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Lundstrom K. Viral vectors engineered for gene therapy. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 379:1-41. [PMID: 37541721 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy has seen major progress in recent years. Viral vectors have made a significant contribution through efficient engineering for improved delivery and safety. A large variety of indications such as cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic, hematological, neurological, muscular, ophthalmological, infectious diseases, and immunodeficiency have been targeted. Viral vectors based on adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, herpes simplex viruses, retroviruses including lentiviruses, alphaviruses, flaviviruses, measles viruses, rhabdoviruses, Newcastle disease virus, poxviruses, picornaviruses, reoviruses, and polyomaviruses have been used. Proof-of-concept has been demonstrated for different indications in animal models. Therapeutic efficacy has also been achieved in clinical trials. Several viral vector-based drugs have been approved for the treatment of cancer, and hematological, metabolic, and neurological diseases. Moreover, viral vector-based vaccines have been approved against COVID-19 and Ebola virus disease.
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Lundstrom K. Alphaviruses in cancer immunotherapy. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 379:143-168. [PMID: 37541722 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Alphaviruses have frequently been engineered for cancer therapy, cancer immunotherapy, and cancer vaccine development. As members of self-replicating RNA viruses, alphaviruses provide high levels of transgene expression through efficient self-amplifying of their RNA genome in host cells. Alphavirus vectors can be used as recombinant viral particles or oncolytic viruses. Alternatively, either naked or nanoparticle-encapsulated RNA and DNA replicons can be utilized. In the context of cancer prevention and treatment, antitumor, cytotoxic and suicide genes have been expressed from alphavirus vectors to provide tumor regression and tumor eradication. Moreover, immunostimulatory genes such as cytokines and chemokines have been used for cancer immunotherapy approaches. Expression of tumor antigens has been applied for cancer vaccine development. Alphavirus vectors has demonstrated tumor regression and even cure in various preclinical animal models. Immunization has elicited strong immune responses and showed protection against challenges with tumor cells in animal models. Several clinical trials have confirmed good safety and tolerability of alphaviruses in cancer patients although therapeutic efficacy will still require optimization.
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Lundstrom K. Application of DNA Replicons in Gene Therapy and Vaccine Development. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15030947. [PMID: 36986808 PMCID: PMC10054396 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15030947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA-based gene therapy and vaccine development has received plenty of attention lately. DNA replicons based on self-replicating RNA viruses such as alphaviruses and flaviviruses have been of particular interest due to the amplification of RNA transcripts leading to enhanced transgene expression in transfected host cells. Moreover, significantly reduced doses of DNA replicons compared to conventional DNA plasmids can elicit equivalent immune responses. DNA replicons have been evaluated in preclinical animal models for cancer immunotherapy and for vaccines against infectious diseases and various cancers. Strong immune responses and tumor regression have been obtained in rodent tumor models. Immunization with DNA replicons has provided robust immune responses and protection against challenges with pathogens and tumor cells. DNA replicon-based COVID-19 vaccines have shown positive results in preclinical animal models.
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Alphaviruses in Immunotherapy and Anticancer Therapy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092263. [PMID: 36140364 PMCID: PMC9496634 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alphaviruses have been engineered as expression vectors for vaccine development and gene therapy. Due to the feature of RNA self-replication, alphaviruses can provide exceptional direct cytoplasmic expression of transgenes based on the delivery of recombinant particles, naked or nanoparticle-encapsulated RNA or plasmid-based DNA replicons. Alphavirus vectors have been utilized for the expression of various antigens targeting different types of cancers, and cytotoxic and antitumor genes. The most common alphavirus vectors are based on the Semliki Forest virus, Sindbis virus and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, but the oncolytic M1 alphavirus has also been used. Delivery of immunostimulatory cytokine genes has been the basis for immunotherapy demonstrating efficacy in different animal tumor models for brain, breast, cervical, colon, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate and skin cancers. Typically, therapeutic effects including tumor regression, tumor eradication and complete cure as well as protection against tumor challenges have been observed. Alphavirus vectors have also been subjected to clinical evaluations. For example, therapeutic responses in all cervical cancer patients treated with an alphavirus vector expressing the human papilloma virus E6 and E7 envelope proteins have been achieved.
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Abstract
Self-replicating RNA viral vectors have been engineered for both prophylactic and therapeutic applications. Mainly the areas of infectious diseases and cancer have been targeted. Both positive and negative strand RNA viruses have been utilized including alphaviruses, flaviviruses, measles viruses and rhabdoviruses. The high-level of RNA amplification has provided efficient expression of viral surface proteins and tumor antigens. Immunization studies in animal models have elicit robust neutralizing antibody responses. In the context of infectious diseases, immunization with self-replicating RNA viral vectors has provided protection against challenges with lethal doses of pathogens in animal models. Similarly, immunization with vectors expressing tumor antigens has resulted in tumor regression and eradication and protection against tumor challenges in animal models. The transient nature and non-integration of viral RNA into the host genome are ideal features for vaccine development. Moreover, self-replicating RNA viral vectors show great flexibility as they can be applied as recombinant viral particles, RNA replicons or DNA replicon plasmids. Several clinical trials have been conducted especially in the area of cancer immunotherapy.
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Abstract
Alphaviruses have been engineered as expression vectors for different strategies of cancer therapy including immunotherapy and cancer vaccine development. Administration of recombinant virus particles, RNA replicons and plasmid DNA-based replicons provide great flexibility for alphavirus applications. Immunization and delivery studies have demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in the form of reduced tumor growth, tumor regression and eradication of established tumors in different animal models for cancers such as brain, breast, colon, cervical, lung, ovarian, pancreas, prostate cancers, and melanoma. Furthermore, vaccinated animals have showed protection against challenges with tumor cells. A limited number of clinical trials in the area of brain, breast, cervical, colon prostate cancers and melanoma vaccines has been conducted. Particularly, immunization of cervical cancer patients elicited immune responses and therapeutic activity in all patients included in a phase I clinical trial. Moreover, stable disease and partial responses were observed in breast cancer patients and prolonged survival was achieved in colon cancer patients.
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Facile method for delivering chikungunya viral replicons into mosquitoes and mammalian cells. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12321. [PMID: 34112897 PMCID: PMC8192953 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91830-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Reverse genetics is an important tool in the elucidation of viral replication and the development of countermeasures; however, these methods are impeded by laborious and inefficient replicon delivery methods. This paper demonstrates the use of a baculovirus to facilitate the efficient delivery of autonomous CHIKV replicons into mosquito and mammalian cells in vitro as well as adult mosquitoes in vivo. The efficacy of this approach was verified via co-localization among an eGFP reporter, nsP1, and dsRNA as well as through the inhibition of an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) null mutation (DDAA) in nsP4, or the treatment of a known antiviral compound (6-azauridine). We also investigated the correlation between CHIKV replicon-launched eGFP expression and the effectiveness of CHIKV replicon variants in inducing IFN-β expression in human cell lines. This delivery method based on a single vector is applicable to mosquito and mammalian cells in seeking to decipher the mechanisms underlying CHIKV replication, elucidate virus-host interactions, and develop antivirals. This study presents an effective alternative to overcome many of the technological issues related to the study and utilization of autonomous arbovirus replicons.
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Lundstrom K. Impact of a Plasmid DNA-Based Alphavirus Vaccine on Immunization Efficiency. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2197:33-47. [PMID: 32827131 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0872-2_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Alphavirus vectors have been engineered for high-level gene expression relying originally on replication-deficient recombinant particles, more recently designed for plasmid DNA-based administration. As alphavirus-based DNA vectors encode the alphavirus RNA replicon genes, enhanced transgene expression in comparison to conventional DNA plasmids is achieved. Immunization studies with alphavirus-based DNA plasmids have elicited specific antibody production, have generated tumor regression and protection against challenges with infectious agents and tumor cells in various animal models. A limited number of clinical trials have been conducted with alphavirus DNA vectors. Compared to conventional plasmid DNA-based immunization, alphavirus DNA vectors required 1000-fold less DNA to elicit similar immune responses in rodents.
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Abstract
Alphavirus-based vectors present an efficient approach for antigen preparation applied for vaccine development. Semliki Forest virus, Sindbis virus, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus have been engineered for high-level expression of antigens targeting infectious diseases and tumors. Alphaviruses possess a large application range as vectors can be delivered as naked RNA replicons, recombinant viral particles, and layered DNA plasmids. Immunization studies in animal models have provided protection against challenges with lethal doses of pathogenic infectious agents and tumor cells. So far, a limited number of clinical trials have been conducted for alphavirus vectors in humans.
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Mira C, Yepes JO, Henao LF, Montoya Guzmán M, Navas MC. EXPRESIÓN DE LA PROTEÍNA CORE DEL VIRUS DE LA HEPATITIS C EN CÉLULAS HEPG2 USANDO EL VIRUS DEL BOSQUE DE SEMLIKI. ACTA BIOLÓGICA COLOMBIANA 2020. [DOI: 10.15446/abc.v26n1.79365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
El Virus de la Hepatitis C (VHC) codifica la proteína Core. Core, además de ser la subunidad de la cápside, participa en diferentes mecanismos de patogénesis de la infección por VHC. Dado que el sistema de replicación in vitrodel VHC presenta limitaciones, el uso de vectores virales podría ser una herramienta útil para estudiar las propiedades de la proteína Core. Con el fin de validar el vector con el Virus del Bosque de Semliki (SFV) para el estudio de Core en células HepG2, se evaluó la expresión de la proteína verde fluorescente (GFP) y la proteína Core utilizando este vector viral. Las expresiones de GFP y Core se detectaron en células HepG2 transducidas con rSFV de 24 a 96 horas postransducción. La expresión de la proteína Core fue inferior a la expresión de GFP en las células HepG2. Teniendo en cuenta que la proteína Core del VHC puede regular la actividad del gen p53, se evaluó el nivel transcripcional de este gen. Se observó una disminución en el nivel de mARN de p53 en las células luego de la transducción, comparado con las células control. Aunque las células transducidas con rSFV-Core presentaron el menor nivel de mARN de p53,la diferencia no fue significativa comparada con las células transducidas con rSFV-GFP. Los resultados confirman que rSFV permite la expresión transitoria de proteínas heterólogas en líneas celulares de hepatoma humano. Se necesitan estudios adicionales para determinar si la expresión disminuida de Core puede deberse a degradación de la proteína viral.
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Lundstrom K. Self-Amplifying RNA Viruses as RNA Vaccines. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145130. [PMID: 32698494 PMCID: PMC7404065 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Single-stranded RNA viruses such as alphaviruses, flaviviruses, measles viruses and rhabdoviruses are characterized by their capacity of highly efficient self-amplification of RNA in host cells, which make them attractive vehicles for vaccine development. Particularly, alphaviruses and flaviviruses can be administered as recombinant particles, layered DNA/RNA plasmid vectors carrying the RNA replicon and even RNA replicon molecules. Self-amplifying RNA viral vectors have been used for high level expression of viral and tumor antigens, which in immunization studies have elicited strong cellular and humoral immune responses in animal models. Vaccination has provided protection against challenges with lethal doses of viral pathogens and tumor cells. Moreover, clinical trials have demonstrated safe application of RNA viral vectors and even promising results in rhabdovirus-based phase III trials on an Ebola virus vaccine. Preclinical and clinical applications of self-amplifying RNA viral vectors have proven efficient for vaccine development and due to the presence of RNA replicons, amplification of RNA in host cells will generate superior immune responses with significantly reduced amounts of RNA delivered. The need for novel and efficient vaccines has become even more evident due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, which has further highlighted the urgency in challenging emerging diseases.
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Abstract
Introduction: Immunotherapy has been introduced as a modern alternative for the treatment of various cancers, including the stimulation of the immune system by introduction of immunostimulatory molecules. Application of viral and non-viral vectors have provided a substantial contribution to improved delivery and expression of these immunostimulators.Areas covered: Alphavirus vectors, based on Semliki Forest virus, have allowed immunization with self-replicating RNA, recombinant virus particles, and layered DNA/RNA vectors. The attractive features of alphaviruses comprise their broad host range and extreme RNA replication in infected cells resulting in very high recombinant protein expression levels providing enhanced immune responses and an excellent basis for immunotherapy.Expert opinion: Immunization studies in animal tumor models have elicited strong humoral and cellular immune response, have provided prophylactic protection against tumor challenges, and have generated therapeutic efficacy in tumor-bearing animals. Clinical trials have indicated safe use of alphavirus vectors, making them attractive for cancer immunotherapy.
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Schwerk J, Soveg FW, Ryan AP, Thomas KR, Hatfield LD, Ozarkar S, Forero A, Kell AM, Roby JA, So L, Hyde JL, Gale M, Daugherty MD, Savan R. RNA-binding protein isoforms ZAP-S and ZAP-L have distinct antiviral and immune resolution functions. Nat Immunol 2019; 20:1610-1620. [PMID: 31740798 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-019-0527-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The initial response to viral infection is anticipatory, with host antiviral restriction factors and pathogen sensors constantly surveying the cell to rapidly mount an antiviral response through the synthesis and downstream activity of interferons. After pathogen clearance, the host's ability to resolve this antiviral response and return to homeostasis is critical. Here, we found that isoforms of the RNA-binding protein ZAP functioned as both a direct antiviral restriction factor and an interferon-resolution factor. The short isoform of ZAP bound to and mediated the degradation of several host interferon messenger RNAs, and thus acted as a negative feedback regulator of the interferon response. In contrast, the long isoform of ZAP had antiviral functions and did not regulate interferon. The two isoforms contained identical RNA-targeting domains, but differences in their intracellular localization modulated specificity for host versus viral RNA, which resulted in disparate effects on viral replication during the innate immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Schwerk
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Frank W Soveg
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Andrew P Ryan
- Section of Molecular Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kerri R Thomas
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lauren D Hatfield
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Snehal Ozarkar
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Adriana Forero
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alison M Kell
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Justin A Roby
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lomon So
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Immunology Program, Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jennifer L Hyde
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael Gale
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Matthew D Daugherty
- Section of Molecular Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Ram Savan
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Asplund M, Kjartansdóttir KR, Mollerup S, Vinner L, Fridholm H, Herrera JAR, Friis-Nielsen J, Hansen TA, Jensen RH, Nielsen IB, Richter SR, Rey-Iglesia A, Matey-Hernandez ML, Alquezar-Planas DE, Olsen PVS, Sicheritz-Pontén T, Willerslev E, Lund O, Brunak S, Mourier T, Nielsen LP, Izarzugaza JMG, Hansen AJ. Contaminating viral sequences in high-throughput sequencing viromics: a linkage study of 700 sequencing libraries. Clin Microbiol Infect 2019; 25:1277-1285. [PMID: 31059795 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2019.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sample preparation for high-throughput sequencing (HTS) includes treatment with various laboratory components, potentially carrying viral nucleic acids, the extent of which has not been thoroughly investigated. Our aim was to systematically examine a diverse repertoire of laboratory components used to prepare samples for HTS in order to identify contaminating viral sequences. METHODS A total of 322 samples of mainly human origin were analysed using eight protocols, applying a wide variety of laboratory components. Several samples (60% of human specimens) were processed using different protocols. In total, 712 sequencing libraries were investigated for viral sequence contamination. RESULTS Among sequences showing similarity to viruses, 493 were significantly associated with the use of laboratory components. Each of these viral sequences had sporadic appearance, only being identified in a subset of the samples treated with the linked laboratory component, and some were not identified in the non-template control samples. Remarkably, more than 65% of all viral sequences identified were within viral clusters linked to the use of laboratory components. CONCLUSIONS We show that high prevalence of contaminating viral sequences can be expected in HTS-based virome data and provide an extensive list of novel contaminating viral sequences that can be used for evaluation of viral findings in future virome and metagenome studies. Moreover, we show that detection can be problematic due to stochastic appearance and limited non-template controls. Although the exact origin of these viral sequences requires further research, our results support laboratory-component-linked viral sequence contamination of both biological and synthetic origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Asplund
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - K R Kjartansdóttir
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S Mollerup
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - L Vinner
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - H Fridholm
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Autoimmunology and Biomarkers, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J A R Herrera
- Disease Systems Biology Programme, Panum Instituttet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - J Friis-Nielsen
- Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - T A Hansen
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - R H Jensen
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - I B Nielsen
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - S R Richter
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A Rey-Iglesia
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M L Matey-Hernandez
- Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - D E Alquezar-Planas
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - P V S Olsen
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - T Sicheritz-Pontén
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Centre of Excellence for Omics-Driven Computational Biodiscovery, AIMST University, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - E Willerslev
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - O Lund
- Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - S Brunak
- Disease Systems Biology Programme, Panum Instituttet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - T Mourier
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - L P Nielsen
- Department of Autoimmunology and Biomarkers, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J M G Izarzugaza
- Department of Bio and Health Informatics, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - A J Hansen
- Centre for GeoGenetics, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Lundstrom K. Plasmid DNA-based Alphavirus Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2019; 7:vaccines7010029. [PMID: 30857255 PMCID: PMC6466081 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines7010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Alphaviruses have been engineered as vectors for high-level transgene expression. Originally, alphavirus-based vectors were applied as recombinant replication-deficient particles, subjected to expression studies in mammalian and non-mammalian cell lines, primary cell cultures, and in vivo. However, vector engineering has expanded the application range to plasmid DNA-based delivery and expression. Immunization studies with DNA-based alphavirus vectors have demonstrated tumor regression and protection against challenges with infectious agents and tumor cells in animal tumor models. The presence of the RNA replicon genes responsible for extensive RNA replication in the RNA/DNA layered alphavirus vectors provides superior transgene expression in comparison to conventional plasmid DNA-based expression. Immunization with alphavirus DNA vectors revealed that 1000-fold less DNA was required to elicit similar immune responses compared to conventional plasmid DNA. In addition to DNA-based delivery, immunization with recombinant alphavirus particles and RNA replicons has demonstrated efficacy in providing protection against lethal challenges by infectious agents and tumor cells.
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Lundstrom K. Self-Replicating RNA Viruses for RNA Therapeutics. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23123310. [PMID: 30551668 PMCID: PMC6321401 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23123310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-replicating single-stranded RNA viruses such as alphaviruses, flaviviruses, measles viruses, and rhabdoviruses provide efficient delivery and high-level expression of therapeutic genes due to their high capacity of RNA replication. This has contributed to novel approaches for therapeutic applications including vaccine development and gene therapy-based immunotherapy. Numerous studies in animal tumor models have demonstrated that self-replicating RNA viral vectors can generate antibody responses against infectious agents and tumor cells. Moreover, protection against challenges with pathogenic Ebola virus was obtained in primates immunized with alphaviruses and flaviviruses. Similarly, vaccinated animals have been demonstrated to withstand challenges with lethal doses of tumor cells. Furthermore, clinical trials have been conducted for several indications with self-amplifying RNA viruses. In this context, alphaviruses have been subjected to phase I clinical trials for a cytomegalovirus vaccine generating neutralizing antibodies in healthy volunteers, and for antigen delivery to dendritic cells providing clinically relevant antibody responses in cancer patients, respectively. Likewise, rhabdovirus particles have been subjected to phase I/II clinical trials showing good safety and immunogenicity against Ebola virus. Rhabdoviruses have generated promising results in phase III trials against Ebola virus. The purpose of this review is to summarize the achievements of using self-replicating RNA viruses for RNA therapy based on preclinical animal studies and clinical trials in humans.
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OhAinle M, Helms L, Vermeire J, Roesch F, Humes D, Basom R, Delrow JJ, Overbaugh J, Emerman M. A virus-packageable CRISPR screen identifies host factors mediating interferon inhibition of HIV. eLife 2018; 7:e39823. [PMID: 30520725 PMCID: PMC6286125 DOI: 10.7554/elife.39823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon (IFN) inhibits HIV replication by inducing antiviral effectors. To comprehensively identify IFN-induced HIV restriction factors, we assembled a CRISPR sgRNA library of Interferon Stimulated Genes (ISGs) into a modified lentiviral vector that allows for packaging of sgRNA-encoding genomes in trans into budding HIV-1 particles. We observed that knockout of Zinc Antiviral Protein (ZAP) improved the performance of the screen due to ZAP-mediated inhibition of the vector. A small panel of IFN-induced HIV restriction factors, including MxB, IFITM1, Tetherin/BST2 and TRIM5alpha together explain the inhibitory effects of IFN on the CXCR4-tropic HIV-1 strain, HIV-1LAI, in THP-1 cells. A second screen with a CCR5-tropic primary strain, HIV-1Q23.BG505, described an overlapping, but non-identical, panel of restriction factors. Further, this screen also identifies HIV dependency factors. The ability of IFN-induced restriction factors to inhibit HIV strains to replicate in human cells suggests that these human restriction factors are incompletely antagonized. Editorial note This article has been through an editorial process in which the authors decide how to respond to the issues raised during peer review. The Reviewing Editor's assessment is that all the issues have been addressed (see decision letter).
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly OhAinle
- Divisions of Human Biology and Basic SciencesFred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterWashingtonUnited States
| | - Louisa Helms
- Divisions of Human Biology and Basic SciencesFred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterWashingtonUnited States
| | - Jolien Vermeire
- Divisions of Human Biology and Basic SciencesFred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterWashingtonUnited States
| | - Ferdinand Roesch
- Divisions of Human Biology and Basic SciencesFred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterWashingtonUnited States
| | - Daryl Humes
- Divisions of Human Biology and Basic SciencesFred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterWashingtonUnited States
| | - Ryan Basom
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Shared ResourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleUnited States
| | - Jeffrey J Delrow
- Genomics and Bioinformatics Shared ResourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterSeattleUnited States
| | - Julie Overbaugh
- Divisions of Human Biology and Basic SciencesFred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterWashingtonUnited States
| | - Michael Emerman
- Divisions of Human Biology and Basic SciencesFred Hutchinson Cancer Research CenterWashingtonUnited States
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Kamper M, Ta H, Jensen NA, Hell SW, Jakobs S. Near-infrared STED nanoscopy with an engineered bacterial phytochrome. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4762. [PMID: 30420676 PMCID: PMC6232180 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07246-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The near infrared (NIR) optical window between the cutoff for hemoglobin absorption at 650 nm and the onset of increased water absorption at 900 nm is an attractive, yet largely unexplored, spectral regime for diffraction-unlimited super-resolution fluorescence microscopy (nanoscopy). We developed the NIR fluorescent protein SNIFP, a bright and photostable bacteriophytochrome, and demonstrate its use as a fusion tag in live-cell microscopy and STED nanoscopy. We further demonstrate dual color red-confocal/NIR-STED imaging by co-expressing SNIFP with a conventional red fluorescent protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kamper
- Department of NanoBiophotonics, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Haisen Ta
- Department of NanoBiophotonics, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nickels A Jensen
- Department of NanoBiophotonics, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan W Hell
- Department of NanoBiophotonics, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Jakobs
- Department of NanoBiophotonics, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany. .,Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
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19
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Wang H, Dewell RB, Ehrengruber MU, Segev E, Reimer J, Roukes ML, Gabbiani F. Optogenetic manipulation of medullary neurons in the locust optic lobe. J Neurophysiol 2018; 120:2049-2058. [PMID: 30110231 PMCID: PMC6230808 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00356.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The locust is a widely used animal model for studying sensory processing and its relation to behavior. Due to the lack of genomic information, genetic tools to manipulate neural circuits in locusts are not yet available. We examined whether Semliki Forest virus is suitable to mediate exogenous gene expression in neurons of the locust optic lobe. We subcloned a channelrhodopsin variant and the yellow fluorescent protein Venus into a Semliki Forest virus vector and injected the virus into the optic lobe of locusts ( Schistocerca americana). Fluorescence was observed in all injected optic lobes. Most neurons that expressed the recombinant proteins were located in the first two neuropils of the optic lobe, the lamina and medulla. Extracellular recordings demonstrated that laser illumination increased the firing rate of medullary neurons expressing channelrhodopsin. The optogenetic activation of the medullary neurons also triggered excitatory postsynaptic potentials and firing of a postsynaptic, looming-sensitive neuron, the lobula giant movement detector. These results indicate that Semliki Forest virus is efficient at mediating transient exogenous gene expression and provides a tool to manipulate neural circuits in the locust nervous system and likely other insects. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Using Semliki Forest virus, we efficiently delivered channelrhodopsin into neurons of the locust optic lobe. We demonstrate that laser illumination increases the firing of the medullary neurons expressing channelrhodopsin and elicits excitatory postsynaptic potentials and spiking in an identified postsynaptic target neuron, the lobula giant movement detector neuron. This technique allows the manipulation of neuronal activity in locust neural circuits using optogenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine , Houston, Texas
| | - Richard B Dewell
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine , Houston, Texas
| | | | - Eran Segev
- Department of Applied Physics and Material Science, California Institute of Technology , Pasadena, California
| | - Jacob Reimer
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine , Houston, Texas
| | - Michael L Roukes
- Department of Applied Physics and Material Science, California Institute of Technology , Pasadena, California
| | - Fabrizio Gabbiani
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine , Houston, Texas
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Rice University , Houston, Texas
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20
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Oncolytic Alphaviruses in Cancer Immunotherapy. Vaccines (Basel) 2017; 5:vaccines5020009. [PMID: 28417936 PMCID: PMC5492006 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines5020009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses show specific targeting and killing of tumor cells and therefore provide attractive assets for cancer immunotherapy. In parallel to oncolytic viral vectors based on adenoviruses and herpes simplex viruses, oncolytic RNA viruses and particularly alphaviruses have been evaluated as delivery vehicles. Immunization studies in experimental rodent models for various cancers including glioblastoma, hematologic, hepatocellular, colon, cervix, and lung cancer as well as melanoma have been conducted with naturally occurring oncolytic alphavirus strains such as M1 and Sindbis AR339. Moreover, animals were vaccinated with engineered oncolytic replication-deficient and -competent Semliki Forest virus, Sindbis virus and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus vectors expressing various antigens. Vaccinations elicited strong antibody responses and resulted in tumor growth inhibition, tumor regression and even complete tumor eradication. Vaccination also led to prolonged survival in several animal models. Furthermore, preclinical evaluation demonstrated both prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of oncolytic alphavirus administration. Clinical trials in humans have mainly been limited to safety studies so far.
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21
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Abstract
Alphavirus-based vectors have been engineered from Semliki Forest virus, Sindbis virus, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus and applied for vaccine development. Immunization in preclinical animal models has been conducted with naked RNA replicons, recombinant viral particles and layered DNA-RNA vectors. Most commonly, the targets for the immunization have been viral surface proteins and tumor antigens, which have elicited strong immune responses and even provided protection against challenges with lethal doses of virus and tumor cells, respectively. As alphaviruses also cause epidemics, vaccines have been developed against Chikungunya virus. Despite the success in several animal smodels only a few clinical trials have been conducted in humans, so far.
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22
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Kawabe H, Mitkovski M, Kaeser PS, Hirrlinger J, Opazo F, Nestvogel D, Kalla S, Fejtova A, Verrier SE, Bungers SR, Cooper BH, Varoqueaux F, Wang Y, Nehring RB, Gundelfinger ED, Rosenmund C, Rizzoli SO, Südhof TC, Rhee JS, Brose N. ELKS1 localizes the synaptic vesicle priming protein bMunc13-2 to a specific subset of active zones. J Cell Biol 2017; 216:1143-1161. [PMID: 28264913 PMCID: PMC5379939 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201606086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Revised: 06/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Presynaptic active zones (AZs) are unique subcellular structures at neuronal synapses, which contain a network of specific proteins that control synaptic vesicle (SV) tethering, priming, and fusion. Munc13s are core AZ proteins with an essential function in SV priming. In hippocampal neurons, two different Munc13s-Munc13-1 and bMunc13-2-mediate opposite forms of presynaptic short-term plasticity and thus differentially affect neuronal network characteristics. We found that most presynapses of cortical and hippocampal neurons contain only Munc13-1, whereas ∼10% contain both Munc13-1 and bMunc13-2. Whereas the presynaptic recruitment and activation of Munc13-1 depends on Rab3-interacting proteins (RIMs), we demonstrate here that bMunc13-2 is recruited to synapses by the AZ protein ELKS1, but not ELKS2, and that this recruitment determines basal SV priming and short-term plasticity. Thus, synapse-specific interactions of different Munc13 isoforms with ELKS1 or RIMs are key determinants of the molecular and functional heterogeneity of presynaptic AZs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kawabe
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Miso Mitkovski
- Light Microscopy Facility, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Pascal S Kaeser
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305.,Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Johannes Hirrlinger
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.,Carl Ludwig Institute for Physiology, University of Leipzig, 04109 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Felipe Opazo
- Department of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University of Göttingen Medical Center, 37073 Göttingen, Germany.,Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University of Göttingen Medical Center, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dennis Nestvogel
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Kalla
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anna Fejtova
- Department of Neurochemistry and Molecular Biology, Leibniz Institute of Neurobiology, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany.,Research Group Presynaptic Plasticity, Leibniz Institute of Neurobiology and Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sophie E Verrier
- Department of Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Simon R Bungers
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Benjamin H Cooper
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Frederique Varoqueaux
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Ralf B Nehring
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Eckart D Gundelfinger
- Department of Neurochemistry and Molecular Biology, Leibniz Institute of Neurobiology, 39118 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Christian Rosenmund
- Neuroscience Research Centre and NeuroCure, Charité, University Medicine Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Silvio O Rizzoli
- Department of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University of Göttingen Medical Center, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas C Südhof
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Jeong-Seop Rhee
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nils Brose
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
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23
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Protective immune response in mice induced by a suicidal DNA vaccine encoding NTPase-II gene of Toxoplasma gondii. Acta Trop 2017; 166:336-342. [PMID: 27940233 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
DNA-based alphaviral RNA replicon vectors, also called suicidal DNA vectors, have been employed to alleviate biosafety concerns attribution to its ability to induce apoptotic cell death of the transfected cells. Toxoplasma gondii nucleoside triphosphate hydrolase-II (TgNTPase-II), which facilitates the parasite to salvage purines from the host cell for survival and replication, have been demonstrated to be a potential vaccine candidate for toxoplasmosis. Herein, we evaluated the immunogenic potential of a suicidal DNA vaccine encoding TgNTPase-II gene, pDREP-TgNTPase-II, delivered intramuscularly in combination with electroporation. Immunization of mice with pDREP-TgNTPase-II elicited specific humoral responses, with high IgG antibody titers and a mixed IgG1/IgG2a response. The cellular immune response was associated with high level production of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-10 cytokines and low level IL-4 production as well as the increase of the percentage of CD8+ T cells, indicating that a Th1 predominant response was elicited. Furthermore, mice vaccinated with this suicidal DNA vaccine displayed partial protection against acute infection with the virulent RH strain as well as chronic infection with PRU cyst, which shows 77.7% and 71.4% reduction in brain cyst burden in comparison to PBS and pDREP-eGFP control group, respectively. Based on the cellular and antibody responses, the suicidal DNA vaccine elicited a Th1-predominant immune response against T. gondii challenge.
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24
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Schott JW, Morgan M, Galla M, Schambach A. Viral and Synthetic RNA Vector Technologies and Applications. Mol Ther 2016; 24:1513-27. [PMID: 27377044 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2016.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Use of RNA is an increasingly popular method to transiently deliver genetic information for cell manipulation in basic research and clinical therapy. In these settings, viral and nonviral RNA platforms are employed for delivery of small interfering RNA and protein-coding mRNA. Technological advances allowing RNA modification for increased stability, improved translation and reduced immunogenicity have led to increased use of nonviral synthetic RNA, which is delivered in naked form or upon formulation. Alternatively, highly efficient viral entry pathways are exploited to transfer genes of interest as RNA incorporated into viral particles. Current viral RNA transfer technologies are derived from Retroviruses, nonsegmented negative-strand RNA viruses or positive-stranded Alpha- and Flaviviruses. In retroviral particles, the genes of interest can either be incorporated directly into the viral RNA genome or as nonviral RNA. Nonsegmented negative-strand virus-, Alpha- and Flavivirus-derived vectors support prolonged expression windows through replication of viral RNA encoding genes of interest. Mixed technologies combining viral and nonviral components are also available. RNA transfer is ideal for all settings that do not require permanent transgene expression and excludes potentially detrimental DNA integration into the target cell genome. Thus, RNA-based technologies are successfully applied for reprogramming, transdifferentiation, gene editing, vaccination, tumor therapy, and gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane W Schott
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence REBIRTH, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Morgan
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence REBIRTH, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Melanie Galla
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence REBIRTH, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence REBIRTH, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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25
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Ehrengruber MU, Lundstrom K. Recombinant Alphavirus-Mediated Expression of Ion Channels and Receptors in the Brain. NEUROMETHODS 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3064-7_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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26
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Ogas Castells ML, La Torre JL, Grigera PR, Poggio TV. A single dose of a suicidal DNA vaccine induces a specific immune response in salmonids. JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES 2015; 38:581-7. [PMID: 25103042 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.12274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 04/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/26/2014] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M L Ogas Castells
- Centro de Virología Animal (CEVAN), Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología "Dr. Cesar Milstein", Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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27
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Alphaviruses in gene therapy. Viruses 2015; 7:2321-33. [PMID: 25961488 PMCID: PMC4452908 DOI: 10.3390/v7052321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Revised: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Alphavirus vectors present an attractive approach for gene therapy applications due to the rapid and simple recombinant virus particle production and their broad range of mammalian host cell transduction. Mainly three types of alphavirus vectors, namely naked RNA, recombinant particles and DNA/RNA layered vectors, have been subjected to preclinical studies with the goal of achieving prophylactic or therapeutic efficacy, particularly in oncology. In this context, immunization with alphavirus vectors has provided protection against challenges with tumor cells. Moreover, alphavirus intratumoral and systemic delivery has demonstrated substantial tumor regression and significant prolonged survival rates in various animal tumor models. Recent discoveries of the strong association of RNA interference and disease have accelerated gene therapy based approaches, where alphavirus-based gene delivery can play an important role.
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28
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Scanning mutagenesis studies reveal a potential intramolecular interaction within the C-terminal half of dengue virus NS2A involved in viral RNA replication and virus assembly and secretion. J Virol 2015; 89:4281-95. [PMID: 25653435 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.03011-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED The NS2A protein of dengue virus (DENV) has eight predicted transmembrane segments (pTMSs; pTMS1 to pTMS8). NS2A has been shown to participate in RNA replication, virion assembly, and the host antiviral response. However, the role of the amino acid residues within the pTMS regions of NS2A during the virus life cycle is poorly understood. In the study described here, we explored the function of DENV NS2A by introducing a series of double or triple alanine substitutions into the C-terminal half (pTMS4 to pTMS8) of NS2A in the context of a DENV infectious clone or subgenomic replicon. Fourteen (8 within pTMS8) of 35 NS2A mutants displayed a lethal phenotype due to impairment of RNA replication by a replicon assay. Three NS2A mutants with mutations within pTMS7, the CM20, CM25, and CM27 mutants, displayed similar phenotypes, low virus yields (>100-fold reduction), wild-type-like replicon activity, and low infectious virus-like particle yields by transient trans-packaging experiments, suggesting a defect in virus assembly and secretion. The sequencing of revertant viruses derived from CM20, CM25, and CM27 mutant viruses revealed a consensus reversion mutation, leucine (L) to phenylalanine (F), at codon 181 within pTMS7. The introduction of an L181F mutation into a full-length NS2A mutant, i.e., the CM20, CM25, and CM27 constructs, completely restored wild-type infectivity. Notably, L181F also substantially rescued the other severely RNA replication-defective mutants with mutations within pTMS4, pTMS6, and pTMS8, i.e., the CM2, CM3, CM13, CM31, and CM32 mutants. In conclusion, the results revealed the essential roles of pTMS4 to pTMS8 of NS2A in RNA replication and/or virus assembly and secretion. The intramolecular interaction between pTMS7 and pTMS4, pTMS6, or pTMS8 of the NS2A protein was also implicated. IMPORTANCE The reported characterization of the C-terminal half of dengue virus NS2A is the first comprehensive mutagenesis study to investigate the function of flavivirus NS2A involved in the steps of the virus life cycle. In particular, detailed mapping of the amino acid residues within the predicted transmembrane segments (pTMSs) of NS2A involved in RNA replication and/or virus assembly and secretion was performed. A revertant genetics study also revealed that L181F within pTMS7 is a consensus reversion mutation that rescues both RNA replication-defective and virus assembly- and secretion-defective mutants with mutations within the other three pTMSs of NS2A. Collectively, these findings elucidate the role played by NS2A during the virus life cycle, possibly through the intricate intramolecular interaction between pTMS7 and other pTMSs within the NS2A protein.
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29
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Willig KI, Steffens H, Gregor C, Herholt A, Rossner MJ, Hell SW. Nanoscopy of filamentous actin in cortical dendrites of a living mouse. Biophys J 2014; 106:L01-3. [PMID: 24411266 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2013.11.1119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Revised: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We demonstrate superresolution fluorescence microscopy (nanoscopy) of protein distributions in a mammalian brain in vivo. Stimulated emission depletion microscopy reveals the morphology of the filamentous actin in dendritic spines down to 40 μm in the molecular layer of the visual cortex of an anesthetized mouse. Consecutive recordings at 43-70 nm resolution reveal dynamical changes in spine morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin I Willig
- Department of NanoBiophotonics, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany; Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Heinz Steffens
- Department of NanoBiophotonics, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Carola Gregor
- Department of NanoBiophotonics, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Alexander Herholt
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology and Department of Psychiatry, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, München, Germany
| | - Moritz J Rossner
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology and Department of Psychiatry, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, München, Germany
| | - Stefan W Hell
- Department of NanoBiophotonics, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany; Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, Göttingen, Germany.
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30
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Hu K. Vectorology and factor delivery in induced pluripotent stem cell reprogramming. Stem Cells Dev 2014; 23:1301-15. [PMID: 24625220 PMCID: PMC4046209 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2013.0621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) reprogramming requires sustained expression of multiple reprogramming factors for a limited period of time (10-30 days). Conventional iPSC reprogramming was achieved using lentiviral or simple retroviral vectors. Retroviral reprogramming has flaws of insertional mutagenesis, uncontrolled silencing, residual expression and re-activation of transgenes, and immunogenicity. To overcome these issues, various technologies were explored, including adenoviral vectors, protein transduction, RNA transfection, minicircle DNA, excisable PiggyBac (PB) transposon, Cre-lox excision system, negative-sense RNA replicon, positive-sense RNA replicon, Epstein-Barr virus-based episomal plasmids, and repeated transfections of plasmids. This review provides summaries of the main vectorologies and factor delivery systems used in current reprogramming protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kejin Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, UAB Stem Cell Institute, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, Alabama
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31
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Sánchez-Puig JM, Lorenzo MM, Blasco R. A vaccinia virus recombinant transcribing an alphavirus replicon and expressing alphavirus structural proteins leads to packaging of alphavirus infectious single cycle particles. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75574. [PMID: 24130722 PMCID: PMC3793997 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2013] [Accepted: 08/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Poxviruses and Alphaviruses constitute two promising viral vectors that have been used extensively as expression systems, or as vehicles for vaccine purposes. Poxviruses, like vaccinia virus (VV) are well-established vaccine vectors having large insertion capacity, excellent stability, and ease of administration. In turn, replicons derived from Alphaviruses like Semliki Forest virus (SFV) are potent protein expression and immunization vectors but stocks are difficult to produce and maintain. In an attempt to demonstrate the use of a Poxvirus as a means for the delivery of small vaccine vectors, we have constructed and characterized VV/SFV hybrid vectors. A SFV replicon cDNA was inserted in the VV genome and placed under the control of a VV early promoter. The replicon, transcribed from the VV genome as an early transcript, was functional, and thus capable of initiating its own replication and transcription. Further, we constructed a VV recombinant additionally expressing the SFV structural proteins under the control of a vaccinia synthetic early/late promoter. Infection with this recombinant produced concurrent transcription of the replicon and expression of SFV structural proteins, and led to the generation of replicon-containing SFV particles that were released to the medium and were able to infect additional cells. This combined VV/SFV system in a single virus allows the use of VV as a SFV delivery vehicle in vivo. The combination of two vectors, and the possibility of generating in vivo single-cycle, replicon containing alphavirus particles, may open new strategies in vaccine development or in the design of oncolytic viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juana M. Sánchez-Puig
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (I.N.I.A.), Madrid, Spain
| | - María M. Lorenzo
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (I.N.I.A.), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Blasco
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (I.N.I.A.), Madrid, Spain
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32
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Chen ZH, Huang GL, Tu YQ, Jiang Y, Dai WX. Dual specific antitumor effects of Semliki Forest virus-based DNA vector carrying suicide Escherichia coli purine nucleoside phosphorylase gene via Salmonella. Int J Oncol 2013; 42:2009-18. [PMID: 23588611 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2013.1900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2013] [Accepted: 04/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The Escherichia coli purine nucleoside phospho-rylase/2-fluoro-2-deoxyadenosine (ePNP/F-dAdo) suicide system has demonstrated a powerful killing and bystander effects on tumor cells. However, several drawbacks to this approach remain to be resolved, such as the side-effects and the low efficiency of ePNP-targeted expression. A human telo-merase reverse transcriptase promoter-driven Semliki Forest virus-based DNA vector (pShT-ePNP) with high expression of the ePNP gene was constructed. Live attenuated Salmonella typhimurium 7207 (SL7207) was used initially as a vehicle to targetly transfer the large alphavirus vector into tumor cells. The in vitro quantitative analysis showed ~2-fold higher green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression for pShT-GFP than for conventional cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter-mediated eukaryotic expression plasmids such as pIRES-GFP and the targeted expression of the ePNP gene in tumor cells was also detected by RT-PCR. After F-dAdo addition, the enzymatic conversion of F-Ado into 2-fluoroadmine (F-Ade) was tested by HPLC. Cell cytotoxicity assays showed that the significant inhibitory effect of the SL/pShT-ePNP system on tumor cells was dose- and time-dependent. Following oral administration, recombinant bacteria targetly allocated within the solid tumor and the expression of ePNP and GFP genes in vivo were detected by RT-PCR or observed by fluorescence microscopy. SL/pShT-ePNP and F-dAdo were also found to exert powerful therapeutic effects in combination against tumor growth and for prolonging the lifespan of tumor-bearing mice. These findings suggest that the SL/pShT-ePNP system may serve as a powerful strategy for tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Hao Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
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Lin MY, Rohan JG, Cai H, Reim K, Ko CP, Chow RH. Complexin facilitates exocytosis and synchronizes vesicle release in two secretory model systems. J Physiol 2013; 591:2463-73. [PMID: 23401610 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2012.244517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Complexins (Cplxs) are small, SNARE-associated proteins believed to regulate fast, calcium-triggered exocytosis. However, studies have pointed to either an inhibitory and/or facilitatory role in exocytosis, and the role of Cplxs in synchronizing exocytosis is relatively unexplored. Here, we compare the function of two types of complexin, Cplx 1 and 2, in two model systems of calcium-dependent exocytosis. In mouse neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), we find that lack of Cplx 1 significantly reduces and desynchronizes calcium-triggered synaptic transmission; furthermore, high-frequency stimulation elicits synaptic facilitation, instead of normal synaptic depression, and the degree of facilitation is highly sensitive to the amount of cytoplasmic calcium buffering. In Cplx 2-null adrenal chromaffin cells, we also find decreased and desynchronized evoked release, and identify a significant reduction in the vesicle pool close to the calcium channels (immediately releasable pool, IRP). Viral transduction with either Cplx 1 or 2 rescues both the size of the evoked response and the synchronicity of release, and it restores the IRP size. Our findings in two model systems are mutually compatible and indicate a role of Cplx 1 and 2 in facilitating vesicle priming, and also lead to the new hypothesis that Cplxs may synchronize vesicle release by promoting coupling between secretory vesicles and calcium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Yi Lin
- Section of Neurobiology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2520, USA
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Yudowski GA, Olsen O, Adesnik H, Marek KW, Bredt DS. Acute inactivation of PSD-95 destabilizes AMPA receptors at hippocampal synapses. PLoS One 2013; 8:e53965. [PMID: 23342049 PMCID: PMC3546964 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2012] [Accepted: 12/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Postsynatptic density protein (PSD-95) is a 95 kDa scaffolding protein that assembles signaling complexes at synapses. Over-expression of PSD-95 in primary hippocampal neurons selectively increases synaptic localization of AMPA receptors; however, mice lacking PSD-95 display grossly normal glutamatergic transmission in hippocampus. To further study the scaffolding role of PSD-95 at excitatory synapses, we generated a recombinant PSD-95-4c containing a tetracysteine motif, which specifically binds a fluorescein derivative and allows for acute and permanent inactivation of PSD-95. Interestingly, acute inactivation of PSD-95 in rat hippocampal cultures rapidly reduced surface AMPA receptor immunostaining, but did not affected NMDA or transferrin receptor localization. Acute photoinactivation of PSD-95 in dissociated neurons causes ∼80% decrease in GluR2 surface staining observed by live-cell microscopy within 15 minutes of PSD-95-4c ablation. These results confirm that PSD-95 stabilizes AMPA receptors at postsynaptic sites and provides insight into the dynamic interplay between PSD-95 and AMPA receptors in live neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo A Yudowski
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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Wu Q, Xu F, Fang L, Xu J, Li B, Jiang Y, Chen H, Xiao S. Enhanced immunogenicity induced by an alphavirus replicon-based pseudotyped baculovirus vaccine against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. J Virol Methods 2012. [PMID: 23201089 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2012.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Pseudotyped baculovirus has emerged as a promising vector for vaccine development and gene therapy. Alphaviruses, such as Semliki Forest virus (SFV), have also received considerable attention for use as expression vectors because of their self-replicating properties. In this study, pseudotyped baculovirus containing the hybrid cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter/SFV replicon was used as a vector to co-express the GP5 and M proteins of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). The immunogenicity of the resulting recombinant baculovirus (BV-SFV-5m6) was compared with the pseudotyped baculovirus vaccine (BV-CMV-5m6), in which the expression of GP5 and M were driven by the CMV promoter only. In vitro, BV-SFV-5m6 exhibited enhanced expression of foreign proteins and also caused apoptosis in transduced cells. After immunization in BALB/c mice, BV-SFV-5m6 induced strong GP5-specific ELISA antibodies and neutralizing antibodies against homologous and heterologous viruses, along with dose sparing. Further analysis of the cell-mediated immune response showed that BV-SFV-5m6 elicited a Th1-dominant immune response that was greater than that elicited by BV-CMV-5m6. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that a baculovirus containing the hybrid CMV promoter/alphavirus replicon can be utilized as an alternative strategy to develop an efficacious vaccine against PRRSV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qunfeng Wu
- Division of Animal Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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Testa I, Urban NT, Jakobs S, Eggeling C, Willig KI, Hell SW. Nanoscopy of living brain slices with low light levels. Neuron 2012; 75:992-1000. [PMID: 22998868 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2012.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/19/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Lens-based fluorescence microscopy, which has long been limited in resolution to about 200 nanometers by diffraction, is rapidly evolving into a nanoscale imaging technique. Here, we show that the superresolution fluorescence microscopy called RESOLFT enables comparatively fast and continuous imaging of sensitive, nanosized features in living brain tissue. Using low-intensity illumination to switch photochromic fluorescent proteins reversibly between a fluorescent and a nonfluorescent state, we increased the resolution more than 3-fold over that of confocal microscopy in all dimensions. Dendritic spines located 10-50 μm deep inside living organotypic hippocampal brain slices were recorded for hours without signs of degradation. Using a fast-switching protein increased the imaging speed 50-fold over reported RESOLFT schemes, which in turn enabled the recording of spontaneous and stimulated changes of dendritic actin filaments and spine morphology occurring on time scales from seconds to hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Testa
- Department of NanoBiophotonics, Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Am Fassberg 11, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
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Abstract
The alphaviruses Semliki Forest virus and Sindbis virus have been used frequently as expression vectors in vitro and in vivo. Usually, these systems consist of replication-deficient vectors that require a helper vector for packaging of recombinant particles. Replication-proficient vectors have also been engineered. Alphaviral vectors can be used as nucleic-acid-based vectors (DNA and RNA) or infectious particles. High-titer viral production is achieved in <2 d. The broad host range of alphaviruses facilitates studies in mammalian and nonmammalian cell lines, primary cells in culture, and in vivo. The strong preference for expression in neuronal cells has made alphaviruses particularly useful in neurobiological studies. Unfortunately, their strong cytotoxic effect on host cells, relatively short-term transient expression patterns, and the reasonably high cost of viral production remain drawbacks. However, novel mutant alphaviruses have showed reduced cytotoxicity and prolonged expression. Membrane proteins (which are generally difficult to express at high levels in recombinant systems) have generated high yields and facilitate applications in structural biology. Alphaviruses have also been applied in vaccine development and gene therapy. This protocol describes the production of recombinant alphaviral vectors. The SFV- and SIN-based expression systems apply two vectors for recombinant particle production. In addition to the RNA-based vectors described here, DNA vectors with cytomegalovirus or other RNA polymerase type II promoters can be used for direct plasmid DNA transfections. Cotransfection of SFV-based pSCA expression and pSCA helper vectors generates recombinant viral particles.
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Zhou L, Jones EV, Murai KK. EphA signaling promotes actin-based dendritic spine remodeling through slingshot phosphatase. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:9346-59. [PMID: 22282498 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.302802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Actin cytoskeletal remodeling plays a critical role in transforming the morphology of subcellular structures across various cell types. In the brain, restructuring of dendritic spines through actin cytoskeleletal reorganization is implicated in the regulation of synaptic efficacy and the storage of information in neural circuits. However, the upstream pathways that provoke actin-based spine changes remain only partly understood. Here we show that EphA receptor signaling remodels spines by triggering a sequence of events involving actin filament rearrangement and synapse/spine reorganization. Rapid EphA signaling over minutes activates the actin filament depolymerizing/severing factor cofilin, alters F-actin distribution in spines, and causes transient spine elongation through the phosphatases slingshot 1 (SSH1) and calcineurin/protein phosphatase 2B (PP2B). This early phase of spine extension is followed by synaptic reorganization events that take place over minutes to hours and involve the relocation of pre/postsynaptic components and ultimately spine retraction. Thus, EphA receptors utilize discrete cellular and molecular pathways to promote actin-based structural plasticity of excitatory synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhou
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Harmel N, Cokic B, Zolles G, Berkefeld H, Mauric V, Fakler B, Stein V, Klöcker N. AMPA receptors commandeer an ancient cargo exporter for use as an auxiliary subunit for signaling. PLoS One 2012; 7:e30681. [PMID: 22292017 PMCID: PMC3265512 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 12/27/2011] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Fast excitatory neurotransmission in the mammalian central nervous system is mainly mediated by ionotropic glutamate receptors of the AMPA subtype (AMPARs). AMPARs are protein complexes of the pore-lining α-subunits GluA1-4 and auxiliary β-subunits modulating their trafficking and gating. By a proteomic approach, two homologues of the cargo exporter cornichon, CNIH-2 and CNIH-3, have recently been identified as constituents of native AMPARs in mammalian brain. In heterologous reconstitution experiments, CNIH-2 promotes surface expression of GluAs and modulates their biophysical properties. However, its relevance in native AMPAR physiology remains controversial. Here, we have studied the role of CNIH-2 in GluA processing both in heterologous cells and primary rat neurons. Our data demonstrate that CNIH-2 serves an evolutionarily conserved role as a cargo exporter from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). CNIH-2 cycles continuously between ER and Golgi complex to pick up cargo protein in the ER and then to mediate its preferential export in a coat protein complex (COP) II dependent manner. Interaction with GluA subunits breaks with this ancestral role of CNIH-2 confined to the early secretory pathway. While still taking advantage of being exported preferentially from the ER, GluAs recruit CNIH-2 to the cell surface. Thus, mammalian AMPARs commandeer CNIH-2 for use as a bona fide auxiliary subunit that is able to modify receptor signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Harmel
- Institute of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Barbara Cokic
- Department of Synaptic Receptor Trafficking, Max-Planck-Institute of Neurobiology, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Gerd Zolles
- Institute of Physiology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Veronika Mauric
- Institute of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Bernd Fakler
- Institute of Physiology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Biological Signaling Studies (BIOSS), Freiburg, Germany
| | - Valentin Stein
- Department of Physiology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Nikolaj Klöcker
- Institute of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Huang Y, Liu S, Yang P, Wang C, Du Y, Yu W, Sun Z. Replicon-based Japanese encephalitis virus vaccines elicit immune response in mice. J Virol Methods 2012; 179:217-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2011.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2011] [Revised: 10/29/2011] [Accepted: 11/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Astrocytes display complex and localized calcium responses to single-neuron stimulation in the hippocampus. J Neurosci 2011; 31:8905-19. [PMID: 21677174 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.6341-10.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes show a complex structural and physiological interplay with neurons and respond to neuronal activation in vitro and in vivo with intracellular calcium elevations. These calcium changes enable astrocytes to modulate synaptic transmission and plasticity through various mechanisms. However, the response pattern of astrocytes to single neuronal depolarization events still remains unresolved. This information is critical for fully understanding the coordinated network of neuron-glial signaling in the brain. To address this, we developed a system to map astrocyte calcium responses along apical dendrites of CA1 pyramidal neurons in hippocampal slices using single-neuron stimulation with channelrhodopsin-2. This technique allowed selective neuronal depolarization without invasive manipulations known to alter calcium levels in astrocytes. Light-evoked neuronal depolarization was elicited and calcium events in surrounding astrocytes were monitored using the calcium-sensitive dye Calcium Orange. Stimulation of single neurons caused calcium responses in populations of astrocytes along the apical axis of CA1 cell dendrites. Calcium responses included single events that were synchronized with neuronal stimulation and poststimulus changes in calcium event frequency, both of which were modulated by glutamatergic and purinergic signaling. Individual astrocytes near CA1 cells showed low ability to respond to repeated neuronal depolarization events. However, the response of the surrounding astrocyte population was remarkably accurate. Interestingly, the reliability of responses was graded with respect to astrocyte location along the CA1 cell dendrite, with astrocytes residing in the primary dendrite subregion being most responsive. This study provides a new perspective on the dynamic response property of astrocyte ensembles to neuronal activity.
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Ren XH, Liu SC, Dai JW, Hou F, Zhou LG, Lv TG, Liu YP, Zhang QQ, Jiang QY, Zhang YL. Poly(d, l-lactide-co-glycolide) microsphere-mediated expression of growth hormone-releasing hormone in skeletal muscle of pregnant pigs enhances offspring weight gain. Livest Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2010.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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43
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Alphavirus vectors for cancer therapy. Virus Res 2010; 153:179-96. [PMID: 20692305 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2010.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2010] [Revised: 07/27/2010] [Accepted: 07/28/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Alphaviruses contain a single strand RNA genome that can be easily modified to express heterologous genes at very high levels in a broad variety of cells, including tumor cells. Alphavirus vectors can be used as viral particles containing a packaged vector RNA, or directly as nucleic acids in the form of RNA or DNA. In the latter case alphavirus RNA is cloned within a DNA vector downstream of a eukaryotic promoter. Expression mediated by these vectors is generally transient due to the induction of apoptosis. The high expression levels, induction of apoptosis, and activation of type I IFN response are the key features that have made alphavirus vectors very attractive for cancer treatment and vaccination. Alphavirus vectors have been successfully used as vaccines to induce protective and therapeutic immune responses against many tumor-associated antigens in animal models of mastocytoma, melanoma, mammary, prostate, and virally induced tumors. Alphavirus vectors have also shown a high antitumoral efficacy by expressing antitumoral molecules in tumor cells, which include cytokines, antiangiogenic factors or toxic proteins. In these studies induction of apoptosis in tumor cells contributed to the antitumoral efficacy by the release of tumor antigens that can be uptaken by antigen presenting cells, enhancing immune responses against tumors. The potential use of alphaviruses as oncolytic agents has also been evaluated for avirulent strains of Semliki Forest virus and Sindbis virus. The fact that this latter virus has a natural tropism for tumor cells has led to many studies in which this vector was able to reach metastatic tumors when administered systemically. Other "artificial" strategies to increase the tropism of alphavirus for tumors have also been evaluated and will be discussed.
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Pan Y, Zhao Q, Fang L, Luo R, Chen H, Xiao S. Efficient gene delivery into mammalian cells by recombinant baculovirus containing a hybrid cytomegalovirus promoter/Semliki Forest virus replicon. J Gene Med 2010; 11:1030-8. [PMID: 19757479 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.1390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Baculovirus, which is widely utilized as an excellent tool for the production of recombinant protein in insect cells, has recently emerged as a novel and attractive gene delivery vehicle for mammalian cells. Alphavirus, such as Semliki Forest virus (SFV), has also received considerable attention for use as expression vectors because of its self-replicating property. In the present study, we investigated the characterization of recombinant baculovirus incorporating a hybrid cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter/SFV replicon. METHODS Recombinant baculovirus containing the hybrid CMV promoter/SFV replicon was constructed. Using enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) as the reporter gene, gene delivery efficiencies and the ability to express heterogenous protein in mammalian cells were evaluated. Optimal transduction conditions, including transduction temperature, time and dose, were also investigated. RESULTS The obtained recombinant baculovirus, Bac-CMV/SFV-EGFP, exhibited high transduction efficiency and high-level expression of reporter protein in mammalian cells. Furthermore, this recombinant baculovirus could induce apoptosis in mammalian cells in the course of transduction, as demonstrated by the observed DNA laddering patterns and increased caspase-3 activity. CONCLUSIONS The developed baculovirus vector has a high transduction efficiency and the ability to mediate foreign gene expression in mammalian cells. Taken together with its pro-apoptotic properties, this baculovirus vector may provide an alternative tool for vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfei Pan
- Division of Animal Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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Ren XH, Zhang YL, Luo HY, Li HY, Liu SC, Zhang MJ, Ouyang SY, Xi QY, Jiang QY. PLGA microsphere-mediated growth hormone release hormone expression induces intergenerational growth. Anim Biotechnol 2009; 20:124-32. [PMID: 19544208 DOI: 10.1080/10495390902945787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
To improve animal growth, growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) expression vectors that maintain constant GHRH expression can be directly injected into muscles. To deliver the GHRH expression vectors, biodegradable microspheres have been used as a sustained release system. Although administering GHRH through microspheres is a common practice, the intergenerational effects of this delivery system are unknown. To investigate the intergenerational effects of polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) encapsulated plasmid-mediated GHRH supplements, pCMV-Rep-GHRH microspheres were injected into pregnant mice. Growth and expression of GHRH were measured in the offspring. RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry reveal GHRH expression 3-21 days post-injection. The proportion of GH-positive cells in the GHRH treated offspring was 48.2% higher than in the control group (P < 0.01). The GHRH treated offspring were 6.15% (P < 0.05) larger than the control offspring. At day 49 post-injection, IGF-I serum levels were significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group. This study confirms that intramuscular expression of GHRH mediated by PLGA microspheres significantly enhances intergenerational growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Hui Ren
- College of Ocean, Heibei Agricultural University, Qinhuangdao, China
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46
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Yu Y, Yu J, Li N, Wang S, Yu W, Sun Z. Individual and bivalent vaccines against botulinum neurotoxin serotypes A and B using DNA-based Semliki Forest virus vectors. Vaccine 2009; 27:6148-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2009.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2009] [Revised: 07/29/2009] [Accepted: 08/06/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Papale A, Cerovic M, Brambilla R. Viral vector approaches to modify gene expression in the brain. J Neurosci Methods 2009; 185:1-14. [PMID: 19699233 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2009.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2009] [Revised: 08/13/2009] [Accepted: 08/14/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The use of viral vectors as gene transfer tools for the central nervous system has seen a significant growth in the last decade. Improvements in the safety, efficiency and specificity of vectors for clinical applications have proven to be beneficial also for basic neuroscience research. This review will discuss the viral systems currently available to neuroscientists and some of the recent achievements in the study of synaptic function, memory and drug addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Papale
- Institute of Experimental Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Foundation and University, Milano, Italy
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48
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Zheng M, Jin N, Liu Q, Huo X, Li Y, Hu B, Ma H, Zhu Z, Cong Y, Li X, Jin M, Zhu G. Immunogenicity and protective efficacy of Semliki forest virus replicon-based DNA vaccines encoding goatpox virus structural proteins. Virology 2009; 391:33-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2009.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2009] [Revised: 03/16/2009] [Accepted: 05/19/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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49
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Fang R, Nie H, Wang Z, Tu P, Zhou D, Wang L, He L, Zhou Y, Zhao J. Protective immune response in BALB/c mice induced by a suicidal DNA vaccine of the MIC3 gene of Toxoplasma gondii. Vet Parasitol 2009; 164:134-40. [PMID: 19592172 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2009.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2009] [Revised: 06/03/2009] [Accepted: 06/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the protective efficiency of a suicidal DNA vaccine against protozoal parasite Toxoplasma gondii, the microneme protein 3 (MIC3) gene was cloned into suicidal vector pSCA1 and conventional DNA vaccine vector pcDNA3.1+ respectively, their protection against T. gondii challenge were assessed in this study. The recombinant plasmids named pSCA/MIC3 and pcDNA/MIC3 were transfected into BHK-21 cells. The expression of MIC3 in BHK-21 cells was confirmed by RT-PCR and indirect immunofluorescence test. Then BALB/c mice were immunized with pSCA/MIC3 or pcDNA/MIC3. Anti-Tg-MIC3 antibodies were detected by indirect ELISA and the cell immune response were examined by lymphocyte proliferation assay and real time RT-PCR. The results showed that the titre of anti-Tg-MIC3 antibodies, stimulation index (SI) of lymphocyte proliferation response and IFN-gamma expression level induced by pSCA/MIC3 and pcDNA/MIC3 were significantly higher than controls (P<0.05), whereas IL-4 expression level in BALB/c mice immunized with either pSCA/MIC3 or pcDNA/MIC3 was lower than that in control group. After a lethal challenge against T. gondii, survival time of the mice immunized with this suicidal DNA vaccine pSCA/MIC3 and conventional DNA vaccine pcDNA/MIC3 were significantly prolonged in comparison with the control groups (P<0.05), but the difference of protective immune response in BALB/c mice between pSCA/MIC3 and pcDNA/MIC3 was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The findings demonstrated that like conventional DNA vaccine pcDNA/MIC3, suicidal DNA vaccine pSCA/MIC3 also provided favourable efficacy, but it could improve the biosafety of conventional vaccines. This result suggested that suicidal DNA vaccine pSCA/MIC3 is a potential candidate vaccine against toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, PR China
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Rausalu K, Iofik A, Ulper L, Karo-Astover L, Lulla V, Merits A. Properties and use of novel replication-competent vectors based on Semliki Forest virus. Virol J 2009; 6:33. [PMID: 19317912 PMCID: PMC2669057 DOI: 10.1186/1743-422x-6-33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2009] [Accepted: 03/24/2009] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Semliki Forest virus (SFV) has a positive strand RNA genome and infects different cells of vertebrates and invertebrates. The 5' two-thirds of the genome encodes non-structural proteins that are required for virus replication and synthesis of subgenomic (SG) mRNA for structural proteins. SG-mRNA is generated by internal initiation at the SG-promoter that is located at the complementary minus-strand template. Different types of expression systems including replication-competent vectors, which represent alphavirus genomes with inserted expression units, have been developed. The replication-competent vectors represent useful tools for studying alphaviruses and have potential therapeutic applications. In both cases, the properties of the vector, such as its genetic stability and expression level of the protein of interest, are important. Results We analysed 14 candidates of replication-competent vectors based on the genome of an SFV4 isolate that contained a duplicated SG promoter or an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES)-element controlled marker gene. It was found that the IRES elements and the minimal -21 to +5 SG promoter were non-functional in the context of these vectors. The efficient SG promoters contained at least 26 residues upstream of the start site of SG mRNA. The insertion site of the SG promoter and its length affected the genetic stability of the vectors, which was always higher when the SG promoter was inserted downstream of the coding region for structural proteins. The stability also depended on the conditions used for vector propagation. A procedure based on the in vitro transcription of ligation products was used for generation of replication-competent vector-based expression libraries that contained hundreds of thousands of different genomes, and maintained genetic diversity and the ability to express inserted genes over five passages in cell culture. Conclusion The properties of replication-competent vectors of alphaviruses depend on the details of their construction. In the case of SFV4, such vectors should contain the SG promoter with structural characteristics for this isolate. The main factor for instability of SFV4-based replication-competent vectors was the deletion of genes of interest, since the resulting shorter genomes had a growth advantage over the original vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Rausalu
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
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