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Cui X, Vervaeke P, Gao Y, Opsomer L, Sun Q, Snoeck J, Devriendt B, Zhong Z, Sanders NN. Immunogenicity and biodistribution of lipid nanoparticle formulated self-amplifying mRNA vaccines against H5 avian influenza. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:138. [PMID: 39097672 PMCID: PMC11298010 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00932-x] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
This study reports on the immunogenicity and biodistribution of H5 hemagglutinin (HA)-based self-amplifying (sa) mRNA vaccines in mice. Four sa-mRNA vaccines encoding either a secreted full-length HA, a secreted HA head domain, a secreted HA stalk domain, or a full-length membrane-anchored HA were investigated. All vaccines elicited an adaptive immune response. However, the full-length HA sa-RNA vaccines demonstrated superior performance compared to head and stalk domain vaccines. The antibody titers positively correlated with the vaccine dose. Cellular immune responses and antigen-specific IgA antibodies in the lungs were also observed. The comparison of the sa-mRNA vaccines encoding the secreted and membrane-anchored full-length HA revealed that anchoring of the HA to the membrane significantly enhanced the antibody and cellular responses. In addition to the injection site, the intramuscularly injected sa-mRNA-LNPs were also detected in the draining lymph nodes, spleen, and to a lesser extent, in the lung, kidney, liver, and heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaole Cui
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Pieter Vervaeke
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ya Gao
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Lisa Opsomer
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Qing Sun
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Janne Snoeck
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Bert Devriendt
- Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Zifu Zhong
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
- Cancer Research Institute (CRIG), Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Niek N Sanders
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
- Cancer Research Institute (CRIG), Ghent University, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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2
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Kumar DS, Prasanth K, Bhandari A, Kumar Jha V, Naveen A, Prasanna M. Innovations and Challenges in the Development of COVID-19 Vaccines for a Safer Tomorrow. Cureus 2024; 16:e60015. [PMID: 38854201 PMCID: PMC11162516 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60015] [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] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaccination, a historically effective public health intervention, has shielded millions from various diseases. Lessons from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) have improved COVID-19 vaccine development. Despite mRNA vaccines' efficacy, emerging variants pose challenges, exhibiting increased transmissibility, infectivity, and severity. Developing COVID-19 vaccines has faced hurdles due to urgency, limited virus understanding, and the need for safe solutions. Genetic variability necessitates continuous vaccine adjustments and production challenges demand scaling up manufacturing with stringent quality control. This review explores SARS-CoV-2's evolution, upcoming mutations that challenge vaccines, and strategies such as structure-based, T cell-based, respiratory mucosal-based, and nanotechnology approaches for vaccine development. This review insight provides a roadmap for navigating virus evolution and improving vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devika S Kumar
- Research, Panimalar Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, IND
| | - Krishna Prasanth
- Department of Community Medicine, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, IND
| | - Ashni Bhandari
- Department of Community Medicine, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, IND
| | - Vivek Kumar Jha
- Department of Audiology and Speech Language Pathology, Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary (SGT) University, Haryana, IND
| | - Avula Naveen
- Pharmacology and Therapeutics, All India Institute Of Medical Science Bilaspur, Bilaspur, IND
| | - Muthu Prasanna
- Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Surya School of Pharmacy, Surya Group of Institutions, Villupuram, IND
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3
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Schulze K, Weber U, Schuy C, Durante M, Guzmán CA. Influenza Virus Inactivated by Heavy Ion Beam Irradiation Stimulates Antigen-Specific Immune Responses. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:465. [PMID: 38675126 PMCID: PMC11054185 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040465] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has made clear the need for effective and rapid vaccine development methods. Conventional inactivated virus vaccines, together with new technologies like vector and mRNA vaccines, were the first to be rolled out. However, the traditional methods used for virus inactivation can affect surface-exposed antigen, thereby reducing vaccine efficacy. Gamma rays have been used in the past to inactivate viruses. We recently proposed that high-energy heavy ions may be more suitable as an inactivation method because they increase the damage ratio between the viral nucleic acid and surface proteins. Here, we demonstrate that irradiation of the influenza virus using heavy ion beams constitutes a suitable method to develop effective vaccines, since immunization of mice by the intranasal route with the inactivated virus resulted in the stimulation of strong antigen-specific humoral and cellular immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Schulze
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (HZI), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany;
| | - Ulrich Weber
- Biophysics Department, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, 64291 Darmstadt, Germany; (U.W.); (C.S.); (M.D.)
- Fachbereich Mathematik, Naturwissenschaften und Informatik, Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen, 35390 Gießen, Germany
| | - Christoph Schuy
- Biophysics Department, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, 64291 Darmstadt, Germany; (U.W.); (C.S.); (M.D.)
| | - Marco Durante
- Biophysics Department, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, 64291 Darmstadt, Germany; (U.W.); (C.S.); (M.D.)
- Institute of Condensed Matter Physics, Technische Universität Darmstadt, 64289 Darmstadt, Germany
- Department of Physics “Ettore Pancini”, University Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Carlos Alberto Guzmán
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (HZI), 38124 Braunschweig, Germany;
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4
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Mahallawi WH, Khabour OF. Pandemic H1N1 influenza virus triggers a strong T helper cell response in human nasopharynx-associated lymphoid tissues. Saudi J Biol Sci 2024; 31:103941. [PMID: 38327659 PMCID: PMC10847369 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2024.103941] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The pH1N1 belongs to influenza A family that is sometimes transmitted to humans via contact with pigs. Human tonsillar immune cells are widely used as in vitro models to study responses to influenza viruses. In the current study, human memory (M) and naïve (N) T cells responses in mononuclear cells of tonsil (TMCs) and peripheral blood (PBMCs) were stimulated by pH1N1/sH1N1, and then stained for estimation of T cells proliferation index. Individuals with an anti-pH1N1 hemagglutination (HA) inhibition (HAI) titer of forty or greater exhibited stronger HA-specific M-CD4+ T cells responses to pH1N1 in TMCs/PBMCs than those with an HAI titer of less than forty (P < 0.01). In addition, a positive correlation was observed between proliferation indices of M-CD4+ T cells induced by exposure to sH1N1/pH1N1 (p < 0.01). Moreover, a strong correlation (p < 0.001) was detected between subjects' age and their HA-specific M-CD4+ T cells induced by pH1N1 exposure, indicating that this response was age-dependent. Finally, stimulation of TMCs with pH1N1-HA resulted in a significant M-CD8+ T cells response (p < 0.05). In conclusion, pH1N1 HA elicits a strong M-CD4+ T cells response in TMCs. Additionally, this response correlates with the response to sH1N1 suggesting cross-reactivity in T cells epitopes directed against HAs of both viral strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleed H. Mahallawi
- Clinical Laboratory Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar F. Khabour
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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5
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Yuan C, Guan Y. Efficacy and safety of Lianhua Qingwen as an adjuvant treatment for influenza in Chinese patients: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e36986. [PMID: 38241551 PMCID: PMC10798757 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lianhua Qingwen (LHQW) is a proprietary traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of influenza (FLu). It is composed of 2 prescriptions, Maxing Shigan and Yinqiao, which has antiviral, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory effects. However its clinical suitability has not yet been investigated. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LHQW in the treatment of FLu. METHODS We searched several databases, including PubMed and China Biomedical Database for literature research, from inception to July 1, 2023. This meta-analysis included RCTs that compared the safety and efficacy of the combination of LHQW and conventional drugs (CD) with CD alone for IFU. The extracted data were analyzed using Revman5.4 software with risk ratio (RR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and standardized mean difference. RESULTS Our meta-analysis included 32 articles with 3592 patients. The results showed that the effects of LHQW adjuvant therapy were superior to those of CD (clinical effective rate: RR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.18-1.26, P < .00001; cure rate: RR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.35-1.75, P < .00001), and adverse reactions after treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment (RR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.50-0.98, P = .04). CONCLUSION This meta-analysis indicates that LHQW combined with CD may be more effective than CD alone for the treatment of FLu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, Weifang People’s Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Ying Guan
- Department of Medical Insurance Office, Weifang People’s Hospital, Weifang, China
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6
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Park J, Champion JA. Development of Self-Assembled Protein Nanocage Spatially Functionalized with HA Stalk as a Broadly Cross-Reactive Influenza Vaccine Platform. ACS NANO 2023; 17:25045-25060. [PMID: 38084728 PMCID: PMC10753887 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c07669] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
There remains a need for the development of a universal influenza vaccine, as current seasonal influenza vaccines exhibit limited protection against mismatched, mutated, or pandemic influenza viruses. A desirable approach to developing an effective universal influenza vaccine is the incorporation of highly conserved antigens in a multivalent scaffold that enhances their immunogenicity. Here, we develop a broadly cross-reactive influenza vaccine by functionalizing self-assembled protein nanocages (SAPNs) with multiple copies of the hemagglutinin stalk on the outer surface and matrix protein 2 ectodomain on the inner surface. SAPNs were generated by engineering short coiled coils, and the design was simulated by MD GROMACS. Due to the short sequences, off-target immune responses against empty SAPN scaffolds were not seen in immunized mice. Vaccination with the multivalent SAPNs induces high levels of broadly cross-reactive antibodies of only external antigens, demonstrating tight spatial control over the designed antigen placement. This work demonstrates the use of SAPNs as a potential influenza vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeyoung Park
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular
Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 950 Atlantic Dr. NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-2000, United States
| | - Julie A. Champion
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular
Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 950 Atlantic Dr. NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-2000, United States
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7
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Jeyanathan M, Afkhami S, Kang A, Xing Z. Viral-vectored respiratory mucosal vaccine strategies. Curr Opin Immunol 2023; 84:102370. [PMID: 37499279 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2023.102370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Increasing global concerns of pandemic respiratory viruses highlight the importance of developing optimal vaccination strategies that encompass vaccine platform, delivery route, and regimens. The decades-long effort to develop vaccines to combat respiratory infections such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and tuberculosis has met with challenges, including the inability of systemically administered vaccines to induce respiratory mucosal (RM) immunity. In this regard, ample preclinical and available clinical studies have demonstrated the superiority of RM vaccination to induce RM immunity over parenteral route of vaccination. A great stride has been made in developing vaccines for RM delivery against respiratory pathogens, including M. tuberculosis and SARS-CoV-2. In particular, inhaled aerosol delivery of adenoviral-vectored vaccines has shown significant promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mangalakumari Jeyanathan
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre and Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Sam Afkhami
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre and Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Alisha Kang
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre and Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Zhou Xing
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre and Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
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8
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Jiang N, Malone M, Chizari S. Antigen-specific and cross-reactive T cells in protection and disease. Immunol Rev 2023; 316:120-135. [PMID: 37209375 PMCID: PMC10524458 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Human T cells have a diverse T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire that endows them with the ability to identify and defend against a broad spectrum of antigens. The universe of possible antigens that T cells may encounter, however, is even larger. To effectively surveil such a vast universe, the T-cell repertoire must adopt a high degree of cross-reactivity. Likewise, antigen-specific and cross-reactive T-cell responses play pivotal roles in both protective and pathological immune responses in numerous diseases. In this review, we explore the implications of these antigen-driven T-cell responses, with a particular focus on CD8+ T cells, using infection, neurodegeneration, and cancer as examples. We also summarize recent technological advances that facilitate high-throughput profiling of antigen-specific and cross-reactive T-cell responses experimentally, as well as computational biology approaches that predict these interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Jiang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104
- Institute for Immunology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104
- Institute for RNA Innovation, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104
| | - Michael Malone
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104
| | - Shahab Chizari
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104
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9
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Zhang J, Xia Y, Liu X, Liu G. Advanced Vaccine Design Strategies against SARS-CoV-2 and Emerging Variants. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10020148. [PMID: 36829642 PMCID: PMC9951973 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10020148] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccination is the most cost-effective means in the fight against infectious diseases. Various kinds of vaccines have been developed since the outbreak of COVID-19, some of which have been approved for clinical application. Though vaccines available achieved partial success in protecting vaccinated subjects from infection or hospitalization, numerous efforts are still needed to end the global pandemic, especially in the case of emerging new variants. Safe and efficient vaccines are the key elements to stop the pandemic from attacking the world now; novel and evolving vaccine technologies are urged in the course of fighting (re)-emerging infectious diseases. Advances in biotechnology offered the progress of vaccinology in the past few years, and lots of innovative approaches have been applied to the vaccine design during the ongoing pandemic. In this review, we summarize the state-of-the-art vaccine strategies involved in controlling the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. In addition, challenges and future directions for rational vaccine design are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianzhong Zhang
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yutian Xia
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- Innovation Center for Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- Correspondence:
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10
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Krechetov SP, Vtorushina VV, Inviyaeva EV, Gorodnova EA, Kolesnik SV, Kudlay DA, Borovikov PI, Krechetova LV, Dolgushina NV, Sukhikh GT. T-Cell Immunity in COVID-19-Recovered Individuals and Individuals Vaccinated with the Combined Vector Vaccine Gam-COVID-Vac. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031930. [PMID: 36768254 PMCID: PMC9916700 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031930] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has required extensive research on the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and the creation of new highly effective vaccines. The presence of T-cells in the body that respond to virus antigens suggests adequate antiviral immunity. We investigated T-cell immunity in individuals who recovered from mild and moderate COVID-19 and in individuals vaccinated with the Gam-COVID-Vac combined vector vaccine. The ELISPOT method was used to determine the number of T-cells responding with IFN-γ synthesis to stimulation by peptides containing epitopes of the S-protein or N-, M-, ORF3, and ORF7 proteins, using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). At the same time, the multiplex method was used to determine the accumulation of IFN-γ and other cytokines in the culture medium. According to the data obtained, the proportion of positive conclusions about the T-cell immune response to SARS-CoV-2 antigens in control, recovered, and vaccinated individuals was 12%, 70%, and 52%, respectively. At the same time, more than half of the vaccinated individuals with a T-cell response were sensitized to the antigens of N-, M-, ORF3, and ORF7 proteins not produced by Gam-COVID-Vac, indicating a high likelihood of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Increased IFN-γ release by single sensitized T-cells in response to specific stimulation in recovered and vaccinated individuals did not result in the accumulation of this and other cytokines in the culture medium. These findings suggest a balance between cytokine production and utilization by immunocompetent cells as a prerequisite for providing a controlled cytokine signal and avoiding a "cytokine storm".
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Petrovich Krechetov
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I., Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Valentina Valentinovna Vtorushina
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I., Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Evgenia Vladimirovna Inviyaeva
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I., Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Aleksandrovna Gorodnova
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I., Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-(916)564-77-69
| | - Svetlana Vladimirovna Kolesnik
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I., Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry Anatolievich Kudlay
- NRC Institute of Immunology FMBA of Russia, 115522 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Pharmacology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Pavel Igorevich Borovikov
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I., Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Liubov Valentinovna Krechetova
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I., Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nataliya Vitalievna Dolgushina
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I., Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Perinatology and Reproductology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Gennady Tikhonovich Sukhikh
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I., Kulakov of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Perinatology and Reproductology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119991 Moscow, Russia
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11
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Flagellin-Fused Protein Targeting M2e and HA2 Induces Innate and T-Cell Responses in Mice of Different Genetic Lines. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10122098. [PMID: 36560509 PMCID: PMC9786633 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10122098] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Efficient control of influenza A infection can potentially be achieved through the development of broad-spectrum vaccines. Recombinant proteins incorporating conserved influenza A virus peptides are one of the platforms for the development of cross-protective influenza vaccines. We constructed a recombinant protein Flg-HA2-2-4M2ehs, in which the extracellular domain of the M2 protein (M2e) and the sequence (aa76-130) of the second subunit of HA (HA2) were used as target antigens. In this study, we investigated the ability of the Flg-HA2-2-4M2ehs protein to activate innate immunity and stimulate the formation of T-cell response in mice of different genetic lines after intranasal immunization. Our studies showed that the Flg-HA2-2-4M2ehs protein was manifested in an increase in the relative content of neutrophils, monocytes, and interstitial macrophages, against the backdrop of a decrease in the level of dendritic cells and increased expression in the CD86 marker. In the lungs of BALB/c mice, immunization with the Flg-HA2-2-4M2ehs protein induced the formation of antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ effector memory T cells, producing TNF-α. In mice C57Bl/6, the formation of antigen-specific effector CD8+ T cells, predominantly producing IFN-γ+, was demonstrated. The data obtained showed the formation of CD8+ and CD4+ effector memory T cells expressing the CD107a.
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12
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Park J, Legaspi SLF, Schwartzman LM, Gygli SM, Sheng ZM, Freeman AD, Matthews LM, Xiao Y, Ramuta MD, Batchenkova NA, Qi L, Rosas LA, Williams SL, Scherler K, Gouzoulis M, Bellayr I, Morens DM, Walters KA, Memoli MJ, Kash JC, Taubenberger JK. An inactivated multivalent influenza A virus vaccine is broadly protective in mice and ferrets. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabo2167. [PMID: 35857640 PMCID: PMC11022527 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abo2167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Influenza A viruses (IAVs) present major public health threats from annual seasonal epidemics and pandemics and from viruses adapted to a variety of animals including poultry, pigs, and horses. Vaccines that broadly protect against all such IAVs, so-called "universal" influenza vaccines, do not currently exist but are urgently needed. Here, we demonstrated that an inactivated, multivalent whole-virus vaccine, delivered intramuscularly or intranasally, was broadly protective against challenges with multiple IAV hemagglutinin and neuraminidase subtypes in both mice and ferrets. The vaccine is composed of four β-propiolactone-inactivated low-pathogenicity avian IAV subtypes of H1N9, H3N8, H5N1, and H7N3. Vaccinated mice and ferrets demonstrated substantial protection against a variety of IAVs, including the 1918 H1N1 strain, the highly pathogenic avian H5N8 strain, and H7N9. We also observed protection against challenge with antigenically variable and heterosubtypic avian, swine, and human viruses. Compared to control animals, vaccinated mice and ferrets demonstrated marked reductions in viral titers, lung pathology, and host inflammatory responses. This vaccine approach indicates the feasibility of eliciting broad, heterosubtypic IAV protection and identifies a promising candidate for influenza vaccine clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaekeun Park
- Viral Pathogenesis and Evolution Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sharon L. Fong Legaspi
- Viral Pathogenesis and Evolution Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Louis M. Schwartzman
- Viral Pathogenesis and Evolution Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sebastian M. Gygli
- Viral Pathogenesis and Evolution Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Zhong-Mei Sheng
- Viral Pathogenesis and Evolution Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ashley D. Freeman
- Viral Pathogenesis and Evolution Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Lex M. Matthews
- Viral Pathogenesis and Evolution Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yongli Xiao
- Viral Pathogenesis and Evolution Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mitchell D. Ramuta
- Viral Pathogenesis and Evolution Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Natalia A. Batchenkova
- Viral Pathogenesis and Evolution Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Li Qi
- Viral Pathogenesis and Evolution Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Luz Angela Rosas
- Viral Pathogenesis and Evolution Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Stephanie L. Williams
- Viral Pathogenesis and Evolution Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Monica Gouzoulis
- Clinical Studies Unit, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ian Bellayr
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA
| | - David M. Morens
- Office of the Director, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Matthew J. Memoli
- Clinical Studies Unit, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - John C. Kash
- Viral Pathogenesis and Evolution Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jeffery K. Taubenberger
- Viral Pathogenesis and Evolution Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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13
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Barman S, Soni D, Brook B, Nanishi E, Dowling DJ. Precision Vaccine Development: Cues From Natural Immunity. Front Immunol 2022; 12:662218. [PMID: 35222350 PMCID: PMC8866702 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.662218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional vaccine development against infectious diseases has been guided by the overarching aim to generate efficacious vaccines normally indicated by an antibody and/or cellular response that correlates with protection. However, this approach has been shown to be only a partially effective measure, since vaccine- and pathogen-specific immunity may not perfectly overlap. Thus, some vaccine development strategies, normally focused on targeted generation of both antigen specific antibody and T cell responses, resulting in a long-lived heterogenous and stable pool of memory lymphocytes, may benefit from better mimicking the immune response of a natural infection. However, challenges to achieving this goal remain unattended, due to gaps in our understanding of human immunity and full elucidation of infectious pathogenesis. In this review, we describe recent advances in the development of effective vaccines, focusing on how understanding the differences in the immunizing and non-immunizing immune responses to natural infections and corresponding shifts in immune ontogeny are crucial to inform the next generation of infectious disease vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumik Barman
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Dheeraj Soni
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Byron Brook
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Etsuro Nanishi
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - David J Dowling
- Precision Vaccines Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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14
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Šantak M, Matić Z. The Role of Nucleoprotein in Immunity to Human Negative-Stranded RNA Viruses—Not Just Another Brick in the Viral Nucleocapsid. Viruses 2022; 14:v14030521. [PMID: 35336928 PMCID: PMC8955406 DOI: 10.3390/v14030521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Negative-stranded RNA viruses (NSVs) are important human pathogens, including emerging and reemerging viruses that cause respiratory, hemorrhagic and other severe illnesses. Vaccine design traditionally relies on the viral surface glycoproteins. However, surface glycoproteins rarely elicit effective long-term immunity due to high variability. Therefore, an alternative approach is to include conserved structural proteins such as nucleoprotein (NP). NP is engaged in myriad processes in the viral life cycle: coating and protection of viral RNA, regulation of transcription/replication processes and induction of immunosuppression of the host. A broad heterosubtypic T-cellular protection was ascribed very early to this protein. In contrast, the understanding of the humoral immunity to NP is very limited in spite of the high titer of non-neutralizing NP-specific antibodies raised upon natural infection or immunization. In this review, the data with important implications for the understanding of the role of NP in the immune response to human NSVs are revisited. Major implications of the elicited T-cell immune responses to NP are evaluated, and the possible multiple mechanisms of the neglected humoral response to NP are discussed. The intention of this review is to remind that NP is a very promising target for the development of future vaccines.
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15
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Special Issue—Immunity to Influenza Viruses. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020319. [PMID: 35215910 PMCID: PMC8880793 DOI: 10.3390/v14020319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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16
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Nelson SA, Sant AJ. Potentiating Lung Mucosal Immunity Through Intranasal Vaccination. Front Immunol 2021; 12:808527. [PMID: 34970279 PMCID: PMC8712562 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.808527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Yearly administration of influenza vaccines is our best available tool for controlling influenza virus spread. However, both practical and immunological factors sometimes result in sub-optimal vaccine efficacy. The call for improved, or even universal, influenza vaccines within the field has led to development of pre-clinical and clinical vaccine candidates that aim to address limitations of current influenza vaccine approaches. Here, we consider the route of immunization as a critical factor in eliciting tissue resident memory (Trm) populations that are not a target of current licensed intramuscular vaccines. Intranasal vaccination has the potential to boost tissue resident B and T cell populations that reside within specific niches of the upper and lower respiratory tract. Within these niches, Trm cells are poised to respond rapidly to pathogen re-encounter by nature of their anatomic localization and their ability to rapidly deliver anti-pathogen effector functions. Unique features of mucosal immunity in the upper and lower respiratory tracts suggest that antigen localized to these regions is required for the elicitation of protective B and T cell immunity at these sites and will need to be considered as an important attribute of a rationally designed intranasal vaccine. Finally, we discuss outstanding questions and areas of future inquiry in the field of lung mucosal immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea J. Sant
- David H. Smith Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
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17
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Safety, Immunogenicity, and Protective Efficacy of an H5N1 Chimeric Cold-Adapted Attenuated Virus Vaccine in a Mouse Model. Viruses 2021; 13:v13122420. [PMID: 34960689 PMCID: PMC8709164 DOI: 10.3390/v13122420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
H5N1 influenza virus is a threat to public health worldwide. The virus can cause severe morbidity and mortality in humans. We constructed an H5N1 influenza candidate virus vaccine from the A/chicken/Guizhou/1153/2016 strain that was recommended by the World Health Organization. In this study, we designed an H5N1 chimeric influenza A/B vaccine based on a cold-adapted (ca) influenza B virus B/Vienna/1/99 backbone. We modified the ectodomain of H5N1 hemagglutinin (HA) protein, while retaining the packaging signals of influenza B virus, and then rescued a chimeric cold-adapted H5N1 candidate influenza vaccine through a reverse genetic system. The chimeric H5N1 vaccine replicated well in eggs and the Madin-Darby Canine Kidney cells. It maintained a temperature-sensitive and cold-adapted phenotype. The H5N1 vaccine was attenuated in mice. Hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) antibodies, micro-neutralizing (MN) antibodies, and IgG antibodies were induced in immunized mice, and the mucosal IgA antibody responses were detected in their lung lavage fluids. The IFN-γ-secretion and IL-4-secretion by the mouse splenocytes were induced after stimulation with the specific H5N1 HA protein. The chimeric H5N1 candidate vaccine protected mice against lethal challenge with a wild-type highly pathogenic avian H5N1 influenza virus. The chimeric H5 candidate vaccine is thus a potentially safe, attenuated, and reassortment-incompetent vaccine with circulating A viruses.
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18
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Weinberger B. Vaccination of older adults: Influenza, pneumococcal disease, herpes zoster, COVID-19 and beyond. Immun Ageing 2021; 18:38. [PMID: 34627326 PMCID: PMC8501352 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-021-00249-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Preserving good health in old age is of utmost importance to alleviate societal, economic and health care-related challenges caused by an aging society. The prevalence and severity of many infectious diseases is higher in older adults, and in addition to the acute disease, long-term sequelae, such as exacerbation of underlying chronic disease, onset of frailty or increased long-term care dependency, are frequent. Prevention of infections e.g. by vaccination is therefore an important measure to ensure healthy aging and preserve quality of life. Several vaccines are specifically recommended for older adults in many countries, and in the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic older adults were among the first target groups for vaccination due to their high risk for severe disease. This review highlights clinical data on the influenza, Streptococcus pneumoniae and herpes zoster vaccines, summarizes recent developments to improve vaccine efficacy, such as the use of adjuvants or higher antigen dose for influenza, and gives an overview of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development for older adults. Substantial research is ongoing to further improve vaccines, e.g. by developing universal influenza and pneumococcal vaccines to overcome the limitations of the current strain-specific vaccines, and to develop novel vaccines against pathogens, which cause considerable morbidity and mortality in older adults, but for which no vaccines are currently available. In addition, we need to improve uptake of the existing vaccines and increase awareness for life-long vaccination in order to provide optimal protection for the vulnerable older age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Weinberger
- Institute for Biomedical Aging Research, Universität Innsbruck, Rennweg 10, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
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19
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Isakova-Sivak I, Stepanova E, Mezhenskaya D, Matyushenko V, Prokopenko P, Sychev I, Wong PF, Rudenko L. Influenza vaccine: progress in a vaccine that elicits a broad immune response. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:1097-1112. [PMID: 34348561 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1964961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The licensed seasonal influenza vaccines predominantly induce neutralizing antibodies against immunodominant hypervariable epitopes of viral surface proteins, with limited protection against antigenically distant influenza viruses. Strategies have been developed to improve vaccines' performance in terms of broadly reactive and long-lasting immune response induction. AREAS COVERED We have summarized the advancements in the development of cross-protective influenza vaccines and discussed the challenges in evaluating them in preclinical and clinical trials. Here, the literature regarding the current stage of development of universal influenza vaccine candidates was reviewed. EXPERT OPINION Although various strategies aim to redirect adaptive immune responses from variable immunodominant to immunosubdominant antigens, more conserved epitopes are being investigated. Approaches that improve antibody responses to conserved B cell epitopes have increased the protective efficacy of vaccines within a subtype or phylogenetic group of influenza viruses. Vaccines that elicit significant levels of T cells recognizing highly conserved viral epitopes possess a high cross-protective potential and may cover most circulating influenza viruses. However, the development of T cell-based universal influenza vaccines is challenging owing to the diversity of MHCs in the population, unpredictable degree of immunodominance, lack of adequate animal models, and difficulty in establishing T cell immunity in humans. ABBREVIATIONS cHA: chimeric HA; HBc: hepatitis B virus core protein; HA: hemagglutinin; HLA: human leucocyte antigen; IIV: inactivated influenza vaccine; KLH: keyhole limpet hemocyanin; LAH: long alpha helix; LAIV: live attenuated influenza vaccine; M2e: extracellular domain of matrix 2 protein; MHC: major histocompatibility complex; mRNA: messenger ribonucleic acid; NA: neuraminidase; NS1: non-structural protein 1; qNIV: quadrivalent nanoparticle influenza vaccine; TRM: tissue-resident memory T cells; VE: vaccine effectiveness; VLP: virus-like particles; VSV: vesicular stomatitis virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Isakova-Sivak
- Department Of Virology, Institute Of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Stepanova
- Department Of Virology, Institute Of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Daria Mezhenskaya
- Department Of Virology, Institute Of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Victoria Matyushenko
- Department Of Virology, Institute Of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Polina Prokopenko
- Department Of Virology, Institute Of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ivan Sychev
- Department Of Virology, Institute Of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Pei-Fong Wong
- Department Of Virology, Institute Of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Larisa Rudenko
- Department Of Virology, Institute Of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
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20
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Betjes MGH. Uremia-Associated Immunological Aging and Severity of COVID-19 Infection. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:675573. [PMID: 33937299 PMCID: PMC8079657 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.675573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
One year after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic it has become clear that some groups of individuals are at particular high risk of a complicated course of infection resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Two specific risk factors are most prominent, old age and the presence of co-morbidity. Recent studies have shown that patients with compromised renal function, especially those treated with renal replacement therapy or having received a kidney transplant are at a much higher risk for severe COVID infection and increased mortality. This may be in part due to the increased prevalence of co-morbid conditions in these patients but specific alterations in their immune system, reflecting premature immunological aging, may be equally important. In this review the different aspects, in particular thymus function and memory T cell expansion, of uremia-associated immunological aging are reviewed with respect to COVID 19 infection. In essence, the decreased generation of naïve T cells may be instrumental in suboptimal anti-viral immune responses while the relatively uncontrolled expansion of effector T cells may facilitate the feared phase of the COVID-19 infection with excessive and live-threatening inflammation of the lung parenchyma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiel G H Betjes
- Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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