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Progress on the Prevention and Treatment of Hantavirus Disease. Viruses 2019; 11:v11070610. [PMID: 31277410 PMCID: PMC6669544 DOI: 10.3390/v11070610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hantaviruses, members of the order Bunyavirales, family Hantaviridae, have a world-wide distribution and are responsible for greater than 150,000 cases of disease per year. The spectrum of disease associated with hantavirus infection include hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) also known as hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS). There are currently no FDA-approved vaccines or treatments for these hantavirus diseases. This review provides a summary of the status of vaccine and antiviral treatment efforts including those tested in animal models or human clinical trials.
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2
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Blokhina EA, Ravin NV. CONSTRUCTION OF MOSAIC HBC PARTICLES PRESENTING CONSERVATIVE FRAGMENTS OF M2 PROTEIN AND HEMAGGLUTININ OF INFLUENZA A VIRUS. Vopr Virusol 2018; 63:130-135. [PMID: 36494939 DOI: 10.18821/0507-4088-2018-63-3-130-135] [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: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Virus-like HBc particles formed as a result of the self-assembly of the nuclear antigen of the hepatitis B virus can be used as a highly immunogenic carrier for the presentation of foreign epitopes when creating recombinant vaccines. We use this vehicle to create influenza vaccines based on the conservative antigens of the influenza virus, the extracellular domain of the transmembrane protein M2 (M2e) and the fragment of the second subunit of hemagglutinin (HA2). Presentation on the surface of HBc particles should improve the immunogenicity of these peptides. Using genetic engineering techniques, we obtained a fusion protein in which the HA2 sequence is attached to the N-terminus of the HBc antigen, and the M2e peptide is included in the immunodominant loop region exposed on the surface of HBc particle. The hybrid protein expressed in Escherichia coli and purified under denaturing conditions formed virus-like HBc particles after refolding in vitro. Refolding of this protein in the presence of a previously denatured HBc antigen carrying no inserts resulted in formation of mosaic virus-like particles. The developed method will allow construction of mosaic HBc particles carrying different target epitopes of the influenza virus by combining the corresponding modified HBc proteins, which opens the possibility of creating vaccines with a wider spectrum of protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Blokhina
- Federal Research Centre «Fundamentals of Biotechnology»
| | - N V Ravin
- Federal Research Centre «Fundamentals of Biotechnology»
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3
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Ji H, Minuk GY, Peng Z, Chen Y, Pan C, Gong Y. Active immunization against transforming growth factor beta1 prevents hepatic fibrosis in a rat model of liver disease. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2017; 95:743-749. [PMID: 28301738 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2016-0669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β1) plays an important role in hepatic fibrogenesis. In this study, we documented the effects of active immunization against TGF-β1 on hepatic fibrosis in an animal model of chronic liver disease. BALB/c mice were immunized against 3 different peptides of TGF-β1 ligated into hepatitis B virus core protein (HBVc). Titers of TGF-β1 antibodies were documented by enzyme linked immunoassays and antibody activity by cell membrane receptor binding and proliferation assays. The most immunogenic recombinant HBVc + TGF-β1 peptide (HBVc + C) then served as a vaccine in Sprague-Dawley rats with dimethylnitrosamine-induced chronic liver disease. Hepatic fibrosis was documented by serum hyaluronic acid levels, liver histology, and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction for hepatic collagen I (α1) and smooth muscle alpha actin mRNA expression. Relative to control rats vaccinated with HBVc alone, recombinant HBVc + C vaccinated animals had significantly lower serum hyaluronic acid levels, less histologic evidence of hepatic fibrosis, and reduced expression of collagen I (α1) and smooth muscle alpha actin mRNA in the liver. The results of this proof-of-concept study suggest that active immunization against TGF-β1 is a worthwhile strategy to pursue in efforts to prevent hepatic fibrosis associated with chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Ji
- a College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5, Canada.,b Section of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
| | - Gerald Y Minuk
- b Section of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
| | - Zhikang Peng
- c Department of Pediatrics & Child Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
| | - Yongping Chen
- d The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Chenwei Pan
- d The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yuewen Gong
- a College of Pharmacy, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5, Canada.,b Section of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
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4
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Pumpens P, Grens E. The true story and advantages of the famous Hepatitis B virus core particles: Outlook 2016. Mol Biol 2016. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893316040099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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5
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Cielens I, Jackevica L, Strods A, Kazaks A, Ose V, Bogans J, Pumpens P, Renhofa R. Mosaic RNA phage VLPs carrying domain III of the West Nile virus E protein. Mol Biotechnol 2014; 56:459-69. [PMID: 24570176 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-014-9743-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The virus-neutralising domain III (DIII) of the West Nile virus glycoprotein E was exposed on the surface of RNA phage AP205 virus-like particles (VLPs) in mosaic form. For this purpose, a 111 amino acid sequence of DIII was added via amber or opal termination codons to the C-terminus of the AP205 coat protein, and mosaic AP205-DIII VLPs were generated by cultivation in amber- or opal-suppressing Escherichia coli strains. After extensive purification to 95 % homogeneity, mosaic AP205-DIII VLPs retained up to 11-16 % monomers carrying DIII domains. The DIII domains appeared on the VLP surface because they were fully accessible to anti-DIII antibodies. Immunisation of BALB/c mice with AP205-DIII VLPs resulted in the induction of specific anti-DIII antibodies, of which the level was comparable to that of the anti-AP205 antibodies generated against the VLP carrier. The AP205-DIII-induced anti-DIII response was represented by a significant fraction of IgG2 isotype antibodies, in contrast to parallel immunisation with the DIII oligopeptide, which failed to induce IgG2 isotype antibodies. Formulation of AP-205-DIII VLPs in alum adjuvant stimulated the level of the anti-DIII response, but did not alter the fraction of IgG2 isotype antibodies. Mosaic AP205-DIII VLPs could be regarded as a promising prototype of a putative West Nile vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indulis Cielens
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites Street 1, Riga, 1067, Latvia
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6
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Kikuchi M, Iwabuchi S, Kikkou T, Noguchi K, Odaka M, Yohda M, Kawata M, Sato C, Matsumoto O. Expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic studies of hepatitis B virus core fusion protein corresponding to octahedral particles. Acta Crystallogr Sect F Struct Biol Cryst Commun 2013; 69:165-9. [PMID: 23385760 PMCID: PMC3564621 DOI: 10.1107/s1744309112052074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2012] [Accepted: 12/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant hepatitis B virus core proteins dimerize to form building blocks that are capable of self-assembly into a capsid. A core capsid protein dimer (CPD) linked to a green fluorescent protein variant, EGFP, at the C-terminus has been designed. The recombinant fusion CPD was expressed in Escherichia coli, assembled into virus-like particles (VLPs), purified and crystallized. The single crystal diffracted to 2.15 Å resolution and belonged to the cubic space group F432, with unit-cell parameters a = b = c = 219.7 Å. The fusion proteins assembled into icosahedral VLPs in aqueous solution, but were rearranged into octahedral symmetry through the crystal-packing process under the crystallization conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Kikuchi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba Institute of Science, 15-8 Shiomi-cho, Choshi, Chiba 288-0025, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Iwabuchi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba Institute of Science, 15-8 Shiomi-cho, Choshi, Chiba 288-0025, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiko Kikkou
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba Institute of Science, 15-8 Shiomi-cho, Choshi, Chiba 288-0025, Japan
| | - Keiichi Noguchi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Masafumi Odaka
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Masafumi Yohda
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Masaaki Kawata
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), AIST Tsukuba Central 2, Tsukuba 305-8568, Japan
| | - Chikara Sato
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), AIST Tsukuba Central 2, Tsukuba 305-8568, Japan
| | - Osamu Matsumoto
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba Institute of Science, 15-8 Shiomi-cho, Choshi, Chiba 288-0025, Japan
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7
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Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract communicates directly with the external environment. Necessary nutrients must be absorbed and commensal bacteria tolerated, and foreign proteins, antigens, and pathogens must be simultaneously excluded or destroyed. Immaturity or disruption of the mucosal immune defenses increases vulnerability to food allergy, intolerance, and infectious disease. Diseases resulting from ingested foreign proteins and organisms are increasing and cause morbidity and mortality worldwide. There is no specific treatment for food allergy other than avoidance. Vaccination for infectious disease is limited by the cost and logistics of distribution and administration, particularly in developing countries. Novel strategies are being explored to modulate the gut mucosal immune system by altering protein expression in food. Crops are being developed to remove deleterious allergens to prevent immunogenic exposure while preserving nutritional quality. Local food plants that express protein fragments of pathogens might provide an effective means to stimulate gut mucosal immunity while increasing vaccine accessibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary A Perr
- Evolving Foods and Children's Health, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, California Pacific Medical Center, Box 7999, San Francisco, 94120, USA.
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8
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Huang Y, Liang W, Wang Y, Zhou Z, Pan A, Yang X, Huang C, Chen J, Zhang D. Immunogenicity of the epitope of the foot-and-mouth disease virus fused with a hepatitis B core protein as expressed in transgenic tobacco. Viral Immunol 2005; 18:668-77. [PMID: 16359233 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2005.18.668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel plant-based vaccine protecting against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) was developed by inserting the VP21 epitope into the internal region of the hepatitis B virus core antigen gene (HBcAg). The specific sequence of the VP21 epitope is located within the VP1 capsid protein of the FMD virus (FMDV). It spans 21 amino acids located between positions 140 and 160 of the G-H loop. The fusion gene, HBCVP, was inserted into the plant binary vector pBI121 and then transformed into tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants via Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA 4404. The presence of HBCVP in the tobacco genome was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR); its transcription was verified by reverse transcription-PCR; and the recombinant protein expression was confirmed by Western blot analysis. The results of immunologic microscopic observation demonstrated that recombinant fusion protein HBCVP can form a virus-like particle (VLP) structure in transgenic tobacco leaves. Mice, immunized intraperitoneally with a soluble crude extract of transgenic tobacco leaves, were found to produce specific antibody responses to both HBcAg and FMDV VP1. A virus challenge demonstrated that the immunized mice were highly protected against virulent FMD. This work describes a new way to develop an FMD vaccine from plants that will aid the development of new vaccines using HBcAg fused to the conserved epitopes of other pathogenic antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahong Huang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China
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9
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Kazaks A, Borisova G, Cvetkova S, Kovalevska L, Ose V, Sominskaya I, Pumpens P, Skrastina D, Dislers A. Mosaic hepatitis B virus core particles presenting the complete preS sequence of the viral envelope on their surface. J Gen Virol 2004; 85:2665-2670. [PMID: 15302960 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.79810-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The sequence of the preS domain of the hepatitis B virus (HBV, genotype D) envelope was inserted into the major immunodominant region (MIR) of the C-terminally truncated HBV core (HBc) protein. In Escherichia coli, the HBc–preS fusion protein was partially soluble and did not produce particles. Co-expression of the wild-type HBc as a helper protein along with the fusion protein led to the formation of mosaic HBc particles that exhibited HBc, preS1 and preS2 antigenicity. Two alternative combinations of medium- and high-copy plasmids were used for co-expression of fusion and helper proteins, in an attempt to improve mosaic particle production. However, the preS fusion content of the particles remained the same in both expression combinations. In a third co-expression in which the modified HBc helper lacked aa 76–85 in the MIR, the incorporation level of HBc–preS fusion into the particles was noticeably lower. Purified chimeric particles were immunogenic in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andris Kazaks
- Biomedical Research and Study Centre, University of Latvia, 1 Ratsupites Street, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Galina Borisova
- Biomedical Research and Study Centre, University of Latvia, 1 Ratsupites Street, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Svetlana Cvetkova
- Biomedical Research and Study Centre, University of Latvia, 1 Ratsupites Street, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Larisa Kovalevska
- Biomedical Research and Study Centre, University of Latvia, 1 Ratsupites Street, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Velta Ose
- Biomedical Research and Study Centre, University of Latvia, 1 Ratsupites Street, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Irina Sominskaya
- Biomedical Research and Study Centre, University of Latvia, 1 Ratsupites Street, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Paul Pumpens
- Biomedical Research and Study Centre, University of Latvia, 1 Ratsupites Street, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Dace Skrastina
- Biomedical Research and Study Centre, University of Latvia, 1 Ratsupites Street, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Andris Dislers
- Biomedical Research and Study Centre, University of Latvia, 1 Ratsupites Street, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
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10
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Geldmacher A, Skrastina D, Petrovskis I, Borisova G, Berriman JA, Roseman AM, Crowther RA, Fischer J, Musema S, Gelderblom HR, Lundkvist A, Renhofa R, Ose V, Krüger DH, Pumpens P, Ulrich R. An amino-terminal segment of hantavirus nucleocapsid protein presented on hepatitis B virus core particles induces a strong and highly cross-reactive antibody response in mice. Virology 2004; 323:108-19. [PMID: 15165823 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2004.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2003] [Revised: 01/20/2004] [Accepted: 02/17/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Previously, we have demonstrated that hepatitis B virus (HBV) core particles tolerate the insertion of the amino-terminal 120 amino acids (aa) of the Puumala hantavirus nucleocapsid (N) protein. Here, we demonstrate that the insertion of 120 amino-terminal aa of N proteins from highly virulent Dobrava and Hantaan hantaviruses allows the formation of chimeric core particles. These particles expose the inserted foreign protein segments, at least in part, on their surface. Analysis by electron cryomicroscopy of chimeric particles harbouring the Puumala virus (PUUV) N segment revealed 90% T = 3 and 10% T = 4 shells. A map computed from T = 3 shells shows additional density splaying out from the tips of the spikes producing the effect of an extra shell of density at an outer radius compared with wild-type shells. The inserted Puumala virus N protein segment is flexibly linked to the core spikes and only partially icosahedrally ordered. Immunisation of mice of two different haplotypes (BALB/c and C57BL/6) with chimeric core particles induces a high-titered and highly cross-reactive N-specific antibody response in both mice strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Geldmacher
- Institute of Virology, Charité School of Medicine, D-10098 Berlin, Germany
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11
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Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract communicates directly with the external environment. Necessary nutrients must be absorbed and commensal bacteria tolerated, and foreign proteins, antigens, and pathogens must be simultaneously excluded or destroyed. Immaturity or disruption of the mucosal immune defenses increases vulnerability to food allergy, intolerance, and infectious disease. Diseases resulting from ingested foreign proteins and organisms are increasing and cause morbidity and mortality worldwide. There is no specific treatment for food allergy other than avoidance. Vaccination for infectious disease is limited by the cost and logistics of distribution and administration, particularly in developing countries. Novel strategies are being explored to modulate the gut mucosal immune system by altering protein expression in food. Crops are being developed to remove deleterious allergens to prevent immunogenic exposure while preserving nutritional quality. Local food plants that express protein fragments of pathogens might provide an effective means to stimulate gut mucosal immunity while increasing vaccine accessibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary A Perr
- Evolving Foods and Children's Health, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, California Pacific Medical Center, Box 7999, San Francisco, CA 94120, USA.
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12
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Kazaks A, Dishlers A, Pumpens P, Ulrich R, Krüger DH, Meisel H. Mosaic particles formed by wild-type hepatitis B virus core protein and its deletion variants consist of both homo- and heterodimers. FEBS Lett 2003; 549:157-62. [PMID: 12914943 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(03)00805-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Co-expression in Escherichia coli of wild-type (wt) hepatitis B virus core protein (HBc) and its naturally occurring variants with deletions at amino acid positions 77-93 or 86-93 leads to formation of mosaic particles, which consist of three dimer subunit compositions. These compositions are wt/variant HBc heterodimers and two types of homodimers, formed by wt HBc or the variant HBc themselves. Mosaic particles were found also when both HBc deletion variants 77-93 and 86-93 were co-expressed in E. coli. These findings are discussed in terms of their significance for hepatitis B virus pathogenesis and prospective use of mosaic particles in vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andris Kazaks
- Biomedical Research and Study Centre, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
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13
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Abstract
Changes in food production and dietary practices are occurring faster than our understanding of their potential impact on children's health. Traditionally, pediatric gastroenterologists have studied food with respect to its nutritive value and digestibility, its influence on metabolism, its growth-promoting characteristics, and its relationship to risk and severity of disease. Biotechnology is now expanding the science of food to include disease prevention and treatment, as well as the feeding of children on a global scale. Bioengineered ("genetically modified", or "transgenic") plants were initially developed to enhance the food supply by increasing crop yields. Such previously developed transgenic plants are now prevalent worldwide and appear in many processed food products. The implementation of the technology of genetic modulation of food plants has led to considerable fear, controversy, and confusion as the understanding of the technology is poor in the general population. This review presents an overview of genetically modified food crops and their potential unique benefits and risks to children's health. Political, economical, and ecological issues related to transgenic crops are not discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary A Perr
- Department of Pediatrics, California Pacific Medical Center and University of California, San Francisco 94120, USA.
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14
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Koletzki D, Lundkvist A, Sjölander KB, Gelderblom HR, Niedrig M, Meisel H, Krüger DH, Ulrich R. Puumala (PUU) hantavirus strain differences and insertion positions in the hepatitis B virus core antigen influence B-cell immunogenicity and protective potential of core-derived particles. Virology 2000; 276:364-75. [PMID: 11040127 DOI: 10.1006/viro.2000.0540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) core-derived chimeric particles carrying a Puumala (PUU) hantavirus (strain Vranica/Hällnäs) nucleocapsid (N) protein sequence (aa 1-45), alternatively inserted at three distinct positions (N-, C-terminus, or the internal region), and mosaic particles consisting of HBV core as well as core/PUU (Vranica/Hällnäs) N (aa 1-45) readthrough protein were generated. Chimeric particles carrying the insert at the N-terminus or the internal region of core induced some protective immune response in bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) against a subsequent PUU virus (strain Kazan) challenge; 40-50% of the animals showed markers of protection. In contrast, internal insertion of PUU strain CG18-20 N (aa 1-45) into the HBV core caused a highly protective immune response in the bank vole model. Immunizations with particles carrying aa 75-119 of PUU (CG18-20) N at the C-terminus of core verified the presence of a second, minor protective region in the N protein. A strong PUU N-specific antibody response was detected not only in bank voles immunized with chimeric particles containing internal and N-terminal fusions of PUU N protein but also in animals immunized with the corresponding mosaic particles. Except for the exclusive occurrence of antibodies directed against aa 231-240 of N in non-protected animals post virus challenge, there was no additional obvious difference in the epitope-specificity of N-specific antibodies from immunized animals prior and post virus challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Koletzki
- Microbiology and Tumor Biology Center, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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15
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Preikschat P, Kazaks A, Dishlers A, Pumpens P, Krüger DH, Meisel H. Interaction of wild-type and naturally occurring deleted variants of hepatitis B virus core polypeptides leads to formation of mosaic particles. FEBS Lett 2000; 478:127-32. [PMID: 10922483 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(00)01836-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The simultaneous presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genomes carrying wild-type (wt) and in-frame deleted variants of the HBV core gene has been identified as a typical feature of HBV-infected renal transplant patients with severe liver disease. To investigate possible interactions of wt and deleted core polypeptides a two-vector Escherichia coli expression system ensuring their concomitant synthesis has been developed. Co-expression of wt and a mutant core lacking 17 amino acid residues (77-93) within the immunodominant region led to the formation of mosaic particles, whereas the mutant alone was incapable of self-assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Preikschat
- Institute of Virology, Humboldt University School of Medicine, Schumannstr, 20/21, D-10117, Berlin, Germany
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16
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Wizemann H, Weiland F, Pfaff E, von Brunn A. Polyhistidine-tagged hepatitis B core particles as carriers of HIV-1/gp120 epitopes of different HIV-1 subtypes. Biol Chem 2000; 381:231-43. [PMID: 10782994 DOI: 10.1515/bc.2000.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The hepatitis B core antigen is a widely accepted carrier particle to enhance the immunogenicity of foreign epitopes. From electron cryomicroscopy, the immunodominant region between amino acid positions 79 to 81 is known to protrude from the surface of the shells. It can be replaced by heterologous sequences without interfering with the particle-forming capacity in many cases. Here we have introduced various V3 sequences of the envelope protein of different subtypes (A, B, O) of HIV-1/gp120 in order to enhance their immunogenicity and broaden the immune response against the virus. To improve purification efficiency and solubility of the E. coli-expressed hybrids, six histidine residues were fused to amino acid 156. An adjustable purification scheme was utilised including denaturation, Ni(2+)-NTA affinity chromatography and particle renaturation under high salt conditions, resulting in highly pure antigen preparations. The hybrids reacted specifically with sera of HIV-1-infected patients. They further induced an autologous, subtype-specific anti-HIV-1 antibody response superior to that of Keyhole limpet-haemocyanine-coupled peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Wizemann
- Max-von-Pettenkofer-Institut, Lehrstuhl Virologie, Genzentrum, München Germany
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17
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Ulrich R, Koletzki D, Lachmann S, Lundkvist A, Zankl A, Kazaks A, Kurth A, Gelderblom HR, Borisova G, Meisel H, Krüger DH. New chimaeric hepatitis B virus core particles carrying hantavirus (serotype Puumala) epitopes: immunogenicity and protection against virus challenge. J Biotechnol 1999; 73:141-53. [PMID: 10486924 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-1656(99)00117-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Virus-like particles generated by the heterologous expression of virus structural proteins are able to potentiate the immunogenicity of foreign epitopes presented on their surface. In recent years epitopes of various origin have been inserted into the core antigen of hepatitis B virus (HBV) allowing the formation of chimaeric HBV core particles. Chimaeric core particles carrying the 45 N-terminal amino acids of the Puumala hantavirus nucleocapsid protein induced protective immunity in bank voles, the natural host of this hantavirus. Particles applied in the absence of adjuvant are still immunogenic and partially protective in bank voles. Although a C-terminally truncated core antigen of HBV (HBcAg delta) tolerates the insertion of extended foreign sequences, for the construction of multivalent vaccines the limited insertion capacity is still a critical factor. Recently, we have described a new system for generating HBV 'mosaic particles' in an Escherichia coli suppressor strain based on a readthrough mechanism on a stop linker located in front of the insert. Those mosaic particles are built up by both HBcAg delta and the HBcAg delta/Puumala nucleocapsid readthrough protein. The particles formed presented the 114 amino acid (aa) long hantavirus sequence, at least in part, on their surface and induced antibodies against the hantavirus sequence in bank voles. Variants of the stop linker still allowed the formation of mosaic particles demonstrating that stop codon suppression alone is sufficient for the packaging of longer foreign sequences in mosaic particles. Another approach to increase the insertion capacity is based on the simultaneous insertion of different Puumala nucleocapsid protein sequences (aa 1-45 and aa 75-119) into two different positions (aa 78 and behind aa 144) of a single HBcAg molecule. The data presented are of high relevance for the generation of multivalent vaccines requiring a high insertion capacity for foreign sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Ulrich
- Institute of Virology, Humboldt University, Charité Medical School, Berlin, Germany
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18
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Affiliation(s)
- L Richter
- Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research Inc., Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
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19
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Koletzki D, Biel SS, Meisel H, Nugel E, Gelderblom HR, Krüger DH, Ulrich R. HBV core particles allow the insertion and surface exposure of the entire potentially protective region of Puumala hantavirus nucleocapsid protein. Biol Chem 1999; 380:325-33. [PMID: 10223335 DOI: 10.1515/bc.1999.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Core particles of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) potentiate the immune response against foreign epitopes presented on their surface. Potential insertion sites in the monomeric subunit of the HBV core protein were previously identified at the N- and C-terminus and in the immunodominant c/e1 region. In a C-terminally truncated core protein these sites were used to introduce the entire 120 amino acid (aa)-long potentially immunoprotective region of the hantavirus (serotype Puumala) nucleocapsid protein. The N- and C-terminal fusion products were unable to form core-like particles in detectable amounts. However, a suppressable stop codon located between the HBV core and the C-terminally fused hantavirus sequence restored the ability to form particles ('mosaic particles'); in contrast to the C-terminal fusion product the mosaic construct allowed the formation of particles built up by the core protein itself and the HBV core-Puumala nucleocapsid-readthrough protein. The mosaic particles exposed the 120 aa region of the PUU nucleocapsid protein on their surface as demonstrated by ELISA and immuno electron microscopy applying different monoclonal antibodies. Insertion of the hantaviral sequence into the c/e1 region not only allowed the formation of chimeric particles, but again the surface accessibility of the sequence. HBV core antigenicity itself was, however, reduced in the particles carrying insertions in the c/e1 region, probably due to a masking effect of the 120 aa long insert.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Koletzki
- Institute of Virology, Charité Medical School, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
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Vasiljeva I, Kozlovska T, Cielens I, Strelnikova A, Kazaks A, Ose V, Pumpens P. Mosaic Qbeta coats as a new presentation model. FEBS Lett 1998; 431:7-11. [PMID: 9684855 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(98)00716-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The new protein carrier was developed on the basis of recombinant RNA phage Qbeta capsid. C-terminal UGA extension of the short form of Qbeta coat, so-called A1 extension, served as a target for presentation of foreign peptides on the outer surface of mosaic Qbeta particles. In conditions of enhanced UGA suppression, the proportion of A1-extended to short coats in mosaic particles dropped from 48% to 14%, with an increase of the length of A1 extension. A model insertion, short preS1 epitope 31-DPAFR-35 of hepatitis B surface antigen, demonstrated superficial location on the mosaic Qbeta particles and ensured specific antigenicity and immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Vasiljeva
- Biomedical Research and Study Centre, University of Latvia, Riga
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21
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Ulrich R, Lundkvist A, Meisel H, Koletzki D, Sjölander KB, Gelderblom HR, Borisova G, Schnitzler P, Darai G, Krüger DH. Chimaeric HBV core particles carrying a defined segment of Puumala hantavirus nucleocapsid protein evoke protective immunity in an animal model. Vaccine 1998; 16:272-80. [PMID: 9607042 DOI: 10.1016/s0264-410x(97)00172-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hantaviruses are rodent-born agents which are pathogenic in humans causing haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome or hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. To induce a protective immunity against a European hantavirus (Puumala) we constructed chimaeric hepatitis B virus (HBV) core particles carrying defined fragments of the Puumala virus nucleocapsid protein. After immunisation of bank voles, the natural host of Puumala virus, with core particles possessing an insertion of the N-terminal part of Puumala virus nucleocapsid protein, four of five animals were protected against subsequent virus challenge. The results show that the major protective region of the nucleocapsid protein is located between amino acids 1 and 45 and that chimaeric HBV core-like particles are useful carriers of foreign protective epitopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Ulrich
- Institute of Medical Virology, Humboldt University, Charité Medical School, Berlin, Germany
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