1
|
Ye Z, Harmon J, Ni W, Li Y, Wich D, Xu Q. The mRNA Vaccine Revolution: COVID-19 Has Launched the Future of Vaccinology. ACS NANO 2023; 17:15231-15253. [PMID: 37535899 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c12584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, mRNA (mRNA) vaccines emerged as leading vaccine candidates in a record time. Nonreplicating mRNA (NRM) and self-amplifying mRNA (SAM) technologies have been developed into high-performing and clinically viable vaccines against a range of infectious agents, notably SARS-CoV-2. mRNA vaccines demonstrate efficient in vivo delivery, long-lasting stability, and nonexistent risk of infection. The stability and translational efficiency of in vitro transcription (IVT)-mRNA can be further increased by modulating its structural elements. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the recent advances, key applications, and future challenges in the field of mRNA-based vaccinology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongfeng Ye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Joseph Harmon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Wei Ni
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Yamin Li
- Department of Pharmacology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York 13210, United States
| | - Douglas Wich
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Qiaobing Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jawalagatti V, Kirthika P, Lee JH. Oral mRNA Vaccines Against Infectious Diseases- A Bacterial Perspective [Invited]. Front Immunol 2022; 13:884862. [PMID: 35592330 PMCID: PMC9110646 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.884862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The mRNA vaccines from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna were granted emergency approval in record time in the history of vaccinology and played an instrumental role in limiting the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. The success of these vaccines resulted from over 3 decades of research from many scientists. However, the development of orally administrable mRNA vaccine development is surprisingly underexplored. Our group specializing in Salmonella-based vaccines explored the possibility of oral mRNA vaccine development. Oral delivery was made possible by the exploitation of the Semliki Forest viral replicon and Salmonella vehicle for transgene amplification and gene delivery, respectively. Herein we highlight the prospect of developing oral replicon-based mRNA vaccines against infectious diseases based on our recent primary studies on SARS-CoV-2. Further, we discuss the potential advantages and limitations of bacterial gene delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John Hwa Lee
- Department of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, Iksan, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Japanese encephalitis virus: Associated immune response and recent progress in vaccine development. Microb Pathog 2019; 136:103678. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
4
|
Abstract
To date, there is no protective vaccine for Ebola virus infection. Safety concerns have prevented the use of live-attenuated vaccines, and forced researchers to examine new vaccine formulations. DNA vaccination is an attractive method for inducing protective immunity to a variety of pathogens, but the low immunogenicity seen in larger animals and humans has hindered its usage. Various approaches have been used to improve the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines, but the most successful, and widespread, is electroporation. Of increasing interest is the use of molecular adjuvants to produce immunomodulatory signals that can both amplify and direct the immune response. When combined, these approaches have the possibility to push DNA vaccination into the forefront of medicine.
Collapse
|
5
|
Suschak JJ, Williams JA, Schmaljohn CS. Advancements in DNA vaccine vectors, non-mechanical delivery methods, and molecular adjuvants to increase immunogenicity. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2017. [PMID: 28604157 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
A major advantage of DNA vaccination is the ability to induce both humoral and cellular immune responses. DNA vaccines are currently used in veterinary medicine, but have not achieved widespread acceptance for use in humans due to their low immunogenicity in early clinical studies. However, recent clinical data have re-established the value of DNA vaccines, particularly in priming high-level antigen-specific antibody responses. Several approaches have been investigated for improving DNA vaccine efficacy, including advancements in DNA vaccine vector design, the inclusion of genetically engineered cytokine adjuvants, and novel non-mechanical delivery methods. These strategies have shown promise, resulting in augmented adaptive immune responses in not only mice, but also in large animal models. Here, we review advancements in each of these areas that show promise for increasing the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John J Suschak
- a U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases , Fort Detrick , MD , USA
| | | | - Connie S Schmaljohn
- a U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases , Fort Detrick , MD , USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Suschak JJ, Williams JA, Schmaljohn CS. Advancements in DNA vaccine vectors, non-mechanical delivery methods, and molecular adjuvants to increase immunogenicity. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2017; 13:2837-2848. [PMID: 28604157 PMCID: PMC5718814 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2017.1330236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A major advantage of DNA vaccination is the ability to induce both humoral and cellular immune responses. DNA vaccines are currently used in veterinary medicine, but have not achieved widespread acceptance for use in humans due to their low immunogenicity in early clinical studies. However, recent clinical data have re-established the value of DNA vaccines, particularly in priming high-level antigen-specific antibody responses. Several approaches have been investigated for improving DNA vaccine efficacy, including advancements in DNA vaccine vector design, the inclusion of genetically engineered cytokine adjuvants, and novel non-mechanical delivery methods. These strategies have shown promise, resulting in augmented adaptive immune responses in not only mice, but also in large animal models. Here, we review advancements in each of these areas that show promise for increasing the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John J Suschak
- a U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases , Fort Detrick , MD , USA
| | | | - Connie S Schmaljohn
- a U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases , Fort Detrick , MD , USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Japanese encephalitis (JE) is the most common form of viral encephalitis that appears in the form of frequent epidemics of brain fever throughout Southeast Asia, China and India. The disease is caused by a Flavivirus named Japanese encephalitis virus that is spread to humans by mosquitoes. An internationally approved mouse brain-derived inactivated vaccine has been available that is relatively expensive, gives immunity of uncertain duration and is not completely safe. Cell culture-derived inactivated and attenuated JE vaccines are in use in China, but these are not produced as per the norms acceptable in most countries. Several new promising JE vaccine candidates have been developed, some of which are under different stages of clinical evaluation. These new candidate JE vaccines have the potential to generate long-lasting immunity at low cost.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaushik Bharati
- Virology laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110 067, India.
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nanotechnological Approaches for Genetic Immunization. DNA AND RNA NANOBIOTECHNOLOGIES IN MEDICINE: DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF DISEASES 2013. [PMCID: PMC7121080 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-36853-0_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Genetic immunization is one of the important findings that provide multifaceted immunological response against infectious diseases. With the advent of r-DNA technology, it is possible to construct vector with immunologically active genes against specific pathogens. Nevertheless, site-specific delivery of constructed genetic material is an important contributory factor for eliciting specific cellular and humoral immune response. Nanotechnology has demonstrated immense potential for the site-specific delivery of biomolecules. Several polymeric and lipidic nanocarriers have been utilized for the delivery of genetic materials. These systems seem to have better compatibility, low toxicity, economical and capable to delivering biomolecules to intracellular site for the better expression of desired antigens. Further, surface engineering of nanocarriers and targeting approaches have an ability to offer better presentation of antigenic material to immunological cells. This chapter gives an overview of existing and emerging nanotechnological approaches for the delivery of genetic materials.
Collapse
|
9
|
Jørgensen LVG, Buchmann K. Cysteine proteases as potential antigens in antiparasitic DNA vaccines. Vaccine 2011; 29:5575-83. [PMID: 21664399 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.05.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2011] [Revised: 05/12/2011] [Accepted: 05/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cysteine proteases in parasites are potent inducers of vertebrate host immune responses and may under certain circumstances take part in the pathogen's immune evasion strategies. These capacities place these parasite molecules as interesting candidate antigens in antiparasitic vaccines for use in vertebrates. Parasite cysteine proteases are able to skew the Th1/Th2 profile in mammals towards a response which allows sustainable parasite burdens in the host. DNA vaccines are also able to skew the Th1/Th2 profile by different administration techniques and the use of cysteine proteases in these genetic immunizations open perspectives for manipulation of the host immune response towards higher protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise von Gersdorff Jørgensen
- Laboratory of Aquatic Pathobiology, Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Preventive strategies for frequent outbreaks of Japanese encephalitis in Northern India. J Biosci 2008; 33:505-14. [DOI: 10.1007/s12038-008-0069-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
11
|
Abstract
Since the discovery, over a decade and a half ago, that genetically engineered DNA can be delivered in vaccine form and elicit an immune response, there has been much progress in understanding the basic biology of this platform. A large amount of data has been generated in preclinical model systems, and more sustained cellular responses and more consistent antibody responses are being observed in the clinic. Four DNA vaccine products have recently been approved, all in the area of veterinary medicine. These results suggest a productive future for this technology as more optimized constructs, better trial designs and improved platforms are being brought into the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele A Kutzler
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, The Department of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Castaldello A, Brocca-Cofano E, Voltan R, Triulzi C, Altavilla G, Laus M, Sparnacci K, Ballestri M, Tondelli L, Fortini C, Gavioli R, Ensoli B, Caputo A. DNA prime and protein boost immunization with innovative polymeric cationic core-shell nanoparticles elicits broad immune responses and strongly enhance cellular responses of HIV-1 tat DNA vaccination. Vaccine 2006; 24:5655-69. [PMID: 16781023 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2006.05.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2005] [Revised: 05/10/2006] [Accepted: 05/16/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Novel biocompatible core-shell cationic nanoparticles, composed of an inner hard core of poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) and a hydrophilic tentacular shell bearing positively charged groups and poly(ethyleneglycol) chains covalently bound to the core, were prepared by emulsion polymerization and characterized in vitro and in vivo for DNA vaccine applications. The nanoparticles reversibly adsorbed large amounts of DNA, mainly through electrostatic interactions, preserved its functional structure, efficiently delivered it intracellularly, and were not toxic in vitro or in mice. Furthermore, two intramuscular (i.m.) immunizations (4 weeks apart) with a very low dose (1 microg) of the plasmid pCV-tat delivered by these nanoparticles followed by one or two protein boosts induced significant antigen-specific humoral and cellular responses and greatly increased Th1-type T cell responses and CTLs against HIV-1 Tat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Castaldello
- Department of Histology, Microbiology and Medical Biotechnology, Section of Microbiology, University of Padova, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Affiliation(s)
- Min Yu
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| | - Olivera J. Finn
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Otten GR, Schaefer M, Doe B, Liu H, Srivastava I, Megede JZ, Kazzaz J, Lian Y, Singh M, Ugozzoli M, Montefiori D, Lewis M, Driver DA, Dubensky T, Polo JM, Donnelly J, O'Hagan DT, Barnett S, Ulmer JB. Enhanced potency of plasmid DNA microparticle human immunodeficiency virus vaccines in rhesus macaques by using a priming-boosting regimen with recombinant proteins. J Virol 2005; 79:8189-200. [PMID: 15956564 PMCID: PMC1143738 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.79.13.8189-8200.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA vaccines have been used widely in experimental primate models of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but their effectiveness has been limited. In this study, we evaluated three technologies for increasing the potency of DNA vaccines in rhesus macaques. These included DNA encoding Sindbis virus RNA replicons (pSINCP), cationic poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) microparticles for DNA delivery, and recombinant protein boosting. The DNA-based pSINCP replicon vaccines encoding HIV Gag and Env were approximately equal in potency to human cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter-driven conventional DNA vaccines (pCMV). The PLG microparticle DNA delivery system was particularly effective at enhancing antibody responses induced by both pCMV and pSINCP vaccines and had less effect on T cells. Recombinant Gag and Env protein boosting elicited rapid and strong recall responses, in some cases to levels exceeding those seen after DNA or DNA/PLG priming. Of note, Env protein boosting induced serum-neutralizing antibodies and increased frequencies of gamma interferon-producing CD4 T cells severalfold. Thus, PLG microparticles are an effective means of delivering DNA vaccines in nonhuman primates, as demonstrated for two different types of DNA vaccines encoding two different antigens, and are compatible for use with DNA prime-protein boost regimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gillis R Otten
- Chiron Corporation, 4560 Horton St., Mail Stop 4.3, Emeryville, California 94608, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|