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Mendoza-Ramírez NJ, García-Cordero J, Shrivastava G, Cedillo-Barrón L. The Key to Increase Immunogenicity of Next-Generation COVID-19 Vaccines Lies in the Inclusion of the SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein. J Immunol Res 2024; 2024:9313267. [PMID: 38939745 PMCID: PMC11208798 DOI: 10.1155/2024/9313267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Vaccination is one of the most effective prophylactic public health interventions for the prevention of infectious diseases such as coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Considering the ongoing need for new COVID-19 vaccines, it is crucial to modify our approach and incorporate more conserved regions of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to effectively address emerging viral variants. The nucleocapsid protein is a structural protein of SARS-CoV-2 that is involved in replication and immune responses. Furthermore, this protein offers significant advantages owing to the minimal accumulation of mutations over time and the inclusion of key T-cell epitopes critical for SARS-CoV-2 immunity. A novel strategy that may be suitable for the new generation of vaccines against COVID-19 is to use a combination of antigens, including the spike and nucleocapsid proteins, to elicit robust humoral and potent cellular immune responses, along with long-lasting immunity. The strategic use of multiple antigens aims to enhance vaccine efficacy and broaden protection against viruses, including their variants. The immune response against the nucleocapsid protein from other coronavirus is long-lasting, and it can persist up to 11 years post-infection. Thus, the incorporation of nucleocapsids (N) into vaccine design adds an important dimension to vaccination efforts and holds promise for bolstering the ability to combat COVID-19 effectively. In this review, we summarize the preclinical studies that evaluated the use of the nucleocapsid protein as antigen. This study discusses the use of nucleocapsid alone and its combination with spike protein or other proteins of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noe Juvenal Mendoza-Ramírez
- Departamento de Biomedicina MolecularCINVESTAV IPN, Av. IPN # 2508 Col, San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Julio García-Cordero
- Departamento de Biomedicina MolecularCINVESTAV IPN, Av. IPN # 2508 Col, San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Gaurav Shrivastava
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector ResearchNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious DiseasesNational Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Leticia Cedillo-Barrón
- Departamento de Biomedicina MolecularCINVESTAV IPN, Av. IPN # 2508 Col, San Pedro Zacatenco, Mexico City 07360, Mexico
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Russo M, Mendes-Corrêa MC, Lins BB, Kersten V, Pernambuco Filho PCA, Martins TR, Tozetto-Mendoza TR, Vilas Boas LS, Gomes BM, Dati LMM, Duarte-Neto AN, Reigado GR, Frederico ABT, de Brito e Cunha DRDA, de Paula AV, da Silva JIG, Vasconcelos CFM, Chambergo FS, Nunes VA, Ano Bom APD, Castilho LR, Martins RAP, Hirata MH, Mirotti L. Intranasal Liposomal Formulation of Spike Protein Adjuvanted with CpG Protects and Boosts Heterologous Immunity of hACE2 Transgenic Mice to SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1732. [PMID: 38006064 PMCID: PMC10675295 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11111732] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucosal vaccination appears to be suitable to protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this study, we tested an intranasal mucosal vaccine candidate for COVID-19 that consisted of a cationic liposome containing a trimeric SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and CpG-ODNs, a Toll-like receptor 9 agonist, as an adjuvant. In vitro and in vivo experiments indicated the absence of toxicity following the intranasal administration of this vaccine formulation. First, we found that subcutaneous or intranasal vaccination protected hACE-2 transgenic mice from infection with the wild-type (Wuhan) SARS-CoV-2 strain, as shown by weight loss and mortality indicators. However, when compared with subcutaneous administration, the intranasal route was more effective in the pulmonary clearance of the virus and induced higher neutralizing antibodies and anti-S IgA titers. In addition, the intranasal vaccination afforded protection against gamma, delta, and omicron virus variants of concern. Furthermore, the intranasal vaccine formulation was superior to intramuscular vaccination with a recombinant, replication-deficient chimpanzee adenovirus vector encoding the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein (Oxford/AstraZeneca) in terms of virus lung clearance and production of neutralizing antibodies in serum and bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL). Finally, the intranasal liposomal formulation boosted heterologous immunity induced by previous intramuscular vaccination with the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, which was more robust than homologous immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Momtchilo Russo
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo (ICB-USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Maria Cássia Mendes-Corrêa
- Laboratório de Virologia (LIM52), Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FM-USP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (M.C.M.-C.); (T.R.M.)
| | - Bruna B. Lins
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo (ICB-USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Victor Kersten
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo (ICB-USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Paulo C. A. Pernambuco Filho
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo (ICB-USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Toni Ricardo Martins
- Laboratório de Virologia (LIM52), Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FM-USP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (M.C.M.-C.); (T.R.M.)
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM), Manaus 69080-900, Brazil
| | - Tânia Regina Tozetto-Mendoza
- Laboratório de Virologia (LIM52), Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FM-USP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (M.C.M.-C.); (T.R.M.)
| | - Lucy Santos Vilas Boas
- Laboratório de Virologia (LIM52), Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FM-USP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (M.C.M.-C.); (T.R.M.)
| | - Brisa Moreira Gomes
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo (ICB-USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Livia Mendonça Munhoz Dati
- Departamento de Analises Clinicas e Toxicologicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas da Universidade de Sao Paulo (FCF-USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil (M.H.H.)
| | - Amaro Nunes Duarte-Neto
- Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FM-USP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Roncoli Reigado
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades, Universidade de São Paulo (EACH-USP), São Paulo 03828-000, Brazil (F.S.C.); (V.A.N.)
| | - Ana Beatriz T. Frederico
- Immunological Technology Laboratory, Institute of Immunobiological Technology (Bio-Manguinhos), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil (A.P.D.A.B.)
| | - Danielle R. de A. de Brito e Cunha
- Immunological Technology Laboratory, Institute of Immunobiological Technology (Bio-Manguinhos), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil (A.P.D.A.B.)
| | - Anderson Vicente de Paula
- Laboratório de Virologia (LIM52), Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FM-USP), São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil; (M.C.M.-C.); (T.R.M.)
| | - José Igor G. da Silva
- Programa de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil (R.A.P.M.)
| | - Carlos F. Moreira Vasconcelos
- Programa de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil (R.A.P.M.)
| | - Felipe S. Chambergo
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades, Universidade de São Paulo (EACH-USP), São Paulo 03828-000, Brazil (F.S.C.); (V.A.N.)
| | - Viviane Abreu Nunes
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades, Universidade de São Paulo (EACH-USP), São Paulo 03828-000, Brazil (F.S.C.); (V.A.N.)
| | - Ana Paula Dinis Ano Bom
- Immunological Technology Laboratory, Institute of Immunobiological Technology (Bio-Manguinhos), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil (A.P.D.A.B.)
| | - Leda R. Castilho
- Cell Culture Engineering Laboratory, COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-598, Brazil;
| | - Rodrigo A. P. Martins
- Programa de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil (R.A.P.M.)
| | - Mario Hiroyuki Hirata
- Departamento de Analises Clinicas e Toxicologicas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas da Universidade de Sao Paulo (FCF-USP), São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil (M.H.H.)
| | - Luciana Mirotti
- Institute of Science and Technology in Biomodels (ICTB), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
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Sengupta A, Al-Otaibi N, Hinkula J. Sex-Specific Immune Responses to Seasonal Influenza Vaccination in Diabetic Individuals: Implications for Vaccine Efficacy. J Immunol Res 2023; 2023:3111351. [PMID: 37881338 PMCID: PMC10597737 DOI: 10.1155/2023/3111351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Seasonal influenza vaccination has different implications on the immune response depending on the comorbidities. Diabetes is one such critical disease that increases the patient's susceptibility to influenza and suppresses vaccine efficacy and immunity. The sex of the individuals also plays a definitive role in the immune responses to both the vaccine and the infection. This study aims to understand the efficacy of the seasonal vaccine against influenza in diabetic groups and undergoing immune mechanisms in different sexes (females and males). In this study, we are reporting about a switching of the immune response of the infected and vaccinated diabetic females towards stronger Th1/Th17 responses with suppressed humoral immunity. They show increased cDC1, enhanced proinflammatory activities within T cells, CD8T activation, Th17 proliferation, and the majority of IgG2 antibody subtypes with reduced neutralization potential. Males with diabetes exhibit enhanced humoral Th2-immunity than the nondiabetic group. They exhibit higher cDC2, and DEC205 levels within them with an increase in plasma B lymphocytes, higher IgG1 subtypes in plasma cells, and influenza-hemagglutinin-specific IgG titer with stronger virus neutralization potential. Males with diabetes recovered better than the females as observed from the changes in their body weight. This study highlights the critical immune mechanisms and sex-specific swapping of their preferred immune response pathways against influenza after vaccination during diabetes. We propose a need for a sex-specific customized vaccine regimen to be implemented against influenza for individuals having diabetes to exploit the manifested strength and weakness in their protective immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Sengupta
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping 58185, Sweden
| | - Noha Al-Otaibi
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyad 11442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jorma Hinkula
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping 58185, Sweden
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Rzymski P, Pokorska-Śpiewak M, Jackowska T, Kuchar E, Nitsch-Osuch A, Pawłowska M, Babicki M, Jaroszewicz J, Szenborn L, Wysocki J, Flisiak R. Key Considerations during the Transition from the Acute Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1502. [PMID: 37766178 PMCID: PMC10537111 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11091502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has been met with an unprecedented response from the scientific community, leading to the development, investigation, and authorization of vaccines and antivirals, ultimately reducing the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on global public health. However, SARS-CoV-2 is far from being eradicated, continues to evolve, and causes substantial health and economic burdens. In this narrative review, we posit essential points on SARS-CoV-2 and its responsible management during the transition from the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. As discussed, despite Omicron (sub)variant(s) causing clinically milder infections, SARS-CoV-2 is far from being a negligible pathogen. It requires continued genomic surveillance, particularly if one considers that its future (sub)lineages do not necessarily have to be milder. Antivirals and vaccines remain the essential elements in COVID-19 management. However, the former could benefit from further development and improvements in dosing, while the seasonal administration of the latter requires simplification to increase interest and tackle vaccine hesitancy. It is also essential to ensure the accessibility of COVID-19 pharmaceuticals and vaccines in low-income countries and improve the understanding of their use in the context of the long-term goals of SARS-CoV-2 management. Regardless of location, the primary role of COVID-19 awareness and education must be played by healthcare workers, who directly communicate with patients and serve as role models for healthy behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznań, Poland
| | - Maria Pokorska-Śpiewak
- Department of Children’s Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Teresa Jackowska
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre for Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Ernest Kuchar
- Department of Pediatrics with Clinical Assessment Unit, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Aneta Nitsch-Osuch
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-007 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Pawłowska
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 85-067 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Mateusz Babicki
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 51-141 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Jerzy Jaroszewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Silesia, 41-902 Bytom, Poland;
| | - Leszek Szenborn
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Wrocław Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Jacek Wysocki
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznań, Poland;
| | - Robert Flisiak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Białystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland;
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Lykins WR, Fox CB. Practical Considerations for Next-Generation Adjuvant Development and Translation. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1850. [PMID: 37514037 PMCID: PMC10385070 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071850] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last several years, there has been increased interest from academia and the pharmaceutical/biotech industry in the development of vaccine adjuvants for new and emerging vaccine modalities. Despite this, vaccine adjuvant development still has some of the longest timelines in the pharmaceutical space, from discovery to clinical approval. The reasons for this are manyfold and range from complexities in translation from animal to human models, concerns about safety or reactogenicity, to challenges in sourcing the necessary raw materials at scale. In this review, we will describe the current state of the art for many adjuvant technologies and how they should be approached or applied in the development of new vaccine products. We postulate that there are many factors to be considered and tools to be applied earlier on in the vaccine development pipeline to improve the likelihood of clinical success. These recommendations may require a modified approach to some of the common practices in new product development but would result in more accessible and practical adjuvant-containing products.
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Castrodeza-Sanz J, Sanz-Muñoz I, Eiros JM. Adjuvants for COVID-19 Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11050902. [PMID: 37243006 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11050902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, the improvement of traditional vaccines has meant that we have moved from inactivated whole virus vaccines, which provoke a moderate immune response but notable adverse effects, to much more processed vaccines such as protein subunit vaccines, which despite being less immunogenic have better tolerability profiles. This reduction in immunogenicity is detrimental to the prevention of people at risk. For this reason, adjuvants are a good solution to improve the immunogenicity of this type of vaccine, with much better tolerability profiles and a low prevalence of side effects. During the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination focused on mRNA-type and viral vector vaccines. However, during the years 2022 and 2023, the first protein-based vaccines began to be approved. Adjuvanted vaccines are capable of inducing potent responses, not only humoral but also cellular, in populations whose immune systems are weak or do not respond properly, such as the elderly. Therefore, this type of vaccine should complete the portfolio of existing vaccines, and could help to complete vaccination against COVID-19 worldwide now and over the coming years. In this review we analyze the advantages and disadvantages of adjuvants, as well as their use in current and future vaccines against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Castrodeza-Sanz
- National Influenza Centre, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Unit, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Iván Sanz-Muñoz
- National Influenza Centre, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
- Instituto de Estudios de Ciencias de la Salud de Castilla y León, ICSCYL, 42002 Soria, Spain
| | - Jose M Eiros
- National Influenza Centre, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
- Microbiology Unit, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain
- Microbiology Unit, Hospital Universitario Río Hortega, 47013 Valladolid, Spain
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Rzymski P, Szuster-Ciesielska A, Dzieciątkowski T, Gwenzi W, Fal A. mRNA vaccines: The future of prevention of viral infections? J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28572. [PMID: 36762592 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines against COVID-19 are the first authorized biological preparations developed using this platform. During the pandemic, their administration has been proven to be a life-saving intervention. Here, we review the main advantages of using mRNA vaccines, identify further technological challenges to be met during the development of the mRNA platform, and provide an update on the clinical progress on leading mRNA vaccine candidates against different viruses that include influenza viruses, human immunodeficiency virus 1, respiratory syncytial virus, Nipah virus, Zika virus, human cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus. The prospects and challenges of manufacturing mRNA vaccines in low-income countries are also discussed. The ongoing interest and research in mRNA technology are likely to overcome some existing challenges for this technology (e.g., related to storage conditions and immunogenicity of some components of lipid nanoparticles) and enhance the portfolio of vaccines against diseases for which classical formulations are already authorized. It may also open novel pathways of protection against infections and their consequences for which no safe and efficient immunization methods are currently available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.,Integrated Science Association (ISA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Poznań, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Szuster-Ciesielska
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Willis Gwenzi
- Alexander von Humboldt Fellow & Guest Professor, Grassland Science and Renewable Plant Resources, Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences, Universität Kassel, Witzenhausen, Germany.,Alexander von Humboldt Fellow & Guest Professor, Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB), Potsdam, Germany
| | - Andrzej Fal
- Collegium Medicum, Warsaw Faculty of Medicine, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Warsaw, Poland.,Department of Public Health, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
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