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Slepenkin A, Pal S, Rasley A, Coleman MA, de la Maza LM. Safety and efficacy of C. muridarum vaccines adjuvanted with CpG-1826 and four concentrations of Montanide-ISA-720-VG. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:104. [PMID: 38858418 PMCID: PMC11164897 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00880-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
It is recommended that the adjuvant Montanide ISA 720 VG be used at a concentration of 70% v/v. At this concentration, Montanide causes at the site of immunization a local granuloma that can last for several weeks. To determine the safety and protective efficacy of a Chlamydia muridarum MOMP vaccine, formulated with CpG-1826 and four different concentrations of Montanide (70%, 50%, 30% and 10%), BALB/c (H-2d) female mice were immunized twice intramuscularly. Local reactogenicity was significant for vaccines formulated with 70% or 50% Montanide but not for those inoculated with 30% or 10% Montanide. Robust humoral and cell mediated memory immune responses were elicited by the 70%, 50% and 30% Montanide formulations. Mice were challenged intranasally with 104 C. muridarum inclusion forming units (IFU). Based on changes in body weight, lungs's weight and number of IFU recovered, mice vaccinated with the 70%, 50% and 30% Montanide formulations were significantly protected, but not mice receiving 10% Montanide. To conclude, we recommend the 30% Montanide concentration to be tested in humans and animal models to determine its safety and efficacy, in comparison to the 70% Montanide concentration currently used. The 30% Montanide formulation could significantly facilitate licensing of this adjuvant for human use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anatoli Slepenkin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical Sciences I, Room D440, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697-4800, USA
| | - Sukumar Pal
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical Sciences I, Room D440, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697-4800, USA
| | - Amy Rasley
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, 94550-9234, USA
| | - Matthew A Coleman
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, 94550-9234, USA
- University of California Davis, School of Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, Sacramento, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Luis M de la Maza
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical Sciences I, Room D440, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697-4800, USA.
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2
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Sanchez-Martinez ZV, Alpuche-Lazcano SP, Stuible M, Durocher Y. CHO cells for virus-like particle and subunit vaccine manufacturing. Vaccine 2024; 42:2530-2542. [PMID: 38503664 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.03.034] [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: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells, employed primarily for manufacturing monoclonal antibodies and other recombinant protein (r-protein) therapeutics, are emerging as a promising host for vaccine antigen production. This is exemplified by the recently approved CHO cell-derived subunit vaccines (SUV) against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV), as well as the enveloped virus-like particle (eVLP) vaccine against hepatitis B virus (HBV). Here, we summarize the design, production, and immunogenicity features of these vaccine and review the most recent progress of other CHO-derived vaccines in pre-clinical and clinical development. We also discuss the challenges associated with vaccine production in CHO cells, with a focus on ensuring viral clearance for eVLP products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zalma V Sanchez-Martinez
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Montreal, QC H4P 2R2, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Sergio P Alpuche-Lazcano
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Montreal, QC H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Matthew Stuible
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Montreal, QC H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Yves Durocher
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Montreal, QC H4P 2R2, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada; PROTEO: The Quebec Network for Research on Protein Function, Structure, and Engineering, Université du Québec à Montréal, 201 Avenue du Président Kennedy, Montréal, QC H2X 3Y7, Canada.
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3
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Silva MDO, Castro-Amarante MF, Venceslau-Carvalho AA, Almeida BDS, Daher IP, de Souza-Silva GA, Yamamoto MM, Koike G, de Souza EE, Wrenger C, Ferreira LCDS, Boscardin SB. Enhanced Immunogenicity and Protective Effects against SARS-CoV-2 Following Immunization with a Recombinant RBD-IgG Chimeric Protein. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:356. [PMID: 38675739 PMCID: PMC11054318 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12040356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The unprecedented global impact caused by SARS-CoV-2 imposed huge health and economic challenges, highlighting the urgent need for safe and effective vaccines. The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 is the major target for neutralizing antibodies and for vaccine formulations. Nonetheless, the low immunogenicity of the RBD requires the use of alternative strategies to enhance its immunological properties. Here, we evaluated the use of a subunit vaccine antigen generated after the genetic fusing of the RBD with a mouse IgG antibody. Subcutaneous administration of RBD-IgG led to the extended presence of the protein in the blood of immunized animals and enhanced RBD-specific IgG titers. Furthermore, RBD-IgG immunized mice elicited increased virus neutralizing antibody titers, measured both with pseudoviruses and with live original (Wuhan) SARS-CoV-2. Immunized K18-hACE2 mice were fully resistant to the lethal challenge of the Wuhan SARS-CoV-2, demonstrated by the control of body-weight loss and virus loads in their lungs and brains. Thus, we conclude that the genetic fusion of the RBD with an IgG molecule enhanced the immunogenicity of the antigen and the generation of virus-neutralizing antibodies, supporting the use of IgG chimeric antigens as an approach to improve the performance of SARS-CoV-2 subunit vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariângela de Oliveira Silva
- Laboratory of Antigen Targeting to Dendritic Cells, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (M.d.O.S.)
| | - Maria Fernanda Castro-Amarante
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Alexia Adrianne Venceslau-Carvalho
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Bianca da Silva Almeida
- Laboratory of Antigen Targeting to Dendritic Cells, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (M.d.O.S.)
| | - Isabela Pazotti Daher
- Laboratory of Immunology, Heart Institute (InCor), School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Antonio de Souza-Silva
- Laboratory of Antigen Targeting to Dendritic Cells, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (M.d.O.S.)
| | - Marcio Massao Yamamoto
- Laboratory of Antigen Targeting to Dendritic Cells, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (M.d.O.S.)
| | - Gabriela Koike
- Laboratory of Antigen Targeting to Dendritic Cells, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (M.d.O.S.)
| | - Edmarcia Elisa de Souza
- Unit for Drug Discovery, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Carsten Wrenger
- Unit for Drug Discovery, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Luís Carlos de Souza Ferreira
- Laboratory of Vaccine Development, Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Silvia Beatriz Boscardin
- Laboratory of Antigen Targeting to Dendritic Cells, Department of Parasitology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (M.d.O.S.)
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4
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Alleva DG, Feitsma EA, Janssen YF, Boersma HH, Lancaster TM, Sathiyaseelan T, Murikipudi S, Delpero AR, Scully MM, Ragupathy R, Kotha S, Haworth JR, Shah NJ, Rao V, Nagre S, Ronca SE, Green FM, Shaw SA, Aminetzah A, Kruijff S, Brom M, van Dam GM, Zion TC. Immunogenicity phase II study evaluating booster capacity of nonadjuvanted AKS-452 SARS-Cov-2 RBD Fc vaccine. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:40. [PMID: 38383578 PMCID: PMC10881471 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00830-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
AKS-452, a subunit vaccine comprising an Fc fusion of the ancestral wild-type (WT) SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein receptor binding domain (SP/RBD), was evaluated without adjuvant in a single cohort, non-randomized, open-labelled phase II study (NCT05124483) at a single site in The Netherlands for safety and immunogenicity. A single 90 µg subcutaneous booster dose of AKS-452 was administered to 71 adults previously primed with a registered mRNA- or adenovirus-based vaccine and evaluated for 273 days. All AEs were mild and no SAEs were attributable to AKS-452. While all subjects showed pre-existing SP/RBD binding and ACE2-inhibitory IgG titers, 60-68% responded to AKS-452 via ≥2-fold increase from days 28 to 90 and progressively decreased back to baseline by day 180 (days 28 and 90 mean fold-increases, 14.7 ± 6.3 and 8.0 ± 2.2). Similar response kinetics against RBD mutant proteins (including omicrons) were observed but with slightly reduced titers relative to WT. There was an expected strong inverse correlation between day-0 titers and the fold-increase in titers at day 28. AKS-452 enhanced neutralization potency against live virus, consistent with IgG titers. Nucleocapsid protein (Np) titers suggested infection occurred in 66% (46 of 70) of subjects, in which only 20 reported mild symptomatic COVID-19. These favorable safety and immunogenicity profiles support booster evaluation in a planned phase III universal booster study of this room-temperature stable vaccine that can be rapidly and inexpensively manufactured to serve vaccination at a global scale without the need of a complex distribution or cold chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G Alleva
- Akston Biosciences Corporation, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 454C, Beverly, MA, 01915, USA
| | - Eline A Feitsma
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Yester F Janssen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, UMCG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hendrikus H Boersma
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, UMCG, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, UMCG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas M Lancaster
- Akston Biosciences Corporation, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 454C, Beverly, MA, 01915, USA
| | | | - Sylaja Murikipudi
- Akston Biosciences Corporation, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 454C, Beverly, MA, 01915, USA
| | - Andrea R Delpero
- Akston Biosciences Corporation, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 454C, Beverly, MA, 01915, USA
| | - Melanie M Scully
- Akston Biosciences Corporation, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 454C, Beverly, MA, 01915, USA
| | - Ramya Ragupathy
- Akston Biosciences Corporation, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 454C, Beverly, MA, 01915, USA
| | - Sravya Kotha
- Akston Biosciences Corporation, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 454C, Beverly, MA, 01915, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Haworth
- Akston Biosciences Corporation, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 454C, Beverly, MA, 01915, USA
| | - Nishit J Shah
- Akston Biosciences Corporation, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 454C, Beverly, MA, 01915, USA
| | - Vidhya Rao
- Akston Biosciences Corporation, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 454C, Beverly, MA, 01915, USA
| | - Shashikant Nagre
- Akston Biosciences Corporation, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 454C, Beverly, MA, 01915, USA
| | - Shannon E Ronca
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor, College of Medicine, 1102 Bates Ave, 300.15, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Freedom M Green
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor, College of Medicine, 1102 Bates Ave, 300.15, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Stephen A Shaw
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor, College of Medicine, 1102 Bates Ave, 300.15, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ari Aminetzah
- TRACER BV, Aarhusweg 2-1/2-2, 9723 JJ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Schelto Kruijff
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, UMCG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Brom
- TRACER BV, Aarhusweg 2-1/2-2, 9723 JJ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gooitzen M van Dam
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, UMCG, Groningen, The Netherlands
- TRACER BV, Aarhusweg 2-1/2-2, 9723 JJ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Todd C Zion
- Akston Biosciences Corporation, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 454C, Beverly, MA, 01915, USA.
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5
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Dulin H, Barre RS, Xu D, Neal A, Vizcarra E, Chavez J, Ulu A, Yang MS, Khan SR, Wuang K, Bhakta N, Chea C, Wilson EH, Martinez-Sobrido L, Hai R. Harnessing preexisting influenza virus-specific immunity increases antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2. J Virol 2024; 98:e0157123. [PMID: 38206036 PMCID: PMC10878257 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01571-23] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In pandemic scenarios involving novel human pathogenic viruses, it is highly desirable that vaccines induce strong neutralizing antibodies as quickly as possible. However, current vaccine strategies require multiple immunization doses to produce high titers of neutralizing antibodies and are poorly protective after a single vaccination. We therefore wished to design a vaccine candidate that would induce increased protective immune responses following the first vaccine dose. We hypothesized that antibodies against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike glycoprotein could be increased by drawing upon immunity to a previous infection. We generated a fusion protein containing the influenza H1N1 PR8 virus nucleoprotein (NP) and the SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD. Mice with or without preexisting immunity to PR8 were then vaccinated with NP/RBD. We observed significantly increased SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies in mice with PR8 immunity compared to mice without preexisting PR8 immunity. Vaccination with NP/RBD protected mice from SARS-CoV-2-induced morbidity and mortality after a single dose. Additionally, we compared SARS-CoV-2 virus titers in the lungs and nasal turbinates 4 days post-challenge of mice vaccinated with NP/RBD. SARS-CoV-2 virus was detectable in the lungs and nasal turbinate of mice without preexisting PR8 immunity, while SARS-CoV-2 virus was completely undetectable in mice with preexisting PR8 immunity. We also found that CD4-positive T cells in mice with preexisting immunity to PR8 play an essential role in producing the increased antibody response against RBD. This vaccine strategy potentially can be modified to target other pathogens of concern and offers extra value in future pandemic scenarios.IMPORTANCEIncreased globalization and changes in human interactions with wild animals has increased the likelihood of the emergence of novel viruses with pandemic potential. Vaccines can be effective in preventing severe disease caused by pandemic viruses. However, it takes time to develop protective immunity via prime-boost vaccination. More effective vaccine designs should quickly induce protective immunity. We propose leveraging preexisting immunity to a different pathogen to boost protection against emerging viruses. We targeted SARS-CoV-2 as a representative pandemic virus and generated a fusion protein vaccine that combines the nucleoprotein from influenza A virus and the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Our vaccine design significantly increased the production of RBD-specific antibodies in mice that had previously been exposed to influenza virus, compared to those without previous exposure. This enhanced immunity reduced SARS-CoV-2 replication in mice. Our results offer a vaccine design that could be valuable in a future pandemic setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison Dulin
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
- Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Ramya S. Barre
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Duo Xu
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Arrmund Neal
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Edward Vizcarra
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Jerald Chavez
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Arzu Ulu
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Myeon-Sik Yang
- Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | | | - Keidy Wuang
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Nikhil Bhakta
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Chanvoraboth Chea
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Emma H. Wilson
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
| | | | - Rong Hai
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
- Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, California, USA
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6
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Zhang D, Kukkar D, Kim KH, Bhatt P. A comprehensive review on immunogen and immune-response proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and their applications in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 259:129284. [PMID: 38211928 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome-corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) prompts humoral immune responses in the human body. As the auxiliary diagnosis of a current infection, the existence of viral proteins can be checked from specific antibodies (Abs) induced by immunogenic viral proteins. For people with a weakened immune system, Ab treatment can help neutralize viral antigens to resist and treat the disease. On the other hand, highly immunogenic viral proteins can serve as effective markers for detecting prior infections. Additionally, the identification of viral particles or the presence of antibodies may help establish an immune defense against the virus. These immunogenic proteins rather than SARS-CoV-2 can be given to uninfected people as a vaccination to improve their coping ability against COVID-19 through the generation of memory plasma cells. In this work, we review immunogenic and immune-response proteins derived from SARS-CoV-2 with regard to their classification, origin, and diverse applications (e.g., prevention (vaccine development), diagnostic testing, and treatment (via neutralizing Abs)). Finally, advanced immunization strategies against COVID-19 are discussed along with the contemporary circumstances and future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daohong Zhang
- College of Food Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, Shandong, China; Bio-Nanotechnology Research Institute, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, Shandong, China
| | - Deepak Kukkar
- Department of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali 140413, Punjab, India; University Center for Research and Development, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali 140413, Punjab, India
| | - Ki-Hyun Kim
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, 222 Wangsimni-Ro, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea.
| | - Poornima Bhatt
- Department of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali 140413, Punjab, India; University Center for Research and Development, Chandigarh University, Gharuan, Mohali 140413, Punjab, India
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7
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Zare H, Farkhondeh T, Bakherad H, Sharifi H, Shirzeyli MH, Samarghandian S, Ghasemi F. Covid-19 Prevention and Treatment by Targeting Fc-fusion Proteins: An Experience to Fight Emerging Diseases. Curr Mol Med 2024; 24:428-434. [PMID: 37038291 DOI: 10.2174/1566524023666230410093243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic has been considered a major threat to human health. Effective therapeutic approaches are urgently required. Spike protein and the Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors have critical roles in SARS-CoV-2 infection. As a result, these two proteins are considered potential targets for the development of a wide variety of biotherapeutics and vaccines for controlling Covid-19. The fusion proteins have desirable medicinal properties, including high serum half-life, stability, and solubility in the body. Moreover, other Fc-fusion proteins used to treat other diseases have no known side effects. These Fc-fusion proteins are valuable biopharmaceuticals and have been proposed as therapeutic candidates for the treatment and prevention of Covid-19 owing to their potential therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Zare
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tahereh Farkhondeh
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Hamid Bakherad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Isfahan Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hengame Sharifi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Maryam Hosseinzade Shirzeyli
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Healthy Ageing Research Centre, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur. Iran
| | - Fahimeh Ghasemi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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8
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Wu A, Wang Y, Ali A, Xu Z, Zhang D, Zhumanov K, Sheng J, Yi J. Design of a multi-epitope vaccine against brucellosis fused to IgG-fc by an immunoinformatics approach. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1238634. [PMID: 37937155 PMCID: PMC10625910 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1238634] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Brucella, a type of intracellular Gram-negative bacterium, has unique features and acts as a zoonotic pathogen. It can lead to abortion and infertility in animals. Eliminating brucellosis becomes very challenging once it spreads among both humans and animals, putting a heavy burden on livestock and people worldwide. Given the increasing spread of brucellosis, it is crucial to develop improved vaccines for susceptible animals to reduce the disease's impact. Methods In this study, we effectively used an immunoinformatics approach with advanced computer software to carefully identify and analyze important antigenic parts of Brucella abortus. Subsequently, we skillfully designed chimeric peptides to enhance the vaccine's strength and effectiveness. We used computer programs to find four important parts of the Brucella bacteria that our immune system recognizes. Then, we carefully looked for eight parts that are recognized by a type of white blood cell called cytotoxic T cells, six parts recognized by T helper cells, and four parts recognized by B cells. We connected these parts together using a special link, creating a strong new vaccine. To make the vaccine even better, we added some extra parts called molecular adjuvants. These included something called human β-defensins 3 (hBD-3) that we found in a database, and another part that helps the immune system called PADRE. We attached these extra parts to the beginning of the vaccine. In a new and clever way, we made the vaccine even stronger by attaching a part from a mouse's immune system to the end of it. This created a new kind of vaccine called MEV-Fc. We used advanced computer methods to study how well the MEV-Fc vaccine interacts with certain receptors in the body (TLR-2 and TLR-4). Results In the end, Immunosimulation predictions showed that the MEV-Fc vaccine can make the immune system respond strongly, both in terms of cells and antibodies. Discussion In summary, our results provide novel insights for the development of Brucella vaccines. Although further laboratory experiments are required to assess its protective effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aodi Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yueli Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Adnan Ali
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Zhenyu Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Dongsheng Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Kairat Zhumanov
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Kazakhstan Kazakh State Agricultural University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Jinliang Sheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jihai Yi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
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9
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Nguyen NH, Jarvi NL, Balu-Iyer SV. Immunogenicity of Therapeutic Biological Modalities - Lessons from Hemophilia A Therapies. J Pharm Sci 2023; 112:2347-2370. [PMID: 37220828 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.05.014] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The introduction and development of biologics such as therapeutic proteins, gene-, and cell-based therapy have revolutionized the scope of treatment for many diseases. However, a significant portion of the patients develop unwanted immune reactions against these novel biological modalities, referred to as immunogenicity, and no longer benefit from the treatments. In the current review, using Hemophilia A (HA) therapy as an example, we will discuss the immunogenicity issue of multiple biological modalities. Currently, the number of therapeutic modalities that are approved or recently explored to treat HA, a hereditary bleeding disorder, is increasing rapidly. These include, but are not limited to, recombinant factor VIII proteins, PEGylated FVIII, FVIII Fc fusion protein, bispecific monoclonal antibodies, gene replacement therapy, gene editing therapy, and cell-based therapy. They offer the patients a broader range of more advanced and effective treatment options, yet immunogenicity remains the most critical complication in the management of this disorder. Recent advances in strategies to manage and mitigate immunogenicity will also be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nhan H Nguyen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA; Currently at Truvai Biosciences, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Nicole L Jarvi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Sathy V Balu-Iyer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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10
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Laotee S, Duangkaew M, Jivapetthai A, Tharakhet K, Kaewpang P, Prompetchara E, Phumiamorn S, Sapsutthipas S, Trisiriwanich S, Somsaard T, Roytrakul S, Duangkhae P, Ongpipattanakul B, Limpikirati P, Pornputtapong N, Arunmanee W. CHO-produced RBD-Fc subunit vaccines with alternative adjuvants generate immune responses against SARS-CoV-2. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288486. [PMID: 37450510 PMCID: PMC10348575 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Subunit vaccines feature critical advantages over other vaccine platforms such as stability, price, and minimal adverse effects. To maximize immunological protection of subunit vaccines, adjuvants are considered as main components that are formulated within the subunit vaccine. They can modulate adverse effects and enhance immune outcomes. However, the most suitable formulation providing the best immunological outcomes and safety are still under investigation. In this report, we combined recombinant RBD with human IgG1 Fc to create an RBD dimer. This fusion protein was expressed in CHO and formulated with alternative adjuvants with different immune activation including Montanide ISA51, Poly (I:C), and MPLA/Quil-A® as potential vaccine candidate formulations. Using the murine model, a potent induction of anti-RBD IgG antibodies in immunized mice sera were observed. IgG subclass analyses (IgG1/IgG2a) illustrated that all adjuvanted formulations could stimulate both Th1 and Th2-type immune responses in particular Poly (I:C) and MPLA/Quil-A®, eliciting greater balance. In addition, Montanide ISA51-formulated RBD-Fc vaccination provided a promising level of neutralizing antibodies against live wild-type SARS-CoV-2 in vitro followed by Poly (I:C) and MPLA/Quil-A®, respectively. Also, mice sera from adjuvanted formulations could strongly inhibit RBD:ACE2 interaction. This study offers immunogenicity profiles, forecasted safety based on Vaccine-associated enhanced disease (VAED) caused by Th1-skewed immunity, and neutralizing antibody analysis of candidates of RBD-Fc-based subunit vaccine formulations to obtain an alternative subunit vaccine formulation against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedthawut Laotee
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Methawee Duangkaew
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Araya Jivapetthai
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kittipan Tharakhet
- Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development (Chula Vaccine Research Center, Chula VRC), Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Papatsara Kaewpang
- Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development (Chula Vaccine Research Center, Chula VRC), Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Eakachai Prompetchara
- Center of Excellence in Vaccine Research and Development (Chula Vaccine Research Center, Chula VRC), Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Integrated Frontier Biotechnology for Emerging Disease, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Supaporn Phumiamorn
- Institute of Biological Products, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Sompong Sapsutthipas
- Institute of Biological Products, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Sakalin Trisiriwanich
- Institute of Biological Products, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Thitiporn Somsaard
- Institute of Biological Products, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - Sittiruk Roytrakul
- Functional Proteomics Technology Laboratory, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology for Development Agency, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Parichat Duangkhae
- Viral Vaccine Unit, Biologics Research Group, Research and Development Institute, The Government Pharmaceutical Organization, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Boonsri Ongpipattanakul
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Patanachai Limpikirati
- Department of Food and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Natapol Pornputtapong
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wanatchaporn Arunmanee
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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11
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Song L, Shan H, Huang J. Development of HEK293T-produced recombinant receptor-Fc proteins as potential candidates against canine distemper virus. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1180673. [PMID: 37215466 PMCID: PMC10196245 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1180673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine distemper (CD) is a highly contagious viral disease worldwide. Although live attenuated vaccine is available as a preventive measure against the disease, cases of vaccination failure highlight the importance of potential alternative agent against canine distemper virus (CDV). CDV infects cells mainly by binding signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM) and Nectin-4 receptor. Here, to develop a new and safe antiviral biological agent for CD, we constructed and expressed CDV receptor proteins fused with Fc region of canine IgG-B, namely, SLAM-Fc, Nectin-Fc and SLAM-Nectin-Fc in HEK293T cells, and antiviral activity of these receptor-Fc proteins was subsequently evaluated. The results showed that the receptor-Fc proteins efficiently bound to receptor binding domain (RBD) of CDV-H, meanwhile, these receptor-Fc proteins competitively inhibited the binding of His-tagged receptor proteins (SLAM-His or Nectin-His) to CDV-H-RBD-Flag protein. Importantly, receptor-Fc proteins exhibited potent anti-CDV activity in vitro. Treatment with receptor-Fc proteins at the pre-entry stage dramatically suppressed CDV infectivity in Vero cells stably expressing canine SLAM. The minimum effective concentration (MEC) of SLAM-Fc, Nectin-Fc and SLAM-Nectin-Fc was 0.2 μg/mL, 0.2 μg/mL, 0.02 μg/mL. The 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) of three proteins was 0.58 μg/mL, 0.32 μg/mL and 0.18 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, treatment with receptor-Fc proteins post viral infection can also inhibit CDV reproduction, the MEC of SLAM-Fc, Nectin-Fc and SLAM-Nectin-Fc was same as pre-treatment, and the IC50 of receptor-Fc proteins was 1.10 μg/mL, 0.99 μg/mL and 0.32 μg/mL, respectively. The results suggested that the receptor-Fc proteins were more effective for pre-entry treatment than post-infection treatment, furthermore, SLAM-Nectin-Fc was more effective than SLAM-Fc and Nectin-Fc. These findings revealed the receptor-Fc proteins were promising candidates as inhibitor against CDV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
- Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Development of Veterinary Pharmaceuticals, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Research Center for Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Hu Shan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
- Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Development of Veterinary Pharmaceuticals, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Research Center for Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Juan Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, China
- Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Development of Veterinary Pharmaceuticals, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Research Center for Veterinary Biological Engineering and Technology, Qingdao, China
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12
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Zheng J, Yang J, Zhang Z, Liang X, Liu S, Pan Y, Wei J, Huang Y, Huang X, Qin Q. An improved oral vaccine with molecular adjuvant β-defensin protects grouper against nervous necrosis virus infection. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 136:108709. [PMID: 36972841 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.108709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Nervous necrosis virus (NNV) is one of the most important fish viral pathogens infecting more than 120 fish species worldwide. Due to the mass mortality rates often seen among larvae and juveniles, few effective vaccines against NNV were developed up to now. Here, the protective effect of recombinant coat protein (CP) from red-spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV) fused with grouper β-defensin (DEFB) as an oral vaccine was evaluated using Artemia as a biocarrier delivery system in pearl gentian grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus♂ × Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀). Feeding with Artemia encapsulated with E. coli expressing control vector (control group), CP, or CP-DEFB showed no obvious side effects on the growth of groupers. ELISA and antibody neutralization assay showed that CP-DEFB oral vaccination group induced higher anti-RGNNV CP specific antibodies and exhibited higher neutralization potency than the CP and control group. Meanwhile, the expression levels of several immune and inflammatory factors in the spleen and kidney after feeding with CP-DEFB were also significantly increased compared with the CP group. Consistently, after challenge with RGNNV, groupers fed CP-DEFB and CP exhibited 100% and 88.23% relative percentage survival (RPS), respectively. Moreover, the lower transcription levels of viral genes and milder pathological changes in CP-DEFB group were detected compared with the CP and control group. Thus, we proposed that grouper β-defensin functioned as an efficient molecular adjuvant for an improved oral vaccine against nervous necrosis virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaying Zheng
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China; University Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Yang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China; University Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zemiao Zhang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China; University Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xia Liang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China; University Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shijia Liu
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China; University Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Pan
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China; University Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingguang Wei
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China; University Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youhua Huang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China; University Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Huang
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China; University Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Qiwei Qin
- College of Marine Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China; University Joint Laboratory of Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao Region on Marine Bioresource Conservation and Exploitation, Guangzhou, China; Fishery Institute of South China Agricultural University, Nansha, Guangzhou, China.
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13
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Li CJ, Jiang CL, Chao TL, Lin SY, Tsai YM, Chao CS, Su YT, Chen CJ, Chang SY, Lin FJ, Chang SC. Elicitation of potent neutralizing antibodies in obese mice by ISA 51-adjuvanted SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD-Fc vaccine. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2023; 107:2983-2995. [PMID: 36988669 PMCID: PMC10049902 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12490-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Vaccination is considered to be the most effective countermeasure to prevent and combat the global health threats of COVID-19. People with obesity are at a greater risk of hospitalization, life-threatening illness, and adverse outcomes after having COVID-19. Therefore, a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine for obese individuals is urgently needed. In the study, the vaccine composed of the ISA 51 adjuvant and the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) receptor-binding domain (RBD) in conjugation with the human IgG1 Fc fragment (named as ISA 51-adjuvanted RBD-Fc vaccine) was developed and inoculated in the regular chow diet (RCD) lean mice and the high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. The S protein-specific IgG titers were largely induced in an increasing manner along with three doses of ISA 51-adjuvanted RBD-Fc vaccine without causing any harmful side effect. In the HFD mice, the S protein-specific IgG titers can be quickly observed 2 weeks post the first inoculation. The antisera elicited by the ISA 51-adjuvanted RBD-Fc vaccine in the RCD and HFD mice exhibited potent SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing activities in the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) assays and showed similar specificity for recognizing the key residues in the RBD which were involved in interacting with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. The immune efficacy of the ISA 51-adjuvanted RBD-Fc vaccine in the HFD mice can be sustainably maintained with the PRNT50 values of 1.80-1.91×10-3 for at least 8 weeks post the third inoculation. Collectively, the RBD-Fc-based immunogen and the ISA 51-adjuvanted formulation can be developed as an effective COVID-19 vaccine for obese individuals. KEY POINTS: • The ISA 51-adjuvanted RBD-Fc vaccine can induce potent SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies in the obese mouse • The antibodies elicited by the ISA 51-adjuvanted RBD-Fc vaccine can bind to the key RBD residues involved in interacting with ACE2 • The immune efficacy of the ISA 51-adjuvanted RBD-Fc vaccine can be sustainably maintained for at least 8 weeks post the third inoculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Jung Li
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Lin Jiang
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Ling Chao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Shiau-Yu Lin
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Min Tsai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Chong-Syun Chao
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Su
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Chen
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - Sui-Yuan Chang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences and Medical Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan.
| | - Fu-Jung Lin
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan.
- Research Center for Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan.
| | - Shih-Chung Chang
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan.
- Center for Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan.
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14
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Melgoza-González EA, Bustamante-Córdova L, Hernández J. Recent advances in antigen targeting to antigen-presenting cells in veterinary medicine. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1080238. [PMID: 36969203 PMCID: PMC10038197 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1080238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in antigen targeting in veterinary medicine have gained traction over the years as an alternative approach for diseases that remain a challenge for traditional vaccines. In addition to the nature of the immunogen, antigen-targeting success relies heavily on the chosen receptor for its direct influence on the elicited response that will ensue after antigen uptake. Different approaches using antibodies, natural or synthetic ligands, fused proteins, and DNA vaccines have been explored in various veterinary species, with pigs, cattle, sheep, and poultry as the most frequent models. Antigen-presenting cells can be targeted using a generic approach, such as broadly expressed receptors such as MHC-II, CD80/86, CD40, CD83, etc., or focused on specific cell populations such as dendritic cells or macrophages (Langerin, DC-SIGN, XCR1, DC peptides, sialoadhesin, mannose receptors, etc.) with contrasting results. Interestingly, DC peptides show high specificity to DCs, boosting activation, stimulating cellular and humoral responses, and a higher rate of clinical protection. Likewise, MHC-II targeting shows consistent results in enhancing both immune responses; an example of this strategy of targeting is the approved vaccine against the bovine viral diarrhea virus in South America. This significant milestone opens the door to continuing efforts toward antigen-targeting vaccines to benefit animal health. This review discusses the recent advances in antigen targeting to antigen-presenting cells in veterinary medicine, with a special interest in pigs, sheep, cattle, poultry, and dogs.
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15
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Intranasal Boosting with Spike Fc-RBD of Wild-Type SARS-CoV-2 Induces Neutralizing Antibodies against Omicron Subvariants and Reduces Viral Load in the Nasal Turbinate of Mice. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030687. [PMID: 36992395 PMCID: PMC10052291 DOI: 10.3390/v15030687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of new immune-evasive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants and subvariants outpaces the development of vaccines specific against the dominant circulating strains. In terms of the only accepted immune correlate of protection, the inactivated whole-virion vaccine using wild-type SARS-CoV-2 spike induces a much lower serum neutralizing antibody titre against the Omicron subvariants. Since the inactivated vaccine given intramuscularly is one of the most commonly used coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines in developing regions, we tested the hypothesis that intranasal boosting after intramuscular priming would provide a broader level of protection. Here, we showed that one or two intranasal boosts with the Fc-linked trimeric spike receptor-binding domain from wild-type SARS-CoV-2 can induce significantly higher serum neutralizing antibodies against wild-type SARS-CoV-2 and the Omicron subvariants, including BA.5.2 and XBB.1, with a lower titre in the bronchoalveolar lavage of vaccinated Balb/c mice than vaccination with four intramuscular doses of inactivated whole virion vaccine. The intranasally vaccinated K18-hACE2-transgenic mice also had a significantly lower nasal turbinate viral load, suggesting a better protection of the upper airway, which is the predilected site of infection by Omicron subvariants. This intramuscular priming and intranasal boosting approach that achieves broader cross-protection against Omicron variants and subvariants may lengthen the interval required for changing the vaccine immunogen from months to years.
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16
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Feitsma EA, Janssen YF, Boersma HH, van Sleen Y, van Baarle D, Alleva DG, Lancaster TM, Sathiyaseelan T, Murikipudi S, Delpero AR, Scully MM, Ragupathy R, Kotha S, Haworth JR, Shah NJ, Rao V, Nagre S, Ronca SE, Green FM, Aminetzah A, Sollie F, Kruijff S, Brom M, van Dam GM, Zion TC. A randomized phase I/II safety and immunogenicity study of the Montanide-adjuvanted SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-RBD-Fc vaccine, AKS-452. Vaccine 2023; 41:2184-2197. [PMID: 36842886 PMCID: PMC9946892 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.02.057] [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: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous interim data from a phase I study of AKS-452, a subunit vaccine comprising an Fc fusion of the respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein receptor binding domain (SP/RBD) emulsified in the water-in-oil adjuvant, Montanide™ ISA 720, suggested a good safety and immunogenicity profile in healthy adults. This phase I study was completed and two dosing regimens were further evaluated in this phase II study. METHODS This phase II randomized, open-labelled, parallel group study was conducted at a single site in The Netherlands with 52 healthy adults (18 - 72 years) receiving AKS-452 subcutaneously at one 90 µg dose (cohort 1, 26 subjects) or two 45 µg doses 28 days apart (cohort 2, 26 subjects). Serum samples were collected at the first dose (day 0) and at days 28, 56, 90, and 180. Safety and immunogenicity endpoints were assessed, along with induction of IgG isotypes, cross-reactive immunity against viral variants, and IFN-γ T cell responses. RESULTS All AEs were mild/moderate (grades 1 or 2), and no SAEs were attributable to AKS-452. Seroconversion rates reached 100% in both cohorts, although cohort 2 showed greater geometric mean IgG titers that were stable through day 180 and associated with enhanced potencies of SP/RBD-ACE2 binding inhibition and live virus neutralization. AKS-452-induced IgG titers strongly bound mutant SP/RBD from several SARS-CoV-2 variants (including Omicrons) that were predominantly of the favorable IgG1/3 isotype and IFN-γ-producing T cell phenotype. CONCLUSION These favorable safety and immunogenicity profiles of the candidate vaccine as demonstrated in this phase II study are consistent with those of the phase I study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04681092) and suggest that a total of 90 µg received in 2 doses may offer a greater duration of cross-reactive neutralizing titers than when given in a single dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline A Feitsma
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Yester F Janssen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, UMCG, the Netherlands
| | - Hendrikus H Boersma
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, UMCG, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, UMCG, the Netherlands
| | - Yannick van Sleen
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, UMCG, the Netherlands
| | - Debbie van Baarle
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, UMCG, the Netherlands
| | - David G Alleva
- Akston Biosciences Corporation., 100 Cummings Center, Suite 454C, Beverly, MA 01915, United States
| | - Thomas M Lancaster
- Akston Biosciences Corporation., 100 Cummings Center, Suite 454C, Beverly, MA 01915, United States
| | | | - Sylaja Murikipudi
- Akston Biosciences Corporation., 100 Cummings Center, Suite 454C, Beverly, MA 01915, United States
| | - Andrea R Delpero
- Akston Biosciences Corporation., 100 Cummings Center, Suite 454C, Beverly, MA 01915, United States
| | - Melanie M Scully
- Akston Biosciences Corporation., 100 Cummings Center, Suite 454C, Beverly, MA 01915, United States
| | - Ramya Ragupathy
- Akston Biosciences Corporation., 100 Cummings Center, Suite 454C, Beverly, MA 01915, United States
| | - Sravya Kotha
- Akston Biosciences Corporation., 100 Cummings Center, Suite 454C, Beverly, MA 01915, United States
| | - Jeffrey R Haworth
- Akston Biosciences Corporation., 100 Cummings Center, Suite 454C, Beverly, MA 01915, United States
| | - Nishit J Shah
- Akston Biosciences Corporation., 100 Cummings Center, Suite 454C, Beverly, MA 01915, United States
| | - Vidhya Rao
- Akston Biosciences Corporation., 100 Cummings Center, Suite 454C, Beverly, MA 01915, United States
| | - Shashikant Nagre
- Akston Biosciences Corporation., 100 Cummings Center, Suite 454C, Beverly, MA 01915, United States
| | - Shannon E Ronca
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor, College of Medicine, 1102 Bates Ave, 300.15, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Freedom M Green
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Tropical Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor, College of Medicine, 1102 Bates Ave, 300.15, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Ari Aminetzah
- TRACER BV, L.J. Zielstraweg 1, 9766 GX Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Frans Sollie
- ICON, van Swietenlaan 6, 9728 NZ Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Schelto Kruijff
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, UMCG, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten Brom
- TRACER BV, L.J. Zielstraweg 1, 9766 GX Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Gooitzen M van Dam
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, UMCG, the Netherlands; TRACER BV, L.J. Zielstraweg 1, 9766 GX Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Todd C Zion
- Akston Biosciences Corporation., 100 Cummings Center, Suite 454C, Beverly, MA 01915, United States.
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17
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Kovalenko A, Ryabchevskaya E, Evtushenko E, Nikitin N, Karpova O. Recombinant Protein Vaccines against Human Betacoronaviruses: Strategies, Approaches and Progress. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:1701. [PMID: 36675218 PMCID: PMC9863728 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Betacoronaviruses have already troubled humanity more than once. In 2002-2003 and 2012, the SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, respectively, caused outbreaks of respiratory syndromes with a fatal outcome. The spread of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has become a pandemic. These three coronaviruses belong to the genus Betacoronavirus and have a zoonotic origin. The emergence of new coronavirus infections in the future cannot be ruled out, and vaccination is the main way to prevent the spread of the infection. Previous experience in the development of vaccines against SARS and MERS has helped to develop a number of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 in a fairly short time. Among them, there are quite a few recombinant protein vaccines, which seem to be very promising in terms of safety, minimization of side effects, storage and transportation conditions. The problem of developing a universal betacoronavirus vaccine is also still relevant. Here, we summarize the information on the designing of vaccines based on recombinant proteins against highly pathogenic human betacoronaviruses SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nikolai Nikitin
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
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Ahmadi Ghezeldasht S, Momen Heravi M, Valizadeh N, Rafatpanah H, Shamsian SA, Mosavat A, Rezaee SA. Development of a Novel HTLV-1 Protease: Human Fcγ1 Recombinant Fusion Molecule in the CHO Eukaryotic Expression System. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2023; 195:1862-1876. [PMID: 36399306 PMCID: PMC9673214 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-022-04259-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Human T-cell leukaemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the causative agent of two life-threatening diseases, adult T cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATLL), and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic (HAM/TSP). HTLV-1 protease (HTLV-1-PR) is an aspartic protease that represents a promising target for therapeutic purposes like human immunodeficiency virus-PR inhibitors (HIV-PR). Therefore, in this study, the human Fc fusion recombinant-PR (HTLV-1-PR:hFcγ1) was designed and expressed for two applications, finding a blocking substrate as a potential therapeutic or a potential subunit peptide vaccine. The PCR amplified DNA sequences encoding the HTLV-1-PR from the MT2-cell line using specific primers with restriction enzyme sites of Not1 and Xba1. The construct was then cloned to pTZ57R/T TA plasmid and, after confirming the PR sequence, subcloned into the pDR2ΔEF1α Fc-expression vector to create pDR2ΔEF1α.HTLV-1-PR:hFcγ1. The integrity of recombinant DNA was confirmed by sequencing to ensure that the engineered construct was in the frame. The recombinant fusion protein was then produced in the Chinese hamster ovary cell (CHO) system and was purified from its supernatant using HiTrap-rPA column affinity chromatography. Then, the immunofluorescence assay (IFA) co-localisation method showed that HTLV-1-PR:hFc recombinant fusion protein has appropriate folding as it binds to the anti-Fcγ antibody; the Fcγ1 tag participates to have HTLV-1-PR:hFcγ1 as a dimeric secretory protein. The development and production of HTLV-1-PR can be used to find a blocking substrate as a potential therapeutic molecule and apply it in an animal model to assess its immunogenicity and potential protection against HTLV-1 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz Ahmadi Ghezeldasht
- Inflammation and Inflammatory Diseases Division, Medical Campus, Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Azadi Square, Mashhad, 9177948564 Iran
- Blood Borne Infections Research Center, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Azadi Square, Ferdowsi University Campus, Razavi Khorasan, Mashhad, 9177949367 Iran
| | - Mastoureh Momen Heravi
- Inflammation and Inflammatory Diseases Division, Medical Campus, Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Azadi Square, Mashhad, 9177948564 Iran
| | - Narges Valizadeh
- Inflammation and Inflammatory Diseases Division, Medical Campus, Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Azadi Square, Mashhad, 9177948564 Iran
| | - Houshang Rafatpanah
- Inflammation and Inflammatory Diseases Division, Medical Campus, Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Azadi Square, Mashhad, 9177948564 Iran
| | - Seyed Aliakbar Shamsian
- Blood Borne Infections Research Center, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Azadi Square, Ferdowsi University Campus, Razavi Khorasan, Mashhad, 9177949367 Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Arman Mosavat
- Blood Borne Infections Research Center, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Azadi Square, Ferdowsi University Campus, Razavi Khorasan, Mashhad, 9177949367 Iran
| | - Seyed Abdolrahim Rezaee
- Inflammation and Inflammatory Diseases Division, Medical Campus, Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Azadi Square, Mashhad, 9177948564 Iran
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Qu J, Yang F, Zhu T, Wang Y, Fang W, Ding Y, Zhao X, Qi X, Xie Q, Chen M, Xu Q, Xie Y, Sun Y, Chen D. A reference single-cell regulomic and transcriptomic map of cynomolgus monkeys. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4069. [PMID: 35831300 PMCID: PMC9279386 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31770-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-human primates are attractive laboratory animal models that accurately reflect both developmental and pathological features of humans. Here we present a compendium of cell types across multiple organs in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) using both single-cell chromatin accessibility and RNA sequencing data. The integrated cell map enables in-depth dissection and comparison of molecular dynamics, cell-type compositions and cellular heterogeneity across multiple tissues and organs. Using single-cell transcriptomic data, we infer pseudotime cell trajectories and cell-cell communications to uncover key molecular signatures underlying their cellular processes. Furthermore, we identify various cell-specific cis-regulatory elements and construct organ-specific gene regulatory networks at the single-cell level. Finally, we perform comparative analyses of single-cell landscapes among mouse, monkey and human. We show that cynomolgus monkey has strikingly higher degree of similarities in terms of immune-associated gene expression patterns and cellular communications to human than mouse. Taken together, our study provides a valuable resource for non-human primate cell biology. Non-human primates are attractive laboratory animal models that can accurately reflect some developmental and pathological features of humans. Here the authors chart a reference cell map of cynomolgus monkeys using both scATAC-seq and scRNA-seq data across multiple organs, providing insights into the molecular dynamics and cellular heterogeneity of this organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Fa Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingshuo Wang
- The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, 310052, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wen Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Xue Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Xianjia Qi
- Shanghai XuRan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., 1088 Zhongchun Road, 201109, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiangmin Xie
- The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, 310052, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ming Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 210023, Nanjing, China
| | - Yicheng Xie
- The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, 310052, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Yang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 210023, Nanjing, China. .,Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, 210023, Nanjing, China.
| | - Dijun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 210023, Nanjing, China.
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Janssen YF, Feitsma EA, Boersma HH, Alleva DG, Lancaster TM, Sathiyaseelan T, Murikipudi S, Delpero AR, Scully MM, Ragupathy R, Kotha S, Haworth JR, Shah NJ, Rao V, Nagre S, Ronca SE, Green FM, Aminetzah A, Sollie F, Kruijff S, Brom M, van Dam GM, Zion TC. Phase I interim results of a phase I/II study of the IgG-Fc fusion COVID-19 subunit vaccine, AKS-452. Vaccine 2022; 40:1253-1260. [PMID: 35115195 PMCID: PMC8802018 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
To address the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a recombinant subunit vaccine, AKS-452, is being developed comprising an Fc fusion protein of the SARS-CoV-2 viral spike protein receptor binding domain (SP/RBD) antigen and human IgG1 Fc emulsified in the water-in-oil adjuvant, Montanide™ ISA 720. A single-center, open-label, phase I dose-finding and safety study was conducted with 60 healthy adults (18–65 years) receiving one or two doses 28 days apart of 22.5 µg, 45 µg, or 90 µg of AKS-452 (i.e., six cohorts, N = 10 subjects per cohort). Primary endpoints were safety and reactogenicity and secondary endpoints were immunogenicity assessments. No AEs ≥ 3, no SAEs attributable to AKS-452, and no SARS-CoV-2 viral infections occurred during the study. Seroconversion rates of anti-SARS-CoV-2 SP/RBD IgG titers in the 22.5, 45, and 90 µg cohorts at day 28 were 70%, 90%, and 100%, respectively, which all increased to 100% at day 56 (except 89% for the single-dose 22.5 µg cohort). All IgG titers were Th1-isotype skewed and efficiently bound mutant SP/RBD from several SARS-CoV-2 variants with strong neutralization potencies of live virus infection of cells (including alpha and delta variants). The favorable safety and immunogenicity profiles of this phase I study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04681092) support phase II initiation of this room-temperature stable vaccine that can be rapidly and inexpensively manufactured to serve vaccination at a global scale without the need of a complex distribution or cold chain.
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Baczenas JJ, Andersen H, Rashid S, Yarmosh D, Puthuveetil N, Parker M, Bradford R, Florence C, Stemple KJ, Lewis MG, O’Connor SL. Propagation of SARS-CoV-2 in Calu-3 Cells to Eliminate Mutations in the Furin Cleavage Site of Spike. Viruses 2021; 13:v13122434. [PMID: 34960703 PMCID: PMC8704555 DOI: 10.3390/v13122434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, vaccine, and therapeutic studies rely on the use of animals challenged with highly pathogenic virus stocks produced in cell cultures. Ideally, these virus stocks should be genetically and functionally similar to the original clinical isolate, retaining wild-type properties to be reliably used in animal model studies. It is well-established that SARS-CoV-2 isolates serially passaged on Vero cell lines accumulate mutations and deletions in the furin cleavage site; however, these can be eliminated when passaged on Calu-3 lung epithelial cell lines, as presented in this study. As numerous stocks of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern are being grown in cell cultures with the intent for use in animal models, it is essential that propagation methods generate virus stocks that are pathogenic in vivo. Here, we found that the propagation of a B.1.351 SARS-CoV-2 stock on Calu-3 cells eliminated viruses that previously accumulated mutations in the furin cleavage site. Notably, there were alternative variants that accumulated at the same nucleotide positions in virus populations grown on Calu-3 cells at multiple independent facilities. When a Calu-3-derived B.1.351 virus stock was used to infect hamsters, the virus remained pathogenic and the Calu-3-specific variants persisted in the population. These results suggest that Calu-3-derived virus stocks are pathogenic but care should still be taken to evaluate virus stocks for newly arising mutations during propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hanne Andersen
- BIOQUAL, Inc., Rockville, MD 20852, USA; (H.A.); (M.G.L.)
| | - Sujatha Rashid
- American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (S.R.); (D.Y.); (N.P.); (M.P.); (R.B.)
- The Biodefense and Emerging Infections Research Resources Repository (BEI Resources), 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - David Yarmosh
- American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (S.R.); (D.Y.); (N.P.); (M.P.); (R.B.)
- The Biodefense and Emerging Infections Research Resources Repository (BEI Resources), 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Nikhita Puthuveetil
- American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (S.R.); (D.Y.); (N.P.); (M.P.); (R.B.)
- The Biodefense and Emerging Infections Research Resources Repository (BEI Resources), 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Michael Parker
- American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (S.R.); (D.Y.); (N.P.); (M.P.); (R.B.)
- The Biodefense and Emerging Infections Research Resources Repository (BEI Resources), 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Rebecca Bradford
- American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, VA 20110, USA; (S.R.); (D.Y.); (N.P.); (M.P.); (R.B.)
- The Biodefense and Emerging Infections Research Resources Repository (BEI Resources), 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Clint Florence
- Office of Biodefense, Research Resources and Translational Research, Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (C.F.); (K.J.S.)
| | - Kimberly J. Stemple
- Office of Biodefense, Research Resources and Translational Research, Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (C.F.); (K.J.S.)
| | - Mark G. Lewis
- BIOQUAL, Inc., Rockville, MD 20852, USA; (H.A.); (M.G.L.)
| | - Shelby L. O’Connor
- Wisconsin National Primate Center, UW-Madison, Madison, WI 53711, USA;
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UW-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-608-890-0843
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