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Shah S, Patel P, Bagwe P, Kale A, Ferguson A, Adediran E, Arte T, Singh R, Uddin MN, D’Souza MJ. Intranasal Immunization for Zika in a Pre-Clinical Model. Viruses 2024; 16:865. [PMID: 38932158 PMCID: PMC11209107 DOI: 10.3390/v16060865] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Humans continue to be at risk from the Zika virus. Although there have been significant research advancements regarding Zika, the absence of a vaccine or approved treatment poses further challenges for healthcare providers. In this study, we developed a microparticulate Zika vaccine using an inactivated whole Zika virus as the antigen that can be administered pain-free via intranasal (IN) immunization. These microparticles (MP) were formulated using a double emulsion method developed by our lab. We explored a prime dose and two-booster-dose vaccination strategy using MPL-A® and Alhydrogel® as adjuvants to further stimulate the immune response. MPL-A® induces a Th1-mediated immune response and Alhydrogel® (alum) induces a Th2-mediated immune response. There was a high recovery yield of MPs, less than 5 µm in size, and particle charge of -19.42 ± 0.66 mV. IN immunization of Zika MP vaccine and the adjuvanted Zika MP vaccine showed a robust humoral response as indicated by several antibodies (IgA, IgM, and IgG) and several IgG subtypes (IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG3). Vaccine MP elicited a balance Th1- and Th2-mediated immune response. Immune organs, such as the spleen and lymph nodes, exhibited a significant increase in CD4+ helper and CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell cellular response in both vaccine groups. Zika MP vaccine and adjuvanted Zika MP vaccine displayed a robust memory response (CD27 and CD45R) in the spleen and lymph nodes. Adjuvanted vaccine-induced higher Zika-specific intracellular cytokines than the unadjuvanted vaccine. Our results suggest that more than one dose or multiple doses may be necessary to achieve necessary immunological responses. Compared to unvaccinated mice, the Zika vaccine MP and adjuvanted MP vaccine when administered via intranasal route demonstrated robust humoral, cellular, and memory responses. In this pre-clinical study, we established a pain-free microparticulate Zika vaccine that produced a significant immune response when administered intranasally.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Martin J. D’Souza
- Vaccine Nanotechnology Laboratory, Center for Drug Delivery Research, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
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Moore KA, Petersen AP, Zierden HC. Microorganism-derived extracellular vesicles: emerging contributors to female reproductive health. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:8216-8235. [PMID: 38572613 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr05524h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived nanoparticles that carry small molecules, nucleic acids, and proteins long distances in the body facilitating cell-cell communication. Microorganism-derived EVs mediate communication between parent cells and host cells, with recent evidence supporting their role in biofilm formation, horizontal gene transfer, and suppression of the host immune system. As lipid-bound bacterial byproducts, EVs demonstrate improved cellular uptake and distribution in vivo compared to cell-free nucleic acids, proteins, or small molecules, allowing these biological nanoparticles to recapitulate the effects of parent cells and contribute to a range of human health outcomes. Here, we focus on how EVs derived from vaginal microorganisms contribute to gynecologic and obstetric outcomes. As the composition of the vaginal microbiome significantly impacts women's health, we discuss bacterial EVs from both healthy and dysbiotic vaginal microbiota. We also examine recent work done to evaluate the role of EVs from common vaginal bacterial, fungal, and parasitic pathogens in pathogenesis of female reproductive tract disease. We highlight evidence for the role of EVs in women's health, gaps in current knowledge, and opportunities for future work. Finally, we discuss how leveraging the innate interactions between microorganisms and mammalian cells may establish EVs as a novel therapeutic modality for gynecologic and obstetric indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn A Moore
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
| | - Alyssa P Petersen
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Hannah C Zierden
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
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Williams E, Seib KL, Fairley CK, Pollock GL, Hocking JS, McCarthy JS, Williamson DA. Neisseria gonorrhoeae vaccines: a contemporary overview. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024; 37:e0009423. [PMID: 38226640 PMCID: PMC10938898 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00094-23] [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] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection is an important public health issue, with an annual global incidence of 87 million. N. gonorrhoeae infection causes significant morbidity and can have serious long-term impacts on reproductive and neonatal health and may rarely cause life-threatening disease. Global rates of N. gonorrhoeae infection have increased over the past 20 years. Importantly, rates of antimicrobial resistance to key antimicrobials also continue to increase, with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifying drug-resistant N. gonorrhoeae as an urgent threat to public health. This review summarizes the current evidence for N. gonorrhoeae vaccines, including historical clinical trials, key N. gonorrhoeae vaccine preclinical studies, and studies of the impact of Neisseria meningitidis vaccines on N. gonorrhoeae infection. A comprehensive survey of potential vaccine antigens, including those identified through traditional vaccine immunogenicity approaches, as well as those identified using more contemporary reverse vaccinology approaches, are also described. Finally, the potential epidemiological impacts of a N. gonorrhoeae vaccine and research priorities for further vaccine development are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloise Williams
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate L. Seib
- Institute for Glycomics, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christopher K. Fairley
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Georgina L. Pollock
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jane S. Hocking
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - James S. McCarthy
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Deborah A. Williamson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Omeershffudin UNM, Kumar S. Emerging threat of antimicrobial resistance in Neisseria gonorrhoeae: pathogenesis, treatment challenges, and potential for vaccine development. Arch Microbiol 2023; 205:330. [PMID: 37688619 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03663-0] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
The continuous rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious concern as it endangers the effectiveness of healthcare interventions that rely on antibiotics in the long run. The increasing resistance of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacteria responsible for causing gonorrhea, to commonly used antimicrobial drugs, is a major concern. This has now become a critical global health crisis. In the coming years, there is a risk of a hidden epidemic caused by the emergence of gonococcal AMR. This will worsen the global situation. Infections caused by N. gonorrhoeae were once considered easily treatable. However, over time, they have become increasingly resistant to commonly used therapeutic medications, such as penicillin, ciprofloxacin, and azithromycin. As a result, this pathogen is developing into a true "superbug," which means that ceftriaxone is now the only available option for initial empirical treatment. Effective management strategies are urgently needed to prevent severe consequences, such as infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease, which can result from delayed intervention. This review provides a thorough analysis of the escalating problem of N. gonorrhoeae, including its pathogenesis, current treatment options, the emergence of drug-resistant mechanisms, and the potential for vaccine development. We aim to provide valuable insights for healthcare practitioners, policymakers, and researchers in their efforts to combat N. gonorrhoeae antibiotic resistance by elucidating the multifaceted aspects of this global challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umairah Natasya Mohd Omeershffudin
- Post Graduate Centre, Management and Science University, University Drive, Off Persiaran Olahraga, Section 13, 40100, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Suresh Kumar
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Management and Science University, Seksyen 13, 40100, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.
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Shah SM, Joshi D, Chbib C, Roni MA, Uddin MN. The Autoinducer N-Octanoyl-L-Homoserine Lactone (C8-HSL) as a Potential Adjuvant in Vaccine Formulations. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16050713. [PMID: 37242496 DOI: 10.3390/ph16050713] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoinducers AI-1 and AI-2 play an important role in bacterial quorum sensing (QS), a form of chemical communication between bacteria. The autoinducer N-octanoyl-L-Homoserinehomoserine lactone (C8-HSL) serves as a major inter- and intraspecies communicator or 'signal', mainly for Gram-negative bacteria. C8-HSL is proposed to have immunogenic properties. The aim of this project is to evaluate C8-HSL as a potential vaccine adjuvant. For this purpose, a microparticulate formulation was developed. The C8-HSL microparticles (MPs) were formulated by a water/oil/water (W/O/W) double-emulsion solvent evaporation method using PLGA (poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)) polymer. We tested C8-HSL MPs with two spray-dried bovine serum albumin (BSA)-encapsulated bacterial antigens: colonization factor antigen I (CFA/I) from Escherichia coli (E. coli.) and the inactive protective antigen (PA) from Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis). We formulated and tested C8-HSL MP to determine its immunogenicity potential and its ability to serve as an adjuvant with particulate vaccine formulations. An in vitro immunogenicity assessment was performed using Griess's assay, which indirectly measures the nitric oxide radical (NOˑ) released by dendritic cells (DCs). The C8-HSL MP adjuvant was compared with FDA-approved adjuvants to determine its immunogenicity potential. C8-HSL MP was combined with particulate vaccines for measles, Zika and the marketed influenza vaccine. The cytotoxicity study showed that MPs were non-cytotoxic toward DCs. Griess's assay showed a comparable release of NOˑ from DCs when exposed to CFA and PA bacterial antigens. Nitric oxide radical (NOˑ) release was significantly higher when C8-HSL MPs were combined with particulate vaccines for measles and Zika. C8-HSL MPs showed immunostimulatory potential when combined with the influenza vaccine. The results showed that C8-HSL MPs were as immunogenic as FDA-approved adjuvants such as alum, MF59, and CpG. This proof-of-concept study showed that C8-HSL MP displayed adjuvant potential when combined with several particulate vaccines, indicating that C8-HSL MPs can increase the immunogenicity of both bacterial and viral vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarthak M Shah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Devyani Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Christiane Chbib
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Larkin University, Miami, FL 33169, USA
| | - Monzurul A Roni
- Department of Health Sciences Education and Pathology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL 61605, USA
| | - Mohammad N Uddin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
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Khan MA, Amin A, Farid A, Ullah A, Waris A, Shinwari K, Hussain Y, Alsharif KF, Alzahrani KJ, Khan H. Recent Advances in Genomics-Based Approaches for the Development of Intracellular Bacterial Pathogen Vaccines. Pharmaceutics 2022; 15:pharmaceutics15010152. [PMID: 36678781 PMCID: PMC9863128 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15010152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases continue to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The majority of infectious diseases are caused by intracellular pathogenic bacteria (IPB). Historically, conventional vaccination drives have helped control the pathogenesis of intracellular bacteria and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, saving millions of lives. However, in light of various limitations, many diseases that involve IPB still do not have adequate vaccines. In response to increasing demand for novel vaccine development strategies, a new area of vaccine research emerged following the advent of genomics technology, which changed the paradigm of vaccine development by utilizing the complete genomic data of microorganisms against them. It became possible to identify genes related to disease virulence, genetic patterns linked to disease virulence, as well as the genetic components that supported immunity and favorable vaccine responses. Complete genomic databases, and advancements in transcriptomics, metabolomics, structural genomics, proteomics, immunomics, pan-genomics, synthetic genomics, and population biology have allowed researchers to identify potential vaccine candidates and predict their effects in patients. New vaccines have been created against diseases for which previously there were no vaccines available, and existing vaccines have been improved. This review highlights the key issues and explores the evolution of vaccines. The increasing volume of IPB genomic data, and their application in novel genome-based techniques for vaccine development, were also examined, along with their characteristics, and the opportunities and obstacles involved. Critically, the application of genomics technology has helped researchers rapidly select and evaluate candidate antigens. Novel vaccines capable of addressing the limitations associated with conventional vaccines have been developed and pressing healthcare issues are being addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ajmal Khan
- Division of Life Science, Center for Cancer Research, and State Key Lab of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence: (M.A.K.); or (H.K.)
| | - Aftab Amin
- Division of Life Science, Center for Cancer Research, and State Key Lab of Molecular Neuroscience, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Awais Farid
- Division of Environment and Sustainability, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Amin Ullah
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Abasyn University, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Waris
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Khyber Shinwari
- Institute of Chemical Engineering, Department Immuno-Chemistry, Ural Federal University, Yekaterinbiurg 620002, Russia
| | - Yaseen Hussain
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Khalaf F. Alsharif
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid J. Alzahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (M.A.K.); or (H.K.)
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Osterloh A. Vaccination against Bacterial Infections: Challenges, Progress, and New Approaches with a Focus on Intracellular Bacteria. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10050751. [PMID: 35632507 PMCID: PMC9144739 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10050751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many bacterial infections are major health problems worldwide, and treatment of many of these infectious diseases is becoming increasingly difficult due to the development of antibiotic resistance, which is a major threat. Prophylactic vaccines against these bacterial pathogens are urgently needed. This is also true for bacterial infections that are still neglected, even though they affect a large part of the world’s population, especially under poor hygienic conditions. One example is typhus, a life-threatening disease also known as “war plague” caused by Rickettsia prowazekii, which could potentially come back in a war situation such as the one in Ukraine. However, vaccination against bacterial infections is a challenge. In general, bacteria are much more complex organisms than viruses and as such are more difficult targets. Unlike comparatively simple viruses, bacteria possess a variety of antigens whose immunogenic potential is often unknown, and it is unclear which antigen can elicit a protective and long-lasting immune response. Several vaccines against extracellular bacteria have been developed in the past and are still used successfully today, e.g., vaccines against tetanus, pertussis, and diphtheria. However, while induction of antibody production is usually sufficient for protection against extracellular bacteria, vaccination against intracellular bacteria is much more difficult because effective defense against these pathogens requires T cell-mediated responses, particularly the activation of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. These responses are usually not efficiently elicited by immunization with non-living whole cell antigens or subunit vaccines, so that other antigen delivery strategies are required. This review provides an overview of existing antibacterial vaccines and novel approaches to vaccination with a focus on immunization against intracellular bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Osterloh
- Department of Infection Immunology, Research Center Borstel, Parkallee 22, 23845 Borstel, Germany
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Lahiri D, Nag M, Dey A, Sarkar T, Pati S, Ray RR. Nanoparticles Based Antibacterial Vaccines: Novel Strategy to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance. Process Biochem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2022.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Maurakis SA, Cornelissen CN. Recent Progress Towards a Gonococcal Vaccine. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:881392. [PMID: 35480233 PMCID: PMC9038166 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.881392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonorrhea is a global health concern. Its etiological agent, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, rapidly acquires antimicrobial resistance and does not confer protective immunity as a consequence of infection. Attempts to generate an effective vaccine for gonorrhea have thus far been unsuccessful, as many structures on the bacterial envelope have the propensity to rapidly change, thus complicating recognition by the human immune system. In response to recent efforts from global health authorities to spur the efforts towards development of a vaccine, several new and promising steps have been made towards this goal, aided by advancements in computational epitope identification and prediction methods. Here, we provide a short review of recent progress towards a viable gonococcal vaccine, with a focus on antigen identification and characterization, and discuss a few of the tools that may be important in furthering these efforts.
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