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Zhu L, Cui X, Yan Z, Tao Y, Shi L, Zhang X, Yao Y, Shi L. Design and evaluation of a multi-epitope DNA vaccine against HPV16. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2352908. [PMID: 38780076 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2352908] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer, among the deadliest cancers affecting women globally, primarily arises from persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). To effectively combat persistent infection and prevent the progression of precancerous lesions into malignancy, a therapeutic HPV vaccine is under development. This study utilized an immunoinformatics approach to predict epitopes of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and helper T lymphocytes (HTLs) using the E6 and E7 oncoproteins of the HPV16 strain as target antigens. Subsequently, through meticulous selection of T-cell epitopes and other necessary elements, a multi-epitope vaccine was constructed, exhibiting good immunogenic, physicochemical, and structural characteristics. Furthermore, in silico simulations showed that the vaccine not only interacted well with toll-like receptors (TLR2/TLR3/TLR4), but also induced a strong innate and adaptive immune response characterized by elevated Th1-type cytokines, such as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-2 (IL2). Additionally, our study investigated the effects of different immunization intervals on immune responses, aiming to optimize a time-efficient immunization program. In animal model experiments, the vaccine exhibited robust immunogenic, therapeutic, and prophylactic effects. Administered thrice, it consistently induced the expansion of specific CD4 and CD8 T cells, resulting in substantial cytokines release and increased proliferation of memory T cell subsets in splenic cells. Overall, our findings support the potential of this multi-epitope vaccine in combating HPV16 infection and signify its candidacy for future HPV vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanfang Zhu
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Xiangjie Cui
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Zhiling Yan
- Department of Gynaecologic Oncology, The No. 3 Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yufen Tao
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Xinwen Zhang
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Yufeng Yao
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research & Development on Severe Infectious Disease, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
| | - Li Shi
- Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, China
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Lo Cigno I, Calati F, Girone C, Catozzo M, Gariglio M. High-risk HPV oncoproteins E6 and E7 and their interplay with the innate immune response: Uncovering mechanisms of immune evasion and therapeutic prospects. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29685. [PMID: 38783790 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29685] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) tumor viruses causally associated with 5% of human cancers, comprising both anogenital and upper aerodigestive tract carcinomas. Despite the availability of prophylactic vaccines, HPVs continue to pose a significant global health challenge, primarily due to inadequate vaccine access and coverage. These viruses can establish persistent infections by evading both the intrinsic defenses of infected tissues and the extrinsic defenses provided by professional innate immune cells. Crucial for their evasion strategies is their unique intraepithelial life cycle, which effectively shields them from host detection. Thus, strategies aimed at reactivating the innate immune response within infected or transformed epithelial cells, particularly through the production of type I interferons (IFNs) and lymphocyte-recruiting chemokines, are considered viable solutions to counteract the adverse effects of persistent infections by these oncogenic viruses. This review focuses on the complex interplay between the high-risk HPV oncoproteins E6 and E7 and the innate immune response in epithelial cells and HPV-associated cancers. In particular, it details the molecular mechanisms by which E6 and E7 modulate the innate immune response, highlighting significant progress in our comprehension of these processes. It also examines forward-looking strategies that exploit the innate immune system to ameliorate existing anticancer therapies, thereby providing crucial insights into future therapeutic developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Lo Cigno
- Virology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, Eastern Piedmont University, Novara, Italy
| | - Federica Calati
- Virology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, Eastern Piedmont University, Novara, Italy
| | - Carlo Girone
- Virology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, Eastern Piedmont University, Novara, Italy
| | - Marta Catozzo
- Virology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, Eastern Piedmont University, Novara, Italy
| | - Marisa Gariglio
- Virology Unit, Department of Translational Medicine, Eastern Piedmont University, Novara, Italy
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3
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Yuan H, Yan Z, Gan J, Di X, Qiu Y, Xu H. Phylogenetic analysis and antigenic epitope prediction for E6 and E7 of Alpha-papillomavirus 9 in Taizhou, China. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:507. [PMID: 38778248 PMCID: PMC11110188 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10411-1] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alpha-papillomavirus 9 (α-9) is a member of the human papillomavirus (HPV) α genus, causing 75% invasive cervical cancers worldwide. The purpose of this study was to provide data for effective treatment of HPV-induced cervical lesions in Taizhou by analysing the genetic variation and antigenic epitopes of α-9 HPV E6 and E7. METHODS Cervical exfoliated cells were collected for HPV genotyping. Positive samples of the α-9 HPV single type were selected for E6 and E7 gene sequencing. The obtained nucleotide sequences were translated into amino acid sequences (protein primary structure) using MEGA X, and positive selection sites of the amino acid sequences were evaluated using PAML. The secondary and tertiary structures of the E6 and E7 proteins were predicted using PSIPred, SWISS-MODEL, and PyMol. Potential T/B-cell epitopes were predicted by Industrial Engineering Database (IEDB). RESULTS From 2012 to 2023, α-9 HPV accounted for 75.0% (7815/10423) of high-risk HPV-positive samples in Taizhou, both alone and in combination with other types. Among these, single-type-positive samples of α-9 HPV were selected, and the entire E6 and E7 genes were sequenced, including 298 HPV16, 149 HPV31, 185 HPV33, 123 HPV35, 325 HPV52, and 199 HPV58 samples. Compared with reference sequences, 34, 12, 10, 2, 17, and 17 nonsynonymous nucleotide mutations were detected in HPV16, 31, 33, 35, 52, and 58, respectively. Among all nonsynonymous nucleotide mutations, 19 positive selection sites were selected, which may have evolutionary significance in rendering α-9 HPV adaptive to its environment. Immunoinformatics predicted 57 potential linear and 59 conformational B-cell epitopes, many of which are also predicted as CTL epitopes. CONCLUSION The present study provides almost comprehensive data on the genetic variations, phylogenetics, positive selection sites, and antigenic epitopes of α-9 HPV E6 and E7 in Taizhou, China, which will be helpful for local HPV therapeutic vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haobo Yuan
- School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, 312000, P. R. China
| | - Ziyi Yan
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, 317000, P. R. China
| | - Jun Gan
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, 317000, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques & Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Linhai, Zhejiang, 317000, P. R. China
| | - Xinghong Di
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, 317000, P. R. China
| | - Yi Qiu
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, 317000, P. R. China
| | - Huihui Xu
- Medical Research Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, 317000, P. R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques & Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor of Zhejiang Province, Linhai, Zhejiang, 317000, P. R. China.
- Scientific Research Department, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, Zhejiang, 317000, P. R. China.
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Chen L, Hu H, Pan Y, Lu Y, Zhao M, Zhao Y, Wang L, Liu K, Yu Z. The role of HPV11 E7 in modulating STING-dependent interferon β response in recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. J Virol 2024; 98:e0192523. [PMID: 38624230 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01925-23] [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: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a rare benign tumor caused mainly by the infection of the respiratory tract epithelial cells by the human papillomavirus (HPV) type 6/11. However, the specific mechanisms underlying the inhibition of the host's innate immune response by HPV remain unclear. For this purpose, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the states of various immune cells in RRP samples post-HPV infection and utilized a cellular model of HPV infection to elucidate the mechanisms by which HPV evades the innate immune system in RRP. The results revealed distinct immune cell heterogeneity in RRP and demonstrated that HPV11 E7 can inhibit the phosphorylation of the stimulator of interferon genes protein, thereby circumventing the body's antiviral response. In vitro co-culture experiments demonstrated that stimulation of macrophages to produce interferon-beta induced the death of HPV-infected epithelial cells, also reducing HPV viral levels. In summary, our study preliminarily identifies the potential mechanisms by which HPV evades the host's antiviral immune response, as well as the latent antiviral functions exhibited by activated macrophages. This research serves as an initial exploration of antiviral immune evasion in RRP, laying a solid foundation for investigating immunotherapeutic approaches for the disease.IMPORTANCESurgical tumor reduction is the most common treatment for recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). One of the characteristics of RRP is its persistent recurrence, and multiple surgeries are usually required to control the symptoms. Recently, some adjuvant therapies have shown effectiveness, but none of them can completely clear human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and thus, a localized antiviral immune response is significant for disease control; after all, HPV infection is limited to the epithelium. Inhibition of interferon-beta (IFN-β) secretion by HPV11 E7 viral proteins in epithelial cells by affecting stimulator of interferon genes phosphorylation may account for the persistence of low-risk HPV replication in the RRP. Moreover, suppression of the IFN-I pathway in RRP cell types might provide clues regarding the hyporeactive function of local immune cells. However, activation of macrophage groups to produce IFN-β can still destroy HPV-infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, BenQ Medical Center, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing Medical Key Laboratory of Laryngopharynx-Head and Neck Oncology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huiying Hu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, BenQ Medical Center, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing Medical Key Laboratory of Laryngopharynx-Head and Neck Oncology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yufei Pan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, BenQ Medical Center, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing Medical Key Laboratory of Laryngopharynx-Head and Neck Oncology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuanyuan Lu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, BenQ Medical Center, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing Medical Key Laboratory of Laryngopharynx-Head and Neck Oncology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mengyuan Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, BenQ Medical Center, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing Medical Key Laboratory of Laryngopharynx-Head and Neck Oncology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yun Zhao
- Nanjing Medical Key Laboratory of Laryngopharynx-Head and Neck Oncology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lixin Wang
- Nanjing Medical Key Laboratory of Laryngopharynx-Head and Neck Oncology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kai Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, BenQ Medical Center, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing Medical Key Laboratory of Laryngopharynx-Head and Neck Oncology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhenkun Yu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, BenQ Medical Center, The Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Nanjing Medical Key Laboratory of Laryngopharynx-Head and Neck Oncology, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Jin Y, Miyama T, Brown A, Hayase T, Song X, Singh AK, Huang L, Flores II, McDaniel LK, Glover I, Halsey TM, Prasad R, Chapa V, Ahmed S, Zhang J, Rai K, Peterson CB, Lizee G, Karmouch J, Hayase E, Molldrem JJ, Chang CC, Tsai WB, Jenq RR. Tsyn-Seq: a T-cell Synapse-Based Antigen Identification Platform. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:530-543. [PMID: 38363296 PMCID: PMC11065584 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0467] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Tools for genome-wide rapid identification of peptide-major histocompatibility complex targets of T-cell receptors (TCR) are not yet universally available. We present a new antigen screening method, the T-synapse (Tsyn) reporter system, which includes antigen-presenting cells (APC) with a Fas-inducible NF-κB reporter and T cells with a nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) reporter. To functionally screen for target antigens from a cDNA library, productively interacting T cell-APC aggregates were detected by dual-reporter activity and enriched by flow sorting followed by antigen identification quantified by deep sequencing (Tsyn-seq). When applied to a previously characterized TCR specific for the E7 antigen derived from human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16), Tsyn-seq successfully enriched the correct cognate antigen from a cDNA library derived from an HPV16-positive cervical cancer cell line. Tsyn-seq provides a method for rapidly identifying antigens recognized by TCRs of interest from a tumor cDNA library. See related Spotlight by Makani and Joglekar, p. 515.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimei Jin
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Takahiko Miyama
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Alexandria Brown
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Tomo Hayase
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Xingzhi Song
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Anand K. Singh
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Licai Huang
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Ivonne I. Flores
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Lauren K. McDaniel
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Israel Glover
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Taylor M. Halsey
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Rishika Prasad
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Valerie Chapa
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Saira Ahmed
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Kunal Rai
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Christine B. Peterson
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Gregory Lizee
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Jennifer Karmouch
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Eiko Hayase
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Jeffrey J. Molldrem
- Department of Hematopoietic Biology & Malignancy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Chia-Chi Chang
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Wen-Bin Tsai
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Robert R. Jenq
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Wang S, Chen CC, Hu MH, Cheng M, Tu HF, Tsai YC, Yang JM, Wu TC, Huang CH, Hung CF. Arginine-linked HPV-associated E7 displaying bacteria-derived outer membrane vesicles as a potent antigen-specific cancer vaccine. J Transl Med 2024; 22:378. [PMID: 38649894 PMCID: PMC11036690 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05195-7] [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: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacteria-based cancer therapy have demonstrated innovative strategies to combat tumors. Recent studies have focused on gram-negative bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) as a novel cancer immunotherapy strategy due to its intrinsic properties as a versatile carrier. METHOD Here, we developed an Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-associated E7 antigen displaying Salmonella-derived OMV vaccine, utilizing a Poly(L-arginine) cell penetrating peptide (CPP) to enhance HPV16 E7 (aa49-67) H-2 Db and OMV affinity, termed SOMV-9RE7. RESULTS Due to OMV's intrinsic immunogenic properties, SOMV-9RE7 effectively activates adaptive immunity through antigen-presenting cell uptake and antigen cross-presentation. Vaccination of engineered OMVs shows immediate tumor suppression and recruitment of infiltrating tumor-reactive immune cells. CONCLUSION The simplicity of the arginine coating strategy boasts the versatility of immuno-stimulating OMVs that can be broadly implemented to personalized bacterial immunotherapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suyang Wang
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB II 307, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Chao-Cheng Chen
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB II 307, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Ming-Hung Hu
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB II 307, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Michelle Cheng
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB II 307, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Hsin-Fang Tu
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB II 307, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Ya-Chea Tsai
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB II 307, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Jr-Ming Yang
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB II 307, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - T C Wu
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB II 307, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB II 307, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chuan-Hsiang Huang
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB II 307, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Chien-Fu Hung
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB II 307, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB II 307, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
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Kayyal M, Bolhassani A, Noormohammadi Z, Sadeghizadeh M. Immunological responses and anti-tumor effects of HPV16/18 L1-L2-E7 multiepitope fusion construct along with curcumin and nanocurcumin in C57BL/6 mouse model. Life Sci 2021; 285:119945. [PMID: 34516991 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119945] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Human papillomavirus (HPV) L1, L2 and E7 proteins were used as target antigens for development of preventive and therapeutic vaccines. Moreover, linkage of antigens to heat shock proteins (HSPs) could enhance the potency of vaccines. Curcumin and nanocurcumin compounds were suggested as the chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents against cancer. In this study, two multiepitope DNA and peptide-based vaccine constructs (L1-L2-E7 and HSP70-L1-L2-E7) were used along with curcumin and nanocurcumin to evaluate immune responses, and protective/therapeutic effects in tumor mouse model. MAIN METHODS At first, the multiepitope L1-L2-E7 and HSP70-L1-L2-E7 fusion genes were subcloned in eukaryotic and prokaryotic expression vectors. The recombinant multiepitope peptides were generated in E. coli strain. Then, the cytotoxic effects of curcumin and nanocurcumin were evaluated on HEK-293 T non-cancerous and C3 cancerous cells. Finally, mice vaccination was performed using different regimens. Curcumin and nanocurcumin compounds were administered alone or along with different vaccine constructs. KEY FINDINGS Our data indicated that the use of nanocurcumin along with the multiepitope HSP70-L1-L2-E7 vaccine construct could completely protect mice against HPV-related C3 tumor cells, and eradicate tumors in a therapeutic test. Furthermore, nanocurcumin showed higher protection than curcumin alone. Generally, curcumin and nanocurcumin compounds could reduce tumor growth synergistically with the multiepitope vaccine constructs, but they did not influence the immune responses in different regimens. SIGNIFICANCE These data demonstrated that the designed multiepitope vaccine constructs along with curcumin and nanocurcumin can be used as a promising method for HPV vaccine development.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Cancer Vaccines/genetics
- Cancer Vaccines/immunology
- Capsid Proteins/administration & dosage
- Capsid Proteins/genetics
- Capsid Proteins/immunology
- Cloning, Molecular
- Curcumin/administration & dosage
- Curcumin/pharmacology
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/administration & dosage
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/genetics
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Escherichia coli
- Female
- Genetic Vectors
- HEK293 Cells
- HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins/administration & dosage
- HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins/genetics
- HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins/immunology
- Humans
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Neoplasms, Experimental/immunology
- Neoplasms, Experimental/therapy
- Oncogene Proteins, Viral/administration & dosage
- Oncogene Proteins, Viral/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Viral/immunology
- Papillomavirus E7 Proteins/administration & dosage
- Papillomavirus E7 Proteins/genetics
- Papillomavirus E7 Proteins/immunology
- Papillomavirus Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Papillomavirus Vaccines/genetics
- Papillomavirus Vaccines/immunology
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/administration & dosage
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/genetics
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/immunology
- Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/immunology
- Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/therapy
- Vaccines, Subunit/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, Subunit/genetics
- Vaccines, Subunit/immunology
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Matin Kayyal
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Zahra Noormohammadi
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Sadeghizadeh
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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8
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Wang X, Sandberg ML, Martin AD, Negri KR, Gabrelow GB, Nampe DP, Wu ML, McElvain ME, Toledo Warshaviak D, Lee WH, Oh J, Daris ME, Chai F, Yao C, Furney J, Pigott C, Kamb A, Xu H. Potent, Selective CARs as Potential T-Cell Therapeutics for HPV-positive Cancers. J Immunother 2021; 44:292-306. [PMID: 34432728 PMCID: PMC8415731 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000386] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Next-generation T-cell therapies will likely continue to utilize T-cell receptors (TCRs) and chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) because each receptor type has advantages. TCRs often possess exceptional properties even when tested unmodified from patients' T cells. CARs are generally less sensitive, possibly because their ligand-binding domains are grafted from antibodies selected for binding affinity or avidity and not broadly optimized for a functional response. Because of the disconnect between binding and function among these receptor types, the ultimate potential of CARs optimized for sensitivity and selectivity is not clear. Here, we focus on a thoroughly studied immuno-oncology target, the HLA-A*02/HPV-E629-38 complex, and show that CARs can be optimized by a combination of high-throughput binding screens and low-throughput functional assays to have comparable activity to clinical TCRs in acute assays in vitro. These results provide a case study for the challenges and opportunities of optimizing high-performing CARs, especially in the context of targets utilized naturally by TCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Julyun Oh
- A2 Biotherapeutics, Agoura Hills, CA
| | | | - Falene Chai
- Innovative Targeting Solutions, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christine Yao
- Innovative Targeting Solutions, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - James Furney
- Innovative Targeting Solutions, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Craig Pigott
- Innovative Targeting Solutions, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Han Xu
- A2 Biotherapeutics, Agoura Hills, CA
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9
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Donà MG, Di Bonito P, Chiantore MV, Amici C, Accardi L. Targeting Human Papillomavirus-Associated Cancer by Oncoprotein-Specific Recombinant Antibodies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179143. [PMID: 34502053 PMCID: PMC8431386 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179143] [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: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, recombinant antibodies against specific antigens have shown great promise for the therapy of infectious diseases and cancer. Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are involved in the development of around 5% of all human cancers and HPV16 is the high-risk genotype with the highest prevalence worldwide, playing a dominant role in all HPV-associated cancers. Here, we describe the main biological activities of the HPV16 E6, E7, and E5 oncoproteins, which are involved in the subversion of important regulatory pathways directly associated with all known hallmarks of cancer. We then review the state of art of the recombinant antibodies targeted to HPV oncoproteins developed so far in different formats, and outline their mechanisms of action. We describe the advantages of a possible antibody-based therapy against the HPV-associated lesions and discuss the critical issue of delivery to tumour cells, which must be addressed in order to achieve the desired translation of the antibodies from the laboratory to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paola Di Bonito
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (P.D.B.); (M.V.C.)
| | - Maria Vincenza Chiantore
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (P.D.B.); (M.V.C.)
| | - Carla Amici
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Luisa Accardi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (P.D.B.); (M.V.C.)
- Correspondence:
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10
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Sanami S, Azadegan-Dehkordi F, Rafieian-Kopaei M, Salehi M, Ghasemi-Dehnoo M, Mahooti M, Alizadeh M, Bagheri N. Design of a multi-epitope vaccine against cervical cancer using immunoinformatics approaches. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12397. [PMID: 34117331 PMCID: PMC8196015 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91997-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [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: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer, caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), is the fourth most common type of cancer among women worldwide. While HPV prophylactic vaccines are available, they have no therapeutic effects and do not clear up existing infections. This study aims to design a therapeutic vaccine against cervical cancer using reverse vaccinology. In this study, the E6 and E7 oncoproteins from HPV16 were chosen as the target antigens for epitope prediction. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and helper T lymphocytes (HTL) epitopes were predicted, and the best epitopes were selected based on antigenicity, allergenicity, and toxicity. The final vaccine construct was composed of the selected epitopes, along with the appropriate adjuvant and linkers. The multi-epitope vaccine was evaluated in terms of physicochemical properties, antigenicity, and allergenicity. The tertiary structure of the vaccine construct was predicted. Furthermore, several analyses were also carried out, including molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, and in silico cloning of the vaccine construct. The results showed that the final proposed vaccine could be considered an effective therapeutic vaccine for HPV; however, in vitro and in vivo experiments are required to validate the efficacy of this vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Sanami
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Azadegan-Dehkordi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Rafieian-Kopaei
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Majid Salehi
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Maryam Ghasemi-Dehnoo
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mehran Mahooti
- Department of Biotechnology, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Alizadeh
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran.
| | - Nader Bagheri
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
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11
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Beyranvand Nejad E, Labrie C, van Elsas MJ, Kleinovink JW, Mittrücker HW, Franken KLMC, Heink S, Korn T, Arens R, van Hall T, van der Burg SH. IL-6 signaling in macrophages is required for immunotherapy-driven regression of tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e002460. [PMID: 33879600 PMCID: PMC8061866 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High serum interleukin (IL-6) levels may cause resistance to immunotherapy by modulation of myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment. IL-6 signaling blockade is tested in cancer, but as this inflammatory cytokine has pleiotropic effects, this treatment is not always effective. METHODS IL-6 and IL-6R blockade was applied in an IL-6-mediated immunotherapy-resistant TC-1 tumor model (TC-1.IL-6) and immunotherapy-sensitive TC-1. CONTROL Effects on therapeutic vaccination-induced tumor regression, recurrence and survival as well on T cells and myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment were studied. The effects of IL-6 signaling in macrophages under therapy conditions were studied in Il6rafl/fl×LysMcre+ mice. RESULTS Our therapeutic vaccination protocol elicits a strong tumor-specific CD8+ T-cell response, leading to enhanced intratumoral T-cell infiltration and recruitment of tumoricidal macrophages. Blockade of IL-6 signaling exacerbated tumor outgrowth, reflected by fewer complete regressions and more recurrences after therapeutic vaccination, especially in TC-1.IL-6 tumor-bearing mice. Early IL-6 signaling blockade partly inhibited the development of the vaccine-induced CD8+ T-cell response. However, the main mechanism was the malfunction of macrophages during therapy-induced tumor regression. Therapy efficacy was impaired in Il6rafl/fl×LysMcre+ but not cre-negative control mice, while no differences in the vaccine-induced CD8+ T-cell response were found between these mice. IL-6 signaling blockade resulted in decreased expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3, essential for effective M1-type function in macrophages, and increased expression of the phagocytic checkpoint molecule signal-regulatory protein alpha by macrophages. CONCLUSION IL-6 signaling is critical for macrophage function under circumstances of immunotherapy-induced tumor tissue destruction, in line with the acute inflammatory functions of IL-6 signaling described in infections.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Cancer Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Cancer Vaccines/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/drug effects
- Female
- Injections, Subcutaneous
- Interleukin-6/metabolism
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/drug effects
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Neoplasms/immunology
- Neoplasms/metabolism
- Oligodeoxyribonucleotides/administration & dosage
- Oligodeoxyribonucleotides/immunology
- Papillomavirus E7 Proteins/administration & dosage
- Papillomavirus E7 Proteins/immunology
- Phenotype
- Receptors, Interleukin-6/genetics
- Receptors, Interleukin-6/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Tumor Burden/drug effects
- Tumor-Associated Macrophages/drug effects
- Tumor-Associated Macrophages/immunology
- Tumor-Associated Macrophages/metabolism
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Beyranvand Nejad
- Medical Oncology, Oncode institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Camilla Labrie
- Medical Oncology, Oncode institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Marit J van Elsas
- Medical Oncology, Oncode institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Willem Kleinovink
- Medical Oncology, Oncode institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Hans-Willi Mittrücker
- Department of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kees L M C Franken
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Sylvia Heink
- Experimental Neuroimmunology, Technische Universität München, Munchen, Bayern, Germany
| | - Thomas Korn
- Experimental Neuroimmunology, Technische Universität München, Munchen, Bayern, Germany
| | - Ramon Arens
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Thorbald van Hall
- Medical Oncology, Oncode institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd H van der Burg
- Medical Oncology, Oncode institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands
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12
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Dirk BS, Weir G, Quinton T, Hrytsenko O, Stanford MM. Combination of a T cell activating therapy and anti-phosphatidylserine enhances anti-tumour immune responses in a HPV16 E7-expressing C3 tumour model. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4502. [PMID: 33627686 PMCID: PMC7904807 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82108-4] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
DPX is a novel delivery platform that generates targeted CD8 + T cells and drives antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells into tumours. Cancer cells upregulate phosphatidylserine (PS) on the cell surface as a mechanism to induce an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Development of anti-PS targeting antibodies have highlighted the ability of a PS-blockade to enhance tumour control by T cells by releasing immunosuppression. Here, C57BL/6 mice were implanted with HPV16 E7 target-expressing C3 tumours and subjected to low dose intermittent cyclophosphamide (CPA) in combination with DPX-R9F treatment targeting an E7 antigen with and without anti-PS and/or anti-PD-1 targeting antibodies. Immune responses were assessed via IFN-γ ELISPOT assay and the tumour microenvironment was further analyzed using RT-qPCR. We show that the combination of DPX-R9F and PS-targeting antibodies with and without anti-PD-1 demonstrated increased efficacy compared to untreated controls. All treatments containing DPX-R9F led to T cell activation as assessed by IFN-γ ELISPOT. Furthermore, DPX-R9F/anti-PS treatment significantly elevated cytotoxic T cells, macrophages and dendritic cells based on RT-qPCR analysis. Overall, our data indicates that anti-tumour responses are driven through a variety of immune cells within this model and highlights the need to investigate combination therapies which increase tumour immune infiltration, such as anti-phosphotidylserine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Marianne M Stanford
- IMV Inc, Dartmouth, NS, Canada.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
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13
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Peng S, Ferrall L, Gaillard S, Wang C, Chi WY, Huang CH, Roden RBS, Wu TC, Chang YN, Hung CF. Development of DNA Vaccine Targeting E6 and E7 Proteins of Human Papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) and HPV18 for Immunotherapy in Combination with Recombinant Vaccinia Boost and PD-1 Antibody. mBio 2021; 12:e03224-20. [PMID: 33468698 PMCID: PMC7845631 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03224-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [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: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy for cervical cancer should target high-risk human papillomavirus types 16 and 18, which cause 50% and 20% of cervical cancers, respectively. Here, we describe the construction and characterization of the pBI-11 DNA vaccine via the addition of codon-optimized human papillomavirus 18 (HPV18) E7 and HPV16 and 18 E6 genes to the HPV16 E7-targeted DNA vaccine pNGVL4a-SigE7(detox)HSP70 (DNA vaccine pBI-1). Codon optimization of the HPV16/18 E6/E7 genes in pBI-11 improved fusion protein expression compared to that in DNA vaccine pBI-10.1 that utilized the native viral sequences fused 3' to a signal sequence and 5' to the HSP70 gene of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Intramuscular vaccination of mice with pBI-11 DNA better induced HPV antigen-specific CD8+ T cell immune responses than pBI-10.1 DNA. Furthermore, intramuscular vaccination with pBI-11 DNA generated stronger therapeutic responses for C57BL/6 mice bearing HPV16 E6/E7-expressing TC-1 tumors. The HPV16/18 antigen-specific T cell-mediated immune responses generated by pBI-11 DNA vaccination were further enhanced by boosting with tissue-antigen HPV vaccine (TA-HPV). Combination of the pBI-11 DNA and TA-HPV boost vaccination with PD-1 antibody blockade significantly improved the control of TC-1 tumors and extended the survival of the mice. Finally, repeat vaccination with clinical-grade pBI-11 with or without clinical-grade TA-HPV was well tolerated in vaccinated mice. These preclinical studies suggest that the pBI-11 DNA vaccine may be used with TA-HPV in a heterologous prime-boost strategy to enhance HPV 16/18 E6/E7-specific CD8+ T cell responses, either alone or in combination with immune checkpoint blockade, to control HPV16/18-associated tumors. Our data serve as an important foundation for future clinical translation.IMPORTANCE Persistent expression of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 and E7 is an obligate driver for several human malignancies, including cervical cancer, wherein HPV16 and HPV18 are the most common types. PD-1 antibody immunotherapy helps a subset of cervical cancer patients, and its efficacy might be improved by combination with active vaccination against E6 and/or E7. For patients with HPV16+ cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2/3 (CIN2/3), the precursor of cervical cancer, intramuscular vaccination with a DNA vaccine targeting HPV16 E7 and then a recombinant vaccinia virus expressing HPV16/18 E6-E7 fusion proteins (TA-HPV) was safe, and half of the patients cleared their lesions in a small study (NCT00788164). Here, we sought to improve upon this therapeutic approach by developing a new DNA vaccine that targets E6 and E7 of HPV16 and HPV18 for administration prior to a TA-HPV booster vaccination and for application against cervical cancer in combination with a PD-1-blocking antibody.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwen Peng
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Louise Ferrall
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephanie Gaillard
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Chenguang Wang
- Department of Oncology Biostatistics, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Wei-Yu Chi
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Chuan-Hsiang Huang
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Richard B S Roden
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - T-C Wu
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Chien-Fu Hung
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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14
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Zhang Q, Huang W, Yuan M, Li W, Hua L, Yang Z, Gao F, Li S, Ye C, Chen Y, He J, Sun W, Yang X, Bai H, Ma Y. Employing ATP as a New Adjuvant Promotes the Induction of Robust Antitumor Cellular Immunity by a PLGA Nanoparticle Vaccine. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2020; 12:54399-54414. [PMID: 33215918 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c15522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Tumor vaccines based on synthetic human papillomavirus (HPV) oncoprotein E7 and/or E6 peptides have shown encouraging results in preclinical model studies and human clinical trials. However, the clinical efficacy may be limited by the disadvantages of vulnerability to enzymatic degradation and low immunogenicity of peptides. To further improve the potency of vaccine, we developed a poly(lactide-co-glycolide)-acid (PLGA) nanoparticle, which encapsulated the antigenic peptide HPV16 E744-62, and used adenosine triphosphate (ATP), one of the most important intracellular metabolites and an endogenous extracellular danger signal for the immune system, as a new adjuvant component. The results showed that PLGA nanoparticles increased the in vivo stability, lymph node accumulation, and dendritic cell (DC) uptake of the E7 peptide; in addition, ATP further increased the migration, nanoparticle uptake, and maturation of DCs. Preventive immunization with ATP-adjuvanted nanoparticles completely abolished the growth of TC-1 tumors in mice and produced long-lasting immunity against tumor rechallenge. When tumors were fully established, therapeutic immunization with ATP-adjuvanted nanoparticles still significantly inhibited tumor progression. Mechanistically, ATP-adjuvanted nanoparticles significantly improved the systemic generation of antitumor effector cells, boosted the local functional status of these cells in tumors, and suppressed the generation and tumor infiltration of immunosuppressive Treg cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. These findings indicate that ATP is an effective vaccine adjuvant and that nanoparticles adjuvanted with ATP were able to elicit robust antitumor cellular immunity, which may provide a promising therapeutic vaccine candidate for the treatment of clinical malignancies, such as cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qishu Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Weiwei Huang
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Mingcui Yuan
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Weiran Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Liangqun Hua
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China
- School of Life Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Zhongqian Yang
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Fulan Gao
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Sijin Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Chao Ye
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Yongjun Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Jinrong He
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Wenjia Sun
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Xu Yang
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Hongmei Bai
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Yanbing Ma
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming 650118, China
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15
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Almeida AM, Costa D, Simões AR, Queiroz JA, Sousa F, Sousa Â. Enhancement of a biotechnological platform for the purification and delivery of a human papillomavirus supercoiled plasmid DNA vaccine. N Biotechnol 2020; 59:1-9. [PMID: 32622863 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2020.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
New biotechnological strategies are being explored, aimed at rapid and economic manufacture of large quantities of DNA vaccines with the required purity for therapeutic applications, as well as their correct delivery as biopharmaceuticals to target cells. This report describes the purification of supercoiled (sc) HPV-16 E6/E7 plasmid DNA (pDNA) vaccine from a bacterial lysate, using an arginine-based monolith, presenting a spacer arm in its configuration. To enhance the performance of the purification process, monolith modification with the spacer arm can improve accessibility of the arginine ligand. By using a low NaCl concentration at pH 7.0, a condition to eliminate the RNA impurity directly in the flow through was established. The pH increase to 7.5 allowed the elimination of non-functional pDNA isoforms, the sc pDNA being recovered by increasing the ionic strength. As well as a binding capacity of 2.53 mg/mL obtained with a pre-purified sc pDNA sample, the column also purified sc pDNA from high lysate loading, with capacities above 1 mg/mL. Due to the sample displacement phenomena, non-functional pDNA isoforms were eliminated throughout column loading, favoring the degree of purity of final sc pDNA of 93.3%-98.5%. Thereafter, purified sc pDNA was successfully encapsulated into CaCO3-gelatin nano-complexes. Delivery of the pDNA-carriers to THP-1 cells was assessed through pDNA cellular uptake evaluation and correct E6 expression was verified by mRNA and protein detection. A biotechnological platform was established for sc pDNA purification and delivery to dendritic cells, stimulating further in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Almeida
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Diana Costa
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana R Simões
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - João A Queiroz
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Fani Sousa
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ângela Sousa
- CICS-UBI - Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
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16
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Che Y, Yang Y, Suo J, An Y, Wang X. Induction of systemic immune responses and reversion of immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment by a therapeutic vaccine for cervical cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2020; 69:2651-2664. [PMID: 32607768 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02651-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the most common malignant tumor of the genital tract in females worldwide. Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is closely associated with the occurrence of cervical cancer. No licensed therapeutic HPV vaccines for cervical cancer are currently available. In our previous study, we demonstrated that the vaccine containing the HPV16 E7 43-77 peptide and the adjuvant unmethylated cytosine-phosphate-guanosine oligodeoxynucleotide elicited significant prophylactic and therapeutic effects on cervical cancer. In the current study, we comprehensively evaluated the effect of the vaccine on systemic immune responses and the tumor microenvironment (TME) in a mouse model of cervical cancer. The results showed that the administration of the vaccine induced a significant increase in splenic IFN-γ-producing CD4 and CD8 T cells as well as tumor infiltrating CD4 and CD8 T cells. Moreover, marked decreases in splenic MDSCs and Tregs as well as intratumoral MDSCs, Tregs and type 2-polarized tumor-associated macrophages were observed in the vaccine group. The profile of cytokines, chemokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the TME revealed significantly increased expression of IL-2, IL-12, TNF-α, IFN-γ, CCL-20, CXCL-9, CXCL-10 and CXCL-14 and decreased expression of IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β, CCL-2, CCL-3, CCL-5, CXCL-8, MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF in the vaccine group. The expression of the cell proliferation indicator Ki67, apoptosis regulatory protein p53 and angiogenesis marker CD31 was significantly decreased in the vaccine group. In conclusion, the vaccine reversed tolerogenic systemic and local TME immunosuppression and induced robust antitumor immune responses, which resulted in the inhibition of established implanted tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Che
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Jinguo Suo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Yujing An
- School of Public Health, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, China
| | - Xuelian Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang, 110122, China.
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17
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Chen JC, Ou LS, Kuo ML, Tseng LY, Chang HL. Fetal exposure to oncoantigen elicited antigen-specific adaptive immunity against tumorigenesis. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:e000137. [PMID: 32561637 PMCID: PMC7304846 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2019-000137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Envisioned as a similar process to tumorigenesis in terms of biological behaviors and molecular basis, embryogenesis necessitates an immune surveillance system to eliminate erratically transformed cells. Our previous study demonstrated that fetal macrophage-like phagocytes triggered Th2-skewed immunity following endocytosing prenatally administered ovalbumin to facilitate postnatal allergic airway responses, highlighting the critical role fetal phagocytes played in dealing with antigens present in developing fetuses and shaping subsequent immune responses. It prompted us to examine whether fetuses could mount Th1 tumoricidal immunity against tumorigenesis following in utero exposure to tumor antigens. METHODS Gestational day 14 murine fetuses underwent in utero injection of Th1-promoting human papilloma virus (HPV) E7 peptides. Postnatally, recipients were examined for immunological consequences and the resistance to TC-1 tumorigenesis. RESULTS Fetal exposure to HPV E7 did not cause tolerance but rather immunization in the recipients, characterized by proinflammatory Th1 polarization of their lymphocytes. Fetal macrophage-like phagocytes were responsible for taking up HPV E7 and triggering HPV E7-specific T-cell cytotoxicity and humoral immunity that rendered recipients resistant to TC-1 tumorigenesis in postnatal life. Adoptive transfer of HPV E7-loaded fetal phagocytes also elicited Th1 immunity with rapid expansion of HPV E7-specific cytotoxic CD8+ T-cell clones in response to TC-1 cell challenge so as to protect the recipients from TC-1 tumorigenesis, but failed to completely eliminate pre-existing TC-1 cells despite perceptible attenuation of local TC-1 tumor growth. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed that Th2-biasing fetus was not immune-privileged to foreign peptides, but competent to mount Th1 cytotoxic immunity and generate immunoglobulins against tumorigenesis following in utero exposure to Th1-promoting oncoantigen. It shed light on the role of fetal macrophage-like phagocytes in bridging toward tumor antigen-specific cellular and humoral immunity potentially as an immune surveillance system to eliminate transformed cells that might be egressing during embryogenesis and leftover until postnatal life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeng-Chang Chen
- Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Shiou Ou
- Division of Allergy, Asthma and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Ling Kuo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Li-Yun Tseng
- Pediatric Research Center, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Ling Chang
- Pediatric Research Center, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Layman H, Rickert KW, Wilson S, Aksyuk AA, Dunty JM, Natrakul D, Swaminathan N, DelNagro CJ. Development and validation of a multiplex immunoassay for the simultaneous quantification of type-specific IgG antibodies to E6/E7 oncoproteins of HPV16 and HPV18. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229672. [PMID: 32214362 PMCID: PMC7098588 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
More than 170 types of human papilloma viruses (HPV) exist with many causing proliferative diseases linked to malignancy in indications such as cervical cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Characterization of antibody levels toward HPV serology is challenging due to complex biology of oncoproteins, pre-existing titers to multiple HPV types, cross-reactivity, and low affinity, polyclonal responses. Using multiplex technology from MSD, we have developed an assay that simultaneously characterizes antibodies against E6 and E7 oncoproteins of HPV16 and 18, the primary drivers of HPV-associated oncogenesis. We fusion tagged our E6 and E7 proteins with MBP via two-step purification, spot-printed an optimized concentration of protein into wells of MSD 96-well plates, and assayed various cynomolgus monkey, human and HPV+ cervical cancer patient serum to validate the assay. The dynamic range of the assay covered 4-orders of magnitude and antibodies were detected in serum at a dilution up to 100,000-fold. The assay was very precise (n = 5 assay runs) with median CV of human serum samples ~ 5.3% and inter-run variability of 11.4%. The multiplex serology method has strong cross-reactivity between E6 oncoproteins from human serum samples as HPV18 E6 antigens neutralized 5 of 6 serum samples as strongly as HPV16 E6. Moderate concordance (Spearman’s Rank = 0.775) was found between antibody responses against HPV16 E7 in the multiplex assay compared to standard ELISA serology methods. These results demonstrate the development of a high-throughput, multi-plex assay that requires lower sample quantity input with greater dynamic range to detect type-specific anti-HPV concentrations to E6 and E7 oncoproteins of HPV16 and 18.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Layman
- AstraZeneca plc, South San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Keith W. Rickert
- AstraZeneca plc, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Susan Wilson
- AstraZeneca plc, Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | - Jill M. Dunty
- Meso Scale Diagnostics, LLC., Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Dusit Natrakul
- Meso Scale Diagnostics, LLC., Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Nithya Swaminathan
- AstraZeneca plc, South San Francisco, California, United States of America
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19
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Hu R, Dong Z, Zhang K, Pan G, Li C, Cui H. Preparation, Characterization and Diagnostic Valuation of Two Novel Anti-HPV16 E7 Oncoprotein Monoclonal Antibodies. Viruses 2020; 12:v12030333. [PMID: 32204370 PMCID: PMC7150828 DOI: 10.3390/v12030333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
At present, the clinical detection method of human papillomavirus (HPV) is mainly based on the PCR method. However, this method can only be used to detect HPV DNA and HPV types, and cannot be used to accurately predict cervical cancer. HPV16 E7 is an oncoprotein selectively expressed in cervical cancers. In this study, we prepared an HPV16 E7-histidine (HIS) fusion oncoprotein by using a prokaryotic expression and gained several mouse anti-HPV16 E7-HIS fusion oncoprotein monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) by using hybridoma technology. Two mAbs, 69E2 (IgG2a) and 79A11 (IgM), were identified. Immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot were used to characterize the specificity of these mAbs. The sequences of the nucleotide bases and predicted amino acids of the 69E2 and 79A11 antibodies showed that they were novel antibodies. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with overlapping peptides, indirect competitive ELISA, and 3D structural modeling showed that mAbs 69E2 and 79A11 specifically bound to the three exposed peptides of the HPV16 E7 (HPV16 E749–66, HPV16 E773–85, and HPV16 E791–97). We used these two antibodies (79A11 as a capture antibody and 69E2 as a detection antibody) to establish a double-antibody sandwich ELISA based on a horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labeled mAb and tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) detection system for quantitative detection of the HPV16 E7-HIS fusion oncoprotein, however, it was not ideal. Then we established a chemiluminescence immunoassay based on a labeled streptavidin-biotin (LSAB)-ELISA method and luminol detection system—this was sufficient for quantitative detection of the HPV16 E7-HIS fusion oncogenic protein in ng levels and was suitable for the detection of HPV16-positive cervical carcinoma tissues. Collectively, we obtained two novel mouse anti-HPV16 E7 oncoprotein mAbs and established an LSAB-lumino-dual-antibody sandwich ELISA method for the detection of the HPV16 E7-HIS fusion oncogenic protein, which might be a promising method for the diagnosis of HPV16-type cervical cancers in the early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renjian Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Institute of Sericulture and Systems Biology, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400716, China; (R.H.); (Z.D.); (K.Z.); (G.P.); (C.L.)
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Banan, Chongqing 400054, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Zhen Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Institute of Sericulture and Systems Biology, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400716, China; (R.H.); (Z.D.); (K.Z.); (G.P.); (C.L.)
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Kui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Institute of Sericulture and Systems Biology, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400716, China; (R.H.); (Z.D.); (K.Z.); (G.P.); (C.L.)
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Guangzhao Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Institute of Sericulture and Systems Biology, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400716, China; (R.H.); (Z.D.); (K.Z.); (G.P.); (C.L.)
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Chongyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Institute of Sericulture and Systems Biology, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400716, China; (R.H.); (Z.D.); (K.Z.); (G.P.); (C.L.)
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Institute of Sericulture and Systems Biology, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400716, China; (R.H.); (Z.D.); (K.Z.); (G.P.); (C.L.)
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Beibei, Chongqing 400716, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-23-68251713
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20
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Hasan Y, Furtado L, Tergas A, Lee N, Brooks R, McCall A, Golden D, Jolly S, Fleming G, Morrow M, Kraynyak K, Sylvester A, Arif F, Levin M, Schwartz D, Boyer J, Skolnik J, Esser M, Kumar R, Bagarazzi M, Weichselbaum R, Spiotto M. A Phase 1 Trial Assessing the Safety and Tolerability of a Therapeutic DNA Vaccination Against HPV16 and HPV18 E6/E7 Oncogenes After Chemoradiation for Cervical Cancer. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2020; 107:487-498. [PMID: 32151670 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2020.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [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: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study assessed the safety and tolerability of therapeutic immunization against the human papillomavirus (HPV) viral oncoproteins E6 and E7 in patients with cervical cancer after chemoradiation. METHODS AND MATERIALS MEDI0457 (INO-3112) is a DNA-based vaccine targeting E6 and E7 of HPV-16/18 that is coinjected with an IL-12 plasmid followed by electroporation with the CELLECTRA 5P device. At 2 to 4 weeks after chemoradiation, patients with newly diagnosed stage IB1-IVA (cohort 1) or persistent/recurrent (cohort 2) cervical cancers were treated with 4 immunizations of MEDI0457 every 4 weeks. The primary endpoints were incidence of adverse events and injection site reactions. Immune responses against HPV antigens were measured by ELISpot for interferon-γ (IFNγ), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for antibody responses and multiplexed immunofluorescence for immune cells in cervical biopsy specimens. RESULTS Ten patients (cohort 1, n = 7; cohort 2, n = 3) with HPV16 (n = 7) or HPV18 (n = 3) cervical cancers received MEDI0457 after chemoradiation. Treatment-related adverse events were all grade 1, primarily related to the injection site. Eight of 10 patients had detectable cellular or humoral immune responses against HPV antigens after chemoradiation and vaccination: 6 of 10 patients generated anti-HPV antibody responses and 6 of 10 patients generated IFNγ-producing T cell responses. At the completion of chemoradiation and vaccination, cervical biopsy specimens had detectable CD8+ T cells and decreased PD-1+CD8+, PD-L1+CD8+, and PD-L1+CD68+ subpopulations. All patients cleared detectable HPV DNA in cervical biopsies by completion of chemoradiation and vaccination. CONCLUSIONS Adjuvant MEDI0457 is safe and well tolerated after chemoradiation for locally advanced or recurrent cervical cancers, supporting further investigation into combining tumor-specific vaccines with radiation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Hasan
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago Illinois.
| | - Larissa Furtado
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Ana Tergas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Nita Lee
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago Illinois
| | - Rebecca Brooks
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago Illinois
| | - Anne McCall
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago Illinois
| | - Daniel Golden
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago Illinois
| | - Shruti Jolly
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Gini Fleming
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago Illinois
| | - Matthew Morrow
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc, Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | - Fauzia Arif
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago Illinois
| | | | | | - Jean Boyer
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc, Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | | | - Mark Bagarazzi
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc, Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania
| | - Ralph Weichselbaum
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago Illinois
| | - Michael Spiotto
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago Illinois
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21
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Li S, Zhu W, Ye C, Sun W, Xie H, Yang X, Zhang Q, Ma Y. Local mucosal immunization of self-assembled nanofibers elicits robust antitumor effects in an orthotopic model of mouse genital tumors. Nanoscale 2020; 12:3076-3089. [PMID: 31965136 DOI: 10.1039/c9nr10334a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the identified causative agent of cervical cancer. Current therapeutic HPV vaccine candidates lack significant clinical efficacy, which can be attributed to insufficient activation of effector cells, lack of effective modification of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and the limitations of applied tumor models for preclinical vaccine evaluation. Here, a mouse model of orthotopic genital tumors was used to assess the effect of self-assembled nanofibers on eliciting a robust antitumor response via local mucosal immunization. A candidate vaccine was obtained by fusing HPV16 E744-62 to the self-assembling peptide Q11, which was assembled into nanofibers in a salt solution. Mice bearing an established genital TC-1 tumor were immunized with nanofibers through the intravaginal, intranasal, or subcutaneous route. Mucosal vaccination, especially via the intravaginal route, was more effective for suppressing tumor growth than subcutaneous immunization. The potential underlying mechanisms include promoting the systemic generation and tumor accumulation of antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes expressing high levels of interferon (IFN)-γ or granzyme-B, and reducing the tumor infiltration of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. The levels of IFN-γ, the chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10, and CXCR3+CD8+ T cells were significantly increased in tumor tissues, which may account for the improved recruitment of effector T cells into the tumor. Local mucosal immunization of nanofibers via the intravaginal route represents a new and promising vaccination strategy for the treatment of genital tumor lesions such as cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijin Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, People's Republic of China. and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research & Development on Severe Infectious Disease, Kunming, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenbing Zhu
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, People's Republic of China. and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research & Development on Severe Infectious Disease, Kunming, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Ye
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, People's Republic of China. and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research & Development on Severe Infectious Disease, Kunming, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjia Sun
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, People's Republic of China. and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research & Development on Severe Infectious Disease, Kunming, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanghang Xie
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, People's Republic of China. and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research & Development on Severe Infectious Disease, Kunming, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Yang
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, People's Republic of China. and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research & Development on Severe Infectious Disease, Kunming, People's Republic of China
| | - Qishu Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, People's Republic of China. and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research & Development on Severe Infectious Disease, Kunming, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanbing Ma
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, People's Republic of China. and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research & Development on Severe Infectious Disease, Kunming, People's Republic of China
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22
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James CD, Fontan CT, Otoa R, Das D, Prabhakar AT, Wang X, Bristol ML, Morgan IM. Human Papillomavirus 16 E6 and E7 Synergistically Repress Innate Immune Gene Transcription. mSphere 2020; 5:e00828-19. [PMID: 31915229 PMCID: PMC6952203 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00828-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [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: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are causative agents in 5% of all cancers, including the majority of anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers. Downregulation of innate immune genes (IIGs) by HPV to promote the viral life cycle is well documented; E6 and E7 are known repressors of these genes. More recently, we demonstrated that E2 could also repress IIGs. These studies have been carried out in cells overexpressing the viral proteins, and to further investigate the role of individual viral proteins in this repression, we introduced stop codons into E6 and/or E7 in the entire HPV16 genome and generated N/Tert-1 cells stably maintaining the HPV16 genomes. We demonstrate that E6 or E7 individually is not sufficient to repress IIG expression in the context of the entire HPV16 genome; both are required for a synergistic repression. The DNA damage response (DDR) is activated by HPV16 irrespective of E6 and E7 expression, presumably due to viral replication; E1 is a known activator of the DDR. In addition, replication stress was apparent in HPV16-positive cells lacking E6 and E7, manifested by attenuated cellular growth and activation of replication stress genes. These studies led us to the following model. Viral replication per se can activate the DDR following infection, and this activation is a known inducer of IIG expression, which may induce cellular senescence. To combat this, E6 and E7 synergistically combine to manipulate the DDR and actively repress innate immune gene expression promoting cellular growth; neither protein by itself is able to do this.IMPORTANCE The role of human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) in human cancers is well established; however, to date there are no antiviral therapeutics that are available for combatting these cancers. To identify such targets, we must enhance the understanding of the viral life cycle. Innate immune genes (IIGs) are repressed by HPV16, and we have reported that this repression persists through to cancer. Reversal of this repression would boost the immune response to HPV16-positive tumors, an area that is becoming more important given the advances in immunotherapy. This report demonstrates that E6 and E7 synergistically repress IIG expression in the context of the entire HPV16 genome. Removal of either protein activates the expression of IIGs by HPV16. Therefore, gaining a precise understanding of how the viral oncogenes repress IIG expression represents an opportunity to reverse this repression and boost the immune response to HPV16 infections for therapeutic gain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire D James
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Christian T Fontan
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Raymonde Otoa
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Dipon Das
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Apurva T Prabhakar
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Xu Wang
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Molly L Bristol
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Iain M Morgan
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Galliverti G, Wullschleger S, Tichet M, Murugan D, Zangger N, Horton W, Korman AJ, Coussens LM, Swartz MA, Hanahan D. Myeloid Cells Orchestrate Systemic Immunosuppression, Impairing the Efficacy of Immunotherapy against HPV + Cancers. Cancer Immunol Res 2020; 8:131-145. [PMID: 31771984 PMCID: PMC7485376 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-19-0315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cancers induced by human papillomaviruses (HPV) should be responsive to immunotherapy by virtue of expressing the immunogenic oncoproteins E6/E7. However, advanced forms of cervical cancer, driven by HPV, are poorly responsive to immune response-enhancing treatments involving therapeutic vaccination against these viral neoantigens. Leveraging a transgenic mouse model of HPV-derived cancers, K14HPV16/H2b, we demonstrated that a potent nanoparticle-based E7 vaccine, but not a conventional "liquid" vaccine, induced E7 tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells in cervical tumor-bearing mice. Vaccination alone or in combination with anti-PD-1/anti-CTLA4 did not elicit tumor regression nor increase CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), suggesting the presence of immune-suppressive barriers. Patients with cervical cancer have poor dendritic cell functions, have weak cytotoxic lymphocyte responses, and demonstrate an accumulation of myeloid cells in the periphery. Here, we illustrated that myeloid cells in K14HPV16/H2b mice possess potent immunosuppressive activity toward antigen-presenting cells and CD8+ T cells, dampening antitumor immunity. These immune-inhibitory effects inhibited synergistic effects of combining our oncoprotein vaccine with immune checkpoint-blocking antibodies. Our data highlighted a link between HPV-induced cancers, systemic amplification of myeloid cells, and the detrimental effects of myeloid cells on CD8+ T-cell activation and recruitment into the TME. These results established immunosuppressive myeloid cells in lymphoid organs as an HPV+ cancer-induced means of circumventing tumor immunity that will require targeted abrogation to enable the induction of efficacious antitumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Galliverti
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Institute of Bioengineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Wullschleger
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Cancer Center Leman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mélanie Tichet
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dhaarini Murugan
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Nadine Zangger
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Translational Bioinformatics and Statistics, Swiss Cancer Center Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Wesley Horton
- Computational Biology Program, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Alan J Korman
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Immuno-oncology Research, Redwood City, California
| | - Lisa M Coussens
- Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Melody A Swartz
- Institute for Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- The Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Douglas Hanahan
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Swiss Cancer Center Leman (SCCL), Lausanne, Switzerland
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24
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Ramezani A, Aghakhani A, Soleymani S, Bavand A, Bolhassani A. Significance of serum antibodies against HPV E7, Hsp27, Hsp20 and Hp91 in Iranian HPV-exposed women. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:142. [PMID: 30755156 PMCID: PMC6373072 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-3780-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among different types of human papillomavirus (HPV), types 16 and 18 were known to be high-risk agents causing mainly cervical cancer. Up to now, the potential of HPV E7 protein has been proved as a diagnostic marker of cervical cancer. Moreover, the levels of anti-heat shock protein (Hsp) and anti-high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) antibodies in cancer patients have been useful in tumor diagnosis. The goal of the present study was to determine the efficiency of the potential serologic markers including HPV E7, Hsp20, Hsp27 proteins and Hp91 peptide in Iranian HPV-exposed women, for the first time. METHODS At first, the recombinant HPV E7, Hsp20 and Hsp27 proteins were expressed in E. coli system, and purified by affinity chromatography under native conditions. Then, antibody responses were detected against the recombinant proteins as well as Hp91 peptide as potential markers in 49 Iranian women who were seropositive for HPV-16 and 18 L1 capsids (i.e., HPV-exposed women) and 49 controls using indirect ELISA. RESULTS Our data indicated that the seroreactivities of women exposed to HPV16, HPV18 and both of them against the recombinant E7, Hsp20, Hsp27 proteins and Hp91 peptide were significantly higher than those in control group (p < 0.05 for HPV16 or HPV18; p < 0.01 for both of them versus all markers). HPV-exposed women with high antibody responses to HPV-16 and 18 L1 capsids as a commercial biomarker had significant seroreactivity to HPV-16 and 18 E7 and Hsp27 (p < 0.05). The recombinant E7 and Hsp27 proteins showed higher efficiency than Hsp20 and Hp91 for detection of individuals exposed to HPV infections (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Generally, the levels of serum E7 and Hsp27 were increased in HPV-16 and 18 L1- seropositive women suggesting their potential value as a diagnostic marker for HPV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amitis Ramezani
- Clinical Research Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arezoo Aghakhani
- Clinical Research Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepehr Soleymani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Anahita Bavand
- Clinical Research Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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25
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Krishna S, Ulrich P, Wilson E, Parikh F, Narang P, Yang S, Read AK, Kim-Schulze S, Park JG, Posner M, Wilson Sayres MA, Sikora A, Anderson KS. Human Papilloma Virus Specific Immunogenicity and Dysfunction of CD8 + T Cells in Head and Neck Cancer. Cancer Res 2018; 78:6159-6170. [PMID: 30154146 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [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: 02/04/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus subtype 16 (HPV16) is the primary cause of an increasing number of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), providing strong rationale for T-cell immune therapies against HPV+ HNSCC. Here we assess immunogenicity of HPV16-specific CD8+ T cells (CTL) and characterize HPV-specific mechanisms of T-cell dysfunction. We identified 16 strong and 29 moderately immunogenic CTL-epitopes from HPV16 E2, E6, and E7 antigens restricted by 12 common HLA class I alleles. E2-specific CTL-reactivity was higher in patients with HPV+ HNSCC than in healthy controls (>3-fold; P = 0.026). Patient-derived E2, E6, and E7 peripheral CTLs exhibited heterogeneity in dysfunctional phenotypes. Immunogenomic analyses of 119 HNSCC transcriptomes revealed high T-cell infiltration and dysfunction in HPV+ HNSCC and correlation of HPV antigen expression with T-cell exhaustion gene signatures. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO-1) was strongly expressed in HPV+ HNSCC versus HPV- HNSCC (P = 0.001) and correlated with E7 expression (R 2 = 0.84; P = 0.033). Combination treatment with PD-1 blockade and IDO-1 inhibition overcame profound CTL-dysfunction, enhancing HPV+ HNSCC sensitivity to CTL-cytotoxicity in vitro (up to 10-fold in E7-CTLs, P = 0.011). Our findings implicate mechanisms of T-cell escape in HPV+ HNSCC, wherein high tumoral HPV-antigen load results in high expression of immune dysfunction genes on tumor cells (e.g., IDO-1), and dysfunction of HPV-specific CTLs (e.g., E7, E2-CTLs). The HPV16 CTL-epitopes identified in this study, in combination with blockade of HPV+ HNSCC-specific PD-1/IDO-1 checkpoints, may be useful for targeted immunotherapy.Significance: This study evaluates the HPV antigen T-cell immunogenicity role of inhibitory receptors and other exhaustion markers in the cytotoxic function of HPV antigen-specific CTLs and identifies combined inhibition of PD-1/IDO-1 as a strategy to enhance CTL targeting of HPV+ HNSCC. Cancer Res; 78(21); 6159-70. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sri Krishna
- Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Peaches Ulrich
- Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Eric Wilson
- Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Falguni Parikh
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Pooja Narang
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Shanshan Yang
- Biodesign Institute Bioinformatics Core Facility, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Amelia K Read
- Department of Otolaryngology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Seunghee Kim-Schulze
- Human Immune Monitoring Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Jin G Park
- Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Marshall Posner
- Tisch Cancer institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Melissa A Wilson Sayres
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Andrew Sikora
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Karen S Anderson
- Biodesign Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona.
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
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26
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Aggarwal C, Cohen RB, Morrow MP, Kraynyak KA, Sylvester AJ, Knoblock DM, Bauml JM, Weinstein GS, Lin A, Boyer J, Sakata L, Tan S, Anton A, Dickerson K, Mangrolia D, Vang R, Dallas M, Oyola S, Duff S, Esser M, Kumar R, Weiner D, Csiki I, Bagarazzi ML. Immunotherapy Targeting HPV16/18 Generates Potent Immune Responses in HPV-Associated Head and Neck Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 25:110-124. [PMID: 30242022 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-1763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [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: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Clinical responses with programmed death (PD-1) receptor-directed antibodies occur in about 20% of patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCCa). Viral neoantigens, such as the E6/E7 proteins of HPV16/18, are attractive targets for therapeutic immunization and offer an immune activation strategy that may be complementary to PD-1 inhibition. PATIENTS AND METHODS We report phase Ib/II safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity results of immunotherapy with MEDI0457 (DNA immunotherapy targeting HPV16/18 E6/E7 with IL12 encoding plasmids) delivered by electroporation with CELLECTRA constant current device. Twenty-two patients with locally advanced, p16+ HNSCCa received MEDI0457. RESULTS MEDI0457 was associated with mild injection site reactions, but no treatment-related grade 3-5 adverse events (AE) were noted. Eighteen of 21 evaluable patients showed elevated antigen-specific T-cell activity by IFNγ ELISpot, and persistent cellular responses surpassing 100 spot-forming units (SFUs)/106 peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were noted out to 1 year. Induction of HPV-specific CD8+ T cells was observed. MEDI0457 shifted the CD8+/FoxP3+ ratio in 4 of 5 post immunotherapy tumor samples and increased the number of perforin+ immune infiltrates in all 5 patients. One patient developed metastatic disease and was treated with anti-PD-1 therapy with a rapid and durable complete response. Flow-cytometric analyses revealed induction of HPV16-specific PD-1+ CD8+ T cells that were not found prior to MEDI0547 (0% vs. 1.8%). CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that MEDI0457 can generate durable HPV16/18 antigen-specific peripheral and tumor immune responses. This approach may be used as a complementary strategy to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition in HPV-associated HNSCCa to improve therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charu Aggarwal
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Roger B Cohen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | | | | | - Joshua M Bauml
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Gregory S Weinstein
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Alexander Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jean Boyer
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania
| | - Lindsay Sakata
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania
| | - Sophie Tan
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania
| | - Aubrey Anton
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | | | - Michael Dallas
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania
| | - Sandra Oyola
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania
| | - Susan Duff
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | | | - Ildiko Csiki
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania
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27
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Ilyinskii PO, Kovalev GI, O’Neil CP, Roy CJ, Michaud AM, Drefs NM, Pechenkin MA, Fu FN, Johnston LPM, Ovchinnikov DA, Kishimoto TK. Synthetic vaccine particles for durable cytolytic T lymphocyte responses and anti-tumor immunotherapy. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197694. [PMID: 29856772 PMCID: PMC5983463 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously reported that synthetic vaccine particles (SVP) encapsulating antigens and TLR agonists resulted in augmentation of immune responses with minimal production of systemic inflammatory cytokines. Here we evaluated two different polymer formulations of SVP-encapsulated antigens and tested their ability to induce cytolytic T lymphocytes (CTL) in combination with SVP-encapsulated adjuvants. One formulation led to efficient antigen processing and cross-presentation, rapid and sustained CTL activity, and expansion of CD8+ T cell effector memory cells locally and centrally, which persisted for at least 1–2 years after a single immunization. SVP therapeutic dosing resulted in suppression of tumor growth and a substantial delay in mortality in several syngeneic mouse cancer models. Treatment with checkpoint inhibitors and/or cytotoxic drugs, while suboptimal on their own, showed considerable synergy with SVP immunization. SVP encapsulation of endosomal TLR agonists provided superior CTL induction, therapeutic benefit and/or improved safety profile compared to free adjuvants. SVP vaccines encapsulating mutated HPV-16 E7 and E6/E7 recombinant proteins led to induction of broad CTL activity and strong inhibition of TC-1 tumor growth, even when administered therapeutically 13–14 days after tumor inoculation in animals bearing palpable tumors. A pilot study in non-human primates showed that SVP-encapsulated E7/E6 adjuvanted with SVP-encapsulated poly(I:C) led to robust induction of antigen-specific T and B cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Fen-ni Fu
- Selecta Biosciences, Watertown, MA, United States of America
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28
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Tuong ZK, Noske K, Kuo P, Bashaw AA, Teoh SM, Frazer IH. Murine HPV16 E7-expressing transgenic skin effectively emulates the cellular and molecular features of human high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. Papillomavirus Res 2018; 5:6-20. [PMID: 29807614 PMCID: PMC5886957 DOI: 10.1016/j.pvr.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 10/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Currently available vaccines prevent HPV infection and development of HPV-associated malignancies, but do not cure existing HPV infections and dysplastic lesions. Persistence of infection(s) in immunocompetent patients may reflect induction of local immunosuppressive mechanisms by HPV, providing a target for therapeutic intervention. We have proposed that a mouse, expressing HPV16 E7 oncoprotein under a Keratin 14 promoter (K14E7 mice), and which develops epithelial hyperplasia, may assist with understanding local immune suppression mechanisms that support persistence of HPV oncogene-induced epithelial hyperplasia. K14E7 skin grafts recruit immune cells from immunocompetent hosts, but consistently fail to be rejected. Here, we review the literature on HPV-associated local immunoregulation, and compare the findings with published observations on the K14E7 transgenic murine model, including comparison of the transcriptome of human HPV-infected pre-malignancies with that of murine K14E7 transgenic skin. We argue from the similarity of i) the literature findings and ii) the transcriptome profiles that murine K14E7 transgenic skin recapitulates the cellular and secreted protein profiles of high-grade HPV-associated lesions in human subjects. We propose that the K14E7 mouse may be an appropriate model to further study the immunoregulatory effects of HPV E7 expression, and can facilitate development and testing of therapeutic vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z K Tuong
- The University of Queensland, Faculty of Medicine, Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - K Noske
- The University of Queensland, Faculty of Medicine, Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - P Kuo
- The University of Queensland, Faculty of Medicine, Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - A A Bashaw
- The University of Queensland, Faculty of Medicine, Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - S M Teoh
- The University of Queensland, Faculty of Medicine, Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - I H Frazer
- The University of Queensland, Faculty of Medicine, Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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29
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Chabeda A, Yanez RJR, Lamprecht R, Meyers AE, Rybicki EP, Hitzeroth II. Therapeutic vaccines for high-risk HPV-associated diseases. Papillomavirus Res 2018; 5:46-58. [PMID: 29277575 PMCID: PMC5887015 DOI: 10.1016/j.pvr.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and it is estimated that Human papillomavirus (HPV) related cancers account for 5% of all human cancers. Current HPV vaccines are extremely effective at preventing infection and neoplastic disease; however, they are prophylactic and do not clear established infections. Therapeutic vaccines which trigger cell-mediated immune responses for the treatment of established infections and malignancies are therefore required. The E6 and E7 early genes are ideal targets for vaccine therapy due to their role in disruption of the cell cycle and their constitutive expression in premalignant and malignant tissues. Several strategies have been investigated for the development of therapeutic vaccines, including live-vector, nucleic acid, peptide, protein-based and cell-based vaccines as well as combinatorial approaches, with several vaccine candidates progressing to clinical trials. With the current understanding of the HPV life cycle, molecular mechanisms of infection, carcinogenesis, tumour biology, the tumour microenvironment and immune response mechanisms, an approved HPV therapeutic vaccine seems to be a goal not far from being achieved. In this article, the status of therapeutic HPV vaccines in clinical trials are reviewed, and the potential for plant-based vaccine production platforms described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleyo Chabeda
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Romana J R Yanez
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Renate Lamprecht
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Ann E Meyers
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Edward P Rybicki
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa; Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Inga I Hitzeroth
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa.
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30
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Bashaw AA, Leggatt GR, Chandra J, Tuong ZK, Frazer IH. Modulation of antigen presenting cell functions during chronic HPV infection. Papillomavirus Res 2017; 4:58-65. [PMID: 29179871 PMCID: PMC5883240 DOI: 10.1016/j.pvr.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
High-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPV) infect basal keratinocytes, where in some individuals they evade host immune responses and persist. Persistent HR-HPV infection of the cervix causes precancerous neoplasia that can eventuate in cervical cancer. Dendritic cells (DCs) are efficient in priming/cross-priming antigen-specific T cells and generating antiviral and antitumor cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. However, HR-HPV have adopted various immunosuppressive strategies, with modulation of DC function crucial to escape from the host adaptive immune response. HPV E6 and E7 oncoproteins alter recruitment and localization of epidermal DCs, while soluble regulatory factors derived from HPV-induced hyperplastic epithelium change DC development and influence initiation of specific cellular immune responses. This review focuses on current evidence for HR-HPV manipulation of antigen presentation in dendritic cells and escape from host immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abate Assefa Bashaw
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Princess Alexandra Hospital, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Graham R Leggatt
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Princess Alexandra Hospital, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Janin Chandra
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Princess Alexandra Hospital, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Zewen K Tuong
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Princess Alexandra Hospital, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Ian H Frazer
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Princess Alexandra Hospital, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia.
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31
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Ni G, Liao Z, Chen S, Wang T, Yuan J, Pan X, Mounsey K, Cavezza S, Liu X, Wei MQ. Blocking IL-10 signalling at the time of immunization does not increase unwanted side effects in mice. BMC Immunol 2017; 18:40. [PMID: 28810829 PMCID: PMC5557397 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-017-0224-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer therapeutic vaccine induced cytotoxic T cell (CTL) responses are pivotal for the killing of tumour cells. Blocking interleukin 10 (IL-10) signalling at the time of immunization increases vaccine induced CTL responses and improves prevention of tumour growth in animal models compared to immunization without an IL-10 signalling blockade. Therefore, this immunization strategy may have potential to curtail cancer in a clinical setting. However, IL-10 deficiency leads to autoimmune disease in the gut. Blocking IL-10 at the time of immunization may result in unwanted side effects, especially immune-pathological diseases in the intestine. METHODS We investigated whether blocking IL-10 at the time of immunization results in intestinal inflammation responses in a mouse TC-1 tumour model and in a NOD autoimmune disease prone mouse model. RESULTS We now show that blocking IL-10 at the time of immunization increases IL-10 production by CD4+ T cells in the spleen and draining lymph nodes, and does not result in blood cell infiltration to the intestines leading to intestinal pathological changes. Moreover, immunization with papillomavirus like particles combined with simultaneously blocking IL-10 signalling does not increase the incidence of autoimmune disease in Non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that immunization with an IL-10 inhibitor may facilitate the generation of safe, effective therapeutic vaccines against chronic viral infection and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoying Ni
- School of Medical Science, Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4333 Australia
| | - Zaowen Liao
- Cancer Research Institute, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong 528000 China
| | - Shu Chen
- Cancer Research Institute, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong 528000 China
| | - Tianfang Wang
- Inflammation and Healing Research Cluster, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558 Australia
| | - Jianwei Yuan
- Molecular diagnosis and Target Therapy Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Xuan Pan
- Molecular diagnosis and Target Therapy Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Kate Mounsey
- Inflammation and Healing Research Cluster, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558 Australia
| | - Shelley Cavezza
- Inflammation and Healing Research Cluster, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558 Australia
| | - Xiaosong Liu
- Cancer Research Institute, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, Guangdong 528000 China
- Inflammation and Healing Research Cluster, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558 Australia
- Molecular diagnosis and Target Therapy Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Ming Q. Wei
- School of Medical Science, Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4333 Australia
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32
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Yanez RJR, Lamprecht R, Granadillo M, Weber B, Torrens I, Rybicki EP, Hitzeroth II. Expression optimization of a cell membrane-penetrating human papillomavirus type 16 therapeutic vaccine candidate in Nicotiana benthamiana. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183177. [PMID: 28800364 PMCID: PMC5553638 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [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: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
High-risk human papillomaviruses (hr-HPVs) cause cervical cancer, the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. A HPV-16 candidate therapeutic vaccine, LALF32-51-E7, was developed by fusing a modified E7 protein to a bacterial cell-penetrating peptide (LALF): this elicited both tumour protection and regression in pre-clinical immunization studies. In the current study, we investigated the potential for producing LALF32-51-E7 in a plant expression system by evaluating the effect of subcellular localization and usage of different expression vectors and gene silencing suppressors. The highest expression levels of LALF32-51-E7 were obtained by using a self-replicating plant expression vector and chloroplast targeting, which increased its accumulation by 27-fold compared to cytoplasmic localization. The production and extraction of LALF32-51-E7 was scaled-up and purification optimized by affinity chromatography. If further developed, this platform could potentially allow for the production of a more affordable therapeutic vaccine for HPV-16. This would be extremely relevant in the context of developing countries, where cervical cancer and other HPV-related malignancies are most prevalent, and where the population have limited or no access to preventative vaccines due to their typical high costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romana J. R. Yanez
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Renate Lamprecht
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Milaid Granadillo
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cubanacan, Playa, Havana, Cuba
| | - Brandon Weber
- Structural Biology Research Unit, Division of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Isis Torrens
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Cubanacan, Playa, Havana, Cuba
| | - Edward P. Rybicki
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Inga I. Hitzeroth
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa
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Abstract
The beta genus comprises more than 50 beta human papillomavirus (HPV) types that are suspected to be involved, together with ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, in the development of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), the most common form of human cancer. Two members of the genus beta, HPV5 and HPV8, were first identified in patients with a genetic disorder, epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV), that confers high susceptibility to beta HPV infection and NMSC development. The fact that organ transplant recipients (OTRs) with an impaired immune system have an elevated risk of NMSC raised the hypothesis that beta HPV types may also be involved in skin carcinogenesis in non-EV patients. Epidemiological studies have shown that serological and viral DNA markers are weakly, but significantly, associated with history of NMSC in OTRs and the general population. Functional studies on mucosal high-risk (HR) HPV types have clearly demonstrated that the products of two early genes, E6 and E7, are the main viral oncoproteins, which are able to deregulate events closely linked to transformation, such as cell cycle progression and apoptosis. Studies on a small number of beta HPV types have shown that their E6 and E7 oncoproteins also have the ability to interfere with the regulation of key pathways/events associated with cellular transformation. However, the initial functional data indicate that the molecular mechanisms leading to cellular transformation are different from those of mucosal HR HPV types. Beta HPV types may act only at early stages of carcinogenesis, by potentiating the deleterious effects of other carcinogens, such as UV radiation.
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34
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Zheng Q, Wang T, Jiang S, Han R, Jin N, Zhu J, Zhou Q, Wang H, Chen X, Cheng H. Production of Polyclonal Antibody to the HPV58 E7 Protein and Its Detection in Cervical Cancer. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0169138. [PMID: 28033368 PMCID: PMC5199089 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The persistent infection of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common causes of cervical cancer worldwide, and HPV type 58 is the third most common HPV type in eastern Asia. The E7 oncoprotein is constitutively expressed in HPV58-associated cervical cancer cells and plays a key role during tumorigenesis. To study the biological function of HPV58 E7 and to characterize E7 protein-host cell interactions, we cloned the human HPV58 E7 gene and produced specific E7 antibodies. The HPV58 E7 gene was cloned into a prokaryotic expression vector, pGEX-4T2. The recombinant plasmid pGEX-4T2-(HPV58-E7) was transformed into Escherichia coli DH5α and expressed as a fusion protein containing a GST tag. After purification and removal of the GST affinity tag, the E7 protein was used as an antigen for the production of antiserum in rabbits. The specificity of the purified HPV58 E7 antibody was detected by western blotting, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry analysis. These methods demonstrated that the polyclonal antibody could specifically recognize the endogenous and the recombinant HPV58 E7 proteins. Immunohistochemistry analysis indicated that the E7 protein was localized in the nucleus of cervical cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoli Zheng
- Department of Dermatology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Tuan Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shaojie Jiang
- Department of Radiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Rui Han
- Department of Dermatology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Na Jin
- Department of Dermatology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jiang Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pathology, The First People’s Hospital of Fuyang Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xianzhen Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- * E-mail: (HC); (XC)
| | - Hao Cheng
- Department of Dermatology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- * E-mail: (HC); (XC)
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Spector ME, Sacco AG, Bellile E, Taylor JMG, Jones T, Sun K, Brown WC, Birkeland AC, Bradford CR, Wolf GT, Prince ME, Moyer JS, Malloy K, Swiecicki P, Eisbruch A, McHugh JB, Chepeha DB, Rozek L, Worden FP. E6 and E7 Antibody Levels Are Potential Biomarkers of Recurrence in Patients with Advanced-Stage Human Papillomavirus-Positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2016; 23:2723-2729. [PMID: 27872102 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-16-1617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 06/26/2016] [Revised: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: There is a paucity of biomarkers to predict failure in human papillomavirus-positive (HPV+) oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) following curative therapy. E6/E7 viral oncoproteins are constitutively expressed in HPV+ tumors and highly immunogenic, resulting in readily detected serum antibodies. The purpose of this study is to determine whether serum E6 and E7 antibody levels can potentially serve as a biomarker of recurrence in patients with HPV+OPSCC.Experimental Design: We evaluated E6/E7 antibody levels in patients with previously untreated, advanced stage (III, IVa-b), HPV+OPSCC receiving definitive chemoradiation under a uniform protocol from 2003 to 2010. Baseline and longitudinal serum samples were obtained from our archived repository. E6/E7 serum levels were measured using a glutathione-S-transferase capture ELISA and quantified by approximating the area under the dilution curve, and were analyzed using ANOVA and linear mixed model for longitudinal analysis.Results: We compared 22 HPV+OPSCC patients who developed recurrence with 30 patients who remained disease-free. There were no differences in T classification, N classification, disease subsite, or smoking status between the groups. In a longitudinal analysis, recurrent patients had significantly higher E6 and E7 serum antibody levels than the nonrecurrent patients over the follow-up period (P = 0.02 and P = 0.002, respectively). Patients who recurred had a lower clearance of E7 antibody than patients who remained disease-free (P = 0.0016).Conclusions: Patients with HPV+OPSCC whose disease recurs have a lower clearance of E6 and E7 antibodies than patients who do not have recurrence. The ratio of E7 antibody at disease recurrence compared with baseline is potentially a clinically significant measurement of disease status in HPV+OPSCC. Clin Cancer Res; 23(11); 2723-9. ©2016 AACR.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Antibodies, Viral/blood
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Biomarkers, Tumor/blood
- Biomarkers, Tumor/immunology
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/blood
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/immunology
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/blood
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/immunology
- Oncogene Proteins, Viral/blood
- Oncogene Proteins, Viral/immunology
- Oropharyngeal Neoplasms/blood
- Oropharyngeal Neoplasms/immunology
- Oropharyngeal Neoplasms/pathology
- Papillomaviridae/immunology
- Papillomavirus E7 Proteins/blood
- Papillomavirus E7 Proteins/immunology
- Papillomavirus Infections/blood
- Papillomavirus Infections/immunology
- Repressor Proteins/blood
- Repressor Proteins/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew E Spector
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
| | - Assuntina G Sacco
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Emily Bellile
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jeremy M G Taylor
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Tamara Jones
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Kan Sun
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - William C Brown
- University of Michigan High-throughput Protein Laboratory, Center for Structural Biology, Life Sciences Institute, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | - Carol R Bradford
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Gregory T Wolf
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Mark E Prince
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jeffrey S Moyer
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Kelly Malloy
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Paul Swiecicki
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Avraham Eisbruch
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jonathan B McHugh
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Douglas B Chepeha
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura Rozek
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Francis P Worden
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Chenzhang Y, Wen Q, Ding X, Cao M, Chen Z, Mu X, Wang T. Identification of the impact on T- and B- cell epitopes of human papillomavirus type-16 E6 and E7 variant in Southwest China. Immunol Lett 2016; 181:26-30. [PMID: 27693214 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2016.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Cervical cancers almost are infected by human papillmavirus (HPV), encoding E6 and E7 oncoproteins which are regard as ideal targets on the mechanism of this disease and development of vaccines. HLA (human leukocyte antigen) participates in the local immune response to prevent tumor invasion and progression. But due to highly polymorphism of HLA, prediction shows its importance in this study. More effective immunoinformatics was used for predicting epitopes from HPV-16 E6 and E7, including T- and B-cell epitopes. Eight substitutions are detected. Specifically speaking, for HLA-I, HLA-A*33:03 (26), HLA-B*13:01 (14), HLA-C*03:02 (5) for E6 and HLA-A*02:01 (6), HLA-B*40:01 (5), HLA-C*03:04 (4) for E7 are most frequency. Epitope 41-48EVYDFAFR for HLA-A*33:03 (0.1) for E6 has best binding affinity, as well as HLA*02:01 and HLA-B*40:01 (0.2) for E7. The mutations of D25E and L83V of E6 and N29S of E7 produce new epitopes, and the percentile values change with them. For HLA-II, seventeen epitopes in the reference at percentile value from 0.22 to 4.76, while in variant from 0.22 to 4.96. For the B-cell epitopes, three most potent epitopes for E6 were listed, and N29S lead the growth of score from 0.81 to 0.83. In summary, E640-55REVYDFAFRDLCIVYR and E711-22YMLDLQPETTDL are the important regions, containing the majority of predicted epitopes. E6 72-83 for HLA-A*02:01 and E6 74-84 for HLA-B*15:02 maybe are the new direct for therapeutic vaccine aimed at L83V variants. HLA-DRB1*15:02 is better binder with T cell in our HLA class II. It is a systematic, detail recognition for T- and B-cell epitopes of HPV-16 E6 and E7 from Southwest China, which may be helpful to design vaccines specifically for women in Southwest China and testing methods specifically for this region. The results of our study may contribute to future researches on vaccines improvement, or screening methods for a particular population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Chenzhang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medical Genetics, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, China; Bio-Resource Research and Utilization Joint Key Laboratory of Sichuan and Chongqing, Sichuan and Chongqing, China
| | - Qiang Wen
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medical Genetics, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, China; Bio-Resource Research and Utilization Joint Key Laboratory of Sichuan and Chongqing, Sichuan and Chongqing, China
| | - Xianping Ding
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medical Genetics, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, China; Bio-Resource Research and Utilization Joint Key Laboratory of Sichuan and Chongqing, Sichuan and Chongqing, China.
| | - Man Cao
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medical Genetics, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, China; Bio-Resource Research and Utilization Joint Key Laboratory of Sichuan and Chongqing, Sichuan and Chongqing, China
| | - Zuyi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medical Genetics, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, China; Bio-Resource Research and Utilization Joint Key Laboratory of Sichuan and Chongqing, Sichuan and Chongqing, China
| | - Xuemei Mu
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medical Genetics, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, China; Bio-Resource Research and Utilization Joint Key Laboratory of Sichuan and Chongqing, Sichuan and Chongqing, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Institute of Medical Genetics, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, China; Bio-Resource Research and Utilization Joint Key Laboratory of Sichuan and Chongqing, Sichuan and Chongqing, China
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Van Damme P, Bouillette-Marussig M, Hens A, De Coster I, Depuydt C, Goubier A, Van Tendeloo V, Cools N, Goossens H, Hercend T, Timmerman B, Bissery MC. GTL001, A Therapeutic Vaccine for Women Infected with Human Papillomavirus 16 or 18 and Normal Cervical Cytology: Results of a Phase I Clinical Trial. Clin Cancer Res 2016; 22:3238-48. [PMID: 27252412 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-16-0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [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: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Women infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) with normal cytology to mild abnormalities currently have no treatment options other than watchful waiting or surgery if high-grade cervical lesions or cancer develop. A therapeutic vaccine would offer the possibility of preventing high-grade lesions in HPV-infected women. GTL001 is a therapeutic vaccine composed of recombinant HPV16 and HPV18 E7 proteins fused to catalytically inactive Bordetella pertussis CyaA. This study examined the tolerability and immunogenicity of GTL001 in women infected with HPV16 or HPV18 with normal cytology. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN This was a phase I trial (EudraCT No. 2010-018629-21). In an open-label part, subjects received two intradermal vaccinations 6 weeks apart of 100 or 600 μg GTL001 + topical 5% imiquimod cream at the injection site. In a double-blind part, subjects were randomized 2:1:1 to two vaccinations 6 weeks apart of 600 μg GTL001 + imiquimod, 600 μg GTL001 + placebo cream, or placebo + imiquimod. RESULTS Forty-seven women were included. No dropouts, treatment-related serious adverse events, or dose-limiting toxicities occurred. Local reactions were transient and mostly mild or moderate. HPV16/18 viral load decreased the most in the 600 μg GTL001 + imiquimod group. In post hoc analyses, the 600 μg GTL001 + imiquimod group had the highest rates of initial and sustained HPV16/18 clearance. Imiquimod increased antigen-specific T-cell response rates but not rates of solicited reactions. All subjects seroconverted to CyaA. CONCLUSIONS For women infected with HPV16 or HPV18 with normal cervical cytology, GTL001 was immunogenic and had acceptable safety profile. Clin Cancer Res; 22(13); 3238-48. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Christophe Depuydt
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, AML, Sonic Healthcare, Antwerp, Belgium
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38
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Chandra J, Miao Y, Romoff N, Frazer IH. Epithelium Expressing the E7 Oncoprotein of HPV16 Attracts Immune-Modulatory Dendritic Cells to the Skin and Suppresses Their Antigen-Processing Capacity. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0152886. [PMID: 27031095 PMCID: PMC4816461 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Antigen presenting cells (APCs) in skin can promote either antigen-specific effector functions or antigen tolerance, and thus determine clearance or persistence of cutaneous viral infections. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections can persist in squamous epithelium in immunocompetent individuals, and some persisting HPV infections, particularly with HPV16, promote malignant epithelial transformation. Here, we investigate whether local expression of the HPV16 protein most associated with malignant transformation, HPV16-E7, affects the phenotype and function of APC subsets in the skin. We demonstrate an expanded population of Langerhans cells in HPV16-E7 transgenic skin with distinct cell surface markers which express immune-modulatory enzymes and cytokines not expressed by cells from non transgenic skin. Furthermore, HPV16-E7 transgene expression in keratinocytes attracts new APC subsets to the epidermis. In vivo migration and transport of antigen to the draining lymph node by these APCs is markedly enhanced in HPV16-E7 expressing skin, whereas antigen-processing, as measured by proteolytic cleavage of DQ-OVA and activation of T cells in vivo by APCs, is significantly impaired. These data suggest that local expression of HPV16-E7 in keratinocytes can contribute to persisting infection with this oncogenic virus, by altering the phenotype and function of local APCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janin Chandra
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Yan Miao
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Natasha Romoff
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Ian H. Frazer
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
- * E-mail:
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39
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Trimble CL, Morrow MP, Kraynyak KA, Shen X, Dallas M, Yan J, Edwards L, Parker RL, Denny L, Giffear M, Brown AS, Marcozzi-Pierce K, Shah D, Slager AM, Sylvester AJ, Khan A, Broderick KE, Juba RJ, Herring TA, Boyer J, Lee J, Sardesai NY, Weiner DB, Bagarazzi ML. Safety, efficacy, and immunogenicity of VGX-3100, a therapeutic synthetic DNA vaccine targeting human papillomavirus 16 and 18 E6 and E7 proteins for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2/3: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2b trial. Lancet 2015; 386:2078-2088. [PMID: 26386540 PMCID: PMC4888059 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(15)00239-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 464] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite preventive vaccines for oncogenic human papillomaviruses (HPVs), cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is common, and current treatments are ablative and can lead to long-term reproductive morbidity. We assessed whether VGX-3100, synthetic plasmids targeting HPV-16 and HPV-18 E6 and E7 proteins, delivered by electroporation, would cause histopathological regression in women with CIN2/3. METHODS Efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of VGX-3100 were assessed in CIN2/3 associated with HPV-16 and HPV-18, in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2b study. Patients from 36 academic and private gynaecology practices in seven countries were randomised (3:1) to receive 6 mg VGX-3100 or placebo (1 mL), given intramuscularly at 0, 4, and 12 weeks. Randomisation was stratified by age (<25 vs ≥25 years) and CIN2 versus CIN3 by computer-generated allocation sequence (block size 4). Funder and site personnel, participants, and pathologists were masked to treatment. The primary efficacy endpoint was regression to CIN1 or normal pathology 36 weeks after the first dose. Per-protocol and modified intention-to-treat analyses were based on patients receiving three doses without protocol violations, and on patients receiving at least one dose, respectively. The safety population included all patients who received at least one dose. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (number NCT01304524) and EudraCT (number 2012-001334-33). FINDINGS Between Oct 19, 2011, and July 30, 2013, 167 patients received either VGX-3100 (n=125) or placebo (n=42). In the per-protocol analysis 53 (49·5%) of 107 VGX-3100 recipients and 11 (30·6%) of 36 placebo recipients had histopathological regression (percentage point difference 19·0 [95% CI 1·4-36·6]; p=0·034). In the modified intention-to-treat analysis 55 (48·2%) of 114 VGX-3100 recipients and 12 (30·0%) of 40 placebo recipients had histopathological regression (percentage point difference 18·2 [95% CI 1·3-34·4]; p=0·034). Injection-site reactions occurred in most patients, but only erythema was significantly more common in the VGX-3100 group (98/125, 78·4%) than in the placebo group (24/42, 57·1%; percentage point difference 21·3 [95% CI 5·3-37·8]; p=0·007). INTERPRETATION VGX-3100 is the first therapeutic vaccine to show efficacy against CIN2/3 associated with HPV-16 and HPV-18. VGX-3100 could present a non-surgical therapeutic option for CIN2/3, changing the treatment outlook for this common disease. FUNDING Inovio Pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia L Trimble
- Departments of Gynecology/Obstetrics, Oncology, and Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | | | | | - Xuefei Shen
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Jian Yan
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA
| | - Lance Edwards
- Suffolk Obstetrics & Gynecology, LLP, Port Jefferson, NY, USA
| | - R Lamar Parker
- Lyndhurst Gynecologic Associates, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Lynette Denny
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Cape Town, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mary Giffear
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Divya Shah
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA
| | - Anna M Slager
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA
| | | | - Amir Khan
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA
| | | | - Robert J Juba
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA
| | | | - Jean Boyer
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jessica Lee
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA
| | | | - David B Weiner
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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40
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de Oliveira LMF, Morale MG, Chaves AAM, Cavalher AM, Lopes AS, Diniz MDO, Schanoski AS, de Melo RL, Ferreira LCDS, de Oliveira MLS, Demasi M, Ho PL. Design, Immune Responses and Anti-Tumor Potential of an HPV16 E6E7 Multi-Epitope Vaccine. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138686. [PMID: 26390407 PMCID: PMC4577214 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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: 04/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is a common type of cancer among women worldwide and infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPVs) types represents the major risk factor for the etiopathogenesis of the disease. HPV-16 is the most frequently identified HPV type in cervical lesions and expression of E6 and E7 oncoproteins is required for the uncontrolled cellular proliferation. In the present study we report the design and experimental testing of a recombinant multi-epitope protein containing immunogenic epitopes of HPV-16 E6 and E7. Tumor preventive assays, based on the engraftment of TC-1 cells in mice, showed that the E6E7 multi-epitope protein induced a full preventive anti-tumor protection in wild-type mice, as well as in mice deficient in expression of CD4+ T cells and TLR4 receptor. Nonetheless, no anti-tumor protection was observed in mice deficient in CD8+ T cells. Also, the vaccine promoted high activation of E6/E7-specific T cells and in a therapeutic-approach, E6E7 protein conferred full anti-tumor protection in mice. These results show a potential use of this E6E7 multi-epitope antigen as a new and promising antigen for the development of a therapeutic vaccine against tumors induced by HPV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mirian Galliote Morale
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia Molecular I, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Agatha A. Muniz Chaves
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia Molecular I, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Aline Marques Cavalher
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia Molecular I, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Aline Soriano Lopes
- Laboratório Especial de Toxinologia Aplicada-CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana de Oliveira Diniz
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | | | - Robson Lopes de Melo
- Laboratório Especial de Toxinologia Aplicada-CeTICS, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marilene Demasi
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biofísica, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
| | - Paulo Lee Ho
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia Molecular I, Instituto Butantan, Av. Vital Brasil 1500, São Paulo-SP, Brazil
- * E-mail:
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41
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Phaëton R, Gutierrez J, Jiang Z, Karabakhtsian RG, Albanese J, Sunkara J, Fisher DR, Goldberg GL, Dadachova E. Naive and radiolabeled antibodies to E6 and E7 HPV-16 oncoproteins show pronounced antitumor activity in experimental cervical cancer. Immunotherapy 2015; 7:631-40. [PMID: 26098137 PMCID: PMC4524293 DOI: 10.2217/imt.15.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In spite of profound reduction in incidence, cervical cancer claims >275,000 lives annually. Previously we demonstrated efficacy and safety of radioimmunotherapy directed at HPV16 E6 oncoprotein in experimental cervical cancer. MATERIALS & METHODS We undertook a direct comparison of targeting E7 and E6 oncoproteins with specific (188)Rhenium-labeled monoclonal antibodies in CasKi subcutaneous xenografts of cervical cancer cells in mice. RESULTS The most significant tumor inhibition was seen in radioimmunotherapy-treated mice, followed by the unlabeled monoclonal antibodies to E6 and E7. No hematological toxicity was observed. Immunohistochemistry suggests that the effect of unlabeled antibodies is C3 complement mediated. CONCLUSION We have demonstrated for the first time that radioimmunotherapy directed toward E7 oncoprotein inhibits experimental tumors growth, decreases E7 expression and may offer a novel approach to cervical cancer therapy.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Neoplasm/immunology
- Antibodies, Neoplasm/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Viral/immunology
- Antibodies, Viral/pharmacology
- Female
- Human papillomavirus 16/immunology
- Humans
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Nude
- Neoplasms, Experimental/immunology
- Neoplasms, Experimental/radiotherapy
- Neoplasms, Experimental/virology
- Oncogene Proteins, Viral/immunology
- Papillomavirus E7 Proteins/immunology
- Papillomavirus Infections/immunology
- Papillomavirus Infections/therapy
- Radioimmunotherapy
- Repressor Proteins/immunology
- Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/immunology
- Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/radiotherapy
- Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/virology
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Affiliation(s)
- R Phaëton
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY, USA
| | - J Gutierrez
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY, USA
| | - Z Jiang
- Department of Radiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - RG Karabakhtsian
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY, USA
| | - J Albanese
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY, USA
| | - J Sunkara
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY, USA
| | | | - GL Goldberg
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY, USA
| | - E Dadachova
- Department of Radiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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42
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Abd Warif NM, Stoitzner P, Leggatt GR, Mattarollo SR, Frazer IH, Hibma MH. Langerhans cell homeostasis and activation is altered in hyperplastic human papillomavirus type 16 E7 expressing epidermis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127155. [PMID: 25992642 PMCID: PMC4436358 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
It has previously been shown that expression of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV) E7 in epidermis causes hyperplasia and chronic inflammation, characteristics of pre-malignant lesions. Importantly, E7-expressing epidermis is strongly immune suppressed and is not rejected when transplanted onto immune competent mice. Professional antigen presenting cells are considered essential for initiation of the adaptive immune response that results in graft rejection. Langerhans cells (LC) are the only antigen presenting cells located in normal epidermis and altered phenotype and function of these cells may contribute to the immune suppressive microenvironment. Here, we show that LC are atypically activated as a direct result of E7 expression in the epidermis, and independent of the presence of lymphocytes. The number of LC was significantly increased and the LC are functionally impaired, both in migration and in antigen uptake. However when the LC were extracted from K14E7 skin and matured in vitro they were functionally competent to present and cross-present antigen, and to activate T cells. The ability of the LC to present and cross-present antigen following maturation supports retention of full functional capacity when removed from the hyperplastic skin microenvironment. As such, opportunities are afforded for the development of therapies to restore normal LC function in hyperplastic skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nor Malia Abd Warif
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Qld 4102, Australia
| | - Patrizia Stoitzner
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Graham R. Leggatt
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Qld 4102, Australia
| | - Stephen R. Mattarollo
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Qld 4102, Australia
| | - Ian H. Frazer
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Qld 4102, Australia
| | - Merilyn H. Hibma
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Aps LRMM, Diniz MO, Porchia BFMM, Sales NS, Moreno ACR, Ferreira LCS. Bacillus subtilis spores as adjuvants for DNA vaccines. Vaccine 2015; 33:2328-34. [PMID: 25819710 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.03.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2014] [Revised: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recently, Bacillus subtilis spores were shown to be endowed with strong adjuvant capacity when co-administered with purified antigenic proteins. In the present study we assessed whether spores possess adjuvant properties when combined with DNA vaccines. We showed that B. subtilis spores promoted the activation of dendritic cells in vitro and induced migration of pro-inflammatory cells after parenteral administration to mice. Likewise, co-administration of spores with a DNA vaccine encoding the human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16) E7 protein enhanced the activation of antigen-specific CD8(+) T cell responses in vivo. Mice immunized with the DNA vaccine admixed with spores presented a protective immunity increase to previously implanted tumor cells, capable of expressing HPV-16 oncoproteins. Finally, we observed that the adjuvant effect can vary accordingly to the number of co-administered spores which may be ascribed with the ability to induce. Collectively, the present results demonstrate for the first time that B. subtilis spores can also confer adjuvant effects to DNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana R M M Aps
- Vaccine Development Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana O Diniz
- Vaccine Development Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruna F M M Porchia
- Vaccine Development Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Natiely S Sales
- Vaccine Development Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina R Moreno
- Vaccine Development Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luís C S Ferreira
- Vaccine Development Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Lorenz FKM, Wilde S, Voigt K, Kieback E, Mosetter B, Schendel DJ, Uckert W. Codon optimization of the human papillomavirus E7 oncogene induces a CD8+ T cell response to a cryptic epitope not harbored by wild-type E7. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0121633. [PMID: 25799237 PMCID: PMC4370481 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Codon optimization of nucleotide sequences is a widely used method to achieve high levels of transgene expression for basic and clinical research. Until now, immunological side effects have not been described. To trigger T cell responses against human papillomavirus, we incubated T cells with dendritic cells that were pulsed with RNA encoding the codon-optimized E7 oncogene. All T cell receptors isolated from responding T cell clones recognized target cells expressing the codon-optimized E7 gene but not the wild type E7 sequence. Epitope mapping revealed recognition of a cryptic epitope from the +3 alternative reading frame of codon-optimized E7, which is not encoded by the wild type E7 sequence. The introduction of a stop codon into the +3 alternative reading frame protected the transgene product from recognition by T cell receptor gene-modified T cells. This is the first experimental study demonstrating that codon optimization can render a transgene artificially immunogenic through generation of a dominant cryptic epitope. This finding may be of great importance for the clinical field of gene therapy to avoid rejection of gene-corrected cells and for the design of DNA- and RNA-based vaccines, where codon optimization may artificially add a strong immunogenic component to the vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Susanne Wilde
- Institute for Molecular Immunology, Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Katrin Voigt
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elisa Kieback
- Institute of Biology, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Barbara Mosetter
- Institute for Molecular Immunology, Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Dolores J. Schendel
- Institute for Molecular Immunology, Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Uckert
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Di Bonito P, Ridolfi B, Columba-Cabezas S, Giovannelli A, Chiozzini C, Manfredi F, Anticoli S, Arenaccio C, Federico M. HPV-E7 delivered by engineered exosomes elicits a protective CD8⁺ T cell-mediated immune response. Viruses 2015; 7:1079-99. [PMID: 25760140 PMCID: PMC4379561 DOI: 10.3390/v7031079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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: 01/14/2015] [Revised: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We developed an innovative strategy to induce a cytotoxic T cell (CTL) immune response against protein antigens of choice. It relies on the production of exosomes, i.e., nanovesicles spontaneously released by all cell types. We engineered the upload of huge amounts of protein antigens upon fusion with an anchoring protein (i.e., HIV-1 Nefmut), which is an inactive protein incorporating in exosomes at high levels also when fused with foreign proteins. We compared the immunogenicity of engineered exosomes uploading human papillomavirus (HPV)-E7 with that of lentiviral virus-like particles (VLPs) incorporating equivalent amounts of the same antigen. These exosomes, whose limiting membrane was decorated with VSV-G, i.e., an envelope protein inducing pH-dependent endosomal fusion, proved to be as immunogenic as the cognate VLPs. It is noteworthy that the immunogenicity of the engineered exosomes remained unaltered in the absence of VSV-G. Most important, we provide evidence that the inoculation in mouse of exosomes uploading HPV-E7 induces production of anti-HPV E7 CTLs, blocks the growth of syngeneic tumor cells inoculated after immunization, and controls the development of tumor cells inoculated before the exosome challenge. These results represent the proof-of-concept about both feasibility and efficacy of the Nefmut-based exosome platform for the induction of CD8+ T cell immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Di Bonito
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immunomediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Barbara Ridolfi
- Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicine Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Sandra Columba-Cabezas
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Andrea Giovannelli
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immunomediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Chiara Chiozzini
- National AIDS Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Simona Anticoli
- National AIDS Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Claudia Arenaccio
- National AIDS Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, 00146 Rome, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Federico
- National AIDS Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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Liao S, Zhang W, Hu X, Wang W, Deng D, Wang H, Wang C, Zhou J, Wang S, Zhang H, Ma D. A novel "priming-boosting" strategy for immune interventions in cervical cancer. Mol Immunol 2015; 64:295-305. [PMID: 25575128 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2014.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 12/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite the encouraging development of a preventive vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV), it cannot improve ongoing infections. Therefore, a new vaccine is urgently needed that can prevent and treat cervical cancer, and cure pre-cancerous lesions. In this study, we constructed two peptide-based vaccines. The first was a short-term, long-peptide (ST-LP) vaccine that simultaneously targeted three key carcinogenic epitopes (E5-E6-E7) on HPV16. We tested this vaccine in murine TC-1 cells infected with a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) fused with HPV16E5 DNA (rTC-1 cells), which served as a cell model; we also tested it in immune-competent mice loaded with rTC-1 cells, which served as an ectopic tumor model. The ST-LP injections resulted in strong, cell-mediated immunity, capable of attacking and eliminating abnormal antigen-bearing cells. Furthermore, to prolong immunogenic capability, we designed a unique rAAV that encoded the three predicted epitopes for a second, long-term, long-peptide (LT-LP) vaccine. Moreover, we used a new immune strategy of continuous re-injections, where three ST-LP injections were performed at one-week intervals (days 0, 7, 14), then one LT-LP injection was performed on day 120. Our in vitro and in vivo studies revealed that this strategy could boost the immune response to produce longer and stronger protection against target cells, and mice were thoroughly protected from tumor growth. Our results showed that priming the immune system with the ST-LP vaccine, followed by boosting the immune system with the LT-LP vaccine could generate a rapid, robust, durable cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response to HPV16-positive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujie Liao
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | | | - Xiaoji Hu
- Wuhan General Hospita of Guangzhou Military Region, PR China
| | - Wei Wang
- Southern Medical University South Hospital, PR China
| | - Dongrui Deng
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Hui Wang
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Changyu Wang
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Jianfeng Zhou
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Shixuan Wang
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China
| | - Hanwang Zhang
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China.
| | - Ding Ma
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, PR China.
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Peng S, Wang JW, Karanam B, Wang C, Huh WK, Alvarez RD, Pai SI, Hung CF, Wu TC, Roden RBS. Sequential cisplatin therapy and vaccination with HPV16 E6E7L2 fusion protein in saponin adjuvant GPI-0100 for the treatment of a model HPV16+ cancer. PLoS One 2015; 10:e116389. [PMID: 25560237 PMCID: PMC4283968 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical studies suggest that responses to HPV16 E6E7L2 fusion protein (TA-CIN) vaccination alone are modest, and GPI-0100 is a well-tolerated, potent adjuvant. Here we sought to optimize both the immunogenicity of TA-CIN via formulation with GPI-0100 and treatment of HPV16+ cancer by vaccination after cisplatin chemotherapy. HPV16 neutralizing serum antibody titers, CD4+ T cell proliferative and E6/E7-specific CD8+ T cell responses were significantly enhanced when mice were vaccinated subcutaneously (s.c.) or intramuscularly (i.m.) with TA-CIN formulated with GPI-0100. Vaccination was tested for therapy of mice bearing syngeneic HPV16 E6/E7+ tumors (TC-1) either in the lung or subcutaneously. Mice treated with TA-CIN/GPI-0100 vaccination exhibited robust E7-specific CD8+ T cell responses, which were associated with reduced tumor burden in the lung, whereas mice receiving either component alone were similar to controls. Since vaccination alone was not sufficient for cure, mice bearing s.c. TC-1 tumor were first treated with two doses of cisplatin and then vaccinated. Vaccination with TA-CIN/GPI-0100 i.m. substantially retarded tumor growth and extended survival after cisplatin therapy. Injection of TA-CIN alone, but not GPI-0100, into the tumor (i.t.) was similarly efficacious after cisplatin therapy, but the mice eventually succumbed. However, tumor regression and extended remission was observed in 80% of the mice treated with cisplatin and then intra-tumoral TA-CIN/GPI-0100 vaccination. These mice also exhibited robust E7-specific CD8+ T cell and HPV16 neutralizing antibody responses. Thus formulation of TA-CIN with GPI-0100 and intra-tumoral delivery after cisplatin treatment elicits potent therapeutic responses in a murine model of HPV16+ cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwen Peng
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Joshua W. Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Balasubramanyam Karanam
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Biology and Center for Cancer Research, Carver Research Foundation, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Chenguang Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Warner K. Huh
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Ronald D. Alvarez
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Sara I. Pai
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Chien-fu Hung
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - T. -C. Wu
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Richard B. S. Roden
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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48
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Almajhdi FN, Senger T, Amer HM, Gissmann L, Öhlschläger P. Design of a highly effective therapeutic HPV16 E6/E7-specific DNA vaccine: optimization by different ways of sequence rearrangements (shuffling). PLoS One 2014; 9:e113461. [PMID: 25422946 PMCID: PMC4244082 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 10/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent infection with the high-risk Human Papillomavirus type 16 (HPV 16) is the causative event for the development of cervical cancer and other malignant tumors of the anogenital tract and of the head and neck. Despite many attempts to develop therapeutic vaccines no candidate has entered late clinical trials. An interesting approach is a DNA based vaccine encompassing the nucleotide sequence of the E6 and E7 viral oncoproteins. Because both proteins are consistently expressed in HPV infected cells they represent excellent targets for immune therapy. Here we report the development of 8 DNA vaccine candidates consisting of differently rearranged HPV-16 E6 and E7 sequences within one molecule providing all naturally occurring epitopes but supposedly lacking transforming activity. The HPV sequences were fused to the J-domain and the SV40 enhancer in order to increase immune responses. We demonstrate that one out of the 8 vaccine candidates induces very strong cellular E6- and E7- specific cellular immune responses in mice and, as shown in regression experiments, efficiently controls growth of HPV 16 positive syngeneic tumors. This data demonstrates the potential of this vaccine candidate to control persistent HPV 16 infection that may lead to malignant disease. It also suggests that different sequence rearrangements influence the immunogenecity by an as yet unknown mechanism.
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MESH Headings
- Alphapapillomavirus/immunology
- Animals
- Antibodies, Viral/biosynthesis
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Female
- Human Papillomavirus Recombinant Vaccine Quadrivalent, Types 6, 11, 16, 18
- Humans
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
- Oncogene Proteins, Viral/immunology
- Papillomavirus E7 Proteins/immunology
- Papillomavirus Vaccines/genetics
- Repressor Proteins/immunology
- Vaccines, DNA/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad N. Almajhdi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- * E-mail:
| | - Tilo Senger
- German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Haitham M. Amer
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Virology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Lutz Gissmann
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Öhlschläger
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Jülich, Germany
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49
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Soong RS, Song L, Trieu J, Knoff J, He L, Tsai YC, Huh W, Chang YN, Cheng WF, Roden RBS, Wu TC, Trimble CL, Hung CF. Toll-like receptor agonist imiquimod facilitates antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell accumulation in the genital tract leading to tumor control through IFNγ. Clin Cancer Res 2014; 20:5456-67. [PMID: 24893628 PMCID: PMC4216740 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-14-0344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Imiquimod is a Toll-like receptor 7 agonist used topically to treat external genital warts and basal cell carcinoma. We examined the combination of topical imiquimod with intramuscular administration of CRT/E7, a therapeutic human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine comprised of a naked DNA vector expressing calreticulin fused to HPV16 E7. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Using an orthotopic HPV16 E6/E7(+) syngeneic tumor, TC-1, as a model of high-grade cervical/vaginal/vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, we assessed if combining CRT/E7 vaccination with cervicovaginal deposition of imiquimod could result in synergistic activities promoting immune-mediated tumor clearance. RESULTS Imiquimod induced cervicovaginal accumulation of activated E7-specific CD8(+) T cells elicited by CRT/E7 vaccination. Recruitment was not dependent upon the specificity of the activated CD8(+) T cells, but was significantly reduced in mice lacking the IFNγ receptor. Intravaginal imiquimod deposition induced upregulation of CXCL9 and CXCL10 mRNA expression in the genital tract, which are produced in response to IFNγ receptor signaling and attract cells expressing their ligand, CXCR3. The T cells attracted by imiquimod to the cervicovaginal tract expressed CXCR3 as well as CD49a, an integrin involved in homing and retention of CD8(+) T cells at mucosal sites. Our results indicate that intramuscular CRT/E7 vaccination in conjunction with intravaginal imiquimod deposition recruits antigen-specific CXCR3(+) CD8(+) T cells to the genital tract. CONCLUSIONS Several therapeutic HPV vaccination clinical trials using a spectrum of DNA vaccines, including vaccination in concert with cervical imiquimod, are ongoing. Our study identifies a mechanism by which these strategies could provide therapeutic benefit. Our findings support accumulating evidence that manipulation of the tumor microenvironment can enhance the therapeutic efficacy of strategies that induce tumor-specific T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruey-Shyang Soong
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland. Department of General Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Keelung, Keelung City, Taiwan. College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Liwen Song
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland. School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai, China. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Jayne Knoff
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Liangmei He
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ya-Chea Tsai
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Warner Huh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | | | - Wen-Fang Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Richard B S Roden
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland. Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - T-C Wu
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland. Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland. Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland.
| | - Cornelia L Trimble
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland. Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Chien-Fu Hung
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland. Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland.
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50
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Weiss JM. [Journal-Club]. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2014; 12:833. [PMID: 25176466 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.12444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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