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Liang Z, Bao H, Yao Z, Li M, Chen C, Zhang L, Wang H, Guo Y, Ma Y, Yang X, Yu G, Zhang J, Xue C, Sun B, Mao C. The orientation of CpG conjugation on aluminum oxyhydroxide nanoparticles determines the immunostimulatory effects of combination adjuvants. Biomaterials 2024; 308:122569. [PMID: 38626556 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
In subunit vaccines, aluminum salts (Alum) are commonly used as adjuvants, but with limited cellular immune responses. To overcome this limitation, CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) have been used in combination with Alum. However, current combined usage of Alum and CpG is limited to linear mixtures, and the underlying interaction mechanism between CpG and Alum is not well understood. Thus, we propose to chemically conjugate Alum nanoparticles and CpG (with 5' or 3' end exposed) to design combination adjuvants. Our study demonstrates that compared to the 3'-end exposure, the 5'-end exposure of CpG in combination adjuvants (Al-CpG-5') enhances the activation of bone-marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) and promotes Th1 and Th2 cytokine secretion. We used the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) as model antigens to demonstrate that Al-CpG-5' enhanced antigen-specific antibody production and upregulated cytotoxic T lymphocyte markers. Additionally, Al-CpG-5' allows for coordinated adaptive immune responses even at lower doses of both CpG ODNs and HBsAg antigens, and enhances lymph node transport of antigens and activation of dendritic cells, promoting Tfh cell differentiation and B cell activation. Our novel Alum-CPG strategy points the way towards broadening the use of nanoadjuvants for both prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Liang
- Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, PR China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Hang Bao
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, PR China
| | - Zhiying Yao
- Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, PR China
| | - Min Li
- Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, PR China
| | - Chen Chen
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, PR China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, PR China
| | - Huiyang Wang
- Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, PR China
| | - Yiyang Guo
- Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, PR China
| | - Yubin Ma
- Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, PR China
| | - Xuecheng Yang
- Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, PR China
| | - Ge Yu
- Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, PR China
| | - Jiancheng Zhang
- AIM Honesty Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Dalian, 116100, PR China
| | - Changying Xue
- School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, PR China.
| | - Bingbing Sun
- Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, PR China.
| | - Chuanbin Mao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
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2
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Ataei F, Ahmadi A, Fasihi-R M, Kachoei R, Amani J, Najafi A. Immunogenicity of different nanoparticle adjuvants containing recombinant RBD coronavirus antigen in animal model. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2024; 71:314-325. [PMID: 38037222 DOI: 10.1002/bab.2542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Ongoing mutations of SARS-CoV-2 present challenges for vaccine development, promising renewed global efforts to create more effective vaccines against coronavirus disease (COVID-19). One approach is to target highly immunogenic viral proteins, such as the spike receptor binding domain (RBD), which can stimulate the production of potent neutralizing antibodies. This study aimed to design and test a subunit vaccine candidate based on the RBD. Bioinformatics analysis identified antigenic regions of the RBD for recombinant protein design. In silico analysis identified the RBD region as a feasible target for designing a recombinant vaccine. Bioinformatics tools predicted the stability and antigenicity of epitopes, and a 3D model of the RBD-angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 complex was constructed using molecular docking and codon optimization. The resulting construct was cloned into the pET-28a (+) vector and successfully expressed in Escherichia coli BL21DE3. As evidenced by sodium dodecyl-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting analyses, the affinity purification of RBD antigens produced high-quality products. Mice were immunized with the RBD antigen alone or combined with aluminum hydroxide (AlOH), calcium phosphate (CaP), or zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) as adjuvants. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay assays were used to evaluate immune responses in mice. In-silico analysis confirmed the stability and antigenicity of the designed protein structure. RBD with CaP NPs generated the highest immunoglobulin G titer compared to AlOH and ZnO after three doses, indicating its effectiveness as a vaccine platform. In conclusion, the recombinant RBD antigen administered with CaP adjuvant NPs induces potent humoral immunity in mice, supporting further vaccine development. These results contribute to ongoing efforts to develop more effective COVID-19 vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Ataei
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Ahmadi
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Fasihi-R
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Kachoei
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jafar Amani
- Applied Microbiology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Najafi
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
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3
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Kumru OS, Sanyal M, Friedland N, Hickey JM, Joshi R, Weidenbacher P, Do J, Cheng YC, Kim PS, Joshi SB, Volkin DB. Formulation development and comparability studies with an aluminum-salt adjuvanted SARS-CoV-2 spike ferritin nanoparticle vaccine antigen produced from two different cell lines. Vaccine 2023; 41:6502-6513. [PMID: 37620203 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.08.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The development of safe and effective second-generation COVID-19 vaccines to improve affordability and storage stability requirements remains a high priority to expand global coverage. In this report, we describe formulation development and comparability studies with a self-assembled SARS-CoV-2 spike ferritin nanoparticle vaccine antigen (called DCFHP), when produced in two different cell lines and formulated with an aluminum-salt adjuvant (Alhydrogel, AH). Varying levels of phosphate buffer altered the extent and strength of antigen-adjuvant interactions, and these formulations were evaluated for their (1) in vivo performance in mice and (2) in vitro stability profiles. Unadjuvanted DCFHP produced minimal immune responses while AH-adjuvanted formulations elicited greatly enhanced pseudovirus neutralization titers independent of ∼100%, ∼40% or ∼10% of the DCFHP antigen adsorbed to AH. These formulations differed, however, in their in vitro stability properties as determined by biophysical studies and a competitive ELISA for measuring ACE2 receptor binding of AH-bound antigen. Interestingly, after one month of 4°C storage, small increases in antigenicity with concomitant decreases in the ability to desorb the antigen from the AH were observed. Finally, we performed a comparability assessment of DCFHP antigen produced in Expi293 and CHO cells, which displayed expected differences in their N-linked oligosaccharide profiles. Despite consisting of different DCFHP glycoforms, these two preparations were highly similar in their key quality attributes including molecular size, structural integrity, conformational stability, binding to ACE2 receptor and mouse immunogenicity profiles. Taken together, these studies support future preclinical and clinical development of an AH-adjuvanted DCFHP vaccine candidate produced in CHO cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozan S Kumru
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Mrinmoy Sanyal
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Natalia Friedland
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - John M Hickey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Richa Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Payton Weidenbacher
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jonathan Do
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ya-Chen Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Peter S Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Sangeeta B Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - David B Volkin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA.
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Kumar P, Wang M, Kumru OS, Hickey JM, Sanmiguel J, Zabaleta N, Vandenberghe LH, Joshi SB, Volkin DB. Correlating physicochemical and biological properties to define critical quality attributes of a rAAV vaccine candidate. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 30:103-121. [PMID: 37746246 PMCID: PMC10512015 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) are a preferred vector system in clinical gene transfer. A fundamental challenge to formulate and deliver rAAVs as stable and efficacious vaccines is to elucidate interrelationships between the vector's physicochemical properties and biological potency. To this end, we evaluated an rAAV-based coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine candidate that encodes the Spike antigen (AC3) and is produced by a commercially viable process. First, state-of-the-art analytical techniques were employed to determine key structural attributes of AC3, including primary and higher-order structures, particle size, empty/full capsid ratios, aggregates, and multi-step thermal degradation pathway analysis. Next, several quantitative potency measures for AC3 were implemented, and data were correlated with the physicochemical analyses on thermally stressed and control samples. Results demonstrate links between decreasing AC3 physical stability profiles, in vitro transduction efficiency in a cell-based assay, and, importantly, in vivo immunogenicity in a mouse model. These findings are discussed in the general context of future development of rAAV-based vaccine candidates as well as specifically for the rAAV vaccine application under study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Michael Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Ozan S. Kumru
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - John M. Hickey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Julio Sanmiguel
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Nerea Zabaleta
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Luk H. Vandenberghe
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Sangeeta B. Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - David B. Volkin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
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5
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Kumru OS, Bajoria S, Kaur K, Hickey JM, Van Slyke G, Doering J, Berman K, Richardson C, Lien H, Kleanthous H, Mantis NJ, Joshi SB, Volkin DB. Effects of aluminum-salt, CpG and emulsion adjuvants on the stability and immunogenicity of a virus-like particle displaying the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD). Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2264594. [PMID: 37932241 PMCID: PMC10760504 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2264594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Second-generation COVID-19 vaccines with improved immunogenicity (e.g., breadth, duration) and availability (e.g., lower costs, refrigerator stable) are needed to enhance global coverage. In this work, we formulated a clinical-stage SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine candidate (IVX-411) with widely available adjuvants. Specifically, we assessed the in vitro storage stability and in vivo mouse immunogenicity of IVX-411 formulated with aluminum-salt adjuvants (Alhydrogel™, AH and Adjuphos™, AP), without or with the TLR-9 agonist CpG-1018™ (CpG), and compared these profiles to IVX-411 adjuvanted with an oil-in-water nano-emulsion (AddaVax™, AV). Although IVX-411 bound both AH and AP, lower binding strength of antigen to AP was observed by Langmuir binding isotherms. Interestingly, AH- and AP-adsorbed IVX-411 had similar storage stability profiles as measured by antigen-binding assays (competitive ELISAs), but the latter displayed higher pseudovirus neutralizing titers (pNT) in mice, at levels comparable to titers elicited by AV-adjuvanted IVX-411. CpG addition to alum (AP or AH) resulted in a marginal trend of improved pNTs in stressed samples only, yet did not impact the storage stability profiles of IVX-411. In contrast, previous work with AH-formulations of a monomeric RBD antigen showed greatly improved immunogenicity and decreased stability upon CpG addition to alum. At elevated temperatures (25, 37°C), IVX-411 formulated with AH or AP displayed decreased in vitro stability compared to AV-formulated IVX-411and this rank-ordering correlated with in vivo performance (mouse pNT values). This case study highlights the importance of characterizing antigen-adjuvant interactions to develop low cost, aluminum-salt adjuvanted recombinant subunit vaccine candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozan S. Kumru
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Sakshi Bajoria
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Kawaljit Kaur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - John M. Hickey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Greta Van Slyke
- Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer Doering
- Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Katherine Berman
- Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Harry Kleanthous
- Discovery & Translational Sciences, Global Health, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nicholas J. Mantis
- Division of Infectious Disease, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Sangeeta B. Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - David B. Volkin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
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Bajoria S, Kumru OS, Doering J, Berman K, Slyke GV, Prigodich A, Rodriguez-Aponte SA, Kleanthous H, Love JC, Mantis NJ, Joshi SB, Volkin DB. Nanoalum Formulations Containing Aluminum Hydroxide and CpG 1018 TM Adjuvants: The Effect on Stability and Immunogenicity of a Recombinant SARS-CoV-2 RBD Antigen. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1030. [PMID: 37376419 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11061030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aluminum-salt vaccine adjuvants (alum) are commercially available as micron-sized particles with varying chemical composition and crystallinity. There are reports of enhanced adjuvanticity when the alum's particle size is reduced to the nanometer range. Previously, we demonstrated that a recombinant receptor-binding domain (RBD)-based COVID-19 vaccine candidate (RBD-J; RBD-L452K-F490W) formulated with aluminum hydroxide (Alhydrogel®; AH) and CpG 1018™ (CpG) adjuvants induced potent neutralizing antibody responses in mice yet displayed instability during storage. In this work, we evaluated whether sonication of AH to the nanometer size range (nanoAH) could further enhance immunogenicity or improve storage stability of the above formulation. The addition of CpG to nanoAH (at mouse doses), however, caused re-agglomeration of nanoAH. AH-CpG interactions were evaluated by Langmuir binding isotherms and zeta potential measurements, and stabilized nanoAH + CpG formulations of RBD-J were then designed by (1) optimizing CpG:Aluminum dose ratios or (2) adding a small-molecule polyanion (phytic acid, PA). Compared with the micron-sized AH + CpG formulation, the two stabilized nanoAH + CpG formulations of RBD-J demonstrated no enhancement in SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus neutralizing titers in mice, but the PA-containing nanoAH + CpG formulation showed improved RBD-J storage stability trends (at 4, 25, and 37 °C). The formulation protocols presented herein can be employed to evaluate the potential benefits of the nanoAH + CpG adjuvant combination with other vaccine antigens in different animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakshi Bajoria
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Ozan S Kumru
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Jennifer Doering
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Katherine Berman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Greta Van Slyke
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Anneka Prigodich
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Sergio A Rodriguez-Aponte
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- The Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - J Christopher Love
- The Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Nicholas J Mantis
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Sangeeta B Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - David B Volkin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
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7
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Kumru OS, Sanyal M, Friedland N, Hickey J, Joshi R, Weidenbacher P, Do J, Cheng YC, Kim PS, Joshi SB, Volkin DB. Formulation development and comparability studies with an aluminum-salt adjuvanted SARS-CoV-2 Spike ferritin nanoparticle vaccine antigen produced from two different cell lines. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.03.535447. [PMID: 37066156 PMCID: PMC10103975 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.03.535447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
The development of safe and effective second-generation COVID-19 vaccines to improve affordability and storage stability requirements remains a high priority to expand global coverage. In this report, we describe formulation development and comparability studies with a self-assembled SARS-CoV-2 spike ferritin nanoparticle vaccine antigen (called DCFHP), when produced in two different cell lines and formulated with an aluminum-salt adjuvant (Alhydrogel, AH). Varying levels of phosphate buffer altered the extent and strength of antigen-adjuvant interactions, and these formulations were evaluated for their (1) in vivo performance in mice and (2) in vitro stability profiles. Unadjuvanted DCFHP produced minimal immune responses while AH-adjuvanted formulations elicited greatly enhanced pseudovirus neutralization titers independent of ∼100%, ∼40% or ∼10% of the DCFHP antigen adsorbed to AH. These formulations differed, however, in their in vitro stability properties as determined by biophysical studies and a competitive ELISA for measuring ACE2 receptor binding of AH-bound antigen. Interestingly, after one month of 4°C storage, small increases in antigenicity with concomitant decreases in the ability to desorb the antigen from the AH were observed. Finally, we performed a comparability assessment of DCFHP antigen produced in Expi293 and CHO cells, which displayed expected differences in their N-linked oligosaccharide profiles. Despite consisting of different DCFHP glycoforms, these two preparations were highly similar in their key quality attributes including molecular size, structural integrity, conformational stability, binding to ACE2 receptor and mouse immunogenicity profiles. Taken together, these studies support future preclinical and clinical development of an AH-adjuvanted DCFHP vaccine candidate produced in CHO cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozan S Kumru
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Mrinmoy Sanyal
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94305 USA
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Natalia Friedland
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94305 USA
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - John Hickey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Richa Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Payton Weidenbacher
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94305 USA
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Jonathan Do
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94305 USA
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Ya-Chen Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94305 USA
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Peter S Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94305 USA
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Sangeeta B Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - David B Volkin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
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8
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Rodriguez-Aponte SA, Dalvie NC, Wong TY, Johnston RS, Naranjo CA, Bajoria S, Kumru OS, Kaur K, Russ BP, Lee KS, Cyphert HA, Barbier M, Rao HD, Rajurkar MP, Lothe RR, Shaligram US, Batwal S, Chandrasekaran R, Nagar G, Kleanthous H, Biswas S, Bevere JR, Joshi SB, Volkin DB, Damron FH, Love JC. Molecular engineering of a cryptic epitope in Spike RBD improves manufacturability and neutralizing breadth against SARS-CoV-2 variants. Vaccine 2023; 41:1108-1118. [PMID: 36610932 PMCID: PMC9797419 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.12.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
There is a continued need for sarbecovirus vaccines that can be manufactured and distributed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Subunit protein vaccines are manufactured at large scales at low costs, have less stringent temperature requirements for distribution in LMICs, and several candidates have shown protection against SARS-CoV-2. We previously reported an engineered variant of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein receptor binding domain antigen (RBD-L452K-F490W; RBD-J) with enhanced manufacturability and immunogenicity compared to the ancestral RBD. Here, we report a second-generation engineered RBD antigen (RBD-J6) with two additional mutations to a hydrophobic cryptic epitope in the RBD core, S383D and L518D, that further improved expression titers and biophysical stability. RBD-J6 retained binding affinity to human convalescent sera and to all tested neutralizing antibodies except antibodies that target the class IV epitope on the RBD core. K18-hACE2 transgenic mice immunized with three doses of a Beta variant of RBD-J6 displayed on a virus-like particle (VLP) generated neutralizing antibodies (nAb) to nine SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern at similar levels as two doses of Comirnaty. The vaccinated mice were also protected from challenge with Alpha or Beta SARS-CoV-2. This engineered antigen could be useful for modular RBD-based subunit vaccines to enhance manufacturability and global access, or for further development of variant-specific or broadly acting booster vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio A Rodriguez-Aponte
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; The Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Neil C Dalvie
- The Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Ting Y Wong
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Ryan S Johnston
- The Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Christopher A Naranjo
- The Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Sakshi Bajoria
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Ozan S Kumru
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Kawaljit Kaur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Brynnan P Russ
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Katherine S Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Holly A Cyphert
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 26506, USA
| | - Mariette Barbier
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Harish D Rao
- Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd., Pune 411028, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Gaurav Nagar
- Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd., Pune 411028, India
| | | | - Sumi Biswas
- SpyBiotech Limited, Oxford Business Park North, Oxford OX4 2JZ, UK
| | - Justin R Bevere
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Sangeeta B Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - David B Volkin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - F Heath Damron
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA; Vaccine Development Center at West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - J Christopher Love
- The Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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9
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Zeng Y, Zou F, Xia N, Li S. In-depth review of delivery carriers associated with vaccine adjuvants: current status and future perspectives. Expert Rev Vaccines 2023; 22:681-695. [PMID: 37496496 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2023.2238807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vaccines are powerful tools for controlling microbial infections and preventing epidemics. To enhance the immune response to antigens, effective subunit vaccines or mRNA vaccines often require the combination of adjuvants or delivery carriers. In recent years, with the rapid development of immune mechanism research and nanotechnology, various studies based on the optimization of traditional adjuvants or various novel carriers have been intensified, and the construction of vaccine adjuvant delivery systems (VADS) with both adjuvant activity and antigen delivery has become more and more important in vaccine research. AREAS COVERED This paper reviews the common types of vaccine adjuvant delivery carriers, classifies the VADS according to their basic carrier types, introduces the current research status and future development trend, and emphasizes the important role of VADS in novel vaccine research. EXPERT OPINION As the number of vaccine types increases, conventional aluminum adjuvants show limitations in effectively stimulating cellular immune responses, limiting their use in therapeutic vaccines for intracellular infections or tumors. In contrast, the use of conventional adjuvants as VADS to carry immunostimulatory molecules or deliver antigens can greatly enhance the immune boosting effect of classical adjuvants. A comprehensive understanding of the various delivery vehicles will further facilitate the development of vaccine adjuvant research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yarong Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiang an Biomedicine Laboratory, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Feihong Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiang an Biomedicine Laboratory, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ningshao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiang an Biomedicine Laboratory, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- The Research Unit of Frontier Technology of Structural Vaccinology of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shaowei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Life Sciences, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiang an Biomedicine Laboratory, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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10
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Kumar P, Bird C, Holland D, Joshi SB, Volkin DB. Current and next-generation formulation strategies for inactivated polio vaccines to lower costs, increase coverage, and facilitate polio eradication. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2154100. [PMID: 36576132 PMCID: PMC9891683 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2154100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Implementation of inactivated polio vaccines (IPV) containing Sabin strains (sIPV) will further enable global polio eradication efforts by improving vaccine safety during use and containment during manufacturing. Moreover, sIPV-containing vaccines will lower costs and expand production capacity to facilitate more widespread use in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This review focuses on the role of vaccine formulation in these efforts including traditional Salk IPV vaccines and new sIPV-containing dosage forms. The physicochemical properties and stability profiles of poliovirus antigens are described. Formulation approaches to lower costs include developing multidose and combination vaccine formats as well as improving storage stability. Formulation strategies for dose-sparing and enhanced mucosal immunity include employing adjuvants (e.g. aluminum-salt and newer adjuvants) and/or novel delivery systems (e.g. ID administration with microneedle patches). The potential for applying these low-cost formulation development strategies to other vaccines to further improve vaccine access and coverage in LMICs is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Christopher Bird
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - David Holland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Sangeeta B. Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - David B. Volkin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA,CONTACT David B. Volkin Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Multidisciplinary Research Building, 2030 Becker Drive, Lawrence, KS66047, USA
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