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Loaiza RA, Ramírez RA, Sepúlveda-Alfaro J, Ramírez MA, Andrade CA, Soto JA, González PA, Bueno SM, Kalergis AM. A molecular perspective for the development of antibodies against the human respiratory syncytial virus. Antiviral Res 2024; 222:105783. [PMID: 38145755 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
The human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is the leading etiologic agent causing respiratory infections in infants, children, older adults, and patients with comorbidities. Sixty-seven years have passed since the discovery of hRSV, and only a few successful mitigation or treatment tools have been developed against this virus. One of these is immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies against structural proteins of the virus, such as Palivizumab, the first prophylactic approach approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the USA. In this article, we discuss different strategies for the prevention and treatment of hRSV infection, focusing on the molecular mechanisms against each target that underly the rational design of antibodies against hRSV. At the same time, we describe the latest results regarding currently approved therapies against hRSV and the challenges associated with developing new candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo A Loaiza
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
| | - Robinson A Ramírez
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
| | - Javiera Sepúlveda-Alfaro
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
| | - Mario A Ramírez
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
| | - Catalina A Andrade
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
| | - Jorge A Soto
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de La Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo A González
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
| | - Susan M Bueno
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile
| | - Alexis M Kalergis
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile; Departamento de Endocrinología, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile.
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2
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Zou G, Cao S, Gao Z, Yie J, Wu JZ. Current state and challenges in respiratory syncytial virus drug discovery and development. Antiviral Res 2024; 221:105791. [PMID: 38160942 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in young children and elderly people worldwide. Recent significant progress in our understanding of the structure and function of RSV proteins has led to the discovery of several clinical candidates targeting RSV fusion and replication. These include both the development of novel small molecule interventions and the isolation of potent monoclonal antibodies. In this review, we summarize the state-of-the-art of RSV drug discovery, with a focus on the characteristics of the candidates that reached the clinical stage of development. We also discuss the lessons learned from failed and discontinued clinical developments and highlight the challenges that remain for development of RSV therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Zou
- Shanghai Ark Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Sushan Cao
- Shanghai Ark Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhao Gao
- Shanghai Ark Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Junming Yie
- Shanghai Ark Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jim Zhen Wu
- Shanghai Ark Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201203, China
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3
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Desikan R, Germani M, van der Graaf PH, Magee M. A Quantitative Clinical Pharmacology-Based Framework For Model-Informed Vaccine Development. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:22-32. [PMID: 37924975 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.10.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Historically, vaccine development and dose optimization have followed mostly empirical approaches without clinical pharmacology and model-informed approaches playing a major role, in contrast to conventional drug development. This is attributed to the complex cascade of immunobiological mechanisms associated with vaccines and a lack of quantitative frameworks for extracting dose-exposure-efficacy-toxicity relationships. However, the Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the lack of sufficient immunogenicity due to suboptimal vaccine dosing regimens and the need for well-designed, model-informed clinical trials which enhance the probability of selection of optimal vaccine dosing regimens. In this perspective, we attempt to develop a quantitative clinical pharmacology-based approach that integrates vaccine dose-efficacy-toxicity across various stages of vaccine development into a unified framework that we term as model-informed vaccine dose-optimization and development (MIVD). We highlight scenarios where the adoption of MIVD approaches may have a strategic advantage compared to conventional practices for vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajat Desikan
- Clinical Pharmacology Modelling & Simulation, GSK, United Kingdom.
| | | | - Piet H van der Graaf
- Certara QSP, Canterbury Innovation Centre, University Road, Canterbury CT2 7FG, United Kingdom; Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Einsteinweg 55, 2333 CC Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Mindy Magee
- Clinical Pharmacology Modelling & Simulation, GSK, United States
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4
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Phuah JY, Maas BM, Tang A, Zhang Y, Caro L, Railkar RA, Swanson MD, Cao Y, Li H, Roadcap B, Catchpole AP, Aliprantis AO, Vora KA. Quantification of clesrovimab, an investigational, half-life extended, anti-respiratory syncytial virus protein F human monoclonal antibody in the nasal epithelial lining fluid of healthy adults. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 169:115851. [PMID: 37976891 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clesrovimab (MK-1654) is an investigational, half-life extended human monoclonal antibody (mAb) against RSV F glycoprotein in clinical trials as a prophylactic agent against RSV infection for infants. METHODS This adult study measured clesrovimab concentrations in the serum and nasal epithelial lining fluid (ELF) to establish the partitioning of the antibody after dosing. Clesrovimab concentrations in the nasal ELF were normalized for sampling dilution using urea concentrations from ELF and serum. Furthermore, in vitro RSV neutralization of human nasal ELF following dosing was also measured to examine the activity of clesrovimab in the nasal compartment. FINDINGS mAbs with YTE mutations are reported in literature to partition ∼1-2 % of serum antibodies into nasal mucosa. Nasal: serum ratios of 1:69-1:30 were observed for clesrovimab in two separate adult human trials after urea normalization, translating to 1.4-3.3 % of serum concentrations. The nasal PK and estimates of peripheral volume of distribution correlated with higher extravascular distribution of clesrovimab. These higher concentration of the antibody in the nasal ELF corroborated with the nasal sample's ability to neutralize RSV ex vivo. An overall trend of decreased viral plaque AUC was also noted with increasing availability of clesrovimab in the nasal ELF from a human RSV challenge study. INTERPRETATION Along with its extended half-life, the higher penetration of clesrovimab into the nasal epithelial lining fluid and the associated local increase in RSV neutralization activity could offer infants better protection against RSV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yu Cao
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA
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5
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Nussbaum J, Cao X, Railkar RA, Sachs JR, Spellman DS, Luk J, Shaw CA, Cejas PJ, Citron MP, Al-Ibrahim M, Han D, Pagnussat S, Stoch SA, Lai E, Bett AJ, Espeseth AS. Evaluation of a stabilized RSV pre-fusion F mRNA vaccine: Preclinical studies and Phase 1 clinical testing in healthy adults. Vaccine 2023; 41:6488-6501. [PMID: 37777449 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.05.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes a substantial proportion of respiratory tract infections worldwide. Although RSV reinfections occur throughout life, older adults, particularly those with underlying comorbidities, are at risk for severe complications from RSV. There is no RSV vaccine available to date, and treatment of RSV in adults is largely supportive. A correlate of protection for RSV has not yet been established, but antibodies targeting the pre-fusion conformation of the RSV F glycoprotein play an important role in RSV neutralization. We previously reported a Phase 1 study of an mRNA-based vaccine (V171) expressing a pre-fusion-stabilized RSV F protein (mDS-Cav1) in healthy adults. Here, we evaluated an mRNA-based vaccine (V172) expressing a further stabilized RSV pre-fusion F protein (mVRC1). mVRC1 is a single chain version of RSV F with interprotomer disulfides in addition to the stabilizing mutations present in the mDS-Cav1 antigen. The immunogenicity of the two mRNA-based vaccines encoding mVRC1 (V172) or a sequence-optimized version of mDS-Cav1 to improve transcriptional fidelity (V171.2) were compared in RSV-naïve and RSV-experienced African green monkeys (AGMs). V172 induced higher neutralizing antibody titers than V171.2 and demonstrated protection in the AGM challenge model. We conducted a Phase 1, randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of 25 μg, 100 μg, 200 μg, or 300 μg of V172 in healthy older adults (60-79 years old; N = 112) and 100 μg, 200 μg, or 300 μg of V172 in healthy younger adults (18-49 years old; N = 48). The primary clinical objectives were to evaluate the safety and tolerability of V172, and the secondary objective was to evaluate RSV serum neutralization titers. The most commonly reported solicited adverse events were injection-site pain, injection-site swelling, headache, and tiredness. V172 was generally well tolerated in older and younger adults and increased serum neutralizing antibody titers, pre-fusion F-specific competing antibody titers, and RSV F-specific T-cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xin Cao
- Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA
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6
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Tuffy KM, Ahani B, Aksyuk AA, Avila M, Brady T, Kijak GH, Koh G, Levin MJ, Roe TL, Schuko N, Thissen J, Ustianowski A, Zhang T, Kelly EJ, Streicher K. Breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 Infections in the PROVENT Prevention Trial Were Not Associated With AZD7442 (Tixagevimab/Cilgavimab) Resistant Variants. J Infect Dis 2023; 228:1055-1059. [PMID: 37280116 PMCID: PMC10582904 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We report spike protein-based lineage and AZD7442 (tixagevimab/cilgavimab) neutralizing activity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants identified from breakthrough infections in the PROVENT preexposure prophylaxis trial. METHODS Variants identified from PROVENT participants with reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction-positive symptomatic illness were phenotypically assessed to determine neutralization susceptibility of variant-specific pseudotyped virus-like particles. RESULTS At completion of 6 months' follow-up, no AZD7442-resistant variants were observed in breakthrough coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody titers were similar in breakthrough and nonbreakthrough cases. CONCLUSIONS Symptomatic COVID-19 breakthrough cases in PROVENT were not due to resistance-associated substitutions in AZD7442 binding sites or lack of AZD7442 exposure. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT04625725.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Tuffy
- Vaccines and Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Bahar Ahani
- Vaccines and Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Anastasia A Aksyuk
- Vaccines and Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Miles Avila
- Vaccines and Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Tyler Brady
- Vaccines and Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Gustavo H Kijak
- Vaccines and Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Gavin Koh
- Vaccines and Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Myron J Levin
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Tiffany L Roe
- Vaccines and Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Nicolette Schuko
- Vaccines and Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Jesse Thissen
- Vaccines and Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Tianhui Zhang
- Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Elizabeth J Kelly
- Vaccines and Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Katie Streicher
- Vaccines and Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals Research and Development, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
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7
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Ruckwardt TJ. The road to approved vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:138. [PMID: 37749081 PMCID: PMC10519952 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00734-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
After decades of work, several interventions to prevent severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in high-risk infant and older adult populations have finally been approved. There were many setbacks along the road to victory. In this review, I will discuss the impact of RSV on human health and how structure-based vaccine design set the stage for numerous RSV countermeasures to advance through late phase clinical evaluation. While there are still many RSV countermeasures in preclinical and early-stage clinical trials, this review will focus on products yielding long-awaited efficacy results. Finally, I will discuss some challenges and next steps needed to declare a global victory against RSV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy J Ruckwardt
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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8
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O’Hagan S, Galway N, Shields MD, Mallett P, Groves HE. Review of the Safety, Efficacy and Tolerability of Palivizumab in the Prevention of Severe Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Disease. Drug Healthc Patient Saf 2023; 15:103-112. [PMID: 37720805 PMCID: PMC10503506 DOI: 10.2147/dhps.s348727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a major global cause of childhood morbidity and mortality. Palivizumab, a monoclonal antibody that provides passive immunity against RSV, is currently licensed for prophylactic use in specific "high-risk" populations, including congenital heart disease, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and prematurity. Available research suggests palivizumab use in these high-risk populations can lead to a reduction in RSV-related hospitalization. However, palivizumab has not been demonstrated to reduce mortality, adverse events or length of hospital stay related to RSV. In this article, we review the management of RSV, indications for palivizumab prophylaxis, the safety, cost-effectiveness and efficacy of this preventative medication, and emerging therapeutics that could revolutionize future prevention of this significant pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun O’Hagan
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Niamh Galway
- Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Michael D Shields
- Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Centre for Medical Education, Queen’s University Belfast School of Medicine, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Peter Mallett
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Centre for Medical Education, Queen’s University Belfast School of Medicine, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Helen E Groves
- Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
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9
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Packnett ER, Winer IH, Oladapo A, Wojdyla M. Risk of RSV-related hospitalization is associated with gestational age in preterm (born at 29-34 wGA) infants without outpatient palivizumab administration. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2252289. [PMID: 37828711 PMCID: PMC10578184 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2252289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Palivizumab has been shown to decrease RSV-related hospitalization (RSVH) risk and reduce RSVH severity. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidance on administration of palivizumab has changed over time; in 2014, palivizumab was no longer recommended in preterm infants born at 29 weeks gestational age (wGA) or later. This study's objective was to describe RSVH risk and severity in preterm infants (29-34 wGA) without comorbidities relative to healthy term infants and to each other by gestational age. Using the MarketScan Multi-State Medicaid and Commercial Databases, infants born from July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2019, at 29-34 wGA (preterm) and >37 wGA (term) were identified. During RSV seasons (November to March) from 2014 to 2020, claims incurred by infants while they were <6 months old were evaluated for RSVH and RSVH characteristics. This study included 63,351 preterm infants and 1,076,389 term infants without outpatient palivizumab administration. Rate of RSVH was higher in infants with lower wGA at birth and ranged 3.32-5.72 per 100 infant-seasons in Medicaid-insured infants and 3.21-4.84 in commercially insured infants. Relative risk of RSVH was 5-8 times higher in Medicaid-insured preterm infants and 3-5 times higher in commercially insured preterm infants compared to term infants. ICU admissions and mechanical ventilation were more common during RSVH in preterm infants relative to term infants. RSV-related outpatient healthcare utilization was also 2-3 times higher in preterm infants born at 31-34 wGA. Increased utilization of palivizumab among infants born at 29-34 wGA may decrease RSVH rates and result in less severe course in preterm infants with RSVH.
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10
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Li A, Swanson M, Sullivan N, Homan Y, Nahas D, Mukhopadhyay S, Li HH, Cao Y, Xu W, Tang H, Vora KA, Chen Z. Phage-derived anti-idiotype and anti-YTE antibodies in development of MK-1654 pharmacokinetic and immune response assays. Bioanalysis 2023; 15:1049-1067. [PMID: 37515532 DOI: 10.4155/bio-2023-0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: MK-1654 is a fully human monoclonal antibody with YTE mutations currently in phase III clinical trials for prophylactic use in protecting infants from human respiratory syncytial virus infection. Materials & methods: We generated anti-idiotype (anti-ID) and anti-YTE antibodies against MK-1654 by panning with MorphoSys HuCal phage libraries, and used the antibodies in the development of MK-1654 pharmacokinetic (PK) and immune response (IR) assays. Results: Detection of MK-1654 in nonhuman primate and human nasal wash samples showed combined use of anti-ID and anti-YTE antibodies can deliver desired sensitivity and accuracy in PK studies. IR studies showed anti-ID can serve as suitable positive control in neutralizing antibody assays. Conclusion: Phage-derived anti-IDs and anti-YTEs are suitable for PK and IR assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- April Li
- PCD Regulated Immunogenicity and Molecular, Merck and Co., Inc., West Point, PA 19486, USA
| | - Michael Swanson
- PCD Regulated Immunogenicity and Molecular, Merck and Co., Inc., West Point, PA 19486, USA
- Current address: Janssen Pharmaceutical, Ambler, PA 19002, USA
| | - Nicole Sullivan
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Research, Merck and Co., Inc., West Point, PA 19486, USA
| | - Ying Homan
- PCD Regulated Immunogenicity and Molecular, Merck and Co., Inc., West Point, PA 19486, USA
| | - Debbie Nahas
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Research, Merck and Co., Inc., West Point, PA 19486, USA
| | - Shreya Mukhopadhyay
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Research, Merck and Co., Inc., West Point, PA 19486, USA
| | - Hualin Helen Li
- Analytical Research and Development, Merck and Co., Inc., West Point, PA 19486, USA
| | - Yu Cao
- PCD Regulated Immunogenicity and Molecular, Merck and Co., Inc., West Point, PA 19486, USA
| | - Weifeng Xu
- PCD Regulated Immunogenicity and Molecular, Merck and Co., Inc., West Point, PA 19486, USA
| | - Huaping Tang
- PCD Regulated Immunogenicity and Molecular, Merck and Co., Inc., West Point, PA 19486, USA
- Current address: GSK Pharmaceutical, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA
| | - Kalpit A Vora
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Research, Merck and Co., Inc., West Point, PA 19486, USA
| | - Zhifeng Chen
- Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Research, Merck and Co., Inc., West Point, PA 19486, USA
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11
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Miller RJ, Mousa JJ. Structural basis for respiratory syncytial virus and human metapneumovirus neutralization. Curr Opin Virol 2023; 61:101337. [PMID: 37544710 PMCID: PMC10421620 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2023.101337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) continue to be a global burden to infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. In the past ten years, there has been substantial progress in the development of new vaccine candidates and therapies against these viruses. These advancements were guided by the structural elucidation of the major surface glycoproteins for these viruses, the fusion (F) protein and attachment (G) protein. The identification of immunodominant epitopes on the RSV F and hMPV F proteins has expanded current knowledge on antibody-mediated immune responses, which has led to new approaches for vaccine and therapeutic development through the stabilization of pre-fusion constructs of the F protein and pre-fusion-specific monoclonal antibodies with high potency and efficacy. In this review, we describe structural characteristics of known antigenic sites on the RSV and hMPV proteins, their influence on the immune response, and current progress in vaccine and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose J Miller
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA; Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | - Jarrod J Mousa
- Center for Vaccines and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA; Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
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12
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Ahani B, Tuffy KM, Aksyuk AA, Wilkins D, Abram ME, Dagan R, Domachowske JB, Guest JD, Ji H, Kushnir A, Leach A, Madhi SA, Mankad VS, Simões EAF, Sparklin B, Speer SD, Stanley AM, Tabor DE, Hamrén UW, Kelly EJ, Villafana T. Molecular and phenotypic characteristics of RSV infections in infants during two nirsevimab randomized clinical trials. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4347. [PMID: 37468530 PMCID: PMC10356750 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40057-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Nirsevimab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) fusion protein. During the Phase 2b (NCT02878330) and MELODY (NCT03979313) clinical trials, infants received one dose of nirsevimab or placebo before their first RSV season. In this pre-specified analysis, isolates from RSV infections were subtyped, sequenced and analyzed for nirsevimab binding site substitutions; subsequently, recombinant RSVs were engineered for microneutralization susceptibility testing. Here we show that the frequency of infections caused by subtypes A and B is similar across and within the two trials. In addition, RSV A had one and RSV B had 10 fusion protein substitutions occurring at >5% frequency. Notably, RSV B binding site substitutions were rare, except for the highly prevalent I206M:Q209R, which increases nirsevimab susceptibility; RSV B isolates from two participants had binding site substitutions that reduce nirsevimab susceptibility. Overall, >99% of isolates from the Phase 2b and MELODY trials retained susceptibility to nirsevimab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahar Ahani
- Bioinformatics, Vaccines & Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Kevin M Tuffy
- Translational Medicine, Vaccines & Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Anastasia A Aksyuk
- Translational Medicine, Vaccines & Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Deidre Wilkins
- Translational Medicine, Vaccines & Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Michael E Abram
- Translational Medicine, Vaccines & Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Ron Dagan
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences of the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | | | - Johnathan D Guest
- Virology and Vaccine Discovery, Vaccines & Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Hong Ji
- Translational Medicine, Vaccines & Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Anna Kushnir
- Translational Medicine, Vaccines & Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Amanda Leach
- Clinical Development, Vaccines & Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Shabir A Madhi
- South African Medical Research Council Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Vaishali S Mankad
- Clinical Development, Vaccines & Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Eric A F Simões
- University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Benjamin Sparklin
- Bioinformatics, Vaccines & Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Scott D Speer
- Translational Medicine, Vaccines & Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Ann Marie Stanley
- Translational Medicine, Vaccines & Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - David E Tabor
- Translational Medicine, Vaccines & Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Ulrika Wählby Hamrén
- Clinical Pharmacology and Quantitative Pharmacology, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elizabeth J Kelly
- Translational Medicine, Vaccines & Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA.
| | - Tonya Villafana
- Clinical Development, Vaccines & Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
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13
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Maina TW, Grego EA, Broderick S, Sacco RE, Narasimhan B, McGill JL. Immunization with a mucosal, post-fusion F/G protein-based polyanhydride nanovaccine protects neonatal calves against BRSV infection. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1186184. [PMID: 37359514 PMCID: PMC10289034 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1186184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is a leading cause of death in young children and there are no FDA approved vaccines. Bovine RSV (BRSV) is antigenically similar to HRSV, and the neonatal calf model is useful for evaluation of HRSV vaccines. Here, we determined the efficacy of a polyanhydride-based nanovaccine encapsulating the BRSV post-fusion F and G glycoproteins and CpG, delivered prime-boost via heterologous (intranasal/subcutaneous) or homologous (intranasal/intranasal) immunization in the calf model. We compared the performance of the nanovaccine regimens to a modified-live BRSV vaccine, and to non-vaccinated calves. Calves receiving nanovaccine via either prime-boost regimen exhibited clinical and virological protection compared to non-vaccinated calves. The heterologous nanovaccine regimen induced both virus-specific cellular immunity and mucosal IgA, and induced similar clinical, virological and pathological protection as the commercial modified-live vaccine. Principal component analysis identified BRSV-specific humoral and cellular responses as important correlates of protection. The BRSV-F/G CpG nanovaccine is a promising candidate vaccine to reduce RSV disease burden in humans and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresia W. Maina
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Elizabeth A. Grego
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Scott Broderick
- Department of Materials Design and Innovation, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Randy E. Sacco
- Ruminant Diseases and Immunology Research Unit, National Animal Disease Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Ames, IA, United States
- Nanovaccine Institute, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Balaji Narasimhan
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
- Nanovaccine Institute, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Jodi L. McGill
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
- Nanovaccine Institute, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
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14
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Dvorkin J, De Luca J, Alvarez-Paggi D, Caballero MT. Responding to Higher-Than-Expected Infant Mortality Rates from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): Improving Treatment and Reporting Strategies. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:595-605. [PMID: 36733921 PMCID: PMC9888399 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s373584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has a major role in respiratory infections in young infants around the world. However, substantial progress has been made in recent years in the field of RSV. A wide variety of observational studies and clinical trials published in the past decade provide a thorough idea of the health and economic burden of RSV disease in the developing world. In this review, we discuss the impact of RSV burden of disease, major gaps in disease estimations, and challenges in generating new therapeutic options and an immune response against the virus, and briefly describe next generation technologies that are being evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Dvorkin
- Fundación INFANT, Buenos Aires, Argentina,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Damian Alvarez-Paggi
- Fundación INFANT, Buenos Aires, Argentina,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mauricio T Caballero
- Fundación INFANT, Buenos Aires, Argentina,Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina,Correspondence: Mauricio T Caballero, Fundación INFANT, Gavilán 94, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Email
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15
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de Vries RD, de Swart RL. Antibodies face the challenge against human respiratory syncytial virus. Cell Host Microbe 2023; 31:135-136. [PMID: 36634618 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2022.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In the December 22 issue of Cell, Bartsch et al. describe functional profiling of the antibody response to respiratory syncytial virus in human adults vaccinated with an experimental adenovirus-based prefusion-stabilized HRSV-F vaccine and subsequently intranasally challenged with HRSV. The authors identified various antibody effector functions as humoral correlates of protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory D de Vries
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rik L de Swart
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Virology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands.
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16
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Mazur NI, Terstappen J, Baral R, Bardají A, Beutels P, Buchholz UJ, Cohen C, Crowe JE, Cutland CL, Eckert L, Feikin D, Fitzpatrick T, Fong Y, Graham BS, Heikkinen T, Higgins D, Hirve S, Klugman KP, Kragten-Tabatabaie L, Lemey P, Libster R, Löwensteyn Y, Mejias A, Munoz FM, Munywoki PK, Mwananyanda L, Nair H, Nunes MC, Ramilo O, Richmond P, Ruckwardt TJ, Sande C, Srikantiah P, Thacker N, Waldstein KA, Weinberger D, Wildenbeest J, Wiseman D, Zar HJ, Zambon M, Bont L. Respiratory syncytial virus prevention within reach: the vaccine and monoclonal antibody landscape. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023; 23:e2-e21. [PMID: 35952703 PMCID: PMC9896921 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(22)00291-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 114.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus is the second most common cause of infant mortality and a major cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults (aged >60 years). Efforts to develop a respiratory syncytial virus vaccine or immunoprophylaxis remain highly active. 33 respiratory syncytial virus prevention candidates are in clinical development using six different approaches: recombinant vector, subunit, particle-based, live attenuated, chimeric, and nucleic acid vaccines; and monoclonal antibodies. Nine candidates are in phase 3 clinical trials. Understanding the epitopes targeted by highly neutralising antibodies has resulted in a shift from empirical to rational and structure-based vaccine and monoclonal antibody design. An extended half-life monoclonal antibody for all infants is likely to be within 1 year of regulatory approval (from August, 2022) for high-income countries. Live-attenuated vaccines are in development for older infants (aged >6 months). Subunit vaccines are in late-stage trials for pregnant women to protect infants, whereas vector, subunit, and nucleic acid approaches are being developed for older adults. Urgent next steps include ensuring access and affordability of a respiratory syncytial virus vaccine globally. This review gives an overview of respiratory syncytial virus vaccines and monoclonal antibodies in clinical development highlighting different target populations, antigens, and trial results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie I Mazur
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jonne Terstappen
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ranju Baral
- PATH, Center for Vaccine Innovation & Access, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Azucena Bardají
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigaçao em Saúde de Manhiça, Maputo, Mozambique; Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - Philippe Beutels
- Centre for Health Economics Research & Modelling Infectious Diseases, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; School of Public Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ursula J Buchholz
- RNA Viruses Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MA, USA
| | - Cheryl Cohen
- University of the Witwatersrand, Centre for Respiratory Disease and Meningitis at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa; School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - James E Crowe
- Vanderbilt Vaccine Center, Pediatrics & Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Clare L Cutland
- African Leadership in Vaccinology Expertise, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Linda Eckert
- Obstetrics & Gynecology, Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Daniel Feikin
- Department of Immunisations, Vaccines & Biologicals, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tiffany Fitzpatrick
- Yale School of Public Health Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Youyi Fong
- Vaccine & Infectious Disease Division, Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Barney S Graham
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MA, USA
| | - Terho Heikkinen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Deborah Higgins
- PATH, Center for Vaccine Innovation & Access, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Keith P Klugman
- Pneumonia Program, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Philippe Lemey
- Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Yvette Löwensteyn
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Flor M Munoz
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Disease, and Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Patrick K Munywoki
- Kenyan Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Program, Kilifi, Kenya
| | | | - Harish Nair
- Centre for Global Health, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Marta C Nunes
- South African Medical Research Council, Wits Vaccines & Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit and Department of Science and Technology and National Research Foundation, South African Research Chair Initiative in Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Octavio Ramilo
- Nationwide Children's Hospital Columbus, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Peter Richmond
- School of Medicine, Division of Paediatrics, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Tracy J Ruckwardt
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MA, USA
| | - Charles Sande
- Kenyan Medical Research Institute-Wellcome Trust Research Program, Kilifi, Kenya; Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Padmini Srikantiah
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus Program and Global Health, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Naveen Thacker
- Deep Children Hospital & Research Centre, Gandhidham, India
| | - Kody A Waldstein
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA, USA; Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Immunology, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA, USA
| | - Dan Weinberger
- Yale School of Public Health Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joanne Wildenbeest
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Dexter Wiseman
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Heather J Zar
- Department of Pediatrics & Child Health, Red Cross Children's Hospital and SA-MRC unit of Child & Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Maria Zambon
- Reference Microbiology, Public Health England, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Louis Bont
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands; ReSViNET Foundation, Julius Clinical, Zeist, Netherlands.
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17
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Kandala B, Plock N, Chawla A, Largajolli A, Robey S, Watson K, Thatavarti R, Dubey SA, Cheung SA, de Greef R, Stone J, Sachs JR. Accelerating model-informed decisions for COVID-19 vaccine candidates using a model-based meta-analysis approach. EBioMedicine 2022; 84:104264. [PMID: 36182824 PMCID: PMC9514977 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for innovative quantitative decision tools to support rapid development of safe and efficacious vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. To meet that need, we developed and applied a model-based meta-analysis (MBMA) approach integrating non-clinical and clinical immunogenicity and protection data. Methods A systematic literature review identified studies of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 in rhesus macaques (RM) and humans. Summary-level data of 13 RM and 8 clinical trials were used in the analysis. A RM MBMA model was developed to quantify the relationship between serum neutralizing (SN) titres after vaccination and peak viral load (VL) post-challenge in RM. The translation of the RM MBMA model to a clinical protection model was then carried out to predict clinical efficacies based on RM data alone. Subsequently, clinical SN and efficacy data were integrated to develop three predictive models of efficacy – a calibrated RM MBMA, a joint (RM-Clinical) MBMA, and the clinical MBMA model. The three models were leveraged to predict efficacies of vaccine candidates not included in the model and efficacies against newer strains of SARS-CoV-2. Findings Clinical efficacies predicted based on RM data alone were in reasonable agreement with the reported data. The SN titre predicted to provide 50% efficacy was estimated to be about 21% of the mean human convalescent titre level, and that value was consistent across the three models. Clinical efficacies predicted from the MBMA models agreed with reported efficacies for two vaccine candidates (BBV152 and CoronaVac) not included in the modelling and for efficacies against delta variant. Interpretation The three MBMA models are predictive of protection against SARS-CoV-2 and provide a translational framework to enable early Go/No-Go and study design decisions using non-clinical and/or limited clinical immunogenicity data in the development of novel SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Funding This study was funded by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.
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18
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Xu W, Maas B, Roadcap B, Swarup A, Steinmetz T, Luo L, Ichetovkin M, Wood S, Vazvaei-Smith F, Lee AWT, Vora K, Helmy R. Neutralization Activity of Anti-drug Antibodies Against a Biotherapeutic Can Be Predicted from a Comprehensive Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Anti-drug Antibody Data Analysis. AAPS J 2022; 24:102. [PMID: 36167856 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-022-00753-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Historically, a neutralization antibody (NAb) assay is considered critical in immunogenicity assessment of biologic therapeutics, even with low anti-drug antibody (ADA) positive rates. In 2019, FDA new guidelines issued on immunogenicity testing acknowledged the possibility of using "a highly sensitive PD marker or an appropriately designed PK assay or both that generate data that inform clinical activity" to replace a NAb assay. In the current manuscript, we present data for PK, PD, and ADA assays which collectively succeed to replace the standalone NAb assay. The data include a total LC/MS-based PK assay, a serum neutralization antibody (SNA) assay that essentially measures pharmacodynamically functional PK and can detect NAb activity in the presence of 1:1 ratio of drug, and a highly drug-tolerant ADA assay. In addition, a model-based meta-analysis (MBMA) demonstrated that the ability of SNA assay to detect NAb at 1:1 ratio of drug is sensitive enough to monitor clinically meaningful efficacy change, which is 50% reduction of SNA titer. Our strategy of preparing a holistic data package discussed here may provide a roadmap to the community for alternatives in assaying neutralizing activity of ADA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weifeng Xu
- Preclinical Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA. .,Merck & Co., Inc., 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, Pennsylvania, 19486, USA.
| | - Brian Maas
- Preclinical Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Brad Roadcap
- Preclinical Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Aparna Swarup
- Preclinical Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Thomas Steinmetz
- Preclinical Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Linlin Luo
- Preclinical Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Sandra Wood
- Global Regulatory Liaison, Vaccines and Infectious Disease, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA
| | | | | | - Kalpit Vora
- Biology Discovery, Infectious Disease/Vaccine, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Roy Helmy
- Preclinical Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey, USA
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19
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Virus reduction neutralization test and LI-COR microneutralization assay bridging and WHO international standard calibration studies for respiratory syncytial virus. Bioanalysis 2022; 14:1067-1079. [PMID: 36125040 DOI: 10.4155/bio-2022-0097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine is an unmet medical need. The virus reduction neutralization test (VRNT) was developed to replace the LI-COR microneutralization assay to measure RSV neutralization titers. Methods: A bridging study using selected V171 phase I samples and calibration studies using the WHO international standard antiserum to RSV were performed to compare VRNT and LI-COR. Results: From the bridging study, we showed good concordance between VRNT and LI-COR titers, and similar post-/pre-vaccination titer ratios. From the calibration studies, we can convert VRNT and LI-COR titers into similar IU/ml. Conclusion: The VRNT and LI-COR microneutralization assay correlate well and the titers can be standardized as similar IU/ml, enabling direct comparison of titers from different assays.
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20
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Monoclonal antibodies for prophylaxis and treatment of respiratory viral infections. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2022; 35:280-287. [PMID: 35849517 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Monoclonal antibody (mAb) administration represents an important strategy for preventing and treating respiratory viral infections in vulnerable populations, including immunocompromised individuals. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of mAbs in clinical use against respiratory viruses, highlight factors that modulate mAb clinical efficacy, and provide a perspective on future innovations in the field. This review focuses on publications from the last year. RECENT FINDINGS Historically, clinical development of a single mAb has taken over a decade. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that this timeframe can be reduced to less than a year and has catalyzed rapid innovations in the field. Several novel mAbs against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have received emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the early treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19. However, the majority of these mAbs have ultimately failed due to the emergence of variants, highlighting an important lesson about predicting and countering resistance. Novel mAbs are also in clinical use or in late-stage development for the prevention of infection by SARS-CoV-2 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in vulnerable populations. Several factors can be modulated to improve the clinical efficacy of mAbs. For example, Fc modifications can extend mAb half-life and increase respiratory tract bioavailability, both of which are attractive properties for achieving protection against respiratory viruses. SUMMARY The mAb landscape is rapidly evolving with numerous examples of success and failure. The armamentarium of clinically-available mAbs to protect vulnerable populations is expected to undergo continued growth.
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21
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Orito Y, Otani N, Matsumoto Y, Fujimoto K, Oshima N, Maas BM, Caro L, Aliprantis AO, Cox KS, Tokumaru O, Kodama M, Kudo H, Imai H, Uemura N. A Phase 1 Study to Evaluate Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibody MK-1654 in Healthy Japanese Adults. Clin Transl Sci 2022; 15:1753-1763. [PMID: 35506164 PMCID: PMC9283748 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection among all infants worldwide and remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. To address this unmet medical need, MK‐1654, a half‐life extended RSV neutralizing monoclonal antibody, is in clinical development for the prevention of RSV disease in infants. This was a phase I, randomized, placebo‐controlled, single‐site, double‐blind trial of MK‐1654 in 44 healthy Japanese adults. The safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, antidrug antibodies (ADAs), and serum neutralizing antibody (SNA) titers against RSV were evaluated for 1 year after a single intramuscular (i.m.) or intravenous (i.v.) dose of MK‐1654 or placebo in five groups (100 mg i.m., 300 mg i.m., 300 mg i.v., 1000 mg i.v., or placebo). MK‐1654 was generally well‐tolerated in Japanese adults. There were no serious drug‐related adverse events (AEs) reported in any MK‐1654 recipient and no discontinuations due to any AEs in the study. The half‐life of MK‐1654 ranged from 76 to 91 days across dosing groups. Estimated bioavailability was 86% for 100 mg i.m. and 77% for 300 mg i.m. One participant out of 33 (3.0%) developed detectable ADA with no apparent associated AEs. The RSV SNA titers increased in a dose‐dependent manner among participants who received MK‐1654. These data support the development of MK‐1654 for use in Japanese infants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Antonios O Aliprantis
- Merck and Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA.,Present address: Flagship Pioneering, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kara S Cox
- Merck and Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
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22
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de Swart RL. Location matters in RSV protection. Cell Host Microbe 2022; 30:15-16. [PMID: 35026133 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2021.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In this issue of Cell Host & Microbe, Zohar et al., 2022 show that immunization of non-human primates with six different candidate respiratory syncytial virus vaccines resulted in distinct antibody profiles and variable levels of protection. Using a systems serology approach, they identified compartment-specific antibody-mediated correlates of protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rik L de Swart
- Department of Virology, Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Lelystad, the Netherlands; Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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23
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Zohar T, Hsiao JC, Mehta N, Das J, Devadhasan A, Karpinski W, Callahan C, Citron MP, DiStefano DJ, Touch S, Wen Z, Sachs JR, Cejas PJ, Espeseth AS, Lauffenburger DA, Bett AJ, Alter G. Upper and lower respiratory tract correlates of protection against respiratory syncytial virus following vaccination of nonhuman primates. Cell Host Microbe 2021; 30:41-52.e5. [PMID: 34879230 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2021.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a major cause of respiratory illness in infants and the elderly. Although several vaccines have been developed, none have succeeded in part due to our incomplete understanding of the correlates of immune protection. While both T cells and antibodies play a role, emerging data suggest that antibody-mediated mechanisms alone may be sufficient to provide protection. Therefore, to map the humoral correlates of immunity against RSV, antibody responses across six different vaccines were profiled in a highly controlled nonhuman primate-challenge model. Viral loads were monitored in both the upper and lower respiratory tracts, and machine learning was used to determine the vaccine platform-agnostic antibody features associated with protection. Upper respiratory control was associated with virus-specific IgA levels, neutralization, and complement activity, whereas lower respiratory control was associated with Fc-mediated effector mechanisms. These findings provide critical compartment-specific insights toward the rational development of future vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomer Zohar
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jeff C Hsiao
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Nickita Mehta
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jishnu Das
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Anush Devadhasan
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Wiktor Karpinski
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Zhiyun Wen
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA
| | | | | | | | - Douglas A Lauffenburger
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Galit Alter
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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