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Dai Z, Cai R, Zeng H, Zhu H, Dou Y, Sun S. Exosome may be the next generation of promising cell-free vaccines. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2345940. [PMID: 38714324 PMCID: PMC11086043 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2345940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Traditional vaccines have limits against some persistent infections and pathogens. The development of novel vaccine technologies is particularly critical for the future. Exosomes play an important role in physiological and pathological processes. Exosomes present many advantages, such as inherent capacity being biocompatible, non-toxic, which make them a more desirable candidate for vaccines. However, research on exosomes are in their infancy and the barriers of low yield, low purity, and weak targeting of exosomes limit their applications in vaccines. Accordingly, further exploration is necessary to improve these problems and subsequently facilitate the functional studies of exosomes. In this study, we reviewed the origin, classification, functions, modifications, separation and purification, and characterization methods of exosomes. Meanwhile, we focused on the role and mechanism of exosomes for cancer and COVID-19 vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelan Dai
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
- Department VII of Biological Products, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruiru Cai
- Department VII of Biological Products, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Zeng
- Department VII of Biological Products, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hailian Zhu
- Department VII of Biological Products, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Youwei Dou
- Department VII of Biological Products, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shibo Sun
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
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Luo H, Ma Y, Bi J, Li Z, Wang Y, Su Z, Gerstweiler L, Ren Y, Zhang S. Experimental and molecular dynamics simulation studies on the physical properties of three HBc-VLP derivatives as nanoparticle protein vaccine candidates. Vaccine 2024:S0264-410X(24)00599-1. [PMID: 38811268 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Self-assembling virus-like particles (VLPs) are promising platforms for vaccine development. However, the unpredictability of the physical properties, such as self-assembly capability, hydrophobicity, and overall stability in engineered protein particles fused with antigens, presents substantial challenges in their downstream processing. We envision that these challenges can be addressed by combining more precise computer-aided molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with experimental studies on the modified products, with more to-date forcefield descriptions and larger models closely resembling real assemblies, realized by rapid advancement in computing technology. In this study, three chimeric designs based on the hepatitis B core (HBc) protein as model vaccine candidates were constructed to study and compare the influence of inserted epitopes as well as insertion strategy on HBc modifications. Large partial VLP models containing 17 chains for the HBc chimeric model vaccines were constructed based on the wild-type (wt) HBc assembly template. The findings from our simulation analysis have demonstrated good consistency with experimental results, pertaining to the surface hydrophobicity and overall stability of the chimeric vaccine candidates. Furthermore, the different impact of foreign antigen insertions on the HBc scaffold was investigated through simulations. It was found that separately inserting two epitopes into the HBc platform at the N-terminal and the major immunogenic regions (MIR) yields better results compared to a serial insertion at MIR in terms of protein structural stability. This study substantiates that an MD-guided design approach can facilitate vaccine development and improve its manufacturing efficiency by predicting products with extreme surface hydrophobicity or structural instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Luo
- School of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia; State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Preparation and Delivery (CAS), Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China; Institute of Pharmaceutical and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong 030619, PR China
| | - Yanyan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Preparation and Delivery (CAS), Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China
| | - Jingxiu Bi
- School of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Zhengjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Preparation and Delivery (CAS), Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China
| | - Yingli Wang
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong 030619, PR China
| | - Zhiguo Su
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Preparation and Delivery (CAS), Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China
| | - Lukas Gerstweiler
- School of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia.
| | - Ying Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Mesoscience and Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China; School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China.
| | - Songping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Preparation and Delivery (CAS), Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China.
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G Popova P, Chen SP, Liao S, Sadarangani M, Blakney AK. Clinical perspective on topical vaccination strategies. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 208:115292. [PMID: 38522725 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Vaccination is one of the most successful measures in modern medicine to combat diseases, especially infectious diseases, and saves millions of lives every year. Vaccine design and development remains critical and involves many aspects, including the choice of platform, antigen, adjuvant, and route of administration. Topical vaccination, defined herein as the introduction of a vaccine to any of the three layers of the human skin, has attracted interest in recent years as an alternative vaccination approach to the conventional intramuscular administration because of its potential to be needle-free and induce a superior immune response against pathogens. In this review, we describe recent progress in developing topical vaccines, highlight progress in the development of delivery technologies for topical vaccines, discuss potential factors that might impact the topical vaccine efficacy, and provide an overview of the current clinical landscape of topical vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petya G Popova
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2B9, Canada; Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, 2185 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Sunny P Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2B9, Canada; Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, 2185 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Suiyang Liao
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2B9, Canada; Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, 2185 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada; Life Science Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Manish Sadarangani
- Vaccine Evaluation Center, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, 950 West 28th Ave, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, 4480 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6H 0B3, Canada
| | - Anna K Blakney
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2222 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2B9, Canada; Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, 2185 East Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada.
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Trujillo E, Monreal-Escalante E, Angulo C. Microalgae-made human vaccines and therapeutics: A decade of advances. Biotechnol J 2024; 19:e2400091. [PMID: 38719615 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202400091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Microalgal emergence is a promising platform with two-decade historical background for producing vaccines and biopharmaceuticals. During that period, microalgal-based vaccines have reported successful production for various diseases. Thus, species selection is important for genetic transformation and delivery methods that have been developed. Although many vaccine prototypes have been produced for infectious and non-infectious diseases, fewer studies have reached immunological and immunoprotective evaluations. Microalgae-made vaccines for Staphylococcus aureus, malaria, influenza, human papilloma, and Zika viruses have been explored in their capacity to induce humoral or cellular immune responses and protective efficacies against experimental challenges. Therefore, specific pathogen antigens and immune system role are important and addressed in controlling these infections. Regarding non-communicable diseases, these vaccines have been investigated for breast cancer; microalgal-produced therapeutic molecules and microalgal-made interferon-α have been explored for hypertension and potential applications in treating viral infections and cancer, respectively. Thus, conducting immunological trials is emphasized, discussing the promising results observed in terms of immunogenicity, desired immune response for controlling affections, and challenges for achieving the desired protection levels. The potential advantages and hurdles associated with this innovative approach are highlighted, underlining the relevance of assessing immune responses in preclinical and clinical trials to validate the efficacy of these biopharmaceuticals. The promising future of this healthcare technology is also envisaged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Trujillo
- Immunology & Vaccinology Group, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, S.C. (CIBNOR), Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, La Paz, B.C.S., México
| | - Elizabeth Monreal-Escalante
- Immunology & Vaccinology Group, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, S.C. (CIBNOR), Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, La Paz, B.C.S., México
- CONAHCYT-Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, S.C. (CIBNOR), Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, La Paz, B.C.S., México
| | - Carlos Angulo
- Immunology & Vaccinology Group, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, S.C. (CIBNOR), Instituto Politécnico Nacional 195, Playa Palo de Santa Rita Sur, La Paz, B.C.S., México
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Mbonigaba E, Yu F, Reñosa MDC, Cho FN, Chen Q, Denkinger CM, A McMahon S, Chen S. Knowledge and trust of mothers regarding childhood vaccination in Rwanda. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1067. [PMID: 38632541 PMCID: PMC11022416 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18547-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Knowledge and trust are some of the contributing factors to vaccine acceptance(VA) and Vaccine hesitancy (VH) is one of the top threats to global health. A significant drop in childhood vaccination has been observed in recent years. One important reason that influences mothers' choice to either postpone or avoid children's vaccinations is knowledge and trust in childhood vaccines. This study aimed to assess mothers' knowledge and trust on vaccination of their children, and to examine the association between vaccination knowledge and selected socio-demographic factors. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January 2022 to March 2022 to assess the knowledge and trust of mothers regarding childhood vaccination. Data was collected with self-administered questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to assess factors associated with childhood vaccine knowledge and trust. RESULTS Of the 2,126 Rwandan parents who participated in the study, the proportions with good knowledge of - and good trust in childhood vaccination were 95.5% and 91.4%, respectively. The popular sources of information about childhood vaccination were health care professionals (91.8%) and mass media (28.9%). Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that good knowledge of - and trust in childhood vaccination were associated with the relationship with child(ren), education, occupation, and monthly income. The Multinomial logistic regression also revealed that the determinants of good knowledge of - and trust in childhood vaccination were; caregiver (p = 4.0 × 10-4, adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR); 1.7, 95%C.I; 1.3 - 2.3), no formal educational status (p = 3.3 × 10-2, aOR; 1.7, 95%C.I; 1.0 - 3.0), the unemployed occupational status (p = 2.4 × 10-2, aOR; 1.2, 95%C.I; 1.0 - 1.4), and persons on more than $401 per month (p = 2.0 × 10-4, aOR; 3.5, 95%C.I; 1.8 - 6.8). CONCLUSION The majority of parents in Rwanda had both good knowledge of-and good trust regarding childhood vaccination. Public health strategies to promote vaccination, education programmes as well as improved communication tools between health care professionals/traditional leaders/religious leaders and parents need to be considered to achieve favourable vaccination attitudes and practices for all parents in Rwanda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Mbonigaba
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Division of Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Public, Health- University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.
| | - Fengyun Yu
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Scientific Computing, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mark Donald C Reñosa
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Muntinlupa City, Philippines
| | - Frederick Nchang Cho
- , Buea, Cameroon
- Infectious Disease Laboratory, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Qiushi Chen
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, The Harold and Inge Marcus, The Pennsylvania State University, University ParkHarrisburg, PA, USA
| | - Claudia M Denkinger
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Division of Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Shannon A McMahon
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Division of Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simiao Chen
- Centre of Infectious Diseases, Division of Infectious Disease and Tropical Medicine, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Peking, China
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Franco AR, Sadones O, Romerio A, Artusa V, Shaik MM, Pasco ST, Italia A, D'Amato S, Anguita J, Huebner J, Romero-Saavedra F, Peri F. Novel TLR4-Activating Vaccine Adjuvant Enhances the Production of Enterococcus faecium-binding Antibodies. J Med Chem 2024; 67:5603-5616. [PMID: 38513080 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c02215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Vaccines are one of the greatest achievements of modern medicine. Due to their safer profile, the latest investigations usually focus on subunit vaccines. However, the active component often needs to be coupled with an adjuvant to be effective and properly trigger an immune response. We are developing a new synthetic monosaccharide-based TLR4 agonist, such as glucosamine-derived compounds FP18 and FP20, as a potential vaccine adjuvant. In this study, we present a new FP20 derivative, FP20Hmp, with a hydroxylated ester linked to the glucosamine core. We show that the modification introduced improves the activity of the adjuvant and its solubility. This study presents the synthesis of FP20Hmp, its in vitro characterization, and in vivo activity while coupled with the ovalbumin antigen or in formulation with an enterococcal antigen. We show that FP20Hmp enables increased production of antigen-specific antibodies that bind to the whole bacterium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Franco
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 2, Milano 20126, Italy
| | - Océane Sadones
- Division of Pediatric Infectious disease, Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU, Munich 80337, Germany
| | - Alessio Romerio
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 2, Milano 20126, Italy
| | - Valentina Artusa
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 2, Milano 20126, Italy
| | - Mohammed Monsoor Shaik
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 2, Milano 20126, Italy
| | - Samuel T Pasco
- Inflammation and Macrophage Plasticity Laboratory, CIC bioGUNE-Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Derio 48160, Spain
| | - Alice Italia
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 2, Milano 20126, Italy
| | - Simona D'Amato
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 2, Milano 20126, Italy
| | - Juan Anguita
- Inflammation and Macrophage Plasticity Laboratory, CIC bioGUNE-Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Parque Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Derio 48160, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Plaza Euskadi 5, Bilbao 48009, Spain
| | - Johannes Huebner
- Division of Pediatric Infectious disease, Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU, Munich 80337, Germany
| | - Felipe Romero-Saavedra
- Division of Pediatric Infectious disease, Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU, Munich 80337, Germany
| | - Francesco Peri
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 2, Milano 20126, Italy
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Sheng Y, Li Z, Lin X, Wang L, Zhu H, Su Z, Zhang S. In situ bio-mineralized Mn nanoadjuvant enhances anti-influenza immunity of recombinant virus-like particle vaccines. J Control Release 2024; 368:275-289. [PMID: 38382812 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Virus like particles (VLPs) have been well recognized as one of the most important vaccine platforms due to their structural similarity to natural viruses to induce effective humoral and cellular immune responses. Nevertheless, lack of viral nucleic acids in VLPs usually leads the vaccine candidates less efficient in provoking innate immune against viral infection. Here, we constructed a biomimetic dual antigen hybrid influenza nanovaccines THM-HA@Mn with robust immunogenicity via in situ synthesizing a stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonist Mn3O4 inside the cavity of a recombinant Hepatitis B core antigen VLP (HBc VLP) having fused SpyTag and influenza M2e antigen peptides (Tag-HBc-M2e, THM for short), followed by conjugating a recombinant hemagglutinin (rHA) antigen on the surface of the nanoparticles through SpyTag/SpyCatcher ligating. Such inside Mn3O4 immunostimulator-outside rHA antigen design, together with the chimeric M2e antigen on the HBc skeleton, enabled the synthesized hybrid nanovaccines THM-HA@Mn to well imitate the spatial distribution of M2e/HA antigens and immunostimulant in natural influenza virus. In vitro cellular experiments indicated that compared with the THM-HA antigen without Mn3O4 and a mixture vaccine consisting of THM-HA + MnOx, the THM-HA@Mn hybrid nanovaccines showed the highest efficacies in dendritic cells uptake and in promoting BMDC maturation, as well as inducing expression of TNF-α and type I interferon IFN-β. The THM-HA@Mn also displayed the most sustained antigen release at the injection site, the highest efficacies in promoting the DC maturation in lymph nodes and germinal center B cells activation in the spleen of the immunized mice. The co-delivery of immunostimulant and antigens enabled the THM-HA@Mn nanovaccines to induce the highest systemic antigen-specific antibody responses and cellular immunogenicity in mice. Together with the excellent colloid dispersion stability, low cytotoxicity, as well as good biosafety, the synthetic hybrid nanovaccines presented in this study offers a promising strategy to design VLP-based vaccine with robust natural and adaptive immunogenicity against emerging viral pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Sheng
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhengjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Preparation and Delivery, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Xuan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Preparation and Delivery, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Liuyang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hongyu Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Division of Molecular Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Gunma University, Kiryu 376-8515, Japan
| | - Zhiguo Su
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Preparation and Delivery, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Songping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Key Laboratory of Biopharmaceutical Preparation and Delivery, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
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Zimmermann J, van Haren SD, Diray-Arce J, Adriawan IR, Wørzner K, Krog RT, Guleed S, Hu T, Mortensen R, Dietrich J, Solbak SMØ, Levy O, Christensen D, Pedersen GK. Co-adjuvanting DDA/TDB liposomes with a TLR7 agonist allows for IgG2a/c class-switching in the absence of Th1 cells. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:189. [PMID: 38135685 PMCID: PMC10746746 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00781-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Class-switching to IgG2a/c in mice is a hallmark response to intracellular pathogens. T cells can promote class-switching and the predominant pathway for induction of IgG2a/c antibody responses has been suggested to be via stimulation from Th1 cells. We previously formulated CAF®01 (cationic liposomes containing dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide (DDA) and Trehalose-6,6-dibehenate (TDB)) with the lipidated TLR7/8 agonist 3M-052 (DDA/TDB/3M-052), which promoted robust Th1 immunity in newborn mice. When testing this adjuvant in adult mice using the recombinant Chlamydia trachomatis (C.t.) vaccine antigen CTH522, it similarly enhanced IgG2a/c responses compared to DDA/TDB, but surprisingly reduced the magnitude of the IFN-γ+Th1 response in a TLR7 agonist dose-dependent manner. Single-cell RNA-sequencing revealed that DDA/TDB/3M-052 liposomes initiated early transcription of class-switch regulating genes directly in pre-germinal center B cells. Mixed bone marrow chimeras further demonstrated that this adjuvant did not require Th1 cells for IgG2a/c switching, but rather facilitated TLR7-dependent T-bet programming directly in B cells. This study underlines that adjuvant-directed IgG2a/c class-switching in vivo can occur in the absence of T-cell help, via direct activation of TLR7 on B cells and positions DDA/TDB/3M-052 as a powerful adjuvant capable of eliciting type I-like immunity in B cells without strong induction of Th1 responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Zimmermann
- Center for Vaccine Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Simon D van Haren
- Precision Vaccines Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joann Diray-Arce
- Precision Vaccines Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Katharina Wørzner
- Center for Vaccine Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ricki T Krog
- Center for Vaccine Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Safia Guleed
- Center for Vaccine Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tu Hu
- Center for Vaccine Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rasmus Mortensen
- Center for Vaccine Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jes Dietrich
- Center for Vaccine Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sara M Ø Solbak
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ofer Levy
- Precision Vaccines Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Dennis Christensen
- Center for Vaccine Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gabriel K Pedersen
- Center for Vaccine Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Liew XW, Tang ZHM, Ong YQC, See KC. Hearing Loss after COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1834. [PMID: 38140238 PMCID: PMC10748333 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Vaccine safety is an important topic with public health implications on a global scale. The purpose of this study was to systematically review available literature assessing sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) incidence and severity following both coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and non-COVID-19 vaccinations, as well as prognosis and outcomes. (2) Methods: This systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Relevant publications evaluating post-vaccination SNHL were selected from PubMed and Embase, searching from inception to July 2023. (3) Results: From 11 observational studies, the incidence of post-vaccination SNHL was low for both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 vaccines, ranging from 0.6 to 60.77 per 100,000 person-years, comparable to all-cause SNHL. (4) Conclusions: The incidence rates of SNHL following COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 vaccinations remained reassuringly low. Most patients experienced improved hearing function in the weeks to months following vaccination. This study underscores the importance and safety of vaccinations and encourages ongoing surveillance and detailed reporting of hearing loss cases post-vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wei Liew
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 169856, Singapore; (X.W.L.); (Z.H.M.T.); (Y.Q.C.O.)
| | - Zer Han Malcolm Tang
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 169856, Singapore; (X.W.L.); (Z.H.M.T.); (Y.Q.C.O.)
| | - Yan Qing Cherie Ong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 169856, Singapore; (X.W.L.); (Z.H.M.T.); (Y.Q.C.O.)
| | - Kay Choong See
- Division of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore 119228, Singapore
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10
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Varma VP, Kadivella M, Kavela S, Faisal SM. Leptospira Lipid A Is a Potent Adjuvant That Induces Sterilizing Immunity against Leptospirosis. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1824. [PMID: 38140228 PMCID: PMC10748165 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a globally significant zoonotic disease. The current inactivated vaccine offers protection against specific serovars but does not provide complete immunity. Various surface antigens, such as Leptospira immunoglobulin-like proteins (LigA and LigB), have been identified as potential subunit vaccine candidates. However, these antigens require potent adjuvants for effectiveness. Bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), including lipid A, are a well-known immunostimulant, and clinical adjuvants often contain monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA). Being less endotoxic, we investigated the adjuvant properties of lipid A isolated from L. interrogans serovar Pomona (PLA) in activating innate immunity and enhancing antigen-specific adaptive immune responses. PLA activated macrophages to a similar degree as MPLA, albeit at a higher dose, suggesting that it is less potent in stimulation than MPLA. Mice immunized with a variable portion of LigA (LAV) combined with alum and PLA (LAV-alum-PLA) exhibited significantly higher levels of LAV-specific humoral and cellular immune responses compared to alum alone but similar to those induced by alum-MPLA. The adjuvant activity of PLA resembles that of MPLA and is primarily achieved through the increased recruitment, activation, and uptake of antigens by innate immune cells. Furthermore, like MPLA, PLA formulation establishes a long-lasting memory response. Notably, PLA demonstrated superior potency than MPLA formulation and provided sterilizing immunity against the leptospirosis in a hamster model. Overall, our study sheds light on the adjuvant properties of Leptospira lipid A and offers promising avenues for developing LPS-based vaccines against this devastating zoonotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek P. Varma
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad 500032, India; (V.P.V.); (M.K.); (S.K.)
- Graduate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, India
| | - Mohammad Kadivella
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad 500032, India; (V.P.V.); (M.K.); (S.K.)
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad 121001, India
| | - Sridhar Kavela
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad 500032, India; (V.P.V.); (M.K.); (S.K.)
| | - Syed M. Faisal
- Laboratory of Vaccine Immunology, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad 500032, India; (V.P.V.); (M.K.); (S.K.)
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad 121001, India
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11
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Mao Y, Xiao X, Zhang J, Mou X, Zhao W. Designing a multi-epitope vaccine against Peptostreptococcus anaerobius based on an immunoinformatics approach. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2023; 8:757-770. [PMID: 38099061 PMCID: PMC10720267 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptostreptococcus anaerobius is an anaerobic bacterium, which has been found selectively en-riched in the fecal and mucosal microbiota of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Emerging evidence suggest P. anaerobius may contribute to the development of CRC in human. In this study, we designed a multi-epitope chimeric vaccine against P. anaerobius PCWBR2, a recently identified adhesin that interacts directly with colon cell lines by binding α2/β1 integrin frequently overexpressed in human CRC tumors and cell lines. Immunoinformatics tools predicted six cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitopes, five helper T lymphocyte epitopes, and six linear B lymphocyte epitopes. The predicted epitopes were joined with AAY or GPGPG linkers and a previously reported TLR4 agonist was added to the vaccine construct's N terminal as an adjuvant using EAAAK linkers and the order of epitopes was optimized. Further in silico analysis revealed that the vaccine construct possesses satisfactory antigenicity, allergenicity, solubility, physicochemical properties, adjuvant-TLR4 molecular docking, and immune profile characteristics. Our study provided a promising design for vaccines against P. anaerobius.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudan Mao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Xianzun Xiao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Xiangyu Mou
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Wenjing Zhao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Inflammatory Diseases, School of Medicine, Shenzhen Campus of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
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12
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Clemente B, Denis M, Silveira CP, Schiavetti F, Brazzoli M, Stranges D. Straight to the point: targeted mRNA-delivery to immune cells for improved vaccine design. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1294929. [PMID: 38090568 PMCID: PMC10711611 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1294929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
With the deepening of our understanding of adaptive immunity at the cellular and molecular level, targeting antigens directly to immune cells has proven to be a successful strategy to develop innovative and potent vaccines. Indeed, it offers the potential to increase vaccine potency and/or modulate immune response quality while reducing off-target effects. With mRNA-vaccines establishing themselves as a versatile technology for future applications, in the last years several approaches have been explored to target nanoparticles-enabled mRNA-delivery systems to immune cells, with a focus on dendritic cells. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen presenting cells and key mediators of B- and T-cell immunity, and therefore considered as an ideal target for cell-specific antigen delivery. Indeed, improved potency of DC-targeted vaccines has been proved in vitro and in vivo. This review discusses the potential specific targets for immune system-directed mRNA delivery, as well as the different targeting ligand classes and delivery systems used for this purpose.
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13
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Romerio A, Peri F. Cleaner synthesis of preclinically validated vaccine adjuvants. Front Chem 2023; 11:1252996. [PMID: 38025058 PMCID: PMC10651716 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2023.1252996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We developed synthetic glycophospholipids based on a glucosamine core (FP compounds) with potent and selective activity in stimulating Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) as agonists. These compounds have activity and toxicity profiles similar to the clinically approved adjuvant monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA), included in several vaccine formulations, and are now in the preclinical phase of development as vaccine adjuvants in collaboration with Croda International PLC. FP compound synthesis is shorter and less expensive than MPLA preparation but presents challenges due to the use of toxic solvents and hazardous intermediates. In this paper we describe the optimization of FP compound synthesis. The use of regio- and chemoselective reactions allowed us to reduce the number of synthesis steps and improve process scalability, overall yield, safety, and Process Mass Intensity (PMI), thus paving the way to the industrial scale-up of the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Romerio
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
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14
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Ishwarlall TZ, Adeleke VT, Maharaj L, Okpeku M, Adeniyi AA, Adeleke MA. Multi-epitope vaccine candidates based on mycobacterial membrane protein large (MmpL) proteins against Mycobacterium ulcerans. Open Biol 2023; 13:230330. [PMID: 37935359 PMCID: PMC10645115 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.230330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Buruli ulcer (BU) is a neglected tropical disease. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium ulcerans and is characterized by skin lesions. Several studies were performed testing the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine in human and animal models and M. ulcerans-specific vaccines in animal models. However, there are currently no clinically accepted vaccines to prevent M. ulcerans infection. The aim of this study was to identify T-cell and B-cell epitopes from the mycobacterial membrane protein large (MmpL) proteins of M. ulcerans. These epitopes were analysed for properties including antigenicity, immunogenicity, non-allergenicity, non-toxicity, population coverage and the potential to induce cytokines. The final 8 CD8+, 12 CD4+ T-cell and 5 B-cell epitopes were antigenic, non-allergenic and non-toxic. The estimated global population coverage of the CD8+ and CD4+ epitopes was 97.71%. These epitopes were used to construct five multi-epitope vaccine constructs with different adjuvants and linker combinations. The constructs underwent further structural analyses and refinement. The constructs were then docked with Toll-like receptors. Three of the successfully docked complexes were structurally analysed. Two of the docked complexes successfully underwent molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) and post-MDS analysis. The complexes generated were found to be stable. However, experimental validation of the complexes is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Z. Ishwarlall
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Victoria T. Adeleke
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Umlazi, Durban, South Africa
| | - Leah Maharaj
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Moses Okpeku
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Adebayo A. Adeniyi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
- Department of Industrial Chemistry, Federal University Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
| | - Matthew A. Adeleke
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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15
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Franck CO, Bistrovic Popov A, Ahmed I, Hewitt RE, Franslau L, Tyagi P, Fruk L. A catch-and-release nano-based gene delivery system. NANOSCALE HORIZONS 2023; 8:1588-1594. [PMID: 37691551 DOI: 10.1039/d3nh00269a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The design of nanomaterial-based nucleic acid formulations is one of the biggest endeavours in the search for clinically applicable gene delivery systems. Biopolymers represent a promising subclass of gene carriers due to their physicochemical properties, biodegradability and biocompatibility. By modifying melanin-like polydopamine nanoparticles with poly-L-arginine and poly-L-histidine blends, we obtained a novel catch-and-release gene delivery system for efficient trafficking of pDNA to human cells. A synergistic interplay of nanoparticle-bound poly-L-arginine and poly-L-histidine was observed and evaluated for pDNA binding affinity, cell viability, gene release and transfection. Although the functionalisation with poly-L-arginine was crucial for pDNA binding, the resulting nanocarriers failed to release pDNA intracellularly, resulting in limited protein expression. However, optimal pDNA release was achieved through the co-formulation with poly-L-histidine, essential for pDNA release. This effect enabled the design of gene delivery systems, which were comparable to Lipofectamine in terms of transfection efficacy and the catch-and-release surface modification strategy can be translated to other nanocarriers and surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph O Franck
- BioNano Engineering Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, UK.
| | - Andrea Bistrovic Popov
- BioNano Engineering Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, UK.
| | - Ishtiaq Ahmed
- BioNano Engineering Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, UK.
| | - Rachel E Hewitt
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Rd, Cambridge CB3 0ES, UK
| | - Luise Franslau
- Institut für Physikalische Chemie, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Tammanstraße 6, Göttingen 37077, Germany
| | - Puneet Tyagi
- AstraZeneca, One MedImmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | - Ljiljana Fruk
- BioNano Engineering Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive, Cambridge CB3 0AS, UK.
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16
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Stickdorn J, Czysch C, Medina-Montano C, Stein L, Xu L, Scherger M, Schild H, Grabbe S, Nuhn L. Peptide-Decorated Degradable Polycarbonate Nanogels for Eliciting Antigen-Specific Immune Responses. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15417. [PMID: 37895096 PMCID: PMC10607756 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
For successful therapeutic interventions in cancer immunotherapy, strong antigen-specific immune responses are required. To this end, immunostimulating cues must be combined with antigens to simultaneously arrive at antigen-presenting cells and initiate cellular immune responses. Recently, imidazoquinolines have shown their vast potential as small molecular Toll-like receptor 7/8 (TLR7/8) agonists for immunostimulation when delivered by nanocarriers. At the same time, peptide antigens are promising antigen candidates but require combination with immune-stimulating adjuvants to boost their immunogenicity and exploit their full potential. Consequently, we herein present biodegradable polycarbonate nanogels as versatile delivery system for adjuvants within the particles' core as well as for peptide antigens by surface decoration. For that purpose, orthogonally addressable multifunctional polycarbonate block copolymers were synthesized, enabling adjuvant conjugation through reactive ester chemistry and peptide decoration by strain-promoted alkyne-azide cycloaddition (SPAAC). In preparation for SPAAC, CD4+-specific peptide sequences of the model protein antigen ovalbumin were equipped with DBCO-moieties by site-selective modification at their N-terminal cysteine. With their azide groups exposed on their surface, the adjuvant-loaded nanogels were then efficiently decorated with DBCO-functional CD4+-peptides by SPAAC. In vitro evaluation of the adjuvant-loaded peptide-decorated gels then confirmed their strong immunostimulating properties as well as their high biocompatibility. Despite their covalent conjugation, the CD4+-peptide-decorated nanogels led to maturation of primary antigen-presenting cells and the downstream priming of CD4+-T cells. Subsequently, the peptide-decorated nanogels loaded with TLR7/8 agonist were successfully processed by antigen-presenting cells, enabling potent immune responses for future application in antigen-specific cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carolina Medina-Montano
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Lara Stein
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Lujuan Xu
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, 55128 Mainz, Germany
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | | | - Hansjörg Schild
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Stephan Grabbe
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Lutz Nuhn
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, 55128 Mainz, Germany
- Chair of Macromolecular Chemistry, Institute of Functional Materials and Biofabrication, Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
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17
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Li J, Li Y, Pan Y, Guo J, Sun Z, Li F, He Y, Tao C. Mapping Vaccine Names in Clinical Trials to Vaccine Ontology using Cascaded Fine-Tuned Domain-Specific Language Models. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3362256. [PMID: 37841880 PMCID: PMC10571639 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3362256/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Vaccines have revolutionized public health by providing protection against infectious diseases. They stimulate the immune system and generate memory cells to defend against targeted diseases. Clinical trials evaluate vaccine performance, including dosage, administration routes, and potential side effects. ClinicalTrials.gov is a valuable repository of clinical trial information, but the vaccine data in them lacks standardization, leading to challenges in automatic concept mapping, vaccine-related knowledge development, evidence-based decision-making, and vaccine surveillance. Results In this study, we developed a cascaded framework that capitalized on multiple domain knowledge sources, including clinical trials, Unified Medical Language System (UMLS), and the Vaccine Ontology (VO), to enhance the performance of domain-specific language models for automated mapping of VO from clinical trials. The Vaccine Ontology (VO) is a community-based ontology that was developed to promote vaccine data standardization, integration, and computer-assisted reasoning. Our methodology involved extracting and annotating data from various sources. We then performed pre-training on the PubMedBERT model, leading to the development of CTPubMedBERT. Subsequently, we enhanced CTPubMedBERT by incorporating SAPBERT, which was pretrained using the UMLS, resulting in CTPubMedBERT + SAPBERT. Further refinement was accomplished through fine-tuning using the Vaccine Ontology corpus and vaccine data from clinical trials, yielding the CTPubMedBERT + SAPBERT + VO model. Finally, we utilized a collection of pre-trained models, along with the weighted rule-based ensemble approach, to normalize the vaccine corpus and improve the accuracy of the process. The ranking process in concept normalization involves prioritizing and ordering potential concepts to identify the most suitable match for a given context. We conducted a ranking of the Top 10 concepts, and our experimental results demonstrate that our proposed cascaded framework consistently outperformed existing effective baselines on vaccine mapping, achieving 71.8% on top 1 candidate's accuracy and 90.0% on top 10 candidate's accuracy. Conclusion This study provides a detailed insight into a cascaded framework of fine-tuned domain-specific language models improving mapping of VO from clinical trials. By effectively leveraging domain-specific information and applying weighted rule-based ensembles of different pre-trained BERT models, our framework can significantly enhance the mapping of VO from clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfu Li
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - Yiming Li
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | | | | | - Zenan Sun
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - Fang Li
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | | | - Cui Tao
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
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18
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Gupta S, Pellett S. Recent Developments in Vaccine Design: From Live Vaccines to Recombinant Toxin Vaccines. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:563. [PMID: 37755989 PMCID: PMC10536331 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15090563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Vaccines are one of the most effective strategies to prevent pathogen-induced illness in humans. The earliest vaccines were based on live inoculations with low doses of live or related pathogens, which carried a relatively high risk of developing the disease they were meant to prevent. The introduction of attenuated and killed pathogens as vaccines dramatically reduced these risks; however, attenuated live vaccines still carry a risk of reversion to a pathogenic strain capable of causing disease. This risk is completely eliminated with recombinant protein or subunit vaccines, which are atoxic and non-infectious. However, these vaccines require adjuvants and often significant optimization to induce robust T-cell responses and long-lasting immune memory. Some pathogens produce protein toxins that cause or contribute to disease. To protect against the effects of such toxins, chemically inactivated toxoid vaccines have been found to be effective. Toxoid vaccines are successfully used today at a global scale to protect against tetanus and diphtheria. Recent developments for toxoid vaccines are investigating the possibilities of utilizing recombinant protein toxins mutated to eliminate biologic activity instead of chemically inactivated toxins. Finally, one of the most contemporary approaches toward vaccine design utilizes messenger RNA (mRNA) as a vaccine candidate. This approach was used globally to protect against coronavirus disease during the COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2019, due to its advantages of quick production and scale-up, and effectiveness in eliciting a neutralizing antibody response. Nonetheless, mRNA vaccines require specialized storage and transport conditions, posing challenges for low- and middle-income countries. Among multiple available technologies for vaccine design and formulation, which technology is most appropriate? This review focuses on the considerable developments that have been made in utilizing diverse vaccine technologies with a focus on vaccines targeting bacterial toxins. We describe how advancements in vaccine technology, combined with a deeper understanding of pathogen-host interactions, offer exciting and promising avenues for the development of new and improved vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sabine Pellett
- Department of Bacteriology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
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Tripathy SK, Das S, Malik A. Vaccine and malnutrition: A narrative review. J Family Med Prim Care 2023; 12:1808-1813. [PMID: 38024923 PMCID: PMC10657100 DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_596_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Nearly 45% of under 5 mortality is directly or indirectly linked to malnutrition. Infection adds to the increased mortality and morbidity in these groups. Vaccination is very important in these undernourished children protecting against life-threatening infections. The goal of vaccination is to produce long-term protection by generating memory cells and the generation of antibodies. Since malnutrition is a state of immunodeficiency, the immune response to vaccines in these children is a matter of concern. We did an exhaustive search to gather more recent studies and corroborated previous findings. Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine, Haemophilus influenza vaccine, rabies, and cholera vaccine showed normal response to immunization. Measles and rotavirus vaccines were found to elicit lower seroprotection and lower efficacy in undernourished children. Data regarding response to vaccination against BCG, DPwT, Hepatitis B, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, and meningococcal vaccine was inconclusive. Although most of the studies show a normal immune response to different vaccines, excluding other confounding factors and effect modifiers had not been easy to interpret. However, with the advances in the understanding of vaccine physiology with newer immunological techniques, good-quality studies might explore the gray areas that remain untouched.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saroj K. Tripathy
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, Jharkhand, India
| | - Sarthak Das
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, Jharkhand, India
| | - Archana Malik
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, Jharkhand, India
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20
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Lan X, Su B, Liang S, Yu M, Qiao Y, Wang L, Song M, Wang Y, Xu J. Willingness of people living with HIV to receive a second COVID-19 booster dose: a multicenter cross-sectional study in China. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1227277. [PMID: 37680268 PMCID: PMC10480566 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1227277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly affected the global population, with People Living with HIV (PLWH) being particularly vulnerable due to their compromised immune systems. Although vaccination is a crucial preventative measure against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, little is understood about the willingness of PLWH to receive a second COVID-19 booster dose and the factors that may influence this decision. This study investigates the willingness of PLWH in China to receive a second COVID-19 booster dose and its influencing factors, comparing these with a group of healthy individuals. Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted across five Chinese cities, namely, Beijing, Tianjin, Zhengzhou, Hohhot, and Harbin. Participants were recruited through five community-based organizations. Data were collected via participant self-administered questionnaires included demographic information, willingness to receive a second COVID-19 booster dose, and knowledge about HIV and COVID-19 vaccination. Factors influencing vaccination willingness were identified using multivariable logistic regression analyzes. Results A total of 156 PLWH and 151 healthy individuals were included in the study. After adjusting for potential confounders, it was found that PLWH demonstrated a lower willingness to receive a second COVID-19 booster dose compared to healthy individuals (77.6% vs. 88.7%, p = 0.009). Lower willingness was associated with HIV positive status (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 0.39, 95%CI: 0.20, 0.75), perceived barriers (AOR: 0.05, 95%CI: 0.01, 0.26), and perceived severity (AOR: 0.32, 95%CI: 0.12, 0.90). Conclusion PLWH in China demonstrated a lower willingness to receive a second COVID-19 booster dose compared to healthy individuals. The findings suggest that perceptions and understanding of the COVID-19 vaccination and its necessity for protection against SARS-CoV-2 could influence this willingness. Efforts should be made to strengthen and disseminate knowledge about HIV and COVID-19 vaccinations among this population. In addition, developing interventions and policies that target specific subgroups and address misconceptions about vaccination could be instrumental in improving vaccination rates among PLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinquan Lan
- Clinical Research Academy, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Bin Su
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shijie Liang
- Department of Infection, Zhengzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Maohe Yu
- Department of AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Tianjin Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying Qiao
- Department of Infection, The Second Hospital of Hohhot, Hohhot, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Infection, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Moxin Song
- Clinical Research Academy, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuxiao Wang
- Clinical Research Academy, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Junjie Xu
- Clinical Research Academy, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Peking University, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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21
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Ong JJ, Lim A, Bradshaw C, Taylor-Robinson D, Unemo M, Horner PJ, Vickerman P, Zhang L. Cost-effectiveness of testing for Mycoplasma genitalium among men who have sex with men in Australia. Sex Transm Infect 2023; 99:398-403. [PMID: 36958826 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2022-055611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) disproportionately affects men who have sex with men (MSM). We determined the cost-effectiveness of different testing strategies for MG in MSM, taking a healthcare provider perspective. METHODS We used inputs from a dynamic transmission model of MG among MSM living in Australia in a decision tree model to evaluate the impact of four testing scenarios on MG incidence: (1) no one tested; (2) symptomatic MSM; (3) symptomatic and high-risk asymptomatic MSM; (4) all MSM. We calculated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) using a willingness-to-pay threshold of $A30 000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. We explored the impact of adding an antimicrobial resistance (AMR) tax (ie, additional cost per antibiotic consumed) to identify the threshold, whereby any testing for MG is no longer cost-effective. RESULTS Testing only symptomatic MSM is the most cost-effective (ICER $3677 per QALY gained) approach. Offering testing to all MSM is dominated (ie, higher costs and lower QALYs gained compared with other strategies). When the AMR tax per antibiotic given was above $150, any testing for MG was no longer cost-effective. CONCLUSION Testing only symptomatic MSM is the most cost-effective option, even when the potential costs associated with AMR are accounted for (up to $150 additional cost per antibiotic given). For pathogens like MG, where there are anticipated future costs related to AMR, we recommend models that test the impact of incorporating an AMR tax as they can change the results and conclusions of cost-effectiveness studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason J Ong
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aaron Lim
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Catriona Bradshaw
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Magnus Unemo
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other STIs, Örebro University, Orebro, Sweden
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Paddy J Horner
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Lei Zhang
- Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- China-Australia Joint Research Center for Infectious Diseases, School of Public Health, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
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Mathebula L, Malinga T, Mokgoro M, Ndwandwe D, Wiysonge CS, Gray G. Cholera vaccine clinical trials: A cross-sectional analysis of clinical trials registries. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2261168. [PMID: 37759348 PMCID: PMC10619520 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2261168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholera has been one of the world's biggest public health challenges for centuries. The presence of this disease brings into focus the social determinants of health in different parts of the world. Research and development efforts to find safe and effective Cholera vaccines are critical to decreasing the disease burden from Vibrio cholerae. We searched the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) on 5 March 2023. We included all registered randomized trials studying Cholera vaccines. We used Microsoft Excel to perform a descriptive analysis of the source registry, geographic distribution, recruitment status, phase of trials, and type of trial sponsor and presented the findings using tables and graphs. The search of ICTRP yielded 84 trials, and 315 trials were identified from CENTRAL. Seventy-four trials were included in the analysis. Most of the trials (66%, n = 49) were registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, followed by Clinical Trials Registry - India (9%, n = 7) and the Cuban Public Registry of Clinical Trials (8%, n = 6). The geographical distribution of the trials indicates that 48% (n = 36) of the trials were conducted in Asia, followed by 23% (n = 17) in North America, 15% (n = 11) in Africa, and 11% (n = 8) in Europe. Results further indicate that 81% (n = 60) of trials have a recruitment status "Not recruiting," followed by 12% (n = 9) with a status "recruiting." With the recent surge in Cholera cases and the limited supply of Cholera vaccines, research indicates the need for Cholera vaccine trials to ensure the availability of vaccines, especially in populations affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindi Mathebula
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Thobile Malinga
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Mammekwa Mokgoro
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Duduzile Ndwandwe
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Charles S. Wiysonge
- Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Programme, World Health Organisation Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | - Glenda Gray
- Office of the President and CEO, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
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Lozano D, Larraga V, Vallet-Regí M, Manzano M. An Overview of the Use of Nanoparticles in Vaccine Development. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:1828. [PMID: 37368258 DOI: 10.3390/nano13121828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Vaccines represent one of the most significant advancements in public health since they prevented morbidity and mortality in millions of people every year. Conventionally, vaccine technology focused on either live attenuated or inactivated vaccines. However, the application of nanotechnology to vaccine development revolutionized the field. Nanoparticles emerged in both academia and the pharmaceutical industry as promising vectors to develop future vaccines. Regardless of the striking development of nanoparticles vaccines research and the variety of conceptually and structurally different formulations proposed, only a few of them advanced to clinical investigation and usage in the clinic so far. This review covered some of the most important developments of nanotechnology applied to vaccine technologies in the last few years, focusing on the successful race for the preparation of lipid nanoparticles employed in the successful anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Lozano
- Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre i + 12, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Vicente Larraga
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Molecular, Unidad de Desarrollo de Fármacos Biológicos, Inmunológicos y Químicos para la Salud Global (BICS), Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CIBMS-CSIC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Vallet-Regí
- Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre i + 12, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Manzano
- Departamento de Química en Ciencias Farmacéuticas, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre i + 12, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Networking Research Center on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Liu-Fei F, McKinney J, McManus BM. Viral Heart Disease: Diagnosis, Management, and Mechanisms. Can J Cardiol 2023; 39:829-838. [PMID: 37003416 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2023.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
"Viral heart disease" is a term encompassing numerous virus-triggered heart conditions, wherein cardiac myocytes are injured, causing contractile dysfunction, cell death, or both. Cardiotropic viruses may also damage interstitial cells and vascular cells. Clinical presentation of the disorder varies widely. In most cases, patients are asymptomatic. Presentation includes-but is not limited to-flu-like symptoms, chest pain, cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure, cardiogenic shock, and sudden cardiac death. Laboratory studies, including blood-based heart injury indicators and cardiac imaging, may be needed. Management of viral heart disease requires a graded approach. Watchful observation at home may be the first step. Closer observation, with additional testing such as echocardiography in the clinic or hospital is less common yet may inform the use of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Intensive care may be indicated in severe acute illness. Viral heart disease mechanisms are complex. Initially, damage is predominantly virus mediated, whereas, in the second week, immune responses bring unintended obverse consequences for the myocardium. Innate immunity is largely beneficial in initial attempts to quell viral replication, whereas adaptive immunity brings helpful and antigen-specific mechanisms to fight the pathogen but also introduces the capability of autoimmunity. Each cardiotropic virus family has its own pathogenesis signature, including attack on myocytes, vascular cells, and other constitutive cells of myocardial interstitium. The stage of disease and preponderant viral pathways lend opportunities for potential intervention but also the likelihood of uncertainty about management. Overall, this review provides a novel glimpse into the depth of and need for solutions in viral heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicia Liu-Fei
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Delta, British Columbia, Canada
| | - James McKinney
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of British Columbia, Delta, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bruce M McManus
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Delta, British Columbia, Canada.
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25
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Alzahrani AA, Alghamdi AN. Vaccine Hesitancy Among Parents and Its Determinants During the Era of COVID-19 in Taif City, Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2023; 15:e40404. [PMID: 37456420 PMCID: PMC10347883 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vaccine hesitancy is a growing concern worldwide, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim was to investigate vaccine hesitancy and its determinants among parents in Taif, Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among parents using a validated and reliable questionnaire, the parent attitudes about childhood vaccines (PACV). Parents of children aged (two months to seven years) attending primary health care centers (PHCC) outpatient clinics were selected using a stratified sampling technique and interviewed to fill out the pre-structured questionnaire. Result The study included 301 parents, with 41.2% between the ages of 30-39 years and 25.2%% between 40-49 years. Mothers constituted 69.1% of the respondents. The most common sources of information regarding vaccinations were the doctor (34.9%), the internet (27.9%), and social media (16.6%). COVID-19 influenced the beliefs of more than half (52.5%) of parents regarding the importance of vaccinations. The median PACV score for vaccination hesitancy was 23.3/100, interquartile range (IQR) (13.3-33.3). The highest hesitation was among the age group of 30-39 years old (21.6%) and those whose beliefs were not influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic (16.1% vs. 5.7%) (p-value=0.003). The study found a significant difference in vaccine hesitancy rates between the different sources of information (p-value <0.001); parents who got their information about vaccinations from social media were more likely to be hesitant about vaccinations (40%). Concerns about side effects (93.8%), thinking that vaccines are not safe (84.4%), and thinking that fewer vaccines are needed (78.1%) were the top three factors influencing vaccine hesitancy. Conclusion This study urges promoting vaccine uptake through healthcare providers and combating vaccine misinformation on social media. Additionally, addressing safety concerns and misconceptions about vaccine necessity, and focusing on first-time parents, younger parents, and those with lower socioeconomic status are recommended strategies to improve vaccine uptake rates.
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26
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Ashique S, Hussain A, Fatima N, Altamimi MA. HPV pathogenesis, various types of vaccines, safety concern, prophylactic and therapeutic applications to control cervical cancer, and future perspective. Virusdisease 2023:1-19. [PMID: 37363362 PMCID: PMC10208188 DOI: 10.1007/s13337-023-00824-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Over 98% of cervical cancers (CC) are caused by regular infections with "high risk" genotype of the human papilloma virus (HPV). However, this is not always the causative factor. Therefore, production of HPV vaccinations represents a significant chance to minimize the risk of CC. Phase III studies for a number of preventative HPV vaccines based on L1-virus-like particle (VLPs) have just been completed and the preliminary results are very convincing. However, there are a lot of practical concerns that need to be resolved before the use of these vaccinations. These vaccines were challenged with obvious queries such as protection time, subject receiving vaccines, time of vaccination, and how to include them into ongoing screening programs. Although these vaccines were 90% effective at preventing HPV infection as these offered only modest advantages for the removal of pre-existing infections. New advancements in the creation of therapeutic vaccinations have been explored for further improvement and post-vaccination surveillance. Therapeutic vaccines attempted to boost cell-mediated immunities and these are detrimental to the infected cell as opposed to neutralizing antibodies (different from prophylactic vaccines).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumel Ashique
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Bharat Institute of Technology (BIT), Meerut, Uttar Pradesh 250103 India
| | - Afzal Hussain
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451 Saudi Arabia
| | - Neda Fatima
- Department of Pharmacology, Sai College of Pharmacy, Mau, Uttar Pradesh 275102 India
| | - Mohammad A. Altamimi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451 Saudi Arabia
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Vázquez ME, Mesías AC, Acuña L, Spangler J, Zabala B, Parodi C, Thakur M, Oh E, Walper SA, Brandán CP. Exploring the performance of Escherichia coli outer membrane vesicles as a tool for vaccine development against Chagas disease. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2023; 118:e220263. [PMID: 37222309 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760220263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccine development is a laborious craftwork in which at least two main components must be defined: a highly immunogenic antigen and a suitable delivery method. Hence, the interplay of these elements could elicit the required immune response to cope with the targeted pathogen with a long-lasting protective capacity. OBJECTIVES Here we evaluate the properties of Escherichia coli spherical proteoliposomes - known as outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) - as particles with natural adjuvant capacities and as antigen-carrier structures to assemble an innovative prophylactic vaccine for Chagas disease. METHODS To achieve this, genetic manipulation was carried out on E. coli using an engineered plasmid containing the Tc24 Trypanosoma cruzi antigen. The goal was to induce the release of OMVs displaying the parasite protein on their surface. FINDINGS As a proof of principle, we observed that native OMVs - as well as those carrying the T. cruzi antigen - were able to trigger a slight, but functional humoral response at low immunization doses. Of note, compared to the non-immunized group, native OMVs-vaccinated animals survived the lethal challenge and showed minor parasitemia values, suggesting a possible involvement of innate trained immunity mechanism. MAIN CONCLUSION These results open the range for further research on the design of new carrier strategies focused on innate immunity activation as an additional immunization target and venture to seek for alternative forms in which OMVs could be used for optimizing vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Elisa Vázquez
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Instituto de Patología Experimental Dr Miguel Ángel Basombrío, Salta, Argentina
| | - Andrea Cecilia Mesías
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Instituto de Patología Experimental Dr Miguel Ángel Basombrío, Salta, Argentina
| | - Leonardo Acuña
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Instituto de Patología Experimental Dr Miguel Ángel Basombrío, Salta, Argentina
| | - Joseph Spangler
- US Naval Research Laboratory, Center for Bio/Molecular Science & Engineering, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Brenda Zabala
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Instituto de Patología Experimental Dr Miguel Ángel Basombrío, Salta, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Parodi
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Instituto de Patología Experimental Dr Miguel Ángel Basombrío, Salta, Argentina
| | - Meghna Thakur
- George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Eunkeu Oh
- US Naval Research Laboratory, Optical Science Division, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Scott Allan Walper
- US Naval Research Laboratory, Center for Bio/Molecular Science & Engineering, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Cecilia Pérez Brandán
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad Nacional de Salta, Instituto de Patología Experimental Dr Miguel Ángel Basombrío, Salta, Argentina
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Ruan Z, Huan X, Su Y, Tang YL, Meng DD, Ren DL, Li CH, Hao SJ, Zhao CB, Luo SS, Li ZY, Chang T. Safety of COVID-19 vaccine in patients with myasthenia gravis: a self-controlled case series study. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1141983. [PMID: 37223097 PMCID: PMC10200982 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1141983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The safety of COVID-19 vaccines has been clarified in clinical trials; however, some immunocompromised patients, such as myasthenia gravis (MG) patients, are still hesitant to receive vaccines. Whether COVID-19 vaccination increases the risk of disease worsening in these patients remains unknown. This study aims to evaluate the risk of disease exacerbation in COVID-19-vaccinated MG patients. Methods The data in this study were collected from the MG database at Tangdu Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, and the Tertiary Referral Diagnostic Center at Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, from 1 April 2022 to 31 October 2022. A self-controlled case series method was applied, and the incidence rate ratios were calculated in the prespecified risk period using conditional Poisson regression. Results Inactivated COVID-19 vaccines did not increase the risk of disease exacerbation in MG patients with stable disease status. A few patients experienced transient disease worsening, but the symptoms were mild. It is noted that more attention should be paid to thymoma-related MG, especially within 1 week after COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusion COVID-19 vaccination has no long-term impact on MG relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Ruan
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiao Huan
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Su
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yong-Lan Tang
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Dong-Dong Meng
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Da-Lin Ren
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Chun-Hong Li
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Si-Jia Hao
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Chong-Bo Zhao
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Su-Shan Luo
- Huashan Rare Disease Center, Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhu-Yi Li
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ting Chang
- Department of Neurology, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
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D’Alise AM, Nocchi L, Garzia I, Seclì L, Infante L, Troise F, Cotugno G, Allocca S, Romano G, Lahm A, Leoni G, Sasso E, Scarselli E, Nicosia A. Adenovirus Encoded Adjuvant (AdEnA) anti-CTLA-4, a novel strategy to improve Adenovirus based vaccines against infectious diseases and cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1156714. [PMID: 37180141 PMCID: PMC10169702 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1156714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Virus vectored genetic vaccines (Vvgv) represent a promising approach for eliciting immune protection against infectious diseases and cancer. However, at variance with classical vaccines to date, no adjuvant has been combined with clinically approved genetic vaccines, possibly due to the detrimental effect of the adjuvant-induced innate response on the expression driven by the genetic vaccine vector. We reasoned that a potential novel approach to develop adjuvants for genetic vaccines would be to "synchronize" in time and space the activity of the adjuvant with that of the vaccine. Methods To this aim, we generated an Adenovirus vector encoding a murine anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody (Ad-9D9) as a genetic adjuvant for Adenovirus based vaccines. Results The co-delivery of Ad-9D9 with an Adeno-based COVID-19 vaccine encoding the Spike protein resulted in stronger cellular and humoral immune responses. In contrast, only a modest adjuvant effect was achieved when combining the vaccine with the same anti-CTLA-4 in its proteinaceous form. Importantly, the administration of the adjuvant vector at different sites of the vaccine vector abrogates the immunostimulatory effect. We showed that the adjuvant activity of Ad-α-CTLA-4 is independent from the vaccine antigen as it improved the immune response and efficacy of an Adenovirus based polyepitope vaccine encoding tumor neoantigens. Discussion Our study demonstrated that the combination of Adenovirus Encoded Adjuvant (AdEnA) with an Adeno-encoded antigen vaccine enhances immune responses to viral and tumor antigens, representing a potent approach to develop more effective genetic vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Luigia Infante
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Emanuele Sasso
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies s.c. a.r.l., Naples, Italy
| | | | - Alfredo Nicosia
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
- CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies s.c. a.r.l., Naples, Italy
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Malik S, Muhammad K, Aslam SM, Waheed Y. Tracing the recent updates on vaccination approaches and significant adjuvants being developed against HIV. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2023; 21:431-446. [PMID: 36803177 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2182771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV1); the causative agent of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), has been a major target of the scientific community to develop an anti-viral therapy. Some successful discoveries have been made during the last two decades in the form of availability of antiviral therapy in endemic regions. Nevertheless, a total cure and safety vaccine has not yet been designed to eradicate HIV from the world. AREAS COVERED The purpose of this comprehensive study is to compile recent data regarding therapeutic interventions against HIV and to determine future research needs in this field. A systematic research strategy has been used to gather data from recent, most advanced published electronic sources. Literature based results show that experiments at the invitro level and animal models are continuously in research annals and are providing hope for human trials. EXPERT OPINION There is still a gap and more work is needed in the direction of modern drug and vaccination designs. Moreover coordination is necessary among researchers, educationists, public health workers, and the general community to communicate and coordinate the repercussions associated with the deadly disease. It is important for taking timely measures regarding mitigation and adaptation with HIV in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiza Malik
- Bridging Health Foundation, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Khalid Muhammad
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sanaa Masood Aslam
- Foundation University College of Dentistry, Foundation University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Yasir Waheed
- Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC), Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU), Islamabad, Pakistan.,Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
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Veggi D, Dello Iacono L, Malito E, Maruggi G, Giusti F, Goswami P, Pansegrau W, Marchi S, Tomei S, Luzzi E, Bottomley MJ, Fontani F, Ferlenghi I, Scarselli M. Effective Multivalent Oriented Presentation of Meningococcal NadA Antigen Trimers by Self-Assembling Ferritin Nanoparticles. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076183. [PMID: 37047152 PMCID: PMC10093968 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The presentation of viral antigens on nanoparticles in multivalent arrays has emerged as a valuable technology for vaccines. On the nanoparticle surface, highly ordered, repetitive arrays of antigens can mimic their geometric arrangement on virion surfaces and elicit stronger humoral responses than soluble viral antigens. More recently, bacterial antigens have been presented on self-assembling protein nanoparticles and have elicited protective antibody and effective T-helper responses, further supporting the nanoparticle platform as a universal approach for stimulating potent immunogenicity. Here, we present the rational design, structural analysis, and immunogenicity of self-assembling ferritin nanoparticles displaying eight copies of the Neisseria meningitidis trimeric adhesin NadA. We engineered constructs consisting of two different NadA fragments, head only and head with stalk, that we fused to ferritin and expressed in Escherichia coli. Both fusion constructs self-assembled into the expected nanoparticles as determined by Cryo electron microscopy. In mice, the two nanoparticles elicited comparable NadA antibody levels that were 10- to 100-fold higher than those elicited by the corresponding NadA trimer subunits. Further, the NadAferritin nanoparticles potently induced complement-mediated serum bactericidal activity. These findings confirm the value of self-assembling nanoparticles for optimizing the immunogenicity of bacterial antigens and support the broad applicability of the approach to vaccine programs, especially for the presentation of trimeric antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sara Tomei
- GSK, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Tapia D, Reyes-Sandoval A, Sanchez-Villamil JI. Protein-based Nanoparticle Vaccine Approaches Against Infectious Diseases. Arch Med Res 2023; 54:168-175. [PMID: 36894463 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
The field of vaccine development has seen an increase in the number of rationally designed technologies that increase effectiveness against vaccine-resistant pathogens, while not compromising safety. Yet, there is still an urgent need to expand and further understand these platforms against complex pathogens that often evade protective responses. Nanoscale platforms have been at the center of new studies, especially in the wake of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with the aim of deploying safe and effective vaccines in a short time period. The intrinsic properties of protein-based nanoparticles, such as biocompatibility, flexible physicochemical characteristics, and variety have made them an attractive platform against different infectious disease agents. In the past decade, several studies have tested both lumazine synthase-, ferritin-, and albumin-based nanoplatforms against a wide range of complex pathogens in pre-clinical studies. Owed to their success in pre-clinical studies, several studies are undergoing human clinical trials or are near an initial phase. In this review we highlight the different protein-based platforms, mechanisms of synthesis, and effectiveness of these over the past decade. In addition, some challenges, and future directions to increase their effectiveness are also highlighted. Taken together, protein-based nanoscaffolds have proven to be an effective means to design rationally designed vaccines, especially against complex pathogens and emerging infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Tapia
- The Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, The Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Arturo Reyes-Sandoval
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Laboratorio Nacional de Vacunología y Virus Tropicales, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Javier I Sanchez-Villamil
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Centro de Investigación en Ciencia Aplicada y Tecnología Avanzada, Unidad Morelos, Atlacholoaya, Morelos, México.
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Chen J, Li Y, Liu Z. Functional nucleic acids as potent therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 infection. CELL REPORTS. PHYSICAL SCIENCE 2023; 4:101249. [PMID: 36714073 PMCID: PMC9869493 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2023.101249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a severe threat to human life and the global economy. Although conventional treatments, including vaccines, antibodies, and small-molecule inhibitors, have been broadly developed, they usually fall behind the constant mutation of SARS-CoV-2, due to the long screening process and high production cost. Functional nucleic acid (FNA)-based therapeutics are a newly emerging promising means against COVID-19, considering their timely adaption to different mutants and easy design for broad-spectrum virus inhibition. In this review, we survey typical FNA-related therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2 infection, including aptamers, aptamer-integrated DNA frameworks, functional RNA, and CRISPR-Cas technology. We first introduce the pathogenesis, transmission, and evolution of SARS-CoV-2, then analyze the existing therapeutic and prophylactic strategies, including their pros and cons. Subsequently, the FNAs are recommended as potent alternative therapeutics from their screening process and controllable engineering to effective neutralization. Finally, we put forward the remaining challenges of the existing field and sketch out the future development directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingran Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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34
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Haag AF, Liljeroos L, Donato P, Pozzi C, Brignoli T, Bottomley MJ, Bagnoli F, Delany I. In Vivo Gene Expression Profiling of Staphylococcus aureus during Infection Informs Design of Stemless Leukocidins LukE and -D as Detoxified Vaccine Candidates. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0257422. [PMID: 36688711 PMCID: PMC9927290 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02574-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a clinically important bacterial pathogen that has become resistant to treatment with most routinely used antibiotics. Alternative strategies, such as vaccination and phage therapy, are therefore actively being investigated to prevent or combat staphylococcal infections. Vaccination requires that vaccine targets are expressed at sufficient quantities during infection so that they can be targeted by the host's immune system. While our knowledge of in vitro expression levels of putative vaccine candidates is comprehensive, crucial in vivo expression data are scarce and promising vaccine candidates during in vitro assessment often prove ineffective in preventing S. aureus infection. Here, we show how a newly developed high-throughput quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) assay monitoring the expression of 84 staphylococcal genes encoding mostly virulence factors can inform the selection and design of effective vaccine candidates against staphylococcal infections. We show that this assay can accurately quantify mRNA expression levels of these genes in several host organs relying only on very limited amounts of bacterial mRNA in each sample. We selected two highly expressed genes, lukE and lukD, encoding pore-forming leukotoxins, to inform the design of detoxified recombinant proteins and showed that immunization with recombinant genetically detoxified LukED antigens conferred protection against staphylococcal skin infection in mice. Consequently, knowledge of in vivo-expressed virulence determinants can be successfully deployed to identify and select promising candidates for optimized design of effective vaccine antigens against S. aureus. Notably, this approach should be broadly applicable to numerous other pathogens. IMPORTANCE Vaccination is an attractive strategy for preventing bacterial infections in an age of increased antimicrobial resistance. However, vaccine development frequently suffers significant setbacks when candidate antigens that show promising results in in vitro experimentation fail to protect from disease. An alluring strategy is to focus resources on developing bacterial virulence factors that are expressed during disease establishment or maintenance and are critical for bacterial in-host survival as vaccine targets. While expression profiles of many virulence factors have been characterized in detail in vitro, our knowledge of their in vivo expression profiles is still scarce. Here, using a high-throughput qRT-PCR approach, we identified two highly expressed leukotoxins in a murine infection model and showed that genetically detoxified derivatives of these elicited a protective immune response in a murine skin infection model. Therefore, in vivo gene expression can inform the selection of promising candidates for the design of effective vaccine antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas F. Haag
- GSK, Siena, Italy
- School of Medicine, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Tarcisio Brignoli
- GSK, Siena, Italy
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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35
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Romerio A, Gotri N, Franco AR, Artusa V, Shaik MM, Pasco ST, Atxabal U, Matamoros-Recio A, Mínguez-Toral M, Zalamea JD, Franconetti A, Abrescia NGA, Jimenez-Barbero J, Anguita J, Martín-Santamaría S, Peri F. New Glucosamine-Based TLR4 Agonists: Design, Synthesis, Mechanism of Action, and In Vivo Activity as Vaccine Adjuvants. J Med Chem 2023; 66:3010-3029. [PMID: 36728697 PMCID: PMC9969399 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
We disclose here a panel of small-molecule TLR4 agonists (the FP20 series) whose structure is derived from previously developed TLR4 ligands (FP18 series). The new molecules have increased chemical stability and a shorter, more efficient, and scalable synthesis. The FP20 series showed selective activity as TLR4 agonists with a potency similar to FP18. Interestingly, despite the chemical similarity with the FP18 series, FP20 showed a different mechanism of action and immunofluorescence microscopy showed no NF-κB nor p-IRF-3 nuclear translocation but rather MAPK and NLRP3-dependent inflammasome activation. The computational studies related a 3D shape of FP20 series with agonist binding properties inside the MD-2 pocket. FP20 displayed a CMC value lower than 5 μM in water, and small unilamellar vesicle (SUV) formation was observed in the biological activity concentration range. FP20 showed no toxicity in mouse vaccination experiments with OVA antigen and induced IgG production, thus indicating a promising adjuvant activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Romerio
- Department
of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University
of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 2, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Nicole Gotri
- Department
of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University
of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 2, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Ana Rita Franco
- Department
of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University
of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 2, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Valentina Artusa
- Department
of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University
of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 2, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Mohammed Monsoor Shaik
- Department
of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University
of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 2, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Samuel T. Pasco
- Center
for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Unai Atxabal
- Center
for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Alejandra Matamoros-Recio
- Centro
de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas CSIC, C/Ramiro de Maeztu, 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Mínguez-Toral
- Centro
de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas CSIC, C/Ramiro de Maeztu, 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Diego Zalamea
- Center
for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Antonio Franconetti
- Center
for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Nicola G. A. Abrescia
- Center
for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain,Ikerbasque,
Basque Foundation for Science, Plaza Euskadi 5, 48009 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Jesus Jimenez-Barbero
- Center
for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain,Ikerbasque,
Basque Foundation for Science, Plaza Euskadi 5, 48009 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain,Department
of Organic Chemistry, II Faculty of Science and Technology, EHU-UPV, 48940 Leioa, Spain,Centro
de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Anguita
- Center
for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain,Ikerbasque,
Basque Foundation for Science, Plaza Euskadi 5, 48009 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
| | | | - Francesco Peri
- Department
of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University
of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza, 2, 20126 Milano, Italy,
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36
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Ali A, Waris A, Khan MA, Asim M, Khan AU, Khan S, Zeb J. Recent advancement, immune responses, and mechanism of action of various vaccines against intracellular bacterial infections. Life Sci 2023; 314:121332. [PMID: 36584914 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Emerging and re-emerging bacterial infections are a serious threat to human and animal health. Extracellular bacteria are free-living, while facultative intracellular bacteria replicate inside eukaryotic host cells. Many serious human illnesses are now known to be caused by intracellular bacteria such as Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Rickettsia massiliae, Chlamydia species, Brucella abortus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Listeria monocytogenes, which result in substantial morbidity and mortality. Pathogens like Mycobacterium, Brucella, MRSA, Shigella, Listeria, and Salmonella can infiltrate and persist in mammalian host cells, particularly macrophages, where they proliferate and establish a repository, resulting in chronic and recurrent infections. The current treatment for these bacteria involves the application of narrow-spectrum antibiotics. FDA-approved vaccines against obligate intracellular bacterial infections are lacking. The development of vaccines against intracellular pathogenic bacteria are more difficult because host defense against these bacteria requires the activation of the cell-mediated pathway of the immune system, such as CD8+ T and CD4+ T. However, different types of vaccines, including live, attenuated, subunit, killed whole cell, nano-based and DNA vaccines are currently in clinical trials. Substantial development has been made in various vaccine strategies against intracellular pathogenic bacteria. This review focuses on the mechanism of intracellular bacterial infection, host immune response, and recent advancements in vaccine development strategies against various obligate intracellular bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmat Ali
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Hazara University Mansehra, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Waris
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| | - Muhammad Ajmal Khan
- Division of Life Sciences, Center for Cancer Research and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurosciences, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong
| | - Muhammad Asim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Atta Ullah Khan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Standardization and Measurement for Nanotechnology, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, China
| | - Sahrish Khan
- Department of Biotechnology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Jehan Zeb
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Wu S, Zhu S, Yan X, Xu Y, Xu H, Yang F, Han Z, Gu Y, Zhou Y, Yang Z, Yang H, Shu B, Tang W, Liang K. Willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine among HIV positive men who have sex with men in China: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:64. [PMID: 36627582 PMCID: PMC9830605 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14961-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People living with HIV(PLWH) are deemed more vulnerable to the SARS-CoV-2 infection than the uninfected population. Vaccination is an effective measure for COVID-19 control, yet, little knowledge exists about the willingness of men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV in China to be vaccinated. METHODS This cross-sectional study evaluated the willingness of MSM living with HIV to receive COVID-19 vaccination in six cities of Guangdong, China, from July to September 2020. Factors associated with willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS In total, we recruited 944 HIV-positive MSM with a mean age of 29.2 ± 7.7 years. Of all participants, 92.4% of them were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Participants who were separated, divorced, or widowed (adjusted OR: 5.29, 95%CI: 1.02-27.48), had an annual income higher than 9,000 USD (adjusted OR: 1.70, 95%CI: 1.01-2.86), had ever taken an HIV self-test (adjusted OR: 1.78, 95%CI: 1.07-2.95), had ever disclosed sexual orientation to a doctor/nurse (adjusted OR: 3.16, 95%CI: 1.33-7.50), had ever disclosed sexual orientation to others besides their male partners (adjusted OR: 2.18, 95%CI: 1.29-3.69) were more willing to receive the vaccine. Sex with a female partner in the past six months decreased the likelihood of willingness to receive the vaccine (adjusted OR: 0.40, 95%CI: 0.17-0.95). Economic burden, worry that my health condition could not bear the risk of receiving COVID-19 vaccines, and concern that the vaccination would affect the immune status and antiretroviral therapy were the main reasons for unwillingness to receive vaccination. CONCLUSION Our study showed that HIV-positive MSM had a high willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Targeted interventions such as health education should be conducted among MSM with HIV infection to enhance COVID-19 vaccine uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songjie Wu
- grid.413247.70000 0004 1808 0969Department of Nosocomial Infection, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China ,grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Wuhan Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071 China
| | - Shanhui Zhu
- grid.413247.70000 0004 1808 0969Medical Department, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xumeng Yan
- grid.10698.360000000122483208University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Project-China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongshi Xu
- grid.10698.360000000122483208University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Project-China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huifang Xu
- grid.10698.360000000122483208University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Project-China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fang Yang
- grid.508326.a0000 0004 1754 9032Department of HIV/AIDS Control and Prevention, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhigang Han
- grid.508371.80000 0004 1774 3337Department of HIV/AIDS Control and Prevention, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuzhou Gu
- grid.508371.80000 0004 1774 3337Department of HIV/AIDS Control and Prevention, Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of HIV/AIDS Control and Prevention, Zhuhai Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhuhai, China
| | - Zhengrong Yang
- grid.464443.50000 0004 8511 7645Department of HIV/AIDS Control and Prevention, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huake Yang
- Department of HIV/AIDS Control and Prevention, Dongguan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Dongguan, China
| | - Bo Shu
- Department of HIV/AIDS Control and Prevention, Zhongshan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhongshan, China
| | - Weiming Tang
- grid.10698.360000000122483208University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Project-China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ke Liang
- grid.413247.70000 0004 1808 0969Department of Nosocomial Infection, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China ,grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Wuhan Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, 430071 China ,grid.49470.3e0000 0001 2331 6153Department of Infectious Diseases, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Hubei, China ,Hubei Engineering Center for Infectious Disease Prevention, Control and Treatment, Wuhan, China
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Kaushik M, Sarkar N, Singh A, Kumar P. Nanomaterials to address the genesis of antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 12:946184. [PMID: 36683704 PMCID: PMC9845789 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.946184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Escherichia is a genus of prokaryotic gram-negative bacteria which forms a vital component of the gut microbiota of homeotherms including humans. Many members of this genus are commensals and pathogenic strains, which are responsible for some of the most common bacterial infections and can be fatal, particularly in the case of newborns and children. The fecal matter in wastewater treatment plants serves as major environmental sinks for the accumulation of Escherichia. The rise in antibiotic pollution and the lateral gene exchange of antibiotic-resistant genes have created antibiotic-resistant Escherichia strains that are often called superbugs. Antibiotic resistance has reached a crisis level that nowadays existing antibiotics are no longer effective. One way of tackling this emerging concern is by using nanomaterials. Punitively, nanomaterials can be used by conjugating with antibodies, biomolecules, and peptides to reduce antibiotic usage, whereas, preventatively, they can be used as either nano-antimicrobial additives or nano-photocatalytic sheets to reduce the microbial population and target the superbugs of environmental Escherichia. In this review, we have explored the threat posed by pathogenic Escherichia strains in the environment, especially in the context of antibiotic-resistant strains. Along with this, we have discussed some nanomaterial-mediated strategies in which the problem can be addressed by using nanomaterials as nanophotocatalytics, antimicrobial additives, drugs, and drug conjugates. This review also presents a brief overview of the ecological threats posed by the overuse of nanomaterials which warrants a balanced and judicious approach to the problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahima Kaushik
- Nano-Bioconjugate Chemistry Lab, Cluster Innovation Centre, University of Delhi, Delhi, India,*Correspondence: Mahima Kaushik, ;
| | - Niloy Sarkar
- Nano-Bioconjugate Chemistry Lab, Cluster Innovation Centre, University of Delhi, Delhi, India,Department of Environmental Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Amit Singh
- Nano-Bioconjugate Chemistry Lab, Cluster Innovation Centre, University of Delhi, Delhi, India,Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Pankaj Kumar
- Nano-Bioconjugate Chemistry Lab, Cluster Innovation Centre, University of Delhi, Delhi, India,Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
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Kim SA, Lee Y, Ko Y, Kim S, Kim GB, Lee NK, Ahn W, Kim N, Nam GH, Lee EJ, Kim IS. Protein-based nanocages for vaccine development. J Control Release 2023; 353:767-791. [PMID: 36516900 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Protein nanocages have attracted considerable attention in various fields of nanomedicine due to their intrinsic properties, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, high structural stability, and ease of modification of their surfaces and inner cavities. In vaccine development, these protein nanocages are suited for efficient targeting to and retention in the lymph nodes and can enhance immunogenicity through various mechanisms, including excellent uptake by antigen-presenting cells and crosslinking with multiple B cell receptors. This review highlights the superiority of protein nanocages as antigen delivery carriers based on their physiological and immunological properties such as biodistribution, immunogenicity, stability, and multifunctionality. With a focus on design, we discuss the utilization and efficacy of protein nanocages such as virus-like particles, caged proteins, and artificial caged proteins against cancer and infectious diseases such as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In addition, we summarize available knowledge on the protein nanocages that are currently used in clinical trials and provide a general outlook on conventional distribution techniques and hurdles faced, particularly for therapeutic cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong A Kim
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Chemical & Biological Integrative Research Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeram Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeju Ko
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Seohyun Kim
- Department of Research and Development, SHIFTBIO INC., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Beom Kim
- Department of Research and Development, SHIFTBIO INC., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Na Kyeong Lee
- Chemical & Biological Integrative Research Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonkyung Ahn
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Nayeon Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi-Hoon Nam
- Department of Research and Development, SHIFTBIO INC., Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Jung Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
| | - In-San Kim
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Chemical & Biological Integrative Research Center, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
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40
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Stefanizzi P, Ferorelli D, Scazzi FL, Di Lorenzo A, Martinelli A, Trinchera C, Moscara L, Miniello E, Di Bona D, Tafuri S. Allergic adverse events following immunization: Data from post-marketing surveillance in Apulia region (South of Italy). Front Immunol 2023; 14:1074246. [PMID: 36923411 PMCID: PMC10008905 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1074246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Among adverse events following immunization (AEFIs), allergic reactions elicit the most concern, as they are often unpredictable and can be life-threatening. Their estimates range from one in 1,000,000 to one in 50,000 vaccine doses. This report describes allergic events following immunization reported from 2020 to 2021 in Puglia, a region in the South-East of Italy with around 4 million inhabitants. Its main objective is to describe the allergic safety profile of currently employed vaccines. Materials and methods This is a retrospective observational study. The study period spanned from January 2020 to December 2021, and the whole Apulian population was included in the study. Information regarding AEFIs reported in Puglia during the study period was gathered from the Italian Drug Authority's pharmacovigilance database (National Pharmacovigilance Network, RNF). The overall number of vaccine doses administered was extrapolated by the Apulian online immunization database (GIAVA). Reporting rates were calculated as AEFIs reported during a certain time span/number of vaccine doses administered during the same period. Results 10,834,913 vaccine doses were administered during the study period and 95 reports of allergic AEFIs were submitted to the RNF (reporting rate 0.88/100,000 doses). 27.4% of the reported events (26/95) were classified as serious (reporting rate 0.24/100,000 doses). 68 out of 95 (71.6%) adverse events were at least partially resolved by the time of reporting and none of them resulted in the subject's death. Conclusions Allergic reactions following vaccination were rare events, thus confirming the favourable risks/benefits ratio for currently marketed vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Stefanizzi
- Bari Policlinico General Hospital, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Bari, Italy
| | - Davide Ferorelli
- Bari Policlinico General Hospital, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Livio Scazzi
- Bari Policlinico General Hospital, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Lorenzo
- Bari Policlinico General Hospital, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Bari, Italy
| | - Andrea Martinelli
- Bari Policlinico General Hospital, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Bari, Italy
| | - Chiara Trinchera
- Bari Policlinico General Hospital, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Bari, Italy
| | - Lorenza Moscara
- Bari Policlinico General Hospital, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Bari, Italy
| | - Enrico Miniello
- Bari Policlinico General Hospital, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Bari, Italy
| | - Danilo Di Bona
- Bari Policlinico General Hospital, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Bari, Italy
| | - Silvio Tafuri
- Bari Policlinico General Hospital, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Bari, Italy
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41
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Loria J, Albani VVL, Coutinho FAB, Covas DT, Struchiner CJ, Zubelli JP, Massad E. Time-dependent vaccine efficacy estimation quantified by a mathematical model. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285466. [PMID: 37167285 PMCID: PMC10174497 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In this paper we calculate the variation of the estimated vaccine efficacy (VE) due to the time-dependent force of infection resulting from the difference between the moment the Clinical Trial (CT) begins and the peak in the outbreak intensity. Using a simple mathematical model we tested the hypothesis that the time difference between the moment the CT begins and the peak in the outbreak intensity determines substantially different values for VE. We exemplify the method with the case of the VE efficacy estimation for one of the vaccines against the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Loria
- Instituto de Matemática Pura e Aplicada, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- School of Mathematics, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Vinicius V L Albani
- LAMMCA, Department of Mathematics, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Eduardo Massad
- School of Applied Mathematics, Fundação Getúlio Vargas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- School of Medicine, University of São Paulo and LIM01-HCFMUSP, São Paulo, Brazil
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Zhang GF, Meng W, Chen L, Ding L, Feng J, Perez J, Ali A, Sun S, Liu Z, Huang Y, Guo H, Gao S. Neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern including Delta and Omicron in subjects receiving mRNA-1273, BNT162b2, and Ad26.COV2.S vaccines. J Med Virol 2022; 94:5678-5690. [PMID: 35902378 PMCID: PMC9353285 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 vaccines have contributed to the control of COVID-19 in some parts of the world. However, the constant emergence of variants of concern (VOCs) challenges the effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines over time. In particular, Omicron contains a high number of mutations in the spike (S) protein gene, on which most vaccines were developed. In this study, we quantitated neutralizing antibodies in vaccine recipients at various times postvaccination using S protein-based pseudoviruses derived from wild type (WT) SARS-CoV-2 and five VOCs including Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1), Delta (B.1.617.2), and Omicron (B.1.1.529). We found that two-dose mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2 vaccines elicited robust neutralizing antibodies against WT, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta, but wanned after 6 months with a faster decline observed for BNT162b2. Both mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2 elicited weak neutralizing antibodies against Omicron. One dose of Ad26.COV2.S vaccine induced weaker neutralizing antibodies against WT and most VOCs than mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2 did but moderate neutralizing antibodies against Delta and Omicron, which lasted for 6 months. These results support current recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for a booster 5 months after full immunization with an mRNA-based vaccine and the use of an mRNA-based vaccine 2 months after Ad26.COV2.S vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Fei Zhang
- Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer CenterUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Wen Meng
- Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer CenterUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Luping Chen
- Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer CenterUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Ling Ding
- Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer CenterUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Jian Feng
- Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer CenterUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Joseph Perez
- Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer CenterUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Abid Ali
- Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer CenterUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Shenyu Sun
- Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer CenterUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Zhentao Liu
- Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer CenterUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringSwanson School and EngineeringPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Yufei Huang
- Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer CenterUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringSwanson School and EngineeringPittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Haitao Guo
- Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer CenterUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Shou‐Jiang Gao
- Cancer Virology Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer CenterUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvaniaUSA
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Hijazi R, Gesser-Edelsburg A, Feder-Bubis P, Mesch GS. Hesitant and anti-vaccination groups: A qualitative study on their perceptions and attitudes regarding vaccinations and their reluctance to participate in academic research- an example during a measles outbreak among a group of Jewish parents in Israel. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1012822. [PMID: 36438238 PMCID: PMC9682119 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1012822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vaccination is widespread in Western countries and, overall, there is a high vaccination rate. However, immunization is still an enduring challenge. In recent years, the number of parents who choose to delay or refuse vaccines has risen. Objectives (1) to identify the perceptions and attitudes of hesitant and anti-vaccination parents regarding vaccination in general, and vaccinating their children in particular and; (2) to describe the responses of potential participants to the request to participate in academic research regarding their perceptions and attitudes on the subject of vaccines. Methods The research employs the qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological method using two research tools: (1) in-depth interviews with 7 hesitant and 11 anti-vaccination Jewish parents in Israel; and (2) the researchers' field notes from this study process, which describe the responses of 32 potential participants to the request to participate in this academic research. Results The main findings indicate that while most of the interviewees admit to the efficacy of vaccines in preventing diseases, they oppose the way in which vaccines are promoted-based on providing partial information and disregarding parents' concerns and questions. Therefore, they demand transparency about the efficacy and safety of vaccines. The findings also point to a paradoxical finding. On the one hand, these groups claim that health organizations do not understand their position, referring to them as "science-deniers", even though they are not. On the other hand, these parents choose to refrain from participating in scientific studies and voicing their opinions, thereby perpetuating the situation of being misunderstood. Conclusion Hesitant and anti-vaccination groups express mistrust in academic institutions and health organizations. Therefore, an effective dialogue that would include hesitant and anti-vaccination groups, the academy, and health organizations may contribute to a better understanding of the barriers that prevent these groups from getting vaccinated or vaccinating their children and promote public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Hijazi
- School of Public Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel,*Correspondence: Rana Hijazi
| | - Anat Gesser-Edelsburg
- Head of the Health Promotion Program and Head of the Health and Risk Communication Lab, School of Public Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Paula Feder-Bubis
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Faculty of Health Sciences and Guilford Glazer Faculty of Business and Management, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel
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Yang T, Wang Y, Yao L, Guo X, Hannah MN, Liu C, Rui J, Zhao Z, Huang J, Liu W, Deng B, Luo L, Li Z, Li P, Zhu Y, Liu X, Xu J, Yang M, Zhao Q, Su Y, Chen T. Application of logistic differential equation models for early warning of infectious diseases in Jilin Province. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2019. [PMCID: PMC9636661 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14407-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
There is still a relatively serious disease burden of infectious diseases and the warning time for different infectious diseases before implementation of interventions is important. The logistic differential equation models can be used for predicting early warning of infectious diseases. The aim of this study is to compare the disease fitting effects of the logistic differential equation (LDE) model and the generalized logistic differential equation (GLDE) model for the first time using data on multiple infectious diseases in Jilin Province and to calculate the early warning signals for different types of infectious diseases using these two models in Jilin Province to solve the disease early warning schedule for Jilin Province throughout the year.
Methods
Collecting the incidence of 22 infectious diseases in Jilin Province, China. The LDE and GLDE models were used to calculate the recommended warning week (RWW), the epidemic acceleration week (EAW) and warning removed week (WRW) for acute infectious diseases with seasonality, respectively.
Results
Five diseases were selected for analysis based on screening principles: hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), shigellosis, mumps, Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), and scarlet fever. The GLDE model fitted the above diseases better (0.80 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.94, P < 0. 005) than the LDE model. The estimated warning durations (per year) of the LDE model for the above diseases were: weeks 12–23 and 40–50; weeks 20–36; weeks 15–24 and 43–52; weeks 26–34; and weeks 16–25 and 41–50. While the durations of early warning (per year) estimated by the GLDE model were: weeks 7–24 and 36–51; weeks 13–37; weeks 11–26 and 39–54; weeks 23–35; and weeks 12–26 and 40–50.
Conclusions
Compared to the LDE model, the GLDE model provides a better fit to the actual disease incidence data. The RWW appeared to be earlier when estimated with the GLDE model than the LDE model. In addition, the WRW estimated with the GLDE model were more lagged and had a longer warning time.
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Development of a TLR7/8 agonist adjuvant formulation to overcome early life hyporesponsiveness to DTaP vaccination. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16860. [PMID: 36258023 PMCID: PMC9579132 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20346-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection is the most common cause of mortality early in life, yet the broad potential of immunization is not fully realized in this vulnerable population. Most vaccines are administered during infancy and childhood, but in some cases the full benefit of vaccination is not realized in-part. New adjuvants are cardinal to further optimize current immunization approaches for early life. However, only a few classes of adjuvants are presently incorporated in vaccines approved for human use. Recent advances in the discovery and delivery of Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist adjuvants have provided a new toolbox for vaccinologists. Prominent among these candidate adjuvants are synthetic small molecule TLR7/8 agonists. The development of an effective infant Bordetella pertussis vaccine is urgently required because of the resurgence of pertussis in many countries, contemporaneous to the switch from whole cell to acellular vaccines. In this context, TLR7/8 adjuvant based vaccine formulation strategies may be a promising tool to enhance and accelerate early life immunity by acellular B. pertussis vaccines. In the present study, we optimized (a) the formulation delivery system, (b) structure, and (c) immunologic activity of novel small molecule imidazoquinoline TLR7/8 adjuvants towards human infant leukocytes, including dendritic cells. Upon immunization of neonatal mice, this TLR7/8 adjuvant overcame neonatal hyporesponsiveness to acellular pertussis vaccination by driving a T helper (Th)1/Th17 biased T cell- and IgG2c-skewed humoral response to a licensed acellular vaccine (DTaP). This potent immunization strategy may represent a new paradigm for effective immunization against pertussis and other pathogens in early life.
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Computational Clues of Immunogenic Hotspots in Plasmodium falciparum Erythrocytic Stage Vaccine Candidate Antigens: In Silico Approach. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:5886687. [PMID: 36277884 PMCID: PMC9584662 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5886687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Malaria is the most pernicious parasitic infection, and Plasmodium falciparum is the most virulent species with substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. The present in silico investigation was performed to reveal the biophysical characteristics and immunogenic epitopes of the 14 blood-stage proteins of the P. falciparum using comprehensive immunoinformatics approaches. For this aim, various web servers were employed to predict subcellular localization, antigenicity, allergenicity, solubility, physicochemical properties, posttranslational modification sites (PTMs), the presence of signal peptide, and transmembrane domains. Moreover, structural analysis for secondary and 3D model predictions were performed for all and stable proteins, respectively. Finally, human helper T lymphocyte (HTL) epitopes were predicted using HLA reference set of IEDB server and screened in terms of antigenicity, allergenicity, and IFN-γ induction as well as population coverage. Also, a multiserver B-cell epitope prediction was done with subsequent screening for antigenicity, allergenicity, and solubility. Altogether, these proteins showed appropriate antigenicity, abundant PTMs, and many B-cell and HTL epitopes, which could be directed for future vaccination studies in the context of multiepitope vaccine design.
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Rashid MU, Glover KKM, Lao Y, Spicer V, Coombs KM. Temporal proteomic analyses of human lung cells distinguish high pathogenicity influenza viruses and coronaviruses from low pathogenicity viruses. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:994512. [PMID: 36299731 PMCID: PMC9589293 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.994512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Newly re-emerging viruses are of significant global concern. In late 2019, a new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, emerged in China and soon spread worldwide, causing the COVID-19 pandemic, which to date has caused >6 M deaths. There has been a wealth of studies on this new virus since its emergence. The coronaviruses consist of many animal and human pathogens, with some of the human coronavirus, such as strain OC43, normally causing only mild cold-like symptoms. Viruses usurp host cellular processes to successfully replicate. We used tandem mass tag mass spectrometry-based proteomic analyses of human lung MRC-5 cells infected with OC43 for various periods of time to delineate virus-induced host cell alterations. Numerous proteins involved in lipid metabolism, molecular transport, small molecule biochemistry, cell death and survival, humoral immune response, and inflammatory response were dysregulated. Comparison of our findings to previous studies that examined a range of differentially pathogenic influenza A viruses (IAV), and to SARS-CoV-2 data, revealed that proteins involved in the cell cycle, cytokine signaling, DNA replication, and anti-inflammatory responses were generally similarly affected by virtually all tested IAV and CoV. However, proteins involved in necrosis, protein metabolism, ECM regulation, and signal transduction were generally different. In addition, the more pathogenic CoV and IAV activated Rb-dependent repression of E2F-mediated transcription, whereas less pathogenic influenza and coronaviruses either inhibited or had no effect on this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahamud-ur Rashid
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Manitoba Center for Proteomics and Systems Biology, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Kathleen K. M. Glover
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Manitoba Center for Proteomics and Systems Biology, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Ying Lao
- Manitoba Center for Proteomics and Systems Biology, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Victor Spicer
- Manitoba Center for Proteomics and Systems Biology, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Kevin M. Coombs
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Manitoba Center for Proteomics and Systems Biology, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, John Buhler Research Center, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Kevin M. Coombs,
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Efficient antigen delivery by dendritic cell-targeting peptide via nucleolin confers superior vaccine effects in mice. iScience 2022; 25:105324. [PMID: 36304121 PMCID: PMC9593262 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Efficient delivery of subunit vaccines to dendritic cells (DCs) is necessary to improve vaccine efficacy, because the vaccine antigen alone cannot induce sufficient protective immunity. Here, we identified DC-targeting peptides using a phage display system and demonstrated the potential of these peptides as antigen-delivery carriers to improve subunit vaccine effectiveness in mice. The fusion of antigen proteins and peptides with DC-targeting peptides induced strong antigen-specific IgG responses, even in the absence of adjuvants. In addition, the DC-targeting peptide improved the distribution of antigens to DCs and antigen presentation by DCs. The combined use of an adjuvant with a DC-targeting peptide improved the effectiveness of the vaccine. Furthermore, nucleolin, located on the DC surface, was identified as the receptor for DC-targeting peptide, and nucleolin was indispensable for the vaccine effect of the DC-targeting peptide. Overall, the findings of this study could be useful for developing subunit vaccines against infectious diseases. We successfully identified an efficient DC-targeting peptide using a phage display system Fusion of the peptide improves the efficacy of vaccine even in the absence of adjuvants The peptide improves the distribution of antigens to DCs and antigen presentation by DCs Nucleolin is indispensable for the vaccine effect of the DC-targeting peptide
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Orok E, Ndem E, Daniel E. Knowledge, attitude and perception of medical students on COVID-19 vaccines: A study carried out in a Nigerian University. Front Public Health 2022; 10:942283. [PMID: 36211686 PMCID: PMC9535657 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.942283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Vaccine development, distribution, and immunization of large populations have been identified as vital mitigation strategies for curbing the spread of COVID-19. However, vaccine hesitancy is a major barrier to this. The knowledge and perception of COVID-19 vaccines can improve vaccine acceptance. The purpose of this study was to assess medical students' knowledge, attitude, and perception of COVID-19 vaccines. Methods This study was a cross-sectional web-based survey conducted among undergraduate students from the faculties of Basic medical sciences and Clinical sciences, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The students' knowledge was ranked as excellent (>70%), good (50-69%) and poor (<50%) while perception was categorized into positive (>50%), and negative (<50%). The difference in knowledge based on demographics was analyzed using the Independent sample t-test. The association between demographics, and students' perception was carried out using the Chi-square and Fisher's Exact tests. Analyses were conducted using SPSS software version 25. Results A total of 233 students consented to participate in the study out of which 51.1% were female. Forty-eight students (20.6%) had good knowledge while 41.2% of the participants accepted to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Positive perception was reported among 51.1% (119) of the students. Conclusion There was poor knowledge and positive perception among majority of the students. Educational intervention in form of training should be done to improve medical students' knowledge and perception toward COVID-19 vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edidiong Orok
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Public Health, College of Pharmacy, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria,*Correspondence: Edidiong Orok
| | - Ekpedeme Ndem
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
| | - Eunice Daniel
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Biopharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
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50
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Surface Modification of Biodegradable Microparticles with the Novel Host-Derived Immunostimulant CPDI-02 Significantly Increases Short-Term and Long-Term Mucosal and Systemic Antibodies against Encapsulated Protein Antigen in Young Naïve Mice after Respiratory Immunization. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091843. [PMID: 36145590 PMCID: PMC9502690 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Generating long-lived mucosal and systemic antibodies through respiratory immunization with protective antigens encapsulated in nanoscale biodegradable particles could potentially decrease or eliminate the incidence of many infectious diseases, but requires the incorporation of a suitable mucosal immunostimulant. We previously found that respiratory immunization with a model protein antigen (LPS-free OVA) encapsulated in PLGA 50:50 nanoparticles (~380 nm diameter) surface-modified with complement peptide-derived immunostimulant 02 (CPDI-02; formerly EP67) through 2 kDa PEG linkers increases mucosal and systemic OVA-specific memory T-cells with long-lived surface phenotypes in young, naïve female C57BL/6 mice. Here, we determined if respiratory immunization with LPS-free OVA encapsulated in similar PLGA 50:50 microparticles (~1 μm diameter) surface-modified with CPDI-02 (CPDI-02-MP) increases long-term OVA-specific mucosal and systemic antibodies. We found that, compared to MP surface-modified with inactive, scrambled scCPDI-02 (scCPDI-02-MP), intranasal administration of CPDI-02-MP in 50 μL sterile PBS greatly increased titers of short-term (14 days post-immunization) and long-term (90 days post-immunization) antibodies against encapsulated LPS-free OVA in nasal lavage fluids, bronchoalveolar lavage fluids, and sera of young, naïve female C57BL/6 mice with minimal lung inflammation. Thus, surface modification of ~1 μm biodegradable microparticles with CPDI-02 is likely to increase long-term mucosal and systemic antibodies against encapsulated protein antigen after respiratory and possibly other routes of mucosal immunization.
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