Recovery of infectious SV5 from cloned DNA and expression of a foreign gene

Efficacy of parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5)-vectored intranasal COVID-19 vaccine as a single dose primer and booster against SARS-CoV-2 variants

Immunization with COVID-19 vaccines has greatly reduced COVID-19-related deaths and hospitalizations from SARS-CoV-2 infection, but waning immunity and the emergence of variants capable of immune escape indicate the need for annual vaccine updates or development of different SARS-CoV-2 vaccine platforms. Parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5)-vectored intranasal COVID-19 vaccine with the ancestral spike (S) protein (CVXGA1) has been shown to be a promising next-generation COVID-19 vaccine preclinically and is currently being evaluated in humans. This work investigates the immunogenicity and efficacy of CVXGA1 and other PIV5-vectored vaccine candidates expressing additional SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein (N) antigen or SARS-CoV-2 variant S proteins of beta, delta, gamma, and omicron variants against homologous and heterologous challenges in hamsters. A single intranasal dose of CVXGA1 induces neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) against SARS-CoV-2 WA1 (ancestral), delta variant, and omicron variant and protects against both homologous and heterologous virus challenges. Compared to mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, neutralizing antibody titers induced by CVXGA1 were well maintained over time. When administered as a booster following two doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, PIV5-vectored vaccines expressing the S protein from WA1 (CVXGA1), delta, or omicron variants generate higher levels of cross-reactive nAbs than three doses of mRNA vaccine. Our data indicate that an intranasal PIV5-vectored COVID-19 vaccine can serve as a booster vaccine against emerging variants.

IMPORTANCE

With emerging new variants of concern (VOC), SARS-CoV-2 continues to be a major threat to human health. Approved COVID-19 vaccines have been less effective against these emerging VOCs. This work demonstrates the protective efficacy and strong boosting effect of an intranasal viral-vectored vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 variants in hamsters. Our intranasal vaccine can act as an effective booster for individuals already 58 vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2.

The Cap-proximal secondary structures of the 5'UTRs of parainfluenza virus 5 mRNAs specify differential sensitivity to type I interferon and IFIT1

Parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) is a paramyxovirus that has been isolated from numerous mammalian hosts and is notable for its ability to cause persistent infections. Although PIV5-infected cells are resistant to IFN due to the ability of the V protein to target STAT1 for degradation, PIV5 shows residual IFN sensitivity when infecting cells that have already been exposed to IFN. We have previously reported that the human IFN-stimulated gene with the greatest inhibitory effect on PIV5 is IFIT1. IFIT1 inhibits the translation of incompletely methylated mRNAs (Cap0) but not those 2'-O-methylated at the first transcribed nucleotide (Cap1). All Mononegavirales are thought to generate Cap1 mRNA, so the sensitivity of PIV5 to IFIT1 is surprising. Here, we show that PIV5 generates Cap0 mRNA but not Cap1 mRNA, thus explaining its sensitivity to IFIT1. Furthermore, the sensitivity of different PIV5 genes to IFIT1-mediated translation inhibition varies. In the absence of complete Cap methylation, we show that the presence or absence of 5'-terminal RNA hairpin structures in the 5'UTRs of PIV5 genes determines the extent to which they are sensitive to IFIT1. Notably, the genes involved in RNA synthesis are relatively resistant to IFIT1 inhibition. This presents a potential mechanism by which IFIT1 can regulate the outcome of PIV5 infection in response to IFN and may be important in allowing the virus to establish prolonged/persistent infections.

ISG15-Dependent Stabilisation of USP18 Is Necessary but Not Sufficient to Regulate Type I Interferon Signalling in Humans

Type I interferon (IFN) signalling induces the expression of several hundred IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) that provide an unfavourable environment for viral replication. To prevent an overexuberant response and autoinflammatory disease, IFN signalling requires tight control. One critical regulator is the ubiquitin-like protein IFN-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15), evidenced by autoinflammatory disease in patients with inherited ISG15 deficiencies. Current models suggest that ISG15 stabilises ubiquitin-specific peptidase 18 (USP18), a well-established negative regulator of IFN signalling. USP18 also functions as an ISG15-specific peptidase that cleaves ISG15 from ISGylated proteins; however, USP18's catalytic activity is dispensable for controlling IFN signalling. Here, we show that the ISG15-dependent stabilisation of USP18 involves hydrophobic interactions reliant on tryptophan 123 (W123) in ISG15. Nonetheless, while USP18 stabilisation is necessary, it is not sufficient for the regulation of IFN signalling; ISG15 C-terminal mutants with significantly reduced affinity still stabilised USP18, yet the magnitude of signalling resembled ISG15-deficient cells. Hence, USP18 requires non-covalent interactions with the ISG15 C-terminal diGlycine motif to promote its regulatory function. It shows ISG15 is a repressor of type I IFN signalling beyond its role as a USP18 stabiliser.

Single-cycle parainfluenza virus type 5 vectors for producing recombinant proteins, including a humanized anti-V5 tag antibody

Parainfluenza virus type 5 (PIV5) can cause either persistent or acute/lytic infections in a wide range of mammalian tissue culture cells. Here, we have generated PIV5 fusion (F)-expressing helper cell lines that support the replication of F-deleted viruses. As proof of the principle that F-deleted single-cycle infectious viruses can be used as safe and efficient expression vectors, we have cloned and expressed a humanized (Hu) version of the mouse anti-V5 tag antibody (clone SV5-Pk1). We show that multiple different cell lines can be infected and express high levels of the Hu anti-V5 antibody, with Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing 20-50 mg l-1 after 5 days when cells were grown to a density of ~1×106 cells per millilitre at the time of infection. We suggest that PIV5-based vectors may be further developed to produce recombinant proteins both in vitro and in vivo.

Isolation, genome analysis and comparison of a novel parainfluenza virus 5 from a Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris)

Paramyxoviruses are important pathogens affecting various animals, including mammals and humans. Parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5)-a member of the family Paramyxoviridae-is a major threat to the health of mammals and humans. However, studies on terrestrial wild animals infected with PIV5 are scanty. In this study, we utilized reverse transcription PCR to detect PIV5 infection in the visceral organ tissues of a Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris ssp. altaica) with vomiting, diarrhea, and dyspnea before its death. A novel PIV5 (named SR strain) with a slowly progressive cytopathic effect was isolated in Vero cells and validated using a transmission electron microscope. Full-length sequencing and analysis revealed that the whole genome of the PIV5 SR strain contained 15,246 nucleotides (nt) and seven non-overlapping genes (3'-N-V/P-M-F-SH-HN-L-5') encoding eight proteins. Phylogenetic analysis of three PIV5 strains identified in the same zoo confirmed that PIV5 strains SR and ZJQ-221 shared the closest genetic relationship as they were clustered in the same branch, while the recently found Siberian tiger strain SZ2 kept a certain distance and formed a relatively unique branch. Furthermore, mutations of nt and amino acids (aa) between strains ZJQ-221, SR, and SZ2 were identified. In summary, we report the identification and genomic characterization of a novel PIV5 strain SR isolated in a Siberian tiger, which may help future research on interspecific transmission mechanisms.

Intranasal vaccine for Lyme disease provides protection against tick transmitted Borrelia burgdorferi beyond one year

Strategies for disease control are necessary to reduce incidence of Lyme Disease (LD) including development of safe vaccines for human use. Parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) vector has an excellent safety record in animals and PIV5-vectored vaccines are currently under clinical development. We constructed PIV5-vectored LD vaccine candidates expressing OspA from B. burgdorferi (OspAB31) and a chimeric protein containing sequences from B. burgdorferi and B. afzelii (OspABPBPk). Immunogenicity and vaccine efficacy were analyzed in C3H-HeN mice after prime-boost intranasal vaccination with live PIV5-OspAB31 or PIV5-OspABPBPk, subcutaneous (s.c.) vaccination with rOspAB31+Alum, and the respective controls. Mice vaccinated intranasally with live PIV5-AB31 or PIV5-ABPBPk had higher endpoint titers of serum antibody against OspAB31 at 6- and 12- months post vaccination, compared to mice vaccinated s.c. with rOspAB31. Neutralization activity of antibody was maintained up to 18-months post-immunization, with the response greater in live PIV5-delivered OspA vaccines, than that induced by s.c. rOspAB31. Challenge with infected ticks carrying 10-19 strains of B. burgdorferi performed at 4-, 9- or 15-months post-immunization showed increased breakthrough infections in mice vaccinated with s.c. rOspAB31 compared to intranasal PIV5-AB31 or PIV5-ABPBPk at 9- and 15-months, as determined by quantification of serologic antibodies to B. burgdorferi proteins as well as flaB DNA in tissues, and by visualization of motile B. burgdorferi in culture of tissues under dark field microscope. These findings indicate that immunization of mice with PIV5 delivered OspA generates immune responses that produce longer-lasting protection ( > 1 year) against tick-transmitted B. burgdorferi than a parenteral recombinant OspA vaccine.

Reverse Genetics Systems for the De Novo Rescue of Diverse Members of Paramyxoviridae

Paramyxoviruses place significant burdens on both human and wildlife health; while some paramyxoviruses are established within human populations, others circulate within diverse animal reservoirs. Concerningly, bat-borne paramyxoviruses have spilled over into humans with increasing frequency in recent years, resulting in severe disease. The risk of future zoonotic outbreaks, as well as the persistence of paramyxoviruses that currently circulate within humans, highlights the need for efficient tools through which to interrogate paramyxovirus biology. Reverse genetics systems provide scientists with the ability to rescue paramyxoviruses de novo, offering versatile tools for implementation in both research and public health settings. Reverse genetics systems have greatly improved over the past 30 years, with several key innovations optimizing the success of paramyxovirus rescue. Here, we describe the significance of such advances and provide a generally applicable guide for the development and use of reverse genetics systems for the rescue of diverse members of Paramyxoviridae.

Persistent paramyxovirus infections: in co-infections the parainfluenza virus type 5 persistent phenotype is dominant over the lytic phenotype

Parainfluenza virus type 5 (PIV5) can either have a persistent or a lytic phenotype in cultured cells. We have previously shown that the phenotype is determined by the phosphorylation status of the phosphoprotein (P). Single amino acid substitutions at critical residues, including a serine-to-phenylalanine substitution at position 157 on P, result in a switch between persistent and lytic phenotypes. Here, using PIV5 vectors expressing either mCherry or GFP with persistent or lytic phenotypes, we show that in co-infections the persistent phenotype is dominant. Thus, in contrast to the cell death observed with cells infected solely with the lytic variant, in co-infected cells persistence is immediately established and both lytic and persistent genotypes persist. Furthermore, 10-20 % of virus released from dually infected cells contains both genotypes, indicating that PIV5 particles can package more than one genome. Co-infected cells continue to maintain both genotypes/phenotypes during cell passage, as do individual colonies of cells derived from a culture of persistently infected cells. A refinement of our model on how the dynamics of virus selection may occur in vivo is presented.

Combined intranasal and intramuscular parainfluenza 5-, simian adenovirus ChAdOx1- and poxvirus MVA-vectored vaccines induce synergistically HIV-1-specific T cells in the mucosa

Introduction

The primary goal of this work is to broaden and enhance the options for induction of protective CD8⁺ T cells against HIV-1 and respiratory pathogens.

Methods

We explored the advantages of the parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) vector for delivery of pathogen-derived transgenes alone and in combination with the in-human potent regimen of simian adenovirus ChAdOx1 prime-poxvirus MVA boost delivering bi-valent mosaic of HIV-1 conserved regions designated HIVconsvX.

Results

We showed in BALB/c mice that the PIV5 vector expressing the HIVconsvX immunogens could be readily incorporated with the other two vaccine modalities into a single regimen and that for specific vector combinations, mucosal CD8⁺ T-cell induction was enhanced synergistically by a combination of the intranasal and intramuscular routes of administration.

Discussion

Encouraging safety and immunogenicity data from phase 1 human trials of ChAdOx1- and MVA-vectored vaccines for HIV-1, and PIV5-vectored vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory syncytial virus pave the way for combining these vectors for HIV-1 and other indications in humans.

Viral vectored vaccines: design, development, preventive and therapeutic applications in human diseases

Human diseases, particularly infectious diseases and cancers, pose unprecedented challenges to public health security and the global economy. The development and distribution of novel prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines are the prioritized countermeasures of human disease. Among all vaccine platforms, viral vector vaccines offer distinguished advantages and represent prominent choices for pathogens that have hampered control efforts based on conventional vaccine approaches. Currently, viral vector vaccines remain one of the best strategies for induction of robust humoral and cellular immunity against human diseases. Numerous viruses of different families and origins, including vesicular stomatitis virus, rabies virus, parainfluenza virus, measles virus, Newcastle disease virus, influenza virus, adenovirus and poxvirus, are deemed to be prominent viral vectors that differ in structural characteristics, design strategy, antigen presentation capability, immunogenicity and protective efficacy. This review summarized the overall profile of the design strategies, progress in advance and steps taken to address barriers to the deployment of these viral vector vaccines, simultaneously highlighting their potential for mucosal delivery, therapeutic application in cancer as well as other key aspects concerning the rational application of these viral vector vaccines. Appropriate and accurate technological advances in viral vector vaccines would consolidate their position as a leading approach to accelerate breakthroughs in novel vaccines and facilitate a rapid response to public health emergencies.

Efficacy of Parainfluenza Virus 5 (PIV5)-vectored Intranasal COVID-19 Vaccine as a Single Dose Vaccine and as a Booster against SARS-CoV-2 Variants

Immunization with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines has greatly reduced coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related deaths and hospitalizations, but waning immunity and the emergence of variants capable of immune escape indicate the need for novel SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. An intranasal parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5)-vectored COVID-19 vaccine CVXGA1 has been proven efficacious in animal models and blocks contact transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in ferrets. CVXGA1 vaccine is currently in human clinical trials in the United States. This work investigates the immunogenicity and efficacy of CVXGA1 and other PIV5-vectored vaccines expressing additional antigen SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein (N) or SARS-CoV-2 variant spike (S) proteins of beta, delta, gamma, and omicron variants against homologous and heterologous challenges in hamsters. A single intranasal dose of CVXGA1 induces neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 WA1 (ancestral), delta variant, and omicron variant and protects against both homologous and heterologous virus challenges. Compared to mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, neutralizing antibody titers induced by CVXGA1 were well-maintained over time. When administered as a boost following two doses of a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, PIV5-vectored vaccines expressing the S protein from WA1 (CVXGA1), delta, or omicron variants generate higher levels of cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies compared to three doses of a mRNA vaccine. In addition to the S protein, the N protein provides added protection as assessed by the highest body weight gain post-challenge infection. Our data indicates that PIV5-vectored COVID-19 vaccines, such as CVXGA1, can serve as booster vaccines against emerging variants.

Differential In Vitro Growth and Cell Killing of Cancer versus Benign Prostate Cells by Oncolytic Parainfluenza Virus

The development of effective oncolytic viruses will require understanding the differences in virus replication and killing between normal and cancer cells. Here, we have evaluated infections of metastatic cancer (22Rv1) and benign non-tumorigenic (BPH-1) prostate cell lines with a mutant parainfluenza virus 5 (P/V/F) encoding a defective V protein and a hyperfusogenic F protein. Under low multiplicity of infection (MOI), the P/V/F mutant efficiently spread in 22Rv1 cells but was restricted in BPH-1 cells due to type-I interferon (IFN-I) responses. In mixed co-cultures, the P/V/F mutant showed specificity towards and spread within the 22Rv1 cells versus BPH-1 cells. Under high MOI conditions, both BPH-1 and 22Rv1 cells showed efficient infection by the P/V/F mutant. However, compared to BPH-1 cells, the 22Rv1 cancer cells showed increased cytopathic effect, higher induction of caspase-8 and -9, and extensive syncytia formation. In 22Rv1 spheroid cultures, P/V/F infection was less efficient compared to monolayers, but the virus was able to spread through spheroids and induce death. These data indicate that IFN-I sensitivity is a major determinant of specificity of P/V/F spread through populations of cancer versus benign cells, and additionally, differences in activation of apoptotic pathways and syncytia formation can contribute to differential outcomes in cancer versus benign cells.

A System Based on Novel Parainfluenza Virus PIV5-L for Efficient Gene Delivery of B-Lymphoma Cells

Aggressive B-cell lymphoma is one of the most common types of blood malignancy. Robust delivery of genes of interest into target cells, long-term gene expression, and minimal risk of secondary effects are highly desirable for translational medicine including gene therapy and studies on gene function. However, efficient gene delivery into viral or nonviral B-lymphoma cells remains a challenge. Here, we report a strategy for inducing foreign gene expression in B-lymphoma cells by using a vector based on the novel parainfluenza virus PIV5-L (a strain isolated from B cells) that enabled us to study and control the function of a gene product within B-lymphoma cells. Using enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) as a reporter, we successfully rescued PIV5-L and established a one-step system to generate PIV5-L virus-like particles (L-VLPs) with efficient delivery into a broad spectrum of susceptible B-lymphoma cell lines, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)- or Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)-transformed B-lymphoblastoid cells. Similar to lentiviral vector, the L-VLP highly expressed exogenous genes and remained stable for long periods without obvious negative effects on cell viability. Taken together, these data demonstrate that the PIV5-L-based system provides a potential new strategy for the delivery of desirable genes and the treatment of cancer. IMPORTANCE B-cell lymphoma is a common aggressive neoplastic disorder of lymphocytes. Delivery of genes of interest into B cells, particularly virus-mediated B-lymphoma cells, is still a challenge. In this study, we report that a system (L-VLP) based on the parainfluenza virus PIV5-L strain isolated from B cells had highly expressed exogenous genes and remained stable without obvious cell toxicity, which provides a potential new strategy for gene delivery and treatment of B-cell cancer.

Oncolytic parainfluenza virus combines with NK cells to mediate killing of infected and non-infected lung cancer cells within 3D spheroids: role of type I and type III interferon signaling

BACKGROUND

There is intense interest in developing novel oncolytic viruses, which can be used in cancer therapies along with immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells. We have previously developed a particle-based method for in vitro expansion of highly cytotoxic human NK cells (PM21-NK cells). Here, we have tested the hypothesis that oncolytic parainfluenza virus 5 (P/V virus) can combine with PM21-NK cells for targeted killing of lung cancer cells.

METHODS

PM21-NK cells were assayed for killing of P/V virus-infected A549, H1299 and Calu-1 lung cancer cells in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cultures using flow cytometry, luminescence and kinetic imaging-based methods. Blocking antibodies were used to evaluate NK cell activating receptors involved in PM21-NK cell killing of infected target cells. Media transfer experiments tested soluble factors that increase PM21-NK cell killing of both P/V virus-infected and uninfected tumor cells.

RESULTS

In 2D cultures, PM21-NK cells efficiently killed P/V virus-infected cancer cells compared with non-infected cells, through involvement of the viral glycoprotein and NK cell receptors NKp30, NKp46 and NKG2D. In 3D spheroid cultures, P/V virus infection was restricted to the outer layer of the spheroid. However, PM21-NK cells were able to more efficiently kill both the outer layer of infected cells in the spheroid and progressing further to kill the uninfected interior cells. Media transfer experiments demonstrated that P/V virus infection produced both type I and type III interferons, which decreased cell growth, which contributed to a reduction in the overall number of uninfected tumor cells in conjunction with PM21-NK cells. Across five cancer cell lines, the contribution of P/V virus infection on PM21-NK cell killing of target cells correlated with interferon induction.

CONCLUSION

Our data support the potential of combining oncolytic parainfluenza virus with PM21-NK cell adoptive therapy against lung cancer.

Rescue of dual reporter-tagged parainfluenza virus 5 as tool for rapid screening of antivirals in vitro

Parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) belongs to the genus Orthorubulavirus in the family Paramyxoviridae. PIV5 can infect a range of mammals, but induce mild or even unobservable clinical signs in some animals, except kennel cough in dogs. It is also able to infect a variety of cell lines, but causes minimal or even invisible cytopathic effects on many cells. Sometimes, owing to neither observable cytopathic effects in vitro nor typical clinical signs in vivo, the PIV5 is not easily usable for screening antiviral drugs. To solve this issue, we used reverse genetics to recover a dual reporter-tagged recombinant PIV5 that could simultaneously express enhanced green fluorescence protein (eGFP) and NanoLuc® luciferase (NLuc) in virus-infected cells. Both reporters were genetically stable during twenty serial passages of virus in MDBK cells. The eGFP allowed us to observe virus-infected MDBK cells in real time, and moreover the NLuc made it possible to quantify the degree of viral replication for determining antiviral activity of a given drug. Subsequently, the recombinant PIV5 was used for antiviral assays on five common drugs, i.e., ribavirin, apigenin, 1-adamantylamine hydrochloride, moroxydine hydrochloride and tea polyphenol. The results showed that only the ribavirin had an anti-PIV5 effect in MDBK cells. This study proposed a novel method for rapid screening (or prescreening) of anti-PIV5 drugs.

The Peptidoglycan-associated lipoprotein Pal contributes to the virulence of Burkholderia mallei and provides protection against lethal aerosol challenge

BURKHOLDERIA MALLEI

is a highly pathogenic bacterium that causes the fatal zoonosis glanders. The organism specifies multiple membrane proteins, which represent prime targets for the development of countermeasures given their location at the host-pathogen interface. We investigated one of these proteins, Pal, and discovered that it is involved in the ability of B. mallei to resist complement-mediated killing and replicate inside host cells in vitro, is expressed in vivo and induces antibodies during the course of infection, and contributes to virulence in a mouse model of aerosol infection. A mutant in the pal gene of the B. mallei wild-type strain ATCC 23344 was found to be especially attenuated, as BALB/c mice challenged with the equivalent of 5,350 LD50 completely cleared infection. Based on these findings, we tested the hypothesis that a vaccine containing the Pal protein elicits protective immunity against aerosol challenge. To achieve this, the pal gene was cloned in the vaccine vector Parainfluenza Virus 5 (PIV5) and mice immunized with the virus were infected with a lethal dose of B. mallei. These experiments revealed that a single dose of PIV5 expressing Pal provided 80% survival over a period of 40 days post-challenge. In contrast, only 10% of mice vaccinated with a PIV5 control virus construct survived infection. Taken together, our data establish that the Peptidoglycan-associated lipoprotein Pal is a critical virulence determinant of B. mallei and effective target for developing a glanders vaccine.

A chimeric influenza hemagglutinin delivered by parainfluenza virus 5 vector induces broadly protective immunity against genetically divergent influenza a H1 viruses in swine

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An HA-based vaccine candidate, created by DNA shuffling (HA-113), can be immunogenic when recombinant antigen is expressed by PIV5 (PIV5-113).

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Immunity induced by the PIV5-113 vaccine can protect mice against infection with 4 of 5 parental HAs used to create the vaccine.

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Immunity induced by PIV5-113 can protect pigs against infection with an influenza virus isolate that is known to be infectious in pigs.

Pigs are an important reservoir for human influenza viruses, and influenza causes significant economic loss to the swine industry. As demonstrated during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, control of swine influenza virus infection is a critical step toward blocking emergence of human influenza virus. An effective vaccine that can induce broadly protective immunity against heterologous influenza virus strains is critically needed. In our previous studies [McCormick et al., 2015; PLoS One, 10(6):e0127649], we used molecular breeding (DNA shuffling) strategies to increase the breadth of the variable and conserved epitopes expressed within a single influenza A virus chimeric hemagglutinin (HA) protein. Chimeric HAs were constructed using parental HAs from the 2009 pandemic virus and swine influenza viruses that had a history of zoonotic transmission to humans. In the current study, we used parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV-5) as a vector to express one of these chimeric HA antigens, HA-113. Recombinant PIV-5 expressing HA-113 (PIV5-113) were rescued, and immunogenicity and protective efficacy were tested in both mouse and pig models. The results showed that PIV5-113 can protect mice and pigs against challenge with viruses expressing parental HAs. The protective immunity was extended against other genetically diversified influenza H1-expressing viruses. Our work demonstrates that PIV5-based influenza vaccines are efficacious as vaccines for pigs. The PIV5 vaccine vector and chimeric HA-113 antigen are discussed in the context of the development of universal influenza vaccines and the potential contribution of PIV5-113 as a candidate universal vaccine.

Structure of a paramyxovirus polymerase complex reveals a unique methyltransferase-CTD conformation

Paramyxoviruses are enveloped, nonsegmented, negative-strand RNA viruses that cause a wide spectrum of human and animal diseases. The viral genome, packaged by the nucleoprotein (N), serves as a template for the polymerase complex, composed of the large protein (L) and the homo-tetrameric phosphoprotein (P). The ∼250-kDa L possesses all enzymatic activities necessary for its function but requires P in vivo. Structural information is available for individual P domains from different paramyxoviruses, but how P interacts with L and how that affects the activity of L is largely unknown due to the lack of high-resolution structures of this complex in this viral family. In this study we determined the structure of the L-P complex from parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) at 4.3-Å resolution using cryoelectron microscopy, as well as the oligomerization domain (OD) of P at 1.4-Å resolution using X-ray crystallography. P-OD associates with the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase domain of L and protrudes away from it, while the X domain of one chain of P is bound near the L nucleotide entry site. The methyltransferase (MTase) domain and the C-terminal domain (CTD) of L adopt a unique conformation, positioning the MTase active site immediately above the poly-ribonucleotidyltransferase domain and near the likely exit site for the product RNA 5' end. Our study reveals a potential mechanism that mononegavirus polymerases may employ to switch between transcription and genome replication. This knowledge will assist in the design and development of antivirals against paramyxoviruses.

Engineering of Live Chimeric Vaccines against Human Metapneumovirus

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is an important human pathogen that, along with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), is a major cause of respiratory tract infections in young infants. Development of an effective vaccine against Pneumoviruses has proven to be particularly difficult; despite over 50 years of research in this field, no vaccine against HMPV or RSV is currently available. Recombinant chimeric viruses expressing antigens of other viruses can be generated by reverse genetics and used for simultaneous immunization against more than one pathogen. This approach can result in the development of promising vaccine candidates against HMPV, and several studies have indeed validated viral vectors expressing HMPV antigens. In this review, we summarize current efforts in generating recombinant chimeric vaccines against HMPV, and we discuss their potential optimization based on the correspondence with RSV studies.

Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Enhance Cell Killing and Block Interferon-Beta Synthesis Elicited by Infection with an Oncolytic Parainfluenza Virus

Previous results have shown that infection with the cytoplasmic-replicating parainfluenza virus 5 mutant P/V-CPI- sensitizes cells to DNA damaging agents, resulting in the enhanced killing of airway cancer cells. Here, we have tested the hypothesis that histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors can also act with P/V-CPI- infection to enhance cancer cell killing. Using human small cell lung cancer and laryngeal cancer cell lines, 10 HDAC inhibitors were tested for their effect on viability of P/V-CPI- infected cells. HDAC inhibitors such as scriptaid enhanced caspase-3/7, -8 and -9 activity induced by P/V-CPI- and overall cell toxicity. Scriptaid-mediated enhanced killing was eliminated in lung cancer cells that were engineered to express a protein which sequesters double stranded RNA. Scriptaid also enhanced cancer cell killing by two other negative strand RNA viruses - the La Crosse virus and vesicular stomatitis virus. Scriptaid treatment enhanced the spread of the P/V-CPI- virus through a population of cancer cells, and suppressed interferon-beta induction through blocking phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Interferon Regulatory Factor 3 (IRF-3). Taken together, these data support a role for combinations of a cytoplasmic-replicating RNA virus such as the P/V-CPI- mutant along with chemotherapeutic agents.

The autotransporter protein BatA is a protective antigen against lethal aerosol infection with Burkholderia mallei and Burkholderia pseudomallei

BACKGROUND

Burkholderia mallei and Burkholderia pseudomallei are the causative agents of glanders and melioidosis, respectively. There is no vaccine to protect against these highly-pathogenic and intrinsically antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and there is concern regarding their use as biological warfare agents. For these reasons, B. mallei and B. pseudomallei are classified as Tier 1 organisms by the U.S. Federal Select Agent Program and the availability of effective countermeasures represents a critical unmet need.

METHODS

Vaccines (subunit and vectored) containing the surface-exposed passenger domain of the conserved Burkholderia autotransporter protein BatA were administered to BALB/c mice and the vaccinated animals were challenged with lethal doses of wild-type B. mallei and B. pseudomallei strains via the aerosol route. Mice were monitored for signs of illness for a period of up to 40 days post-challenge and tissues from surviving animals were analyzed for bacterial burden at study end-points.

RESULTS

A single dose of recombinant Parainfluenza Virus 5 (PIV5) expressing BatA provided 74% and 60% survival in mice infected with B. mallei and B. pseudomallei, respectively. Vaccination with PIV5-BatA also resulted in complete bacterial clearance from the lungs and spleen of 78% and 44% of animals surviving lethal challenge with B. pseudomallei, respectively. In contrast, all control animals vaccinated with a PIV5 construct expressing an irrelevant antigen and infected with B. pseudomallei were colonized in those tissues.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that the autotransporter BatA is a valuable target for developing countermeasures against B. mallei and B. pseudomallei and demonstrates the utility of the PIV5 viral vaccine delivery platform to elicit cross-protective immunity against the organisms.

The switch between acute and persistent paramyxovirus infection caused by single amino acid substitutions in the RNA polymerase P subunit

Paramyxoviruses can establish persistent infections both in vitro and in vivo, some of which lead to chronic disease. However, little is known about the molecular events that contribute to the establishment of persistent infections by RNA viruses. Using parainfluenza virus type 5 (PIV5) as a model we show that phosphorylation of the P protein, which is a key component of the viral RNA polymerase complex, determines whether or not viral transcription and replication becomes repressed at late times after infection. If the virus becomes repressed, persistence is established, but if not, the infected cells die. We found that single amino acid changes at various positions within the P protein switched the infection phenotype from lytic to persistent. Lytic variants replicated to higher titres in mice than persistent variants and caused greater infiltration of immune cells into infected lungs but were cleared more rapidly. We propose that during the acute phases of viral infection in vivo, lytic variants of PIV5 will be selected but, as the adaptive immune response develops, variants in which viral replication can be repressed will be selected, leading to the establishment of prolonged, persistent infections. We suggest that similar selection processes may operate for other RNA viruses.

Parainfluenza Virus Infection Sensitizes Cancer Cells to DNA-Damaging Agents: Implications for Oncolytic Virus Therapy

A parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) with mutations in the P/V gene (P/V-CPI^-) is restricted for spread in normal cells but not in cancer cells in vitro and is effective at reducing tumor burdens in mouse model systems. Here we show that P/V-CPI^- infection of HEp-2 human laryngeal cancer cells results in the majority of the cells dying, but unexpectedly, over time, there is an emergence of a population of cells that survive as P/V-CPI^- persistently infected (PI) cells. P/V-CPI^- PI cells had elevated levels of basal caspase activation, and viability was highly dependent on the activity of cellular inhibitor-of-apoptosis proteins (IAPs) such as Survivin and XIAP. In challenge experiments with external inducers of apoptosis, PI cells were more sensitive to cisplatin-induced DNA damage and cell death. This increased cisplatin sensitivity correlated with defects in DNA damage signaling pathways such as phosphorylation of Chk1 and translocation of damage-specific DNA binding protein 1 (DDB1) to the nucleus. Cisplatin-induced killing of PI cells was sensitive to the inhibition of wild-type (WT) p53-inducible protein 1 (WIP1), a phosphatase which acts to terminate DNA damage signaling pathways. A similar sensitivity to cisplatin was seen with cells during acute infection with P/V-CPI^- as well as during acute infections with WT PIV5 and the related virus human parainfluenza virus type 2 (hPIV2). Our results have general implications for the design of safer paramyxovirus-based vectors that cannot establish PI as well as the potential for combining chemotherapy with oncolytic RNA virus vectors.IMPORTANCE There is intense interest in developing oncolytic viral vectors with increased potency against cancer cells, particularly those cancer cells that have gained resistance to chemotherapies. We have found that infection with cytoplasmically replicating parainfluenza virus can result in increases in the killing of cancer cells by agents that induce DNA damage, and this is linked to alterations to DNA damage signaling pathways that balance cell survival versus death. Our results have general implications for the design of safer paramyxovirus-based vectors that cannot establish persistent infection, the repurposing of drugs that target cellular IAPs as antivirals, and the combined use of DNA-damaging chemotherapy agents in conjunction with oncolytic RNA virus vectors.

Parainfluenza virus 5-vectored vaccines against human and animal infectious diseases

Parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5), known as canine parainfluenza virus in the veterinary field, is a negative‐sense, nonsegmented, single‐stranded RNA virus belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family. Parainfluenza virus 5 is an excellent viral vector and has been used as a live vaccine for kennel cough for many years in dogs without any safety concern. It can grow to high titers in many cell types, and its genome is stable even in the presence of foreign gene insertions. So far, PIV5 has been used to develop vaccines against influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, rabies virus, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, demonstrating its ability to elicit robust and protective immune responses in preclinical animal models. Parainfluenza virus 5–based vaccines can be administered intranasally, intramuscularly, or orally. Interestingly, prior exposure of PIV5 does not prevent a PIV5‐vectored vaccine from generating robust immunity, indicating that the vector can be used more than once. Here, these encouraging results are reviewed together along with discussion of the desirable advantages of the PIV5 vaccine vector to aid future vaccine design and to accelerate progression of PIV5‐based vaccines into clinical trials.

Parainfluenza Virus 5 Expressing Wild-Type or Prefusion Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Fusion Protein Protects Mice and Cotton Rats from RSV Challenge

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of pediatric bronchiolitis and hospitalizations. RSV can also cause severe complications in elderly and immunocompromised individuals. There is no licensed vaccine. We previously generated a parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5)-vectored vaccine candidate expressing the RSV fusion protein (F) that was immunogenic and protective in mice. In this work, our goal was to improve the original vaccine candidate by modifying the PIV5 vector or by modifying the RSV F antigen. We previously demonstrated that insertion of a foreign gene at the PIV5 small hydrophobic (SH)-hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) junction or deletion of PIV5 SH increased vaccine efficacy. Additionally, other groups have demonstrated that antibodies against the prefusion conformation of RSV F have more potent neutralizing activity than antibodies against the postfusion conformation. Therefore, to improve on our previously developed vaccine candidate, we inserted RSV F at the PIV5 SH-HN gene junction or used RSV F to replace PIV5 SH. We also engineered PIV5 to express a prefusion-stabilized F mutant. The candidates were tested in BALB/c mice via the intranasal route and induced both humoral and cell-mediated immunity. They also protected against RSV infection in the mouse lung. When they were administered intranasally or subcutaneously in cotton rats, the candidates were highly immunogenic and reduced RSV loads in both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. PIV5-RSV F was equally protective when administered intranasally or subcutaneously. In all cases, the prefusion F mutant did not induce higher neutralizing antibody titers than wild-type F. These results show that antibodies against both pre- and postfusion F are important for neutralizing RSV and should be considered when designing a vectored RSV vaccine. The findings also that indicate PIV5-RSV F may be administered subcutaneously, which is the preferred route for vaccinating infants, who may develop nasal congestion as a result of intranasal vaccination.IMPORTANCE Despite decades of research, human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is still a major health concern for which there is no vaccine. A parainfluenza virus 5-vectored vaccine expressing the native RSV fusion protein (F) has previously been shown to confer robust immunity against RSV infection in mice, cotton rats, and nonhuman primates. To improve our previous vaccine candidate, we developed four new candidates that incorporate modifications to the PIV5 backbone, replace native RSV F with a prefusion-stabilized RSV F mutant, or combine both RSV F and PIV5 backbone modifications. In this work, we characterized the new vaccine candidates and tested their efficacies in both murine and cotton rat models of RSV infection. Most importantly, we found that PIV5-based RSV vaccine candidates were efficacious in preventing lower respiratory tract infection as well as in reducing the nasal viral load when administered via the subcutaneous route.

Genetic Stability of Parainfluenza Virus 5-Vectored Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine Candidates after In Vitro and In Vivo Passage

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading etiologic agent of lower respiratory tract infections in children, but no licensed vaccine exists. Previously, we developed two parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5)-based RSV vaccine candidates that protect mice against RSV challenge. PIV5 was engineered to express either the RSV fusion protein (F) or the RSV major attachment glycoprotein (G) between the hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (L) genes of the PIV5 genome [PIV5-RSV-F (HN-L) and PIV5-RSV-G (HN-L), respectively]. To investigate the stability of the vaccine candidates in vitro, they were passaged in Vero cells at high and low multiplicities of infection (MOIs) for 11 generations and the genome sequences, growth kinetics, and protein expression of the resulting viruses were compared with those of the parent viruses. Sporadic mutations were detected in the consensus sequences of the viruses after high-MOI passages, and mutation rates increased under low-MOI-passage conditions. None of the mutations abolished antigen expression. Increased numbers of mutations correlated with increased growth rates in vitro, indicating that the viruses evolved through the course of serial passages. We also examined the in vivo stability of the vaccine candidates after a single passage in African green monkeys. No mutations were detected in the consensus sequences of viruses collected from the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of the animals. In vivo, mutations in RSV G and PIV5 L were found in individual isolates of PIV5-RSV-G (HN-L), but plaque isolates of PIV5-RSV-F (HN-L) had no mutations. To improve upon the PIV5-RSV-F (HN-L) candidate, additional vaccine candidates were generated in which the gene for RSV F was inserted into earlier positions in the PIV5 genome. These insertions did not negatively impact the sequence stability of the vaccine candidates. The results suggest that the RSV F and G gene insertions are stable in the PIV5 genome. However, the function of the foreign gene insertion may need to be considered when designing PIV5-based vaccines.IMPORTANCE The genetic stability of live viral vaccines is important for safety and efficacy. PIV5 is a promising live viral vector and has been used to develop vaccines. In this work, we examined the genetic stability of a PIV5-based RSV vaccine in vitro and in vivo We found that insertions of foreign genes, such as the RSV F and G genes, were stably maintained in the PIV5 genome and there was no mutation that abolished the expression of RSV F or G. Interestingly, the function of the inserted gene may have an impact on PIV5 genome stability.

Comparison of the efficiency of different newcastle disease virus reverse genetics systems

Rescue of negative-sense single-stranded RNA viruses ((-)ssRNA virus), generally requires the handling of a large number of plasmids to provide the virus genome and essential components for gene expression and genome replication. This constraint probably renders reverse genetics of (-)ssRNA virus more complex and less efficient. Some authors have shown that the fewer the plasmids, the more efficient reverse genetics is for segmented RNA virus. However, it is not clear if the same applies for (-)ssRNA, such as Newcastle disease virus (NDV). To address this issue, six variants of NDV reverse genetic systems were established by cloning combinations of NP, P and L genes, mini-genome or full-genome in 4, 3, 2 and 1 plasmid. In terms of mini-genome and full-genome rescue, we showed that only the 2-plasmid system, assembling three support plasmids together, was able to improve the rescue efficiency over that of the conventional 4-plasmid system. These results may help establish and/or improve reverse genetics for other mononegaviruses.

Reverse Genetics of Newcastle Disease Virus

Reverse genetics allows for the generation of recombinant viruses or vectors used in functional studies, vaccine development, and gene therapy. This technique enables genetic manipulation and cloning of viral genomes, gene mutation through site-directed mutagenesis, along with gene insertion or deletion, among other studies. An in vitro infection-based system including the highly attenuated vaccinia virus Ankara strain expressing the T7 RNA polymerase from bacteriophage T7, with co-transfection of three helper plasmids and a full-length cDNA plasmid, was successfully developed to rescue genetically modified Newcastle disease viruses in 1999. In this chapter, the materials and the methods involved in rescuing Newcastle disease virus (NDV) from cDNA, utilizing site-directed mutagenesis and gene replacement techniques, are described in detail.

Efficient and Robust Paramyxoviridae Reverse Genetics Systems

The ability to manipulate the genome of paramyxoviruses and evaluate the effects of these changes at the phenotypic level is a powerful tool for the investigation of specific aspects of the viral life cycle and viral pathogenesis. However, reverse genetics systems for paramyxoviruses are notoriously inefficient, when successful. The ability to efficiently and robustly rescue paramyxovirus reverse genetics systems can be used to answer basic questions about the biology of paramyxoviruses, as well as to facilitate the considerable translational efforts being devoted to developing live attenuated paramyxovirus vaccine vectors.

The notoriously low efficiency of Paramyxoviridae reverse genetics systems has posed a limiting barrier to the study of viruses in this family. Previous approaches to reverse genetics have utilized a wide variety of techniques to overcome the technical hurdles. Although robustness (i.e., the number of attempts that result in successful rescue) has been improved in some systems with the use of stable cell lines, the efficiency of rescue (i.e., the proportion of transfected cells that yield at least one successful rescue event) has remained low. We have substantially increased rescue efficiency for representative viruses from all five major Paramyxoviridae genera (from ~1 in 10⁶-10⁷ to ~1 in 10²-10³ transfected cells) by the addition of a self-cleaving hammerhead ribozyme (Hh-Rbz) sequence immediately preceding the start of the recombinant viral antigenome and the use of a codon-optimized T7 polymerase (T7opt) gene to drive paramyxovirus rescue. Here, we report a strategy for robust, reliable, and high-efficiency rescue of paramyxovirus reverse genetics systems, featuring several major improvements: (i) a vaccinia virus-free method, (ii) freedom to use any transfectable cell type for viral rescue, (iii) a single-step transfection protocol, and (iv) use of the optimal T7 promoter sequence for high transcription levels from the antigenomic plasmid without incorporation of nontemplated G residues. The robustness of our T7opt-HhRbz system also allows for greater latitude in the ratios of transfected accessory plasmids used that result in successful rescue. Thus, our system may facilitate the rescue and interrogation of the increasing number of emerging paramyxoviruses.

IMPORTANCE The ability to manipulate the genome of paramyxoviruses and evaluate the effects of these changes at the phenotypic level is a powerful tool for the investigation of specific aspects of the viral life cycle and viral pathogenesis. However, reverse genetics systems for paramyxoviruses are notoriously inefficient, when successful. The ability to efficiently and robustly rescue paramyxovirus reverse genetics systems can be used to answer basic questions about the biology of paramyxoviruses, as well as to facilitate the considerable translational efforts being devoted to developing live attenuated paramyxovirus vaccine vectors.

First complete genome sequence of parainfluenza virus 5 isolated from lesser panda

Parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) is widespread in mammals and humans. Up to now, there is little information about PIV5 infection in lesser pandas. In this study, a PIV5 variant (named ZJQ-221) was isolated from a lesser panda with respiratory disease in Guangzhou zoo in Guangdong province, southern China. The full-length genome of ZJQ-221 was found to be 15,246 nucleotides and consisted of seven non-overlapping genes encoding eight proteins (i.e., NP, V, P, M, F, SH, HN and L). Sequence alignment and genetic analysis revealed that ZJQ-221 shared a close relationship with a PIV5 strain of canine-origin (1168-1) from South Korea. The findings of this study confirm the presence of PIV5 in lesser panda and indicate this mammal as a possible natural reservoir. Furthermore they highlight the urgent need to strengthen viral surveillance and control of PIV5 in zoo animals.

Flexibility of the Head-Stalk Linker Domain of Paramyxovirus HN Glycoprotein Is Essential for Triggering Virus Fusion

The Paramyxoviridae comprise a large family of enveloped, negative-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses with significant economic and public health implications. For nearly all paramyxoviruses, infection is initiated by fusion of the viral and host cell plasma membranes in a pH-independent fashion. Fusion is orchestrated by the receptor binding protein hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN; also called H or G depending on the virus type) protein and a fusion (F) protein, the latter undergoing a major refolding process to merge the two membranes. Mechanistic details regarding the coupling of receptor binding to F activation are not fully understood. Here, we have identified the flexible loop region connecting the bulky enzymatically active head and the four-helix bundle stalk to be essential for fusion promotion. Proline substitution in this region of HN of parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) and Newcastle disease virus HN abolishes cell-cell fusion, whereas HN retains receptor binding and neuraminidase activity. By using reverse genetics, we engineered recombinant PIV5-EGFP viruses with mutations in the head-stalk linker region of HN. Mutations in this region abolished virus recovery and infectivity. In sum, our data suggest that the loop region acts as a "hinge" around which the bulky head of HN swings to-and-fro to facilitate timely HN-mediate F-triggering, a notion consistent with the stalk-mediated activation model of paramyxovirus fusion.

IMPORTANCE

Paramyxovirus fusion with the host cell plasma membrane is essential for virus infection. Membrane fusion is orchestrated via interaction of the receptor binding protein (HN, H, or G) with the viral fusion glycoprotein (F). Two distinct models have been suggested to describe the mechanism of fusion: these include "the clamp" and the "provocateur" model of activation. By using biochemical and reverse genetics tools, we have obtained strong evidence in favor of the HN stalk-mediated activation of paramyxovirus fusion. Specifically, our data strongly support the notion that the short linker between the head and stalk plays a role in "conformational switching" of the head group to facilitate F-HN interaction and triggering.

Parainfluenza virus 5 upregulates CD55 expression to produce virions with enhanced resistance to complement-mediated neutralization

Many enveloped RNA viruses recruit host cell proteins during assembly as a mechanism to limit antiviral effects of complement. Using viruses which incorporated CD46 alone, CD55 alone or both CD46 and CD55, we addressed the role of these two host cell regulators in limiting complement-mediated neutralization of Parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5). PIV5 incorporated functional forms of both CD55 and CD46 into virions. PIV5 containing CD55 was highly resistant to complement-mediated neutralization, whereas CD46-containing PIV5 was as sensitive to neutralization as virus lacking both regulators. PIV5 infected cells had increased levels of cell surface CD55, which was further upregulated by exogenous treatment with tumor necrosis factor alpha. PIV5 derived from cells with higher CD55 levels was more resistant to complement-mediated neutralization in vitro than virus from control cells. We propose a role for virus induction of host cell complement inhibitors in defining virus growth and tissue tropism.

Efficacy of parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5)-based tuberculosis vaccines in mice

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the etiological agent of tuberculosis (TB), is an important human pathogen. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), a live, attenuated variant of Mycobacterium bovis, is currently the only available TB vaccine despite its low efficacy against the infectious pulmonary form of the disease in adults. Thus, a more-effective TB vaccine is needed. Parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5), a paramyxovirus, has several characteristics that make it an attractive vaccine vector. It is safe, inexpensive to produce, and has been previously shown to be efficacious as the backbone of vaccines for influenza, rabies, and respiratory syncytial virus. In this work, recombinant PIV5 expressing M. tuberculosis antigens 85A (PIV5-85A) and 85B (PIV5-85B) have been generated and their immunogenicity and protective efficacy evaluated in a mouse aerosol infection model. In a long-term protection study, a single dose of PIV5-85A was found to be most effective in reducing M. tuberculosis colony forming units (CFU) in lungs when compared to unvaccinated, whereas the BCG vaccinated animals had similar numbers of CFUs to unvaccinated animals. BCG-prime followed by a PIV5-85A or PIV5-85B boost produced better outcomes highlighted by close to three-log units lower lung CFUs compared to PBS. The results indicate that PIV5-based M. tuberculosis vaccines are promising candidates for further development.

Recombinant Newcastle disease virus-vectored vaccines against human and animal infectious diseases

Recent advances in recombinant genetic engineering techniques have brought forward a leap in designing new vaccines in modern medicine. One attractive strategy is the application of reverse genetics technology to make recombinant Newcastle disease virus (rNDV) deliver protective antigens of pathogens. In recent years, numerous studies have demonstrated that rNDV-vectored vaccines can induce quicker and better humoral and mucosal immune responses than conventional vaccines and are protective against pathogen challenges. With deeper understanding of NDV molecular biology, it is feasible to develop gene-modified rNDV vaccines accompanied by good safety, high efficacy, low toxicity and better immunogenicity. This review summarizes the development of reverse genetics technology in using NDV as a promising vaccine vector to design new vaccines for human and animal use.

The Nectin-4/Afadin Protein Complex and Intercellular Membrane Pores Contribute to Rapid Spread of Measles Virus in Primary Human Airway Epithelia

The discovery that measles virus (MV) uses the adherens junction protein nectin-4 as its epithelial receptor provides a new vantage point from which to characterize its rapid spread in the airway epithelium. We show here that in well-differentiated primary cultures of airway epithelial cells from human donors (HAE), MV infectious centers form rapidly and become larger than those of other respiratory pathogens: human respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza virus 5, and Sendai virus. While visible syncytia do not form after MV infection of HAE, the cytoplasm of an infected cell suddenly flows into an adjacent cell, as visualized through wild-type MV-expressed cytoplasmic green fluorescent protein (GFP). High-resolution video microscopy documents that GFP flows through openings that form on the lateral surfaces between columnar epithelial cells. To assess the relevance of the protein afadin, which connects nectin-4 to the actin cytoskeleton, we knocked down its mRNA. This resulted in more-limited infectious-center formation. We also generated a nectin-4 mutant without the afadin-binding site in its cytoplasmic tail. This mutant was less effective than wild-type human nectin-4 at promoting MV infection in primary cultures of porcine airway epithelia. Thus, in airway epithelial cells, MV spread requires the nectin-4/afadin complex and is based on cytoplasm transfer between columnar cells. Since the viral membrane fusion apparatus may open the passages that allow cytoplasm transfer, we refer to them as intercellular membrane pores. Virus-induced intercellular pores may contribute to extremely efficient measles contagion by promoting the rapid spread of the virus through the upper respiratory epithelium.

IMPORTANCE

Measles virus (MV), while targeted for eradication, still causes about 120,000 deaths per year worldwide. The recent reemergence of measles in insufficiently vaccinated populations in Europe and North America reminds us that measles is extremely contagious, but the processes favoring its spread in the respiratory epithelium remain poorly defined. Here we characterize wild-type MV spread in well-differentiated primary cultures of human airway epithelial cells. We observed that viral infection promotes the flow of cytoplasmic contents from infected to proximal uninfected columnar epithelial cells. Cytoplasm flows through openings that form on the lateral surfaces. Infectious-center growth is facilitated by afadin, a protein connecting the adherens junction and the actin cytoskeleton. The viral fusion apparatus may open intercellular pores, and the cytoskeleton may stabilize them. Rapid homogenization of cytoplasmic contents in epithelial infectious centers may favor rapid spread and contribute to the extremely contagious nature of measles.

Reverse genetics of Mononegavirales: How they work, new vaccines, and new cancer therapeutics

The order Mononegavirales includes five families: Bornaviridae, Filoviridae, Nyamaviridae, Paramyxoviridae, and Rhabdoviridae. The genome of these viruses is one molecule of negative-sense single strand RNA coding for five to ten genes in a conserved order. The RNA is not infectious until packaged by the nucleocapsid protein and transcribed by the polymerase and co-factors. Reverse genetics approaches have answered fundamental questions about the biology of Mononegavirales. The lack of icosahedral symmetry and modular organization in the genome of these viruses has facilitated engineering of viruses expressing fluorescent proteins, and these fluorescent proteins have provided important insights about the molecular and cellular basis of tissue tropism and pathogenesis. Studies have assessed the relevance for virulence of different receptors and the interactions with cellular proteins governing the innate immune responses. Research has also analyzed the mechanisms of attenuation. Based on these findings, ongoing clinical trials are exploring new live attenuated vaccines and the use of viruses re-engineered as cancer therapeutics.

Parainfluenza virus 5 expressing the G protein of rabies virus protects mice after rabies virus infection

Rabies remains a major public health threat around the world. Once symptoms appear, there is no effective treatment to prevent death. In this work, we tested a recombinant parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) strain expressing the glycoprotein (G) of rabies (PIV5-G) as a therapy for rabies virus infection: we have found that PIV5-G protected mice as late as 6 days after rabies virus infection. PIV5-G is a promising vaccine for prevention and treatment of rabies virus infection.

RNA-based viral vectors

The advent of reverse genetic approaches to manipulate the genomes of both positive (+) and negative (-) sense RNA viruses allowed researchers to harness these genomes for basic research. Manipulation of positive sense RNA virus genomes occurred first largely because infectious RNA could be transcribed directly from cDNA versions of the RNA genomes. Manipulation of negative strand RNA virus genomes rapidly followed as more sophisticated approaches to provide RNA-dependent RNA polymerase complexes coupled with negative-strand RNA templates were developed. These advances have driven an explosion of RNA virus vaccine vector development. That is, development of approaches to exploit the basic replication and expression strategies of RNA viruses to produce vaccine antigens that have been engineered into their genomes. This study has led to significant preclinical testing of many RNA virus vectors against a wide range of pathogens as well as cancer targets. Multiple RNA virus vectors have advanced through preclinical testing to human clinical evaluation. This review will focus on RNA virus vectors designed to express heterologous genes that are packaged into viral particles and have progressed to clinical testing.

The neutralizing capacity of antibodies elicited by parainfluenza virus infection of African Green Monkeys is dependent on complement

The African Green Monkey (AGM) model was used to analyze the role of complement in neutralization of parainfluenza virus. Parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) and human parainfluenza virus type 2 were effectively neutralized in vitro by naïve AGM sera, but neutralizing capacity was lost by heat-inactivation. The mechanism of neutralization involved formation of massive aggregates, with no evidence of virion lysis. Following inoculation of the respiratory tract with a PIV5 vector expressing HIV gp160, AGM produced high levels of serum and tracheal antibodies against gp120 and the viral F and HN proteins. However, in the absence of complement these anti-PIV5 antibodies had very poor neutralizing capacity. Virions showed extensive deposition of IgG and C1q with post- but not pre-immune sera. These results highlight the importance of complement in the initial antibody response to parainfluenza viruses, with implications for understanding infant immune responses and design of vaccine strategies for these pediatric pathogens.

RSV-encoded NS2 promotes epithelial cell shedding and distal airway obstruction

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is the major cause of bronchiolitis in young children. The factors that contribute to the increased propensity of RSV-induced distal airway disease compared with other commonly encountered respiratory viruses remain unclear. Here, we identified the RSV-encoded nonstructural 2 (NS2) protein as a viral genetic determinant for initiating RSV-induced distal airway obstruction. Infection of human cartilaginous airway epithelium (HAE) and a hamster model of disease with recombinant respiratory viruses revealed that NS2 promotes shedding of infected epithelial cells, resulting in two consequences of virus infection. First, epithelial cell shedding accelerated the reduction of virus titers, presumably by clearing virus-infected cells from airway mucosa. Second, epithelial cells shedding into the narrow-diameter bronchiolar airway lumens resulted in rapid accumulation of detached, pleomorphic epithelial cells, leading to acute distal airway obstruction. Together, these data indicate that RSV infection of the airway epithelium, via the action of NS2, promotes epithelial cell shedding, which not only accelerates viral clearance but also contributes to acute obstruction of the distal airways. Our results identify RSV NS2 as a contributing factor for the enhanced propensity of RSV to cause severe airway disease in young children and suggest NS2 as a potential therapeutic target for reducing the severity of distal airway disease.

A respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine based on parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5)

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of severe respiratory disease and hospitalizations in infants and young children. It also causes significant morbidity and mortality in elderly and immune compromised individuals. No licensed vaccine currently exists. Parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) is a paramyxovirus that causes no known human illness and has been used as a platform for vector-based vaccine development. To evaluate the efficacy of PIV5 as a RSV vaccine vector, we generated two recombinant PIV5 viruses - one expressing the fusion (F) protein and the other expressing the attachment glycoprotein (G) of RSV strain A2 (RSV A2). The vaccine strains were used separately for single-dose vaccinations in BALB/c mice. The results showed that both vaccines induced RSV antigen-specific antibody responses, with IgG2a/IgG1 ratios similar to those seen in wild-type RSV A2 infection. After challenging the vaccinated mice with RSV A2, histopathology of lung sections showed that the vaccines did not exacerbate lung lesions relative to RSV A2-immunized mice. Importantly, both F and G vaccines induced protective immunity. Therefore, PIV5 presents an attractive platform for vector-based vaccines against RSV infection.

Stability of the parainfluenza virus 5 genome revealed by deep sequencing of strains isolated from different hosts and following passage in cell culture

The strain diversity of a rubulavirus, parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5), was investigated by comparing 11 newly determined and 6 previously published genome sequences. These sequences represent 15 PIV5 strains, of which 6 were isolated from humans, 1 was from monkeys, 2 were from pigs, and 6 were from dogs. Strain diversity is remarkably low, regardless of host, year of isolation, or geographical origin; a total of 7.8% of nucleotides are variable, and the average pairwise difference between strains is 2.1%. Variation is distributed unevenly across the PIV5 genome, but no convincing evidence of selection for antibody-mediated evasion in hemagglutinin-neuraminidase was found. The finding that some canine and porcine, but not primate, strains are mutated in the SH gene, and do not produce SH, raised the possibility that dogs (or pigs) may not be the natural host of PIV5. The genetic stability of PIV5 was also demonstrated during serial passage of one strain (W3) in Vero cells at a high multiplicity of infection, under conditions of competition with large proportions of defective interfering genomes. A similar observation was made for a strain W3 mutant (PIV5VΔC) lacking V gene function, in which the dominant changes were related to pseudoreversion in this gene. The mutations detected in PIV5VΔC during pseudoreversion, and also those characterizing the SH gene in canine and porcine strains, predominantly involved U-to-C transitions. This suggests an important role for biased hypermutation via an adenosine deaminase, RNA-specific (ADAR)-like activity.

IMPORTANCE

Here we report the sequence variation of 16 different isolates of parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) that were isolated from a number of species, including humans, monkeys, dogs, and pigs, over 4 decades. Surprisingly, strain diversity was remarkably low, regardless of host, year of isolation, or geographical origin. Variation was distributed unevenly across the PIV5 genome, but no convincing evidence of immune or host selection was found. This overall genome stability of PIV5 was also observed when the virus was grown in the laboratory, and the genome stayed remarkably constant even during the selection of virus mutants. Some of the canine isolates had lost their ability to encode one of the viral proteins, termed SH, suggesting that although PIV5 commonly infects dogs, dogs may not be the natural host for PIV5.

Immunogenicity of novel mumps vaccine candidates generated by genetic modification

Mumps is a highly contagious human disease, characterized by lateral or bilateral nonsuppurative swelling of the parotid glands and neurological complications that can result in aseptic meningitis or encephalitis. A mumps vaccination program implemented since the 1960s reduced mumps incidence by more than 99% and kept the mumps case numbers as low as hundreds of cases per year in the United States before 2006. However, a large mumps outbreak occurred in vaccinated populations in 2006 and again in 2009 in the United States, raising concerns about the efficacy of the vaccination program. Previously, we have shown that clinical isolate-based recombinant mumps viruses lacking expression of either the V protein (rMuVΔV) or the SH protein (rMuVΔSH) are attenuated in a neurovirulence test using newborn rat brains (P. Xu et al., Virology 417:126-136, 2011, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.virol.2011.05.003; P. Xu et al., J. Virol. 86:1768-1776, 2012, http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/JVI.06019-11) and may be good candidates for vaccine development. In this study, we examined immunity induced by rMuVΔSH and rMuVΔV in mice. Furthermore, we generated recombinant mumps viruses lacking expression of both the V protein and the SH protein (rMuVΔSHΔV). Analysis of rMuVΔSHΔV indicated that it was stable in tissue culture cell lines. Importantly, rMuVΔSHΔV was immunogenic in mice, indicating that it is a promising candidate for mumps vaccine development.

The L gene of J paramyxovirus plays a critical role in viral pathogenesis

J paramyxovirus (JPV) was first isolated from moribund mice with hemorrhagic lung lesions in Australia in the 1970s. Recent sequencing of JPV (JPV-LW) confirms that JPV is a paramyxovirus with several unique features. However, neither JPV-LW nor a recombinant JPV based on its sequence (rJPV-LW) caused obvious illness in mice. In this work, we analyzed a different JPV isolate (JPV-BH), which behaved differently from JPV-LW; JPV-BH grew more slowly in Vero cells and had less of a cytopathic effect on tissue culture cells but caused severe disease in mice. We have determined the whole genome sequence of JPV-BH. There were several nucleotide sequence differences between JPV-BH and JPV-LW, one in the leader sequence, one in the GX gene, and three in the L gene. The high sequence identity between JPV-BH and JPV-LW suggests that JPV-BH and JPV-LW are the same virus strain but were obtained at different passages from different laboratories. To understand the roles of these nucleotide sequence differences in pathogenicity in mice, we generated a recombinant JPV-BH strain (rJPV-BH) and hybrid rJPV-BH strains with sequences from the leader sequence (rJPV-BH-Le-LW), the GX gene (rJPV-BH-GX-LW), and the L gene (rJPV-BH-L-LW) of JPV-LW and compared their pathogenicities in mice. We have found that rJPV-BH-L-LW was attenuated in mice, indicating that nucleotide sequence differences in the L gene play a critical role in pathogenesis.

Efficacy of parainfluenza virus 5 mutants expressing hemagglutinin from H5N1 influenza A virus in mice

Parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) is a promising viral vector for vaccine development. PIV5 is safe, stable, efficacious, cost-effective to produce and, most interestingly, it overcomes preexisting antivector immunity. We have recently reported that PIV5 expressing the hemagglutinin (HA) from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus H5N1 (PIV5-H5) provides sterilizing immunity against lethal doses of HPAI H5N1 infection in mice. It is thought that induction of apoptosis can lead to enhanced antigen presentation. Previously, we have shown that deleting the SH gene and the conserved C terminus of the V gene in PIV5 results in mutant viruses (PIV5ΔSH and PIV5VΔC) that enhance induction of apoptosis. In this study, we inserted the HA gene of H5N1 into PIV5ΔSH (PIV5ΔSH-H5) or PIV5VΔC (PIV5VΔC-H5) and compared their efficacies as vaccine candidates to PIV5-H5. We have found that PIV5ΔSH-H5 induced the highest levels of anti-HA antibodies, the strongest T cell responses, and the best protection against an H5N1 lethal challenge in mice. These results suggest that PIV5ΔSH is a better vaccine vector than wild-type PIV5.

Point mutations in the paramyxovirus F protein that enhance fusion activity shift the mechanism of complement-mediated virus neutralization

Parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) activates and is neutralized by the alternative pathway (AP) in normal human serum (NHS) but not by heat-inactivated (HI) serum. We have tested the relationship between the fusion activity within the PIV5 F protein, the activation of complement pathways, and subsequent complement-mediated virus neutralization. Recombinant PIV5 viruses with enhanced fusion activity were generated by introducing point mutations in the F fusogenic peptide (G3A) or at a distal site near the F transmembrane domain (S443P). In contrast to wild-type (WT) PIV5, the mutant G3A and S443P viruses were neutralized by both NHS and HI serum. Unlike WT PIV5, hyperfusogenic G3A and S443P viruses were potent C4 activators, C4 was deposited on NHS-treated mutant virions, and the mutants were neutralized by factor B-depleted serum but not by C4-depleted serum. Antibodies purified from HI human serum were sufficient to neutralize both G3A and S443P viruses in vitro but were ineffective against WT PIV5. Electron microscopy data showed greater deposition of purified human antibodies on G3A and S443P virions than on WT PIV5 particles. These data indicate that single amino acid changes that enhance the fusion activity of the PIV5 F protein shift the mechanism of complement activation in the context of viral particles or on the surface of virus-infected cells, due to enhanced binding of antibodies. We present general models for the relationship between enhanced fusion activity in the paramyxovirus F protein and increased susceptibility to antibody-mediated neutralization.

Single-dose vaccination of a recombinant parainfluenza virus 5 expressing NP from H5N1 virus provides broad immunity against influenza A viruses

Influenza viruses often evade host immunity via antigenic drift and shift despite previous influenza virus infection and/or vaccination. Vaccines that match circulating virus strains are needed for optimal protection. Development of a universal influenza virus vaccine providing broadly cross-protective immunity will be of great importance. The nucleoprotein (NP) of influenza A virus is highly conserved among all strains of influenza A viruses and has been explored as an antigen for developing a universal influenza virus vaccine. In this work, we generated a recombinant parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) containing NP from H5N1 (A/Vietnam/1203/2004), a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus, between HN and L (PIV5-NP-HN/L) and tested its efficacy. PIV5-NP-HN/L induced humoral and T cell responses in mice. A single inoculation of PIV5-NP-HN/L provided complete protection against lethal heterosubtypic H1N1 challenge and 50% protection against lethal H5N1 HPAI virus challenge. To improve efficacy, NP was inserted into different locations within the PIV5 genome. Recombinant PIV5 containing NP between F and SH (PIV5-NP-F/SH) or between SH and HN (PIV5-NP-SH/HN) provided better protection against H5N1 HPAI virus challenge than did PIV5-NP-HN/L. These results suggest that PIV5 expressing NP from H5N1 has the potential to be utilized as a universal influenza virus vaccine.

Reverse Genetics of Mononegavirales: The Rabies Virus Paradigm

The neurotropic rabies virus (RABV) is a prototype member of the Mononegavirales order of viruses and is the most significant human pathogen of the Rhabdoviridae family. A reverse genetics system for RABV was established almost 20 years ago, providing a paradigm for other Mononegavirales members as well. The availability of engineered recombinant viruses opened a new era to study common aspects of Mononegavirales biology and specific aspects of the unique lifestyle and pathogenesis of individual members. Above all, the knowledge gained has allowed engineering of beneficial biomedical tools such as viral vectors, vaccines, and tracers. In this chapter, the development of the classical rabies virus reverse genetics approach is described, and some of the most exciting biomedical applications for recombinant RABV and other Mononegavirales are briefly addressed.

Experimental vaccines against potentially pandemic and highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses

Influenza A viruses continue to emerge and re-emerge, causing outbreaks, epidemics and occasionally pandemics. While the influenza vaccines licensed for public use are generally effective against seasonal influenza, issues arise with production, immunogenicity, and efficacy in the case of vaccines against pandemic and emerging influenza viruses, and highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in particular. Thus, there is need of improved influenza vaccines and vaccination strategies. This review discusses advances in alternative influenza vaccines, touching briefly on licensed vaccines and vaccine antigens; then reviewing recombinant subunit vaccines, virus-like particle vaccines and DNA vaccines, with the main focus on virus-vectored vaccine approaches.

A novel rabies vaccine based on a recombinant parainfluenza virus 5 expressing rabies virus glycoprotein

Untreated rabies virus (RABV) infection leads to death. Vaccine and postexposure treatment have been effective in preventing RABV infection. However, due to cost, rabies vaccination and treatment have not been widely used in developing countries. There are 55,000 human death caused by rabies annually. An efficacious and cost-effective rabies vaccine is needed. Parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) is thought to contribute to kennel cough, and kennel cough vaccines containing live PIV5 have been used in dogs for many years. In this work, a PIV5-vectored rabies vaccine was tested in mice. A recombinant PIV5 encoding RABV glycoprotein (G) (rPIV5-RV-G) was administered to mice via intranasal (i.n.), intramuscular (i.m.), and oral inoculation. The vaccinated mice were challenged with a 50% lethal challenge dose (LD(50)) of RABV challenge virus standard 24 (CVS-24) intracerebrally. A single dose of 10(6) PFU of rPIV5-RV-G was sufficient for 100% protection when administered via the i.n. route. The mice vaccinated with a single dose of 10(8) PFU of rPIV5-RV-G via the i.m. route showed very robust protection (90% to 100%). Intriguingly, the mice vaccinated orally with a single dose of 10(8) PFU of rPIV5-RV-G showed a 50% survival rate, which is comparable to the 60% survival rate among mice inoculated with an attenuated rabies vaccine strain, recombinant LBNSE. This is first report of an orally effective rabies vaccine candidate in animals based on PIV5 as a vector. These results indicate that rPIV5-RV-G is an excellent candidate for a new generation of recombinant rabies vaccine for humans and animals and PIV5 is a potential vector for oral vaccines.