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Hodgins B, Pillet S, Landry N, Ward BJ. Prime-pull vaccination with a plant-derived virus-like particle influenza vaccine elicits a broad immune response and protects aged mice from death and frailty after challenge. IMMUNITY & AGEING 2019; 16:27. [PMID: 31700523 PMCID: PMC6829930 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-019-0167-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Administered intramuscularly (IM), plant-derived, virus-like-particle (VLP) vaccines based on the influenza hemagglutinin (HA) protein elicit both humoral and cellular responses that can protect aged mice from lethal challenge. Unlike split virus vaccines, VLPs can be administered by different routes including intranasally (IN). We evaluated novel vaccine strategies such as prime-pull (IM boosted by IN) and multi-modality vaccination (IM and IN given simultaneously). We wished to determine if these approaches would provide better quality protection in old mice after less severe (borderline-lethal) challenge (ie: immunogenicity, frailty and survival). Results Survival rates were similar in all vaccinated groups. Antibody responses were modest in all groups but tended to be higher in VLP groups compared to inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV) recipients. All VLP groups had higher splenocyte T cell responses than the split virus group. Lung homogenate chemokine/cytokine levels and virus loads were lower in the VLP groups compared to IIV recipients 3 days after challenge (p < 0.05 for viral load vs all VLP groups combined). The VLP-vaccinated groups also had less weight loss and recovered more rapidly than the IIV recipients. There was limited evidence of an immunologic or survival advantage with IN delivery of the VLP vaccine. Conclusion Compared to IIV, the plant-derived VLP vaccine induced a broader immune response in aged mice (cellular and humoral) using either traditional (IM/IM) or novel schedules (multi-modality, prime-pull).
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanna Hodgins
- 1Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec Canada
| | - Stephane Pillet
- 2Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boul Decarie, Room EM33248, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1 Canada.,3Medicago Inc., Quebec City, Quebec Canada
| | | | - Brian J Ward
- 2Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boul Decarie, Room EM33248, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1 Canada.,3Medicago Inc., Quebec City, Quebec Canada
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2
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Al-Halifa S, Gauthier L, Arpin D, Bourgault S, Archambault D. Nanoparticle-Based Vaccines Against Respiratory Viruses. Front Immunol 2019; 10:22. [PMID: 30733717 PMCID: PMC6353795 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The respiratory mucosa is the primary portal of entry for numerous viruses such as the respiratory syncytial virus, the influenza virus and the parainfluenza virus. These pathogens initially infect the upper respiratory tract and then reach the lower respiratory tract, leading to diseases. Vaccination is an affordable way to control the pathogenicity of viruses and constitutes the strategy of choice to fight against infections, including those leading to pulmonary diseases. Conventional vaccines based on live-attenuated pathogens present a risk of reversion to pathogenic virulence while inactivated pathogen vaccines often lead to a weak immune response. Subunit vaccines were developed to overcome these issues. However, these vaccines may suffer from a limited immunogenicity and, in most cases, the protection induced is only partial. A new generation of vaccines based on nanoparticles has shown great potential to address most of the limitations of conventional and subunit vaccines. This is due to recent advances in chemical and biological engineering, which allow the design of nanoparticles with a precise control over the size, shape, functionality and surface properties, leading to enhanced antigen presentation and strong immunogenicity. This short review provides an overview of the advantages associated with the use of nanoparticles as vaccine delivery platforms to immunize against respiratory viruses and highlights relevant examples demonstrating their potential as safe, effective and affordable vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soultan Al-Halifa
- Département de Chimie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering and Applications, PROTEO, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Laurie Gauthier
- Département de Chimie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering and Applications, PROTEO, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie Porcine et Avicole (CRIPA), Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Dominic Arpin
- Département de Chimie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering and Applications, PROTEO, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie Porcine et Avicole (CRIPA), Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Steve Bourgault
- Département de Chimie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Engineering and Applications, PROTEO, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie Porcine et Avicole (CRIPA), Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Denis Archambault
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie Porcine et Avicole (CRIPA), Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
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3
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A Single Intramuscular Dose of a Plant-Made Virus-Like Particle Vaccine Elicits a Balanced Humoral and Cellular Response and Protects Young and Aged Mice from Influenza H1N1 Virus Challenge despite a Modest/Absent Humoral Response. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2017; 24:CVI.00273-17. [PMID: 29021303 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00273-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Virus-like-particle (VLP) influenza vaccines can be given intramuscularly (i.m.) or intranasally (i.n.) and may have advantages over split-virion formulations in the elderly. We tested a plant-made VLP vaccine candidate bearing the viral hemagglutinin (HA) delivered either i.m. or i.n. in young and aged mice. Young adult (5- to 8-week-old) and aged (16- to 20-month-old) female BALB/c mice received a single 3-μg dose based on the HA (A/California/07/2009 H1N1) content of a plant-made H1-VLP (i.m. or i.n.) split-virion vaccine (i.m.) or were left naive. After vaccination, humoral and splenocyte responses were assessed, and some mice were challenged. Both VLP and split vaccines given i.m. protected 100% of the young animals, but the VLP group lost the least weight and had stronger humoral and cellular responses. Compared to split-vaccine recipients, aged animals vaccinated i.m. with VLP were more likely to survive challenge (80% versus 60%). The lung viral load postchallenge was lowest in the VLP i.m. groups. Mice vaccinated with VLP i.n. had little detectable immune response, but survival was significantly increased. In both age groups, i.m. administration of the H1-VLP vaccine elicited more balanced humoral and cellular responses and provided better protection from homologous challenge than the split-virion vaccine.
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Jiang P, Du W, Xiong Y, Lv Y, Feng J, Zhu S, Xue X, Chen S, Zhang L. Hepatitis B virus core antigen as a carrier for Chlamydia trachomatis MOMP multi-epitope peptide enhances protection against genital chlamydial infection. Oncotarget 2016; 6:43281-92. [PMID: 26657117 PMCID: PMC4791232 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) is the leading cause of sexually transmitted diseases worldwide. There is no safe and effective vaccine to control the spread of Ct. In development of Ct vaccine, selection of appropriate candidate antigens and an effective delivery system may be the main challenges. Multi-epitope of major outer membrane protein (MOMPm) is the most suitable candidate for a Ct vaccine, while hepatitis B virus core antigen (HBcAg) has unique advantages as vaccine delivery system. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the immunogenicity and protective immune response of a novel candidate vaccine in a murine model of chlamydial genital infection. This candidate vaccine comprises MOMPm peptide delivered with HBcAg. Our results of Ct-specific serum IgG and secretory IgA assay, cytokine assay, and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte assay revealed that immunogenicity of the candidate vaccine was much better than that of the corresponding synthetic MOMPm peptide. Furthermore, the protective effect of the candidate vaccine was also shown much better than that of the synthetic peptide by calculating the isolation of Chlamydia from vaginal swabs and histopathological analysis. Taken together, our results indicate that HBcAg carrying Ct MOMPm could be an effective immune prophylactic for chlamydial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Jiang
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Wangqi Du
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Yirong Xiong
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Yan Lv
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Juan Feng
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Shanli Zhu
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Xiangyang Xue
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Shao Chen
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Lifang Zhang
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
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5
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Arevalo MT, Wong TM, Ross TM. Expression and Purification of Virus-like Particles for Vaccination. J Vis Exp 2016. [PMID: 27286040 DOI: 10.3791/54041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) and subviral particles (SVPs) are an alternative approach to viral vaccine design that offers the advantages of increased biosafety and stability over use of live pathogens. Non-infectious and self-assembling, VLPs are used to present structural proteins as immunogens, bypassing the need for live pathogens or recombinant viral vectors for antigen delivery. In this article, we demonstrate the different stages of VLP design and development for future applications in preclinical animal testing. The procedure includes the following stages: selection of antigen, expression of antigen in cell line of choice, purification of VLPs/SVPs, and quantification for antigen dosing. We demonstrate use of both mammalian and insect cell lines for expression of our antigens and demonstrate how methodologies differ in yield. The methodology presented may apply to a variety of pathogens and can be achieved by substituting the antigens with immunogenic structural proteins of the user's microorganism of interest. VLPs and SVPs assist with antigen characterization and selection of the best vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria T Arevalo
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia
| | - Terianne M Wong
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia
| | - Ted M Ross
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia;
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6
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Shirbaghaee Z, Bolhassani A. Different applications of virus-like particles in biology and medicine: Vaccination and delivery systems. Biopolymers 2016; 105:113-32. [PMID: 26509554 PMCID: PMC7161881 DOI: 10.1002/bip.22759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2015] [Revised: 10/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) mimic the whole construct of virus particles devoid of viral genome as used in subunit vaccine design. VLPs can elicit efficient protective immunity as direct immunogens compared to soluble antigens co-administered with adjuvants in several booster injections. Up to now, several prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems such as insect, yeast, plant, and E. coli were used to express recombinant proteins, especially for VLP production. Recent studies are also generating VLPs in plants using different transient expression vectors for edible vaccines. VLPs and viral particles have been applied for different functions such as gene therapy, vaccination, nanotechnology, and diagnostics. Herein, we describe VLP production in different systems as well as its applications in biology and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Shirbaghaee
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDSPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
- Department of Immunology, School of Public HealthTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Azam Bolhassani
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDSPasteur Institute of IranTehranIran
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7
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Beljanski V, Chiang C, Kirchenbaum GA, Olagnier D, Bloom CE, Wong T, Haddad EK, Trautmann L, Ross TM, Hiscott J. Enhanced Influenza Virus-Like Particle Vaccination with a Structurally Optimized RIG-I Agonist as Adjuvant. J Virol 2015; 89:10612-24. [PMID: 26269188 PMCID: PMC4580177 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01526-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED The molecular interaction between viral RNA and the cytosolic sensor RIG-I represents the initial trigger in the development of an effective immune response against infection with RNA viruses, resulting in innate immune activation and subsequent induction of adaptive responses. In the present study, the adjuvant properties of a sequence-optimized 5'-triphosphate-containing RNA (5'pppRNA) RIG-I agonist (termed M8) were examined in combination with influenza virus-like particles (VLP) (M8-VLP) expressing H5N1 influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) as immunogens. In combination with VLP, M8 increased the antibody response to VLP immunization, provided VLP antigen sparing, and protected mice from a lethal challenge with H5N1 influenza virus. M8-VLP immunization also led to long-term protective responses against influenza virus infection in mice. M8 adjuvantation of VLP increased endpoint and antibody titers and inhibited influenza virus replication in lungs compared with approved or experimental adjuvants alum, AddaVax, and poly(I·C). Uniquely, immunization with M8-VLP stimulated a TH1-biased CD4 T cell response, as determined by increased TH1 cytokine levels in CD4 T cells and increased IgG2 levels in sera. Collectively, these data demonstrate that a sequence-optimized, RIG-I-specific agonist is a potent adjuvant that can be utilized to increase the efficacy of influenza VLP vaccination and dramatically improve humoral and cellular mediated protective responses against influenza virus challenge. IMPORTANCE The development of novel adjuvants to increase vaccine immunogenicity is an important goal that seeks to improve vaccine efficacy and ultimately prevent infections that endanger human health. This proof-of-principle study investigated the adjuvant properties of a sequence-optimized 5'pppRNA agonist (M8) with enhanced capacity to stimulate antiviral and inflammatory gene networks using influenza virus-like particles (VLP) expressing HA and NA as immunogens. Vaccination with VLP in combination with M8 increased anti-influenza virus antibody titers and protected animals from lethal influenza virus challenge, highlighting the potential clinical use of M8 as an adjuvant in vaccine development. Altogether, the results describe a novel immunostimulatory agonist targeted to the cytosolic RIG-I sensor as an attractive vaccine adjuvant candidate that can be used to increase vaccine efficacy, a pressing issue in children and the elderly population.
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MESH Headings
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/administration & dosage
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/genetics
- Animals
- Antibodies, Viral/biosynthesis
- DEAD Box Protein 58
- DEAD-box RNA Helicases/chemistry
- DEAD-box RNA Helicases/genetics
- DEAD-box RNA Helicases/immunology
- Dendritic Cells/immunology
- Dendritic Cells/virology
- Female
- HEK293 Cells
- Hemagglutinins, Viral/chemistry
- Hemagglutinins, Viral/genetics
- Hemagglutinins, Viral/immunology
- Humans
- Immunity, Cellular/drug effects
- Immunity, Humoral/drug effects
- Immunization
- Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/drug effects
- Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/immunology
- Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype/pathogenicity
- Influenza Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Influenza Vaccines/genetics
- Influenza Vaccines/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Neuraminidase/chemistry
- Neuraminidase/genetics
- Neuraminidase/immunology
- Oligoribonucleotides/administration & dosage
- Oligoribonucleotides/genetics
- Oligoribonucleotides/immunology
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections/immunology
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections/mortality
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections/prevention & control
- Orthomyxoviridae Infections/virology
- Primary Cell Culture
- Receptors, Immunologic
- Survival Analysis
- Th1-Th2 Balance/drug effects
- Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle/genetics
- Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Beljanski
- Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute of Florida, Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA
| | - Cindy Chiang
- Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute of Florida, Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA
| | - Greg A Kirchenbaum
- Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute of Florida, Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA
| | - David Olagnier
- Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute of Florida, Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA
| | - Chalise E Bloom
- Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute of Florida, Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA
| | - Terianne Wong
- Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute of Florida, Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA
| | - Elias K Haddad
- Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute of Florida, Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA
| | - Lydie Trautmann
- Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute of Florida, Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA
| | - Ted M Ross
- Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute of Florida, Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA
| | - John Hiscott
- Vaccine & Gene Therapy Institute of Florida, Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA
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8
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Rynda-Apple A, Patterson DP, Douglas T. Virus-like particles as antigenic nanomaterials for inducing protective immune responses in the lung. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2015; 9:1857-68. [PMID: 25325241 DOI: 10.2217/nnm.14.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The lung is a major entry point for many of the most detrimental pathogens to human health. The onslaught of pathogens encountered by the lung is counteracted by protective immune responses that are generated locally, which can be stimulated through vaccine strategies to prevent pathogen infections. Here, we discuss the use of virus-like particles (VLPs), nonpathogen derivatives of viruses or protein cage structures, to construct new vaccines exploiting the lung as a site for immunostimulation. VLPs are unique in their ability to be engineered with near molecular level detail and knowledge of their composition and structure. A summary of research in developing VLP-based vaccines for the lung is presented that suggests promising results for future vaccine development.
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9
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Additive protection induced by mixed virus-like particles presenting respiratory syncytial virus fusion or attachment glycoproteins. Antiviral Res 2014; 111:129-35. [PMID: 25239522 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2014.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most important pathogen for lower respiratory tract illness in infants and a high priority for vaccine development. We previously reported that RSV virus-like particles (VLPs) expressing either the fusion (F) or attachment (G) glycoprotein could confer protection against RSV challenge in BALB/c mice. Here, we tested the hypothesis that RSV VLP vaccine efficacy can be enhanced by mixing RSV VLP F and RSV VLP G, and we analyzed host responses to these RSV VLPs. Mice were immunized with VLP F, VLP G, or VLP F+VLP G. Lung viral loads in BALB/c mice following RSV strain A2-line19F challenge were lower in mice vaccinated with RSV VLP F+VLP G compared to VLP F- or VLP G-vaccinated mice. Vaccination with VLP F or VLP F+VLP G induced similar levels of neutralizing antibodies. The enhanced protection against RSV challenge induced by vaccination with RSV VLP F+VLP G correlated with CD8 T cells producing T helper type 1 cytokines. VLP G vaccination alone followed by challenge resulted in immunopathology similar to formalin-inactivated RSV vaccination and RSV challenge. Taken together, mixed VLP F+VLP G provided a high level of protection against RSV without vaccine-induced immunopathology, but VLP G vaccination enhanced disease when used alone.
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10
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Human metapneumovirus virus-like particles induce protective B and T cell responses in a mouse model. J Virol 2014; 88:6368-79. [PMID: 24672031 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00332-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a leading cause of respiratory disease in infants, children, and the elderly worldwide, yet no licensed vaccines exist. Live-attenuated vaccines present safety challenges, and protein subunit vaccines induce primarily antibody responses. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are an attractive alternative vaccine approach because of reduced safety concerns compared with live vaccines. We generated HMPV VLPs by expressing viral proteins in suspension-adapted human embryonic kidney epithelial (293-F) cells and found that the viral matrix (M) and fusion (F) proteins were sufficient to form VLPs. We previously reported that the VLPs resemble virus morphology and incorporate fusion-competent F protein (R. G. Cox, S. B. Livesay, M. Johnson, M. D. Ohi, and J. V. Williams, J. Virol. 86:12148-12160, 2012), which we hypothesized would elicit F-specific antibody and T cell responses. In this study, we tested whether VLP immunization could induce protective immunity to HMPV by using a mouse model. C57BL/6 mice were injected twice intraperitoneally with VLPs alone or with adjuvant and subsequently challenged with HMPV. Mice were euthanized 5 days postinfection, and virus titers, levels of neutralizing antibodies, and numbers of CD3(+) T cells were quantified. Mice immunized with VLPs mounted an F-specific antibody response and generated CD8(+) T cells recognizing an F protein-derived epitope. VLP immunization induced a neutralizing-antibody response that was enhanced by the addition of either TiterMax Gold or α-galactosylceramide adjuvant, though adjuvant reduced cellular immune responses. Two doses of VLPs conferred complete protection from HMPV replication in the lungs of mice and were not associated with a Th2-skewed cytokine response. These results suggest that nonreplicating VLPs are a promising vaccine candidate for HMPV. IMPORTANCE Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a leading cause of acute respiratory infection in infants, children, and the elderly worldwide, yet no licensed vaccines exist. Live-attenuated vaccines present safety challenges, and protein subunit vaccines induce primarily antibody responses. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are an attractive alternative vaccine approach. We generated HMPV VLPs by expressing the viral matrix (M) and fusion (F) proteins in mammalian cells. We found that mice immunized with VLPs mounted an F-specific antibody response and generated CD8(+) T cells recognizing an F protein-derived epitope. VLP immunization induced a neutralizing-antibody response that was enhanced by the addition of either TiterMax Gold or α-galactosylceramide adjuvant. Two doses of VLPs conferred complete protection against HMPV replication in the lungs of mice and were not associated with a Th2-skewed cytokine response. These results suggest that nonreplicating VLPs are a promising vaccine candidate for HMPV.
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11
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A novel subnucleocapsid nanoplatform for mucosal vaccination against influenza virus that targets the ectodomain of matrix protein 2. J Virol 2013; 88:325-38. [PMID: 24155388 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01141-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, subnucleocapsid nanorings formed by the recombinant nucleoprotein (N) of the respiratory syncytial virus were evaluated as a platform to anchor heterologous antigens. The ectodomain of the influenza virus A matrix protein 2 (M2e) is highly conserved and elicits protective antibodies when it is linked to an immunogenic carrier, making it a promising target to develop universal influenza vaccines. In this context, one or three M2e copies were genetically linked to the C terminus of N to produce N-M2e and N-3M2e chimeric recombinant nanorings. Mice were immunized intranasally with N-M2e or N-3M2e or with M2e or 3M2e control peptides. N-3M2e-vaccinated mice showed the strongest mucosal and systemic antibody responses. These mice presented a reduced viral load and minor weight loss, and all survived upon challenge with influenza virus A/PR8/34 (H1N1) (PR8). We compared the intranasal route to the subcutaneous route of N-3M2e immunization. Only the intranasal route induced a strong local IgA response and led to the protection of mice upon challenge. Finally, we demonstrated that the induction of anti-M2e antibodies by N-3M2e is not impaired by preexisting anti-N immunity. Overall, these results show that the N nanoring is a potent carrier for mucosal delivery of vaccinal antigens.
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12
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Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) are formed by viral structural proteins that, when overexpressed, spontaneously self-assemble into particles that are antigenically indistinguishable from infectious virus or subviral particles. VLPs are appealing as vaccine candidates because their inherent properties (i.e., virus-sized, multimeric antigens, highly organised and repetitive structure, not infectious) are suitable for the induction of safe and efficient humoral and cellular immune responses. VLP-based vaccines have already been licensed for human and veterinary use, and many more vaccine candidates are currently in late stages of evaluation. Moreover, the development of VLPs as platforms for foreign antigen display has further broadened their potential applicability both as prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines. This chapter provides an overview on the design and use of VLPs for the development of new generation vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Bárcena
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (INIA), Valdeolmos, 28130, Madrid, Spain,
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13
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Koukuntla R, Mandell RB, Flick R. Virus-Like Particle-Based Countermeasures Against Rift Valley Fever Virus. Zoonoses Public Health 2012; 59 Suppl 2:142-50. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1863-2378.2012.01478.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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