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Yathindranath V, Safa N, Tomczyk MM, Dolinsky V, Miller DW. Lipid Nanoparticle-Based Inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 Host Cell Infection. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:3087-3108. [PMID: 38562613 PMCID: PMC10984206 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s448005] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The global pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the lingering threat to public health has fueled the search for effective therapeutics to treat SARS-CoV-2. This study aimed to develop lipid nanoparticle (LNP) inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 entry to reduce viral infection in the nose and upper airway. Methods Two types of LNP formulations were prepared following a microfluidic mixing method. The LNP-Trap consisted of DOPC, DSPC, cholesterol, and DSPE-PEG-COOH modified with various spike protein binding ligands, including ACE2 peptide, recombinant human ACE2 (rhACE2) or monoclonal antibody to spike protein (mAb). The LNP-Trim consisted of ionizing cationic DLin-MC3-DMA, DSPC, cholesterol, and DMG-PEG lipids encapsulating siACE2 or siTMPRSS2. Both formulations were assayed for biocompatibility and cell uptake in airway epithelial cells (Calu-3). Functional assessment of activity was performed using SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding assays (LNP-Trap), host receptor knockdown (LNP-Trim), and SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus neutralization assay (LNP-Trap and LNP-Trim). Localization and tissue distribution of fluorescently labeled LNP formulations were assessed in mice following intranasal administration. Results Both LNP formulations were biocompatible based on cell impedance and MTT cytotoxicity studies in Calu-3 cells at concentrations as high as 1 mg/mL. LNP-Trap formulations were able to bind spike protein and inhibit pseudovirus infection by 90% in Calu-3 cells. LNP-Trim formulations reduced ACE2 and TMPRSS2 at the mRNA (70% reduction) and protein level (50% reduction). The suppression of host targets in Calu-3 cells treated with LNP-Trim resulted in over 90% inhibition of pseudovirus infection. In vivo studies demonstrated substantial retention of LNP-Trap and LNP-Trim in the nasal cavity following nasal administration with minimal systemic exposure. Conclusion Both LNP-Trap and LNP-Trim formulations were able to safely and effectively inhibit SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviral infection in airway epithelial cells. These studies provide proof-of-principle for a localized treatment approach for SARS-CoV-2 in the upper airway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinith Yathindranath
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- PrairieNeuro Research Centre, Health Science Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Nura Safa
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- PrairieNeuro Research Centre, Health Science Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Mateusz Marek Tomczyk
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Children’s Hospital Research Institute Manitoba, Health Science Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Vernon Dolinsky
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Children’s Hospital Research Institute Manitoba, Health Science Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Donald W Miller
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- PrairieNeuro Research Centre, Health Science Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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2
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Liao TL, Liu HJ, Chen DY, Tang KT, Chen YM, Liu PY. SARS-CoV-2 primed platelets-derived microRNAs enhance NETs formation by extracellular vesicle transmission and TLR7/8 activation. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:304. [PMID: 37904132 PMCID: PMC10614402 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01345-4] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperactive neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of severe COVID-19. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are vehicles which carry cellular components for intercellular communication. The association between COVID-19 patients-derived EVs and NETs formation remains elusive. METHODS We explored the roles of EVs in NETs formation from 40 COVID-19 patients with different disease severities as well as 30 healthy subjects. The EVs-carried microRNAs profile was analyzed using next generation sequencing approach which was validated by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. The regulatory mechanism of EVs on NETs formation was investigated by using an in vitro cell-based assay, including immunofluorescence assay, flow cytometry, and immunoblotting. RESULTS COVID-19 patient-derived EVs induced NETs formation by endocytosis uptake. SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-triggered NETs formation was significantly enhanced in the presence of platelet-derived EVs (pEVs) and this effect was Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7/8- and NADPH oxidase-dependent. Increased levels of miR-21/let-7b were revealed in EVs from COVID-19 patients and were associated with disease severity. We demonstrated that the spike protein activated platelets directly, followed by the subsequent intracellular miR-21/let-7b upregulation and then were loaded into pEVs. The pEVs-carried miR-21 interacted with TLR7/8 to prime p47phox phosphorylation in neutrophils, resulting in NADPH oxidase activation to promote ROS production and NETs enhancement. In addition, miR-21 modulates NF-κB activation and IL-1β/TNFα/IL-8 upregulation in neutrophils upon TLR7/8 engagement. The miR-21 inhibitor and TLR8 antagonist could suppress efficiently spike protein-induced NETs formation and pEVs primed NETs enhancement. CONCLUSIONS We identified SARS-CoV-2 triggered platelets-derived GU-enriched miRNAs (e.g., miR-21/let-7b) as a TLR7/8 ligand that could activate neutrophils through EVs transmission. The miR-21-TLR8 axis could be used as a potential predisposing factor or therapeutic target for severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsai-Ling Liao
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, No.1650, Sec.4, Taiwan Boulevard, Xitun Dist, Taichung City, 407, Taiwan.
- Rong Hsing Translational Medicine Research Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan.
- Doctoral Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan.
| | - Hung-Jen Liu
- Rong Hsing Translational Medicine Research Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan
- Doctoral Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan
- Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan
- The iEGG and Animal Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan
| | - Der-Yuan Chen
- Rheumatology and Immunology Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
- Translational Medicine Laboratory, Rheumatology and Immunology Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 402, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Tung Tang
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, 407, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ming Chen
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, No.1650, Sec.4, Taiwan Boulevard, Xitun Dist, Taichung City, 407, Taiwan
- Rong Hsing Translational Medicine Research Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan
- Doctoral Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, 407, Taiwan
| | - Po-Yu Liu
- Rong Hsing Translational Medicine Research Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan.
- Doctoral Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan.
- Division of Infection, Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, No.1650, Sec.4, Taiwan Boulevard, Xitun Dist, Taichung City, 407, Taiwan.
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Sun Q, Li L, Jin F, Liu Y, Yang B, Meng W, Zhang Z, Qi F. SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein S1 Exposure Increases Susceptibility to Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension in Rats by Promoting Central Neuroinflammation and Oxidative Stress. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:3016-3026. [PMID: 37269471 PMCID: PMC10239221 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-03949-1] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 spike S1 subunit (S1) can cross the blood-brain barrier and elicit neuroinflammatory response independent of viral infection. Here we examined whether S1 influences blood pressure (BP) and sensitizes the hypertensive response to angiotensin (ANG) II by enhancing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), a key brain cardiovascular regulatory center. Rats received central S1 or vehicle (VEH) injection for 5 days. One week after injection, ANG II or saline (control) was subcutaneously delivered for 2 weeks. S1 injection induced greater increases in BP, PVN neuronal excitation and sympathetic drive in ANG II rats but had no effects in control rats. One week after S1 injection, mRNA for proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress marker were higher but mRNA of Nrf2, the master regulator of inducible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses, was lower in the PVN in S1-injected rats than in VEH-injected rats. Three weeks after S1 injection, mRNA for proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress marker, microglia activation and reactive oxygen species in the PVN were comparable between S1 and VEH treated control rats but were elevated in two groups of ANG II rats. Notably, ANG II-induced elevations in these parameters were exaggerated by S1. Interestingly, ANG II increased PVN Nrf2 mRNA in VEH-treated rats but not in S1-treated rats. These data suggest that S1 exposure has no effect on BP, but post-S1 exposure increases susceptibility to ANG II-induced hypertension by downregulating PVN Nrf2 to promote neuroinflammation and oxidative stress and augment sympathetic excitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingmei Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No.107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Liang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No.107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Feihong Jin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No.107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No.107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No.107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Wanping Meng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No.107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Zibin Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No.107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Feng Qi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No.107 Wenhua Xi Road, Jinan, 250012, China.
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Huang C, Liu HS, Liang BJ, Liao SR, Shen WZ. A Chinese Herb Prescription "Fang-gan Decoction" Protects Against Damage to Lung and Colon Epithelial Cells Caused by the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein by Regulating the TGF-β/Smad2/3 and NF-κB Pathways. Chin Med Sci J 2023; 38:206-217. [PMID: 37401499 DOI: 10.24920/004198] [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] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Objective To explore the effects and mechanisms of a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, "Fang-gan Decoction" (FGD), in protecting against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-induced lung and intestinal injuries in vitro and in vivo.Methods Female BALB/c mice and three cell lines pretreated with FGD were stimulated with recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (spike protein). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and pathologic scoring of tissues, cell permeability and viability, and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression in the lung and colon were detected. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the levels of inflammatory factors in serum and cell supernatant. The expression of NF-κB p65, p-NF-κB p65, p-IκBα, p-Smad2/3, TGF-β1, Caspase3, and Bcl-2 was evaluated by Western blotting.Results FGD protected against the damage to the lung and colon caused by the spike protein in vivo and in vitro according to the pathologic score and cell permeability and viability (P<0.05). FGD up-regulated ACE2 expression, which was reduced by the spike protein in the lung and colon, significantly improved the deregulation of inflammatory markers caused by the spike protein, and regulated the activity of TGF-β/Smads and NF-κB signaling.Conclusion Traditional Chinese medicine has a protective effect on lung and intestinal tissue injury stimulated by the spike protein through possible regulatory functions of the NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smad pathways with tissue type specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Huang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (People's Hospital of Shenzhen Baoan District), Shenzhen 518101, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hao-Sheng Liu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (People's Hospital of Shenzhen Baoan District), Shenzhen 518101, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Bing-Jun Liang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (People's Hospital of Shenzhen Baoan District), Shenzhen 518101, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Sheng-Rong Liao
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (People's Hospital of Shenzhen Baoan District), Shenzhen 518101, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wei-Zeng Shen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University (People's Hospital of Shenzhen Baoan District), Shenzhen 518101, Guangdong Province, China
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5
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Jiang J, Li MY, Wu XY, Ying YL, Han HX, Long YT. Protein nanopore reveals the renin-angiotensin system crosstalk with single-amino-acid resolution. Nat Chem 2023; 15:578-586. [PMID: 36805037 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-023-01139-8] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of crosstalk effects on the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is limited by the lack of approaches to quantitatively monitor, in real time, multiple components with subtle differences and short half-lives. Here we report a nanopore framework to quantitatively determine the effect of the hidden crosstalk between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) on RAS. By developing an engineered aerolysin nanopore capable of single-amino-acid resolution, we show that the ACE can be selectively inhibited by ACE2 to prevent cleavage of angiotensin I, even when the concentration of ACE is more than 30-fold higher than that of ACE2. We also show that the activity of ACE2 for cleaving angiotensin peptides is clearly suppressed by the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. This leads to the relaxation of ACE and the increased probability of accumulation of the principal effector angiotensin II. The spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant is demonstrated to have a much greater impact on the crosstalk than the wild type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meng-Yin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xue-Yuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi-Lun Ying
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huan-Xing Han
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Tao Long
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
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6
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Chan JFW, Oh YJ, Yuan S, Chu H, Yeung ML, Canena D, Chan CCS, Poon VKM, Chan CCY, Zhang AJ, Cai JP, Ye ZW, Wen L, Yuen TTT, Chik KKH, Shuai H, Wang Y, Hou Y, Luo C, Chan WM, Qin Z, Sit KY, Au WK, Legendre M, Zhu R, Hain L, Seferovic H, Tampé R, To KKW, Chan KH, Thomas DG, Klausberger M, Xu C, Moon JJ, Stadlmann J, Penninger JM, Oostenbrink C, Hinterdorfer P, Yuen KY, Markovitz DM. A molecularly engineered, broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus lectin inhibits SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV infection in vivo. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100774. [PMID: 36195094 PMCID: PMC9519379 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100774] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
"Pan-coronavirus" antivirals targeting conserved viral components can be designed. Here, we show that the rationally engineered H84T-banana lectin (H84T-BanLec), which specifically recognizes high mannose found on viral proteins but seldom on healthy human cells, potently inhibits Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (including Omicron), and other human-pathogenic coronaviruses at nanomolar concentrations. H84T-BanLec protects against MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 infection in vivo. Importantly, intranasally and intraperitoneally administered H84T-BanLec are comparably effective. Mechanistic assays show that H84T-BanLec targets virus entry. High-speed atomic force microscopy depicts real-time multimolecular associations of H84T-BanLec dimers with the SARS-CoV-2 spike trimer. Single-molecule force spectroscopy demonstrates binding of H84T-BanLec to multiple SARS-CoV-2 spike mannose sites with high affinity and that H84T-BanLec competes with SARS-CoV-2 spike for binding to cellular ACE2. Modeling experiments identify distinct high-mannose glycans in spike recognized by H84T-BanLec. The multiple H84T-BanLec binding sites on spike likely account for the drug compound's broad-spectrum antiviral activity and the lack of resistant mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper Fuk-Woo Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Infectious Disease and Microbiology, the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China; Academician Workstation of Hainan Province, Hainan Medical University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China; Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yoo Jin Oh
- Department of Experimental Applied Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Shuofeng Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Infectious Disease and Microbiology, the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hin Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Infectious Disease and Microbiology, the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Man-Lung Yeung
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Infectious Disease and Microbiology, the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China; Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Daniel Canena
- Department of Experimental Applied Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Chris Chung-Sing Chan
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Vincent Kwok-Man Poon
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Chris Chun-Yiu Chan
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Anna Jinxia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Jian-Piao Cai
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Zi-Wei Ye
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Lei Wen
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Terrence Tsz-Tai Yuen
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Kenn Ka-Heng Chik
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Huiping Shuai
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Yixin Wang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Yuxin Hou
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Cuiting Luo
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Wan-Mui Chan
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Zhenzhi Qin
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Ko-Yung Sit
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Wing-Kuk Au
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Maureen Legendre
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, and the Programs in Immunology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, and Cancer Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Rong Zhu
- Department of Experimental Applied Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Lisa Hain
- Department of Experimental Applied Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Hannah Seferovic
- Department of Experimental Applied Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria
| | - Robert Tampé
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biocenter, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Kelvin Kai-Wang To
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Infectious Disease and Microbiology, the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China; Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Kwok-Hung Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Infectious Disease and Microbiology, the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | | | - Miriam Klausberger
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
| | - Cheng Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - James J Moon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Johannes Stadlmann
- Department of Chemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
| | - Josef M Penninger
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna, Austria; Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Chris Oostenbrink
- Institute for Molecular Modelling and Simulation, Department of Material Science and Process Engineering, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Hinterdorfer
- Department of Experimental Applied Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria.
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Infectious Disease and Microbiology, the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China; Academician Workstation of Hainan Province, Hainan Medical University-The University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China; Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - David M Markovitz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, and the Programs in Immunology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, and Cancer Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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7
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Mangia A, Serra N, Cocomazzi G, Giambra V, Antinucci S, Maiorana A, Giuliani F, Montomoli E, Cantaloni P, Manenti A, Piazzolla V. Cellular and Humoral Immune Responses and Breakthrough Infections After Two Doses of BNT162b Vaccine in Healthcare Workers (HW) 180 Days After the Second Vaccine Dose. Front Public Health 2022; 10:847384. [PMID: 35433614 PMCID: PMC9008351 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.847384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Immunity and clinical protection induced by mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 have been shown to decline overtime. To gather information on the immunity profile deemed sufficient in protecting against hospitalization, we tested IgG levels, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) secretion, and neutralizing antibodies 180 days (d180) after the second shot of BNT162b vaccine, in HW. Methods A total of 392 subjects were enrolled. All received BioNTech/Pfizer from February 2020 to April 2021. The vaccine-specific humoral response was quantitatively determined by testing for IgG anti-S1 domain of SARS-CoV-spike protein. Live virus microneutralization (MN) was evaluated by an assay performing incubation of serial 2-fold dilution of human serum samples, starting from 1:10 to 1:5120, with an equal volume of Wuhan strain and Delta VOC viral solution and assessing the presence/absence of a cytopathic effect. SARS-CoV-2-spike protein-specific T-cell response was determined by a commercial IFN-γ release assay. Results In 352 individuals, at d180, IgG levels decreased substantially but no results below the assay's positivity threshold were observed. Overall, 22 naive (8.1%) had values above the highest threshold. Among COVID-naive, the impact of age, which was observed at earlier stages, disappeared at d180, while it remained significant for 81 who had experienced a previous infection. Following the predictive model of protection by Khoury, we transformed the neutralizing titers in IU/ml and used a 54 IU/ml threshold to identify subjects with 50% protective immunity. Overall, live virus MN showed almost all subjects with previous exposure to SARS-CoV-2 neutralized the virus as compared to 33% of naive double-dosed subjects (p < 0.0001). All previously exposed subjects had strong IFN-γ secretion (>200 mIU/ml); among 271 naive, 7 (2.58%) and 17 (6.27%) subjects did not show borderline or strong secretion, respectively. Conclusions In naive subjects, low IgG titers are relatively long-lasting. Only a third of naive subjects maintain neutralizing responses. After specific stimulation, a very limited number of naive were unable to produce IFN-γ. The results attained in the small group of subjects with breakthrough infection suggest that simultaneous neutralizing antibody titers <20, binding antibody levels/ml <200, and IFN-γ <1,000 mIU/ml in subjects older than 58 may identify at-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Mangia
- Liver Unit, Fondazione IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Nicola Serra
- Department of Public Health, University “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Cocomazzi
- Liver Unit, Fondazione IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Giambra
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies (ISBReMIT), San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Stefano Antinucci
- Allergy Diagnostic Section Euroimmun, Italy Fondazione “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Alberto Maiorana
- GSSL Unit, Fondazione “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Francesco Giuliani
- ICT Innovation and Research Unit, Fondazione IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Emanuele Montomoli
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- VisMederi Srl, Siena, Italy
| | | | | | - Valeria Piazzolla
- Liver Unit, Fondazione IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
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8
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Himbert S, Gastaldo IP, Ahmed R, Pomier KM, Cowbrough B, Jahagirdar D, Ros S, Juhasz J, Stöver HDH, Ortega J, Melacini G, Bowdish DME, Rheinstädter MC. Erythro-VLPs: Anchoring SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins in erythrocyte liposomes. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263671. [PMID: 35275926 PMCID: PMC8916654 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to control the SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) pandemic. Here, we present a protocol to anchor the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S-)protein in the cytoplasmic membranes of erythrocyte liposomes. A surfactant was used to stabilize the S-protein’s structure in the aqueous environment before insertion and to facilitate reconstitution of the S-proteins in the erythrocyte membranes. The insertion process was studied using coarse grained Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. Liposome formation and S-protein anchoring was studied by dynamic light scattering (DLS), ELV-protein co-sedimentation assays, fluorescent microcopy and cryo-TEM. The Erythro-VLPs (erythrocyte based virus like particles) have a well defined size of ∼200 nm and an average protein density on the outer membrane of up to ∼300 proteins/μm2. The correct insertion and functional conformation of the S-proteins was verified by dose-dependent binding to ACE-2 (angiotensin converting enzyme 2) in biolayer interferometry (BLI) assays. Seroconversion was observed in a pilot mouse trial after 14 days when administered intravenously, based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). This red blood cell based platform can open novel possibilities for therapeutics for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) including variants, and other viruses in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Himbert
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Origins Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Isabella Passos Gastaldo
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Origins Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Rashik Ahmed
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton ON, Canada
| | - Karla Martinez Pomier
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton ON, Canada
| | - Braeden Cowbrough
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Dushyant Jahagirdar
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Samantha Ros
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Janos Juhasz
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Juravinski Cancer Centre, Department of Medical Physics, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Harald D. H. Stöver
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Joaquin Ortega
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Giuseppe Melacini
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton ON, Canada
| | - Dawn M. E. Bowdish
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Maikel C. Rheinstädter
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Origins Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- * E-mail:
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9
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Cruz J, Suárez-Barrera M, Rondón-Villarreal P, Olarte-Diaz A, Guzmán F, Visser L, Rueda-Forero N. Computational study, synthesis and evaluation of active peptides derived from Parasporin-2 and spike protein from Alphacoronavirus against colorectal cancer cells. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:BSR20211964. [PMID: 34796903 PMCID: PMC8661510 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20211964] [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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Parasporin-2Aa1 (PS2Aa1) is a toxic protein of 37 KDa (30 kDa, activated form produced by proteolysis) that was shown to be cytotoxic against specific human cancer cells, although its mechanism of action has not been elucidated yet. In order to study the role of some native peptide fragments of proteins on anticancer activity, here we investigated the cytotoxic effect of peptide fragments from domain-1 of PS2Aa1 and one of the loops present in the binding region of the virus spike protein from Alphacoronavirus (HCoV-229E), the latter according to scientific reports, who showed interaction with the human APN (h-APN) receptor, evidence corroborated through computational simulations, and thus being possible active against colon cancer cells. Peptides namely P264-G274, Loop1-PS2Aa, and Loop2-PS2Aa were synthesized using the Fmoc solid-phase synthesis and characterized by mass spectrometry (MS). Additionally, one region from loop 1 of HCoV-229E, Loop1-HCoV-229E, was also synthesized and characterized. The A4W-GGN5 anticancer peptide and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) were taken as a control in all experiments. Circular dichroism revealed an α-helix structure for the peptides derived from PS2Aa1 (P264-G274, Loop1-PS2Aa, and Loop2-PS2Aa) and β-laminar structure for the peptide derived from Alphacoronavirus spike protein Loop1-HCoV-229E. Peptides showed a hemolysis percentage of less than 20% at 100 µM concentration. Besides, peptides exhibited stronger anticancer activity against SW480 and SW620 cells after exposure for 48 h. Likewise, these compounds showed significantly lower toxicity against normal cells CHO-K1. The results suggest that native peptide fragments from Ps2Aa1 may be optimized as a novel potential cancer-therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenniffer Cruz
- Universidad de Santander, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas y de la Salud, Instituto de Investigación Masira, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Miguel Orlando Suárez-Barrera
- Universidad de Santander, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas y de la Salud, Instituto de Investigación Masira, Bucaramanga, Colombia
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Corporación Académica Ciencias Básicas Biomédicas Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Paola Rondón-Villarreal
- Universidad de Santander, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas y de la Salud, Instituto de Investigación Masira, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Andrés Olarte-Diaz
- Universidad de Santander, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas y de la Salud, Instituto de Investigación Masira, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Fanny Guzmán
- NBC Núcleo de Biotecnología Curauma, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Campus Curauma, Av. Universidad 330, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Lydia Visser
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Nohora Juliana Rueda-Forero
- Universidad de Santander, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas y de la Salud, Instituto de Investigación Masira, Bucaramanga, Colombia
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10
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Khaddaj-Mallat R, Aldib N, Bernard M, Paquette AS, Ferreira A, Lecordier S, Saghatelyan A, Flamand L, ElAli A. SARS-CoV-2 deregulates the vascular and immune functions of brain pericytes via Spike protein. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 161:105561. [PMID: 34780863 PMCID: PMC8590447 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 pathogenesis causes vascular-mediated neurological disorders via elusive mechanisms. SARS-CoV-2 infects host cells via the binding of viral Spike (S) protein to transmembrane receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Although brain pericytes were recently shown to abundantly express ACE2 at the neurovascular interface, their response to SARS-CoV-2 S protein is still to be elucidated. Using cell-based assays, we found that ACE2 expression in human brain vascular pericytes was increased upon S protein exposure. Pericytes exposed to S protein underwent profound phenotypic changes associated with an elongated and contracted morphology accompanied with an enhanced expression of contractile and myofibrogenic proteins, such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin, collagen I, and neurogenic locus notch homolog protein-3 (NOTCH3). On the functional level, S protein exposure promoted the acquisition of calcium (Ca2+) signature of contractile ensheathing pericytes characterized by highly regular oscillatory Ca2+ fluctuations. Furthermore, S protein induced lipid peroxidation, oxidative and nitrosative stress in pericytes as well as triggered an immune reaction translated by activation of nuclear factor-kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, which was potentiated by hypoxia, a condition associated with vascular comorbidities that exacerbate COVID-19 pathogenesis. S protein exposure combined to hypoxia enhanced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in immune cell activation and trafficking, namely macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). Using transgenic mice expressing the human ACE2 that recognizes S protein, we observed that the intranasal infection with SARS-CoV-2 rapidly induced hypoxic/ischemic-like pericyte reactivity in the brain of transgenic mice, accompanied with an increased vascular expression of ACE2. Moreover, we found that SARS-CoV-2 S protein accumulated in the intranasal cavity reached the brain of mice in which the nasal mucosa is deregulated. Collectively, these findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 S protein impairs the vascular and immune regulatory functions of brain pericytes, which may account for vascular-mediated brain damage. Our study provides a better understanding for the mechanisms underlying cerebrovascular disorders in COVID-19, paving the way to develop new therapeutic interventions.
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MESH Headings
- Actins/metabolism
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/drug effects
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/genetics
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/metabolism
- Animals
- Brain/blood supply
- Brain/metabolism
- COVID-19/metabolism
- COVID-19/physiopathology
- Calcium Signaling
- Collagen Type I/metabolism
- Fibronectins/metabolism
- Humans
- Hypoxia/metabolism
- Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain/metabolism
- Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain/physiopathology
- Inflammation/metabolism
- Lipid Peroxidation/drug effects
- Lipid Peroxidation/genetics
- Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors/drug effects
- Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/cytology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myofibroblasts
- NF-kappa B/drug effects
- NF-kappa B/metabolism
- Nasal Mucosa
- Nitrosative Stress
- Oxidative Stress
- Pericytes/cytology
- Pericytes/drug effects
- Pericytes/metabolism
- Phenotype
- Receptor, Notch3/metabolism
- Receptors, Coronavirus/drug effects
- Receptors, Coronavirus/genetics
- Receptors, Coronavirus/metabolism
- SARS-CoV-2/metabolism
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Rayan Khaddaj-Mallat
- Neuroscience Axis, Research Center of CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Natija Aldib
- Neuroscience Axis, Research Center of CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada; Research Center CERVO, Quebec City, QC, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Maxime Bernard
- Neuroscience Axis, Research Center of CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Anne-Sophie Paquette
- Neuroscience Axis, Research Center of CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Aymeric Ferreira
- Research Center CERVO, Quebec City, QC, Canada; Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Sarah Lecordier
- Neuroscience Axis, Research Center of CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Armen Saghatelyan
- Research Center CERVO, Quebec City, QC, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Louis Flamand
- Neuroscience Axis, Research Center of CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada; Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Ayman ElAli
- Neuroscience Axis, Research Center of CHU de Québec - Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.
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11
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Karyagina AS, Gromov AV, Grunina TM, Lyaschuk AM, Grishin AV, Strukova NV, Generalova MS, Galushkina ZM, Soboleva LA, Dobrinina OY, Bolshakova TN, Subbotina ME, Romanovskaya-Romanko EA, Krasilnikov IV, Polyakov NB, Solovyev AI, Grumov DA, Zhukhovitsky VG, Ryabova EI, Prokofiev VV, Lunin VG. Development of a Platform for Producing Recombinant Protein Components of Epitope Vaccines for the Prevention of COVID-19. Biochemistry Moscow 2021; 86:1275-1287. [PMID: 34903153 PMCID: PMC8527442 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297921100096] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A new platform for creating anti-coronavirus epitope vaccines has been developed. Two loop-like epitopes with lengths of 22 and 42 amino acid residues were selected from the receptor-binding motif of the Spike protein from the SARS‑CoV‑2 virus that participate in a large number of protein-protein interactions in the complexes with ACE2 and neutralizing antibodies. Two types of hybrid proteins, including one of the two selected epitopes, were constructed. To fix conformation of the selected epitopes, an approach using protein scaffolds was used. The homologue of Rop protein from the Escherichia coli ColE1 plasmid containing helix-turn-helix motif was used as an epitope scaffold for the convergence of C- and N-termini of the loop-like epitopes. Loop epitopes were inserted into the turn region. The conformation was additionally fixed by a disulfide bond formed between the cysteine residues present within the epitopes. For the purpose of multimerization, either aldolase from Thermotogamaritima, which forms a trimer in solution, or alpha-helical trimerizer of the Spike protein from SARS‑CoV‑2, was attached to the epitopes incorporated into the Rop-like protein. To enable purification on the heparin-containing sorbents, a short fragment from the heparin-binding hemagglutinin of Mycobacterium tuberculosis was inserted at the C-terminus of the hybrid proteins. All the obtained proteins demonstrated high level of immunogenicity after triplicate parenteral administration to mice. Sera from the mice immunized with both aldolase-based hybrid proteins and the Spike protein SARS‑CoV‑2 trimerizer-based protein with a longer epitope interacted with both the inactivated SARS‑CoV‑2 virus and the Spike protein receptor-binding domain at high titers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S Karyagina
- Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia.
- All-Russia Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Moscow, 127550, Russia
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119992, Russia
| | - Alexander V Gromov
- Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
| | - Tatyana M Grunina
- Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
- All-Russia Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Moscow, 127550, Russia
| | - Alexander M Lyaschuk
- Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
| | - Alexander V Grishin
- Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
| | - Natalia V Strukova
- Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
| | - Maria S Generalova
- Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
| | - Zoya M Galushkina
- Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
| | - Lyubov' A Soboleva
- Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
| | - Olga Yu Dobrinina
- Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
| | - Tatyana N Bolshakova
- Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
| | - Marina E Subbotina
- Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia.
- All-Russia Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Moscow, 127550, Russia
| | | | - Igor V Krasilnikov
- Saint Petersburg Institute of Vaccines and Sera, FMBA, St. Petersburg, 198320, Russia
| | - Nikita B Polyakov
- Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
- Vernadsky Institute of Geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - Andrey I Solovyev
- Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
| | - Daniil A Grumov
- Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
| | - Vladimir G Zhukhovitsky
- Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
| | - Ekaterina I Ryabova
- Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
| | - Vladimir V Prokofiev
- Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
| | - Vladimir G Lunin
- Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
- All-Russia Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Moscow, 127550, Russia
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12
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Shin HJ, Ku KB, Kim HS, Moon HW, Jeong GU, Hwang I, Yoon GY, Lee S, Lee S, Ahn DG, Kim KD, Kwon YC, Kim BT, Kim SJ, Kim C. Receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein efficiently inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection and attachment to mouse lung. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:3786-3794. [PMID: 34671199 PMCID: PMC8495392 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.61320] [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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19, caused by a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, poses a serious global threat. It was first reported in 2019 in China and has now dramatically spread across the world. It is crucial to develop therapeutics to mitigate severe disease and viral spread. The receptor-binding domains (RBDs) in the spike protein of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV have shown anti-viral activity in previous reports suggesting that this domain has high potential for development as therapeutics. To evaluate the potential antiviral activity of recombinant SARS-CoV-2 RBD proteins, we determined the RBD residues of SARS-CoV-2 using a homology search with RBD of SARS-CoV. For efficient expression and purification, the signal peptide of spike protein was identified and used to generate constructs expressing recombinant RBD proteins. Highly purified RBD protein fused with the Fc domain of human IgG showed potent anti-viral efficacy, which was better than that of a protein fused with a histidine tag. Intranasally pre-administrated RBD protein also inhibited the attachment of SARS-COV-2 to mouse lungs. These findings indicate that RBD protein could be used for the prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Seong-Jun Kim
- Center for Convergent Research of Emerging Virus Infection, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, South Korea
| | - Chonsaeng Kim
- Center for Convergent Research of Emerging Virus Infection, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon 34114, South Korea
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13
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Ouyang W, Xie T, Fang H, Gao C, Stantchev T, Clouse KA, Yuan K, Ju T, Frucht DM. Variable Induction of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines by Commercial SARS CoV-2 Spike Protein Reagents: Potential Impacts of LPS on In Vitro Modeling and Pathogenic Mechanisms In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7540. [PMID: 34299155 PMCID: PMC8305765 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Proinflammatory cytokine production following infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Like SARS CoV-1, SARS CoV-2 enters host cells via its spike protein, which attaches to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). As SARS CoV-1 spike protein is reported to induce cytokine production, we hypothesized that this pathway could be a shared mechanism underlying pathogenic immune responses. We herein compared the capabilities of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), SARS CoV-1 and SARS CoV-2 spike proteins to induce cytokine expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). We observed that only specific commercial lots of SARS CoV-2 induce cytokine production. Surprisingly, recombinant SARS CoV-2 spike proteins from different vendors and batches exhibited different patterns of cytokine induction, and these activities were not inhibited by blockade of spike protein-ACE2 binding using either soluble ACE2 or neutralizing anti-S1 antibody. Moreover, commercial spike protein reagents contained varying levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which correlated directly with their abilities to induce cytokine production. The LPS inhibitor, polymyxin B, blocked this cytokine induction activity. In addition, SARS CoV-2 spike protein avidly bound soluble LPS in vitro, rendering it a cytokine inducer. These results not only suggest caution in monitoring the purity of SARS CoV-2 spike protein reagents, but they indicate the possibility that interactions of SARS CoV-2 spike protein with LPS from commensal bacteria in virally infected mucosal tissues could promote pathogenic inflammatory cytokine production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiming Ouyang
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research II, Office of Biotechnology Products, Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA; (W.O.); (T.X.); (H.F.)
| | - Tao Xie
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research II, Office of Biotechnology Products, Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA; (W.O.); (T.X.); (H.F.)
| | - Hui Fang
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research II, Office of Biotechnology Products, Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA; (W.O.); (T.X.); (H.F.)
| | - Chunling Gao
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research I, Office of Biotechnology Products, Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA; (C.G.); (T.S.); (K.A.C.)
| | - Tzanko Stantchev
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research I, Office of Biotechnology Products, Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA; (C.G.); (T.S.); (K.A.C.)
| | - Kathleen A. Clouse
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research I, Office of Biotechnology Products, Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA; (C.G.); (T.S.); (K.A.C.)
| | - Kun Yuan
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research III, Office of Biotechnology Products, Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA; (K.Y.); (T.J.)
| | - Tongzhong Ju
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research III, Office of Biotechnology Products, Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA; (K.Y.); (T.J.)
| | - David M. Frucht
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research II, Office of Biotechnology Products, Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA; (W.O.); (T.X.); (H.F.)
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14
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Arunkumar M, Gunaseelan S, Kubendran Aravind M, Mohankumar V, Anupam P, Harikrishnan M, Siva A, Ashokkumar B, Varalakshmi P. Marine algal antagonists targeting 3CL protease and spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2: a computational approach for anti-COVID-19 drug discovery. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2021; 40:8961-8988. [PMID: 34014150 PMCID: PMC8146311 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2021.1921032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has severely destructed human life worldwide, with no suitable treatment until now. SARS-CoV-2 virus is unprecedented, resistance against number of therapeutics and spreading rapidly with high mortality, which warrants the need to discover new effective drugs to combat this situation. This current study is undertaken to explore the antiviral potential of marine algal compounds to inhibit the viral entry and its multiplication using computational analysis. Among the proven drug discovery targets of SARS-CoV-2, spike glycoprotein and 3-chymotrypsin-like protease are responsible for the virus attachment and viral genome replication in the host cell. In this study, the above-mentioned drug targets were docked with marine algal compounds (sulfated polysaccharides, polysaccharide derivatives and polyphenols) using molecular docking tools (AutoDockTools). The obtained results indicate that κ-carrageenan, laminarin, eckol, trifucol and β-D-galactose are the top-ranking compounds showing better docking scores with SARS-CoV-2 targets, than the current experimental COVID-19 antiviral drugs like dexamethasone, remdesivir, favipiravir and MIV-150. Further, molecular dynamic simulation, ADMET and density functional theory calculations were evaluated to substantiate the findings. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on in silico analysis of aforesaid algal metabolites against SARS-CoV-2 targets. This study concludes that these metabolites can be curative for COVID-19 in the hour of need after further validations in in vitro and in vivo testings.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malaisamy Arunkumar
- Department of Genetic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Transcription Regulation Group, New Delhi, India
| | - Sathaiah Gunaseelan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, School of Biotechnology, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Manikka Kubendran Aravind
- Department of Genetic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Verma Mohankumar
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, School of Biotechnology, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Patra Anupam
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Transcription Regulation Group, New Delhi, India
| | - Muniyasamy Harikrishnan
- Supramolecular and Organometallic Chemistry Lab, Department of Inorganic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ayyanar Siva
- Supramolecular and Organometallic Chemistry Lab, Department of Inorganic Chemistry, School of Chemistry, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Balasubramaniem Ashokkumar
- Department of Genetic Engineering, School of Biotechnology, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Perumal Varalakshmi
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, School of Biotechnology, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
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15
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Srivastava V, Niu L, Phadke KS, Bellaire BH, Cho MW. Induction of Potent and Durable Neutralizing Antibodies Against SARS-CoV-2 Using a Receptor Binding Domain-Based Immunogen. Front Immunol 2021; 12:637982. [PMID: 33777030 PMCID: PMC7991075 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.637982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel betacoronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes severe pneumonia emerged through zoonosis in late 2019. The disease, referred to as COVID-19, has an alarming mortality rate and it is having a devastating effect on the global economy and public health systems. A safe, effective vaccine is urgently needed to halt this pandemic. In this study, immunogenicity of the receptor binding domain (RBD) of spike (S) glycoprotein was examined in mice. Animals were immunized with recombinant RBD antigen intraperitoneally using three different adjuvants (Zn-chitosan, Alhydrogel, and Adju-Phos), and antibody responses were followed for over 5 months. Results showed that potent neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) can be induced with 70% neutralization titer (NT70) of ~14,580 against live, infectious viruses. Although antigen-binding antibody titers decreased gradually over time, sufficiently protective levels of nAbs persisted (NT80 >2,430) over the 5-month observation period. Results also showed that adjuvants have profound effects on kinetics of nAb induction, total antibody titers, antibody avidity, antibody longevity, and B-cell epitopes targeted by the immune system. In conclusion, a recombinant subunit protein immunogen based on the RBD is a highly promising vaccine candidate. Continued evaluation of RBD immunogenicity using different adjuvants and vaccine regimens could further improve vaccine efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikram Srivastava
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Ling Niu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Kruttika S. Phadke
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
- Interdepartmental Microbiology Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Bryan H. Bellaire
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
- Interdepartmental Microbiology Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Michael W. Cho
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
- Interdepartmental Microbiology Program, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
- NeoVaxSyn, Inc., Ames, IA, United States
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16
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He L, Lin X, Wang Y, Abraham C, Sou C, Ngo T, Zhang Y, Wilson IA, Zhu J. Single-component, self-assembling, protein nanoparticles presenting the receptor binding domain and stabilized spike as SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidates. Sci Adv 2021; 7:7/12/eabf1591. [PMID: 33741598 PMCID: PMC7978432 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf1591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 provides an effective tool to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we combined antigen optimization and nanoparticle display to develop vaccine candidates for SARS-CoV-2. We first displayed the receptor-binding domain (RBD) on three self-assembling protein nanoparticle (SApNP) platforms using the SpyTag/SpyCatcher system. We then identified heptad repeat 2 (HR2) in S2 as the cause of spike metastability, designed an HR2-deleted glycine-capped spike (S2GΔHR2), and displayed S2GΔHR2 on SApNPs. An antibody column specific for the RBD enabled tag-free vaccine purification. In mice, the 24-meric RBD-ferritin SApNP elicited a more potent neutralizing antibody (NAb) response than the RBD alone and the spike with two stabilizing proline mutations in S2 (S2P). S2GΔHR2 elicited twofold higher NAb titers than S2P, while S2GΔHR2 SApNPs derived from multilayered E2p and I3-01v9 60-mers elicited up to 10-fold higher NAb titers. The S2GΔHR2-presenting I3-01v9 SApNP also induced critically needed T cell immunity, thereby providing a promising vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linling He
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Xiaohe Lin
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Ying Wang
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Ciril Abraham
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Cindy Sou
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Timothy Ngo
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Ian A Wilson
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Skaggs Institute for Chemical Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jiang Zhu
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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17
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Doki T, Yabe M, Takano T, Hohdatsu T. Differential induction of type I interferon by type I and type II feline coronaviruses in vitro. Res Vet Sci 2018; 120:57-62. [PMID: 30265871 PMCID: PMC7111755 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a feline coronavirus (FCoV)-induced fatal disease in wild and domestic cats. There are two FCoV serotypes. Both type I and II FCoV can replicate in Felis catus whole fetus (fcwf)-4 cells, but the replicability of type I FCoV in feline cell lines is lower than that of type II FCoV, the reason for which is unclear. Inhibition of IFNβ production by non-structural and structural proteins, excluding spike protein has been reported in many coronavirus infections. In this study, we investigated whether IFNβ is involved in the difference in replicability in feline cell lines between types I and II FCoV. When fcwf-4 cells were infected with FCoV, the virus titer of type II FCoV in the culture supernatant was higher than that of type I FIPV. When the IFNβ expression level in FCoV-infected fcwf-4 cells was semi-quantitatively analyzed, infection with type I FIPV, excluding type I FIPV UCD-1, highly induced IFNβ expression. In contrast, induction of IFNβ by type II FCoV infection was significantly lower than that by type I FIPV. In addition, when fcwf-4 cells were adsorbed by FIPV and then stimulated with Poly(I:C), type II FCoV infection inhibited Poly(I:C)-induced IFNβ gene expression. Also, the proliferation of type I FIPV was enhanced by a IFN inhibitor. These findings clarified that, unlike type I FIPV, type II FCoV strongly inhibits IFNβ expression in infected cells. It was also suggested that the IFNβ-inducing ability is different among type I FIPV strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoyoshi Doki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Disease, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori 034-8628, Japan.
| | - Midori Yabe
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Disease, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori 034-8628, Japan.
| | - Tomomi Takano
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Disease, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori 034-8628, Japan.
| | - Tsutomu Hohdatsu
- Laboratory of Veterinary Infectious Disease, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori 034-8628, Japan.
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