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Chavda VP, Ghali ENHK, Balar PC, Chauhan SC, Tiwari N, Shukla S, Athalye M, Patravale V, Apostolopoulos V, Yallapu MM. Protein subunit vaccines: Promising frontiers against COVID-19. J Control Release 2024; 366:761-782. [PMID: 38219913 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.017] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
The emergence of COVID-19 has posed an unprecedented global health crisis, challenging the healthcare systems worldwide. Amidst the rapid development of several vaccine formulations, protein subunit vaccines have emerged as a promising approach. This article provides an in-depth evaluation of the role of protein subunit vaccines in the management of COVID-19. Leveraging viral protein fragments, particularly the spike protein from SARS-CoV-2, these vaccines elicit a targeted immune response without the risk of inducing disease. Notably, the robust safety profile of protein subunit vaccines makes them a compelling candidate in the management of COVID-19. Various innovative approaches, including reverse vaccinology, virus like particles, and recombinant modifications are incorporated to develop protein subunit vaccines. In addition, the utilization of advanced manufacturing techniques facilitates large-scale production, ensuring widespread distribution. Despite these advancements, challenges persist, such as the requirement for cold-chain storage and the necessity for booster doses. This article evaluates the formulation and applications of protein subunit vaccines, providing a comprehensive overview of their clinical development and approvals in the context of COVID-19. By addressing the current status and challenges, this review aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on optimizing protein subunit vaccines for effective pandemic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek P Chavda
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad 380009, Gujarat, India.
| | - Eswara Naga Hanuma Kumar Ghali
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA.
| | - Pankti C Balar
- Pharmacy Section, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Subhash C Chauhan
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA.
| | - Nikita Tiwari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai 400019, India
| | - Somanshi Shukla
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai 400019, India
| | - Mansi Athalye
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Ahmedabad 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Vandana Patravale
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai 400019, India
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Immunology and Translational Research, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3030, Australia; Immunology Program, Australian Institute for Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Melbourne, VIC 3021, Australia.
| | - Murali M Yallapu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA; South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX 78504, USA.
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Nolan TM, Deliyannis G, Griffith M, Braat S, Allen LF, Audsley J, Chung AW, Ciula M, Gherardin NA, Giles ML, Gordon TP, Grimley SL, Horng L, Jackson DC, Juno JA, Kedzierska K, Kent SJ, Lewin SR, Littlejohn M, McQuilten HA, Mordant FL, Nguyen THO, Soo VP, Price B, Purcell DFJ, Ramanathan P, Redmond SJ, Rockman S, Ruan Z, Sasadeusz J, Simpson JA, Subbarao K, Fabb SA, Payne TJ, Takanashi A, Tan CW, Torresi J, Wang JJ, Wang LF, Al-Wassiti H, Wong CY, Zaloumis S, Pouton CW, Godfrey DI. Interim results from a phase I randomized, placebo-controlled trial of novel SARS-CoV-2 beta variant receptor-binding domain recombinant protein and mRNA vaccines as a 4th dose booster. EBioMedicine 2023; 98:104878. [PMID: 38016322 PMCID: PMC10696466 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104878] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2 booster vaccination should ideally enhance protection against variants and minimise immune imprinting. This Phase I trial evaluated two vaccines targeting SARS-CoV-2 beta-variant receptor-binding domain (RBD): a recombinant dimeric RBD-human IgG1 Fc-fusion protein, and an mRNA encoding a membrane-anchored RBD. METHODS 76 healthy adults aged 18-64 y, previously triple vaccinated with licensed SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, were randomised to receive a 4th dose of either an adjuvanted (MF59®, CSL Seqirus) protein vaccine (5, 15 or 45 μg, N = 32), mRNA vaccine (10, 20, or 50 μg, N = 32), or placebo (saline, N = 12) at least 90 days after a 3rd boost vaccination or SARS-CoV-2 infection. Bleeds occurred on days 1 (prior to vaccination), 8, and 29. CLINICALTRIALS govNCT05272605. FINDINGS No vaccine-related serious or medically-attended adverse events occurred. The protein vaccine reactogenicity was mild, whereas the mRNA vaccine was moderately reactogenic at higher dose levels. Best anti-RBD antibody responses resulted from the higher doses of each vaccine. A similar pattern was seen with live virus neutralisation and surrogate, and pseudovirus neutralisation assays. Breadth of immune response was demonstrated against BA.5 and more recent omicron subvariants (XBB, XBB.1.5 and BQ.1.1). Binding antibody titres for both vaccines were comparable to those of a licensed bivalent mRNA vaccine. Both vaccines enhanced CD4+ and CD8+ T cell activation. INTERPRETATION There were no safety concerns and the reactogenicity profile was mild and similar to licensed SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Both vaccines showed strong immune boosting against beta, ancestral and omicron strains. FUNDING Australian Government Medical Research Future Fund, and philanthropies Jack Ma Foundation and IFM investors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terry M Nolan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection & Immunity, Melbourne, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Georgia Deliyannis
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Maryanne Griffith
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection & Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sabine Braat
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lilith F Allen
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jennifer Audsley
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Amy W Chung
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marcin Ciula
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nicholas A Gherardin
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michelle L Giles
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection & Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tom P Gordon
- Department of Immunology, Flinders University and SA Pathology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Samantha L Grimley
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lana Horng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection & Immunity, Melbourne, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David C Jackson
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jennifer A Juno
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Katherine Kedzierska
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia; Global Station for Zoonosis Control, Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education (GI-CoRE), Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Stephen J Kent
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sharon R Lewin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection & Immunity, Melbourne, Australia; Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mason Littlejohn
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection & Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hayley A McQuilten
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Francesca L Mordant
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Thi H O Nguyen
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Vanessa Pac Soo
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Briony Price
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection & Immunity, Melbourne, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Damian F J Purcell
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Pradhipa Ramanathan
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Samuel J Redmond
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Steven Rockman
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia; CSL Seqirus, Vaccine Innovation Unit, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Zheng Ruan
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joseph Sasadeusz
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Julie A Simpson
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kanta Subbarao
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia; WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Australia
| | - Stewart A Fabb
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Australia
| | - Thomas J Payne
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Australia
| | - Asuka Takanashi
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Australia
| | - Chee Wah Tan
- Duke NUS Medical School, Programme for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Singapore
| | - Joseph Torresi
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jing Jing Wang
- Department of Immunology, Flinders University and SA Pathology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Lin-Fa Wang
- Duke NUS Medical School, Programme for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Singapore
| | | | - Chinn Yi Wong
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sophie Zaloumis
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Colin W Pouton
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Australia
| | - Dale I Godfrey
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
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Collett S, Earnest L, Carrera Montoya J, Edeling MA, Yap A, Wong CY, Christiansen D, Roberts J, Mumford J, Lecouturier V, Pavot V, Marco S, Loi JK, Simmons C, Gulab SA, Mackenzie JM, Elbourne A, Ramsland PA, Cameron G, Hans D, Godfrey DI, Torresi J. Development of virus-like particles with inbuilt immunostimulatory properties as vaccine candidates. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1065609. [PMID: 37350788 PMCID: PMC10282183 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1065609] [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: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of virus-like particle (VLP) based vaccines for human papillomavirus, hepatitis B and hepatitis E viruses represented a breakthrough in vaccine development. However, for dengue and COVID-19, technical complications, such as an incomplete understanding of the requirements for protective immunity, but also limitations in processes to manufacture VLP vaccines for enveloped viruses to large scale, have hampered VLP vaccine development. Selecting the right adjuvant is also an important consideration to ensure that a VLP vaccine induces protective antibody and T cell responses. For diseases like COVID-19 and dengue fever caused by RNA viruses that exist as families of viral variants with the potential to escape vaccine-induced immunity, the development of more efficacious vaccines is also necessary. Here, we describe the development and characterisation of novel VLP vaccine candidates using SARS-CoV-2 and dengue virus (DENV), containing the major viral structural proteins, as protypes for a novel approach to produce VLP vaccines. The VLPs were characterised by Western immunoblot, enzyme immunoassay, electron and atomic force microscopy, and in vitro and in vivo immunogenicity studies. Microscopy techniques showed proteins self-assemble to form VLPs authentic to native viruses. The inclusion of the glycolipid adjuvant, α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) in the vaccine formulation led to high levels of natural killer T (NKT) cell stimulation in vitro, and strong antibody and memory CD8+ T cell responses in vivo, demonstrated with SARS-CoV-2, hepatitis C virus (HCV) and DEN VLPs. This study shows our unique vaccine formulation presents a promising, and much needed, new vaccine platform in the fight against infections caused by enveloped RNA viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Collett
- School of Science, College of Science, Engineering and Health, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Linda Earnest
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Julio Carrera Montoya
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Melissa A. Edeling
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ashley Yap
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Chinn Yi Wong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Dale Christiansen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jason Roberts
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jamie Mumford
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Joon Keit Loi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Cameron Simmons
- Institute of Vector-Borne Disease, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Shivali A. Gulab
- Avalia Immunotherapies Limited, Wellington, New Zealand
- Vaccine Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Jason M. Mackenzie
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Aaron Elbourne
- School of Science, College of Science, Engineering and Health, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Paul A. Ramsland
- School of Science, College of Science, Engineering and Health, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Surgery Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
- Department of Immunology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Garth Cameron
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Dhiraj Hans
- Research, Innovation and Commercialisation, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Dale I. Godfrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Joseph Torresi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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