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Echeverría N, Comas V, Aldunate F, Perbolianachis P, Moreno P, Cristina J. In the era of rapid mRNA-based vaccines: Why is there no effective hepatitis C virus vaccine yet? World J Hepatol 2021; 13:1234-1268. [PMID: 34786164 PMCID: PMC8568586 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i10.1234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is responsible for no less than 71 million people chronically infected and is one of the most frequent indications for liver transplantation worldwide. Despite direct-acting antiviral therapies fuel optimism in controlling HCV infections, there are several obstacles regarding treatment accessibility and reinfection continues to remain a possibility. Indeed, the majority of new HCV infections in developed countries occur in people who inject drugs and are more plausible to get reinfected. To achieve global epidemic control of this virus the development of an effective prophylactic or therapeutic vaccine becomes a must. The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic led to auspicious vaccine development against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, which has renewed interest on fighting HCV epidemic with vaccination. The aim of this review is to highlight the current situation of HCV vaccine candidates designed to prevent and/or to reduce HCV infectious cases and their complications. We will emphasize on some of the crossroads encountered during vaccine development against this insidious virus, together with some key aspects of HCV immunology which have, so far, hampered the progress in this area. The main focus will be on nucleic acid-based as well as recombinant viral vector-based vaccine candidates as the most novel vaccine approaches, some of which have been recently and successfully employed for SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Finally, some ideas will be presented on which methods to explore for the design of live-attenuated vaccines against HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Echeverría
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
| | - Victoria Comas
- Departamento de Desarrollo Biotecnológico, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - Fabián Aldunate
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
| | - Paula Perbolianachis
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
| | - Pilar Moreno
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
| | - Juan Cristina
- Laboratorio de Virología Molecular, Centro de Investigaciones Nucleares, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay.
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Mol AA, Groher F, Schreiber B, Rühmkorff C, Suess B. Robust gene expression control in human cells with a novel universal TetR aptamer splicing module. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 47:e132. [PMID: 31504742 PMCID: PMC6846422 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Fine-tuning of gene expression is desirable for a wide range of applications in synthetic biology. In this context, RNA regulatory devices provide a powerful and highly functional tool. We developed a versatile, robust and reversible device to control gene expression by splicing regulation in human cells using an aptamer that is recognized by the Tet repressor TetR. Upon insertion in proximity to the 5′ splice site, intron retention can be controlled via the binding of TetR to the aptamer. Although we were able to demonstrate regulation for different introns, the genomic context had a major impact on regulation. In consequence, we advanced the aptamer to develop a splice device. Our novel device contains the aptamer integrated into a context of exonic and intronic sequences that create and maintain an environment allowing a reliable and robust splicing event. The exon-born, additional amino acids will then be cleaved off by a self-cleaving peptide. This design allows portability of the splicing device, which we confirmed by demonstrating its functionality in different gene contexts. Intriguingly, our splicing device shows a high dynamic range and low basal activity, i.e. desirable features that often prove a major challenge when implementing synthetic biology in mammalian cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam A Mol
- Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 10, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Florian Groher
- Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 10, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Britta Schreiber
- Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 10, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Ciaran Rühmkorff
- Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 10, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Beatrix Suess
- Department of Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstrasse 10, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
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Comparative Immunogenicity in Rabbits of the Polypeptides Encoded by the 5' Terminus of Hepatitis C Virus RNA. J Immunol Res 2015; 2015:762426. [PMID: 26609538 PMCID: PMC4644844 DOI: 10.1155/2015/762426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies on the primate protection from HCV infection stressed the importance of immune response against structural viral proteins. Strong immune response against nucleocapsid (core) protein was difficult to achieve, requesting further experimentation in large animals. Here, we analyzed the immunogenicity of core aa 1–173, 1–152, and 147–191 and of its main alternative reading frame product F-protein in rabbits. Core aa 147–191 was synthesized; other polypeptides were obtained by expression in E. coli. Rabbits were immunized by polypeptide primes followed by multiple boosts and screened for specific anti-protein and anti-peptide antibodies. Antibody titers to core aa 147–191 reached 105; core aa 1–152, 5 × 105; core aa 1–173 and F-protein, 106. Strong immunogenicity of the last two proteins indicated that they may compete for the induction of immune response. The C-terminally truncated core was also weakly immunogenic on the T-cell level. To enhance core-specific cellular response, we immunized rabbits with the core aa 1–152 gene forbidding F-protein formation. Repeated DNA immunization induced a weak antibody and sustained proliferative response of broad specificity confirming a gain of cellular immunogenicity. Epitopes recognized in rabbits overlapped those in HCV infection. Our data promotes the use of rabbits for the immunogenicity tests of prototype HCV vaccines.
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Yazdanian M, Memarnejadian A, Mahdavi M, Motevalli F, Sadat SM, Vahabpour R, Khanahmad H, Soleimanjahi H, Budkowska A, Roohvand F. Evaluation of cellular responses for a chimeric HBsAg-HCV core DNA vaccine in BALB/c mice. Adv Biomed Res 2015; 4:13. [PMID: 25625119 PMCID: PMC4300588 DOI: 10.4103/2277-9175.148296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Fusion of Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) to a DNA construct might be considered as a strategy to enhance cellular and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) responses of a Hepatitis C Virus core protein (HCVcp)-based DNA vaccine comparable to that of adjuvanted protein (subunit) immunization. Materials and Methods: pCHCORE vector harboring coding sequence of HBsAg and HCVcp (amino acids 2-120) in tandem within the pCDNA3.1 backbone was constructed. The corresponding recombinant HCVcp was also expressed and purified in Escherichia coli. Mice were immunized either by adjuvanted HCVcp (pluronic acid + protein) or by pCHCORE vector primed/protein boosted immunization regimen. The cellular immune responses (proliferation, In vivo CTL assay and IFN-γ/IL-4 ELISpot) against a strong and dominant H2-d restricted, CD8+-epitopic peptide (C39) (core 39-48; RRGPRLGVRA) of HCVcp were compared in immunized animals. Result: Proper expression of the fused protein by pCHCORE in transiently transfected HEK 293T cells and in the expected size (around 50 kDa) was confirmed by western blotting. The immunization results indicated that the pCHCORE shifted the immune responses pathway to Th1 by enhancing the IFN-γ cytokine level much higher than protein immunization while the proliferative and CTL responses were comparable (or slightly in favor of DNA immunization). Conclusion: Fusion of HBsAg to HCVcp in the context of a DNA vaccine modality could augment Th1-oriented cellular and CTL responses toward a protective epitope, comparable to that of HCVcp (subunit HCV vaccine) immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Yazdanian
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mehdi Mahdavi
- Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Motevalli
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mehdi Sadat
- Department of Hepatitis and AIDS, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Hossein Khanahmad
- BCG Research Center, Karaj Research and Production, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Karaj, Iran
| | - Hoorieh Soleimanjahi
- Department of Virology, Medical School, Tarbiat Moderes University (TMU), Tehran, Iran
| | - Agata Budkowska
- Department of Virology, Unit of Hepacivirus and Innate Immunity, Pasteur Institute, 25/28 Rue du Dr. Roux, Paris 75724, France
| | - Farzin Roohvand
- Department of Virology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Gorzin Z, Gorzin AA, Tabarraei A, Behnampour N, Irani S, Ghaemi A. Immunogenicity evaluation of a DNA vaccine expressing the hepatitis C virus non-structural protein 2 gene in C57BL/6 mice. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2014; 18:1-7. [PMID: 24375156 DOI: 10.6091/ibj.1231.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Most of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections elicit poor immune responses and 75% to 85% of cases become chronic; therefore, the development of an effective vaccine against HCV is of paramount importance. In this study, we aimed to evaluate co-administration of HCV non-Structural Protein 2 and IL-12 DNA vaccines in C57BL/6 mice. METHODS A plasmid encoding full-length HCV NS2 protein (non-structural protein 2) was generated and used to vaccinate mice. Negative control (an empty expression vector) was also employed to evaluate the background response. To investigate immune responses against vaccine, C57BL/6 mice received three doses of the vaccine with a two-week interval. Cellular immunity was assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay for lymphocyte proliferation, lactate dehydrogenase release for cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity and cytokine assay. RESULTS The findings demonstrated that immunization of mice with plasmid expressing HCV NS2 induced CTL response, interferon gamma production, and lymphocyte proliferation compared to negative control. The results also demonstrated that co-administration of IL-12 with the HCV NS2 plasmid induced significantly better immune response in C57BL/6 mice. CONCLUSION DNA vaccine encoding HCV NS2 is an effective candidate that can trigger CTL-based immune response against HCV. In addition, the results suggested that combining the DNA vaccine approach with immune stimulatory cytokines may significantly enhance antigen-specific immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Gorzin
- Dept. of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Gorzin
- Shiraz HIV/AIDS Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Alijan Tabarraei
- Dept. of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Naser Behnampour
- Dept. of Statistics, Gorgan Para-Medical School, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Shiva Irani
- Dept. of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Ghaemi
- Golestan Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology-GRCGH, Dept. of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.,Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam Al Anbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran
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Modulation of hepatitis C virus core DNA vaccine immune responses by co-immunization with CC-chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) gene as immunoadjuvant. Mol Biol Rep 2014; 41:5943-52. [PMID: 24972567 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-014-3470-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Plasmid DNA vaccination is a promising vaccine platform for prevention and treatment of infectious disease. Enhancement of the DNA vaccine potency by co-inoculation of immunoadjuvant has been shown to be an effective strategy. Modulation of dendritic cells and T-cells locomotion and trafficking to prime an immune response is mediated by distinct chemokines. The recent study was designed to elucidate the adjuvant activity of plasmid expressing CC-chemokine ligand 20 (pCCL20) in co-inoculation with hepatitis C virus (HCV) core DNA vaccine immunization. pCCL20 was constructed and evaluated for its functional expression. Sub-cutaneous inoculation of pCCL20 with HCV core DNA vaccine was performed via electroporation in BALB/c mice on day 0 and 14 and a HCV core protein booster was applied on day 28. On week after final immunization, both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses were assessed by indirect ELISA for core specific antibodies, lymphocyte proliferation, cytokine ELISA/ELISpot and cytotoxic Grenzyme B (GrzB) release assays. Mice were co-immunized with pCCL20 developed higher levels of core specific IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio and IL-2 release, IFN-γ producing cells, lymphocyte proliferation and cytotoxic Grenzyme B release in both draining lymph nodes and spleen cells of immunized mice. The core-specific serum total IgG and IgG2a/IgG1 ratio were significantly higher when the pCCL20 was co-inoculated. These results suggest the potential of CCL20 chemokine as vaccine adjuvant to enhance Th1 mediated cellular and humoral immune responses in HCV core DNA immunization.
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Yazdanian M, Memarnejadian A, Mahdavi M, Sadat SM, Motevali F, Vahabpour R, Khanahmad H, Siadat SD, Aghasadeghi MR, Roohvand F. Immunization of Mice by BCG Formulated HCV Core Protein Elicited Higher Th1-Oriented Responses Compared to Pluronic-F127 Copolymer. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2013; 13:e14178. [PMID: 24348641 PMCID: PMC3842517 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.14178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Revised: 09/14/2013] [Accepted: 09/25/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A supreme vaccine for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection should elicit strong Th1-oriented cellular responses. In the absence of a Th1-specific adjuvant, immunizations by protein antigens generally induce Th2-type and weak cellular responses. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the adjuvant effect of BCG in comparison with nonionic copolymer-Pluronic F127 (F127) as a classic adjuvant in the formulation of HCV core protein (HCVcp) as a candidate vaccine for induction of Th1 immune responses. MATERIALS AND METHODS Expression of N-terminally His-Tagged HCVcp (1-122) by pIVEX2.4a-core vector harboring the corresponding gene under the control of arabinose-inducible (araBAD) promoter was achieved in BL21-AI strain of E.coli and purified through application of nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni-NTA) chromatography. Mice were immunized subcutaneously (s.c.) in base of the tail with 100 μl of immunogen (F127+HCVcp or BCG+HCVcp; 5 μgHCVcp/mouse/dose) or control formulations (PBS, BCG, F127) at weeks 0, 3, 6. Total and subtypes of IgG, as well as cellular immune responses (Proliferation, In vivo CTL and IFN-γ/IL-4 ELISpot assays against a strong and dominant H2-d restricted, CD8+-epitopic peptide, core 39-48; RRGPRLGVRA of HCVcp) were compared in each group of immunized animals. RESULTS Expression and purification of core protein around the expected size (21 kDa) was confirmed by Western blotting. The HCVcp + BCG vaccinated mice showed significantly higher lymphocyte proliferation and IFN-γ production but lower levels of cell lysis (45% versus 62% in CTL assay) than the HCVcp+F127 immunized animals. "Besides, total anti-core IgG and IgG1 levels were significantly higher in HCVcp + F127 immunized mice as compared to HCVcp + BCG vaccinated animals, indicating relatively higher efficacy of F127 for the stimulation of humoral and Th2-oriented immune responses". CONCLUSIONS Results showed that HCVcp + BCG induced a moderate CTL and mixed Th1/Th2 immune responses with higher levels of cell proliferation and IFN-γ secretion, indicating that BCG may have a better outcome when formulated in HCVcp-based subunit vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Yazdanian
- Hepatitis and AIDS Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Arash Memarnejadian
- Hepatitis and AIDS Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding authors: Arash Memarnejadian, Hepatitis and AIDS Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel/Fax: +98-2166969291, E-mail: ; Farzin Roohvand, Virology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel/Fax: +98-2166496682, E-mail: ,
| | - Mehdi Mahdavi
- Virology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Seyed Mehdi Sadat
- Hepatitis and AIDS Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Fatemeh Motevali
- Hepatitis and AIDS Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
| | | | - Hossein Khanahmad
- BCG Research Center, Karaj Research and Production Complex, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Karaj, IR Iran
| | | | | | - Farzin Roohvand
- Virology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding authors: Arash Memarnejadian, Hepatitis and AIDS Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel/Fax: +98-2166969291, E-mail: ; Farzin Roohvand, Virology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel/Fax: +98-2166496682, E-mail: ,
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Zhai YZ, Wang Y, Feng GH. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor genetic adjuvant enhances the immune stimulatory effects of plasmid DNA encoding the hepatitis C virus core protein. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2012; 20:3424-3430. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v20.i35.3424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To study the effect of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) genetic adjuvant on immune response induced by plasmid DNA encoding the hepatitis C virus (HCV) core (C) protein.
METHODS: The gene encoding the HCV C protein was amplified by PCR from HCV 1b genotype and inserted into the pUC119 vector. The HCV C gene was then subcloned into the pCMH6K eukaryotic vector, and the resulting plasmid was named pCMH6K/HCV-C. The recombinant vector was confirmed by restriction enzyme analysis and DNA sequencing, and transfected into China hamster ovary (CHO) cells with Lipofectamine 2000. Distribution of the HCV C protein in transfected CHO cells was detected by immunofluorescence. Balb/c mice were vaccinated with the recombinant plasmid with or without the GM-CSF gene. HCV C-specific antibody in serum was measured by ELISA. The changes in T lymphocyte subsets and levels of Th cell intracellular cytokines interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in splenic cell suspension from immunized mice were evaluated by flow cytometric analysis. CTL activity was assessed by LDH assay.
RESULTS: Restrict enzyme digestion and DNA sequencing indicated that the recombinant pCMH6K/HCV-C was successfully constructed. The expression of plasmid-encoded protein was mainly distributed in membrane and scarcely in cytoplasm of transfected CHO cells. The percentage of CD4+ T cells in spleen cells in the pCMH6K/HCV-C+pGM-CSF co-vaccination group was significantly higher than those in other groups (all P < 0.05). The percentage of CD8+ T cells showed no significant differences among each group (P > 0.05). CTL activity induced by GM-CSF DNA co-vaccination was significantly higher than that immunized with the same amount of other naked DNA (P < 0.05). The ratio of IFN-γ to IL-4 in spleen cells from GM-CSF DNA co-vaccination group was significantly higher than those in other groups (all P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: GM-CSF DNA could enhance the immune stimulatory effects of HCV DNA vaccine and induce Th1-type immune response.
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Zhu W, Wu C, Deng W, Pei R, Wang Y, Cao L, Qin B, Lu M, Chen X. Inhibition of the HCV core protein on the immune response to HBV surface antigen and on HBV gene expression and replication in vivo. PLoS One 2012; 7:e45146. [PMID: 23024803 PMCID: PMC3443233 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0045146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2012] [Accepted: 08/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein is a multifunctional protein that can interfere with the induction of an immune response. It has been reported that the HCV core protein inhibits HBV replication in vitro. In this study, we test the effect of the HCV core gene on the priming of the immune response to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and on the replication of HBV in vivo. Our results showed that the full-length HCV core gene inhibits the induction of an immune response to the heterogeneous antigen, HBsAg, at the site of inoculation when HCV core (pC191) and HBsAg (pHBsAg) expression plasmids are co-administered as DNA vaccines into BALB/c mice. The observed interference effect of the HCV core occurs in the priming stage and is limited to the DNA form of the HBsAg antigen, but not to the protein form. The HCV core reduces the protective effect of the HBsAg when the HBsAg and the HCV core are co-administered as vaccines in an HBV hydrodynamic mouse model because the HCV core induces immune tolerance to the heterogeneous HBsAg DNA antigen. These results suggest that HCV core may play an important role in viral persistence by the attenuation of host immune responses to different antigens. We further tested whether the HCV core interfered with the priming of the immune response in hepatocytes via the hydrodynamic co-injection of an HBV replication-competent plasmid and an HCV core plasmid. The HCV core inhibited HBV replication and antigen expression in both BALB/c (H-2d) and C57BL/6 (H-2b) mice, the mouse models of acute and chronic hepatitis B virus infections. Thus, the HCV core inhibits the induction of a specific immune response to an HBsAg DNA vaccine. However, HCV C also interferes with HBV gene expression and replication in vivo, as observed in patients with coinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo Zhu
- State Key Lab of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunchen Wu
- State Key Lab of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- * E-mail: (XC)
| | - Wanyu Deng
- State Key Lab of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Rongjun Pei
- State Key Lab of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yun Wang
- State Key Lab of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Liang Cao
- State Key Lab of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Bo Qin
- State Key Lab of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengji Lu
- State Key Lab of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Xinwen Chen
- State Key Lab of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
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Cao J, Chen Z, Ren Y, Luo Y, Cao M, Lu W, Zhao P, Qi Z. Oral immunization with attenuated Salmonella carrying a co-expression plasmid encoding the core and E2 proteins of hepatitis C virus capable of inducing cellular immune responses and neutralizing antibodies in mice. Vaccine 2011; 29:3714-23. [PMID: 21396407 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.02.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2010] [Revised: 01/11/2011] [Accepted: 02/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein has long been considered an attractive candidate for inclusion in a protective vaccine. However, this protein may hamper the development of systemic immune responses because of its immune suppressive properties. We previously reported that immune responses to HCV core protein could be efficiently induced by attenuated Salmonella carrying the HCV core protein, but not the HCV core DNA vaccine. To optimize the combination of the core protein and envelope protein 2 (E2) into a vaccine formulation to induce cellular immune responses and neutralizing antibodies, we constructed a plasmid containing two expression cassettes. One expression cassette was included to regulate the expression of HCV core protein by an inducible in vivo-activated Salmonella promoter, the other was included to regulate the expression of HCV E2 protein by the cytomegalovirus enhancer/promoter. Oral immunization of BALB/c mice with the attenuated Salmonella strain SL7207 carrying this plasmid efficiently induced HCV core and E2-specific cellular immune responses and antibodies. IgG purified from immunized mice could neutralize the infectivity of HCV pseudoparticles (HCVpp) of both the autologous Con 1 isolate and the heterologous H77 isolate, and cell culture produced HCV (HCVcc) of Con1-JFH1 chimera. These results indicated that this vaccine strategy can effectively deliver core and E2 protein to the immune system and provide a promising approach for the development of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines against HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Cao
- Department of Microbiology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Biodefense, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
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The wild-type hepatitis C virus core inhibits initiation of antigen-specific T- and B-cell immune responses in BALB/c mice. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2010; 17:1139-47. [PMID: 20519445 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00490-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the effects of wild-type and deletion mutant hepatitis C virus (HCV) core proteins on the induction of immune responses in BALB/c mice were assessed. p2HA-C145-S23, encoding a core protein with the C-terminal 46 amino acids truncated, significantly produced stronger antibody and cellular responses than p2HA-C191-S23. The induction of immune responses by p2HA-C145-S23 was dose dependent. However, increasing the doses or repeated administration did not enhance immune responses by the wild-type core protein. In addition, p2HA-C191-S23 was apparently able to interfere with the priming of specific immune responses by p2HA-C145-S23 when the two were coadministered. These results demonstrated that the wild-type HCV core protein itself could inhibit the priming of immune responses in the course of a DNA vaccination, whereas the truncated HCV core protein could provide potential applications for the development of DNA- and peptide-based HCV vaccines.
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Alekseeva E, Sominskaya I, Skrastina D, Egorova I, Starodubova E, Kushners E, Mihailova M, Petrakova N, Bruvere R, Kozlovskaya T, Isaguliants M, Pumpens P. Enhancement of the expression of HCV core gene does not enhance core-specific immune response in DNA immunization: advantages of the heterologous DNA prime, protein boost immunization regimen. GENETIC VACCINES AND THERAPY 2009; 7:7. [PMID: 19505299 PMCID: PMC2702340 DOI: 10.1186/1479-0556-7-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2008] [Accepted: 06/08/2009] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C core protein is an attractive target for HCV vaccine aimed to exterminate HCV infected cells. However, although highly immunogenic in natural infection, core appears to have low immunogenicity in experimental settings. We aimed to design an HCV vaccine prototype based on core, and devise immunization regimens that would lead to potent anti-core immune responses which circumvent the immunogenicity limitations earlier observed. METHODS Plasmids encoding core with no translation initiation signal (pCMVcore); with Kozak sequence (pCMVcoreKozak); and with HCV IRES (pCMVcoreIRES) were designed and expressed in a variety of eukaryotic cells. Polyproteins corresponding to HCV 1b amino acids (aa) 1-98 and 1-173 were expressed in E. coli. C57BL/6 mice were immunized with four 25-microg doses of pCMVcoreKozak, or pCMV (I). BALB/c mice were immunized with 100 microg of either pCMVcore, or pCMVcoreKozak, or pCMVcoreIRES, or empty pCMV (II). Lastly, BALB/c mice were immunized with 20 microg of core aa 1-98 in prime and boost, or with 100 microg of pCMVcoreKozak in prime and 20 microg of core aa 1-98 in boost (III). Antibody response, [3H]-T-incorporation, and cytokine secretion by core/core peptide-stimulated splenocytes were assessed after each immunization. RESULTS Plasmids differed in core-expression capacity: mouse fibroblasts transfected with pCMVcore, pCMVcoreIRES and pCMVcoreKozak expressed 0.22 +/- 0.18, 0.83 +/- 0.5, and 13 +/- 5 ng core per cell, respectively. Single immunization with highly expressing pCMVcoreKozak induced specific IFN-gamma and IL-2, and weak antibody response. Single immunization with plasmids directing low levels of core expression induced similar levels of cytokines, strong T-cell proliferation (pCMVcoreIRES), and antibodies in titer 103(pCMVcore). Boosting with pCMVcoreKozak induced low antibody response, core-specific T-cell proliferation and IFN-gamma secretion that subsided after the 3rd plasmid injection. The latter also led to a decrease in specific IL-2 secretion. The best was the heterologous pCMVcoreKozak prime/protein boost regiment that generated mixed Th1/Th2-cellular response with core-specific antibodies in titer >or= 3 x 10(3). CONCLUSION Thus, administration of highly expressed HCV core gene, as one large dose or repeated injections of smaller doses, may suppress core-specific immune response. Instead, the latter is induced by a heterologous DNA prime/protein boost regiment that circumvents the negative effects of intracellular core expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Alekseeva
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites 1, Riga, LV-1067, Latvia.
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13
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Effect of immunological adjuvants: GM-CSF (granulocyte-monocyte colony stimulating factor) and IL-23 (interleukin-23) on immune responses generated against hepatitis C virus core DNA vaccine. Cytokine 2009; 46:43-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2008.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2008] [Revised: 12/03/2008] [Accepted: 12/13/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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14
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Qiu Q, Wang RYH, Jiao X, Jin B, Sugauchi F, Grandinetti T, Alter HJ, Shih JWK. Induction of multispecific Th-1 type immune response against HCV in mice by protein immunization using CpG and Montanide ISA 720 as adjuvants. Vaccine 2008; 26:5527-5534. [PMID: 18675871 PMCID: PMC5593311 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2008] [Revised: 06/18/2008] [Accepted: 07/08/2008] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies demonstrate that Th1-type immune responses against a broad spectrum of hepatitis C virus (HCV) gene products are crucial to the resolution of acute HCV infection. We investigated new vaccine approaches to augment the strength of HCV-specific Th1-type immune responses. ELISPOT assay revealed that single or multiple protein immunization using both CpG ODN and Montanide ISA 720 as adjuvants induced much stronger IFN-gamma-producing Th1 responses against core, NS3 and NS5b targets than did the formulation without these adjuvants. Protein vaccination using CpG ODN and Montanide ISA 720 as adjuvants also greatly enhanced humoral responses to HCV core, E1/E2 and NS3. When specific IgG isotypes were assayed, protein immunization using CpG ODN and Montanide ISA 720 as adjuvants produced higher titers of IgG2a dominant antibodies than did protein immunization alone, indicating a more Th1-biased pathway. This increase in IgG2a is consistent with the induction of Th1 cells secreting IFN-gamma demonstrated by ELISPOT assay. In conclusion, protein immunization using CpG ODN and Montanide ISA 720 as adjuvants greatly enhanced cellular (Th1 type) as well as humoral immune responses against HCV in Balb/c mice. The use of adjuvants appears critical to the induction of Th1 immune responses during HCV vaccination with recombinant proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Qiu
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Warren G. Magnuson Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 1C711, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892-1184, USA
| | - Richard Yuan-Hu Wang
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Warren G. Magnuson Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 1C711, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892-1184, USA
| | - Xuanmao Jiao
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Warren G. Magnuson Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 1C711, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892-1184, USA
| | - Bo Jin
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Warren G. Magnuson Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 1C711, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892-1184, USA
| | - Fuminaka Sugauchi
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Warren G. Magnuson Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 1C711, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892-1184, USA
| | - Teresa Grandinetti
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Warren G. Magnuson Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 1C711, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892-1184, USA
| | - Harvey J Alter
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Warren G. Magnuson Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 1C711, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892-1184, USA
| | - J Wai-Kuo Shih
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Warren G. Magnuson Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Building 10, Room 1C711, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892-1184, USA.
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Acid-degradable cationic methacrylamide polymerized in the presence of plasmid DNA as tunable non-viral gene carrier. Biomaterials 2008; 29:3872-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2008.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2008] [Accepted: 06/07/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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16
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Satake S, Nagaki M, Kimura K, Naiki T, Hayashi H, Sugihara J, Tomita E, Moriwaki H. Significant effect of hepatitis C virus specific CTLs on viral clearance in patients with type C chronic hepatitis treated with antiviral agents. Hepatol Res 2008; 38:491-500. [PMID: 18034809 DOI: 10.1111/j.1872-034x.2007.00291.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the correlation between hepatitis C virus (HCV) specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and viral clearance in antiviral treated patients, we examined the number and function of HCV epitope-specific CTLs and the viral load in 12 HLA-A2-positive patients with chronic hepatitis C, after undergoing interferon therapy. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were analyzed on days 0, 3, 7, 14 and 28 of undergoing antiviral therapies. To investigate the quantity of the antigen specific CTLs, CD8-positive T cells were isolated using microbeads and were stained for HLA-A*0201 tetramers. To investigate the function of CTLs, PBMC were stimulated with the same synthetic epitope peptides and analyzed to determine their interferon (IFN)-gamma expression. RESULTS In seven patients, HCV-RNA became undetectable 4 weeks after antiviral therapies (EVR), but five patients were non-responders (NR). In peptide NS3 1406 on day 3 and day 7 of therapy and in NS3 1073 on day 3 of therapy, the level of IFN-gamma expression on CD8+ T cells was significantly higher in the EVR group than in the NR group. In other peptides, the number of and cytokine production from the CTLs in the EVR group were also higher than in the NR group, but not significantly. CONCLUSION After antiviral therapy, analysis of the number and function of antigen-specific CTLs in the early phase was thus found to be useful for predicting viral clearance in chronic hepatitis C patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichi Satake
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
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17
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Li W, Li S, Hu Y, Tang B, Cui L, He W. Efficient augmentation of a long-lasting immune responses in HIV-1 gag DNA vaccination by IL-15 plasmid boosting. Vaccine 2008; 26:3282-90. [PMID: 18472194 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2008.03.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2008] [Revised: 03/26/2008] [Accepted: 03/31/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cytokines are major regulators of the immune response, and have been used as adjuvants to improve vaccine potency. In this study, we investigated the adjuvant effects of interleukin (IL)-15 on improving the immunogenicity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 gag DNA vaccine in Balb/c mice. During a 370-day follow-up, cellular and humoral immune responses in three separate cohorts of mice were monitored. These results were exemplified through: lymphocyte proliferation, induction of antigen-specific CD8(+) T lymphocytes, long-term production of specific antibodies, and proportion of differentiated memory CD8(+) T cells. These data revealed that just boost of IL-15 at day 8 after co-immunization induced more homeostatic cell proliferation, augmented proliferation frequency of IFN-gamma-secreting antigen-specific CD8(+) T lymphocytes, maintained the long-lasting humoral immune response and promoted the turnover of memory T cell precursors into central memory T cells. Taken together, our data demonstrated that a single IL-15 boosting can enhance both the humoral and cellular immune responses of the HIV-1 gag DNA vaccination. This novel boosting strategy may facilitate the application of IL-15 as an adjuvant for HIV vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Li
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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18
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Liao G, Wang Y, Chang J, Bian T, Tan W, Sun M, Li W, Yang H, Chen J, Zhang X, Bi S, Omata M, Jiang S. Hepatitis B virus precore protein augments genetic immunizations of the truncated hepatitis C virus core in BALB/c mice. Hepatology 2008; 47:25-34. [PMID: 18074356 DOI: 10.1002/hep.21992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED DNA immunization has been used to induce either humoral or cellular immune responses against many antigens, including hepatitis C virus (HCV). In addition, DNA immunizations can be enhanced or modulated at the nucleotide level. Genetic immunizations were examined in BALB/c mice through the use of plasmids and chimeric DNA constructs encoding HCV core proteins and hepatitis B virus (HBV) precore (preC) regions. Plasmids encoding the truncated HCV core induced potent humoral and cellular responses to HCV; pcDNA3.0A-C154 produced a stronger antibody response than pcDNA3.0A-C191 (P < 0.01) and pcDNA3.0A-C69 (P < 0.05). HBV preC enhanced the humoral and cellular immune responses of BALB/c mice to HCV; however, pcDNA3.0A-C69preC resulted in a weak cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response. In addition, the humoral and cellular immune responses to HCV of groups immunized with pcDNA3.0A-C154preC and pcDNA3.0A-C191preC plasmids were higher than those of groups immunized with pcDNA3.0A-C154 and pcDNA3.0A-C191. In vivo CTL responses verified that mice immunized with preC core fused DNAs showed significantly high specific lysis compared with mice immunized with HCV cores only (P < 0.01). In our study, pcDNA3.0A-C154preC led to the highest immune response among all DNA constructs. CONCLUSION DNA that encodes truncated HCV core proteins may lead to increased immune responses in vivo, and these responses may be enhanced by HBV preC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoyang Liao
- Department of Viral Immunology, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
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19
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Liao XL, Ren H, Zhao P, Zhu SY, Cao J, Chen ZH, Zhao LJ, Pan W, Feitelson MA, Qui ZT. Efficient Induction of Mouse Immune Responses to Hepatitis C Virus by Viral Core Protein-Carrying AttenuatedSalmonella typhimurium. Viral Immunol 2007; 20:469-78. [DOI: 10.1089/vim.2006.0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ling Liao
- Department of Microbiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Ren
- Department of Microbiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Zhao
- Department of Microbiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Ying Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Cao
- Department of Microbiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Hui Chen
- Department of Infectious Disease, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Lan-Juan Zhao
- Department of Microbiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Pan
- Department of Microbiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Mark Alan Feitelson
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Zhong-Tian Qui
- Department of Microbiology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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20
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Wintermeyer P, Wands JR. Vaccines to prevent chronic hepatitis C virus infection: current experimental and preclinical developments. J Gastroenterol 2007; 42:424-32. [PMID: 17671756 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-007-2057-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2007] [Accepted: 03/07/2007] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Philip Wintermeyer
- The Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital and The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
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21
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Roohvand F, Aghasadeghi MR, Sadat SM, Budkowska A, Khabiri AR. HCV core protein immunization with Montanide/CpG elicits strong Th1/Th2 and long-lived CTL responses. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2007; 354:641-9. [PMID: 17250802 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2006.12.232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2006] [Accepted: 12/28/2006] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
An efficient vaccine against Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection requires induction of strong humoral and cellular responses against viral proteins. We evaluated the immunogenicity of HCV core protein (HCVcp), a prime vaccine candidate, formulated in various human compatible adjuvants. An Escherichia coli-expressed HCVcp, purified in native conditions was used for murine immunization in separate groups of: free HCVcp (Ag), Ag+C/IFA (Freunds), Ag+CpG, Ag+M720 (Montanide ISA 720), Ag+F127 (Pluronic acid) and cocktails of Ag+F127+CpG and Ag+M720+CpG. Mice immunized with M720(+CpG) developed the highest HCVcp-specific titers of total IgG, IgG1, 2a, 2b, and that of IFN-gamma and IL-4 cytokines compared to all other groups. HCVcp-specific-CTLs against relevant MHC class I peptides were detected only for Ag+M720+CpG, Ag+M720, and Ag+CpG groups and could be blocked by antimouse-CD8 antibodies. While CTLs were stable, only F127 formulated groups demonstrated detectable IgG antibodies one year post-immunization. Hence, HCVcp formulated in M720 (with a synergistic effect by inclusion of CpG) could induce balanced and strong Th1/Th2 responses with long-lived CD4(-)CD8(+) CTLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzin Roohvand
- Hepatitis and AIDS Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Pasteur Ave., Tehran 13164, Iran.
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22
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Leroux-Roels G. Development of prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines against hepatitis C virus. Expert Rev Vaccines 2006; 4:351-71. [PMID: 16026249 DOI: 10.1586/14760584.4.3.351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus was discovered 15 years ago as the agent responsible for most cases of transfusion-associated hepatitis non-A, non-B. At present, 180 million people worldwide are estimated to be infected with the virus, producing severe and progressive liver disease in millions and representing the most common reason for liver transplantation in adults. Although the spread of the virus can be halted by the application of primary prevention strategies, such as routine testing of blood donations, inactivation of blood products and systematic use of disposable needles and syringes, the development of a prophylactic vaccine could facilitate the control of this infection and protect those at high risk of being infected with hepatitis C virus. As the present therapy of chronic hepatitis C virus infections, consisting of a combined administration of pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin, is only successful in 50% of patients infected with genotype 1, and is costly and associated with serious side effects, there is an urgent need for better tolerated and more effective treatment modalities, and a therapeutic vaccine may be the solution. This review first provides an overview of the present knowledge regarding the interaction between the virus and immune system of the infected host, with special attention given to the possible mechanisms responsible for chronic evolution of the infection. The numerous candidate vaccines that have been developed in the past 10 years are discussed, including the studies in which their immunogenicity has been examined in rodents and chimpanzees. Finally, the only studies of therapeutic vaccines performed in humans to date are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geert Leroux-Roels
- Centre for Vaccinology, Ghent University and Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, B-900 Ghent, Belgium.
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23
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Andersson HA, Singh RAK, Barry MA. Activation of Refractory T Cell Responses against Hepatitis C Virus Core Protein by Ablation of Interfering Hydrophobic Domains. Mol Ther 2006; 13:338-46. [PMID: 16242998 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2005.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2005] [Revised: 09/07/2005] [Accepted: 09/07/2005] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the major pathogen of chronic hepatitis and liver disease, but currently there are no prophylactic HCV vaccines available. The HCV core protein-encoding sequence is among the most conserved genes in the HCV genome, making it a prime candidate for a component of a vaccine. The core protein localizes to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) through a C-terminal hydrophobic region that is cotranslationally inserted into the ER membrane. Here we show that removal of the C-terminal hydrophobic region confers nuclear localization and enhances proteasomal degradation of the core protein in mammalian cells. This efficient protein proteolysis induces enhanced core-specific CD8(+) T cell responses in BALB/c mice immunized with plasmids expressing C-terminal deletions of the HCV core protein. These results suggest that more potent HCV vaccines can be achieved by targeting the core protein for proteasomal degradation by deletion of its C-terminal hydrophobic domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen A Andersson
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital/The Methodist Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, 77030, USA
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Irshad M, Dhar I. Hepatitis C virus core protein: an update on its molecular biology, cellular functions and clinical implications. Med Princ Pract 2006; 15:405-16. [PMID: 17047346 DOI: 10.1159/000095485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2005] [Accepted: 03/18/2006] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The present review article is an update on various features of hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein including its molecular biology, role in HCV replication, involvement in HCV pathogenesis, etiological role in hepatocellular carcinogenesis, significance in diagnosis and vaccination against HCV infection. Core protein is a structural protein of HCV virus and has only recently been characterized. It was found to play a major role in HCV-induced viral hepatitis. Although published information shows a lot about the clinical significance of HCV core protein, several studies are still needed to demonstrate its exact significance in viral biology and underlying HCV pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Irshad
- Clinical Biochemistry Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
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25
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26
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Gehring S, Gregory SH, Kuzushita N, Wands JR. Type 1 interferon augments DNA-based vaccination against hepatitis C virus core protein. J Med Virol 2005; 75:249-57. [PMID: 15602727 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.20264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Eradication of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection depends upon a broad-based cellular immune response. Genetic immunization stimulates such a response, but the resultant activity is generally weak. Type 1 interferons (IFNs), which are known for their direct anti-viral and anti-proliferative properties, possess vigorous immunomodulatory properties. The aim of this study was to assess the capacity of IFN-alpha to augment the cellular immune response to DNA vaccination against HCV core protein. Three types of IFN-alpha were investigated: the non-species-specific hybrid IFN A/D, human pegylated IFN-alpha, and a plasmid that expressed murine IFN-alpha. Low doses of hIFN-A/D and hPegIFN-alpha augmented three to fourfold the cellular immune response to DNA-based vaccination, determined in conventional CTL assays, as well as in an in vivo tumor challenge model. Importantly, augmentation occurred within a narrow concentration range; a further increase in IFN dosage suppressed the CTL response significantly. Humoral immunity showed a very similar pattern of augmentation. These findings demonstrate that the immunomodulatory properties of IFN-alpha can be exploited to augment DNA based immunization, but it is important to consider the effects of dose on both cellular and humoral immune response for optimal augmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Gehring
- The Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital and Brown Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, USA
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27
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Ramakrishna L, Anand KK, Mohankumar KM, Ranga U. Codon optimization of the tat antigen of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 generates strong immune responses in mice following genetic immunization. J Virol 2004; 78:9174-89. [PMID: 15308713 PMCID: PMC506957 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.78.17.9174-9189.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA vaccines have been successful in eliciting potent immune responses in mice. Their efficiency, however, is restricted in larger animals. One reason for the limited performance of the DNA vaccines is the lack of molecular strategies to enhance immune responses. Additionally, genes directly cloned from pathogenic organisms may not be efficiently translated in a heterologous host expression system as a consequence of codon bias. To evaluate the influence of codon optimization on the immune response, we elected to use the Tat antigens of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) (subtype C) and HIV-2, as these viral antigens are poorly immunogenic in natural infection and in experimental immunization and they are functionally important in viral infectivity and pathogenesis. Substituting codons that are optimally used in the mammalian system, we synthetically assembled Tat genes and compared them with the wild-type counterparts in two different mouse strains. Codon-optimized Tat genes induced qualitatively and quantitatively superior immune responses as measured in a T-cell proliferation assay, enzyme-linked immunospot assay, and chromium release assay. Importantly, while the wild-type genes promoted a mixed Th1-Th2-type cytokine profile, the codon-optimized genes induced a predominantly Th1 profile. Using a pepscan strategy, we mapped an immunodominant T-helper epitope to the core and basic domains of HIV-1 Tat. We also identified cross-clade immune responses between HIV-1 subtype B and C Tat proteins mapped to this T-helper epitope. Developing molecular strategies to optimize the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines is critical for inducing strong immune responses, especially to antigens like Tat. Our identification of a highly conserved T-helper epitope in the first exon of HIV-1 Tat of subtype C and the demonstration of a cross-clade immune response between subtypes B and C are important for a more rational design of an HIV vaccine.
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MESH Headings
- AIDS Vaccines/genetics
- AIDS Vaccines/immunology
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Cell Division
- Codon/genetics
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/chemistry
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Gene Products, tat/biosynthesis
- Gene Products, tat/chemistry
- Gene Products, tat/genetics
- Gene Products, tat/immunology
- Genes, Viral/genetics
- Genetic Vectors/genetics
- HIV Antibodies/analysis
- HIV Antigens/biosynthesis
- HIV Antigens/chemistry
- HIV Antigens/genetics
- HIV Antigens/immunology
- HIV-1/classification
- HIV-1/genetics
- HIV-1/immunology
- Immunization
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Protein Biosynthesis
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/immunology
- Th1 Cells/immunology
- Transcription, Genetic/genetics
- Vaccines, DNA/genetics
- Vaccines, DNA/immunology
- tat Gene Products, Human Immunodeficiency Virus
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Ramakrishna
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bangalore, India
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28
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Isaguliants MG, Petrakova NV, Kashuba EV, Suzdaltzeva YG, Belikov SV, Mokhonov VV, Prilipov AG, Matskova L, Smirnova IS, Jolivet-Reynaud C, Nordenfelt E. Immunization with hepatitis C virus core gene triggers potent T-cell response, but affects CD4+ T-cells. Vaccine 2004; 22:1656-65. [PMID: 15068848 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2003.09.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Numerous attempts to induce immunity against HCV core (HCV-C) by DNA immunization met serious difficulties in optimizing T-helper cell and antibody responses. Immunomodulatory properties of HCV-C could be blamed that seem to be dependent on the genotype of HCV source. Here, we characterized HCV-C gene from HCV 1b isolate 274933RU. Eukaryotic expression of HCV-C was effectively driven by CMVIE, while human elongation factor 1 alpha promoter directed low levels of HCV-C expression. C57BL/6 mice were immunized with CMVIE-driven HCV-C gene, and assessed for specific antibody production, T-cell proliferation and cytokine secretion. The number and proportion of CD19+, CD3+, CD3+/CD4+, and CD3+/CD8+ splenocytes in HCV-C gene recipients was evaluated by flow cytometry. A significant mounting drop in CD3+/CD4+ T-cell counts occurred in HCV-C gene-recipients as compared to the controls. Despite that, 75% of mice exhibited core-specific cellular reactivity revealed as high proliferative responses to HCV-C and HCV-C peptides. Stimulated T-cells secreted predominantly IFN-gamma and IL-2. A shift of epitope specificity was observed with the early response being broad, and the late limited to the HCV-C C-terminus. Thus, we demonstrate both T-cell immunogenicity and T-cell modulation by core of HCV 1b. Immune modulation by HCV core may affect host ability to mount long-lasting cellular and antibody response and should be dealt with in designing core-based HCV vaccines.
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29
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Jiao X, Wang RYH, Feng Z, Hu G, Alter HJ, W -K Shih J. DNA immunization encoding the secreted nonstructural protein 3 (NS3) of hepatitis C virus and enhancing the Th1 type immune response. J Viral Hepat 2004; 11:18-26. [PMID: 14738554 DOI: 10.1046/j.1352-0504.2003.00464.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
To induce a sustained and specific cellular immune response to hepatitis C virus (HCV), DNA immunization of mice was performed using plasmids containing the HCV nonstructural gene 3 (HCV/NS3). Plasmids were constructed such that the NS3 gene was expressed in a secreted form, a nonsecreted form or as a membrane-bound antigen. The plasmid encoding the secreted antigen induced the strongest humoral and cellular immunity and favoured the T-helper type 1 (Th1) pathway as shown by cytokine profiles and switching of antibody subclasses. Our study indicates that DNA immunization with a secreted form of HCV/NS3 is an effective means of inducing primary Th1 immune responses in the murine model.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Jiao
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Warren G. Magnuson Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20982, USA
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30
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Kaplan DE, Reddy KR. Rising incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma: the role of hepatitis B and C; the impact on transplantation and outcomes. Clin Liver Dis 2003; 7:683-714. [PMID: 14509534 DOI: 10.1016/s1089-3261(03)00060-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma caused by hepatitis B and hepatitis C are global scourges but are likely to peak in incidence in the next 2 decades and then decline. Universal vaccination has been effective in stemming the incidence of chronic hepatitis B and early-onset HCC in regions of high endemicity where implemented, but preventive measures in HCV are not yet available. After the attrition of older affected generations, the incidence of HCC will likely decline rapidly. While no vaccine is currently available for hepatitis C, cases are projected to peak and decline because of a marked reduction in transmission as a result of behavioral modification and safeguarding of blood supplies. Until these epidemiologic projections come to pass, management of hepatocellular carcinoma will continue to become a progressively more frequently encountered clinical challenge. Therapy for chronic hepatitis may ameliorate but will not eliminate the development of tumors. The demand for orthotopic liver transplantation will continue to climb, and palliative therapies for non-resectable cases will require studies aimed at optimization of benefit. LDLT may remain an option for high-risk patients affording tumor-free survival for some otherwise terminal patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- David E Kaplan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 3 Raydin, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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31
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Niu D, Chen W, Zhang X, Chen M, Cui H, Wei W, Wen B, Chen X. Immunogenicity of a 40kDa fragment of the 47kDa recombinant protein and DNA vaccine from Karp strain of Orientia tsutsugamushi. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2003; 990:527-34. [PMID: 12860686 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2003.tb07423.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the fragment of 47 kDa gene (301 bp-1428 bp) was cloned into a prokaryotic expression vector pBV220 to construct a recombinant plasmid pBV-47. The E. coli cells were transformed with pBV-47 and the transformants were induced to express the recombinant protein at 42 degrees C. The expression product (40 kDa) was detected by SDS-PAGE analysis and the 40kDa protein was recognized by mouse polyclonal antibodies against O. tsutsugamushi Karp strain in western blot analysis. The entire 47 kDa protein gene was inserted into an eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1(+) to construct a recombinant plasmid pcDNA3.1/47 and Balb/c mice were immunized with recombinant pcDNA3.1/47, control vector pcDNA3.1, PBS buffer, 40 kDa protein, and recombinant pcDNA3.1/47 plus 40 kDa protein (pcDNA3.1/47/40), respectively. The results showed that spleen cells from pcDNA3.1/47/40-immunized mice gave higher proliferation than other groups. A significant IgG rise was detected in mice immunized with 40 kDa protein, but it was less strong than that in mice immunized with pcDNA3.1/47/40. The results suggested that immunization with pcDNA3.1/47 and 40 kDa protein simultaneously could induce a strong immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng Niu
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China 100071
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32
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Ray S, Broor SL, Vaishnav Y, Dar L, Seth P, Broor S. EXPRESSION AND HUMORAL IMMUNE RESPONSE TO HEPATITIS C VIRUS USING A PLASMID DNA CONSTRUCT. Indian J Med Microbiol 2003. [DOI: 10.1016/s0255-0857(21)03128-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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33
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Jiao X, Wang RYH, Feng Z, Alter HJ, Shih JWK. Modulation of cellular immune response against hepatitis C virus nonstructural protein 3 by cationic liposome encapsulated DNA immunization. Hepatology 2003; 37:452-60. [PMID: 12540796 DOI: 10.1053/jhep.2003.50051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A vaccine strategy directed to increase Th1 cellular immune responses, particularly to hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural protein 3 (NS3), has considerable potential to overcome the infection with HCV. DNA vaccination can induce both humoral and cellular immune responses, but it became apparent that the cellular uptake of naked DNA injected into muscle was not very efficient, as much of the DNA is degraded by interstitial nucleases before it reaches the nucleus for transcription. In this paper, cationic liposomes composed of different cationic lipids, such as dimethyl-dioctadecylammonium bromide (DDAB), 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP), or 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycerol-3-ethylphosphocholine (DOEPC), were used to improve DNA immunization in mice, and their efficiencies were compared. It was found that cationic liposome-mediated DNA immunization induced stronger HCV NS3-specific immune responses than immunization with naked DNA alone. Cationic liposomes composed of DDAB and equimolar of a neutral lipid, egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (EPC), induced the strongest antigen-specific Th1 type immune responses among the cationic liposome investigated, whereas the liposomes composed of 2 cationic lipids, DDAB and DOEPC, induced an antigen-specific Th2 type immune response. All cationic liposomes used in this study triggered high-level, nonspecific IL-12 production in mice, a feature important for the development of maximum Th1 immune responses. In conclusion, the cationic liposome-mediated gene delivery is a viable HCV vaccine strategy that should be further tested in the chimpanzee model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanmao Jiao
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Warren G. Magnuson Clinical, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Johnen H, Pecher G. Tumor growth inhibition elicited by different vaccines and correlation with antigen specific cytotoxic T-cell frequencies determined by intracellular interferon-gamma staining. Cancer Lett 2002; 185:53-9. [PMID: 12142079 DOI: 10.1016/s0304-3835(02)00321-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Different vaccines based on naked DNA and the modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) were compared for their efficiency to protect mice against tumors bearing the model antigen beta-galactosidase (beta-Gal) and for their potential to induce an antigen specific cellular immune response. Mice were immunized with the LacZ gene applied as naked DNA. In accordance with the observed beta-Gal-specific T-cell frequency, only 20% of mice boosted with LacZ naked DNA developed tumors whereas all mice boosted with MVA expressing LacZ developed a tumor. Mice vaccinated with mock DNA or mock virus developed tumors in 60 or 100%, respectively. MVA vaccination led to strong and long-lasting CD4- and CD8-T-cell responses against viral antigens but not against beta-Gal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Johnen
- Department of Molecular Gene- and Immunotherapy, Medical Clinic for Oncology and Hematology, Humboldt-University Berlin, Germany
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35
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Beckebaum S, Cicinnati VR, Gerken G. DNA-based immunotherapy: potential for treatment of chronic viral hepatitis? Rev Med Virol 2002; 12:297-319. [PMID: 12211043 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Persistent HBV and HCV infection represent major causes of chronic liver disease with a high risk of progression to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Conventional protein-based vaccines are highly efficacious in preventing HBV infection; whereas in therapeutic settings with chronically infected patients, results have been disappointing. Prophylactic vaccination against HCV infection has not yet been achieved due to many impediments including frequent spontaneous mutations of the virus with escape from immune system control. Using animal models it has been demonstrated that DNA-based immunisation strategies may overcome this problem because of their potential to induce immunity against multiple viral epitopes. DNA-based vaccines mimic the effect of live attenuated viral vaccines, eliciting cell mediated immunity in addition to inducing humoral responses. Efficacy may further be improved by addition of DNA encoding immunomodulatory cytokines and more recently, direct genetic modulation of antigen-presenting cells, such as dendritic cells (DC), has been shown to increase antigen-specific immune responses. This review focuses on immunological aspects of chronic HBV and HCV infection and on the potential of DNA- and DC-based vaccines for the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Beckebaum
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Essen, Germany
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36
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Alvarez-Lajonchere L, Dueñas-Carrera S, Viña A, Ramos T, Pichardo D, Morales J. Additives and protein-DNA combinations modulate the humoral immune response elicited by a hepatitis C virus core-encoding plasmid in mice. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2002; 97:95-9. [PMID: 11992156 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762002000100016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Humoral and cellular immune responses are currently induced against hepatitis C virus (HCV) core following vaccination with core-encoding plasmids. However, the anti-core antibody response is frequently weak or transient. In this paper, we evaluated the effect of different additives and DNA-protein combinations on the anti-core antibody response. BALB/c mice were intramuscularly injected with an expression plasmid (pIDKCo), encoding a C-terminal truncated variant of the HCV core protein, alone or combined with CaCl2, PEG 6000, Freund's adjuvant, sonicated calf thymus DNA and a recombinant core protein (Co. 120). Mixture of pIDKCo with PEG 6000 and Freund's adjuvant accelerated the development of the anti-core Ab response. Combination with PEG 6000 also induced a bias to IgG2a subclass predominance among anti-core antibodies. The kinetics, IgG2a/IgG1 ratio and epitope specificity of the anti-core antibody response elicited by Co. 120 alone or combined with pIDKCo was different regarding that induced by the pIDKCo alone. Our data indicate that the antibody response induced following DNA immunization can be modified by formulation strategies.
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Wedemeyer H, Gagneten S, Davis A, Bartenschlager R, Feinstone S, Rehermann B. Oral immunization with HCV-NS3-transformed Salmonella: induction of HCV-specific CTL in a transgenic mouse model. Gastroenterology 2001; 121:1158-66. [PMID: 11677208 DOI: 10.1053/gast.2001.29311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The ability to induce cytotoxic T cells is considered an important feature of a candidate hepatitis C virus (HCV) vaccine. We used an oral immunization strategy with attenuated HCV-NS3-transformed Salmonella typhimurium to deliver DNA directly to the gut-associated lymphoid tissue. METHODS HLA-A2.1 transgenic mice were immunized once with transformed attenuated Salmonella. HCV-specific CD8+ T cells were analyzed in vitro as well as in vivo by challenge of mice with recombinant HCV-NS3 vaccinia virus. RESULTS Salmonella (10(8) colony-forming units; 20 microg plasmid DNA) induced cytotoxic and IFN-gamma-producing CD8+ T cells specific for the immunodominant epitope NS3-1073 in 26 of 30 mice (86%) that persisted for at least 10 months. A second epitope (NS3-1169) was also recognized by cytotoxic and IFN-gamma-producing T cells, whereas a third one (NS3-1406) stimulated IFN-gamma production without cytotoxicity. The minimal amount of plasmid DNA required to induce CTLs was 2 ng. Upon challenge with recombinant HCV-NS3-expressing vaccinia virus, vaccinia titers were significantly lower in mice immunized with Salmonella-NS3 than in mice immunized with control Salmonella, demonstrating the in vivo function of CTLs. CONCLUSIONS Oral immunization with attenuated Salmonella typhimurium as a carrier for HCV DNA induces long-lasting T-cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Wedemeyer
- Liver Diseases Section, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1800, USA
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38
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Zhou HC, Xu DZ, Wang XP, Zhang JX, Huang Y, Yan YP, Zhu Y, Jin BQ. Identification of the epitopes on HCV core protein recognized by HLA-A2 restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes. World J Gastroenterol 2001; 7:583-6. [PMID: 11819836 PMCID: PMC4688680 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v7.i4.583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2001] [Revised: 03/05/2001] [Accepted: 03/12/2001] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To identify hepatitis C virus(HCV) core protein epitopes recognized by HLA-A2 restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL). METHODS Utilizing the method of computer prediction followed by a 4h(51)Cr release assay confirmation. RESULTS The results showed that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained from two HLA-A2 positive donors who were infected with HCV could lyse autologous target cells labeled with peptide "ALAHGVRAL (core 150-158)". The rates of specific lysis of the cells from the two donors were 37.5% and 15.8%, respectively. Blocking of the CTL response with anti-CD4 mAb caused no significant decrease of the specific lysis. But blocking of CTL response with anti-CD8 mAb could abolish the lysis. CONCLUSION The peptide (core 150-158) is the candidate epitope recognized by HLAA2 restricted CTL.
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Affiliation(s)
- H C Zhou
- Department of Immunology, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710033, Shaanxi Province, China.
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