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Gül A, Erkunt Alak S, Can H, Karakavuk M, Korukluoğlu G, Altaş AB, Gül C, Karakavuk T, Köseoğlu AE, Ülbeği Polat H, Yazıcı Malkoçoğlu H, Taş Ekiz A, Abacı İ, Aksoy Ö, Enül H, Adıay C, Uzar S, Saraç F, Ün C, Gürüz AY, Kantarcı AG, Akbaba H, Erel Akbaba G, Yılmaz H, Değirmenci Döşkaya A, Taşbakan M, Pullukçu H, Karasulu E, Tekin Ş, Döşkaya M. Immunogenicity and protection efficacy of a COVID-19 DNA vaccine encoding spike protein with D614G mutation and optimization of large-scale DNA vaccine production. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13865. [PMID: 38879684 PMCID: PMC11180131 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64690-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 had devastating consequences for human health. Despite the introduction of several vaccines, COVID-19 continues to pose a serious health risk due to emerging variants of concern. DNA vaccines gained importance during the pandemic due to their advantages such as induction of both arms of immune response, rapid development, stability, and safety profiles. Here, we report the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a DNA vaccine encoding spike protein with D614G mutation (named pcoSpikeD614G) and define a large-scale production process. According to the in vitro studies, pcoSpikeD614G expressed abundant spike protein in HEK293T cells. After the administration of pcoSpikeD614G to BALB/c mice through intramuscular (IM) route and intradermal route using an electroporation device (ID + EP), it induced high level of anti-S1 IgG and neutralizing antibodies (P < 0.0001), strong Th1-biased immune response as shown by IgG2a polarization (P < 0.01), increase in IFN-γ levels (P < 0.01), and increment in the ratio of IFN-γ secreting CD4+ (3.78-10.19%) and CD8+ (5.24-12.51%) T cells. Challenging K18-hACE2 transgenic mice showed that pcoSpikeD614G administered through IM and ID + EP routes conferred 90-100% protection and there was no sign of pneumonia. Subsequently, pcoSpikeD614G was evaluated as a promising DNA vaccine candidate and scale-up studies were performed. Accordingly, a large-scale production process was described, including a 36 h fermentation process of E. coli DH5α cells containing pcoSpikeD614G resulting in a wet cell weight of 242 g/L and a three-step chromatography for purification of the pcoSpikeD614G DNA vaccine.
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MESH Headings
- Vaccines, DNA/immunology
- Vaccines, DNA/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, DNA/genetics
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/genetics
- Animals
- Humans
- SARS-CoV-2/immunology
- SARS-CoV-2/genetics
- Mice
- COVID-19/prevention & control
- COVID-19/immunology
- HEK293 Cells
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology
- COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Mutation
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Antibodies, Viral/blood
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/immunology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/blood
- Female
- Immunogenicity, Vaccine
- Immunoglobulin G/blood
- Immunoglobulin G/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Aytül Gül
- Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, Ege University, 35100, İzmir, Türkiye
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Sedef Erkunt Alak
- Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, Ege University, 35100, İzmir, Türkiye
- Department of Biology, Molecular Biology Section, Faculty of Science, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Hüseyin Can
- Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, Ege University, 35100, İzmir, Türkiye
- Department of Biology, Molecular Biology Section, Faculty of Science, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye
- Department of Vaccine Studies, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Muhammet Karakavuk
- Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, Ege University, 35100, İzmir, Türkiye
- Department of Vaccine Studies, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye
- Ödemiş Vocational School, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Gülay Korukluoğlu
- Republic of Türkiye, General Directorate of Public Health, Ministry of Health, National Virology Reference Central Laboratory, Ankara, Türkiye
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Ayşe Başak Altaş
- Republic of Türkiye, General Directorate of Public Health, Ministry of Health, National Virology Reference Central Laboratory, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Ceren Gül
- Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, Ege University, 35100, İzmir, Türkiye
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Tuğba Karakavuk
- Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, Ege University, 35100, İzmir, Türkiye
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Ahmet Efe Köseoğlu
- Department of Biology, Molecular Biology Section, Faculty of Science, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye
- Department of Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry, Duisburg-Essen University, Essen, Germany
| | - Hivda Ülbeği Polat
- TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center, Vice Presidency of Life Sciences, Kocaeli, Türkiye
| | | | - Arzu Taş Ekiz
- TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center, Vice Presidency of Life Sciences, Kocaeli, Türkiye
| | - İrem Abacı
- TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center, Vice Presidency of Life Sciences, Kocaeli, Türkiye
| | - Özge Aksoy
- TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center, Vice Presidency of Life Sciences, Kocaeli, Türkiye
| | - Hakan Enül
- Pendik Veterinary Control Institute, İstanbul, Türkiye
| | - Cumhur Adıay
- Pendik Veterinary Control Institute, İstanbul, Türkiye
| | - Serdar Uzar
- Pendik Veterinary Control Institute, İstanbul, Türkiye
| | - Fahriye Saraç
- Pendik Veterinary Control Institute, İstanbul, Türkiye
| | - Cemal Ün
- Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, Ege University, 35100, İzmir, Türkiye
- Department of Biology, Molecular Biology Section, Faculty of Science, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye
- Department of Vaccine Studies, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Adnan Yüksel Gürüz
- Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, Ege University, 35100, İzmir, Türkiye
- Department of Vaccine Studies, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Ayşe Gülten Kantarcı
- Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, Ege University, 35100, İzmir, Türkiye
- Department of Vaccine Studies, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Hasan Akbaba
- Department of Vaccine Studies, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Gülşah Erel Akbaba
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, İzmir Katip Çelebi University, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Habibe Yılmaz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Trakya University, Edirne, Türkiye
| | - Aysu Değirmenci Döşkaya
- Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, Ege University, 35100, İzmir, Türkiye
- Department of Vaccine Studies, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Meltem Taşbakan
- Department of Vaccine Studies, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Hüsnü Pullukçu
- Department of Vaccine Studies, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Ercüment Karasulu
- Ege University Research and Application Center of Drug Development and Pharmacokinetics, İzmir, Türkiye
| | - Şaban Tekin
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, İstanbul, Türkiye
| | - Mert Döşkaya
- Vaccine Development Application and Research Center, Ege University, 35100, İzmir, Türkiye.
- Department of Vaccine Studies, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye.
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, İzmir, Türkiye.
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2
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Chehelgerdi M, Chehelgerdi M. The use of RNA-based treatments in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:106. [PMID: 37420174 PMCID: PMC10401791 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01807-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past several decades, mRNA vaccines have evolved from a theoretical concept to a clinical reality. These vaccines offer several advantages over traditional vaccine techniques, including their high potency, rapid development, low-cost manufacturing, and safe administration. However, until recently, concerns over the instability and inefficient distribution of mRNA in vivo have limited their utility. Fortunately, recent technological advancements have mostly resolved these concerns, resulting in the development of numerous mRNA vaccination platforms for infectious diseases and various types of cancer. These platforms have shown promising outcomes in both animal models and humans. This study highlights the potential of mRNA vaccines as a promising alternative approach to conventional vaccine techniques and cancer treatment. This review article aims to provide a thorough and detailed examination of mRNA vaccines, including their mechanisms of action and potential applications in cancer immunotherapy. Additionally, the article will analyze the current state of mRNA vaccine technology and highlight future directions for the development and implementation of this promising vaccine platform as a mainstream therapeutic option. The review will also discuss potential challenges and limitations of mRNA vaccines, such as their stability and in vivo distribution, and suggest ways to overcome these issues. By providing a comprehensive overview and critical analysis of mRNA vaccines, this review aims to contribute to the advancement of this innovative approach to cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran.
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Matin Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
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3
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Sattar S, Kabat J, Jerome K, Feldmann F, Bailey K, Mehedi M. Nuclear translocation of spike mRNA and protein is a novel feature of SARS-CoV-2. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1073789. [PMID: 36778849 PMCID: PMC9909199 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1073789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes severe pathophysiology in vulnerable older populations and appears to be highly pathogenic and more transmissible than other coronaviruses. The spike (S) protein appears to be a major pathogenic factor that contributes to the unique pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2. Although the S protein is a surface transmembrane type 1 glycoprotein, it has been predicted to be translocated into the nucleus due to the novel nuclear localization signal (NLS) "PRRARSV," which is absent from the S protein of other coronaviruses. Indeed, S proteins translocate into the nucleus in SARS-CoV-2-infected cells. S mRNAs also translocate into the nucleus. S mRNA colocalizes with S protein, aiding the nuclear translocation of S mRNA. While nuclear translocation of nucleoprotein (N) has been shown in many coronaviruses, the nuclear translocation of both S mRNA and S protein reveals a novel feature of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Sattar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Juraj Kabat
- Biological Imaging Section, Research Technology Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Kailey Jerome
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Friederike Feldmann
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, United States
| | - Kristina Bailey
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep and Allergy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Masfique Mehedi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, United States
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4
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Christensen D, Polacek C, Sheward DJ, Hanke L, McInerney G, Murrell B, Hartmann KT, Jensen HE, Zimmermann J, Jungersen G, Illigen KE, Isling LK, Fernandez-Antunez C, Ramirez S, Bukh J, Pedersen GK. SARS-CoV-2 spike HexaPro formulated in aluminium hydroxide and administered in an accelerated vaccination schedule partially protects Syrian Hamsters against viral challenge despite low neutralizing antibody responses. Front Immunol 2023; 14:941281. [PMID: 36756130 PMCID: PMC9900178 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.941281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 continues to pose a threat to human health as new variants emerge and thus a diverse vaccine pipeline is needed. We evaluated SARS-CoV-2 HexaPro spike protein formulated in Alhydrogel® (aluminium oxyhydroxide) in Syrian hamsters, using an accelerated two dose regimen (given 10 days apart) and a standard regimen (two doses given 21 days apart). Both regimens elicited spike- and RBD-specific IgG antibody responses of similar magnitude, but in vitro virus neutralization was low or undetectable. Despite this, the accelerated two dose regimen offered reduction in viral load and protected against lung pathology upon challenge with homologous SARS-CoV-2 virus (Wuhan-Hu-1). This highlights that vaccine-induced protection against SARS-CoV-2 disease can be obtained despite low neutralizing antibody levels and suggests that accelerated vaccine schedules may be used to confer rapid protection against SARS-CoV-2 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Christensen
- Center for Vaccine Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Charlotta Polacek
- Virus Research and Development Laboratory, Department of Microbial Diagnostic and Virology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Daniel J. Sheward
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Leo Hanke
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gerald McInerney
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ben Murrell
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katrine Top Hartmann
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Elvang Jensen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Julie Zimmermann
- Center for Vaccine Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gregers Jungersen
- Center for Vaccine Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Louise Krag Isling
- Center for Vaccine Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Carlota Fernandez-Antunez
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Santseharay Ramirez
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Bukh
- Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gabriel Kristian Pedersen
- Center for Vaccine Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark,*Correspondence: Gabriel Kristian Pedersen,
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5
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Babuadze GG, Fausther-Bovendo H, deLaVega MA, Lillie B, Naghibosadat M, Shahhosseini N, Joyce MA, Saffran HA, Lorne Tyrrell D, Falzarano D, Senthilkumaran C, Christie-Holmes N, Ahn S, Gray-Owen SD, Banerjee A, Mubareka S, Mossman K, Dupont C, Pedersen J, Lafrance MA, Kobinger GP, Kozak R. Two DNA vaccines protect against severe disease and pathology due to SARS-CoV-2 in Syrian hamsters. NPJ Vaccines 2022; 7:49. [PMID: 35474311 PMCID: PMC9042934 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-022-00461-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is an ongoing threat to global health, and wide-scale vaccination is an efficient method to reduce morbidity and mortality. We designed and evaluated two DNA plasmid vaccines, based on the pIDV-II system, expressing the SARS-CoV-2 spike gene, with or without an immunogenic peptide, in mice, and in a Syrian hamster model of infection. Both vaccines demonstrated robust immunogenicity in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. Additionally, the shedding of infectious virus and the viral burden in the lungs was reduced in immunized hamsters. Moreover, high-titers of neutralizing antibodies with activity against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants were generated in immunized animals. Vaccination also protected animals from weight loss during infection. Additionally, both vaccines were effective at reducing both pulmonary and extrapulmonary pathology in vaccinated animals. These data show the potential of a DNA vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 and suggest further investigation in large animal and human studies could be pursued.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Giorgi Babuadze
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Biological Sciences Platform, University Toronto, Sunnybrook Research Institute at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Ontario, ON Canada
| | - Hugues Fausther-Bovendo
- grid.23856.3a0000 0004 1936 8390Département de Microbiologie-Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC Canada
| | - Marc-Antoine deLaVega
- grid.23856.3a0000 0004 1936 8390Département de Microbiologie-Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC Canada
| | - Brandon Lillie
- grid.34429.380000 0004 1936 8198Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON Canada
| | - Maedeh Naghibosadat
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Biological Sciences Platform, University Toronto, Sunnybrook Research Institute at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Ontario, ON Canada
| | - Nariman Shahhosseini
- grid.23856.3a0000 0004 1936 8390Département de Microbiologie-Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC Canada
| | - Michael A. Joyce
- grid.17089.370000 0001 2190 316XDepartment of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada ,grid.17089.370000 0001 2190 316XLi Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada
| | - Holly A. Saffran
- grid.17089.370000 0001 2190 316XDepartment of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada ,grid.17089.370000 0001 2190 316XLi Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada
| | - D. Lorne Tyrrell
- grid.17089.370000 0001 2190 316XDepartment of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada ,grid.17089.370000 0001 2190 316XLi Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB Canada
| | - Darryl Falzarano
- grid.25152.310000 0001 2154 235XVaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK Canada
| | - Chandrika Senthilkumaran
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Biological Sciences Platform, University Toronto, Sunnybrook Research Institute at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Ontario, ON Canada
| | - Natasha Christie-Holmes
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Combined Containment Level 3 Unit, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Steven Ahn
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Scott D. Gray-Owen
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Arinjay Banerjee
- grid.25152.310000 0001 2154 235XVaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK Canada
| | - Samira Mubareka
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Biological Sciences Platform, University Toronto, Sunnybrook Research Institute at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Ontario, ON Canada ,grid.413104.30000 0000 9743 1587Department of Laboratory Medicine and Molecular Diagnostics, Division of Microbiology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON Canada ,grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karen Mossman
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Chanel Dupont
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Biological Sciences Platform, University Toronto, Sunnybrook Research Institute at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Ontario, ON Canada
| | - Jannie Pedersen
- grid.23856.3a0000 0004 1936 8390Département de Microbiologie-Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC Canada
| | - Mark-Alexandre Lafrance
- grid.23856.3a0000 0004 1936 8390Département de Microbiologie-Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC Canada
| | - Gary P. Kobinger
- grid.23856.3a0000 0004 1936 8390Département de Microbiologie-Infectiologie et Immunologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC Canada ,grid.21613.370000 0004 1936 9609Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB Canada ,grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Robert Kozak
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Biological Sciences Platform, University Toronto, Sunnybrook Research Institute at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Ontario, ON Canada ,grid.413104.30000 0000 9743 1587Department of Laboratory Medicine and Molecular Diagnostics, Division of Microbiology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON Canada ,grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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6
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Miorin L, Mire CE, Ranjbar S, Hume AJ, Huang J, Crossland NA, White KM, Laporte M, Kehrer T, Haridas V, Moreno E, Nambu A, Jangra S, Cupic A, Dejosez M, Abo KA, Tseng AE, Werder RB, Rathnasinghe R, Mutetwa T, Ramos I, de Aja JS, de Alba Rivas CG, Schotsaert M, Corley RB, Falvo JV, Fernandez-Sesma A, Kim C, Rossignol JF, Wilson AA, Zwaka T, Kotton DN, Mühlberger E, García-Sastre A, Goldfeld AE. The oral drug nitazoxanide restricts SARS-CoV-2 infection and attenuates disease pathogenesis in Syrian hamsters. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.02.08.479634. [PMID: 35169796 PMCID: PMC8845418 DOI: 10.1101/2022.02.08.479634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
A well-tolerated and cost-effective oral drug that blocks SARS-CoV-2 growth and dissemination would be a major advance in the global effort to reduce COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Here, we show that the oral FDA-approved drug nitazoxanide (NTZ) significantly inhibits SARS-CoV-2 viral replication and infection in different primate and human cell models including stem cell-derived human alveolar epithelial type 2 cells. Furthermore, NTZ synergizes with remdesivir, and it broadly inhibits growth of SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.351 (beta), P.1 (gamma), and B.1617.2 (delta) and viral syncytia formation driven by their spike proteins. Strikingly, oral NTZ treatment of Syrian hamsters significantly inhibits SARS-CoV-2-driven weight loss, inflammation, and viral dissemination and syncytia formation in the lungs. These studies show that NTZ is a novel host-directed therapeutic that broadly inhibits SARS-CoV-2 dissemination and pathogenesis in human and hamster physiological models, which supports further testing and optimization of NTZ-based therapy for SARS-CoV-2 infection alone and in combination with antiviral drugs.
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7
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Tamming LA, Duque D, Tran A, Zhang W, Pfeifle A, Laryea E, Wu J, Raman SNT, Gravel C, Russell MS, Hashem AM, Alsulaiman RM, Alhabbab RY, Gao J, Safronetz D, Cao J, Wang L, Chen W, Johnston MJW, Sauve S, Rosu-Myles M, Li X. DNA Based Vaccine Expressing SARS-CoV-2 Spike-CD40L Fusion Protein Confers Protection Against Challenge in a Syrian Hamster Model. Front Immunol 2022; 12:785349. [PMID: 35095861 PMCID: PMC8789660 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.785349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infections present a tremendous threat to public health. Safe and efficacious vaccines are the most effective means in preventing the infections. A variety of vaccines have demonstrated excellent efficacy and safety around the globe. Yet, development of alternative forms of vaccines remains beneficial, particularly those with simpler production processes, less stringent storage conditions, and the capability of being used in heterologous prime/boost regimens which have shown improved efficacy against many diseases. Here we reported a novel DNA vaccine comprised of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein fused with CD40 ligand (CD40L) serving as both a targeting ligand and molecular adjuvant. A single intramuscular injection in Syrian hamsters induced significant neutralizing antibodies 3-weeks after vaccination, with a boost substantially improving immune responses. Moreover, the vaccine also reduced weight loss and suppressed viral replication in the lungs and nasal turbinates of challenged animals. Finally, the incorporation of CD40L into the DNA vaccine was shown to reduce lung pathology more effectively than the DNA vaccine devoid of CD40L. These results collectively indicate that this DNA vaccine candidate could be further explored because of its efficacy and known safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levi A. Tamming
- Centre for Biologics Evaluation, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Diana Duque
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Center, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Anh Tran
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Center, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Wanyue Zhang
- Centre for Biologics Evaluation, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Annabelle Pfeifle
- Centre for Biologics Evaluation, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Emmanuel Laryea
- Centre for Biologics Evaluation, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jianguo Wu
- Centre for Biologics Evaluation, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sathya N. Thulasi Raman
- Centre for Biologics Evaluation, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Caroline Gravel
- Centre for Biologics Evaluation, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Marsha S. Russell
- Centre for Biologics Evaluation, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Anwar M. Hashem
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reem M. Alsulaiman
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rowa Y. Alhabbab
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jun Gao
- Centre for Biologics Evaluation, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - David Safronetz
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Jingxin Cao
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Lisheng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Wangxue Chen
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Center, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Michael J. W. Johnston
- Centre for Biologics Evaluation, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Simon Sauve
- Centre for Biologics Evaluation, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Rosu-Myles
- Centre for Biologics Evaluation, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Xuguang Li
- Centre for Biologics Evaluation, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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8
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Preclinical evaluation of a candidate naked plasmid DNA vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. NPJ Vaccines 2021; 6:156. [PMID: 34930909 PMCID: PMC8688418 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-021-00419-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
New generation plasmid DNA vaccines may be a safe, fast and simple emergency vaccine platform for preparedness against emerging viral pathogens. Applying platform optimization strategies, we tested the pre-clinical immunogenicity and protective effect of a candidate DNA plasmid vaccine specific for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The DNA vaccine induced spike-specific binding IgG and neutralizing antibodies in mice, rabbits, and rhesus macaques together with robust Th1 dominant cellular responses in small animals. Intradermal and intramuscular needle-free administration of the DNA vaccine yielded comparable immune responses. In a vaccination-challenge study of rhesus macaques, the vaccine demonstrated protection from viral replication in the lungs following intranasal and intratracheal inoculation with SARS-CoV-2. In conclusion, the candidate plasmid DNA vaccine encoding the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is immunogenic in different models and confers protection against lung infection in nonhuman primates. Further evaluation of this DNA vaccine candidate in clinical trials is warranted.
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