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Zhang J, Fan J, Skwarczynski M, Stephenson RJ, Toth I, Hussein WM. Peptide-Based Nanovaccines in the Treatment of Cervical Cancer: A Review of Recent Advances. Int J Nanomedicine 2022; 17:869-900. [PMID: 35241913 PMCID: PMC8887913 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s269986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs), such as HPV-16 and HPV-18, can induce cervical cancer in humans. The disease carries high morbidity and mortality among females worldwide. Inoculation with prophylactic HPV vaccines, such as Gardasil® or Cervarix®, is the predominant method of preventing cervical cancer in females 6 to 26 years of age. However, despite the availability of commercial prophylactic HPV vaccines, no therapeutic HPV vaccines to eliminate existing HPV infections have been approved. Peptide-based vaccines, which form one of the most potent vaccine platforms, have been broadly investigated to overcome this shortcoming. Peptide-based vaccines are especially effective in inducing cellular immune responses and eradicating tumor cells when combined with nanoscale adjuvant particles and delivery systems. This review summarizes progress in the development of peptide-based nanovaccines against HPV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Jingyi Fan
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Mariusz Skwarczynski
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Rachel J Stephenson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Istvan Toth
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Waleed M Hussein
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Correspondence: Waleed M Hussein, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia, Tel +61 7 3365 2782, Email
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Tang J, Li M, Zhao C, Shen D, Liu L, Zhang X, Wei L. Therapeutic DNA Vaccines against HPV-Related Malignancies: Promising Leads from Clinical Trials. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020239. [PMID: 35215833 PMCID: PMC8874761 DOI: 10.3390/v14020239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2014 and 2021, two nucleic-acid vaccine candidates named MAV E2 and VGX-3100 completed phase III clinical trials in Mexico and U.S., respectively, for patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-related, high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). These well-tolerated but still unlicensed vaccines encode distinct HPV antigens (E2 versus E6+E7) to elicit cell-mediated immune responses; their clinical efficacy, as measured by HSIL regression or cure, was modest when compared with placebo or surgery (conization), but both proved highly effective in clearing HPV infection, which should help further optimize strategies for enhancing vaccine immunogenicity, toward an ultimate goal of preventing malignancies in millions of patients who are living with persistent, oncogenic HPV infection but are not expected to benefit from current, prophylactic vaccines. The major roadblocks to a highly efficacious and practical product remain challenging and can be classified into five categories: (i) getting the vaccines into the right cells for efficient expression and presentation of HPV antigens (fusion proteins or epitopes); (ii) having adequate coverage of oncogenic HPV types, beyond the current focus on HPV-16 and -18; (iii) directing immune protection to various epithelial niches, especially anogenital mucosa and upper aerodigestive tract where HPV-transformed cells wreak havoc; (iv) establishing the time window and vaccination regimen, including dosage, interval and even combination therapy, for achieving maximum efficacy; and (v) validating therapeutic efficacy in patients with poor prognosis because of advanced, recurrent or non-resectable malignancies. Overall, the room for improvements is still large enough that continuing efforts for research and development will very likely extend into the next decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianming Tang
- Aeonvital Biomedical Research Institute, Beijing 102208, China; (L.L.); (X.Z.)
- Correspondence: or
| | - Mingzhu Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100033, China; (M.L.); (C.Z.); (D.S.); (L.W.)
| | - Chao Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100033, China; (M.L.); (C.Z.); (D.S.); (L.W.)
| | - Danhua Shen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100033, China; (M.L.); (C.Z.); (D.S.); (L.W.)
| | - Lei Liu
- Aeonvital Biomedical Research Institute, Beijing 102208, China; (L.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Xiujun Zhang
- Aeonvital Biomedical Research Institute, Beijing 102208, China; (L.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Lihui Wei
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing 100033, China; (M.L.); (C.Z.); (D.S.); (L.W.)
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Gargan S, Stevenson NJ. Unravelling the Immunomodulatory Effects of Viral Ion Channels, towards the Treatment of Disease. Viruses 2021; 13:2165. [PMID: 34834972 PMCID: PMC8618147 DOI: 10.3390/v13112165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for the research community to develop a better understanding of viruses, in particular their modes of infection and replicative lifecycles, to aid in the development of novel vaccines and much needed anti-viral therapeutics. Several viruses express proteins capable of forming pores in host cellular membranes, termed "Viroporins". They are a family of small hydrophobic proteins, with at least one amphipathic domain, which characteristically form oligomeric structures with central hydrophilic domains. Consequently, they can facilitate the transport of ions through the hydrophilic core. Viroporins localise to host membranes such as the endoplasmic reticulum and regulate ion homeostasis creating a favourable environment for viral infection. Viroporins also contribute to viral immune evasion via several mechanisms. Given that viroporins are often essential for virion assembly and egress, and as their structural features tend to be evolutionarily conserved, they are attractive targets for anti-viral therapeutics. This review discusses the current knowledge of several viroporins, namely Influenza A virus (IAV) M2, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-1 Viral protein U (Vpu), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) p7, Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-16 E5, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) Open Reading Frame (ORF)3a and Polyomavirus agnoprotein. We highlight the intricate but broad immunomodulatory effects of these viroporins and discuss the current antiviral therapies that target them; continually highlighting the need for future investigations to focus on novel therapeutics in the treatment of existing and future emergent viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhan Gargan
- Viral Immunology Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Nigel J. Stevenson
- Viral Immunology Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland;
- Viral Immunology Group, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Medical University of Bahrain, Manama 15503, Bahrain
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Silva AJD, de Macêdo LS, Leal LRS, de Jesus ALS, Freitas AC. Yeasts as a promising delivery platform for DNA and RNA vaccines. FEMS Yeast Res 2021; 21:foab018. [PMID: 33837785 DOI: 10.1093/femsyr/foab018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Yeasts are considered a useful system for the development of vaccines for human and veterinary health. Species such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia pastoris have been used successfully as host organisms for the production of subunit vaccines. These organisms have been also explored as vaccine vehicles enabling the delivery of antigens such as proteins and nucleic acids. The employed species possess a GRAS status (Generally Recognized as Safe) for the production of therapeutic proteins, besides promoting immunostimulation due to the properties of their wall cell composition. This strategy allows the administration of nucleic acids orally and a specific delivery to professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs). In this review, we seek to outline the development of whole yeast vaccines (WYV) carrying nucleic acids in different approaches in the medical field, as well as the immunological aspects of this vaccine strategy. The data presented here reveal the application of this platform in promoting effective immune responses in the context of prophylactic and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Jéssica Duarte Silva
- Laboratório de Estudos Moleculares e Terapia Experimental, Department of Genetics, Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rêgo, 1235, Cidade Universitaria, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Larissa Silva de Macêdo
- Laboratório de Estudos Moleculares e Terapia Experimental, Department of Genetics, Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rêgo, 1235, Cidade Universitaria, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Lígia Rosa Sales Leal
- Laboratório de Estudos Moleculares e Terapia Experimental, Department of Genetics, Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rêgo, 1235, Cidade Universitaria, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - André Luiz Santos de Jesus
- Laboratório de Estudos Moleculares e Terapia Experimental, Department of Genetics, Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rêgo, 1235, Cidade Universitaria, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Antonio Carlos Freitas
- Laboratório de Estudos Moleculares e Terapia Experimental, Department of Genetics, Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof. Moraes Rêgo, 1235, Cidade Universitaria, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
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Franconi R, Massa S, Paolini F, Vici P, Venuti A. Plant-Derived Natural Compounds in Genetic Vaccination and Therapy for HPV-Associated Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113101. [PMID: 33114220 PMCID: PMC7690868 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary DNA vaccination represents a useful approach for human papillomavirus (HPV) cancer therapy. The therapeutic potential of plant-based natural compounds for control of HPV- associated cancers has been also widely explored. Genetic vaccines for HPV-associated tumors that include plant protein-encoding gene sequences, used alone or in combinations with plant metabolites, are being investigated but are still in their infancy. Main focus of this paper is to provide an overview of the current state of novel therapeutic strategies employing genetic vaccines along with plant-derived compounds and genes. We highlight the importance of multimodality treatment regimen such as combining immunotherapy with plant-derived agents. Abstract Antigen-specific immunotherapy and, in particular, DNA vaccination provides an established approach for tackling human papillomavirus (HPV) cancers at different stages. DNA vaccines are stable and have a cost-effective production. Their intrinsic low immunogenicity has been improved by several strategies with some success, including fusion of HPV antigens with plant gene sequences. Another approach for the control of HPV cancers is the use of natural immunomodulatory agents like those derived from plants, that are able to interfere in carcinogenesis by modulating many different cellular pathways and, in some instances, to reduce chemo- and radiotherapy resistance of tumors. Indeed, plant-derived compounds represent, in many cases, an abundantly available, cost-effective source of molecules that can be either harvested directly in nature or obtained from plant cell cultures. In this review, an overview of the most relevant data reported in literature on the use of plant natural compounds and genetic vaccines that include plant-derived sequences against HPV tumors is provided. The purpose is also to highlight the still under-explored potential of multimodal treatments implying DNA vaccination along with plant-derived agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosella Franconi
- Division of Health Protection Technology, Department for Sustainability, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, ENEA, 00123 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (R.F.); (S.M.); Tel.: +39-06-3048-4482 (R.F.); +39-06-3048-4052 (S.M.)
| | - Silvia Massa
- Division of Biotechnology and Agroindustry, Department for Sustainability, ENEA, 00123 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (R.F.); (S.M.); Tel.: +39-06-3048-4482 (R.F.); +39-06-3048-4052 (S.M.)
| | - Francesca Paolini
- HPV-UNIT—UOSD Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (F.P.); (A.V.)
| | - Patrizia Vici
- Division of Medical Oncology B, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Aldo Venuti
- HPV-UNIT—UOSD Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (F.P.); (A.V.)
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Panahi HA, Bolhassani A, Javadi G, Noormohammadi Z, Agi E. Development of multiepitope therapeutic vaccines against the most prevalent high-risk human papillomaviruses. Immunotherapy 2020; 12:459-479. [DOI: 10.2217/imt-2019-0196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Our goal was the development of DNA- or peptide-based multiepitope vaccines targeting HPV E7, E6 and E5 oncoproteins in tumor mouse model. Materials & methods: After designing the multiepitope E7, E6 and E5 constructs from four types of high risk HPVs (16, 18, 31 & 45) using bioinformatics tools, mice vaccination was performed by different homologous and heterologous modalities in a prophylactic setting. Then, anti-tumor effects of the best prophylactic strategies were studied in a therapeutic setting. Results: In both prophylactic and therapeutic experiments, groups receiving homologous E7+E6+E5 polypeptide, and heterologous E7+E6+E5 DNA prime/polypeptide boost were successful in complete rejection of tumors. Conclusion: The designed multiepitope constructs can be considered as promising candidates to develop effective therapeutic HPV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidar Ali Panahi
- Department of Hepatitis & AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biology, School of Basic Sciences, Science & Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis & AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Javadi
- Department of Biology, School of Basic Sciences, Science & Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Noormohammadi
- Department of Biology, School of Basic Sciences, Science & Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elnaz Agi
- Iranian Comprehensive Hemophilia Care Center, Tehran, Iran
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Massa S, Paolini F, Marino C, Franconi R, Venuti A. Bioproduction of a Therapeutic Vaccine Against Human Papillomavirus in Tomato Hairy Root Cultures. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:452. [PMID: 31031788 PMCID: PMC6470201 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.00452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) tumor disease is a critical public health problem worldwide, especially in the developing countries. The recognized pathogenic function of E5, E6, and E7 oncoproteins offers the opportunity to devise therapeutic vaccines based on engineered recombinant proteins. The potential of plants to manufacture engineered compounds for pharmaceutical purposes, from small to complex protein molecules, allows the expression of HPV antigens and, possibly, the regulation of immune functions to develop very specific therapies as a reinforcement to available nonspecific therapies and preventive vaccination also in developed countries. Among plant-based expression formats, hairy root cultures are a robust platform combining the benefits of eukaryotic plant-based bioreactors, with those typical of cell cultures. In this work, to devise an experimental therapeutic vaccine against HPV, hairy root cultures were used to express a harmless form of the HPV type 16 E7 protein (E7*) fused to SAPKQ, a noncytotoxic form of the saporin protein from Saponaria officinalis, that we had shown to improve E7-specific cell-mediated responses as a fusion E7*-SAPKQ DNA vaccine. Hairy root clones expressing the E7*-SAPKQ candidate vaccine were obtained upon infection of leaf explants of Solanum lycopersicum using a recombinant plant expression vector. Yield was approximately 35.5 μg/g of fresh weight. Mouse immunization with vaccine-containing crude extracts was performed together with immunological and biological tests to investigate immune responses and anticancer activity, respectively. Animals were primed with either E7*-SAPKQ DNA-based vaccine or E7*-SAPKQ root extract-based vaccine and boosted with the same (homologous schedule) or with the other vaccine preparation (heterologous schedule) in the context of TC-1 experimental mouse model of HPV-associated tumor. All the formulations exhibited an immunological response associated to anticancer activity. In particular, DNA as prime and hairy root extract as boost demonstrated the highest efficacy. This work, based on the development of low-cost technologies, highlights the suitability of hairy root cultures as possible biofactories of therapeutic HPV vaccines and underlines the importance of the synergic combination of treatment modalities for future developments in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Massa
- Biotechnology Laboratory, Biotechnology and Agroindustry Division, Department of Sustainability, ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development), Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Silvia Massa,
| | - Francesca Paolini
- Virology Laboratory, HPV-UNIT, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostic and Technological Innovation (RIDAIT), Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, IRCSS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmela Marino
- Biomedical Technologies Laboratory, Health Technologies Division, Department of Sustainability, ENEA, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosella Franconi
- Biomedical Technologies Laboratory, Health Technologies Division, Department of Sustainability, ENEA, Rome, Italy
| | - Aldo Venuti
- Virology Laboratory, HPV-UNIT, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostic and Technological Innovation (RIDAIT), Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, IRCSS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
- Aldo Venuti,
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Dadar M, Chakraborty S, Dhama K, Prasad M, Khandia R, Hassan S, Munjal A, Tiwari R, Karthik K, Kumar D, Iqbal HMN, Chaicumpa W. Advances in Designing and Developing Vaccines, Drugs and Therapeutic Approaches to Counter Human Papilloma Virus. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2478. [PMID: 30483247 PMCID: PMC6240620 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a viral infection with skin-to-skin based transmission mode. HPV annually caused over 500,000 cancer cases including cervical, anogenital and oropharyngeal cancer among others. HPV vaccination has become a public-health concern, worldwide, to prevent the cases of HPV infections including precancerous lesions, cervical cancers, and genital warts especially in adolescent female and male population by launching national programs with international alliances. Currently, available prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines are expensive to be used in developing countries for vaccination programs. The recent progress in immunotherapy, biotechnology, recombinant DNA technology and molecular biology along with alternative and complementary medicinal systems have paved novel ways and valuable opportunities to design and develop effective prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines, drugs and treatment approach to counter HPV effectively. Exploration and more researches on such advances could result in the gradual reduction in the incidences of HPV cases across the world. The present review presents a current global scenario and futuristic prospects of the advanced prophylactic and therapeutic approaches against HPV along with recent patents coverage of the progress and advances in drugs, vaccines and therapeutic regimens to effectively combat HPV infections and its cancerous conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Dadar
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran
| | - Sandip Chakraborty
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, West Tripura, India
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India
| | - Minakshi Prasad
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, LLR University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar, India
| | - Rekha Khandia
- Department of Genetics, Barkatullah University, Bhopal, India
| | - Sameer Hassan
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Indian Council of Medical Research, Chennai, India
| | - Ashok Munjal
- Department of Genetics, Barkatullah University, Bhopal, India
| | - Ruchi Tiwari
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Sciences, U P Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhayay Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalay Evum Go-Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, India
| | - Kumaragurubaran Karthik
- Central University Laboratory, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, India
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Division of Veterinary Biotechnology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India
| | - Hafiz M. N. Iqbal
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, School of Engineering and Sciences, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Wanpen Chaicumpa
- Department of Parasitology, Center of Research Excellence on Therapeutic Proteins and Antibody Engineering, Faculty of Medicine SIriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Cordeiro MN, De Lima RDCP, Paolini F, Melo ARDS, Campos APF, Venuti A, De Freitas AC. Current research into novel therapeutic vaccines against cervical cancer. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2018; 18:365-376. [DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2018.1445527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Nazário Cordeiro
- Laboratório de Estudos Moleculares e Terapia Experimental – LEMTE, Brazil Universidade Federal de Pernambuco – UFPE, Brazil
| | - Rita de Cássia Pereira De Lima
- Laboratório de Estudos Moleculares e Terapia Experimental – LEMTE, Brazil Universidade Federal de Pernambuco – UFPE, Brazil
| | - Francesca Paolini
- HPV-Unit UOSD Immunology and Tumor Immunotherapy, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Alanne Rayssa da Silva Melo
- Laboratório de Estudos Moleculares e Terapia Experimental – LEMTE, Brazil Universidade Federal de Pernambuco – UFPE, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Ferreira Campos
- Laboratório de Estudos Moleculares e Terapia Experimental – LEMTE, Brazil Universidade Federal de Pernambuco – UFPE, Brazil
| | - Aldo Venuti
- HPV-Unit UOSD Immunology and Tumor Immunotherapy, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Carlos De Freitas
- Laboratório de Estudos Moleculares e Terapia Experimental – LEMTE, Brazil Universidade Federal de Pernambuco – UFPE, Brazil
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de Freitas AC, de Oliveira THA, Barros MR, Venuti A. hrHPV E5 oncoprotein: immune evasion and related immunotherapies. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2017; 36:71. [PMID: 28545552 PMCID: PMC5445378 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-017-0541-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The immune response is a key factor in the fight against HPV infection and related cancers, and thus, HPV is able to promote immune evasion through the expression of oncogenes. In particular, the E5 oncogene is responsible for modulation of several immune mechanisms, including antigen presentation and inflammatory pathways. Moreover, E5 was suggested as a promising therapeutic target, since there is still no effective medical therapy for the treatment of HPV-related pre-neoplasia and cancer. Indeed, several studies have shown good prospective for E5 immunotherapy, suggesting that it could be applied for the treatment of pre-cancerous lesions. Thus, insofar as the majority of cervical, oropharyngeal and anal cancers are caused by high-risk HPV (hrHPV), mainly by HPV16, the aim of this review is to discuss the immune pathways interfered by E5 oncoprotein of hrHPV highlighting the various aspects of the potential immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Carlos de Freitas
- Department of Genetics, Laboratory of Molecular Studies and Experimental Therapy (LEMTE), Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, Recife, CEP 50670-901, Brazil.
| | - Talita Helena Araújo de Oliveira
- Department of Genetics, Laboratory of Molecular Studies and Experimental Therapy (LEMTE), Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, Recife, CEP 50670-901, Brazil
| | - Marconi Rego Barros
- Department of Genetics, Laboratory of Molecular Studies and Experimental Therapy (LEMTE), Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, Av. Prof Moraes Rego, 1235, Cidade Universitária, Recife, CEP 50670-901, Brazil
| | - Aldo Venuti
- Department of Research, HPV-Unit, UOSD Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, Advanced Diagnostic and Technological Innovation, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy.
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Paolini F, Curzio G, Cordeiro MN, Massa S, Mariani L, Pimpinelli F, de Freitas AC, Franconi R, Venuti A. HPV 16 E5 oncoprotein is expressed in early stage carcinogenesis and can be a target of immunotherapy. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2016; 13:291-297. [PMID: 27929754 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2017.1264777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
HPV16 persistent infection is a well-known condition that precedes human cancer development. High risk HPV E5 proteins cooperate with E6/E7 oncogenes to promote hyper-proliferation of infected cells leading to possible cancer progression. Thus, presence of E5 viral transcripts could be a key marker of active infection and, in turn, a target of immunotherapy. Purpose of the study is to detect E5 transcripts in clinical samples and to explore the activity of novel anti-HPV16 E5 DNA vaccines. HPV transcripts were detected by PCR with specific primers encompassing the splice-donor sites of E5 transcript. For E5-based immunotherapies, 2 E5-based versions of DNA vaccines carrying whole E5 gene or a synthetic multiepitope gene were improved by fusion to sequence of PVX coat protein. These vaccines were challenged with a new luminescent animal model based on C3-Luc cell line. E5 transcripts were detected in clinical samples of women with HPV positive low-grade SIL, demonstrating the validity of our test. In C3 pre-clinical mouse model, vaccine candidates were able to induce a strong cellular immunity as indicated by ELISPOT assays. In addition, E5-CP vaccines elicited strong anti-tumor effects as showed by decreased tumor growth monitored by animal imaging. The tumor growth inhibition was comparable to those obtained with anti-E7 DNA vaccines. In conclusion, detection of E5 transcripts in clinical samples indicates that E5 is a possible target of immunotherapy. Data from pre-clinical model demonstrate that E5 genetic immunization is feasible, efficacious and could be utilized in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Silvia Massa
- c ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, C.R. Casaccia , Rome , Italy
| | - Luciano Mariani
- a Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, HPV Unit , Rome , Italy
| | | | | | - Rosella Franconi
- c ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, C.R. Casaccia , Rome , Italy
| | - Aldo Venuti
- a Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, HPV Unit , Rome , Italy
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Illiano E, Bissa M, Paolini F, Zanotto C, De Giuli Morghen C, Franconi R, Radaelli A, Venuti A. Prime-boost therapeutic vaccination in mice with DNA/DNA or DNA/Fowlpox virus recombinants expressing the Human Papilloma Virus type 16 E6 and E7 mutated proteins fused to the coat protein of Potato virus X. Virus Res 2016; 225:82-90. [PMID: 27664839 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2016.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The therapeutic antitumor potency of a prime-boost vaccination strategy was explored, based on the mutated, nontransforming forms of the E6 (E6F47R) and E7 (E7GGG) oncogenes of Human Papilloma Virus type 16 (HPV16), fused to the Potato virus X (PVX) coat protein (CP) sequence. Previous data showed that CP fusion improves the immunogenicity of tumor-associated antigens and may thus increase their efficacy. After verifying the correct expression of E6F47RCP and E7GGGCP inserted into DNA and Fowlpox virus recombinants by Western blotting and immunofluorescence, their combined use was evaluated for therapy in a pre-clinical mouse model of HPV16-related tumorigenicity. Immunization protocols were applied using homologous (DNA/DNA) or heterologous (DNA/Fowlpox) prime-boost vaccine regimens. The humoral immune responses were determined by ELISA, and the therapeutic efficacy evaluated by the delay in tumor appearance and reduced tumor volume after inoculation of syngeneic TC-1* tumor cells. Homologous DNA/DNA genetic vaccines were able to better delay tumor appearance and inhibit tumor growth when DNAE6F47RCP and DNAE7GGGCP were administered in combination. However, the heterologous DNA/Fowlpox vaccination strategy was able to delay tumor appearance in a higher number of animals when E6F47RCP and in particular E7GGGCP were administered alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Illiano
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Massimiliano Bissa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Francesca Paolini
- Laboratory of Virology HPV-UNIT, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
| | - Carlo Zanotto
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Carlo De Giuli Morghen
- Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology Section, CNR Institute of Neurosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Catholic University "Our Lady of Good Counsel", Tirana, Albania.
| | - Rosella Franconi
- Laboratory of Biomedical Technologies, Division of Health Protection Technologies, Department for Sustainability, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Casaccia Research Centre, Rome, Italy.
| | - Antonia Radaelli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology Section, CNR Institute of Neurosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Aldo Venuti
- Laboratory of Virology HPV-UNIT, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
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Venuti A, Curzio G, Mariani L, Paolini F. Immunotherapy of HPV-associated cancer: DNA/plant-derived vaccines and new orthotopic mouse models. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2015; 64:1329-38. [PMID: 26138695 PMCID: PMC4554738 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-015-1734-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Under the optimistic assumption of high-prophylactic HPV vaccine coverage, a significant reduction of cancer incidence can only be expected after decades. Thus, immune therapeutic strategies are needed for persistently infected individuals who do not benefit from the prophylactic vaccines. However, the therapeutic strategies inducing immunity to the E6 and/or E7 oncoprotein of HPV16 are more effective for curing HPV-expressing tumours in animal models than for treating human cancers. New strategies/technologies have been developed to improve these therapeutic vaccines. Our studies focussed on preparing therapeutic vaccines with low-cost technologies by DNA preparation fused to either plant-virus or plant-toxin genes, such as saporin, and by plant-produced antigens. In particular, plant-derived antigens possess an intrinsic adjuvant activity that makes these preparations especially attractive for future development. Additionally, discrepancy in vaccine effectiveness between animals and humans may be due to non-orthotopic localization of animal models. Orthotopic transplantation leads to tumours giving a more accurate representation of the parent tumour. Since HPV can cause cancer in two main localizations, anogenital and oropharynx area, we developed two orthotopic tumour mouse models in these two sites. Both models are bioluminescent in order to follow up the tumour growth by imaging and are induced by cell injection without the need to intervene surgically. These models were utilized for immunotherapies with genetic or plant-derived therapeutic vaccines. In particular, the head/neck orthotopic model appears to be very promising for studies combining chemo-radio-immune therapy that seems to be very effective in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aldo Venuti
- HPV-UNIT, Laboratory of Virology, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via E. Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy,
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Human Papillomavirus Vaccine. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2015; 101:231-322. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2015.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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