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Chi X, Han F, Jiang Y, Cao L, Chen J, Qian C, Zhang S, Li J, Guo X, Jiang M, Zheng Q, Xia N, Li S, Gu Y. Characterization of a triple-type chimeric vaccine against human papillomavirus types 18, 45, and 59. Vaccine 2024; 42:126245. [PMID: 39216181 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.126245] [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: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 08/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types can lead to the development of cancer in HPV-infected tissues, including the cervix, oropharynx, anus, penis, vagina, and vulva. While current HPV vaccines cover approximately 90 % of cervical cancers, nearly 10 % of cases associated with HPV types not included in the vaccines remain unaddressed, notably HPV59. This study describes the development of a chimeric virus-like particle (VLP) targeting HPV18/45/59, proposed as a vaccine candidate for high-risk HPV type (HPV59) currently lacking commercial vaccines. Given that the majority of neutralizing antibody epitopes are located on the surface loops, we engineered a strategic swap of these loops between the closely related HPV18 and HPV45. This methodology was then extended to incorporate surface loops of HPV59, resulting in the lead candidate construct of the H18-45BCEF-59HI chimeric VLP with two surface loops swapping from HPV45 to HPV18. Characterization confirmed that H18-45BCEF-59HI closely resembled the wild-type (WT) backbone types in particle size and morphology, as verified by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), High-Performance Size-Exclusion Chromatography (HPSEC), and Analytical Ultracentrifugation (AUC), and demonstrated similar thermal stability as evidenced by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Immunization studies in mice with the chimeric VLPs assessed their immunogenicity, revealing that the H18-45EF-59HI chimeric VLP exhibited optimal cross-neutralization. Additionally, when produced in a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-like facility, the H18-45BCEF-59HI VLP was selected as a promising vaccine candidate for the prevention of HPV18/45/59 infection. This study not only offers a potential solution to the current vaccination gap but also provides a foundational approach for the design of vaccines targeting viruses with multiple subtypes or variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chi
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases,Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,School of Public Health, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics,National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases,National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Feng Han
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases,Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,School of Public Health, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics,National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases,National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yanan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases,Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,School of Public Health, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics,National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases,National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Lin Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases,Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,School of Public Health, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics,National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases,National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases,Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,School of Public Health, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics,National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases,National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Ciying Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases,Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,School of Public Health, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics,National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases,National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Shuyue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases,Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,School of Public Health, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics,National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases,National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jinjin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases,Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,School of Public Health, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics,National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases,National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xinyin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases,Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,School of Public Health, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics,National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases,National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Mingxia Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases,Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,School of Public Health, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics,National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases,National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Qingbing Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases,Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,School of Public Health, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics,National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases,National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Ningshao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases,Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,School of Public Health, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics,National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases,National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; The Research Unit of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Shaowei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases,Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,School of Public Health, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics,National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases,National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Ying Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases,Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory,School of Public Health, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China; State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics,National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases,National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
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2
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Tu HF, Wong M, Tseng SH, Ingavat N, Olczak P, Notarte KI, Hung CF, Roden RBS. Virus-like particle vaccine displaying an external, membrane adjacent MUC16 epitope elicits ovarian cancer-reactive antibodies. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:19. [PMID: 38225646 PMCID: PMC10790439 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01325-9] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MUC16 is a heavily glycosylated cell surface mucin cleaved in the tumor microenvironment to shed CA125. CA125 is a serum biomarker expressed by > 95% of non-mucinous advanced stage epithelial ovarian cancers. MUC16/CA125 contributes to the evasion of anti-tumor immunity, peritoneal spread and promotes carcinogenesis; consequently, it has been targeted with antibody-based passive and active immunotherapy. However, vaccination against this self-antigen likely requires breaking B cell tolerance and may trigger autoimmune disease. Display of self-antigens on virus-like particles (VLPs), including those produced with human papillomavirus (HPV) L1, can efficiently break B cell tolerance. RESULTS A 20 aa juxta-membrane peptide of the murine MUC16 (mMUC16) or human MUC16 (hMUC16) ectodomain was displayed either via genetic insertion into an immunodominant loop of HPV16 L1-VLPs between residues 136/137, or by chemical coupling using malemide to cysteine sulfhydryl groups on their surface. Female mice were vaccinated intramuscularly three times with either DNA expressing L1-MUC16 fusions via electroporation, or with alum-formulated VLP chemically-coupled to MUC16 peptides. Both regimens were well tolerated, and elicited MUC16-specific serum IgG, although titers were higher in mice vaccinated with MUC16-coupled VLP on alum as compared to L1-MUC16 DNA vaccination. Antibody responses to mMUC16-targeted vaccination cross-reacted with hMUC16 peptide, and vice versa; both were reactive with the surface of CA125+ OVCAR3 cells, but not SKOV3 that lack detectable CA125 expression. Interestingly, vaccination of mice with mMUC16 peptide mixed with VLP and alum elicited mMUC16-specific IgG, implying VLPs provide robust T help and that coupling may not be required to break tolerance to this epitope. CONCLUSION Vaccination with VLP displaying the 20 aa juxta-membrane MUC16 ectodomain, which includes the membrane proximal cleavage site, is likely to be well tolerated and induce IgG targeting ovarian cancer cells, even after CA125 is shed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Fang Tu
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Margaret Wong
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Ssu-Hsueh Tseng
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Nattha Ingavat
- Downstream Processing (DSP), Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI), Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138632, Singapore
| | - Pola Olczak
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Kin Israel Notarte
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Chien-Fu Hung
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Richard B S Roden
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
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Qu W, Sui L, Li Y. Vaccine escape challenges virus prevention: The example of two vaccine-preventable oncogenic viruses. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29184. [PMID: 37943176 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Over the years, the pace of developing vaccines for HBV and HPV has never stopped. After more than 30 years of application, the HBV vaccine has reduced 80% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, vaccine escape variants occur under selective pressure induced by widespread vaccination and antiviral therapy, which results in fulminant infection and horizontal transmission. Several mechanisms have been studied to explain HBV vaccine escape, including vaccine escape mutations (VEMs) in the major hydrophilic region, which leads to a decrease in the binding ability to neutralize antibodies and is the primary escape mechanism, protein conformational and N-linked glycosylation sites changes caused by VEMs, differences in genotype distribution, gene recombination, and some temporarily unknown reasons. However, effective solutions are still being explored. The HPV vaccine has also been proven to prevent 70%-90% of cervical cancer worldwide. Cases of HPV infection after being vaccinated have been observed in clinical practice. However, few researchers have paid attention to the mechanism of HPV vaccine escape. Thus, we reviewed the literature on vaccine escape of both HBV and HPV to discuss the mechanism of the virus escaping from vaccine protection and possible solutions to this problem. We analyzed the gap between studies of HPV and HBV and made prospects for further research in HPV vaccine escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Qu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine-Related Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Long Sui
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanyun Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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4
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Hasche D, Akgül B. Prevention and Treatment of HPV-Induced Skin Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061709. [PMID: 36980594 PMCID: PMC10046090 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common cancer in humans with increasing incidence. Meanwhile, a growing body of evidence has provided a link between skin infections with HPV of the genus beta (betaHPV) and the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCCs). Based on this association, the development of vaccines against betaHPV has become an important research topic. This review summarizes the current advances in prophylactic and therapeutic betaHPV vaccines, including progresses made in preclinical testing and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hasche
- Division of Viral Transformation Mechanisms, Research Program “Infection, Inflammation and Cancer”, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 242, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Baki Akgül
- Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Fürst-Pückler-Str. 56, 50935 Cologne, Germany
- Correspondence:
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5
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Tsakogiannis D, Nikolaidis M, Zagouri F, Zografos E, Kottaridi C, Kyriakopoulou Z, Tzioga L, Markoulatos P, Amoutzias GD, Bletsa G. Mutation Profile of HPV16 L1 and L2 Genes in Different Geographic Areas. Viruses 2022; 15:141. [PMID: 36680181 PMCID: PMC9867070 DOI: 10.3390/v15010141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The causal relationship between HPV and cervical cancer in association with the high prevalence of high risk HPV genotypes led to the design of HPV vaccines based on the major capsid L1 protein. In recent years, capsid protein L2 has also become a focal point in the field of vaccine research. The present review focuses on the variability of HPV16 L1 and L2 genes, emphasizing the distribution of specific amino acid changes in the epitopes of capsid proteins. Moreover, a substantial bioinformatics analysis was conducted to describe the worldwide distribution of amino acid substitutions throughout HPV16 L1, L2 proteins. Five amino acid changes (T176N, N181T; EF loop), (T266A; FG loop), (T353P, T389S; HI loop) are frequently observed in the L1 hypervariable surface loops, while two amino acid substitutions (D43E, S122P) are adjacent to L2 specific epitopes. These changes have a high prevalence in certain geographic regions. The present review suggests that the extensive analysis of the amino acid substitutions in the HPV16 L1 immunodominant loops may provide insights concerning the ability of the virus in evading host immune response in certain populations. The genetic variability of the HPV16 L1 and L2 epitopes should be extensively analyzed in a given population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marios Nikolaidis
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Flora Zagouri
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Zografos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Christine Kottaridi
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Zaharoula Kyriakopoulou
- Department of Environment, School of Technology, University of Thessaly, Gaiopolis, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Lamprini Tzioga
- Research Center, Hellenic Anticancer Institute, 10680 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Grigoris D. Amoutzias
- Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Garyfalia Bletsa
- Research Center, Hellenic Anticancer Institute, 10680 Athens, Greece
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6
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Yu M, Chi X, Huang S, Wang Z, Chen J, Qian C, Han F, Cao L, Li J, Sun H, Zhou L, Li T, Wang Y, Zheng Q, Yu H, Zhang J, Xia N, Li S, Gu Y. A bacterially expressed triple-type chimeric vaccine against human papillomavirus types 51, 69, and 26. Vaccine 2022; 40:6141-6152. [PMID: 36117002 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Persistent infection of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of some cancers, including cervical cancer. However, with over 20 carcinogenic HPV types, it is difficult to design a multivalent vaccine that can offer complete protection. Here, we describe the design and optimization of a HPV51/69/26 triple-type chimeric virus-like particle (VLP) for vaccine development. Using E. coli and a serial N-terminal truncation strategy, we created double- and triple-type chimeric VLPs through loop-swapping at equivalent surface loops. The lead candidate, H69-51BC-26FG, conferred similar particulate properties as that of its parental VLPs and comparable immunogenicity against HPV51, -69 and -26. When produced in a GMP-like facility, these H69-51BC-26FG VLPs were verified to have excellent qualities for the development of a multivalent HPV vaccine. This study showcases an amenable way to create a single VLP using type-specific epitope clustering for the design of a triple-type vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xin Chi
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Shiwen Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Zhiping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Ciying Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Feng Han
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Lin Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jinjin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Hui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Lizhi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Tingting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yingbin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Qingbing Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Hai Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Ningshao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; The Research Unit of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Shaowei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Ying Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
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7
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Ahmels M, Mariz FC, Braspenning-Wesch I, Stephan S, Huber B, Schmidt G, Cao R, Müller M, Kirnbauer R, Rösl F, Hasche D. Next generation L2-based HPV vaccines cross-protect against cutaneous papillomavirus infection and tumor development. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1010790. [PMID: 36263027 PMCID: PMC9574214 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1010790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Licensed L1-VLP-based immunizations against high-risk mucosal human papillomavirus (HPV) types have been a great success in reducing anogenital cancers, although they are limited in their cross-protection against HPV types not covered by the vaccine. Further, their utility in protection against cutaneous HPV types, of which some contribute to non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) development, is rather low. Next generation vaccines achieve broadly cross-protective immunity against highly conserved sequences of L2. In this exploratory study, we tested two novel HPV vaccine candidates, HPV16 RG1-VLP and CUT-PANHPVAX, in the preclinical natural infection model Mastomys coucha. After immunization with either vaccines, a mock control or MnPV L1-VLPs, the animals were experimentally infected and monitored. Besides vaccine-specific seroconversion against HPV L2 peptides, the animals also developed cross-reactive antibodies against the cutaneous Mastomys natalensis papillomavirus (MnPV) L2, which were cross-neutralizing MnPV pseudovirions in vitro. Further, both L2-based vaccines also conferred in vivo protection as the viral loads in plucked hair after experimental infection were lower compared to mock-vaccinated control animals. Importantly, the formation of neutralizing antibodies, whether directed against L1-VLPs or L2, was able to prevent skin tumor formation and even microscopical signs of MnPV infection in the skin. For the first time, our study shows the proof-of-principle of next generation L2-based vaccines even across different PV genera in an infection animal model with its genuine PV. It provides fundamental insights into the humoral immunity elicited by L2-based vaccines against PV-induced skin tumors, with important implications to the design of next generation HPV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda Ahmels
- Division of Viral Transformation Mechanisms, Research Program “Infection, Inflammation and Cancer”, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Filipe C. Mariz
- Research Group Tumorvirus-specific Vaccination Strategies, Research Program “Infection, Inflammation and Cancer”, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ilona Braspenning-Wesch
- Division of Viral Transformation Mechanisms, Research Program “Infection, Inflammation and Cancer”, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sonja Stephan
- Division of Viral Transformation Mechanisms, Research Program “Infection, Inflammation and Cancer”, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bettina Huber
- Laboratory of Viral Oncology, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gabriele Schmidt
- Core Facility Unit Light Microscopy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rui Cao
- Division of Viral Transformation Mechanisms, Research Program “Infection, Inflammation and Cancer”, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Müller
- Research Group Tumorvirus-specific Vaccination Strategies, Research Program “Infection, Inflammation and Cancer”, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Reinhard Kirnbauer
- Laboratory of Viral Oncology, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Frank Rösl
- Division of Viral Transformation Mechanisms, Research Program “Infection, Inflammation and Cancer”, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniel Hasche
- Division of Viral Transformation Mechanisms, Research Program “Infection, Inflammation and Cancer”, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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Olczak P, Matsui K, Wong M, Alvarez J, Lambert P, Christensen ND, Hu J, Huber B, Kirnbauer R, Wang JW, Roden RBS. RG2-VLP: a Vaccine Designed to Broadly Protect against Anogenital and Skin Human Papillomaviruses Causing Human Cancer. J Virol 2022; 96:e0056622. [PMID: 35703545 PMCID: PMC9278150 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00566-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The family of human papillomaviruses (HPV) includes over 400 genotypes. Genus α genotypes generally infect the anogenital mucosa, and a subset of these HPV are a necessary, but not sufficient, cause of cervical cancer. Of the 13 high-risk (HR) and 11 intermediate-risk (IR) HPV associated with cervical cancer, genotypes 16 and 18 cause 50% and 20% of cases, respectively, whereas HPV16 dominates in other anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers. A plethora of βHPVs are associated with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), especially in sun-exposed skin sites of epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV), AIDS, and immunosuppressed patients. Licensed L1 virus-like particle (VLP) vaccines, such as Gardasil 9, target a subset of αHPV but no βHPV. To comprehensively target both α- and βHPVs, we developed a two-component VLP vaccine, RG2-VLP, in which L2 protective epitopes derived from a conserved αHPV epitope (amino acids 17 to 36 of HPV16 L2) and a consensus βHPV sequence in the same region are displayed within the DE loop of HPV16 and HPV18 L1 VLP, respectively. Unlike vaccination with Gardasil 9, vaccination of wild-type and EV model mice (Tmc6Δ/Δ or Tmc8Δ/Δ) with RG2-VLP induced robust L2-specific antibody titers and protected against β-type HPV5. RG2-VLP protected rabbits against 17 αHPV, including those not covered by Gardasil 9. HPV16- and HPV18-specific neutralizing antibody responses were similar between RG2-VLP- and Gardasil 9-vaccinated animals. However, only transfer of RG2-VLP antiserum effectively protected naive mice from challenge with all βHPVs tested. Taken together, these observations suggest RG2-VLP's potential as a broad-spectrum vaccine to prevent αHPV-driven anogenital, oropharyngeal, and βHPV-associated cutaneous cancers. IMPORTANCE Licensed preventive HPV vaccines are composed of VLPs derived by expression of major capsid protein L1. They confer protection generally restricted to infection by the αHPVs targeted by the up-to-9-valent vaccine, and their associated anogenital cancers and genital warts, but do not target βHPV that are associated with CSCC in EV and immunocompromised patients. We describe the development of a two-antigen vaccine protective in animal models against known oncogenic αHPVs as well as diverse βHPVs by incorporation into HPV16 and HPV18 L1 VLP of 20-amino-acid conserved protective epitopes derived from minor capsid protein L2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pola Olczak
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Margaret Wong
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jade Alvarez
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Paul Lambert
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Neil D. Christensen
- The Jake Gittlen Laboratories for Cancer Research, Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pathology, Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jiafen Hu
- The Jake Gittlen Laboratories for Cancer Research, Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pathology, Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Bettina Huber
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Reinhard Kirnbauer
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Huber B, Wang JW, Roden RBS, Kirnbauer R. RG1-VLP and Other L2-Based, Broad-Spectrum HPV Vaccine Candidates. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10051044. [PMID: 33802456 PMCID: PMC7959455 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10051044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Licensed human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines contain virus-like particles (VLPs) self-assembled from L1 major-capsid proteins that are remarkably effective prophylactic immunogens. However, the induced type-restricted immune response limits coverage to the included vaccine types, and costly multiplex formulations, restrictive storage and distribution conditions drive the need for next generation HPV vaccines. Vaccine candidates based upon the minor structural protein L2 are particularly promising because conserved N-terminal epitopes induce broadly cross-type neutralizing and protective antibodies. Several strategies to increase the immunological potency of such epitopes are being investigated, including concatemeric multimers, fusion to toll-like receptors ligands or T cell epitopes, as well as immunodominant presentation by different nanoparticle or VLP structures. Several promising L2-based vaccine candidates have reached or will soon enter first-in-man clinical studies. RG1-VLP present the HPV16L2 amino-acid 17–36 conserved neutralization epitope “RG1” repetitively and closely spaced on an immunodominant surface loop of HPV16 L1-VLP and small animal immunizations provide cross-protection against challenge with all medically-significant high-risk and several low-risk HPV types. With a successful current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) campaign and this promising breadth of activity, even encompassing cross-neutralization of several cutaneous HPV types, RG1-VLP are ready for a first-in-human clinical study. This review aims to provide a general overview of these candidates with a special focus on the RG1-VLP vaccine and its road to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Huber
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Joshua Weiyuan Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; (J.W.W.); (R.B.S.R.)
- PathoVax LLC, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Richard B. S. Roden
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; (J.W.W.); (R.B.S.R.)
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Reinhard Kirnbauer
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-1-40400-77680
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Progress in L2-Based Prophylactic Vaccine Development for Protection against Diverse Human Papillomavirus Genotypes and Associated Diseases. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8040568. [PMID: 33019516 PMCID: PMC7712070 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8040568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are a family of small DNA tumor viruses including over 200 genotypes classified by phylogeny into several genera. Different genera of HPVs cause ano-genital and oropharyngeal cancers, skin cancers, as well as benign diseases including skin and genital warts. Licensed vaccines composed of L1 virus-like particles (VLPs) confer protection generally restricted to the ≤9 HPV types targeted. Here, we examine approaches aimed at broadening the protection against diverse HPV types by targeting conserved epitopes of the minor capsid protein, L2. Compared to L1 VLP, L2 is less immunogenic. However, with appropriate presentation to the immune system, L2 can elicit durable, broadly cross-neutralizing antibody responses and protection against skin and genital challenge with diverse HPV types. Such approaches to enhance the strength and breadth of the humoral response include the display of L2 peptides on VLPs or viral capsids, bacteria, thioredoxin and other platforms for multimerization. Neither L2 nor L1 vaccinations elicit a therapeutic response. However, fusion of L2 with early viral antigens has the potential to elicit both prophylactic and therapeutic immunity. This review of cross-protective HPV vaccines based on L2 is timely as several candidates have recently entered early-phase clinical trials.
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Development of a β-HPV vaccine: Updates on an emerging frontier of skin cancer prevention. J Clin Virol 2020; 126:104348. [PMID: 32334327 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2020.104348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are small, non-enveloped, doublestranded DNA viruses. Over 200 subtypes of HPV have been identified, organized into five major genera. β-HPVs are a group of approximately 50 HPV subtypes that preferentially infect cutaneous sites. While α-HPVs are primarily responsible for genital lesions and mucosal cancers, growing evidence has established an association between β-HPVs and the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas. Given this association, the development of a vaccine against β-HPVs has become an important topic of research; however, currently licensed vaccines only provide coverage for genital HPVs, leaving β-HPV infections and their associated skin cancers unaddressed. In this review, we summarize the current advances in β-HPV vaccine development, including progress made in preclinical testing and limited clinical data. We also discuss novel findings in the viral pathomechanisms involved in β-HPV cutaneous tumorigenesis that may play a large role in future vaccine development. We hope that synthesizing the available data and advances surrounding β- HPV vaccine development will not only lead to increased dedication to vaccine development, but also heightened awareness of a future vaccine among clinicians and the public.
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Yadav R, Zhai L, Tumban E. Virus-like Particle-Based L2 Vaccines against HPVs: Where Are We Today? Viruses 2019; 12:v12010018. [PMID: 31877975 PMCID: PMC7019592 DOI: 10.3390/v12010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. Ninety percent of infected individuals clear the infection within two years; however, in the remaining 10% of infected individuals, the infection(s) persists and ultimately leads to cancers (anogenital cancers and head and neck cancers) and genital warts. Fortunately, three prophylactic vaccines have been approved to protect against HPV infections. The most recent HPV vaccine, Gardasil-9 (a nonavalent vaccine), protects against seven HPV types associated with ~90% of cervical cancer and against two HPV types associated with ~90% genital warts with little cross-protection against non-vaccine HPV types. The current vaccines are based on virus-like particles (VLPs) derived from the major capsid protein, L1. The L1 protein is not conserved among HPV types. The minor capsid protein, L2, on the other hand, is highly conserved among HPV types and has been an alternative target antigen, for over two decades, to develop a broadly protective HPV vaccine. The L2 protein, unlike the L1, cannot form VLPs and as such, it is less immunogenic. This review summarizes current studies aimed at developing HPV L2 vaccines by multivalently displaying L2 peptides on VLPs derived from bacteriophages and eukaryotic viruses. Recent data show that a monovalent HPV L1 VLP as well as bivalent MS2 VLPs displaying HPV L2 peptides (representing amino acids 17–36 and/or consensus amino acids 69–86) elicit robust broadly protective antibodies against diverse HPV types (6/11/16/18/26/31/33/34/35/39/43/44/45/51/52/53/56/58/59/66/68/73) associated with cancers and genital warts. Thus, VLP-based L2 vaccines look promising and may be favorable, in the near future, over current L1-based HPV vaccines and should be explored further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashi Yadav
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA; (R.Y.); (L.Z.)
| | - Lukai Zhai
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA; (R.Y.); (L.Z.)
- Current address: Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Ebenezer Tumban
- Department of Biological Sciences, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA; (R.Y.); (L.Z.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-906-487-2256; Fax: +1-906-487-3167
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