A Novel Vaccine Approach for Chagas Disease Using Rare Adenovirus Serotype 48 Vectors

Role of homologous recombination/recombineering on human adenovirus genome engineering: Not the only but the most competent solution

Adenoviruses typically cause mild illnesses, but severe diseases may occur primarily in immunodeficient individuals, particularly children. Recently, adenoviruses have garnered significant interest as a versatile tool in gene therapy, tumor treatment, and vaccine vector development. Over the past two decades, the advent of recombineering, a method based on homologous recombination, has notably enhanced the utility of adenoviral vectors in therapeutic applications. This review summarizes recent advancements in the use of human adenoviral vectors in medicine and discusses the pivotal role of recombineering in the development of these vectors. Additionally, it highlights the current achievements and potential future impact of therapeutic adenoviral vectors.

Immunization with a Trypanosoma cruzi cyclophilin-19 deletion mutant protects against acute Chagas disease in mice

Human infection with the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi causes Chagas disease for which there are no prophylactic vaccines. Cyclophilin 19 is a secreted cis-trans peptidyl isomerase expressed in all life stages of Trypanosoma cruzi. This protein in the insect stage leads to the inactivation of insect anti-parasitic peptides and parasite transformation whereas in the intracellular amastigotes it participates in generating ROS promoting the growth of parasites. We have generated a parasite mutant with depleted expression of Cyp19 by removal of 2 of 3 genes encoding this protein using double allelic homologous recombination. The mutant parasite line failed to replicate when inoculated into host cells in vitro or in mice indicating that Cyp19 is critical for infectivity. The mutant parasite line also fails to replicate in or cause clinical disease in immuno-deficient mice further validating their lack of virulence. Repeated inoculation of mutant parasites into immuno-competent mice elicits parasite-specific trypanolytic antibodies and a Th-1 biased immune response and challenge of mutant immunized mice with virulent wild-type parasites is 100% effective at preventing death from acute disease. These results suggest that parasite Cyp19 may be candidate for small molecule drug targeting and that the mutant parasite line may warrant further immunization studies for prevention of Chagas disease.

Recent Advances in the Development of Adenovirus-Vectored Vaccines for Parasitic Infections

Vaccines against parasites have lagged centuries behind those against viral and bacterial infections, despite the devastating morbidity and widespread effects of parasitic diseases across the globe. One of the greatest hurdles to parasite vaccine development has been the lack of vaccine strategies able to elicit the complex and multifaceted immune responses needed to abrogate parasitic persistence. Viral vectors, especially adenovirus (AdV) vectors, have emerged as a potential solution for complex disease targets, including HIV, tuberculosis, and parasitic diseases, to name a few. AdVs are highly immunogenic and are uniquely able to drive CD8+ T cell responses, which are known to be correlates of immunity in infections with most protozoan and some helminthic parasites. This review presents recent developments in AdV-vectored vaccines targeting five major human parasitic diseases: malaria, Chagas disease, schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, and toxoplasmosis. Many AdV-vectored vaccines have been developed for these diseases, utilizing a wide variety of vectors, antigens, and modes of delivery. AdV-vectored vaccines are a promising approach for the historically challenging target of human parasitic diseases.

Human adenoviruses: A suspect behind the outbreak of acute hepatitis in children amid the COVID-19 pandemic

As of 10 May 2022, at least 450 cases of pediatric patients with acute hepatitis of unknown cause have been reported worldwide. Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) have been detected in at least 74 cases, including the F type HAdV41 in 18 cases, which indicates that adenoviruses may be associated with this mysterious childhood hepatitis, although other infectious agents or environmental factors cannot be excluded. In this review, we provide a brief introduction of the basic features of HAdVs and describe diseases caused by different HAdVs in humans, aiming to help understand the biology and potential risk of HAdVs and cope with the outbreak of acute child hepatitis.

Nonhuman Primate Adenoviruses of the Human Adenovirus B Species Are Potent and Broadly Acting Oncolytic Vector Candidates

The use of human adenoviruses (hAds) as oncolytic agents has demonstrated considerable potential. However, their efficacy in clinical studies is generally moderate and often varies between patients. This may, in part, be attributable to variable pre-existing neutralizing immunity in patients, which can impact the antitumor efficacy and lead to response heterogeneity. Our aim was to isolate new Ads for the development of oncolytic vectors with low prevalence of neutralizing immunity in the human population. To this end, we isolated a collection of new nonhuman primate (nhp) Ads from stool samples of four great ape species held captive. We elected 12 isolates comprising the broadest genetic variability for further characterization. For three new nhpAds, all classified as the human adenovirus B (HAdV-B) species, no neutralizing activity could be detected when exposed to a preparation of immunoglobulins isolated from a pool of >1,000 donors as a surrogate of population immunity. In addition, the nhpAds of the HAdV-B species showed enhanced oncolytic potency compared to nhpAds of the HAdV-C species as well as to human adenovirus type 5 (HAdV-C5) in vitro when tested in a panel of 29 human cancer cell lines. Next-generation sequencing of the viral genomes revealed higher sequence similarity between hAds and nhpAds of HAdV-B compared to HAdV-C, which might underlie the differences in oncolytic ability. As a proof-of-concept, the Rb-binding domain of the E1A protein of the gorilla-derived HAdV-B nhpAd-lumc007 was deleted, thereby creating a new oncolytic derivative, which demonstrated increased oncolytic potential compared to HAdV-C5. Collectively, our data demonstrate that nhpAds of the HAdV-B species can serve as an alternative for the development of potent oncolytic Ad vectors with limited pre-existing neutralizing immunity in humans.

Human Adenovirus Serotype 3 Infection Modulates the Biogenesis and Composition of Lung Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles

Adenovirus (Ad) is a major causal agent of acute respiratory infections. However, they are a powerful delivery system for gene therapy and vaccines. Some Ad serotypes antagonize the immune system leading to meningitis, conjunctivitis, gastroenteritis, and/or acute hemorrhagic cystitis. Studies have shown that the release of small, membrane-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) may offer a mechanism by which viruses can enter cells via receptor-independent entry and how they influence disease pathogenesis and/or host protection considering their existence in almost all bodily fluids. We proposed that Ad3 could alter EV biogenesis, composition, and trafficking and may stimulate various immune responses in vitro. In the present study, we evaluated the impact of in vitro infection with Ad3 vector on EV biogenesis and composition in the human adenocarcinoma lung epithelial cell line A549. Cells were infected in an exosome-free media at different multiplicity of infections (MOIs) and time points. The cell viability was determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and fluorometric calcein-AM. EVs were isolated via ultracentrifugation. Isolated EV proteins were quantified and evaluated via nanoparticle tracking, transmission electron microscopy, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and immunoblotting assays. The cell viability significantly decreased with an increase in MOI and incubation time. A significant increase in particle mean sizes, concentrations, and total EV protein content was detected at higher MOIs when compared to uninfected cells (control group). A549 cell-derived EVs revealed the presence of TSG101, tetraspanins CD9 and CD63, and heat shock proteins 70 and 100 with significantly elevated levels of Rab5, 7, and 35 at higher MOIs (300, 750, and 1500) when compared to the controls. Our findings suggested Ad3 could modulate EV biogenesis, composition, and trafficking which could impact infection pathogenesis and disease progression. This study might suggest EVs could be diagnostic and therapeutic advancement to Ad infections and other related viral infections. However, further investigation is warranted to explore the underlying mechanism(s).

Fusion of Large Polypeptides to Human Adenovirus Type 5 Capsid Protein IX Can Compromise Virion Stability and DNA Packaging Capacity

The human adenovirus (HAdV) protein IX (pIX) is a minor component of the capsid that acts in part to stabilize the hexon-hexon interactions within the mature capsid. Virions lacking pIX have a reduced DNA packaging capacity and exhibit thermal instability. More recently, pIX has been developed as a platform for presentation of large polypeptides, such as fluorescent proteins or large targeting ligands, on the viral capsid. It is not known whether such modifications affect the natural ability of pIX to stabilize the HAdV virion. In this study, we show that addition of large polypeptides to pIX does not alter the natural stability of virions containing sub-wild-type-sized genomes. However, similar virions containing wild-type-sized genomes tend to genetically rearrange, likely due to selective pressure caused by virion instability as a result of compromised pIX function.IMPORTANCE Human adenovirus capsid protein IX (pIX) is involved in stabilizing the virion but has also been developed as a platform for presentation of various polypeptides on the surface of the virion. Whether such modifications affect the ability of pIX to stabilize the virion is unknown. We show that addition of large polypeptides to pIX can reduce both the DNA packaging capacity and the heat stability of the virion, which provides important guidance for the design of pIX-modified vectors.

Comparative Evaluation of the Vaccine Efficacies of Three Adenovirus-Based Vector Types in the Friend Retrovirus Infection Model

Adenovirus (AdV)-based vectors are popular experimental vaccine vectors, but despite their ability to induce strong immune responses, their application is impeded by widespread preexisting immunity against many AdV types that can impair or even abrogate the induction of transgene-specific immune responses. Therefore, the development of vectors based on AdV types with a low seroprevalence is important for effective AdV-based immunization in humans. We investigated the immunization efficacy of vectors based on AdV type 48 (Ad48) and Ad50 in the ovalbumin (ova) model as well as the Friend retrovirus (FV) model, which allows testing of the protective effect of vaccine-induced immunity. Using ova-encoding vectors, we found a significantly lower induction of ova-specific CD8⁺ T cells and antibody responses by Ad48- and Ad50-based vectors than by Ad5-based vectors. Similarly, we found a reduced induction of FV-specific CD8⁺ T cell responses in Ad48- and Ad50.Leader-Gag-immunized mice compared with that in Ad5-immunized mice; however, some of those mice were able to control the FV infection, and protection correlated with the level of neutralizing antibodies 10 days after FV challenge. Analyses of the AdV-specific antibodies and CD8⁺ T cells induced by the individual AdV types revealed a high level of cross-reactivity, and the efficacy of Ad48-based immunization was impaired in Ad5-preimmune mice. Our results show that the immunity induced by Ad48- and Ad50-based vectors is reduced compared to that induced by Ad5 and is sufficient to control FV infection in only some of the immunized mice. A high level of cross-reactivity suggests that AdV preimmunity must be considered even when applying rare AdV-based vectors.IMPORTANCE AdV-based vectors are important tools for the development of vaccines against a wide range of pathogens. While AdV vectors are generally considered safe and highly effective, their application can be severely impaired by preexisting immunity due to the widespread seroprevalence of some AdV types. The characterization of different AdV types with regard to immunogenicity and efficacy in challenge models is of great importance for the development of improved AdV-based vectors that allow for efficient immunization despite anti-AdV immunity. We show that the immunity induced by an Ad48-based vector is inferior to that induced by an Ad5-based vector but can still mediate the control of an FV infection in highly FV-susceptible mice. However, the efficacy of Ad48-based immunization was impaired in Ad5-preimmune mice. Importantly, we found cross-reactivity of both the humoral and cellular immune responses raised by the individual AdV types, suggesting that switching to a different AdV type may not be sufficient to circumvent preexisting anti-AdV immunity.

Longitudinal quantification of adenovirus neutralizing responses in Zambian mother-infant pairs: Impact of HIV-1 infection and its treatment

Vaccination offers the most cost-effective approach to limiting the adverse impact of infectious and neoplastic diseases that reduce the quality of life in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, it is unclear what vaccine vectors would be most readily implementable in the setting and at what age they should be applied for maximal efficacy. Adenoviruses (Ad) and Ad-based vectors have been demonstrated to induce effective humoral and cellular immune responses in animal models and in humans. However, because immunity associated with Ad infection is lifelong, there exists a debate as to whether pre-existing immunity might decrease the efficacy of Ad vectored vaccines. In order to begin to rationally develop vaccination strategies for SSA, we have quantified neutralizing antibodies (nAb) against Ad4, Ad5, Ad7, Ad26, Ad28, Ad45 and Ad48 in 67 adult women and their infants. We are the first to define the decay kinetics of transferred maternal nAb in infants as well as the apparent initiation of de novo Ad responses. Our findings demonstrate that in Zambian adults, robust nAb responses exist against each of the Ads tested and are efficiently transferred to newborns. With few exceptions, neither the HIV-1 infection status of the mothers or the antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment of HIV-1 disease had significant impact on maternal Ad nAb responses or their transfer to infants. However, maternal Ad nAb decays in infants to a nadir at 12 months of age such that any of the seven Ad types could function as vaccine vectors. The definition of this 'window of opportunity' provides important foundational data for rational design and implementation of Ad vectors in this setting.

A review of 65 years of human adenovirus seroprevalence

Introduction: Human adenovirus (HAdV)-derived vectors have been used in numerous pre-clinical and clinical trials during the last 40 years. Current research in HAdV-based vaccines focuses on improving transgene immunogenicity and safety. Because pre-existing humoral immunity against HAdV types correlate with reduced vaccine efficacy and safety, many groups are exploring the development of HAdV types vectors with lower seroprevalence. However, global seroepidemiological data are incomplete. Areas covered: The goal of this review is to centralize 65 years of research on (primarily) HAdV epidemiology. After briefly addressing adenovirus biology, we chronical HAdV seroprevalence studies and highlight major milestones. Finally, we analyze data from about 50 studies with respect to HAdVs types that are currently used in the clinic, or are in the developmental pipeline. Expert opinion: Vaccination is among the most efficient tools to prevent infectious disease. HAdV-based vaccines have undeniable potential, but optimization is needed and antivector immunity remains a challenge if the same vectors are to be administrated to different populations. Here, we identify gaps in our knowledge and the need for updated worldwide epidemiological data.

Progress in Adenoviral Capsid-Display Vaccines

Adenoviral vectored vaccines against infectious diseases are currently in clinical trials due to their capacity to induce potent antigen-specific B- and T-cell immune responses. Heterologous prime-boost vaccination with adenoviral vector and, for example, adjuvanted protein-based vaccines can further enhance antigen-specific immune responses. Although leading to potent immune responses, these heterologous prime-boost regimens may be complex and impact manufacturing costs limiting efficient implementation. Typically, adenoviral vectors are engineered to genetically encode a transgene in the E1 region and utilize the host cell machinery to express the encoded antigen and thereby induce immune responses. Similarly, adenoviral vectors can be engineered to display foreign immunogenic peptides on the capsid-surface by insertion of antigens in capsid proteins hexon, fiber and protein IX. The ability to use adenoviral vectors as antigen-display particles, with or without using the genetic vaccine function, greatly increases the versatility of the adenoviral vector for vaccine development. This review describes the application of adenoviral capsid antigen-display vaccine vectors by focusing on their distinct advantages and possible limitations in vaccine development.

Hexons from adenovirus serotypes 5 and 48 differentially protect adenovirus vectors from neutralization by mouse and human serum

Adenovirus vectors are widely used in gene therapy clinical trials, and preclinical studies with these vectors are often conducted in mice. It is therefore critical to understand whether mouse studies adequately predict the behavior of adenovirus vectors in humans. The most commonly-used adenovirus vectors are derived from adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5). The Ad5 hexon protein can bind coagulation factor X (FX), and binding of FX has a major impact on vector interactions with other blood proteins. In mouse serum, FX protects Ad5 vectors from neutralization by natural antibodies and complement. In the current study, we similarly find that human FX inhibits neutralization of Ad5 vectors by human serum, and this finding is consistent among individual human sera. We show that human IgM and human IgG can each induce complement-mediated neutralization when Ad5 vectors are not protected by FX. Although mouse and human serum had similar effects on Ad5 vectors, we found that this was not true for a chimeric Ad5 vector that incorporated hexon regions from adenovirus serotype 48. Interestingly, this hexon-chimeric vector was neutralized by human serum, but not by mouse serum. These findings indicate that studies in mouse serum accurately predict the behavior of Ad5 vectors in human serum, but mouse serum is not an accurate model system for all adenovirus vectors.