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Lampinen V, Gröhn S, Lehmler N, Jartti M, Hytönen VP, Schubert M, Hankaniemi MM. Production of norovirus-, rotavirus-, and enterovirus-like particles in insect cells is simplified by plasmid-based expression. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14874. [PMID: 38937523 PMCID: PMC11211442 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65316-6] [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: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Insect cells have long been the main expression host of many virus-like particles (VLP). VLPs resemble the respective viruses but are non-infectious. They are important in vaccine development and serve as safe model systems in virus research. Commonly, baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) is used for VLP production. Here, we present an alternative, plasmid-based system for VLP expression, which offers distinct advantages: in contrast to BEVS, it avoids contamination by baculoviral particles and proteins, can maintain cell viability over the whole process, production of alphanodaviral particles will not be induced, and optimization of expression vectors and their ratios is simple. We compared the production of noro-, rota- and entero-VLP in the plasmid-based system to the standard process in BEVS. For noro- and entero-VLPs, similar yields could be achieved, whereas production of rota-VLP requires some further optimization. Nevertheless, in all cases, particles were formed, the expression process was simplified compared to BEVS and potential for the plasmid-based system was validated. This study demonstrates that plasmid-based transfection offers a viable option for production of noro-, rota- and entero-VLPs in insect cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vili Lampinen
- Virology and Vaccine Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Protein Dynamics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Stina Gröhn
- Virology and Vaccine Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Nina Lehmler
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute for Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, TU Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Minne Jartti
- Virology and Vaccine Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Vesa P Hytönen
- Protein Dynamics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere, Finland
| | - Maren Schubert
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute for Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, TU Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Minna M Hankaniemi
- Virology and Vaccine Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland.
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Yang Z, Chi Y, Bao J, Zhao X, Zhang J, Wang L. Virus-like Particles for TEM Regulation and Antitumor Therapy. J Funct Biomater 2022; 13:304. [PMID: 36547564 PMCID: PMC9788044 DOI: 10.3390/jfb13040304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor development and metastasis are intimately associated with the tumor microenvironment (TME), and it is difficult for vector-restricted drugs to act on the TME for long-term cancer immunotherapy. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are nanocage structures self-assembled from nucleic acid free viral proteins. Most VLPs range from 20-200 nm in diameter and can naturally drain into lymph nodes to induce robust humoral immunity. As natural nucleic acid nanocarriers, their surfaces can also be genetically or chemically modified to achieve functions such as TME targeting. This review focuses on the design ideas of VLP as nanocarriers and the progress of their research in regulating TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yongjie Chi
- Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jiaxin Bao
- Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lianyan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Shoja Z, Jalilvand S, Latifi T, Roohvand F. Rotavirus VP6: involvement in immunogenicity, adjuvant activity, and use as a vector for heterologous peptides, drug delivery, and production of nano-biomaterials. Arch Virol 2022; 167:1013-1023. [PMID: 35292854 PMCID: PMC8923333 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-022-05407-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The first-generation, live attenuated rotavirus (RV) vaccines, such as RotaTeq and Rotarix, were successful in reducing the number of RV-induced acute gastroenteritis (AGE) and child deaths globally. However, the low efficacy of these first-generation oral vaccines, coupled with safety concerns, required development of improved RV vaccines. The highly conserved structural protein VP6 is highly immunogenic, and it can generate self-assembled nano-sized structures, including tubes and spheres (virus-like particles; VLPs). Amongst the RV proteins, only VP6 shows these features. Interestingly, VP6-assembled structures, in addition to being highly immunogenic, have several other useful characteristics that could allow them to be used as adjuvants, immunological carriers, and drug-delivery vehicles as well as acting a scaffold for production of valuable nano-biomaterials. This review provides an overview of the self-assembled nano-sized structures of VP6-tubes/VLPs and their various functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zabihollah Shoja
- Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Somayeh Jalilvand
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tayebeh Latifi
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzin Roohvand
- Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Tamminen K, Heinimäki S, Gröhn S, Blazevic V. Fusion Protein of Rotavirus VP6 and SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain Induces T Cell Responses. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9070733. [PMID: 34358149 PMCID: PMC8309989 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9070733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines based on mRNA and viral vectors are currently used in the frontline to combat the ongoing pandemic caused by the novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, there is still an urgent need for alternative vaccine technologies inducing/boosting long-lasting and cross-reactive immunity in different populations. As a possible vaccine candidate, we employed the rotavirus VP6-protein platform to construct a fusion protein (FP) displaying receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S) at the N-terminus of VP6. The recombinant baculovirus-insect cell produced VP6-RBD FP was proven antigenic in vitro and bound to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptor. The FP was used to immunize BALB/c mice, and humoral- and T cell-mediated immune responses were investigated. SARS-CoV-2 RBD-specific T cells were induced at a high quantity; however, no RBD or S-specific antibodies were detected. The results suggest that conformational B cell epitopes might be buried inside the VP6, while RBD-specific T cell epitopes are available for T cell recognition after the processing and presentation of FP by the antigen-presenting cells. Further immunogenicity studies are needed to confirm these findings and to assess whether, under different experimental conditions, the VP6 platform may present SARS-CoV-2 antigens to B cells as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsi Tamminen
- Correspondence: (K.T.); (V.B.); Tel.: +358-50318-6868 (K.T.); +358-50421-1054 (V.B.)
| | | | | | - Vesna Blazevic
- Correspondence: (K.T.); (V.B.); Tel.: +358-50318-6868 (K.T.); +358-50421-1054 (V.B.)
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Rodríguez M, Castro-Acosta RM, Ruiz-Morales ER, Villanueva-Flores F, Ramírez OT, Palomares LA. A novel method for the in vitro assembly of virus-like particles and multimeric proteins. Biotechnol Lett 2021; 43:1155-1161. [PMID: 33638746 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-021-03093-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a method for the efficient assembly of viral or multimeric proteins into virus-like particles (VLP) or other macro structures. RESULTS Protein monomers were assembled by eliminating calcium ions through precipitation. The model protein, rotavirus VP6, assembled into stable, long nanotubes with better quality than the assemblies obtained directly from cell culture. Nanotube length was directly proportional to the initial concentration of VP6 monomers, in accordance with the classic nucleation theory of capsid assembly. The quality of the obtained assemblies was confirmed when the nanotubes were functionalized with metals, yielding unique nanobiomaterials. Assembly efficiency was improved in comparison with other previously proposed methods. CONCLUSIONS The novel method presented here is simpler and faster than other reported methods for the assembly and disassembly of viral proteins, a step needed for most applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mabel Rodríguez
- Laboratorio Nacional para la Producción y Análisis de Moléculas y Medicamentos Biotecnológicos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CP 62210, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Ricardo M Castro-Acosta
- Laboratorio Nacional para la Producción y Análisis de Moléculas y Medicamentos Biotecnológicos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CP 62210, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Elias R Ruiz-Morales
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CP 62210, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Francisca Villanueva-Flores
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CP 62210, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Octavio T Ramírez
- Laboratorio Nacional para la Producción y Análisis de Moléculas y Medicamentos Biotecnológicos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CP 62210, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.,Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CP 62210, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Laura A Palomares
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CP 62210, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
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Gröhn S, Heinimäki S, Tamminen K, Blazevic V. Expression of influenza A virus-derived peptides on a rotavirus VP6-based delivery platform. Arch Virol 2021; 166:213-217. [PMID: 33067651 PMCID: PMC7567002 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-020-04847-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant protein technology enables the engineering of modern vaccines composed of a carrier protein displaying poorly immunogenic heterologous antigens. One promising carrier is based on the rotavirus inner-capsid VP6 protein. We explored different VP6 insertion sites for the presentation of two peptides (23 and 140 amino acids) derived from the M2 and HA genes of influenza A virus. Both termini and three surface loops of VP6 were successfully exploited as genetic fusion sites, as demonstrated by the expression of the fusion proteins. However, further studies are needed to assess the morphology and immunogenicity of these constructs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stina Gröhn
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Vaccine Development and Immunology/Vaccine Research Center, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, FI-33520 Tampere, Finland
| | - Suvi Heinimäki
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Vaccine Development and Immunology/Vaccine Research Center, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, FI-33520 Tampere, Finland
| | - Kirsi Tamminen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Vaccine Development and Immunology/Vaccine Research Center, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, FI-33520 Tampere, Finland
| | - Vesna Blazevic
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Vaccine Development and Immunology/Vaccine Research Center, Tampere University, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, FI-33520 Tampere, Finland
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Rotavirus Inner Capsid VP6 Acts as an Adjuvant in Formulations with Particulate Antigens Only. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8030365. [PMID: 32645976 PMCID: PMC7565724 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8030365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel adjuvants present a concern for adverse effects, generating a need for alternatives. Rotavirus inner capsid VP6 protein could be considered a potential candidate, due to its ability to self-assemble into highly immunogenic nanospheres and nanotubes. These nanostructures exhibit immunostimulatory properties, which resemble those of traditional adjuvants, promoting the uptake and immunogenicity of the co-administered antigens. We have previously elucidated an adjuvant effect of VP6 on co-delivered norovirus and coxsackievirus B1 virus-like particles, increasing humoral and cellular responses and sparing the dose of co-delivered antigens. This study explored an immunostimulatory effect of VP6 nanospheres on smaller antigens, P particles formed by protruding domain of a norovirus capsid protein and a short peptide, extracellular matrix protein (M2e) of influenza A virus. VP6 exhibited a notable improving impact on immune responses induced by P particles in immunized mice, including systemic and mucosal antibody and T cell responses. The adjuvant effect of VP6 nanospheres was comparable to the effect of alum, except for induction of superior mucosal and T cell responses when P particles were co-administered with VP6. However, unlike alum, VP6 did not influence M2e-specific immune responses, suggesting that the adjuvant effect of VP6 is dependent on the particulate nature of the co-administered antigen.
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