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Harrison JJ, Nguyen W, Morgan MS, Tang B, Habarugira G, de Malmanche H, Freney ME, Modhiran N, Watterson D, Cox AL, Yan K, Yuen NKY, Bowman DH, Kirkland PD, Bielefeldt-Ohmann H, Suhrbier A, Hall RA, Rawle DJ, Hobson-Peters J. A chimeric vaccine derived from Australian genotype IV Japanese encephalitis virus protects mice from lethal challenge. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:134. [PMID: 39085247 PMCID: PMC11291493 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00903-2] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
In 2022, a genotype IV (GIV) strain of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) caused an unprecedented and widespread outbreak of disease in pigs and humans in Australia. As no veterinary vaccines against JEV are approved in Australia and all current approved human and veterinary vaccines are derived from genotype (G) III JEV strains, we used the recently described insect-specific Binjari virus (BinJV) chimeric flavivirus vaccine technology to produce a JEV GIV vaccine candidate. Herein we describe the production of a chimeric virus displaying the structural prM and E proteins of a JEV GIV isolate obtained from a stillborn piglet (JEVNSW/22) in the genomic backbone of BinJV (BinJ/JEVNSW/22-prME). BinJ/JEVNSW/22-prME was shown to be antigenically indistinguishable from the JEVNSW/22 parental virus by KD analysis and a panel of JEV-reactive monoclonal antibodies in ELISA. BinJ/JEVNSW/22-prME replicated efficiently in C6/36 cells, reaching titres of >107 infectious units/mL - an important attribute for vaccine manufacture. As expected, BinJ/JEVNSW/22-prME failed to replicate in a variety of vertebrate cells lines. When used to immunise mice, the vaccine induced a potent virus neutralising response against JEVNSW/22 and to GII and GIII JEV strains. The BinJ/JEVNSW/22-prME vaccine provided complete protection against lethal challenge with JEVNSW/22, whilst also providing partial protection against viraemia and disease for the related Murray Valley encephalitis virus. Our results demonstrate that BinJ/JEVNSW/22-prME is a promising vaccine candidate against JEV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J Harrison
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Wilson Nguyen
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4029, Australia
| | - Mahali S Morgan
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Bing Tang
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4029, Australia
| | - Gervais Habarugira
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Henry de Malmanche
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Morgan E Freney
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Naphak Modhiran
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Daniel Watterson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
- Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, Brisbane, 4072, 4029, Australia
| | - Abigail L Cox
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4029, Australia
| | - Kexin Yan
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4029, Australia
| | - Nicholas K Y Yuen
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
| | - Dylan H Bowman
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
| | - Peter D Kirkland
- Department of Primary Industries, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle, NSW, 2568, Australia
| | - Helle Bielefeldt-Ohmann
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
- Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, Brisbane, 4072, 4029, Australia
| | - Andreas Suhrbier
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4029, Australia
- Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, Brisbane, 4072, 4029, Australia
| | - Roy A Hall
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, 4072, Australia
- Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, Brisbane, 4072, 4029, Australia
| | - Daniel J Rawle
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4029, Australia.
| | - Jody Hobson-Peters
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, 4072, Australia.
- Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, Brisbane, 4072, 4029, Australia.
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2
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Koh C, Saleh MC. Translating mosquito viromes into vector management strategies. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:10-20. [PMID: 38065789 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Mosquitoes are best known for transmitting human and animal viruses. However, they also harbour mosquito-specific viruses (MSVs) as part of their microbiota. These are a group of viruses whose diversity and prevalence overshadow their medically relevant counterparts. Although metagenomics sequencing has remarkably accelerated the discovery of these viruses, what we know about them is often limited to sequence information, leaving much of their fundamental biology to be explored. Understanding the biology and ecology of MSVs can enlighten our knowledge of virus-virus interactions and lead to new innovations in the management of mosquito-borne viral diseases. We retrace the history of their discovery and discuss research milestones that would line the path from mosquito virome knowledge to vector management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Koh
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3569, Viruses and RNA Interference Unit, 75015 Paris, France.
| | - Maria-Carla Saleh
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR3569, Viruses and RNA Interference Unit, 75015 Paris, France
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3
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Chauhan S, Khasa YP. Challenges and Opportunities in the Process Development of Chimeric Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1828. [PMID: 38140232 PMCID: PMC10747103 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121828] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccines are integral to human life to protect them from life-threatening diseases. However, conventional vaccines often suffer limitations like inefficiency, safety concerns, unavailability for non-culturable microbes, and genetic variability among pathogens. Chimeric vaccines combine multiple antigen-encoding genes of similar or different microbial strains to protect against hyper-evolving drug-resistant pathogens. The outbreaks of dreadful diseases have led researchers to develop economical chimeric vaccines that can cater to a large population in a shorter time. The process development begins with computationally aided omics-based approaches to design chimeric vaccines. Furthermore, developing these vaccines requires optimizing upstream and downstream processes for mass production at an industrial scale. Owing to the complex structures and complicated bioprocessing of evolving pathogens, various high-throughput process technologies have come up with added advantages. Recent advancements in high-throughput tools, process analytical technology (PAT), quality-by-design (QbD), design of experiments (DoE), modeling and simulations, single-use technology, and integrated continuous bioprocessing have made scalable production more convenient and economical. The paradigm shift to innovative strategies requires significant attention to deal with major health threats at the global scale. This review outlines the challenges and emerging avenues in the bioprocess development of chimeric vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yogender Pal Khasa
- Department of Microbiology, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi 110021, India;
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4
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Tanelus M, López K, Smith S, Muller JA, Porier DL, Auguste DI, Stone WB, Paulson SL, Auguste AJ. Exploring the immunogenicity of an insect-specific virus vectored Zika vaccine candidate. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19948. [PMID: 37968443 PMCID: PMC10651913 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47086-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is an important re-emerging flavivirus that presents a significant threat to human health worldwide. Despite its importance, no vaccines are approved for use in humans. Insect-specific flaviviruses (ISFVs) have recently garnered attention as an antigen presentation platform for vaccine development and diagnostic applications. Here, we further explore the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of a chimeric ISFV-Zika vaccine candidate, designated Aripo-Zika (ARPV/ZIKV). Our results show a near-linear relationship between increased dose and immunogenicity, with 1011 genome copies (i.e., 108 focus forming units) being the minimum dose required for protection from ZIKV-induced morbidity and mortality in mice. Including boosters did not significantly increase the short-term efficacy of ARPV/ZIKV-vaccinated mice. We also show that weanling mice derived from ARPV/ZIKV-vaccinated dams were completely protected from ZIKV-induced morbidity and mortality upon challenge, suggesting efficient transfer of maternally-derived protective antibodies. Finally, in vitro coinfection studies of ZIKV with Aripo virus (ARPV) and ARPV/ZIKV in African green monkey kidney cells (i.e., Vero-76) showed that ARPV and ARPV/ZIKV remain incapable of replication in vertebrate cells, despite the presence of active ZIKV replication. Altogether, our data continue to support ISFV-based vaccines, and specifically the ARPV backbone is a safe, immunogenic and effective vaccine strategy for flaviviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manette Tanelus
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Krisangel López
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Shaan Smith
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - John A Muller
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Danielle L Porier
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Dawn I Auguste
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - William B Stone
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Sally L Paulson
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Albert J Auguste
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-Borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
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Habarugira G, Harrison JJ, Moran J, Suen WW, Colmant AMG, Hobson-Peters J, Isberg SR, Bielefeldt-Ohmann H, Hall RA. A chimeric vaccine protects farmed saltwater crocodiles from West Nile virus-induced skin lesions. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:93. [PMID: 37369653 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00688-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) causes skin lesions in farmed crocodiles leading to the depreciation of the value of their hides and significant economic losses. However, there is no commercially available vaccine designed for use in crocodilians against WNV. We tested chimeric virus vaccines composed of the non-structural genes of the insect-specific flavivirus Binjari virus (BinJV) and genes encoding the structural proteins of WNV. The BinJV/WNV chimera, is antigenically similar to wild-type WNV but replication-defective in vertebrates. Intramuscular injection of two doses of BinJV/WNV in hatchling saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) elicited a robust neutralising antibody response and conferred protection against viremia and skin lesions after challenge with WNV. In contrast, mock-vaccinated crocodiles became viraemic and 22.2% exhibited WNV-induced lesions. This suggests that the BinJV/WNV chimera is a safe and efficacious vaccine for preventing WNV-induced skin lesions in farmed crocodilians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gervais Habarugira
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Jessica J Harrison
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Jasmin Moran
- Centre for Crocodile Research, Noonamah, NT, Australia
| | - Willy W Suen
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Geelong, VIC, 3219, Australia
| | - Agathe M G Colmant
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE) Aix-Marseille Univ-IRD 190-Inserm 1207, Marseille, France
| | - Jody Hobson-Peters
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Helle Bielefeldt-Ohmann
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia.
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.
| | - Roy A Hall
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia.
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.
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6
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Porier DL, Adam A, Kang L, Michalak P, Tupik J, Santos MA, Lee C, Allen IC, Wang T, Auguste AJ. Humoral and T-cell-mediated responses to a pre-clinical Zika vaccine candidate that utilizes a unique insect-specific flavivirus platform. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.01.530296. [PMID: 36909623 PMCID: PMC10002724 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.01.530296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Vaccination is critical for the control and prevention of viral outbreaks, yet conventional vaccine platforms may involve trade-offs between immunogenicity and safety. Insect-specific viruses have emerged as a novel vaccine platform to overcome this challenge. Detailed studies of humoral and T-cell responses induced by new insect-specific flavivirus (ISFV)-based vaccine platforms are needed to better understand correlates of protection and improve vaccine efficacy. Previously, we used a novel ISFV called Aripo virus (ARPV) to create a Zika virus (ZIKV) vaccine candidate (designated ARPV/ZIKV). ARPV/ZIKV demonstrated exceptional safety and single-dose efficacy, completely protecting mice from a lethal ZIKV challenge. Here, we explore the development of immune responses induced by ARPV/ZIKV immunization and evaluate its correlates of protection. Passive transfer of ARPV/ZIKV-induced immune sera to naïve mice prior to challenge emphasized the importance of neutralizing antibodies as a correlate of protection. Depletion of T-cells in vaccinated mice and adoptive transfer of ARPV/ZIKV-primed T-cells to naïve mice prior to challenge indicated that ARPV/ZIKV-induced CD4 + and CD8 + T-cell responses contribute to the observed protection but may not be essential for protection during ZIKV challenge. However, vaccination of Rag1 KO, Tcra KO, and muMt - mice demonstrated the critical role for ARPV/ZIKV-induced T-cells in developing protective immune responses following vaccination. Overall, both humoral and T-cell-mediated responses induced by ISFV-based vaccines are important for comprehensive immunity, and ISFV platforms continue to be a promising method for future vaccine development.
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7
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Wang Y, Chen-Mayfield TJ, Li Z, Younis MH, Cai W, Hu Q. Harnessing DNA for immunotherapy: Cancer, infectious diseases, and beyond. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2022; 32:2112273. [PMID: 36304724 PMCID: PMC9595111 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202112273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Despite the rapid development of immunotherapy, low response rates, poor therapeutic outcomes and severe side effects still limit their implementation, making the augmentation of immunotherapy an important goal for current research. DNA, which has principally been recognized for its functions of encoding genetic information, has recently attracted research interest due to its emerging role in immune modulation. Inspired by the intrinsic DNA-sensing signaling that triggers the host defense in response to foreign DNA, DNA or nucleic acid-based immune stimulators have been used in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Besides that, DNA vaccines allow the synthesis of target proteins in host cells, subsequently inducing recognition of these antigens to provoke immune responses. On this basis, researchers have designed numerous vehicles for DNA and nucleic acid delivery to regulate immune systems. Additionally, DNA nanostructures have also been implemented as vaccine delivery systems to elicit strong immune responses against pathogens and diseased cells. This review will introduce the mechanism of harnessing DNA-mediated immunity for the prevention and treatment of diseases, summarize recent progress, and envisage their future applications and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Wang
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705
| | - Ting-Jing Chen-Mayfield
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705
| | - Zhaoting Li
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705
| | - Muhsin H. Younis
- Department of Radiology and Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705
| | - Weibo Cai
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705
- Department of Radiology and Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705
| | - Quanyin Hu
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705
- Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705
- Wisconsin Center for NanoBioSystems, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA
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Reporter Flaviviruses as Tools to Demonstrate Homologous and Heterologous Superinfection Exclusion. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071501. [PMID: 35891480 PMCID: PMC9317482 DOI: 10.3390/v14071501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Binjari virus (BinJV) is a lineage II or dual-host affiliated insect-specific flavivirus previously demonstrated as replication-deficient in vertebrate cells. Previous studies have shown that BinJV is tolerant to exchanging its structural proteins (prM-E) with pathogenic flaviviruses, making it a safe backbone for flavivirus vaccines. Here, we report generation by circular polymerase extension reaction of BinJV expressing zsGreen or mCherry fluorescent protein. Recovered BinJV reporter viruses grew to high titres (107−8 FFU/mL) in Aedes albopictus C6/36 cells assayed using immunoplaque assays (iPA). We also demonstrate that BinJV reporters could be semi-quantified live in vitro using a fluorescence microplate reader with an observed linear correlation between quantified fluorescence of BinJV reporter virus-infected C6/36 cells and iPA-quantitated virus titres. The utility of the BinJV reporter viruses was then examined in homologous and heterologous superinfection exclusion assays. We demonstrate that primary infection of C6/36 cells with BinJVzsGreen completely inhibits a secondary infection with homologous BinJVmCherry or heterologous ZIKVmCherry using fluorescence microscopy and virus quantitation by iPA. Finally, BinJVzsGreen infections were examined in vivo by microinjection of Aedes aegypti with BinJVzsGreen. At seven days post-infection, a strong fluorescence in the vicinity of salivary glands was detected in frozen sections. This is the first report on the construction of reporter viruses for lineage II insect-specific flaviviruses and establishes a tractable system for exploring flavivirus superinfection exclusion in vitro and in vivo.
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Habarugira G, Moran J, Harrison JJ, Isberg SR, Hobson-Peters J, Hall RA, Bielefeldt-Ohmann H. Evidence of Infection with Zoonotic Mosquito-Borne Flaviviruses in Saltwater Crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) in Northern Australia. Viruses 2022; 14:v14051106. [PMID: 35632847 PMCID: PMC9144604 DOI: 10.3390/v14051106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The risk of flavivirus infections among the crocodilian species was not recognised until West Nile virus (WNV) was introduced into the Americas. The first outbreaks caused death and substantial economic losses in the alligator farming industry. Several other WNV disease episodes have been reported in crocodilians in other parts of the world, including Australia and Africa. Considering that WNV shares vectors with other flaviviruses, crocodilians are highly likely to also be exposed to flaviviruses other than WNV. A serological survey for flaviviral infections was conducted on saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) at farms in the Northern Territory, Australia. Five hundred serum samples, collected from three crocodile farms, were screened using a pan-flavivirus-specific blocking ELISA. The screening revealed that 26% (n = 130/500) of the animals had antibodies to flaviviruses. Of these, 31.5% had neutralising antibodies to WNVKUN (Kunjin strain), while 1.5% had neutralising antibodies to another important flavivirus pathogen, Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV). Of the other flaviviruses tested for, Fitzroy River virus (FRV) was the most frequent (58.5%) in which virus neutralising antibodies were detected. Our data indicate that farmed crocodiles in the Northern Territory are exposed to a range of potentially zoonotic flaviviruses, in addition to WNVKUN. While these flaviviruses do not cause any known diseases in crocodiles, there is a need to investigate whether infected saltwater crocodiles can develop a viremia to sustain the transmission cycle or farmed crocodilians can be used as sentinels to monitor the dynamics of arboviral infections in tropical areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gervais Habarugira
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia;
| | - Jasmin Moran
- Centre for Crocodile Research, Noonamah, NT 0837, Australia; (J.M.); (S.R.I.)
| | - Jessica J. Harrison
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.J.H.); (J.H.-P.); (R.A.H.)
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Sally R. Isberg
- Centre for Crocodile Research, Noonamah, NT 0837, Australia; (J.M.); (S.R.I.)
| | - Jody Hobson-Peters
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.J.H.); (J.H.-P.); (R.A.H.)
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Roy A. Hall
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.J.H.); (J.H.-P.); (R.A.H.)
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Helle Bielefeldt-Ohmann
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.J.H.); (J.H.-P.); (R.A.H.)
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Correspondence:
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10
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Hazlewood JE, Tang B, Yan K, Rawle DJ, Harrison JJ, Hall RA, Hobson-Peters J, Suhrbier A. The Chimeric Binjari-Zika Vaccine Provides Long-Term Protection against ZIKA Virus Challenge. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:85. [PMID: 35062746 PMCID: PMC8781009 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10010085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
We recently developed a chimeric flavivirus vaccine technology based on the novel insect-specific Binjari virus (BinJV) and used this to generate a chimeric ZIKV vaccine (BinJ/ZIKA-prME) that protected IFNAR-/- dams and fetuses from infection. Herein, we show that a single vaccination of IFNAR-/- mice with unadjuvanted BinJ/ZIKA-prME generated neutralizing antibody responses that were retained for 14 months. At 15 months post vaccination, mice were also completely protected against detectable viremia and substantial body weight loss after challenge with ZIKVPRVABC59. BinJ/ZIKA-prME vaccination thus provided long-term protective immunity without the need for adjuvant or replication of the vaccine in the vaccine recipient, both attractive features for a ZIKV vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessamine E. Hazlewood
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; (J.E.H.); (B.T.); (K.Y.); (D.J.R.)
| | - Bing Tang
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; (J.E.H.); (B.T.); (K.Y.); (D.J.R.)
| | - Kexin Yan
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; (J.E.H.); (B.T.); (K.Y.); (D.J.R.)
| | - Daniel J. Rawle
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; (J.E.H.); (B.T.); (K.Y.); (D.J.R.)
| | - Jessica J. Harrison
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.J.H.); (R.A.H.)
| | - Roy A. Hall
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.J.H.); (R.A.H.)
- Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, GVN Center of Excellence, The University of Queensland and QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
| | - Jody Hobson-Peters
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.J.H.); (R.A.H.)
- Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, GVN Center of Excellence, The University of Queensland and QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, St Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
| | - Andreas Suhrbier
- Inflammation Biology Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia; (J.E.H.); (B.T.); (K.Y.); (D.J.R.)
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11
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Li H, Monslow MA, Freed DC, Chang D, Li F, Gindy M, Wang D, Vora K, Espeseth AS, Petrovsky N, Fu TM. Novel adjuvants enhance immune responses elicited by a replication-defective human cytomegalovirus vaccine in nonhuman primates. Vaccine 2021; 39:7446-7456. [PMID: 34852943 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.10.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Adjuvants have long been explored to enhance vaccine efficacy. Current adjuvants approved for human vaccines are mostly studied for their ability to improve antibody responses. There remains a need for development of novel adjuvants, especially those able to enhance cell-mediated immunity (CMI). In this preclinical study we assessed the effect of two novel adjuvants, a delta inulin microparticle Advax formulated with or without a toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist CpG oligonucleotide, and a Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA proprietary lipid nanoparticle (LNP), on immune responses elicited by V160, an experimental replication-defective human cytomegalovirus vaccine. Adult rhesus macaques were immunized with a low dose of V160 (10 units) either alone or in combination with the adjuvants as compared to those immunized with a high dose of V160 alone (100 units). While neither adjuvant conferred a significant benefit to vaccine-elicited humoral immune responses at the dose tested, both enhanced cellular immune responses to V160, where Advax promoted both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and LNP predominantly impacted the CD4+ T cell response. Transcriptome analyses of peripheral blood samples demonstrated different modes of action for these adjuvants. One day post vaccination, LNP induced upregulation of a large number of genes involved in the innate immune response similar to those triggered by viral infection. In contrast, Advax did not activate any known inflammatory pathways and did not significantly impact gene expression pattern until day 7 post administration, suggesting a unique, non-inflammatory mechanism. These data warrant further exploration of Advax and LNP as adjuvants in clinical trials for vaccines desiring to elicit both humoral and T cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hualin Li
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA.
| | | | | | - Dan Chang
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | | | | | - Dai Wang
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | | | | | - Nikolai Petrovsky
- Vaxine Pty Ltd, Flinders University, Bedford Park SA 5042, Australia
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12
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Harrison JJ, Hobson-Peters J, Bielefeldt-Ohmann H, Hall RA. Chimeric Vaccines Based on Novel Insect-Specific Flaviviruses. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1230. [PMID: 34835160 PMCID: PMC8623431 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9111230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Vector-borne flaviviruses are responsible for nearly half a billion human infections worldwide each year, resulting in millions of cases of debilitating and severe diseases and approximately 115,000 deaths. While approved vaccines are available for some of these viruses, the ongoing efficacy, safety and supply of these vaccines are still a significant problem. New technologies that address these issues and ideally allow for the safe and economical manufacture of vaccines in resource-poor countries where flavivirus vaccines are in most demand are urgently required. Preferably a new vaccine platform would be broadly applicable to all flavivirus diseases and provide new candidate vaccines for those diseases not yet covered, as well as the flexibility to rapidly pivot to respond to newly emerged flavivirus diseases. Here, we review studies conducted on novel chimeric vaccines derived from insect-specific flaviviruses that provide a potentially safe and simple system to produce highly effective vaccines against a broad spectrum of flavivirus diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J. Harrison
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.H.-P.); (H.B.-O.); (R.A.H.)
| | - Jody Hobson-Peters
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.H.-P.); (H.B.-O.); (R.A.H.)
| | - Helle Bielefeldt-Ohmann
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.H.-P.); (H.B.-O.); (R.A.H.)
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
| | - Roy A. Hall
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; (J.H.-P.); (H.B.-O.); (R.A.H.)
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13
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Porier DL, Wilson SN, Auguste DI, Leber A, Coutermarsh-Ott S, Allen IC, Caswell CC, Budnick JA, Bassaganya-Riera J, Hontecillas R, Weger-Lucarelli J, Weaver SC, Auguste AJ. Enemy of My Enemy: A Novel Insect-Specific Flavivirus Offers a Promising Platform for a Zika Virus Vaccine. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9101142. [PMID: 34696250 PMCID: PMC8539214 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9101142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccination remains critical for viral disease outbreak prevention and control, but conventional vaccine development typically involves trade-offs between safety and immunogenicity. We used a recently discovered insect-specific flavivirus as a vector in order to develop an exceptionally safe, flavivirus vaccine candidate with single-dose efficacy. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of this platform, we created a chimeric Zika virus (ZIKV) vaccine candidate, designated Aripo/Zika virus (ARPV/ZIKV). ZIKV has caused immense economic and public health impacts throughout the Americas and remains a significant public health threat. ARPV/ZIKV vaccination showed exceptional safety due to ARPV/ZIKV’s inherent vertebrate host-restriction. ARPV/ZIKV showed no evidence of replication or translation in vitro and showed no hematological, histological or pathogenic effects in vivo. A single-dose immunization with ARPV/ZIKV induced rapid and robust neutralizing antibody and cellular responses, which offered complete protection against ZIKV-induced morbidity, mortality and in utero transmission in immune-competent and -compromised murine models. Splenocytes derived from vaccinated mice demonstrated significant CD4+ and CD8+ responses and significant cytokine production post-antigen exposure. Altogether, our results further support that chimeric insect-specific flaviviruses are a promising strategy to restrict flavivirus emergence via vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle L. Porier
- Department of Entomology, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (D.L.P.); (S.N.W.); (D.I.A.)
| | - Sarah N. Wilson
- Department of Entomology, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (D.L.P.); (S.N.W.); (D.I.A.)
| | - Dawn I. Auguste
- Department of Entomology, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (D.L.P.); (S.N.W.); (D.I.A.)
| | - Andrew Leber
- Nutritional Immunology and Molecular Medicine Laboratory Institute, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (A.L.); (J.B.-R.); (R.H.)
| | - Sheryl Coutermarsh-Ott
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (S.C.-O.); (I.C.A.); (C.C.C.); (J.A.B.); (J.W.-L.)
| | - Irving C. Allen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (S.C.-O.); (I.C.A.); (C.C.C.); (J.A.B.); (J.W.-L.)
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-Borne Pathogens, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Clayton C. Caswell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (S.C.-O.); (I.C.A.); (C.C.C.); (J.A.B.); (J.W.-L.)
- Center for One Health Research, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - James A. Budnick
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (S.C.-O.); (I.C.A.); (C.C.C.); (J.A.B.); (J.W.-L.)
- Center for One Health Research, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
| | - Josep Bassaganya-Riera
- Nutritional Immunology and Molecular Medicine Laboratory Institute, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (A.L.); (J.B.-R.); (R.H.)
| | - Raquel Hontecillas
- Nutritional Immunology and Molecular Medicine Laboratory Institute, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (A.L.); (J.B.-R.); (R.H.)
| | - James Weger-Lucarelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA; (S.C.-O.); (I.C.A.); (C.C.C.); (J.A.B.); (J.W.-L.)
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-Borne Pathogens, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Scott C. Weaver
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA;
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Albert J. Auguste
- Department of Entomology, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (D.L.P.); (S.N.W.); (D.I.A.)
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-Borne Pathogens, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Correspondence:
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14
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Scott CAP, Amarilla AA, Bibby S, Newton ND, Hall RA, Hobson-Peters J, Muller DA, Chappell KJ, Young PR, Modhiran N, Watterson D. Implications of Dengue Virus Maturation on Vaccine Induced Humoral Immunity in Mice. Viruses 2021; 13:v13091843. [PMID: 34578424 PMCID: PMC8473161 DOI: 10.3390/v13091843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of dengue virus (DENV) vaccines has been hindered by the complexities of antibody dependent enhancement (ADE). Current late-stage vaccine candidates utilize attenuated and chimeric DENVs that produce particles of varying maturities. Antibodies that are elicited by preferentially exposed epitopes on immature virions have been linked to increased ADE. We aimed to further understand the humoral immunity promoted by DENV particles of varying maturities in an AG129 mouse model using a chimeric insect specific vaccine candidate, bDENV-2. We immunized mice with mature, partially mature, and immature bDENV-2 and found that immunization with partially mature bDENV-2 produced more robust and cross-neutralizing immune responses than immunization with immature or mature bDENV-2. Upon challenge with mouse adapted DENV-2 (D220), we observed 80% protection for mature bDENV-2 vaccinated mice and 100% for immature and partially mature vaccinated mice, suggesting that protection to homotypic challenge is not dependent on maturation. Finally, we found reduced in vitro ADE at subneutralising serum concentrations for mice immunized with mature bDENV-2. These results suggest that both immature and mature DENV particles play a role in homotypic protection; however, the increased risk of in vitro ADE from immature particles indicates potential safety benefits from mature DENV-based vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor A. P. Scott
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (C.A.P.S.); (A.A.A.); (S.B.); (N.D.N.); (R.A.H.); (J.H.-P.); (D.A.M.); (K.J.C.); (P.R.Y.)
| | - Alberto A. Amarilla
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (C.A.P.S.); (A.A.A.); (S.B.); (N.D.N.); (R.A.H.); (J.H.-P.); (D.A.M.); (K.J.C.); (P.R.Y.)
| | - Summa Bibby
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (C.A.P.S.); (A.A.A.); (S.B.); (N.D.N.); (R.A.H.); (J.H.-P.); (D.A.M.); (K.J.C.); (P.R.Y.)
| | - Natalee D. Newton
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (C.A.P.S.); (A.A.A.); (S.B.); (N.D.N.); (R.A.H.); (J.H.-P.); (D.A.M.); (K.J.C.); (P.R.Y.)
| | - Roy A. Hall
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (C.A.P.S.); (A.A.A.); (S.B.); (N.D.N.); (R.A.H.); (J.H.-P.); (D.A.M.); (K.J.C.); (P.R.Y.)
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jody Hobson-Peters
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (C.A.P.S.); (A.A.A.); (S.B.); (N.D.N.); (R.A.H.); (J.H.-P.); (D.A.M.); (K.J.C.); (P.R.Y.)
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - David A. Muller
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (C.A.P.S.); (A.A.A.); (S.B.); (N.D.N.); (R.A.H.); (J.H.-P.); (D.A.M.); (K.J.C.); (P.R.Y.)
| | - Keith J. Chappell
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (C.A.P.S.); (A.A.A.); (S.B.); (N.D.N.); (R.A.H.); (J.H.-P.); (D.A.M.); (K.J.C.); (P.R.Y.)
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Paul R. Young
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (C.A.P.S.); (A.A.A.); (S.B.); (N.D.N.); (R.A.H.); (J.H.-P.); (D.A.M.); (K.J.C.); (P.R.Y.)
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Naphak Modhiran
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (C.A.P.S.); (A.A.A.); (S.B.); (N.D.N.); (R.A.H.); (J.H.-P.); (D.A.M.); (K.J.C.); (P.R.Y.)
- Correspondence: (N.M.); (D.W.)
| | - Daniel Watterson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (C.A.P.S.); (A.A.A.); (S.B.); (N.D.N.); (R.A.H.); (J.H.-P.); (D.A.M.); (K.J.C.); (P.R.Y.)
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Correspondence: (N.M.); (D.W.)
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15
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Johnson-Weaver BT, Choi HW, Yang H, Granek JA, Chan C, Abraham SN, Staats HF. Nasal Immunization With Small Molecule Mast Cell Activators Enhance Immunity to Co-Administered Subunit Immunogens. Front Immunol 2021; 12:730346. [PMID: 34566991 PMCID: PMC8461742 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.730346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mast cell activators are a novel class of mucosal vaccine adjuvants. The polymeric compound, Compound 48/80 (C48/80), and cationic peptide, Mastoparan 7 (M7) are mast cell activators that provide adjuvant activity when administered by the nasal route. However, small molecule mast cell activators may be a more cost-efficient adjuvant alternative that is easily synthesized with high purity compared to M7 or C48/80. To identify novel mast cell activating compounds that could be evaluated for mucosal vaccine adjuvant activity, we employed high-throughput screening to assess over 55,000 small molecules for mast cell degranulation activity. Fifteen mast cell activating compounds were down-selected to five compounds based on in vitro immune activation activities including cytokine production and cellular cytotoxicity, synthesis feasibility, and selection for functional diversity. These small molecule mast cell activators were evaluated for in vivo adjuvant activity and induction of protective immunity against West Nile Virus infection in BALB/c mice when combined with West Nile Virus envelope domain III (EDIII) protein in a nasal vaccine. We found that three of the five mast cell activators, ST101036, ST048871, and R529877, evoked high levels of EDIII-specific antibody and conferred comparable levels of protection against WNV challenge. The level of protection provided by these small molecule mast cell activators was comparable to the protection evoked by M7 (67%) but markedly higher than the levels seen with mice immunized with EDIII alone (no adjuvant 33%). Thus, novel small molecule mast cell activators identified by high throughput screening are as efficacious as previously described mast cell activators when used as nasal vaccine adjuvants and represent next-generation mast cell activators for evaluation in mucosal vaccine studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hae Woong Choi
- Pathology Department, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Hang Yang
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Department, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Josh A. Granek
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Department, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Cliburn Chan
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Department, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Soman N. Abraham
- Pathology Department, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Herman F. Staats
- Pathology Department, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
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16
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Hardy JM, Newton ND, Modhiran N, Scott CAP, Venugopal H, Vet LJ, Young PR, Hall RA, Hobson-Peters J, Coulibaly F, Watterson D. A unified route for flavivirus structures uncovers essential pocket factors conserved across pathogenic viruses. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3266. [PMID: 34075032 PMCID: PMC8169900 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22773-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidemic emergence of relatively rare and geographically isolated flaviviruses adds to the ongoing disease burden of viruses such as dengue. Structural analysis is key to understand and combat these pathogens. Here, we present a chimeric platform based on an insect-specific flavivirus for the safe and rapid structural analysis of pathogenic viruses. We use this approach to resolve the architecture of two neurotropic viruses and a structure of dengue virus at 2.5 Å, the highest resolution for an enveloped virion. These reconstructions allow improved modelling of the stem region of the envelope protein, revealing two lipid-like ligands within highly conserved pockets. We show that these sites are essential for viral growth and important for viral maturation. These findings define a hallmark of flavivirus virions and a potential target for broad-spectrum antivirals and vaccine design. We anticipate the chimeric platform to be widely applicable for investigating flavivirus biology. Understanding virus assembly could identify potential drug targets. Here the authors use a safe and efficient method to solve pathogenic flavivirus structures, revealing two lipid-like ligands within highly conserved pockets of the stem region of envelope protein that are important for virus maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M Hardy
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Natalee D Newton
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Naphak Modhiran
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Connor A P Scott
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Hariprasad Venugopal
- Ramaciotti Centre for Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Laura J Vet
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Paul R Young
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Roy A Hall
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jody Hobson-Peters
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Fasséli Coulibaly
- Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
| | - Daniel Watterson
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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17
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Choo JJY, Vet LJ, McMillan CLD, Harrison JJ, Scott CAP, Depelsenaire ACI, Fernando GJP, Watterson D, Hall RA, Young PR, Hobson-Peters J, Muller DA. A chimeric dengue virus vaccine candidate delivered by high density microarray patches protects against infection in mice. NPJ Vaccines 2021; 6:66. [PMID: 33963191 PMCID: PMC8105366 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-021-00328-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dengue viruses (DENV) cause an estimated 390 million infections globally. With no dengue-specific therapeutic treatment currently available, vaccination is the most promising strategy for its control. A wide range of DENV vaccines are in development, with one having already been licensed, albeit with limited distribution. We investigated the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a chimeric virus vaccine candidate based on the insect-specific flavivirus, Binjari virus (BinJV), displaying the structural prM/E proteins of DENV (BinJ/DENV2-prME). In this study, we immunized AG129 mice with BinJ/DENV2-prME via a needle-free, high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP) delivery system. Immunization with a single, 1 µg dose of BinJ/DENV2-prME delivered via the HD-MAPs resulted in enhanced kinetics of neutralizing antibody induction when compared to needle delivery and complete protection against mortality upon virus challenge in the AG129 DENV mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jovin J Y Choo
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Laura J Vet
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Christopher L D McMillan
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jessica J Harrison
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Connor A P Scott
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Germain J P Fernando
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Vaxxas Pty Ltd, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Daniel Watterson
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Roy A Hall
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Paul R Young
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jody Hobson-Peters
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - David A Muller
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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18
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Tavčar P, Potokar M, Kolenc M, Korva M, Avšič-Županc T, Zorec R, Jorgačevski J. Neurotropic Viruses, Astrocytes, and COVID-19. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:662578. [PMID: 33897376 PMCID: PMC8062881 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.662578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
At the end of 2019, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was discovered in China, causing a new coronavirus disease, termed COVID-19 by the WHO on February 11, 2020. At the time of this paper (January 31, 2021), more than 100 million cases have been recorded, which have claimed over 2 million lives worldwide. The most important clinical presentation of COVID-19 is severe pneumonia; however, many patients present various neurological symptoms, ranging from loss of olfaction, nausea, dizziness, and headache to encephalopathy and stroke, with a high prevalence of inflammatory central nervous system (CNS) syndromes. SARS-CoV-2 may also target the respiratory center in the brainstem and cause silent hypoxemia. However, the neurotropic mechanism(s) by which SARS-CoV-2 affects the CNS remain(s) unclear. In this paper, we first address the involvement of astrocytes in COVID-19 and then elucidate the present knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 as a neurotropic virus as well as several other neurotropic flaviviruses (with a particular emphasis on the West Nile virus, tick-borne encephalitis virus, and Zika virus) to highlight the neurotropic mechanisms that target astroglial cells in the CNS. These key homeostasis-providing cells in the CNS exhibit many functions that act as a favorable milieu for virus replication and possibly a favorable environment for SARS-CoV-2 as well. The role of astrocytes in COVID-19 pathology, related to aging and neurodegenerative disorders, and environmental factors, is discussed. Understanding these mechanisms is key to better understanding the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and for developing new strategies to mitigate the neurotropic manifestations of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Tavčar
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology–Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Potokar
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology–Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Celica Biomedical, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Kolenc
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miša Korva
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tatjana Avšič-Županc
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Robert Zorec
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology–Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Celica Biomedical, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jernej Jorgačevski
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology–Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Celica Biomedical, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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19
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Tangudu CS, Charles J, Nunez-Avellaneda D, Hargett AM, Brault AC, Blitvich BJ. Chimeric Zika viruses containing structural protein genes of insect-specific flaviviruses cannot replicate in vertebrate cells due to entry and post-translational restrictions. Virology 2021; 559:30-39. [PMID: 33812340 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2021.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Long Pine Key virus (LPKV) and Lammi virus are insect-specific flaviviruses that phylogenetically affiliate with dual-host flaviviruses. The goal of this study was to provide insight into the genetic determinants that condition this host range restriction. Chimeras were initially created by replacing select regions of the Zika virus genome, including the premembrane and envelope protein (prM-E) genes, with the corresponding regions of the LPKV genome. Of the four chimeras produced, one (the prM-E swap) yielded virus that replicated in mosquito cells. Another chimeric virus with a mosquito replication-competent phenotype was created by inserting the prM-E genes of Lammi virus into a Zika virus genetic background. Vertebrate cells did not support the replication of either chimeric virus although trace to modest amounts of viral antigen were produced, consistent with suboptimal viral entry. These data suggest that dual-host affiliated insect-specific flaviviruses cannot replicate in vertebrate cells due to entry and post-translational restrictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra S Tangudu
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Jermilia Charles
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Daniel Nunez-Avellaneda
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Alissa M Hargett
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Aaron C Brault
- Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Bradley J Blitvich
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.
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A Zika Vaccine Generated Using the Chimeric Insect-Specific Binjari Virus Platform Protects against Fetal Brain Infection in Pregnant Mice. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8030496. [PMID: 32887302 PMCID: PMC7564101 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is the etiological agent of congenital Zika syndrome (CZS), a spectrum of birth defects that can lead to life-long disabilities. A range of vaccines are in development with the target population including pregnant women and women of child-bearing age. Using a recently described chimeric flavivirus vaccine technology based on the novel insect-specific Binjari virus (BinJV), we generated a ZIKV vaccine (BinJ/ZIKA-prME) and illustrate herein its ability to protect against fetal brain infection. Female IFNAR−/− mice were vaccinated once with unadjuvanted BinJ/ZIKA-prME, were mated, and at embryonic day 12.5 were challenged with ZIKVPRVABC59. No infectious ZIKV was detected in maternal blood, placenta, or fetal heads in BinJ/ZIKA-prME-vaccinated mice. A similar result was obtained when the more sensitive qRT PCR methodology was used to measure the viral RNA. BinJ/ZIKA-prME vaccination also did not result in antibody-dependent enhancement of dengue virus infection or disease. BinJ/ZIKA-prME thus emerges as a potential vaccine candidate for the prevention of CSZ.
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West Nile Virus: An Update on Pathobiology, Epidemiology, Diagnostics, Control and "One Health" Implications. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9070589. [PMID: 32707644 PMCID: PMC7400489 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9070589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is an important zoonotic flavivirus responsible for mild fever to severe, lethal neuroinvasive disease in humans, horses, birds, and other wildlife species. Since its discovery, WNV has caused multiple human and animal disease outbreaks in all continents, except Antarctica. Infections are associated with economic losses, mainly due to the cost of treatment of infected patients, control programmes, and loss of animals and animal products. The pathogenesis of WNV has been extensively investigated in natural hosts as well as in several animal models, including rodents, lagomorphs, birds, and reptiles. However, most of the proposed pathogenesis hypotheses remain contentious, and much remains to be elucidated. At the same time, the unavailability of specific antiviral treatment or effective and safe vaccines contribute to the perpetuation of the disease and regular occurrence of outbreaks in both endemic and non-endemic areas. Moreover, globalisation and climate change are also important drivers of the emergence and re-emergence of the virus and disease. Here, we give an update of the pathobiology, epidemiology, diagnostics, control, and “One Health” implications of WNV infection and disease.
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A Yellow Fever Virus 17D Infection and Disease Mouse Model Used to Evaluate a Chimeric Binjari-Yellow Fever Virus Vaccine. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8030368. [PMID: 32660106 PMCID: PMC7564786 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the availability of an effective, live attenuated yellow fever virus (YFV) vaccine (YFV 17D), this flavivirus still causes up to ≈60,000 deaths annually. A number of new approaches are seeking to address vaccine supply issues and improve safety for the immunocompromised vaccine recipients. Herein we describe an adult female IFNAR-/- mouse model of YFV 17D infection and disease that recapitulates many features of infection and disease in humans. We used this model to evaluate a new YFV vaccine that is based on a recently described chimeric Binjari virus (BinJV) vaccine technology. BinJV is an insect-specific flavivirus and the chimeric YFV vaccine (BinJ/YFV-prME) was generated by replacing the prME genes of BinJV with the prME genes of YFV 17D. Such BinJV chimeras retain their ability to replicate to high titers in C6/36 mosquito cells (allowing vaccine production), but are unable to replicate in vertebrate cells. Vaccination with adjuvanted BinJ/YFV-prME induced neutralizing antibodies and protected mice against infection, weight loss and liver pathology after YFV 17D challenge.
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