1
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Mellid-Carballal R, Gutierrez-Gutierrez S, Rivas C, Garcia-Fuentes M. Viral protein-based nanoparticles (part 2): Pharmaceutical applications. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 189:106558. [PMID: 37567394 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Viral protein nanoparticles (ViP NPs) such as virus-like particles and virosomes are structures halfway between viruses and synthetic nanoparticles. The biological nature of ViP NPs endows them with the biocompatibility, biodegradability, and functional properties that many synthetic nanoparticles lack. At the same time, the absence of a viral genome avoids the safety concerns of viruses. Such characteristics of ViP NPs offer a myriad of opportunities for theirapplication at several points across disease development: from prophylaxis to diagnosis and treatment. ViP NPs present remarkable immunostimulant properties, and thus the vaccination field has benefited the most from these platforms capable of overcoming the limitations of both traditional and subunit vaccines. This was reflected in the marketing authorization of several VLP- and virosome-based vaccines. Besides, ViP NPs inherit the ability of viruses to deliver their cargo to target cells. Because of that, ViP NPs are promising candidates as vectors for drug and gene delivery, and for diagnostic applications. In this review, we analyze the pharmaceutical applications of ViP NPs, describing the products that are commercially available or under clinical evaluation, but also the advances that scientists are making toward the implementation of ViP NPs in other areas of major pharmaceutical interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocio Mellid-Carballal
- CiMUS Research Center, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Sara Gutierrez-Gutierrez
- CiMUS Research Center, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Carmen Rivas
- CiMUS Research Center, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Departamento de Biología Molecular y Celular, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB)-CSIC, Spain
| | - Marcos Garcia-Fuentes
- CiMUS Research Center, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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2
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Chattopadhyay A, Jailani AAK, Mandal B. Exigency of Plant-Based Vaccine against COVID-19 Emergence as Pandemic Preparedness. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1347. [PMID: 37631915 PMCID: PMC10458178 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11081347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
After two years since the declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), more than six million deaths have occurred due to SARS-CoV-2, leading to an unprecedented disruption of the global economy. Fortunately, within a year, a wide range of vaccines, including pathogen-based inactivated and live-attenuated vaccines, replicating and non-replicating vector-based vaccines, nucleic acid (DNA and mRNA)-based vaccines, and protein-based subunit and virus-like particle (VLP)-based vaccines, have been developed to mitigate the severe impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These vaccines have proven highly effective in reducing the severity of illness and preventing deaths. However, the availability and supply of COVID-19 vaccines have become an issue due to the prioritization of vaccine distribution in most countries. Additionally, as the virus continues to mutate and spread, questions have arisen regarding the effectiveness of vaccines against new strains of SARS-CoV-2 that can evade host immunity. The urgent need for booster doses to enhance immunity has been recognized. The scarcity of "safe and effective" vaccines has exacerbated global inequalities in terms of vaccine coverage. The development of COVID-19 vaccines has fallen short of the expectations set forth in 2020 and 2021. Furthermore, the equitable distribution of vaccines at the global and national levels remains a challenge, particularly in developing countries. In such circumstances, the exigency of plant virus-based vaccines has become apparent as a means to overcome supply shortages through fast manufacturing processes and to enable quick and convenient distribution to millions of people without the reliance on a cold chain system. Moreover, plant virus-based vaccines have demonstrated both safety and efficacy in eliciting robust cellular immunogenicity against COVID-19 pathogens. This review aims to shed light on the advantages and disadvantages of different types of vaccines developed against SARS-CoV-2 and provide an update on the current status of plant-based vaccines in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirudha Chattopadhyay
- Pulses Research Station, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar 385506, India;
| | - A. Abdul Kader Jailani
- Department of Plant Pathology, North Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Quincy, FL 32351, USA
| | - Bikash Mandal
- Advanced Centre for Plant Virology, Division of Plant Pathology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi 110012, India
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Ghasemian K, Broer I, Schön J, Kolp N, Killisch R, Mikkat S, Huckauf J. Immunogenicity and contraceptive efficacy of plant-produced putative mouse-specific contraceptive peptides. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1191640. [PMID: 37448868 PMCID: PMC10337994 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1191640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Rodent population control through contraception requires species-specific oral contraceptive vaccines. Therefore, in this study, we produced putative mouse-specific contraceptive peptides, mZP2 (from oocyte) and mIzumo1 (from sperm), in plants using Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression. Peptides were produced separately in Nicotiana benthamiana using constructs encoding antigens containing three copies of each peptide. We also determined the immunogenicity and contraceptive effects of the plant-produced antigens in female BALB/c mice. Mice immunized subcutaneously with a relatively low amount of antigen (5 µg/dose of each peptide in a mixture) showed systemic immune responses against mZP2-3 and mIzumo1-3 antigens. Moreover, the mean litter size of mice treated with the plant-produced antigens was reduced by 39% compared to that of the control mice. Notably, there was a significant negative correlation between the number of pups born and individual antibody levels against both antigens. Immunofluorescence assays demonstrated the binding of induced antibodies to the oocytes of BALB/c and wild-type mice in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Our study demonstrate the feasibility of producing small contraceptive peptides in plants that can be further used to develop oral contraceptive vaccines against mouse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadijeh Ghasemian
- Department of Agrobiotechnology and Risk Assessment for Bio and Gene Technology, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Inge Broer
- Department of Agrobiotechnology and Risk Assessment for Bio and Gene Technology, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Jennifer Schön
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), Berlin, Germany
| | - Nadine Kolp
- BIOSERV, Analytik und Medizinprodukte GmbH, Rostock, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Mikkat
- Core Facility Proteome Analysis, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Jana Huckauf
- Department of Agrobiotechnology and Risk Assessment for Bio and Gene Technology, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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Muthamilselvan T, Khan MRI, Hwang I. Assembly of Human Papillomavirus 16 L1 Protein in Nicotiana benthamiana Chloroplasts into Highly Immunogenic Virus-Like Particles. JOURNAL OF PLANT BIOLOGY = SINGMUL HAKHOE CHI 2023; 66:1-10. [PMID: 37360984 PMCID: PMC10078042 DOI: 10.1007/s12374-023-09393-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause cervical cancers in women, and vaccination against the virus is one of most effective ways to prevent these cancers. Two vaccines made of virus-like particles (VLPs) of HPV L1 proteins are currently commercially available. However, these HPV vaccines are highly expensive, and thus not affordable for women living in developing countries. Therefore, great demand exists to produce a cost-effective vaccine. Here, we investigate the production of self-assembled HPV16 VLPs in plants. We generated a chimeric protein composed of N-terminal 79 amino acid residues of RbcS as a long-transit peptide to target chloroplasts, the SUMO domain, and HPV16 L1 proteins. The chimeric gene was expressed in plants with chloroplast-targeted bdSENP1, a protein that specifically recognizes the SUMO domain and cleaves its cleavage site. This co-expression of bdSENP1 led to the release of HPV16 L1 from the chimeric proteins without any extra amino acid residues. HPV16 L1 purified by heparin chromatography formed VLPs that mimicked native virions. Moreover, the plant-produced HPV16 L1 VLPs elicited strong immune responses in mice without adjuvants. Thus, we demonstrated the cost-effective production of HPV16 VLPs in plants. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12374-023-09393-6.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Md Rezaul Islam Khan
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, 37673 Korea
| | - Inhwan Hwang
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, 37673 Korea
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5
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Adams A, Hendrikse M, Rybicki EP, Hitzeroth II. Optimal size of DNA encapsidated by plant produced human papillomavirus pseudovirions. Virology 2023; 580:88-97. [PMID: 36801669 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2023.02.003] [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: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are known to be the cause of anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers as well as genital and common warts. HPV pseudovirions (PsVs) are synthetic viral particles that are made up of the L1 major and L2 minor HPV capsid proteins and up to 8 Kb of encapsidated pseudogenome dsDNA. HPV PsVs are used to test novel neutralising antibodies elicited by vaccines, for studying the virus life cycle, and potentially for the delivery of therapeutic DNA vaccines. HPV PsVs are typically produced in mammalian cells, however, it has recently been shown that Papillomavirus PsVs can be produced in plants, a potentially safer, cheaper and more easily scalable means of production. We analysed the encapsidation frequencies of pseudogenomes expressing EGFP, ranging in size from 4.8 Kb to 7.8 Kb, by plant-made HPV-35 L1/L2 particles. The smaller pseudogenomes were found to be packaged more efficiently into PsVs as higher concentrations of encapsidated DNA and higher levels of EGFP expression were obtained with the 4.8 Kb pseudogenome, compared to the larger 5.8-7.8 Kb pseudogenomes. Thus, smaller pseudogenomes, of 4.8 Kb, should be used for efficient plant production of HPV-35 PsVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Adams
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa
| | - Megan Hendrikse
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa
| | - Edward P Rybicki
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa
| | - Inga I Hitzeroth
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa.
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6
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Ghasemian K, Broer I, Schön J, Killisch R, Kolp N, Springer A, Huckauf J. Oral and Subcutaneous Immunization with a Plant-Produced Mouse-Specific Zona Pellucida 3 Peptide Presented on Hepatitis B Core Antigen Virus-like Particles. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020462. [PMID: 36851339 PMCID: PMC9963689 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
A short mouse-specific peptide from zona pellucida 3 (mZP3, amino acids 328-342) has been shown to be associated with antibody-mediated contraception. In this study, we investigated the production of mZP3 in the plant, as an orally applicable host, and examined the immunogenicity of this small peptide in the BALB/c mouse model. The mZP3 peptide was inserted into the major immunodominant region of the hepatitis B core antigen and was produced in Nicotiana benthamiana plants via Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression. Soluble HBcAg-mZP3 accumulated at levels up to 2.63 mg/g leaf dry weight (LDW) containing ~172 µg/mg LDW mZP3 peptide. Sucrose gradient analysis and electron microscopy indicated the assembly of the HBcAg-mZP3 virus-like particles (VLPs) in the soluble protein fraction. Subcutaneously administered mZP3 peptide displayed on HBcAg VLPs was immunogenic in BALB/c mice at a relatively low dosage (5.5 µg mZP3 per dose) and led to the generation of mZP3-specific antibodies that bound to the native zona pellucida of wild mice. Oral delivery of dried leaves expressing HBcAg-mZP3 also elicited mZP3-specific serum IgG and mucosal IgA that cross-reacted with the zona pellucida of wild mice. According to these results, it is worthwhile to investigate the efficiency of plants producing HBcAg-mZP3 VLPs as immunogenic edible baits in reducing the fertility of wild mice through inducing antibodies that cross-react to the zona pellucida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadijeh Ghasemian
- Department of Agrobiotechnology and Risk Assessment for Bio and Gene Technology, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Inge Broer
- Department of Agrobiotechnology and Risk Assessment for Bio and Gene Technology, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Jennifer Schön
- Department of Reproduction Biology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW), 10315 Berlin, Germany
| | - Richard Killisch
- BIOSERV, Analytik und Medizinprodukte GmbH, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Nadine Kolp
- BIOSERV, Analytik und Medizinprodukte GmbH, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Armin Springer
- Medical Biology and Electron Microscopy Center, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Jana Huckauf
- Department of Agrobiotechnology and Risk Assessment for Bio and Gene Technology, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
- Correspondence:
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7
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Esquirol L, McNeale D, Venturi M, Sainsbury F. Production and Purification of Virus-Like Particles by Transient Expression in Plants. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2671:387-402. [PMID: 37308657 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3222-2_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Transient expression in plants has become a useful production system for virus-like particle (VLP) expression. High yields and flexible approaches to assembling complex VLPs, combine with ease of scale-up and inexpensive reagents to provide an attractive method for recombinant protein expression in general. Plants have demonstrated excellent capacity for the assembly and production of protein cages for use in vaccine design and nanotechnology. Furthermore, numerous virus structures have now been determined using plant-expressed VLPs, showing the utility of this approach in structural virology. Transient protein expression in plants uses common microbiology techniques, leading to a straightforward transformation procedure that does not result in stable transgenesis. In this chapter, we aim to provide a generic protocol for transient expression of VLPs in Nicotiana benthamiana using soil-free plant cultivation and a simple vacuum infiltration procedure, along with methodology for purifying VLPs from plant leaves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lygie Esquirol
- Centre for Cell Factories and Biopolymers, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| | - Donna McNeale
- Centre for Cell Factories and Biopolymers, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| | - Micol Venturi
- Centre for Cell Factories and Biopolymers, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| | - Frank Sainsbury
- Centre for Cell Factories and Biopolymers, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia.
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8
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Rozov SM, Zagorskaya AA, Konstantinov YM, Deineko EV. Three Parts of the Plant Genome: On the Way to Success in the Production of Recombinant Proteins. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:38. [PMID: 36616166 PMCID: PMC9824153 DOI: 10.3390/plants12010038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant proteins are the most important product of current industrial biotechnology. They are indispensable in medicine (for diagnostics and treatment), food and chemical industries, and research. Plant cells combine advantages of the eukaryotic protein production system with simplicity and efficacy of the bacterial one. The use of plants for the production of recombinant proteins is an economically important and promising area that has emerged as an alternative to traditional approaches. This review discusses advantages of plant systems for the expression of recombinant proteins using nuclear, plastid, and mitochondrial genomes. Possibilities, problems, and prospects of modifications of the three parts of the genome in light of obtaining producer plants are examined. Examples of successful use of the nuclear expression platform for production of various biopharmaceuticals, veterinary drugs, and technologically important proteins are described, as are examples of a high yield of recombinant proteins upon modification of the chloroplast genome. Potential utility of plant mitochondria as an expression system for the production of recombinant proteins and its advantages over the nucleus and chloroplasts are substantiated. Although these opportunities have not yet been exploited, potential utility of plant mitochondria as an expression system for the production of recombinant proteins and its advantages over the nucleus and chloroplasts are substantiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey M. Rozov
- Federal Research Center, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, pr. Akad. Lavrentieva 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Alla A. Zagorskaya
- Federal Research Center, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, pr. Akad. Lavrentieva 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Yuri M. Konstantinov
- Siberian Institute of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Lermontova Str. 132, Irkutsk 664033, Russia
| | - Elena V. Deineko
- Federal Research Center, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, pr. Akad. Lavrentieva 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
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Harnessing the Potential of Plant Expression System towards the Production of Vaccines for the Prevention of Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Cancer. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10122064. [PMID: 36560473 PMCID: PMC9782824 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10122064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the most common gynecological malignant tumor worldwide, and it remains a major health problem among women, especially in developing countries. Despite the significant research efforts employed for tumor prevention, cervical cancer ranks as the leading cause of cancer death. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most important risk factor for cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is a preventable disease, for which early detection could increase survival rates. Immunotherapies represent a promising approach in the treatment of cancer, and several potential candidates are in clinical trials, while some are available in the market. However, equal access to available HPV vaccines is limited due to their high cost, which remains a global challenge for cervical cancer prevention. The implementation of screening programs, disease control systems, and medical advancement in developed countries reduce the serious complications associated with the disease somewhat; however, the incidence and prevalence of cervical cancer in low-income and middle-income countries continues to gradually increase, making it the leading cause of mortality, largely due to the unaffordable and inaccessible anti-cancer therapeutic options. In recent years, plants have been considered as a cost-effective production system for the development of vaccines, therapeutics, and other biopharmaceuticals. Several proof-of-concept studies showed the possibility of producing recombinant biopharmaceuticals for cancer immunotherapy in a plant platform. This review summarizes the current knowledge and therapeutic options for the prevention of cervical cancer and discusses the potential of the plant expression platform to produce affordable HPV vaccines.
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10
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Virus-like Particles: Fundamentals and Biomedical Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158579. [PMID: 35955711 PMCID: PMC9369363 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanotechnology is a fast-evolving field focused on fabricating nanoscale objects for industrial, cosmetic, and therapeutic applications. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are self-assembled nanoparticles whose intrinsic properties, such as heterogeneity, and highly ordered structural organization are exploited to prepare vaccines; imaging agents; construct nanobioreactors; cancer treatment approaches; or deliver drugs, genes, and enzymes. However, depending upon the intrinsic features of the native virus from which they are produced, the therapeutic performance of VLPs can vary. This review compiles the recent scientific literature about the fundamentals of VLPs with biomedical applications. We consulted different databases to present a general scenario about viruses and how VLPs are produced in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cell lines to entrap therapeutic cargo. Moreover, the structural classification, morphology, and methods to functionalize the surface of VLPs are discussed. Finally, different characterization techniques required to examine the size, charge, aggregation, and composition of VLPs are described.
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Chung YH, Church D, Koellhoffer EC, Osota E, Shukla S, Rybicki EP, Pokorski JK, Steinmetz NF. Integrating plant molecular farming and materials research for next-generation vaccines. NATURE REVIEWS. MATERIALS 2021; 7:372-388. [PMID: 34900343 DOI: 10.1038/s41578-021-00399-395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Biologics - medications derived from a biological source - are increasingly used as pharmaceuticals, for example, as vaccines. Biologics are usually produced in bacterial, mammalian or insect cells. Alternatively, plant molecular farming, that is, the manufacture of biologics in plant cells, transgenic plants and algae, offers a cheaper and easily adaptable strategy for the production of biologics, in particular, in low-resource settings. In this Review, we discuss current vaccination challenges, such as cold chain requirements, and highlight how plant molecular farming in combination with advanced materials can be applied to address these challenges. The production of plant viruses and virus-based nanotechnologies in plants enables low-cost and regional fabrication of thermostable vaccines. We also highlight key new vaccine delivery technologies, including microneedle patches and material platforms for intranasal and oral delivery. Finally, we provide an outlook of future possibilities for plant molecular farming of next-generation vaccines and biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Hun Chung
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Derek Church
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Edward C Koellhoffer
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Elizabeth Osota
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Biomedical Science Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Sourabh Shukla
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Edward P Rybicki
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jonathan K Pokorski
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Institute for Materials Discovery and Design, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Center for Nano-Immuno Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Nicole F Steinmetz
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA USA
- Institute for Materials Discovery and Design, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Center for Nano-Immuno Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
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12
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Chung YH, Church D, Koellhoffer EC, Osota E, Shukla S, Rybicki EP, Pokorski JK, Steinmetz NF. Integrating plant molecular farming and materials research for next-generation vaccines. NATURE REVIEWS. MATERIALS 2021; 7:372-388. [PMID: 34900343 PMCID: PMC8647509 DOI: 10.1038/s41578-021-00399-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Biologics - medications derived from a biological source - are increasingly used as pharmaceuticals, for example, as vaccines. Biologics are usually produced in bacterial, mammalian or insect cells. Alternatively, plant molecular farming, that is, the manufacture of biologics in plant cells, transgenic plants and algae, offers a cheaper and easily adaptable strategy for the production of biologics, in particular, in low-resource settings. In this Review, we discuss current vaccination challenges, such as cold chain requirements, and highlight how plant molecular farming in combination with advanced materials can be applied to address these challenges. The production of plant viruses and virus-based nanotechnologies in plants enables low-cost and regional fabrication of thermostable vaccines. We also highlight key new vaccine delivery technologies, including microneedle patches and material platforms for intranasal and oral delivery. Finally, we provide an outlook of future possibilities for plant molecular farming of next-generation vaccines and biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Hun Chung
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Derek Church
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Edward C. Koellhoffer
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Elizabeth Osota
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Biomedical Science Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Sourabh Shukla
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Edward P. Rybicki
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jonathan K. Pokorski
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Institute for Materials Discovery and Design, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Center for Nano-Immuno Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Nicole F. Steinmetz
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA USA
- Institute for Materials Discovery and Design, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Center for Nano-Immuno Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA USA
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Venkataraman S, Hefferon K, Makhzoum A, Abouhaidar M. Combating Human Viral Diseases: Will Plant-Based Vaccines Be the Answer? Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9070761. [PMID: 34358177 PMCID: PMC8310141 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9070761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular pharming or the technology of application of plants and plant cell culture to manufacture high-value recombinant proteins has progressed a long way over the last three decades. Whether generated in transgenic plants by stable expression or in plant virus-based transient expression systems, biopharmaceuticals have been produced to combat several human viral diseases that have impacted the world in pandemic proportions. Plants have been variously employed in expressing a host of viral antigens as well as monoclonal antibodies. Many of these biopharmaceuticals have shown great promise in animal models and several of them have performed successfully in clinical trials. The current review elaborates the strategies and successes achieved in generating plant-derived vaccines to target several virus-induced health concerns including highly communicable infectious viral diseases. Importantly, plant-made biopharmaceuticals against hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), the cancer-causing virus human papillomavirus (HPV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), influenza virus, zika virus, and the emerging respiratory virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been discussed. The use of plant virus-derived nanoparticles (VNPs) and virus-like particles (VLPs) in generating plant-based vaccines are extensively addressed. The review closes with a critical look at the caveats of plant-based molecular pharming and future prospects towards further advancements in this technology. The use of biopharmed viral vaccines in human medicine and as part of emergency response vaccines and therapeutics in humans looks promising for the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srividhya Venkataraman
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada; (K.H.); (M.A.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Kathleen Hefferon
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada; (K.H.); (M.A.)
| | - Abdullah Makhzoum
- Department of Biological Sciences & Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science & Technology, Palapye, Botswana;
| | - Mounir Abouhaidar
- Virology Laboratory, Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3B2, Canada; (K.H.); (M.A.)
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Mi Y, Xie T, Zhu B, Tan J, Li X, Luo Y, Li F, Niu H, Han J, Lv W, Wang J. Production of SARS-CoV-2 Virus-Like Particles in Insect Cells. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9060554. [PMID: 34073159 PMCID: PMC8227081 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9060554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) causes a serious threat to human health. Virus-like particles (VLPs) constitute a promising platform in SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development. In this study, the E, M, and S genes were cloned into multiple cloning sites of a new triple expression plasmid with one p10 promoter, two pPH promoters, and three multiple cloning sites. The plasmid was transformed into DH10 BacTMEscherichia coli competent cells to obtain recombinant bacmid. Then the recombinant bacmid was transfected in ExpiSf9TM insect cells to generate recombinant baculovirus. After ExpiSf9TM cells infection with the recombinant baculovirus, the E, M, and S proteins were expressed in insect cells. Finally, SARS-CoV-2 VLPs were self-assembled in insect cells after infection. The morphology and the size of SARS-CoV-2 VLPs are similar to the native virions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youjun Mi
- Lanzhou Center for Tuberculosis Research and Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Clinical Translation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.M.); (T.X.); (F.L.); (H.N.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Tao Xie
- Lanzhou Center for Tuberculosis Research and Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Clinical Translation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.M.); (T.X.); (F.L.); (H.N.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Bingdong Zhu
- Lanzhou Center for Tuberculosis Research and Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Clinical Translation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.M.); (T.X.); (F.L.); (H.N.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (J.W.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Jiying Tan
- Institute of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (J.T.); (Y.L.)
| | - Xuefeng Li
- Institute of Combined Western and Chinese Traditional Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730070, China;
| | - Yanping Luo
- Institute of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (J.T.); (Y.L.)
| | - Fei Li
- Lanzhou Center for Tuberculosis Research and Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Clinical Translation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.M.); (T.X.); (F.L.); (H.N.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Hongxia Niu
- Lanzhou Center for Tuberculosis Research and Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Clinical Translation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.M.); (T.X.); (F.L.); (H.N.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Jiangyuan Han
- Lanzhou Center for Tuberculosis Research and Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Clinical Translation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.M.); (T.X.); (F.L.); (H.N.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Wei Lv
- Lanzhou Center for Tuberculosis Research and Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Clinical Translation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.M.); (T.X.); (F.L.); (H.N.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Juan Wang
- Lanzhou Center for Tuberculosis Research and Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Evidence Based Medicine and Clinical Translation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (Y.M.); (T.X.); (F.L.); (H.N.); (J.H.); (W.L.); (J.W.)
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Microparticles and Nanoparticles from Plants-The Benefits of Bioencapsulation. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9040369. [PMID: 33920425 PMCID: PMC8069552 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9040369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of drugs and vaccines depends on their stability and ability to interact with their targets in vivo. Many drugs benefit from encapsulation, which protects them from harsh conditions and allows targeted delivery and controlled release. Although many encapsulation methods are inexpensive, such as the formulation of tablets for oral delivery, others require complex procedures that add significantly to production costs and require low-temperature transport and storage, making them inaccessible in developing countries. In this review we consider the benefits of encapsulation technologies based on plants. Plant-derived biopolymers such as starch and the maize storage protein zein are already used as protective coatings, but plant cells used as production host provide natural in vivo bioencapsulation that survives passage through the stomach and releases drugs in the intestine, due to the presence of microbes that can digest the cell wall. Proteins can also be encapsulated in subcellular compartments such as protein bodies, which ensure stability and activity while often conferring additional immunomodulatory effects. Finally, we consider the incorporation of drugs and vaccines into plant-derived nanoparticles assembled from the components of viruses. These are extremely versatile, allowing the display of epitopes and targeting peptides as well as carrying cargoes of drugs and imaging molecules.
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