, 123 Uiryodanji-gil, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si 28161, Korea;
| | - Sunghwa Choe
- G+FLAS Life Sciences, 38 Nakseongdae-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08790, Korea
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea
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Ukhurebor KE, Singh KR, Nayak V, Uk-Eghonghon G. Influence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: a review from the climate change perspective. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2021; 23:1060-1078. [PMID: 34132283 DOI: 10.1039/d1em00154j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Ever since the global outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19) in the early part of 2020, there is no doubt that the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has placed great tension globally and has affected almost all aspects of human endeavors. There are presently several research studies on the atmospheric environmental and economic effects of this dreaded virus. Supposedly, the responses ought to have also present innovations that would advance scientific research to mitigate its impacts since most of the ensuing consequences impact the atmospheric climatic conditions. Even when it appears that economic events would possibly return in no time, the circumstances will change. Specifically, from the existing literature, it appears that not much has been done to study the influence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on climate change. Hence, this present review article will explore the possible connection between the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and climate change. The utilization of various scientific domains for climate change studies during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and exploring the positive influences of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and measures to avoid the negative impacts on climate change owing to SARS-CoV-2 have also been discussed.
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Karki U, Fang H, Guo W, Unnold-Cofre C, Xu J. Cellular engineering of plant cells for improved therapeutic protein production. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2021; 40:1087-1099. [PMID: 33837823 PMCID: PMC8035600 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-021-02693-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
In vitro cultured plant cells, in particular the tobacco BY-2 cell, have demonstrated their potential to provide a promising bioproduction platform for therapeutic proteins by integrating the merits of whole-plant cultivation systems with those of microbial and mammalian cell cultures. Over the past three decades, substantial progress has been made in improving the plant cell culture system, resulting in a few commercial success cases, such as taliglucerase alfa (Elelyso®), the first FDA-approved recombinant pharmaceutical protein derived from plant cells. However, compared to the major expression hosts (bacteria, yeast, and mammalian cells), plant cells are still largely underutilized, mainly due to low productivity and non-human glycosylation. Modern molecular biology tools, in particular RNAi and the latest genome editing technology CRISPR/Cas9, have been used to modulate the genome of plant cells to create new cell lines that exhibit desired "traits" for producing therapeutic proteins. This review highlights the recent advances in cellular engineering of plant cells towards improved recombinant protein production, including creating cell lines with deficient protease levels or humanized glycosylation, and considers potential development in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uddhab Karki
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, 72401, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, 72401, USA
| | - Hong Fang
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, 72401, USA
- College of Agriculture, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, 72401, USA
| | - Wenzheng Guo
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, 72401, USA
| | - Carmela Unnold-Cofre
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, 72401, USA
| | - Jianfeng Xu
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, 72401, USA.
- College of Agriculture, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR, 72401, USA.
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Oh Y, Park Y, Choi BH, Park S, Gu S, Park J, Kim JK, Sohn EJ. Field Application of a New CSF Vaccine Based on Plant-Produced Recombinant E2 Marker Proteins on Pigs in Areas with Two Different Control Strategies. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9060537. [PMID: 34063818 PMCID: PMC8224019 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9060537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A classical swine fever virus (CSFV)-modified live LOM (low-virulence strain of Miyagi) vaccine (MLV-LOM) to combat CSF has been used in places where the disease is prevalent around the world, including in Korea, except in Jeju Island. In general, modified live virus-based vaccines (MLV) are known to be highly effective in inducing immune responses. At the same time, MLVs also have potential dangers such as a circulation in the field. There is still a need for safer and more effective vaccines to control CSF in the field. In this study, we applied a new CSF vaccine based on plant-produced recombinant E2 marker proteins at two different locations, Jeju Island and a suburb of Pohang, using different CSF control strategies. The result suggested that vaccinated sows in Jeju Island highly developed immunogenicity and maintained stably until 102 days post-vaccination (dpv). Its piglets that received maternal antibodies were shown to carry high serological values and maintained them until 40 days of age, which was the end of the follow-up. Naïve piglets vaccinated at 40 days of age showed high serological values and these were maintained until 100 days of age (60 dpv), which was the end of the follow-up. The vaccine was also effective in inducing immune responses in newborn piglets that carried maternal antibodies received from MLV-LOM vaccine-immunized mother sows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeonsu Oh
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Institute of Veterinary Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea;
| | - Youngmin Park
- BioApplications Inc., Pohang Techno Park Complex, 394 Jigok-ro, Pohang 37668, Korea; (Y.P.); (B.-H.C.); (S.P.); (S.G.); (J.P.); (J.-K.K.)
| | - Bo-Hwa Choi
- BioApplications Inc., Pohang Techno Park Complex, 394 Jigok-ro, Pohang 37668, Korea; (Y.P.); (B.-H.C.); (S.P.); (S.G.); (J.P.); (J.-K.K.)
| | - Soohong Park
- BioApplications Inc., Pohang Techno Park Complex, 394 Jigok-ro, Pohang 37668, Korea; (Y.P.); (B.-H.C.); (S.P.); (S.G.); (J.P.); (J.-K.K.)
| | - Sungmin Gu
- BioApplications Inc., Pohang Techno Park Complex, 394 Jigok-ro, Pohang 37668, Korea; (Y.P.); (B.-H.C.); (S.P.); (S.G.); (J.P.); (J.-K.K.)
| | - Jungae Park
- BioApplications Inc., Pohang Techno Park Complex, 394 Jigok-ro, Pohang 37668, Korea; (Y.P.); (B.-H.C.); (S.P.); (S.G.); (J.P.); (J.-K.K.)
| | - Jong-Kook Kim
- BioApplications Inc., Pohang Techno Park Complex, 394 Jigok-ro, Pohang 37668, Korea; (Y.P.); (B.-H.C.); (S.P.); (S.G.); (J.P.); (J.-K.K.)
| | - Eun-Ju Sohn
- BioApplications Inc., Pohang Techno Park Complex, 394 Jigok-ro, Pohang 37668, Korea; (Y.P.); (B.-H.C.); (S.P.); (S.G.); (J.P.); (J.-K.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-54-223-2090; Fax: +80-54-223-2088
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