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Leventhal SS, Meade-White K, Shaia C, Tipih T, Lewis M, Mihalakakos EA, Hinkley T, Khandhar AP, Erasmus JH, Feldmann H, Hawman DW. Single dose, dual antigen RNA vaccines protect against lethal Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus infection in mice. EBioMedicine 2024; 101:105017. [PMID: 38382314 PMCID: PMC10885550 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus is a tick-borne bunyavirus prevalent across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. The virus causes a non-specific febrile illness which may develop into severe haemorrhagic disease. To date, there are no widely approved therapeutics. Recently, we reported an alphavirus-based replicon RNA vaccine which expresses the CCHFV nucleoprotein (repNP) or glycoprotein precursor (repGPC) and is protective against lethal disease in mice. METHODS Here, we evaluated engineered GPC constructs to find the minimal enhancing epitope of repGPC and test two RNA vaccine approaches to express multiple antigens in vivo to optimize protective efficacy of our repRNA. FINDINGS Vaccination with repNP and a construct expressing just the Gc antigen (repGc-FL) resulted in equivalent immunogenicity and protective efficacy compared to original repNP + repGPC vaccination. This vaccine was protective when prepared in either of two vaccine approaches, a mixed synthesis reaction producing two RNAs in a single tube and a single RNA expressing two antigens. INTERPRETATION Overall, our data illustrate two vaccine approaches to deliver two antigens in a single immunization. Both approaches induced protective immune responses against CCHFV in this model. These approaches support their continued development for this and future vaccine candidates for CCHFV and other vaccines where inclusion of multiple antigens would be optimal. FUNDING This work was supported by the Intramural Research Program, NIAID/NIH, HDT Bio and MCDC Grant #MCDC2204-011.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanna S Leventhal
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Kimberly Meade-White
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Carl Shaia
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Thomas Tipih
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Mathew Lewis
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Evan A Mihalakakos
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | | | | | | | - Heinz Feldmann
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA.
| | - David W Hawman
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA.
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Cohen AA, Keeffe JR, Schiepers A, Dross SE, Greaney AJ, Rorick AV, Gao H, Gnanapragasam PN, Fan C, West AP, Ramsingh AI, Erasmus JH, Pata JD, Muramatsu H, Pardi N, Lin PJ, Baxter S, Cruz R, Quintanar-Audelo M, Robb E, Serrano-Amatriain C, Magneschi L, Fotheringham IG, Fuller DH, Victora GD, Bjorkman PJ. Mosaic sarbecovirus vaccination elicits cross-reactive responses in pre-immunized animals. bioRxiv 2024:2024.02.08.576722. [PMID: 38370696 PMCID: PMC10871317 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.08.576722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Immunization with mosaic-8b [60-mer nanoparticles presenting 8 SARS-like betacoronavirus (sarbecovirus) receptor-binding domains (RBDs)] elicits more broadly cross-reactive antibodies than homotypic SARS-CoV-2 RBD-only nanoparticles and protects against sarbecoviruses. To investigate original antigenic sin (OAS) effects on mosaic-8b efficacy, we evaluated effects of prior COVID-19 vaccinations in non-human primates and mice on sarbecovirus response breadths elicited by mosaic-8b, admix-8b (8 homotypics), and homotypic SARS-CoV-2, finding greatest cross-reactivity for mosaic-8b. As demonstrated by molecular fate-mapping in which antibodies derived from specific cohorts of B cells are differentially detected, B cells primed by WA1 spike mRNA-LNP dominated antibody responses after RBD-nanoparticle boosting. While mosaic-8b- and homotypic-nanoparticles boosted cross-reactive antibodies, de novo antibodies were predominantly induced with mosaic-8b boosting, and these were specific for variant RBDs with increased identity to RBDs on mosaic-8b. These results inform OAS mechanisms and support using mosaic-8b to protect COVID-19 vaccinated/infected humans against as-yet-unknown SARS-CoV-2 variants and animal sarbecoviruses with human spillover potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A. Cohen
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Jennifer R. Keeffe
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Ariën Schiepers
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Dynamics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Sandra E. Dross
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- National Primate Research Center, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
| | - Allison J. Greaney
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Annie V. Rorick
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Han Gao
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | | | - Chengcheng Fan
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Anthony P. West
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | | | | | - Janice D. Pata
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health and Department of Biomedical Sciences, University at Albany, Albany, NY, 12201, USA
| | - Hiromi Muramatsu
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Norbert Pardi
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | | | - Scott Baxter
- Ingenza Ltd, Roslin Innovation Centre, Charnock Bradley Building, Roslin, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Rita Cruz
- Ingenza Ltd, Roslin Innovation Centre, Charnock Bradley Building, Roslin, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Martina Quintanar-Audelo
- Ingenza Ltd, Roslin Innovation Centre, Charnock Bradley Building, Roslin, EH25 9RG, UK
- Present address: Centre for Inflammation Research and Institute of Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Ellis Robb
- Ingenza Ltd, Roslin Innovation Centre, Charnock Bradley Building, Roslin, EH25 9RG, UK
| | | | - Leonardo Magneschi
- Ingenza Ltd, Roslin Innovation Centre, Charnock Bradley Building, Roslin, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Ian G. Fotheringham
- Ingenza Ltd, Roslin Innovation Centre, Charnock Bradley Building, Roslin, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Deborah H. Fuller
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- National Primate Research Center, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
| | - Gabriel D. Victora
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Dynamics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Pamela J. Bjorkman
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
- Lead contact
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3
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MacMillen Z, Hatzakis K, Simpson A, Shears MJ, Watson F, Erasmus JH, Khandhar AP, Wilder B, Murphy SC, Reed SG, Davie JW, Avril M. Accelerated prime-and-trap vaccine regimen in mice using repRNA-based CSP malaria vaccine. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:12. [PMID: 38200025 PMCID: PMC10781674 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00799-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites, remains one of the most devastating infectious diseases worldwide, despite control efforts to lower morbidity and mortality. Both advanced candidate vaccines, RTS,S and R21, are subunit (SU) vaccines that target a single Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) pre-erythrocytic (PE) sporozoite (spz) surface protein known as circumsporozoite (CS). These vaccines induce humoral immunity but fail to elicit CD8 + T-cell responses sufficient for long-term protection. In contrast, whole-organism (WO) vaccines, such as Radiation Attenuated Sporozoites (RAS), achieved sterile protection but require a series of intravenous doses administered in multiple clinic visits. Moreover, these WO vaccines must be produced in mosquitos, a burdensome process that severely limits their availability. To reduce reliance on WO while maintaining protection via both antibodies and Trm responses, we have developed an accelerated vaccination regimen that combines two distinct agents in a prime-and-trap strategy. The priming dose is a single dose of self-replicating RNA encoding the full-length P. yoelii CS protein, delivered via an advanced cationic nanocarrier (LIONTM). The trapping dose consists of one dose of WO RAS. Our vaccine induces a strong immune response when administered in an accelerated regimen, i.e., either 5-day or same-day immunization. Additionally, mice after same-day immunization showed a 2-day delay of blood patency with 90% sterile protection against a 3-week spz challenge. The same-day regimen also induced durable 70% sterile protection against a 2-month spz challenge. Our approach presents a clear path to late-stage preclinical and clinical testing of dose-sparing, same-day regimens that can confer sterilizing protection against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary MacMillen
- MalarVx, Inc 1551 Eastlake Ave E, Suite 100, Seattle, WA, 98102, USA
| | - Kiara Hatzakis
- MalarVx, Inc 1551 Eastlake Ave E, Suite 100, Seattle, WA, 98102, USA
| | - Adrian Simpson
- HDT Bio, 1150 Eastlake Ave E, Suite 200A, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Melanie J Shears
- University of Washington, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, 750 Republican St., F870, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Felicia Watson
- University of Washington, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, 750 Republican St., F870, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Jesse H Erasmus
- HDT Bio, 1150 Eastlake Ave E, Suite 200A, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Amit P Khandhar
- HDT Bio, 1150 Eastlake Ave E, Suite 200A, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Brandon Wilder
- Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Building 1, Room 2220, 505 NW 185th Ave, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Sean C Murphy
- University of Washington, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, 750 Republican St., F870, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Steven G Reed
- HDT Bio, 1150 Eastlake Ave E, Suite 200A, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - James W Davie
- MalarVx, Inc 1551 Eastlake Ave E, Suite 100, Seattle, WA, 98102, USA
| | - Marion Avril
- MalarVx, Inc 1551 Eastlake Ave E, Suite 100, Seattle, WA, 98102, USA.
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4
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Van Der Spuy L, Erasmus JH, Nachev M, Schaeffner BC, Sures B, Wepener V, Smit NJ. The use of fish parasitic isopods as element accumulation indicators in marine pollution monitoring. Mar Pollut Bull 2023; 194:115385. [PMID: 37579706 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Marine ecosystems are continuously under threat due to pollutants, which endanger marine biodiversity. The present study determines the potential use of the parasitic isopod, Cinusa tetrodontis Schjödte et Meinert, 1884, together with its fish host, Amblyrhynchotes honckenii (Bloch) for marine bioaccumulation monitoring. The concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn were determined in muscle and liver tissues of infested and uninfested fish, and male and female parasites on the South African temperate south coast. The concentrations of Cu and Ni in C. tetrodontis differed significantly between two sampling sites, a near-pristine (Breede River Estuary, Witsand) and a more polluted site (harbour area in Mossel Bay). Mossel Bay isopods had higher concentrations of Ni, while Witsand isopods had higher concentrations of Cu. In contrast to fish hosts, parasitic isopods accumulated significantly higher levels of all elements except Cd. Most significant relationships between elements accumulated by C. tetrodontis and an increase of elements in fish tissues were seen in liver, rather than muscle tissue samples. Specimens of C. tetrodontis can be defined as good bioindicators for elements such as As, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn, as they possess high bioaccumulation capabilities. This study addresses one of several future directions needed within environmental parasitology and highlights the importance of studying and utilising this host-ectoparasite model system.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Van Der Spuy
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, 11 Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.
| | - J H Erasmus
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, 11 Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.
| | - M Nachev
- Department of Aquatic Ecology and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstrasse 5, 45141 Essen, Germany.
| | - B C Schaeffner
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, 11 Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Institute for Experimental Pathology at Keldur, University of Iceland, Keldnavegur 3, 112 Reykjavík, Iceland.
| | - B Sures
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, 11 Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Department of Aquatic Ecology and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstrasse 5, 45141 Essen, Germany; Research Center One Health Ruhr, Research Alliance Ruhr, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstrasse 5, 45141 Essen, Germany.
| | - V Wepener
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, 11 Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.
| | - N J Smit
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, 11 Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.
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5
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Kimura T, Leal JM, Simpson A, Warner NL, Berube BJ, Archer JF, Park S, Kurtz R, Hinkley T, Nicholes K, Sharma S, Duthie MS, Berglund P, Reed SG, Khandhar AP, Erasmus JH. A localizing nanocarrier formulation enables multi-target immune responses to multivalent replicating RNA with limited systemic inflammation. Mol Ther 2023; 31:2360-2375. [PMID: 37403357 PMCID: PMC10422015 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA vaccines possess significant clinical promise in counteracting human diseases caused by infectious or cancerous threats. Self-amplifying replicon RNA (repRNA) has been thought to offer the potential for enhanced potency and dose sparing. However, repRNA is a potent trigger of innate immune responses in vivo, which can cause reduced transgene expression and dose-limiting reactogenicity, as highlighted by recent clinical trials. Here, we report that multivalent repRNA vaccination, necessitating higher doses of total RNA, could be safely achieved in mice by delivering multiple repRNAs with a localizing cationic nanocarrier formulation (LION). Intramuscular delivery of multivalent repRNA by LION resulted in localized biodistribution accompanied by significantly upregulated local innate immune responses and the induction of antigen-specific adaptive immune responses in the absence of systemic inflammatory responses. In contrast, repRNA delivered by lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) showed generalized biodistribution, a systemic inflammatory state, an increased body weight loss, and failed to induce neutralizing antibody responses in a multivalent composition. These findings suggest that in vivo delivery of repRNA by LION is a platform technology for safe and effective multivalent vaccination through mechanisms distinct from LNP-formulated repRNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taishi Kimura
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E #280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA.
| | - Joseph M Leal
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E #280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Adrian Simpson
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E #280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Nikole L Warner
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E #280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Bryan J Berube
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E #280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Jacob F Archer
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E #280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Stephanie Park
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E #280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Ryan Kurtz
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E #280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Troy Hinkley
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E #280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | | | - Shibbu Sharma
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E #280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | | | - Peter Berglund
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E #280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Steven G Reed
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E #280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Amit P Khandhar
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E #280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Jesse H Erasmus
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E #280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA; Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, 750 Republican Street, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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6
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MacMillen Z, Hatzakis K, Simpson A, Shears MJ, Watson F, Erasmus JH, Khandhar AP, Wilder B, Murphy SC, Reed SG, Davie JW, Avril M. Accelerated prime-and-trap vaccine regimen in mice using repRNA-based CSP malaria vaccine. bioRxiv 2023:2023.05.23.541932. [PMID: 37292739 PMCID: PMC10245832 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.23.541932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites, remains one of the most devastating infectious diseases worldwide, despite control efforts that have lowered morbidity and mortality. The only P. falciparum vaccine candidates to show field efficacy are those targeting the asymptomatic pre-erythrocytic (PE) stages of infection. The subunit (SU) RTS,S/AS01 vaccine, the only licensed malaria vaccine to date, is only modestly effective against clinical malaria. Both RTS,S/AS01 and the SU R21 vaccine candidate target the PE sporozoite (spz) circumsporozoite (CS) protein. These candidates elicit high-titer antibodies that provide short-term protection from disease, but do not induce the liver-resident memory CD8+ T cells (Trm) that confer strong PE immunity and long-term protection. In contrast, whole-organism (WO) vaccines, employing for example radiation-attenuated spz (RAS), elicit both high antibody titers and Trm, and have achieved high levels of sterilizing protection. However, they require multiple intravenous (IV) doses, which must be administered at intervals of several weeks, complicating mass administration in the field. Moreover, the quantities of spz required present production difficulties. To reduce reliance on WO while maintaining protection via both antibodies and Trm responses, we have developed an accelerated vaccination regimen that combines two distinct agents in a prime-and-trap strategy. While the priming dose is a self-replicating RNA encoding P. yoelii CS protein, delivered via an advanced cationic nanocarrier (LION™), the trapping dose consists of WO RAS. This accelerated regime confers sterile protection in the P. yoelii mouse model of malaria. Our approach presents a clear path to late-stage preclinical and clinical testing of dose-sparing, same-day regimens that can confer sterilizing protection against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kiara Hatzakis
- MalarVx, Inc 1551 Eastlake Ave E, Suite 100, Seattle WA 98102
| | - Adrian Simpson
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Ave E, Suite 280, Seattle WA 98102
| | - Melanie J. Shears
- University of Washington, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, 750 Republican St., F870, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Felicia Watson
- University of Washington, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, 750 Republican St., F870, Seattle, WA 98109
| | | | | | - Brandon Wilder
- Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Building 1, Room 2220, 505 NW 185th Ave, Beaverton, OR 97006
| | - Sean C. Murphy
- University of Washington, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, 750 Republican St., F870, Seattle, WA 98109
| | - Steven G. Reed
- HDT Bio, 1616 Eastlake Ave E, Suite 280, Seattle WA 98102
| | - James W. Davie
- MalarVx, Inc 1551 Eastlake Ave E, Suite 100, Seattle WA 98102
| | - Marion Avril
- MalarVx, Inc 1551 Eastlake Ave E, Suite 100, Seattle WA 98102
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7
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van Rooyen D, Erasmus JH, Gerber R, Nachev M, Sures B, Wepener V, Smit NJ. Bioaccumulation and trophic transfer of total mercury through the aquatic food webs of an African sub-tropical wetland system. Sci Total Environ 2023; 889:164210. [PMID: 37196965 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities, including combustion of fossil fuels, coal, and gold mining, are significant sources of mercury (Hg) emissions into aquatic ecosystems. South Africa is a major contributor to global Hg emissions (46.4 tons Hg in 2018), with coal-fired power stations as the main source. Atmospheric transport of Hg emissions is the dominant cause of contamination, especially in the east coast of southern Africa where the Phongolo River Floodplain (PRF) is located. The PRF is the largest floodplain system in South Africa, with unique wetlands and high biodiversity, and provides essential ecosystem services to local communities who rely on fish as a protein source. We assessed the bioaccumulation of Hg in various biota, the trophic positions and food webs, as well as the biomagnification of Hg through the food webs from the PRF. Elevated Hg concentrations were found in sediments, macroinvertebrates and fish from the main rivers and associated floodplains in the PRF. Mercury biomagnification was observed through the food webs, with the apex predator tigerfish, Hydrocynus vittatus, having the highest Hg concentration. Our study shows that Hg in the PRF is bioavailable, accumulates in biota and biomagnifies in food webs.
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Affiliation(s)
- D van Rooyen
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - J H Erasmus
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | - R Gerber
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - M Nachev
- Department of Aquatic Ecology and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - B Sures
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Department of Aquatic Ecology and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany; Research Center One Health Ruhr, Research Alliance Ruhr, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany.
| | - V Wepener
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | - N J Smit
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
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8
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Khandhar AP, Landon CD, Archer J, Krieger K, Warner NL, Randall S, Berube BJ, Erasmus JH, Sather DN, Staats HF. Evaluation of repRNA vaccine for induction and in utero transfer of maternal antibodies in a pregnant rabbit model. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1046-1058. [PMID: 36965482 PMCID: PMC10124083 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mother-to-child transmission is a major route for infections in newborns. Vaccination in mothers to leverage the maternal immune system is a promising approach to vertically transfer protective immunity. During infectious disease outbreaks, such as the 2016 Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak, rapid availability of vaccines can prove critical in reducing widespread disease burden. The recent successes of mRNA vaccines support their evaluation in pregnant animal models to justify their use in neonatal settings. Here we evaluated immunogenicity of self-amplifying replicon (repRNA) vaccines, delivered with our clinical-stage LION nanoparticle formulation, in pregnant rabbits using ZIKV and HIV-1 as model disease targets. We showed that LION/repRNA vaccines induced robust antigen-specific antibody responses in adult pregnant rabbits that passively transferred to newborn kits in utero. Using a matrixed study design, we further elucidate the effect of vaccination in kits on the presence of pre-existing maternal antibodies. Our findings showed that timing of maternal vaccination is critical in maximizing in utero antibody transfer, and subsequent vaccination in newborns maintained elevated antibody levels compared with no vaccination. Overall, our results support further development of the LION/repRNA vaccine platform for maternal and neonatal settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit P Khandhar
- HDT Bio Corp, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E, Suite 280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA; PAI Life Sciences Inc., 1616 Eastlake Avenue E, Suite 250, Seattle, WA 98102, USA.
| | - Chelsea D Landon
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Jacob Archer
- HDT Bio Corp, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E, Suite 280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Kyle Krieger
- HDT Bio Corp, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E, Suite 280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Nikole L Warner
- HDT Bio Corp, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E, Suite 280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Samantha Randall
- HDT Bio Corp, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E, Suite 280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Bryan J Berube
- HDT Bio Corp, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E, Suite 280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Jesse H Erasmus
- HDT Bio Corp, 1616 Eastlake Avenue E, Suite 280, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - D Noah Sather
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Herman F Staats
- Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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9
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O’Connor MA, Hawman DW, Meade-White K, Leventhal S, Song W, Randall S, Archer J, Lewis TB, Brown B, Fredericks MN, Sprouse KR, Tunggal HC, Maughan M, Iwayama N, Ahrens C, Garrison W, Wangari S, Guerriero KA, Hanley P, Lovaglio J, Saturday G, Veesler D, Edlefsen PT, Khandhar AP, Feldmann H, Fuller DH, Erasmus JH. A replicon RNA vaccine can induce durable protective immunity from SARS-CoV-2 in nonhuman primates after neutralizing antibodies have waned. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011298. [PMID: 37075079 PMCID: PMC10150980 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic prompted rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines. Although several vaccines have received emergency approval through various public health agencies, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues. Emergent variants of concern, waning immunity in the vaccinated, evidence that vaccines may not prevent transmission and inequity in vaccine distribution have driven continued development of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 to address these public health needs. In this report, we evaluated a novel self-amplifying replicon RNA vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 in a pigtail macaque model of COVID-19 disease. We found that this vaccine elicited strong binding and neutralizing antibody responses against homologous virus. We also observed broad binding antibody against heterologous contemporary and ancestral strains, but neutralizing antibody responses were primarily targeted to the vaccine-homologous strain. While binding antibody responses were sustained, neutralizing antibody waned to undetectable levels in some animals after six months but were rapidly recalled and conferred protection from disease when the animals were challenged 7 months after vaccination as evident by reduced viral replication and pathology in the lower respiratory tract, reduced viral shedding in the nasal cavity and lower concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the lung. Cumulatively, our data demonstrate in pigtail macaques that a self-amplifying replicon RNA vaccine can elicit durable and protective immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, these data provide evidence that this vaccine can provide durable protective efficacy and reduce viral shedding even after neutralizing antibody responses have waned to undetectable levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan A. O’Connor
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - David W. Hawman
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - Kimberly Meade-White
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - Shanna Leventhal
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - Wenjun Song
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Samantha Randall
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- HDT Bio, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jacob Archer
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- HDT Bio, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Thomas B. Lewis
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Brieann Brown
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Megan N. Fredericks
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Kaitlin R. Sprouse
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, United States of America
| | - Hillary C. Tunggal
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Mara Maughan
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Naoto Iwayama
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Chul Ahrens
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - William Garrison
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Solomon Wangari
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Kathryn A. Guerriero
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Patrick Hanley
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - Jamie Lovaglio
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - Greg Saturday
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - David Veesler
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, United States of America
| | - Paul T. Edlefsen
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | | | - Heinz Feldmann
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - Deborah Heydenburg Fuller
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jesse H. Erasmus
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- HDT Bio, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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10
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Larsen SE, Erasmus JH, Reese VA, Pecor T, Archer J, Kandahar A, Hsu FC, Nicholes K, Reed SG, Baldwin SL, Coler RN. An RNA-Based Vaccine Platform for Use against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11010130. [PMID: 36679975 PMCID: PMC9862644 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11010130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), a bacterial pathogen that causes tuberculosis disease (TB), exerts an extensive burden on global health. The complex nature of M.tb, coupled with different TB disease stages, has made identifying immune correlates of protection challenging and subsequently slowing vaccine candidate progress. In this work, we leveraged two delivery platforms as prophylactic vaccines to assess immunity and subsequent efficacy against low-dose and ultra-low-dose aerosol challenges with M.tb H37Rv in C57BL/6 mice. Our second-generation TB vaccine candidate ID91 was produced as a fusion protein formulated with a synthetic TLR4 agonist (glucopyranosyl lipid adjuvant in a stable emulsion) or as a novel replicating-RNA (repRNA) formulated in a nanostructured lipid carrier. Protein subunit- and RNA-based vaccines preferentially elicit cellular immune responses to different ID91 epitopes. In a single prophylactic immunization screen, both platforms reduced pulmonary bacterial burden compared to the controls. Excitingly, in prime-boost strategies, the groups that received heterologous RNA-prime, protein-boost or combination immunizations demonstrated the greatest reduction in bacterial burden and a unique humoral and cellular immune response profile. These data are the first to report that repRNA platforms are a viable system for TB vaccines and should be pursued with high-priority M.tb antigens containing CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell epitopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha E. Larsen
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Childrens Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Jesse H. Erasmus
- HDT BioCorp, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Valerie A. Reese
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Childrens Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Tiffany Pecor
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Childrens Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Susan L. Baldwin
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Childrens Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Rhea N. Coler
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Childrens Research Institute, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
- Correspondence:
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11
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Rais M, Abdelaal H, Reese VA, Ferede D, Larsen SE, Pecor T, Erasmus JH, Archer J, Khandhar AP, Cooper SK, Podell BK, Reed SG, Coler RN, Baldwin SL. Immunogenicity and protection against Mycobacterium avium with a heterologous RNA prime and protein boost vaccine regimen. Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2023; 138:102302. [PMID: 36586154 PMCID: PMC10361416 DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2022.102302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Prophylactic efficacy of two different delivery platforms for vaccination against Mycobacterium avium (M. avium) were tested in this study; a subunit and an RNA-based vaccine. The vaccine antigen, ID91, includes four mycobacterial antigens: Rv3619, Rv2389, Rv3478, and Rv1886. We have shown that ID91+GLA-SE is effective against a clinical NTM isolate, M. avium 2-151 smt. Here, we extend these results and show that a heterologous prime/boost strategy with a repRNA-ID91 (replicon RNA) followed by protein ID91+GLA-SE boost is superior to the subunit protein vaccine given as a homologous prime/boost regimen. The repRNA-ID91/ID91+GLA-SE heterologous regimen elicited a higher polyfunctional CD4+ TH1 immune response when compared to the homologous protein prime/boost regimen. More significantly, among all the vaccine regimens tested only repRNA-ID91/ID91+GLA-SE induced IFN-γ and TNF-secreting CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, the repRNA-ID91/ID91+GLA-SE vaccine strategy elicited high systemic proinflammatory cytokine responses and induced strong ID91 and an Ag85B-specific humoral antibody response a pre- and post-challenge with M. avium 2-151 smt. Finally, while all prophylactic prime/boost vaccine regimens elicited a degree of protection in beige mice, the heterologous repRNA-ID91/ID91+GLA-SE vaccine regimen provided greater pulmonary protection than the homologous protein prime/boost regimen. These data indicate that a prophylactic heterologous repRNA-ID91/ID91+GLA-SE vaccine regimen augments immunogenicity and confers protection against M. avium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maham Rais
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98145, USA
| | - Hazem Abdelaal
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98145, USA
| | - Valerie A Reese
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98145, USA
| | - Debora Ferede
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98145, USA
| | - Sasha E Larsen
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98145, USA
| | - Tiffany Pecor
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98145, USA
| | | | | | | | - Sarah K Cooper
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98145, USA
| | - Brendan K Podell
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98145, USA
| | | | - Rhea N Coler
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98145, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA; Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Susan L Baldwin
- Center for Global Infectious Disease Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98145, USA.
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12
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Erasmus JH, Smit NJ, Gerber R, Schaeffner BC, Nkabi N, Wepener V. Total mercury concentrations in sharks, skates and rays along the South African coast. Mar Pollut Bull 2022; 184:114142. [PMID: 36182787 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Global declines in elasmobranch populations resulting from several stressors raises conservation concern. Additionally, apex predators bioaccumulate high concentrations of total mercury (THg), due to biomagnification. Although South Africa is considered one of the top ten contributors of Hg emissions globally, information on Hg concentrations in elasmobranchs is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the THg concentrations in 22 species of elasmobranchs along the South African coastline. Concentrations ranged between 0.22 and 5.8 mg/kg in Haploblepharus pictus (dark shysharks) and Rostroraja alba (white skates) on the south coast, respectively. Along the east coast it ranged between 0.21 and 17.8 mg/kg in Mobula kuhlii (shortfin devil rays) and Sphyrna lewini (scalloped hammerheads), respectively. Mercury concentrations on the east coast were in the same range or higher compared to the same species sampled between 2005-10 from the same region, with generally higher concentrations compared to the same species sampled globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Erasmus
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, 11 Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.
| | - N J Smit
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, 11 Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.
| | - R Gerber
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, 11 Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; South African Shark Conservancy, Old Harbour, 22 Marine Drive, Hermanus 7200, South Africa.
| | - B C Schaeffner
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, 11 Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; South African Shark Conservancy, Old Harbour, 22 Marine Drive, Hermanus 7200, South Africa; Institute for Experimental Pathology at Keldur, University of Iceland, Keldnavegur 3, 112 Reykjavík, Iceland.
| | - N Nkabi
- KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board, 1a Herrwood Drive, Umhlanga Rocks 4320, South Africa.
| | - V Wepener
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, 11 Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.
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13
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Oâ Connor MA, Hawman DW, Meade-White K, Leventhal S, Song W, Randall S, Archer J, Lewis TB, Brown B, Iwayama N, Ahrens C, Garrison W, Wangari S, Guerriero KA, Hanley P, Lovaglio J, Saturday G, Edlefsen PT, Khandhar A, Feldmann H, Fuller DH, Erasmus JH. A replicon RNA vaccine induces durable protective immunity from SARS-CoV-2 in nonhuman primates after neutralizing antibodies have waned. bioRxiv 2022:2022.08.08.503239. [PMID: 35982677 PMCID: PMC9387133 DOI: 10.1101/2022.08.08.503239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic prompted rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines. Although several vaccines have received emergency approval through various public health agencies, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues. Emergent variants of concern, waning immunity in the vaccinated, evidence that vaccines may not prevent transmission and inequity in vaccine distribution have driven continued development of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 to address these public health needs. In this report, we evaluated a novel self-amplifying replicon RNA vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 in a pigtail macaque model of COVID-19 disease. We found that this vaccine elicited strong binding and neutralizing antibody responses. While binding antibody responses were sustained, neutralizing antibody waned to undetectable levels after six months but were rapidly recalled and conferred protection from disease when the animals were challenged 7 months after vaccination as evident by reduced viral replication and pathology in the lower respiratory tract, reduced viral shedding in the nasal cavity and lower concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the lung. Cumulatively, our data demonstrate in pigtail macaques that a self-amplifying replicon RNA vaccine can elicit durable and protective immunity to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, these data provide evidence that this vaccine can provide durable protective efficacy and reduce viral shedding even after neutralizing antibody responses have waned to undetectable levels.
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14
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Leventhal SS, Meade-White K, Rao D, Haddock E, Leung J, Scott D, Archer J, Randall S, Erasmus JH, Feldmann H, Hawman DW. Replicating RNA vaccination elicits an unexpected immune response that efficiently protects mice against lethal Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus challenge. EBioMedicine 2022; 82:104188. [PMID: 35907368 PMCID: PMC9335360 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus is the cause of a severe hemorrhagic fever with cases reported throughout a wide-geographic region. Spread by the bite of infected ticks, contact with infected livestock or in the health care setting, disease begins as a non-specific febrile illness that can rapidly progress to hemorrhagic manifestations. Currently, there are no approved vaccines and antivirals such as ribavirin have unclear efficacy. Thus treatment is mostly limited to supportive care. Methods In this report we evaluated an alphavirus-based replicon RNA vaccine expressing either the CCHFV nucleoprotein or glycoprotein precursor in a stringent, heterologous lethal challenge mouse model. Findings Vaccination with the RNA expressing the nucleoprotein alone could confer complete protection against clinical disease, but vaccination with a combination of both the nucleoprotein and glycoprotein precursor afforded robust protection against disease and viral replication. Protection from lethal challenge required as little as a single immunization with 100ng of RNA. Unexpectedly, analysis of the immune responses elicited by the vaccine components showed that vaccination resulted in antibodies against the internal viral nucleoprotein and cellular immunity against the virion-exposed glycoproteins. Interpretation Cumulatively this vaccine conferred robust protection against Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus and supports continued development of this vaccine candidate. Funding This research was supported by the Intramural Research Program of the NIAID/NIH and HDT Bio.
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15
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Erasmus JH, Zimmermann S, Smit NJ, Malherbe W, Nachev M, Sures B, Wepener V. Human health risks associated with consumption of fish contaminated with trace elements from intensive mining activities in a peri-urban region. Sci Total Environ 2022; 825:154011. [PMID: 35192810 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, numerous rural communities and low-income groups depend on fish harvested by subsistence fishers from local rivers and its impoundments as a source of protein. The aim of the present study was to determine the trace element bioaccumulation (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Pt, Zn) in three edible fish species (Cyprinus carpio, Clarias gariepinus, Oreochromis mossambicus) from two impoundments in the Hex River system, South Africa, as well as the chronic health risk these trace elements pose to regular fish consumers. Trace element concentrations in the Hex River are naturally high (geogenic source), however, increased anthropogenic activities, such as intensive platinum mining activities, elevate the already high background concentrations. Concentrations of As, Cr, and Pt in C. carpio and C. gariepinus, as well as Ni and Zn in O. mossambicus were significantly higher in the impacted impoundment as compared to the reference impoundment. Concentrations of Cr and Cu were at both sampling sites the highest in O. mossambicus. From the human health risk assessment, As poses non-carcinogenic (HQ = 2-7) and carcinogenic risks (33-93 out of 10,000 people), while Cr (3-10 out of 10,000 people) and Ni (2-6 out of 10,000 people) pose only carcinogenic risks for the regular consumption of all three fish species from both impoundments, indicating a high probability of adverse human health effects. For As, Cr and Ni, also the sediment concentrations exceeded the levels of concern within the consensus based sediment quality guideline (CBSQG), while Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn exceeded the water quality guideline values. Thus, the CBSQG approach could be a promising tool for predicting human health risk associated with fish consumption. Since the present study only focused on the individual trace element risks, mixed toxicity of these trace elements and possible other pollutants within these fish species may pose an even greater risk to people who consume these fish regularly.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Erasmus
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, 11 Hoffman St, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
| | - S Zimmermann
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, 11 Hoffman St, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa; Department of Aquatic Ecology and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr. 5, Essen 45141, Germany.
| | - N J Smit
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, 11 Hoffman St, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
| | - W Malherbe
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, 11 Hoffman St, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
| | - M Nachev
- Department of Aquatic Ecology and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr. 5, Essen 45141, Germany.
| | - B Sures
- Department of Aquatic Ecology and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr. 5, Essen 45141, Germany.
| | - V Wepener
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, 11 Hoffman St, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa.
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16
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Willcox AC, Sung K, Garrett ME, Galloway JG, Erasmus JH, Logue JK, Hawman DW, Chu HY, Hasenkrug KJ, Fuller DH, Matsen IV FA, Overbaugh J. Detailed analysis of antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and infection in macaques. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010155. [PMID: 35404959 PMCID: PMC9022802 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Macaques are a commonly used model for studying immunity to human viruses, including for studies of SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination. However, it is unknown whether macaque antibody responses resemble the response in humans. To answer this question, we employed a phage-based deep mutational scanning approach (Phage-DMS) to compare which linear epitopes are targeted on the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein in convalescent humans, convalescent (re-infected) rhesus macaques, mRNA-vaccinated humans, and repRNA-vaccinated pigtail macaques. We also used Phage-DMS to determine antibody escape pathways within each epitope, enabling a granular comparison of antibody binding specificities at the locus level. Overall, we identified some common epitope targets in both macaques and humans, including in the fusion peptide (FP) and stem helix-heptad repeat 2 (SH-H) regions. Differences between groups included a response to epitopes in the N-terminal domain (NTD) and C-terminal domain (CTD) in vaccinated humans but not vaccinated macaques, as well as recognition of a CTD epitope and epitopes flanking the FP in convalescent macaques but not convalescent humans. There was also considerable variability in the escape pathways among individuals within each group. Sera from convalescent macaques showed the least variability in escape overall and converged on a common response with vaccinated humans in the SH-H epitope region, suggesting highly similar antibodies were elicited. Collectively, these findings suggest that the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 in macaques shares many features with humans, but with substantial differences in the recognition of certain epitopes and considerable individual variability in antibody escape profiles, suggesting a diverse repertoire of antibodies that can respond to major epitopes in both humans and macaques. Differences in macaque species and exposure type may also contribute to these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra C. Willcox
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Kevin Sung
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Meghan E. Garrett
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jared G. Galloway
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jesse H. Erasmus
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- HDT Bio, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jennifer K. Logue
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - David W. Hawman
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - Helen Y. Chu
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Kim J. Hasenkrug
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, Montana, United States of America
| | - Deborah H. Fuller
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Infectious Diseases and Translational Medicine, Washington National Primate Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Frederick A. Matsen IV
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Julie Overbaugh
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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17
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Hawman DW, Meade-White K, Archer J, Leventhal SS, Wilson D, Shaia C, Randall S, Khandhar AP, Krieger K, Hsiang TY, Gale M, Berglund P, Fuller DH, Feldmann H, Erasmus JH. SARS-CoV2 variant-specific replicating RNA vaccines protect from disease following challenge with heterologous variants of concern. eLife 2022; 11:e75537. [PMID: 35191378 PMCID: PMC8983041 DOI: 10.7554/elife.75537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite mass public health efforts, the SARS-CoV2 pandemic continues as of late 2021 with resurgent case numbers in many parts of the world. The emergence of SARS-CoV2 variants of concern (VoCs) and evidence that existing vaccines that were designed to protect from the original strains of SARS-CoV-2 may have reduced potency for protection from infection against these VoC is driving continued development of second-generation vaccines that can protect against multiple VoC. In this report, we evaluated an alphavirus-based replicating RNA vaccine expressing Spike proteins from the original SARS-CoV-2 Alpha strain and recent VoCs delivered in vivo via a lipid inorganic nanoparticle. Vaccination of both mice and Syrian Golden hamsters showed that vaccination induced potent neutralizing titers against each homologous VoC but reduced neutralization against heterologous challenges. Vaccinated hamsters challenged with homologous SARS-CoV2 variants exhibited complete protection from infection. In addition, vaccinated hamsters challenged with heterologous SARS-CoV-2 variants exhibited significantly reduced shedding of infectious virus. Our data demonstrate that this vaccine platform can be updated to target emergent VoCs, elicits significant protective immunity against SARS-CoV2 variants and supports continued development of this platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Hawman
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain LaboratoriesHamiltonUnited States
| | - Kimberly Meade-White
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain LaboratoriesHamiltonUnited States
| | | | - Shanna S Leventhal
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain LaboratoriesHamiltonUnited States
| | - Drew Wilson
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain LaboratoriesHamiltonUnited States
| | - Carl Shaia
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain LaboratoriesHamiltonUnited States
| | - Samantha Randall
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of MedicineSeattleUnited States
| | | | | | - Tien-Ying Hsiang
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of MedicineSeattleUnited States
| | - Michael Gale
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of MedicineSeattleUnited States
| | | | | | - Heinz Feldmann
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain LaboratoriesHamiltonUnited States
| | - Jesse H Erasmus
- HDT BioSeattleUnited States
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of MedicineSeattleUnited States
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18
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O’Connor MA, Erasmus JH, Randall S, Archer J, Lewis TB, Brown B, Fredericks M, Groenier S, Iwayama N, Ahrens C, Garrison W, Wangari S, Guerriero KA, Fuller DH. A Single Dose SARS-CoV-2 Replicon RNA Vaccine Induces Cellular and Humoral Immune Responses in Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infected and Uninfected Pigtail Macaques. Front Immunol 2021; 12:800723. [PMID: 34992610 PMCID: PMC8724308 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.800723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 vaccine rollout is critical for reducing SARS-CoV-2 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths worldwide. Unfortunately, massive disparities exist in getting vaccines to vulnerable populations, including people living with HIV. Preliminary studies indicate that COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are safe and immunogenic in people living with HIV that are virally suppressed with potent antiretroviral therapy but may be less efficacious in immunocompromised individuals. This raises the concern that COVID-19 vaccines may be less effective in resource poor settings with limited access to antiretroviral therapy. Here, we evaluated the immunogenicity of a single dose COVID-19 replicon RNA vaccine expressing Spike protein (A.1) from SARS-CoV-2 (repRNA-CoV2S) in immunocompromised, SIV infected and immune competent, naïve pigtail macaques. Moderate vaccine-specific cellular Th1 T-cell responses and binding and neutralizing antibodies were induced by repRNA-CoV2S in SIV infected animals and naïve animals. Furthermore, vaccine immunogenicity was elicited even among the animals with the highest SIV viral burden or lowest peripheral CD4 counts prior to immunization. This study provides evidence that a SARS-CoV-2 repRNA vaccine could be employed to induce strong immunity against COVID-19 in HIV infected and other immunocompromised individuals.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/blood
- Antibodies, Viral/blood
- COVID-19/immunology
- COVID-19/prevention & control
- COVID-19/virology
- COVID-19 Vaccines/administration & dosage
- COVID-19 Vaccines/genetics
- COVID-19 Vaccines/immunology
- Cells, Cultured
- Disease Models, Animal
- Host-Pathogen Interactions
- Immunity, Cellular/drug effects
- Immunity, Humoral/drug effects
- Immunocompromised Host
- Immunogenicity, Vaccine
- Macaca nemestrina
- Male
- Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/blood
- Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/immunology
- Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/virology
- Simian Immunodeficiency Virus/immunology
- Simian Immunodeficiency Virus/pathogenicity
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/administration & dosage
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/genetics
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/immunology
- Th1 Cells/drug effects
- Th1 Cells/immunology
- Th1 Cells/virology
- Time Factors
- Vaccination
- Vaccine Efficacy
- mRNA Vaccines/administration & dosage
- mRNA Vaccines/genetics
- mRNA Vaccines/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan A. O’Connor
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jesse H. Erasmus
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- HDT Bio, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Samantha Randall
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jacob Archer
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- HDT Bio, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Thomas B. Lewis
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Brieann Brown
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Megan Fredericks
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Skyler Groenier
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Naoto Iwayama
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Chul Ahrens
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - William Garrison
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Solomon Wangari
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kathryn A. Guerriero
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Deborah H. Fuller
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- *Correspondence: Deborah H. Fuller,
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19
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Hawman DW, Meade-White K, Archer J, Leventhal S, Wilson D, Shaia C, Randall S, Khandhar AP, Hsiang TY, Gale M, Berglund P, Fuller DH, Feldmann H, Erasmus JH. SARS-CoV2 variant-specific replicating RNA vaccines protect from disease and pathology and reduce viral shedding following challenge with heterologous SARS-CoV2 variants of concern. bioRxiv 2021:2021.12.10.472134. [PMID: 34931189 PMCID: PMC8687464 DOI: 10.1101/2021.12.10.472134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Despite mass public health efforts, the SARS-CoV2 pandemic continues as of late-2021 with resurgent case numbers in many parts of the world. The emergence of SARS-CoV2 variants of concern (VoC) and evidence that existing vaccines that were designed to protect from the original strains of SARS-CoV-2 may have reduced potency for protection from infection against these VoC is driving continued development of second generation vaccines that can protect against multiple VoC. In this report, we evaluated an alphavirus-based replicating RNA vaccine expressing Spike proteins from the original SARS-CoV-2 Alpha strain and recent VoCs delivered in vivo via a lipid inorganic nanoparticle. Vaccination of both mice and Syrian Golden hamsters showed that vaccination induced potent neutralizing titers against each homologous VoC but reduced neutralization against heterologous challenges. Vaccinated hamsters challenged with homologous SARS-CoV2 variants exhibited complete protection from infection. In addition, vaccinated hamsters challenged with heterologous SARS-CoV-2 variants exhibited significantly reduced shedding of infectious virus. Our data demonstrate that this vaccine platform elicits significant protective immunity against SARS-CoV2 variants and supports continued development of this platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Hawman
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Kimberly Meade-White
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | | | - Shanna Leventhal
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Drew Wilson
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Carl Shaia
- Rocky Mountain Veterinary Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Samantha Randall
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | - Tien-Ying Hsiang
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Michael Gale
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | | | - Heinz Feldmann
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Jesse H Erasmus
- HDT Bio, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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20
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Willcox AC, Sung K, Garrett ME, Galloway JG, O’Connor MA, Erasmus JH, Logue JK, Hawman DW, Chu HY, Hasenkrug KJ, Fuller DH, Matsen FA, Overbaugh J. Macaque-human differences in SARS-CoV-2 Spike antibody response elicited by vaccination or infection. bioRxiv 2021:2021.12.01.470697. [PMID: 34909774 PMCID: PMC8669841 DOI: 10.1101/2021.12.01.470697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Macaques are a commonly used model for studying immunity to human viruses, including for studies of SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination. However, it is unknown whether macaque antibody responses recapitulate, and thus appropriately model, the response in humans. To answer this question, we employed a phage-based deep mutational scanning approach (Phage-DMS) to compare which linear epitopes are targeted on the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein in humans and macaques following either vaccination or infection. We also used Phage-DMS to determine antibody escape pathways within each epitope, enabling a granular comparison of antibody binding specificities at the locus level. Overall, we identified some common epitope targets in both macaques and humans, including in the fusion peptide (FP) and stem helix-heptad repeat 2 (SH-H) regions. Differences between groups included a response to epitopes in the N-terminal domain (NTD) and C-terminal domain (CTD) in vaccinated humans but not vaccinated macaques, as well as recognition of a CTD epitope and epitopes flanking the FP in convalescent macaques but not convalescent humans. There was also considerable variability in the escape pathways among individuals within each group. Sera from convalescent macaques showed the least variability in escape overall and converged on a common response with vaccinated humans in the SH-H epitope region, suggesting highly similar antibodies were elicited. Collectively, these findings suggest that the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 in macaques shares many features with humans, but with substantial differences in the recognition of certain epitopes and considerable individual variability in antibody escape profiles, suggesting a diverse repertoire of antibodies that can respond to major epitopes in both humans and macaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra C. Willcox
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kevin Sung
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Meghan E. Garrett
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jared G. Galloway
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Megan A. O’Connor
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Infectious Diseases and Translational Medicine, Washington National Primate Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jesse H. Erasmus
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- HDT Bio, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - David W. Hawman
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Helen Y. Chu
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kim J. Hasenkrug
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Deborah H. Fuller
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Infectious Diseases and Translational Medicine, Washington National Primate Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Frederick A. Matsen
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Julie Overbaugh
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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21
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López K, Wilson SN, Coutermash-Ott S, Tanelus M, Stone WB, Porier DL, Auguste DI, Muller JA, Allicock OM, Paulson SL, Erasmus JH, Auguste AJ. Novel murine models for studying Cache Valley virus pathogenesis and in utero transmission. Emerg Microbes Infect 2021; 10:1649-1659. [PMID: 34353229 PMCID: PMC8381923 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2021.1965497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cache Valley virus (CVV) is a prevalent emerging pathogen of significant importance to agricultural and human health in North America. Emergence in livestock can result in substantial agroeconomic losses resulting from the severe embryonic lethality associated with infection during pregnancy. Although CVV pathogenesis has been well described in ruminants, small animal models are still unavailable, which limits our ability to study its pathogenesis and perform preclinical testing of therapeutics. Herein, we explored CVV pathogenesis, tissue tropism, and disease outcomes in a variety of murine models, including immune -competent and -compromised animals. Our results show that development of CVV disease in mice is dependent on innate immune responses, and type I interferon signalling is essential for preventing infection in mice. IFN-αβR-/- mice infected with CVV present with significant disease and lethal infections, with minimal differences in age-dependent pathogenesis, suggesting this model is appropriate for pathogenesis-related, and short- and long-term therapeutic studies. We also developed a novel CVV in utero transmission model that showed high rates of transmission, spontaneous abortions, and congenital malformations during infection. CVV infection presents a wide tissue tropism, with significant amplification in liver, spleen, and placenta tissues. Immune-competent mice are generally resistant to infection, and only show disease in an age dependent manner. Given the high seropositivity rates in regions of North America, and the continuing geographic expansion of competent mosquito vectors, the risk of epidemic and epizootic emergence of CVV is high, and interventions are needed for this important pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisangel López
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Sarah N Wilson
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Sheryl Coutermash-Ott
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, VA-MD College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Manette Tanelus
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - William B Stone
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Danielle L Porier
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Dawn I Auguste
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - John A Muller
- Department of Biology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA
| | - Orchid M Allicock
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sally L Paulson
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | | | - Albert J Auguste
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA.,Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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22
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Auguste AJ, Langsjoen RM, Porier DL, Erasmus JH, Bergren NA, Bolling BG, Luo H, Singh A, Guzman H, Popov VL, Travassos da Rosa APA, Wang T, Kang L, Allen IC, Carrington CVF, Tesh RB, Weaver SC. Isolation of a novel insect-specific flavivirus with immunomodulatory effects in vertebrate systems. Virology 2021; 562:50-62. [PMID: 34256244 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We describe the isolation and characterization of a novel insect-specific flavivirus (ISFV), tentatively named Aripo virus (ARPV), that was isolated from Psorophora albipes mosquitoes collected in Trinidad. The ARPV genome was determined and phylogenetic analyses showed that it is a dual host associated ISFV, and clusters with the main mosquito-borne flaviviruses. ARPV antigen was significantly cross-reactive with Japanese encephalitis virus serogroup antisera, with significant cross-reactivity to Ilheus and West Nile virus (WNV). Results suggest that ARPV replication is limited to mosquitoes, as it did not replicate in the sandfly, culicoides or vertebrate cell lines tested. We also demonstrated that ARPV is endocytosed into vertebrate cells and is highly immunomodulatory, producing a robust innate immune response despite its inability to replicate in vertebrate systems. We show that prior infection or coinfection with ARPV limits WNV-induced disease in mouse models, likely the result of a robust ARPV-induced type I interferon response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Auguste
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA; Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
| | - Rose M Langsjoen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Danielle L Porier
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
| | - Jesse H Erasmus
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Nicholas A Bergren
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Bethany G Bolling
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Huanle Luo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Ankita Singh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Hilda Guzman
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Vsevolod L Popov
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | | | - Tian Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Lin Kang
- Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Monroe, LA, 71203, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Irving C Allen
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA; Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Christine V F Carrington
- Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Robert B Tesh
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Scott C Weaver
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
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23
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Erasmus JH, Archer J, Fuerte-Stone J, Khandhar AP, Voigt E, Granger B, Bombardi RG, Govero J, Tan Q, Durnell LA, Coler RN, Diamond MS, Crowe JE, Reed SG, Thackray LB, Carnahan RH, Van Hoeven N. Intramuscular Delivery of Replicon RNA Encoding ZIKV-117 Human Monoclonal Antibody Protects against Zika Virus Infection. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2020; 18:402-414. [PMID: 32695842 PMCID: PMC7363633 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapeutics are an effective modality for the treatment of infectious, autoimmune, and cancer-related diseases. However, the discovery, development, and manufacturing processes are complex, resource-consuming activities that preclude the rapid deployment of mAbs in outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases. Given recent advances in nucleic acid delivery technology, it is now possible to deliver exogenous mRNA encoding mAbs for in situ expression following intravenous (i.v.) infusion of lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated mRNA. However, the requirement for i.v. administration limits the application to settings where infusion is an option, increasing the cost of treatment. As an alternative strategy, and to enable intramuscular (IM) administration of mRNA-encoded mAbs, we describe a nanostructured lipid carrier for delivery of an alphavirus replicon encoding a previously described highly neutralizing human mAb, ZIKV-117. Using a lethal Zika virus challenge model in mice, our studies show robust protection following alphavirus-driven expression of ZIKV-117 mRNA when given by IM administration as pre-exposure prophylaxis or post-exposure therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse H. Erasmus
- Pre-Clinical Vaccine Development, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- HDT Biocorp, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jacob Archer
- Pre-Clinical Vaccine Development, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- HDT Biocorp, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jasmine Fuerte-Stone
- Pre-Clinical Vaccine Development, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Amit P. Khandhar
- Pre-Clinical Vaccine Development, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- HDT Biocorp, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Emily Voigt
- Pre-Clinical Vaccine Development, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Brian Granger
- Pre-Clinical Vaccine Development, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Robin G. Bombardi
- The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 27232, USA
| | - Jennifer Govero
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Qing Tan
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Lorellin A. Durnell
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Rhea N. Coler
- Pre-Clinical Vaccine Development, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael S. Diamond
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - James E. Crowe
- The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 27232, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 27232, USA
- Department of Pathology Microbiology & Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 27232, USA
| | - Steven G. Reed
- Pre-Clinical Vaccine Development, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
- HDT Biocorp, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Larissa B. Thackray
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Robert H. Carnahan
- The Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 27232, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 27232, USA
| | - Neal Van Hoeven
- Pre-Clinical Vaccine Development, Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
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Erasmus JH, Khandhar AP, O'Connor MA, Walls AC, Hemann EA, Murapa P, Archer J, Leventhal S, Fuller JT, Lewis TB, Draves KE, Randall S, Guerriero KA, Duthie MS, Carter D, Reed SG, Hawman DW, Feldmann H, Gale M, Veesler D, Berglund P, Fuller DH. An Alphavirus-derived replicon RNA vaccine induces SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody and T cell responses in mice and nonhuman primates. Sci Transl Med 2020; 12:eabc9396. [PMID: 32690628 PMCID: PMC7402629 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abc9396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), is having a deleterious impact on health services and the global economy, highlighting the urgent need for an effective vaccine. Such a vaccine would need to rapidly confer protection after one or two doses and would need to be manufactured using components suitable for scale up. Here, we developed an Alphavirus-derived replicon RNA vaccine candidate, repRNA-CoV2S, encoding the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein. The RNA replicons were formulated with lipid inorganic nanoparticles (LIONs) that were designed to enhance vaccine stability, delivery, and immunogenicity. We show that a single intramuscular injection of the LION/repRNA-CoV2S vaccine in mice elicited robust production of anti-SARS-CoV-2 S protein IgG antibody isotypes indicative of a type 1 T helper cell response. A prime/boost regimen induced potent T cell responses in mice including antigen-specific responses in the lung and spleen. Prime-only immunization of aged (17 months old) mice induced smaller immune responses compared to young mice, but this difference was abrogated by booster immunization. In nonhuman primates, prime-only immunization in one intramuscular injection site or prime/boost immunizations in five intramuscular injection sites elicited modest T cell responses and robust antibody responses. The antibody responses persisted for at least 70 days and neutralized SARS-CoV-2 at titers comparable to those in human serum samples collected from individuals convalescing from COVID-19. These data support further development of LION/repRNA-CoV2S as a vaccine candidate for prophylactic protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse H Erasmus
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- HDT Bio, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Amit P Khandhar
- HDT Bio, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
- PAI Life Sciences, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Megan A O'Connor
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Washington National Primate Research Center, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
| | - Alexandra C Walls
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Emily A Hemann
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Patience Murapa
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Jacob Archer
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- PAI Life Sciences, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Shanna Leventhal
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - James T Fuller
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Thomas B Lewis
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Washington National Primate Research Center, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
| | - Kevin E Draves
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Samantha Randall
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | | | | | - Darrick Carter
- HDT Bio, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
- PAI Life Sciences, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Steven G Reed
- HDT Bio, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - David W Hawman
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Heinz Feldmann
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT 59840, USA
| | - Michael Gale
- Washington National Primate Research Center, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - David Veesler
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | | | - Deborah Heydenburg Fuller
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
- Washington National Primate Research Center, Seattle, WA 98121, USA
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse H Erasmus
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Erasmus JH, Khandhar AP, Walls AC, Hemann EA, O'Connor MA, Murapa P, Archer J, Leventhal S, Fuller J, Lewis T, Draves KE, Randall S, Guerriero KA, Duthie MS, Carter D, Reed SG, Hawman DW, Feldmann H, Gale M, Veesler D, Berglund P, Fuller DH. Single-dose replicating RNA vaccine induces neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in nonhuman primates. bioRxiv 2020:2020.05.28.121640. [PMID: 32511417 PMCID: PMC7265689 DOI: 10.1101/2020.05.28.121640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, caused by infection with SARS-CoV-2, is having a dramatic and deleterious impact on health services and the global economy. Grim public health statistics highlight the need for vaccines that can rapidly confer protection after a single dose and be manufactured using components suitable for scale-up and efficient distribution. In response, we have rapidly developed repRNA-CoV2S, a stable and highly immunogenic vaccine candidate comprised of an RNA replicon formulated with a novel Lipid InOrganic Nanoparticle (LION) designed to enhance vaccine stability, delivery and immunogenicity. We show that intramuscular injection of LION/repRNA-CoV2S elicits robust anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein IgG antibody isotypes indicative of a Type 1 T helper response as well as potent T cell responses in mice. Importantly, a single-dose administration in nonhuman primates elicited antibody responses that potently neutralized SARS-CoV-2. These data support further development of LION/repRNA-CoV2S as a vaccine candidate for prophylactic protection from SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Erasmus JH, Malherbe W, Zimmermann S, Lorenz AW, Nachev M, Wepener V, Sures B, Smit NJ. Metal accumulation in riverine macroinvertebrates from a platinum mining region. Sci Total Environ 2020; 703:134738. [PMID: 31731169 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
South Africa is the world's main supplier of Pt. The Bushveld Igneous Complex in South Africa contains 75% of the world's Pt resources. Mining of this precious metal requires large volumes of water for production and removal of waste products. Most of this wastewater is discharged into river systems. Although the source of contamination with Pt in aquatic systems due to mining activities is known, little to no information is available about the impact of Pt on aquatic organisms. Additionally, other metals are released as byproducts of Pt mining, which might also be discharged into the environment. Therefore, concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pt and Pb were determined in water, sediment and macroinvertebrate samples from a reference site (Site 1), a highly impacted site (Site 2) and a moderately impacted site (Site 3) along the Hex River, South Africa. Aquatic invertebrate families representing different functional feeding groups i.e. scraper-grazers (Lymnaeidae), collector-gatherers (Potamonautidae, Hydropsychidae, Tubificidae and Chironomidae), shredders (Baetidae) and predators (Coenagrionidae and Libellulidae) were studied. In the sediments, the concentrations of Cr and Pt were significantly higher at Site 2 than at Sites 1 and 3, respectively, whereas concentrations of Ni, Cu, Cd, and Pb showed no significant differences between the sites. Depending on the metal, the aquatic invertebrate families showed different grades of bioaccumulation. The results from especially Lymnaeidae, Baetidae, Tubificidae and Chironomidae showed great promise for the use of these taxa for biomonitoring of metal contaminations. The macroinvertebrates accumulated metals associated with Pt mining, with epi-benthic dwelling taxa (Tubificidae) accumulating higher concentrations of Pt and Cr than other families (e.g. Potamonautidae, Coenagrionidae and Lymnaeidae). These results provide valuable information on the behavior of metals related to Pt mining in aquatic ecosystems and therefore can contribute to the risk assessment of these intensive mining activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Erasmus
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, 11 Hoffman St, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.
| | - W Malherbe
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, 11 Hoffman St, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.
| | - S Zimmermann
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, 11 Hoffman St, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa; Department of Aquatic Ecology and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr. 5, Essen 45141, Germany.
| | - A W Lorenz
- Department of Aquatic Ecology and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr. 5, Essen 45141, Germany.
| | - M Nachev
- Department of Aquatic Ecology and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr. 5, Essen 45141, Germany.
| | - V Wepener
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, 11 Hoffman St, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.
| | - B Sures
- Department of Aquatic Ecology and Centre for Water and Environmental Research, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr. 5, Essen 45141, Germany.
| | - N J Smit
- Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, 11 Hoffman St, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.
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Haque F, Rahman M, Banu NN, Sharif AR, Jubayer S, Shamsuzzaman AKM, Alamgir ASM, Erasmus JH, Guzman H, Forrester N, Luby SP, Gurley ES. An epidemic of chikungunya in northwestern Bangladesh in 2011. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212218. [PMID: 30856200 PMCID: PMC6411100 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In November 2011, a government hospital physician in Shibganj sub-district of Bangladesh reported a cluster of patients with fever and joint pain or rash. A multi-disciplinary team investigated to characterize the outbreak; confirm the cause; and recommend control and prevention measures. METHODS Shibganj's residents with new onset of fever and joint pain or rash between 1 September and 15 December 2011 were defined as chikungunya fever (CHIKF) suspect cases. To estimate the attack rate, we identified 16 outpatient clinics in 16 selected wards across 16 unions in Shibganj and searched for suspect cases in the 80 households nearest to each outpatient clinic. One suspect case from the first 30 households in each ward was invited to visit the nearest outpatient clinic for clinical assessment and to provide a blood sample for laboratory testing and analyses. RESULTS We identified 1,769 CHIKF suspect cases from among 5,902 residents surveyed (30%). Their median age was 28 (IQR:15-42) years. The average attack rate in the sub-district was 30% (95% CI: 27%-33%). The lowest attack rate was found in children <5 years (15%). Anti-CHIKV IgM antibodies were detected by ELISA in 78% (264) of the 338 case samples tested. In addition to fever, predominant symptoms of serologically-confirmed cases included joint pain (97%), weakness (54%), myalgia (47%), rash (42%), itching (37%) and malaise (31%). Among the sero-positive patients, 79% (209/264) sought healthcare from outpatient clinics. CHIKV was isolated from two cases and phylogenetic analyses of full genome sequences placed these viruses within the Indian Ocean Lineage (IOL). Molecular analysis identified mutations in E2 and E1 glycoproteins and contained the E1 A226V point mutation. CONCLUSION The consistently high attack rate by age groups suggested recent introduction of chikungunya in this community. Mosquito control efforts should be enhanced to reduce the risk of continued transmission and to improve global health security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhana Haque
- Infectious Diseases Division (IDD), icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mahmudur Rahman
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Nuzhat Nasreen Banu
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ahmad Raihan Sharif
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shamim Jubayer
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - AKM Shamsuzzaman
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - ASM Alamgir
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Jesse H. Erasmus
- Institute for Translational Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Hilda Guzman
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Naomi Forrester
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Stephen P. Luby
- Infectious Diseases Division (IDD), icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Global Disease Detection Branch, Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Emily S. Gurley
- Infectious Diseases Division (IDD), icddr,b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Abstract
The coupling of viral and arthropod host diversity, with evolving methods of virus discovery, has resulted in the identification and classification of a growing number of novel insect-specific viruses (ISVs) that appear to be evolutionarily related to many human pathogens but have either lost or have yet to gain the ability to replicate in vertebrates. The discovery of ISVs has raised many questions as to the origin and evolution of many human pathogenic viruses and points to the role that arthropods may play in this evolutionary process. Furthermore, the use of ISVs to control the transmission of arthropod-borne viruses has been proposed and demonstrated experimentally. Previously, our laboratory reported on the discovery and characterization of Eilat virus (EILV), an insect-specific alphavirus that phylogenetically groups within the mosquito-borne clade of medically relevant alphaviruses, including eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), as well as chikungunya virus (CHIKV). Despite its evolutionary relationship to these human pathogens, EILV is unable to replicate in vertebrate cells due to blocks at attachment/entry and RNA replication. We recently demonstrated that, using a chimeric virus approach, EILV could be utilized as a platform for vaccine and diagnostic development, serving as a proof-of-concept for other ISVs. Due to the vast abundance of ISVs, there is an untapped resource for the development of vaccines and diagnostics for a variety of human pathogens and further work in this area is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse H Erasmus
- 1 Institute for Human Infections and Immunity and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas.,2 Pre-Clinical Vaccine Development, Infectious Disease Research Institute , Seattle, Washington
| | - Scott C Weaver
- 1 Institute for Human Infections and Immunity and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
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Abstract
Chikungunya fever, an acute and often chronic arthralgic disease caused by the mosquito-borne chikungunya virus (CHIKV), has reemerged since 2004 to cause millions of cases. Because CHIKV exhibits limited antigenic diversity and is not known to be capable of reinfection, a vaccine could serve to both prevent disease and diminish human amplification during epidemic circulation. Here, we review the many promising vaccine platforms and candidates developed for CHIKV since the 1970s, including several in late preclinical or clinical development. We discuss the advantages and limitations of each, as well as the commercial and regulatory challenges to bringing a vaccine to market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse H Erasmus
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity.,Institute for Translational Science.,Sealy Center for Vaccine Development.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
| | - Shannan L Rossi
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity.,Institute for Translational Science.,Sealy Center for Vaccine Development.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
| | - Scott C Weaver
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity.,Institute for Translational Science.,Sealy Center for Vaccine Development.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
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Erasmus JH, Auguste AJ, Kaelber JT, Luo H, Rossi SL, Fenton K, Leal G, Kim DY, Chiu W, Wang T, Frolov I, Nasar F, Weaver SC. A chikungunya fever vaccine utilizing an insect-specific virus platform. Nat Med 2016; 23:192-199. [PMID: 27991917 DOI: 10.1038/nm.4253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Traditionally, vaccine development involves tradeoffs between immunogenicity and safety. Live-attenuated vaccines typically offer rapid and durable immunity but have reduced safety when compared to inactivated vaccines. In contrast, the inability of inactivated vaccines to replicate enhances safety at the expense of immunogenicity, often necessitating multiple doses and boosters. To overcome these tradeoffs, we developed the insect-specific alphavirus, Eilat virus (EILV), as a vaccine platform. To address the chikungunya fever (CHIKF) pandemic, we used an EILV cDNA clone to design a chimeric virus containing the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) structural proteins. The recombinant EILV/CHIKV was structurally identical at 10 Å to wild-type CHIKV, as determined by single-particle cryo-electron microscopy, and it mimicked the early stages of CHIKV replication in vertebrate cells from attachment and entry to viral RNA delivery. Yet the recombinant virus remained completely defective for productive replication, providing a high degree of safety. A single dose of EILV/CHIKV produced in mosquito cells elicited rapid (within 4 d) and long-lasting (>290 d) neutralizing antibodies that provided complete protection in two different mouse models. In nonhuman primates, EILV/CHIKV elicited rapid and robust immunity that protected against viremia and telemetrically monitored fever. Our EILV platform represents the first structurally native application of an insect-specific virus in preclinical vaccine development and highlights the potential application of such viruses in vaccinology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse H Erasmus
- Institute for Translational Science, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA.,Institute of Human Infections and Immunity, and Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Albert J Auguste
- Institute of Human Infections and Immunity, and Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Jason T Kaelber
- National Center for Macromolecular Imaging, Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Huanle Luo
- Institute of Human Infections and Immunity, and Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Shannan L Rossi
- Institute of Human Infections and Immunity, and Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Karla Fenton
- Institute of Human Infections and Immunity, and Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Grace Leal
- Institute of Human Infections and Immunity, and Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Dal Y Kim
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Wah Chiu
- National Center for Macromolecular Imaging, Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Tian Wang
- Institute of Human Infections and Immunity, and Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Ilya Frolov
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Farooq Nasar
- Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Scott C Weaver
- Institute for Translational Science, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA.,Institute of Human Infections and Immunity, and Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
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Langsjoen RM, Rubinstein RJ, Kautz TF, Auguste AJ, Erasmus JH, Kiaty-Figueroa L, Gerhardt R, Lin D, Hari KL, Jain R, Ruiz N, Muruato AE, Silfa J, Bido F, Dacso M, Weaver SC. Molecular Virologic and Clinical Characteristics of a Chikungunya Fever Outbreak in La Romana, Dominican Republic, 2014. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0005189. [PMID: 28030537 PMCID: PMC5193339 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Since emerging in Saint Martin in 2013, chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an alphavirus transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, has infected approximately two million individuals in the Americas, with over 500,000 reported cases in the Dominican Republic (DR). CHIKV-infected patients typically present with a febrile syndrome including polyarthritis/polyarthralgia, and a macropapular rash, similar to those infected with dengue and Zika viruses, and malaria. Nevertheless, many Dominican cases are unconfirmed due to the unavailability and high cost of laboratory testing and the absence of specific treatment for CHIKV infection. To obtain a more accurate representation of chikungunya fever (CHIKF) clinical signs and symptoms, and confirm the viral lineage responsible for the DR CHIKV outbreak, we tested 194 serum samples for CHIKV RNA and IgM antibodies from patients seen in a hospital in La Romana, DR using quantitative RT-PCR and IgM capture ELISA, and performed retrospective chart reviews. RNA and antibodies were detected in 49% and 24.7% of participants, respectively. Sequencing revealed that the CHIKV strain responsible for the La Romana outbreak belonged to the Asian/American lineage and grouped phylogenetically with recent Mexican and Trinidadian isolates. Our study shows that, while CHIKV-infected individuals were infrequently diagnosed with CHIKF, uninfected patients were never falsely diagnosed with CHIKF. Participants testing positive for CHIKV RNA were more likely to present with arthralgia, although it was reported in just 20.0% of CHIKF+ individuals. High percentages of respiratory (19.6%) signs and symptoms, especially among children, were noted, though it was not possible to determine whether individuals infected with CHIKV were co-infected with other pathogens. These results suggest that CHIKV may have been underdiagnosed during this outbreak, and that CHIKF should be included in differential diagnoses of diverse undifferentiated febrile syndromes in the Americas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose M. Langsjoen
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity and Center for Tropical Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States of America
- Institute for Translational Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States of America
| | - Rebecca J. Rubinstein
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity and Center for Tropical Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States of America
- Center for Global Health Education, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States of America
| | - Tiffany F. Kautz
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity and Center for Tropical Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas, Galveston, TX, United States of America
| | - Albert J. Auguste
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity and Center for Tropical Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States of America
| | - Jesse H. Erasmus
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity and Center for Tropical Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States of America
- Institute for Translational Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States of America
| | - Liddy Kiaty-Figueroa
- Center for Global Health Education, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States of America
| | - Renessa Gerhardt
- Center for Global Health Education, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States of America
| | - David Lin
- cBio Inc., Fremont, CA, United States of America
| | | | - Ravi Jain
- cBio Inc., Fremont, CA, United States of America
| | - Nicolas Ruiz
- Center for Global Health Education, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States of America
| | - Antonio E. Muruato
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity and Center for Tropical Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas, Galveston, TX, United States of America
| | - Jael Silfa
- Hospital Dr. Francisco Gonzalvo, La Romana, Dominican Republic
| | - Franklin Bido
- Hospital el Buen Samaritano, La Romana, Dominican Republic
| | - Matthew Dacso
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity and Center for Tropical Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States of America
- Center for Global Health Education, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States of America
| | - Scott C. Weaver
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity and Center for Tropical Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States of America
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas, Galveston, TX, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States of America
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Kautz TF, Díaz-González EE, Erasmus JH, Malo-García IR, Langsjoen RM, Patterson EI, Auguste DI, Forrester NL, Sanchez-Casas RM, Hernández-Ávila M, Alpuche-Aranda CM, Weaver SC, Fernández-Salas I. Chikungunya Virus as Cause of Febrile Illness Outbreak, Chiapas, Mexico, 2014. Emerg Infect Dis 2016; 21:2070-3. [PMID: 26488312 PMCID: PMC4622247 DOI: 10.3201/eid2111.150546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Since chikungunya virus (CHIKV) was introduced into the Americas in 2013, its geographic distribution has rapidly expanded. Of 119 serum samples collected in 2014 from febrile patients in southern Mexico, 79% were positive for CHIKV or IgM against CHIKV. Sequencing results confirmed CHIKV strains closely related to Caribbean isolates.
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Smalley C, Erasmus JH, Chesson CB, Beasley DWC. Status of research and development of vaccines for chikungunya. Vaccine 2016; 34:2976-2981. [PMID: 27026149 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.03.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arthritogenic alphavirus that during the last decade has significantly expanded its geographical range and caused large outbreaks of human disease around the world. Although mortality rates associated with CHIKV outbreaks are low, acute and chronic illnesses caused by CHIKV represent a significant burden of disease largely affecting low and middle income countries. This report summarizes the current status of vaccine development for CHIKV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Smalley
- Experimental Pathology Graduate Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jesse H Erasmus
- Human Pathophysiology and Translational Medicine Graduate Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Charles B Chesson
- Human Pathophysiology and Translational Medicine Graduate Program, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - David W C Beasley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Vaccine Research, Evaluation and Training on Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
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Erasmus JH, Needham J, Raychaudhuri S, Diamond MS, Beasley DWC, Morkowski S, Salje H, Fernandez Salas I, Kim DY, Frolov I, Nasar F, Weaver SC. Utilization of an Eilat Virus-Based Chimera for Serological Detection of Chikungunya Infection. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0004119. [PMID: 26492074 PMCID: PMC4619601 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In December of 2013, chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an alphavirus in the family Togaviridae, was introduced to the island of Saint Martin in the Caribbean, resulting in the first autochthonous cases reported in the Americas. As of January 2015, local and imported CHIKV has been reported in 50 American countries with over 1.1 million suspected cases. CHIKV causes a severe arthralgic disease for which there are no approved vaccines or therapeutics. Furthermore, the lack of a commercially available, sensitive, and affordable diagnostic assay limits surveillance and control efforts. To address this issue, we utilized an insect-specific alphavirus, Eilat virus (EILV), to develop a diagnostic antigen that does not require biosafety containment facilities to produce. We demonstrated that EILV/CHIKV replicates to high titers in insect cells and can be applied directly in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays without inactivation, resulting in highly sensitive detection of recent and past CHIKV infection, and outperforming traditional antigen preparations. We have developed an innovative approach to production of alphavirus antigens for use in diagnostic assays that results in reduced production complexity as well as improved sensitivity in application. By generating recombinant viruses that contain the structural protein genes of pathogenic alphaviruses and the nonstructural protein genes of an insect-specific alphavirus, Eilat virus, we have been able to produce insect-restricted viruses that are antigenically identical to their pathogenic counterparts. The insect-specific nature of these chimeric viruses yields an advantageous safety profile and allows for safe handling of the antigen at the bench top. Traditional antigens, produced from wild-type virus, require extensive processing, from growth at biosafety level 3 to concentration and inactivation, followed by lyophilization, which often compromises antigen reactivity and is financially costly. Furthermore, current inactivation methods are imperfect processes that have historically resulted in residual live virus and subsequent breach of containment when used in a diagnostic setting. Other approaches, such as recombinant antigens generated from viral particle subunits, are missing conformational epitopes and their application results in reduced sensitivity. Here we describe the development of a diagnostic assay using this technology for the detection of chikungunya infection in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse H. Erasmus
- Institute for Translational Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Center for Tropical Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - James Needham
- InBios International, Inc., Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | | | - Michael S. Diamond
- Departments of Medicine, Molecular Microbiology, Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - David W. C. Beasley
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Center for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, and Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Stan Morkowski
- InBios International, Inc., Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Henrik Salje
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Pasteur Institute, Paris, France
| | | | - Dal Young Kim
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Ilya Frolov
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Farooq Nasar
- Institute for Translational Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Center for Tropical Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Scott C. Weaver
- Institute for Translational Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Center for Tropical Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Nasar F, Erasmus JH, Haddow AD, Tesh RB, Weaver SC. Eilat virus induces both homologous and heterologous interference. Virology 2015; 484:51-58. [PMID: 26068885 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2015.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Revised: 05/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Most alphaviruses are mosquito-borne and exhibit a broad host range, infecting many different vertebrates including birds, rodents, equids, and humans. Occasionally, alphaviruses can spill over into the human population and cause disease characterized by debilitating arthralgia or fatal encephalitis. Recently, a unique alphavirus, Eilat virus (EILV), was described that readily infects mosquito but not vertebrate cell lines. Here, we investigated the ability of EILV to induce superinfection exclusion. Prior infection of C7/10 (Aedes albopictus) cells with EILV induced homologous and heterologous interference, reducing the virus titers of heterologous superinfecting viruses (SINV, VEEV, EEEV, WEEV, and CHIKV) by ~10-10,000 fold and delaying replication kinetics by 12-48h. Similar to in vitro infection, prior in vivo EILV infection of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes delayed dissemination of chikungunya virus for 3 days. This is the first evidence of heterologous interference induced by a mosquito-specific alphavirus in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farooq Nasar
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, Center for Tropical Diseases, and Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA(1)
| | - Jesse H Erasmus
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, Center for Tropical Diseases, and Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Andrew D Haddow
- Virology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA(1)
| | - Robert B Tesh
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, Center for Tropical Diseases, and Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Scott C Weaver
- Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, Center for Tropical Diseases, and Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
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Erasmus JH, Morkel JA. Ectopic antral teeth: diagnosis and management implications. SADJ 2005; 60:66-8. [PMID: 15957348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Erasmus
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral and Dental Teaching Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa
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Erasmus JH, Thompson IO, van Rensburg LJ, van der Westhuijzen AJ. Central calcifying odontogenic cyst. A review of the literature and the role of advanced imaging techniques. Dentomaxillofac Radiol 1998; 27:30-5. [PMID: 9482020 DOI: 10.1038/sj.dmfr.4600315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The central calcifying odontogenic cyst (CCOC) is a rare lesion. This paper reports a new case, reviews the clinical, histomorphological and radiographic features reported in the literature and describes the CT and MRI features of this new case. We postulate that, as part of an evolutionary process, cystic COCs originate as unilocular lesions but may later become multilocular. The role of advanced imaging and histology in the diagnostic process are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Erasmus
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral and Dental Teaching Hospital, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, Republic of South Africa
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