1
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Wang Y, Theodore M, Xing Z, Narsaria U, Yu Z, Zeng L, Zhang J. Structural mechanisms of Tad pilus assembly and its interaction with an RNA virus. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl4450. [PMID: 38701202 PMCID: PMC11067988 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl4450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Caulobacter crescentus Tad (tight adherence) pili, part of the type IV pili family, are crucial for mechanosensing, surface adherence, bacteriophage (phage) adsorption, and cell-cycle regulation. Unlike other type IV pilins, Tad pilins lack the typical globular β sheet domain responsible for pilus assembly and phage binding. The mechanisms of Tad pilus assembly and its interaction with phage ΦCb5 have been elusive. Using cryo-electron microscopy, we unveiled the Tad pilus assembly mechanism, featuring a unique network of hydrogen bonds at its core. We then identified the Tad pilus binding to the ΦCb5 maturation protein (Mat) through its β region. Notably, the amino terminus of ΦCb5 Mat is exposed outside the capsid and phage/pilus interface, enabling the attachment of fluorescent and affinity tags. These engineered ΦCb5 virions can be efficiently assembled and purified in Escherichia coli, maintaining infectivity against C. crescentus, which presents promising applications, including RNA delivery and phage display.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Wang
- Center for Phage Technology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Matthew Theodore
- Center for Phage Technology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Zhongliang Xing
- Center for Phage Technology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Utkarsh Narsaria
- Center for Phage Technology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Zihao Yu
- Center for Phage Technology, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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2
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Mellid-Carballal R, Gutierrez-Gutierrez S, Rivas C, Garcia-Fuentes M. Viral protein nanoparticles (Part 1): Pharmaceutical characteristics. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 187:106460. [PMID: 37156338 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Viral protein nanoparticles fill the gap between viruses and synthetic nanoparticles. Combining advantageous properties of both systems, they have revolutionized pharmaceutical research. Virus-like particles are characterized by a structure identical to viruses but lacking genetic material. Another type of viral protein nanoparticles, virosomes, are similar to liposomes but include viral spike proteins. Both systems are effective and safe vaccine candidates capable of overcoming the disadvantages of both traditional and subunit vaccines. Besides, their particulate structure, biocompatibility, and biodegradability make them good candidates as vectors for drug and gene delivery, and for diagnostic applications. In this review, we analyze viral protein nanoparticles from a pharmaceutical perspective and examine current research focused on their development process, from production to administration. Advances in synthesis, modification and formulation of viral protein nanoparticles are critical so that large-scale production of viral protein nanoparticle products becomes viable and affordable, which ultimately will increase their market penetration in the future. We will discuss their expression systems, modification strategies, formulation, biopharmaceutical properties, and biocompatibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocio Mellid-Carballal
- CiMUS Research Center, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Sara Gutierrez-Gutierrez
- CiMUS Research Center, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Carmen Rivas
- CiMUS Research Center, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Departamento de Biología Molecular y Celular, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB)-CSIC, Spain
| | - Marcos Garcia-Fuentes
- CiMUS Research Center, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
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3
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Cheng K, Ma N, Liang J, Ma X, Feng Q, Liu G, Xu C, Tang M, Zhang L, Gao X, Xu J, Wang C, Zhu F, Wang X, Li X, Zhao X, Nie G. Site-Specific Modification of Virus-Like Particles for Exogenous Tumor Antigen Display and Minimizing Preexisting Immunity. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2300125. [PMID: 36879481 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202300125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The widespread preexisting immunity against virus-like particles (VLPs) seriously limits the applications of VLPs as vaccine vectors. Enabling technology for exogenous antigen display should not only ensure the assembly ability of VLPs and site-specific modification, but also consider the effect of preexisting immunity on the behavior of VLPs in vivo. Here, combining genetic code expansion technique and synthetic biology strategy, a site-specific modification method for hepatitis B core (HBc) VLPs via incorporating azido-phenylalanine into the desired positions is described. Through modification position screening, it is found that HBc VLPs incorporated with azido-phenylalanine at the main immune region can effectively assemble and rapidly conjugate with the dibenzocycolctyne-modified tumor-associated antigens, mucin-1 (MUC1). The site-specific modification of HBc VLPs not only improves the immunogenicity of MUC1 antigens but also shields the immunogenicity of HBc VLPs themselves, thereby activating a strong and persistent anti-MUC1 immune response even in the presence of preexisting anti-HBc immunity, which results in the efficient tumor elimination in a lung metastatic mouse model. Together, these results demonstrate the site-specific modification strategy enabled HBc VLPs behave as a potent antitumor vaccine and this strategy to manipulate immunogenicity of VLPs may be suitable for other VLP-based vaccine vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keman Cheng
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Nana Ma
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Jie Liang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Xiaotu Ma
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Qingqing Feng
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Guangna Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Chen Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Ming Tang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Lizhuo Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyu Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Jiaqi Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Chufan Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Fei Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Xinwei Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Xiang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
- IGDB-NCNST Joint Research Center, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, P. R. China
| | - Guangjun Nie
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, No. 11 Zhongguancun Beiyitiao, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
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4
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Martins SA, Santos J, Silva RDM, Rosa C, Cabo Verde S, Correia JDG, Melo R. How promising are HIV-1-based virus-like particles for medical applications. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:997875. [PMID: 36275021 PMCID: PMC9585283 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.997875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
New approaches aimed at identifying patient-specific drug targets and addressing unmet clinical needs in the framework of precision medicine are a strong motivation for researchers worldwide. As scientists learn more about proteins that drive known diseases, they are better able to design promising therapeutic approaches to target those proteins. The field of nanotechnology has been extensively explored in the past years, and nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as promising systems for target-specific delivery of drugs. Virus-like particles (VLPs) arise as auspicious NPs due to their intrinsic properties. The lack of viral genetic material and the inability to replicate, together with tropism conservation and antigenicity characteristic of the native virus prompted extensive interest in their use as vaccines or as delivery systems for therapeutic and/or imaging agents. Owing to its simplicity and non-complex structure, one of the viruses currently under study for the construction of VLPs is the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Typically, HIV-1-based VLPs are used for antibody discovery, vaccines, diagnostic reagent development and protein-based assays. This review will be centered on the use of HIV-1-based VLPs and their potential biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia A. Martins
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Joana Santos
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Rúben D. M. Silva
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cátia Rosa
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sandra Cabo Verde
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João D. G. Correia
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Departamento de Engenharia e Ciências Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- *Correspondence: João D. G. Correia, ; Rita Melo,
| | - Rita Melo
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- *Correspondence: João D. G. Correia, ; Rita Melo,
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5
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Zapata-Cuellar L, Gaona-Bernal J, Manuel-Cabrera CA, Martínez-Velázquez M, Sánchez-Hernández C, Elizondo-Quiroga D, Camacho-Villegas TA, Gutiérrez-Ortega A. Development of a Platform for Noncovalent Coupling of Full Antigens to Tobacco Etch Virus-Like Particles by Means of Coiled-Coil Oligomerization Motifs. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26154436. [PMID: 34361589 PMCID: PMC8348948 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26154436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles are excellent inducers of the adaptive immune response of humans and are presently being used as scaffolds for the presentation of foreign peptides and antigens derived from infectious microorganisms for subunit vaccine development. The most common approaches for peptide and antigen presentation are translational fusions and chemical coupling, but some alternatives that seek to simplify the coupling process have been reported recently. In this work, an alternative platform for coupling full antigens to virus-like particles is presented. Heterodimerization motifs inserted in both Tobacco etch virus coat protein and green fluorescent protein directed the coupling process by simple mixing, and the obtained complexes were easily taken up by a macrophage cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Zapata-Cuellar
- Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Unidad de Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Normalistas 800, Colinas de la Normal, Guadalajara 44270, Mexico; (L.Z.-C.); (C.A.M.-C.); (M.M.-V.); (D.E.-Q.)
| | - Jorge Gaona-Bernal
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, Universidad de Guadalajara, Sierra Mojada 950, Independencia Oriente, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico;
| | - Carlos Alberto Manuel-Cabrera
- Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Unidad de Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Normalistas 800, Colinas de la Normal, Guadalajara 44270, Mexico; (L.Z.-C.); (C.A.M.-C.); (M.M.-V.); (D.E.-Q.)
| | - Moisés Martínez-Velázquez
- Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Unidad de Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Normalistas 800, Colinas de la Normal, Guadalajara 44270, Mexico; (L.Z.-C.); (C.A.M.-C.); (M.M.-V.); (D.E.-Q.)
| | - Carla Sánchez-Hernández
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Departamento de Producción Agrícola, Universidad de Guadalajara, Carretera Guadalajara-Nogales km 15.5, Zapopan 45510, Mexico;
| | - Darwin Elizondo-Quiroga
- Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Unidad de Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Normalistas 800, Colinas de la Normal, Guadalajara 44270, Mexico; (L.Z.-C.); (C.A.M.-C.); (M.M.-V.); (D.E.-Q.)
| | - Tanya Amanda Camacho-Villegas
- CONACYT-CIATEJ, Unidad de Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Normalistas 800, Colinas de la Normal, Guadalajara 44270, Mexico;
| | - Abel Gutiérrez-Ortega
- Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Unidad de Biotecnología Médica y Farmacéutica, Normalistas 800, Colinas de la Normal, Guadalajara 44270, Mexico; (L.Z.-C.); (C.A.M.-C.); (M.M.-V.); (D.E.-Q.)
- Correspondence:
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6
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Karch CP, Matyas GR. The current and future role of nanovaccines in HIV-1 vaccine development. Expert Rev Vaccines 2021; 20:935-944. [PMID: 34184607 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2021.1945448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: An efficacious vaccine for HIV-1 has been sought for over 30 years to eliminate the virus from the human population. Many challenges have occurred in the attempt to produce a successful immunogen, mainly caused by the basic biology of the virus. Immunogens have been developed focusing on inducing one or more of the following types of immune responses; neutralizing antibodies, non-neutralizing antibodies, and T-cell mediated responses. One way to better present and develop an immunogen for HIV-1 is through the use of nanotechnology and nanoparticles.Areas covered: This article gives a basic overview of the HIV-1 vaccine field, as well as nanotechnology, specifically nanovaccines. It then covers the application of nanovaccines made from biological macromolecules to HIV-1 vaccine development for neutralizing antibodies, non-neutralizing antibodies, and T-cell-mediated responses.Expert opinion: Nanovaccines are an area that is ripe for further exploration in HIV-1 vaccine field. Not only are nanovaccines capable of carrying and presenting antigens in native-like conformations, but they have also repeatedly been shown to increase immunogenicity over recombinant antigens alone. Only through further research can the true role of nanovaccines in the development of an efficacious HIV-1 vaccine be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher P Karch
- Laboratory of Adjuvant and Antigen Research, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA.,Laboratory of Adjuvant and Antigen Research, Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gary R Matyas
- Laboratory of Adjuvant and Antigen Research, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA
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7
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Chen CW, Saubi N, Joseph-Munné J. Design Concepts of Virus-Like Particle-Based HIV-1 Vaccines. Front Immunol 2020; 11:573157. [PMID: 33117367 PMCID: PMC7561392 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.573157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Prophylactic vaccines remain the best approach for controlling the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) transmission. Despite the limited efficacy of the RV144 trial in Thailand, there is still no vaccine candidate that has been proven successful. Consequently, great efforts have been made to improve HIV-1 antigens design and discover delivery platforms for optimal immune elicitation. Owing to immunogenic, structural, and functional diversity, virus-like particles (VLPs) could act as efficient vaccine carriers to display HIV-1 immunogens and provide a variety of HIV-1 vaccine development strategies as well as prime-boost regimes. Here, we describe VLP-based HIV-1 vaccine candidates that have been enrolled in HIV-1 clinical trials and summarize current advances and challenges according to preclinical results obtained from five distinct strategies. This mini-review provides multiple perspectives to help in developing new generations of VLP-based HIV-1 vaccine candidates with better capacity to elicit specific anti-HIV immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Wei Chen
- Microbiology Department, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Narcís Saubi
- Microbiology Department, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain.,EAVI2020 European AIDS Vaccine Initiative H2020 Research Programme, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joan Joseph-Munné
- Microbiology Department, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain.,EAVI2020 European AIDS Vaccine Initiative H2020 Research Programme, London, United Kingdom.,Microbiology Department, Hospital Universitari de la Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
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8
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Liekniņa I, Černova D, Rūmnieks J, Tārs K. Novel ssRNA phage VLP platform for displaying foreign epitopes by genetic fusion. Vaccine 2020; 38:6019-6026. [PMID: 32713683 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2020.07.016] [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: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) can be used as efficient carriers of various antigens and therefore serve as attractive tools in vaccine development. Although VLPs of different viruses can be used, VLPs of ssRNA phages have convincing advantages due to their unique properties, including efficient protein production in bacterial and yeast expression systems, low production cost and easy and fast purification. Currently, the range of ssRNA phage VLPs is limited. In particular, this is true for VLPs that tolerate insertions at the N- and C-termini of the coat protein. It is therefore necessary to find new alternatives within the known ssRNA phage VLP range. From previous studies, we found approximately 80 new VLPs forming ssRNA phage coat proteins. In the current study, we attached a model peptide to the N- and C-termini of coat proteins. As a model peptide, we used a triple repeat of 23 N-terminal residues of the ectodomain of the influenza M2 protein, used previously in the development of the flu vaccine. Examining 43 novel phage coat proteins for the ability to form chimeric VLPs, we found ten new promising candidates for further vaccine design, five of which were tolerant to insertions at both the N- and C-termini. Furthermore, we demonstrate that most of the chimeric VLPs have good antigenic properties as judged from their reactivity with anti-M2 antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilva Liekniņa
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Center, Ratsupites 1 k-1, LV1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Darja Černova
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Center, Ratsupites 1 k-1, LV1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Jānis Rūmnieks
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Center, Ratsupites 1 k-1, LV1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Kaspars Tārs
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Center, Ratsupites 1 k-1, LV1067 Riga, Latvia.
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9
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Mohsen MO, Augusto G, Bachmann MF. The 3Ds in virus-like particle based-vaccines: "Design, Delivery and Dynamics". Immunol Rev 2020; 296:155-168. [PMID: 32472710 PMCID: PMC7496916 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Vaccines need to be rationally designed in order be delivered to the immune system for maximizing induction of dynamic immune responses. Virus‐like particles (VLPs) are ideal platforms for such 3D vaccines, as they allow the display of complex and native antigens in a highly repetitive form on their surface and can easily reach lymphoid organs in intact form for optimal activation of B and T cells. Adjusting size and zeta potential may allow investigators to further fine‐tune delivery to lymphoid organs. An additional way to alter vaccine transfer to lymph nodes and spleen may be the formulation with micron‐sized adjuvants that creates a local depot and results in a slow release of antigen and adjuvant. Ideally, the adjuvant in addition stimulates the innate immune system. The dynamics of the immune response may be further enhanced by inclusion of Toll‐like receptor ligands, which many VLPs naturally package. Hence, considering the 3Ds in vaccine development may allow for enhancement of their attributes to tackle complex diseases, not usually amenable to conventional vaccine strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona O Mohsen
- Interim Translational Research Institute "iTRI", National Center for Cancer Care & Research (NCCCR), Doha, Qatar.,Department of BioMedical Research, Immunology RIA, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gilles Augusto
- Department of BioMedical Research, Immunology RIA, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Martin F Bachmann
- Department of BioMedical Research, Immunology RIA, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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10
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Marini A, Zhou Y, Li Y, Taylor IJ, Leneghan DB, Jin J, Zaric M, Mekhaiel D, Long CA, Miura K, Biswas S. A Universal Plug-and-Display Vaccine Carrier Based on HBsAg VLP to Maximize Effective Antibody Response. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2931. [PMID: 31921185 PMCID: PMC6921968 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of effective malaria vaccines requires delivery platforms to enhance the immunogenicity and efficacy of the target antigens. This is particularly challenging for transmission-blocking malaria vaccines (TBVs), and specifically for those based on the Pfs25 antigen, that need to elicit very high antibody titers to stop the parasite development in the mosquito host and its transmission. Presenting antigens to the immune system on virus-like particles (VLPs) is an efficient way to improve the quantity and quality of the immune response generated. Here we introduce for the first time a new VLP vaccine platform, based on the well-established hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) fused to the SpyCatcher protein, so that the antigen of interest, linked to the SpyTag peptide, can be easily displayed on it (Plug-and-Display technology). As little as 10% of the SpyCatcher::HBsAg VLPs decorated with Pfs25::SpyTag (molar ratio) induces a higher antibody response and transmission-reducing activity in mice compared to the soluble protein, with 50 and 90% of the VLP coupled to the antigen further enhancing the response. Importantly, using this carrier that is a vaccine antigen itself could be beneficial, as we show that anti-HBsAg IgG antibodies are induced without interfering with the Pfs25-specific immune response generated. Furthermore, pre-existing anti-HBsAg immunity does not affect the antigen-specific response to Pfs25::SpyTag-SpyCatcher::HBsAg, suggesting that these VLPs can have a broad use as a vaccine platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Marini
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yu Zhou
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Iona J. Taylor
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Darren B. Leneghan
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jing Jin
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Marija Zaric
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - David Mekhaiel
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Carole A. Long
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Kazutoyo Miura
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Sumi Biswas
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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11
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Charlton Hume HK, Vidigal J, Carrondo MJT, Middelberg APJ, Roldão A, Lua LHL. Synthetic biology for bioengineering virus-like particle vaccines. Biotechnol Bioeng 2018; 116:919-935. [PMID: 30597533 PMCID: PMC7161758 DOI: 10.1002/bit.26890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Vaccination is the most effective method of disease prevention and control. Many viruses and bacteria that once caused catastrophic pandemics (e.g., smallpox, poliomyelitis, measles, and diphtheria) are either eradicated or effectively controlled through routine vaccination programs. Nonetheless, vaccine manufacturing remains incredibly challenging. Viruses exhibiting high antigenic diversity and high mutation rates cannot be fairly contested using traditional vaccine production methods and complexities surrounding the manufacturing processes, which impose significant limitations. Virus‐like particles (VLPs) are recombinantly produced viral structures that exhibit immunoprotective traits of native viruses but are noninfectious. Several VLPs that compositionally match a given natural virus have been developed and licensed as vaccines. Expansively, a plethora of studies now confirms that VLPs can be designed to safely present heterologous antigens from a variety of pathogens unrelated to the chosen carrier VLPs. Owing to this design versatility, VLPs offer technological opportunities to modernize vaccine supply and disease response through rational bioengineering. These opportunities are greatly enhanced with the application of synthetic biology, the redesign and construction of novel biological entities. This review outlines how synthetic biology is currently applied to engineer VLP functions and manufacturing process. Current and developing technologies for the identification of novel target‐specific antigens and their usefulness for rational engineering of VLP functions (e.g., presentation of structurally diverse antigens, enhanced antigen immunogenicity, and improved vaccine stability) are described. When applied to manufacturing processes, synthetic biology approaches can also overcome specific challenges in VLP vaccine production. Finally, we address several challenges and benefits associated with the translation of VLP vaccine development into the industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley K Charlton Hume
- The University of Queensland, Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - João Vidigal
- Health & Pharma Division, Animal Cell Technology Unit, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica (iBET), Oeiras, Portugal.,Health & Pharma Division, Animal Cell Technology Unit, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Manuel J T Carrondo
- Health & Pharma Division, Animal Cell Technology Unit, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica (iBET), Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Anton P J Middelberg
- Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - António Roldão
- Health & Pharma Division, Animal Cell Technology Unit, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica (iBET), Oeiras, Portugal.,Health & Pharma Division, Animal Cell Technology Unit, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Linda H L Lua
- The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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12
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Molinos-Albert LM, Clotet B, Blanco J, Carrillo J. Immunologic Insights on the Membrane Proximal External Region: A Major Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type-1 Vaccine Target. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1154. [PMID: 28970835 PMCID: PMC5609547 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) targeting conserved regions within the human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein (Env) can be generated by the human immune system and their elicitation by vaccination will be a key point to protect against the wide range of viral diversity. The membrane proximal external region (MPER) is a highly conserved region within the Env gp41 subunit, plays a major role in membrane fusion and is targeted by naturally induced bNAbs. Therefore, the MPER is considered as an attractive vaccine target. However, despite many attempts to design MPER-based immunogens, further study is still needed to understand its structural complexity, its amphiphilic feature, and its limited accessibility by steric hindrance. These particular features compromise the development of MPER-specific neutralizing responses during natural infection and limit the number of bNAbs isolated against this region, as compared with other HIV-1 vulnerability sites, and represent additional hurdles for immunogen development. Nevertheless, the analysis of MPER humoral responses elicited during natural infection as well as the MPER bNAbs isolated to date highlight that the human immune system is capable of generating MPER protective antibodies. Here, we discuss the recent advances describing the immunologic and biochemical features that make the MPER a unique HIV-1 vulnerability site, the different strategies to generate MPER-neutralizing antibodies in immunization protocols and point the importance of extending our knowledge toward new MPER epitopes by the isolation of novel monoclonal antibodies. This will be crucial for the redesign of immunogens able to skip non-neutralizing MPER determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis M Molinos-Albert
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bonaventura Clotet
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat de Vic - Universitat Central de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julià Blanco
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat de Vic - Universitat Central de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jorge Carrillo
- IrsiCaixa AIDS Research Institute, Institut de Recerca Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
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13
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Charlton Hume HK, Lua LHL. Platform technologies for modern vaccine manufacturing. Vaccine 2017; 35:4480-4485. [PMID: 28347504 PMCID: PMC7115529 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.02.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
Improved understanding of antigenic components and their interaction with the immune system, as supported by computational tools, permits a sophisticated approach to modern vaccine design. Vaccine platforms provide an effective tool by which strategically designed peptide and protein antigens are modularized to enhance their immunogenicity. These modular vaccine platforms can overcome issues faced by traditional vaccine manufacturing and have the potential to generate safe vaccines, rapidly and at a low cost. This review introduces two promising platforms based on virus-like particle and liposome, and discusses the methodologies and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley K Charlton Hume
- The University of Queensland, Protein Expression Facility, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Linda H L Lua
- The University of Queensland, Protein Expression Facility, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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14
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Pumpens P, Renhofa R, Dishlers A, Kozlovska T, Ose V, Pushko P, Tars K, Grens E, Bachmann MF. The True Story and Advantages of RNA Phage Capsids as Nanotools. Intervirology 2016; 59:74-110. [DOI: 10.1159/000449503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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15
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Lee KL, Twyman RM, Fiering S, Steinmetz N. Virus-based nanoparticles as platform technologies for modern vaccines. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2016; 8:554-78. [PMID: 26782096 PMCID: PMC5638654 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Nanoscale engineering is revolutionizing the development of vaccines and immunotherapies. Viruses have played a key role in this field because they can function as prefabricated nanoscaffolds with unique properties that are easy to modify. Viruses are immunogenic via multiple pathways, and antigens displayed naturally or by engineering on the surface can be used to create vaccines against the cognate virus, other pathogens, specific molecules or cellular targets such as tumors. This review focuses on the development of virus-based nanoparticle systems as vaccines indicated for the prevention or treatment of infectious diseases, chronic diseases, cancer, and addiction. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2016, 8:554-578. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1383 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin L. Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University Schools of Engineering and Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106
| | | | - Steven Fiering
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and Norris Cotton Cancer Center, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756
| | - Nicole Steinmetz
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Radiology, Materials Science and Engineering, and Macromolecular Science and Engineering, Case Western Reserve University and Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106;
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16
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Kessans SA, Linhart MD, Meador LR, Kilbourne J, Hogue BG, Fromme P, Matoba N, Mor TS. Immunological Characterization of Plant-Based HIV-1 Gag/Dgp41 Virus-Like Particles. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151842. [PMID: 26986483 PMCID: PMC4795674 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
It is widely anticipated that a prophylactic vaccine may be needed to control the HIV/AIDS epidemic worldwide. Despite over two decades of research, a vaccine against HIV-1 remains elusive, although a recent clinical trial has shown promising results. Recent studies have focused on highly conserved domains within HIV-1 such as the membrane proximal external region (MPER) of the envelope glycoprotein, gp41. MPER has been shown to play critical roles in mucosal transmission of HIV-1, though this peptide is poorly immunogenic on its own. Here we provide evidence that plant-produced HIV-1 enveloped virus-like particles (VLPs) consisting of Gag and a deconstructed form of gp41 comprising the MPER, transmembrane, and cytoplasmic domains (Dgp41) provides an effective platform to display MPER for use as an HIV vaccine candidate. Prime-boost strategies combining systemic and mucosal priming with systemic boosting using two different vaccine candidates (VLPs and CTB-MPR--a fusion of MPER and the B-subunit of cholera toxin) were investigated in BALB/c mice. Serum antibody responses against both the Gag and gp41 antigens were elicited when systemically primed with VLPs. These responses could be recalled following systemic boosting with VLPs. In addition, mucosal priming with VLPs allowed for a boosting response against Gag and gp41 when boosted with either candidate. Importantly, the VLPs also induced Gag-specific CD4 and CD8 T-cell responses. This report on the immunogenicity of plant-based Gag/Dgp41 VLPs may represent an important milestone on the road towards a broadly efficacious and inexpensive subunit vaccine against HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Kessans
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
- Center for Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Mark D. Linhart
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
- Center for Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Lydia R. Meador
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
- Center for Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Jacquelyn Kilbourne
- Center for Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Brenda G. Hogue
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
- Center for Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
- Center for Applied Structural Discovery, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Petra Fromme
- Center for Applied Structural Discovery, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Nobuyuki Matoba
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
- Center for Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Tsafrir S. Mor
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
- Center for Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, The Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
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17
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Zhao C, Ao Z, Yao X. Current Advances in Virus-Like Particles as a Vaccination Approach against HIV Infection. Vaccines (Basel) 2016; 4:vaccines4010002. [PMID: 26805898 PMCID: PMC4810054 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines4010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Revised: 12/31/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 virus-like particles (VLPs) are promising vaccine candidates against HIV-1 infection. They are capable of preserving the native conformation of HIV-1 antigens and priming CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses efficiently via cross presentation by both major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II molecules. Progress has been achieved in the preclinical research of HIV-1 VLPs as prophylactic vaccines that induce broadly neutralizing antibodies and potent T cell responses. Moreover, the progress in HIV-1 dendritic cells (DC)-based immunotherapy provides us with a new vision for HIV-1 vaccine development. In this review, we describe updates from the past 5 years on the development of HIV-1 VLPs as a vaccine candidate and on the combined use of HIV particles with HIV-1 DC-based immunotherapy as efficient prophylactic and therapeutic vaccination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongbo Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Human Retrovirology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada.
| | - Zhujun Ao
- Laboratory of Molecular Human Retrovirology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada.
| | - Xiaojian Yao
- Laboratory of Molecular Human Retrovirology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada.
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, Hunan, China.
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18
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The application of virus-like particles as vaccines and biological vehicles. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2015; 99:10415-32. [PMID: 26454868 PMCID: PMC7080154 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-015-7000-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) can be spontaneously self-assembled by viral structural proteins under appropriate conditions in vitro while excluding the genetic material and potential replication probability. In addition, VLPs possess several features including can be rapidly produced in large quantities through existing expression systems, highly resembling native viruses in terms of conformation and appearance, and displaying repeated cluster of epitopes. Their capsids can be modified via genetic insertion or chemical conjugation which facilitating the multivalent display of a homologous or heterogeneous epitope antigen. Therefore, VLPs are considered as a safe and effective candidate of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines. VLPs, with a diameter of approximately 20 to 150 nm, also have the characteristics of nanometer materials, such as large surface area, surface-accessible amino acids with reactive moieties (e.g., lysine and glutamic acid residues), inerratic spatial structure, and good biocompatibility. Therefore, assembled VLPs have great potential as a delivery system for specifically carrying a variety of materials. This review summarized recent researches on VLP development as vaccines and biological vehicles, which demonstrated the advantages and potential of VLPs in disease control and prevention and diagnosis. Then, the prospect of VLP biology application in the future is discussed as well.
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19
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Hanson MC, Abraham W, Crespo MP, Chen SH, Liu H, Szeto GL, Kim M, Reinherz EL, Irvine DJ. Liposomal vaccines incorporating molecular adjuvants and intrastructural T-cell help promote the immunogenicity of HIV membrane-proximal external region peptides. Vaccine 2015; 33:861-8. [PMID: 25559188 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2014.12.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Revised: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
An HIV vaccine capable of inducing high and durable levels of broadly neutralizing antibodies has thus far proven elusive. A promising antigen is the membrane-proximal external region (MPER) from gp41, a segment of the viral envelope recognized by a number of broadly neutralizing antibodies. Though an attractive vaccine target due to the linear nature of the epitope and its highly conserved sequence, MPER peptides are poorly immunogenic and may require display on membranes to achieve a physiological conformation matching the native virus. Here we systematically explored how the structure and composition of liposomes displaying MPER peptides impacts the strength and durability of humoral responses to this antigen as well as helper T-cell responses in mice. Administration of MPER peptides anchored to the surface of liposomes induced MPER-specific antibodies whereas MPER administered in oil-based emulsion adjuvants or alum did not, even when combined with Toll-like receptor agonists. High-titer IgG responses to liposomal MPER required the inclusion of molecular adjuvants such as monophosphoryl lipid A. Anti-MPER humoral responses were further enhanced by incorporating high-Tm lipids in the vesicle bilayer and optimizing the MPER density to a mean distance of ∼10-15 nm between peptides on the liposomes' surfaces. Encapsulation of helper epitopes within the vesicles allowed efficient "intrastructural" T-cell help, which promoted IgG responses to MPER while minimizing competing B-cell responses against the helper sequence. These results define several key properties of liposome formulations that promote durable, high-titer antibody responses against MPER peptides, which will be a prerequisite for a successful MPER-targeting vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa C Hanson
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Wuhbet Abraham
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Monica P Crespo
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Stephanie H Chen
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Haipeng Liu
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Greg Lee Szeto
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Mikyung Kim
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ellis L Reinherz
- Laboratory of Immunobiology and Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Darrell J Irvine
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; The Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, 400 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA.
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20
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Lai RPJ, Hock M, Radzimanowski J, Tonks P, Hulsik DL, Effantin G, Seilly DJ, Dreja H, Kliche A, Wagner R, Barnett SW, Tumba N, Morris L, LaBranche CC, Montefiori DC, Seaman MS, Heeney JL, Weissenhorn W. A fusion intermediate gp41 immunogen elicits neutralizing antibodies to HIV-1. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:29912-26. [PMID: 25160627 PMCID: PMC4208001 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.569566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Revised: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The membrane-proximal external region (MPER) of the human immunodeficiency virus, type 1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein subunit gp41 is targeted by potent broadly neutralizing antibodies 2F5, 4E10, and 10E8. These antibodies recognize linear epitopes and have been suggested to target the fusion intermediate conformation of gp41 that bridges viral and cellular membranes. Anti-MPER antibodies exert different degrees of membrane interaction, which is considered to be the limiting factor for the generation of such antibodies by immunization. Here we characterize a fusion intermediate conformation of gp41 (gp41(int)-Cys) and show that it folds into an elongated ∼ 12-nm-long extended structure based on small angle x-ray scattering data. Gp41(int)-Cys was covalently linked to liposomes via its C-terminal cysteine and used as immunogen. The gp41(int)-Cys proteoliposomes were administered alone or in prime-boost regimen with trimeric envelope gp140(CA018) in guinea pigs and elicited high anti-gp41 IgG titers. The sera interacted with a peptide spanning the MPER region, demonstrated competition with broadly neutralizing antibodies 2F5 and 4E10, and exerted modest lipid binding, indicating the presence of MPER-specific antibodies. Although the neutralization potency generated solely by gp140(CA018) was higher than that induced by gp41(int)-Cys, the majority of animals immunized with gp41(int)-Cys proteoliposomes induced modest breadth and potency in neutralizing tier 1 pseudoviruses and replication-competent simian/human immunodeficiency viruses in the TZM-bl assay as well as responses against tier 2 HIV-1 in the A3R5 neutralization assay. Our data thus demonstrate that liposomal gp41 MPER formulation can induce neutralization activity, and the strategy serves to improve breadth and potency of such antibodies by improved vaccination protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel P J Lai
- From the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES, United Kingdom
| | - Miriam Hock
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Unit of Virus Host Cell Interactions (UVHCI), F-38000 Grenoble, France, CNRS, UVHCI, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Jens Radzimanowski
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Unit of Virus Host Cell Interactions (UVHCI), F-38000 Grenoble, France, CNRS, UVHCI, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Paul Tonks
- From the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES, United Kingdom
| | - David Lutje Hulsik
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Unit of Virus Host Cell Interactions (UVHCI), F-38000 Grenoble, France, CNRS, UVHCI, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Gregory Effantin
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Unit of Virus Host Cell Interactions (UVHCI), F-38000 Grenoble, France, CNRS, UVHCI, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - David J Seilly
- From the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES, United Kingdom
| | - Hanna Dreja
- From the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Kliche
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Wagner
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Susan W Barnett
- Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
| | - Nancy Tumba
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Centre for HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections, 1 Modderfontein Road, Sandringham 2131, South Africa
| | - Lynn Morris
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Centre for HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections, 1 Modderfontein Road, Sandringham 2131, South Africa
| | - Celia C LaBranche
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, and
| | - David C Montefiori
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, and
| | - Michael S Seaman
- Division of Viral Pathogenesis, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Jonathan L Heeney
- From the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0ES, United Kingdom,
| | - Winfried Weissenhorn
- Université Grenoble Alpes, Unit of Virus Host Cell Interactions (UVHCI), F-38000 Grenoble, France, CNRS, UVHCI, F-38000 Grenoble, France,
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21
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Lema D, Garcia A, De Sanctis JB. HIV vaccines: a brief overview. Scand J Immunol 2014; 80:1-11. [PMID: 24813074 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The scope of the article is to review the different approaches that have been used for HIV vaccines. The review is based on articles retrieved by PubMed and clinical trials from 1990 up to date. The article discusses virus complexity, protective and non-protective immune responses against the virus, and the most important approaches for HIV vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Lema
- Instituto de Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
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22
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Tong T, Crooks ET, Osawa K, Robinson JE, Barnes M, Apetrei C, Binley JM. Multi-Parameter Exploration of HIV-1 Virus-Like Particles as Neutralizing Antibody Immunogens in Guinea Pigs, Rabbits and Macaques. Virology 2014; 456-457:55-69. [PMID: 24882891 PMCID: PMC4037872 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2014.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Revised: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) offer a platform to test the hypothesis that, since antibody binding to native envelope glycoprotein (Env) trimers results in HIV-1 neutralization, that native Env trimers presented in membranes may be useful for inducing neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) in a vaccine setting. So far, VLPs have not fulfilled this potential. Here, using a "shotgun" approach, we evaluated a wide cross-section of variables in a series of VLP immunizations. We identified 3 tentative leads. First, that VLP doses may not have been sufficient for optimal nAb induction. Second, that dampening the antigenicity of non-functional Env (for example uncleaved gp160) using either protease digests or IgG masking may be useful. Third, that guinea pig sera preferentially target non-conserved epitopes and exhibit relatively high background activity, suggesting that rabbits may be preferable as small animal vaccine models. Recent immunogenicity studies in rabbits appear to bear out all 3 of these leads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommy Tong
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, 3550 General Atomics Court, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Ema T. Crooks
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, 3550 General Atomics Court, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | - Keiko Osawa
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, 3550 General Atomics Court, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | | | - Mary Barnes
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, 18703 Three Rivers Rd, Covington, LA 70433, USA
| | - Cristian Apetrei
- Tulane National Primate Research Center, 18703 Three Rivers Rd, Covington, LA 70433, USA
| | - James M. Binley
- Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, 3550 General Atomics Court, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
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Induction of HIV-blocking anti-CCR5 IgA in Peyers's patches without histopathological alterations. J Virol 2014; 88:3623-35. [PMID: 24403594 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.03663-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED The chemokine receptor CCR5 is essential for HIV infection and is thus a potential target for vaccine development. However, because CCR5 is a host protein, generation of anti-CCR5 antibodies requires the breaking of immune tolerance and thus carries the risk of autoimmune responses. In this study, performed in mice, we compared 3 different immunogens representing surface domains of murine CCR5, 4 different adjuvants, and 13 different immunization protocols, with the goal of eliciting HIV-blocking activity without inducing autoimmune dysfunction. In all cases the CCR5 sequences were presented as fusions to the Flock House virus (FHV) capsid precursor protein. We found that systemic immunization and mucosal boosting elicited CCR5-specific antibodies and achieved consistent priming in Peyer's patches, where most cells showed a phenotype corresponding to activated B cells and secreted high levels of IgA, representing up to one-third of the total HIV-blocking activity. Histopathological analysis revealed mild to moderate chronic inflammation in some tissues but failed in reporting signs of autoimmune dysfunction associated with immunizations. Antisera against immunogens representing the N terminus and extracellular loops 1 and 2 (Nter1 and ECL1 and ECL2) of CCR5 were generated. All showed specific anti-HIV activity, which was stronger in the anti-ECL1 and -ECL2 sera than in the anti-Nter sera. ECL1 and ECL2 antisera induced nearly complete long-lasting CCR5 downregulation of the receptor, and especially, their IgG-depleted fractions prevented HIV infection in neutralization and transcytosis assays. In conclusion, the ECL1 and ECL2 domains could offer a promising path to achieve significant anti-HIV activity in vivo. IMPORTANCE The study was the first to adopt a systematic strategy to compare the immunogenicities of all extracellular domains of the CCR5 molecule and to set optimal conditions leading to generation of specific antibodies in the mouse model. There were several relevant findings, which could be translated into human trials. (i) Prime (systemic) and boost (mucosal) immunization is the best protocol to induce anti-self antibodies with the expected properties. (ii) Aluminum is the best adjuvant in mice and thus can be easily used in nonhuman primates (NHP) and humans. (iii) The Flock House virus (FHV) system represents a valid delivery system, as the structure is well known and is not pathogenic for humans, and it is possible to introduce constrained regions able to elicit antibodies that recognize conformational epitopes. (iv) The best CCR5 vaccine candidate should include either extracellular loop 1 or 2 (ECL1 or ECL2), but not N terminus domains.
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Rodríguez-Limas WA, Sekar K, Tyo KEJ. Virus-like particles: the future of microbial factories and cell-free systems as platforms for vaccine development. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2013; 24:1089-93. [PMID: 23481378 PMCID: PMC7127385 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2013.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2012] [Revised: 01/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Vaccines based on virus-like particles have proved their success in human health. More than 25 years after the approval of the first vaccine based on this technology, the substantial efforts to expand the range of applications and target diseases are beginning to bear fruit. The incursion of high-throughput screening technologies, combined with new developments in protein engineering and chemical coupling, have accelerated the development of systems capable of producing macrostructures useful for vaccinology, gene delivery, immunotherapy and bionanotechnology. This review summarizes the most recent developments in microbial cell factories and cell-free systems for virus-like particle production and discusses the future impact of this technology in human and animal health.
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25
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Zhai Y, Zhong Z, Zariffard M, Spear GT, Qiao L. Bovine papillomavirus-like particles presenting conserved epitopes from membrane-proximal external region of HIV-1 gp41 induced mucosal and systemic antibodies. Vaccine 2013; 31:5422-9. [PMID: 24055348 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2013] [Revised: 07/14/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Two conserved epitopes, located in the membrane-proximal external region (MPER) of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gp41, are recognized by two HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibodies 2F5 and 4E10, and are promising targets for vaccine design in efforts to elicit anti-HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibodies. Since most HIV-1 infections initiate at mucosal surfaces, induction of mucosal neutralizing antibodies is necessary and of utmost importance to counteract HIV-1 infection. Here, we utilized a mucosal vaccine vector, bovine papillomavirus (BPV) virus-like particles (VLPs), as a platform to present HIV-1 neutralizing epitopes by inserting the extended 2F5 or 4E10 epitope or the MPER domain into D-E loop of BPV L1 respectively. The chimeric VLPs presenting MPER domain resembled the HIV-1 natural epitopes better than the chimeric VLPs presenting single epitopes. Oral immunization of mice with the chimeric VLPs displaying the 2F5 epitope or MPER domain elicited epitope-specific serum IgGs and mucosal secretory IgAs. The induced antibodies specifically recognized the native conformation of MPER in the context of HIV-1 envelope protein. The antibodies induced by chimeric VLPs presenting MPER domain are able to partially neutralize HIV-1 viruses from clade B and clade C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yougang Zhai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, United States
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26
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Abstract
Over the last three decades, virus-like particles (VLPs) have evolved to become a widely accepted technology, especially in the field of vaccinology. In fact, some VLP-based vaccines are currently used as commercial medical products, and other VLP-based products are at different stages of clinical study. Several remarkable advantages have been achieved in the development of VLPs as gene therapy tools and new nanomaterials. The analysis of published data reveals that at least 110 VLPs have been constructed from viruses belonging to 35 different families. This review therefore discusses the main principles in the cloning of viral structural genes, the relevant host systems and the purification procedures that have been developed. In addition, the methods that are used to characterize the structural integrity, stability, and components, including the encapsidated nucleic acids, of newly synthesized VLPs are analyzed. Moreover, some of the modifications that are required to construct VLP-based carriers of viral origin with defined properties are discussed, and examples are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andris Zeltins
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites 1, Riga 1067, Latvia.
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Abstract
Infectious diseases are responsible for an overwhelming number of deaths worldwide and their clinical management is often hampered by the emergence of multi-drug-resistant strains. Therefore, prevention through vaccination currently represents the best course of action to combat them. However, immune escape and evasion by pathogens often render vaccine development difficult. Furthermore, most currently available vaccines were empirically designed. In this review, we discuss why rational design of vaccines is not only desirable but also necessary. We introduce recent developments towards specifically tailored antigens, adjuvants, and delivery systems, and discuss the methodological gaps and lack of knowledge still hampering true rational vaccine design. Finally, we address the potential and limitations of different strategies and technologies for advancing vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Rueckert
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Carlos A. Guzmán
- Department of Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- * E-mail:
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