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Nithya Shree J, Premika T, Sharlin S, Annie Aglin A. Diverse approaches to express recombinant spike protein: A comprehensive review. Protein Expr Purif 2024; 223:106556. [PMID: 39009199 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2024.106556] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
The spike protein of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for infecting host cells. It has two segments, S1 and S2. The S1 segment has a receptor-binding domain (RBD) that attaches to the host receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The S2 segment helps in the fusion of the viral cell membrane by creating a six-helical bundle through the two-heptad repeat domain. To develop effective vaccines and therapeutics against COVID-19, it is critical to express and purify the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. Extensive studies have been conducted on expression of a complete recombinant spike protein or its fragments. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the different expression systems employed for spike protein expression, along with their advantages and disadvantages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jk Nithya Shree
- Department of Biotechnology, Mepco Schlenk Engineering College, Sivakasi, 626005, Tamilnadu, India
| | - T Premika
- Department of Biotechnology, Mepco Schlenk Engineering College, Sivakasi, 626005, Tamilnadu, India
| | - S Sharlin
- Department of Biotechnology, Mepco Schlenk Engineering College, Sivakasi, 626005, Tamilnadu, India
| | - A Annie Aglin
- Department of Biotechnology, Mepco Schlenk Engineering College, Sivakasi, 626005, Tamilnadu, India.
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2
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Song SJ, Diao HP, Guo YF, Hwang I. Advances in Subcellular Accumulation Design for Recombinant Protein Production in Tobacco. BIODESIGN RESEARCH 2024; 6:0047. [PMID: 39206181 PMCID: PMC11350518 DOI: 10.34133/bdr.0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Plants and their use as bioreactors for the generation of recombinant proteins have become one of the hottest topics in the field of Plant Biotechnology and Plant Synthetic Biology. Plant bioreactors offer superior engineering potential compared to other types, particularly in the realm of subcellular accumulation strategies for increasing production yield and quality. This review explores established and emerging strategies for subcellular accumulation of recombinant proteins in tobacco bioreactors, highlighting recent advancements in the field. Additionally, the review provides reference to the crucial initial step of selecting an optimal subcellular localization for the target protein, a design that substantially impacts production outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Jian Song
- Tobacco Research Institute,
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, China
- Beijing Life Science Academy (BLSA), Beijing, China
| | - Hai-Ping Diao
- Tobacco Research Institute,
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Yong-Feng Guo
- Tobacco Research Institute,
Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Inhwan Hwang
- Department of Life Science,
Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Republic of Korea
- BioApplications Inc., Pohang, Republic of Korea
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3
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Puarattana-aroonkorn S, Tharakaraman K, Suriyawipada D, Ruchirawat M, Fuangthong M, Sasisekharan R, Artpradit C. Rapid and Scalable Production of Functional SARS-CoV-2 Virus-like Particles (VLPs) by a Stable HEK293 Cell Pool. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:561. [PMID: 38932290 PMCID: PMC11209123 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060561] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
At times of pandemics, such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, the situation demands rapid development and production timelines of safe and effective vaccines for delivering life-saving medications quickly to patients. Typical biologics production relies on using the lengthy and arduous approach of stable single-cell clones. Here, we used an alternative approach, a stable cell pool that takes only weeks to generate compared to a stable single-cell clone that needs several months to complete. We employed the membrane, envelope, and highly immunogenic spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 to produce virus-like particles (VLPs) using the HEK293-F cell line as a host system with an economical transfection reagent. The cell pool showed the stability of protein expression for more than one month. We demonstrated that the production of SARS-CoV-2 VLPs using this cell pool was scalable up to a stirred-tank 2 L bioreactor in fed-batch mode. The purified VLPs were properly assembled, and their size was consistent with the authentic virus. Our particles were functional as they specifically entered the cell that naturally expresses ACE-2. Notably, this work reports a practical and cost-effective manufacturing platform for scalable SARS-CoV-2 VLPs production and chromatographic purification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kannan Tharakaraman
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Disapan Suriyawipada
- Translational Research Unit, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand (M.F.)
| | - Mathuros Ruchirawat
- Translational Research Unit, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand (M.F.)
- Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), OPS, MHESI, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Mayuree Fuangthong
- Translational Research Unit, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand (M.F.)
- Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), OPS, MHESI, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Program in Applied Biological Sciences, Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Ram Sasisekharan
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Charlermchai Artpradit
- Translational Research Unit, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok 10210, Thailand (M.F.)
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4
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Uetz P, Göritzer K, Vergara E, Melnik S, Grünwald-Gruber C, Figl R, Deghmane AE, Groppelli E, Reljic R, Ma JKC, Stöger E, Strasser R. Implications of O-glycan modifications in the hinge region of a plant-produced SARS-CoV-2-IgA antibody on functionality. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1329018. [PMID: 38511130 PMCID: PMC10953500 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1329018] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Prolyl-4-hydroxylases (P4H) catalyse the irreversible conversion of proline to hydroxyproline, constituting a common posttranslational modification of proteins found in humans, plants, and microbes. Hydroxyproline residues can be further modified in plants to yield glycoproteins containing characteristic O-glycans. It is currently unknown how these plant endogenous modifications impact protein functionality and they cause considerable concerns for the recombinant production of therapeutic proteins in plants. In this study, we carried out host engineering to generate a therapeutic glycoprotein largely devoid of plant-endogenous O-glycans for functional characterization. Methods: Genome editing was used to inactivate two genes coding for enzymes of the P4H10 subfamily in the widely used expression host Nicotiana benthamiana. Using glycoengineering in plants and expression in human HEK293 cells we generated four variants of a potent, SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody, COVA2-15 IgA1. The variants that differed in the number of modified proline residues and O-glycan compositions of their hinge region were assessed regarding their physicochemical properties and functionality. Results: We found that plant endogenous O-glycan formation was strongly reduced on IgA1 when transiently expressed in the P4H10 double mutant N. benthamiana plant line. The IgA1 glycoforms displayed differences in proteolytic stability and minor differences in receptor binding thus highlighting the importance of O-glycosylation in the hinge region of human IgA1. Discussion: This work reports the successful protein O-glycan engineering of an important plant host for recombinant protein expression. While the complete removal of endogenous hydroxyproline residues from the hinge region of plant-produced IgA1 is yet to be achieved, our engineered line is suitable for structure-function studies of O-glycosylated recombinant glycoproteins produced in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Uetz
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kathrin Göritzer
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Emil Vergara
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stanislav Melnik
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Clemens Grünwald-Gruber
- Core Facility Mass Spectrometry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rudolf Figl
- Core Facility Mass Spectrometry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ala-Eddine Deghmane
- Invasive Bacterial Infections Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Elisabetta Groppelli
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rajko Reljic
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Julian K.-C. Ma
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George’s University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eva Stöger
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Richard Strasser
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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5
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Göritzer K, Groppelli E, Grünwald-Gruber C, Figl R, Ni F, Hu H, Li Y, Liu Y, Hu Q, Puligedda RD, Jung JW, Strasser R, Dessain S, Ma JKC. Recombinant neutralizing secretory IgA antibodies for preventing mucosal acquisition and transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Mol Ther 2024; 32:689-703. [PMID: 38268188 PMCID: PMC10928148 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.01.025] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Passive delivery of antibodies to mucosal sites may be a valuable adjunct to COVID-19 vaccination to prevent infection, treat viral carriage, or block transmission. Neutralizing monoclonal IgG antibodies are already approved for systemic delivery, and several clinical trials have been reported for delivery to mucosal sites where SARS-CoV-2 resides and replicates in early infection. However, secretory IgA may be preferred because the polymeric complex is adapted for the harsh, unstable external mucosal environment. Here, we investigated the feasibility of producing neutralizing monoclonal IgA antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. We engineered two class-switched mAbs that express well as monomeric and secretory IgA (SIgA) variants with high antigen-binding affinities and increased stability in mucosal secretions compared to their IgG counterparts. SIgAs had stronger virus neutralization activities than IgG mAbs and were protective against SARS-CoV-2 infection in an in vivo murine model. Furthermore, SIgA1 can be aerosolized for topical delivery using a mesh nebulizer. Our findings provide a persuasive case for developing recombinant SIgAs for mucosal application as a new tool in the fight against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Göritzer
- Hotung Molecular Immunology Unit, St. George's University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK.
| | - Elisabetta Groppelli
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK
| | - Clemens Grünwald-Gruber
- Core Facility Mass Spectrometry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Rudolf Figl
- Core Facility Mass Spectrometry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Fengfeng Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Huimin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yuncheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yalan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Qinxue Hu
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St. George's University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK; State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, China
| | | | - Jae-Wan Jung
- Department of Biochemistry and Metabolism, John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Richard Strasser
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - Scott Dessain
- Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, Wynnewood, PA 19096, USA
| | - Julian K-C Ma
- Hotung Molecular Immunology Unit, St. George's University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK.
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6
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Mugunthan SP, Venkatesan D, Govindasamy C, Selvaraj D, Mani Chandra H. A preliminary study of the immunogenic response of plant-derived multi-epitopic peptide vaccine candidate of Mycoplasma gallisepticum in chickens. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 14:1298880. [PMID: 38322423 PMCID: PMC10846684 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1298880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is responsible for chronic respiratory disease in avian species, characterized by symptoms like respiratory rales and coughing. Existing vaccines for MG have limited efficacy and require multiple doses. Certain MG cytoadherence proteins (GapA, CrmA, PlpA, and Hlp3) play a crucial role in the pathogen's respiratory tract colonization and infection. Plant-based proteins and therapeutics have gained attention due to their safety and efficiency. In this study, we designed a 21.4-kDa multi-epitope peptide vaccine (MEPV) using immunogenic segments from cytoadherence proteins. The MEPV's effectiveness was verified through computational simulations. We then cloned the MEPV, introduced it into the plant expression vector pSiM24-eGFP, and expressed it in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. The plant-produced MEPV proved to be immunogenic when administered intramuscularly to chickens. It significantly boosted the production of immunoglobulin Y (IgY)-neutralizing antibodies against cytoadherence protein epitopes in immunized chickens compared to that in the control group. This preliminary investigation demonstrates that the plant-derived MEPV is effective in triggering an immune response in chickens. To establish an efficient poultry health management system and ensure the sustainability of the poultry industry, further research is needed to develop avian vaccines using plant biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chandramohan Govindasamy
- Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dhivya Selvaraj
- Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, School of Computer Information and Communication Engineering, Kunsan National University, Gunsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Harish Mani Chandra
- Department of Biotechnology, Thiruvalluvar University, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
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7
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Santoni M, Gutierrez-Valdes N, Pivotto D, Zanichelli E, Rosa A, Sobrino-Mengual G, Balieu J, Lerouge P, Bardor M, Cecchetto R, Compri M, Mazzariol A, Ritala A, Avesani L. Performance of plant-produced RBDs as SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic reagents: a tale of two plant platforms. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2024; 14:1325162. [PMID: 38239207 PMCID: PMC10794598 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1325162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for rapid and cost-effective diagnostic tools. Serological tests, particularly those measuring antibodies targeting the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the virus, play a pivotal role in tracking infection dynamics and vaccine effectiveness. In this study, we aimed to develop a simple enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for measuring RBD-specific antibodies, comparing two plant-based platforms for diagnostic reagent production. We chose to retain RBD in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to prevent potential immunoreactivity issues associated with plant-specific glycans. We produced ER-retained RBD in two plant systems: a stable transformation of BY-2 plant cell culture (BY2-RBD) and a transient transformation in Nicotiana benthamiana using the MagnICON system (NB-RBD). Both systems demonstrated their suitability, with varying yields and production timelines. The plant-made proteins revealed unexpected differences in N-glycan profiles, with BY2-RBD displaying oligo-mannosidic N-glycans and NB-RBD exhibiting a more complex glycan profile. This difference may be attributed to higher recombinant protein synthesis in the N. benthamiana system, potentially overloading the ER retention signal, causing some proteins to traffic to the Golgi apparatus. When used as diagnostic reagents in ELISA, BY2-RBD outperformed NB-RBD in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and correlation with a commercial kit. This discrepancy may be due to the distinct glycan profiles, as complex glycans on NB-RBD may impact immunoreactivity. In conclusion, our study highlights the potential of plant-based systems for rapid diagnostic reagent production during emergencies. However, transient expression systems, while offering shorter timelines, introduce higher heterogeneity in recombinant protein forms, necessitating careful consideration in serological test development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Denise Pivotto
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Elena Zanichelli
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Guillermo Sobrino-Mengual
- Université de Rouen Normandie, Normandie Univ, GlycoMEV UR 4358, SFR Normandie Végétal FED 4277, Innovation Chimie Carnot, IRIB, GDR CNRS Chemobiologie, RMT BESTIM, Rouen, France
- Applied Plant Biotechnology Group, Department of Plant Production and Forestry Science, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio CERCA Center, Lleida, Spain
| | - Juliette Balieu
- Université de Rouen Normandie, Normandie Univ, GlycoMEV UR 4358, SFR Normandie Végétal FED 4277, Innovation Chimie Carnot, IRIB, GDR CNRS Chemobiologie, RMT BESTIM, Rouen, France
| | - Patrice Lerouge
- Université de Rouen Normandie, Normandie Univ, GlycoMEV UR 4358, SFR Normandie Végétal FED 4277, Innovation Chimie Carnot, IRIB, GDR CNRS Chemobiologie, RMT BESTIM, Rouen, France
| | - Muriel Bardor
- Université de Rouen Normandie, Normandie Univ, GlycoMEV UR 4358, SFR Normandie Végétal FED 4277, Innovation Chimie Carnot, IRIB, GDR CNRS Chemobiologie, RMT BESTIM, Rouen, France
| | - Riccardo Cecchetto
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Microbiology Section, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Monica Compri
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, UOC Microbiologia e Virologia, Verona, Italy
| | - Annarita Mazzariol
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Microbiology Section, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Anneli Ritala
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Espoo, Finland
| | - Linda Avesani
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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8
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Gissot L, Fontaine F, Kelemen Z, Dao O, Bouchez I, Deruyffelaere C, Winkler M, Costa AD, Pierre F, Meziadi C, Faure JD, Froissard M. E and M SARS-CoV-2 membrane protein expression and enrichment with plant lipid droplets. Biotechnol J 2024; 19:e2300512. [PMID: 37986207 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202300512] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Plants are gaining traction as a cost-effective and scalable platform for producing recombinant proteins. However, expressing integral membrane proteins in plants is challenging due to their hydrophobic nature. In our study, we used transient and stable expression systems in Nicotiana benthamiana and Camelina sativa respectively to express SARS-CoV-2 E and M integral proteins, and target them to lipid droplets (LDs). LDs offer an ideal environment for folding hydrophobic proteins and aid in their purification through flotation. We tested various protein fusions with different linkers and tags and used three dimensional structure predictions to assess their effects. E and M mostly localized in the ER in N. benthamiana leaves but E could be targeted to LDs in oil accumulating tobacco when fused with oleosin, a LD integral protein. In Camelina sativa seeds, E and M were however found associated with purified LDs. By enhancing the accumulation of E and M within LDs through oleosin, we enriched these proteins in the purified floating fraction. This strategy provides an alternative approach for efficiently producing and purifying hydrophobic pharmaceuticals and vaccines using plant systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lionel Gissot
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin (IJPB), Versailles, France
| | - Florent Fontaine
- SAS Core Biogenesis, 850 Bd Sébastien Brant BioParc 3, 67400, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Zsolt Kelemen
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin (IJPB), Versailles, France
| | - Ousmane Dao
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin (IJPB), Versailles, France
| | - Isabelle Bouchez
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin (IJPB), Versailles, France
| | - Carine Deruyffelaere
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin (IJPB), Versailles, France
| | - Michèle Winkler
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin (IJPB), Versailles, France
| | - Anais Da Costa
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin (IJPB), Versailles, France
| | - Fabienne Pierre
- SAS Core Biogenesis, 850 Bd Sébastien Brant BioParc 3, 67400, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Chouaib Meziadi
- SAS Core Biogenesis, 850 Bd Sébastien Brant BioParc 3, 67400, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Jean-Denis Faure
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin (IJPB), Versailles, France
| | - Marine Froissard
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Institut Jean-Pierre Bourgin (IJPB), Versailles, France
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9
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Zahmanova G, Aljabali AAA, Takova K, Minkov G, Tambuwala MM, Minkov I, Lomonossoff GP. Green Biologics: Harnessing the Power of Plants to Produce Pharmaceuticals. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17575. [PMID: 38139405 PMCID: PMC10743837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417575] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Plants are increasingly used for the production of high-quality biological molecules for use as pharmaceuticals and biomaterials in industry. Plants have proved that they can produce life-saving therapeutic proteins (Elelyso™-Gaucher's disease treatment, ZMapp™-anti-Ebola monoclonal antibodies, seasonal flu vaccine, Covifenz™-SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particle vaccine); however, some of these therapeutic proteins are difficult to bring to market, which leads to serious difficulties for the manufacturing companies. The closure of one of the leading companies in the sector (the Canadian biotech company Medicago Inc., producer of Covifenz) as a result of the withdrawal of investments from the parent company has led to the serious question: What is hindering the exploitation of plant-made biologics to improve health outcomes? Exploring the vast potential of plants as biological factories, this review provides an updated perspective on plant-derived biologics (PDB). A key focus is placed on the advancements in plant-based expression systems and highlighting cutting-edge technologies that streamline the production of complex protein-based biologics. The versatility of plant-derived biologics across diverse fields, such as human and animal health, industry, and agriculture, is emphasized. This review also meticulously examines regulatory considerations specific to plant-derived biologics, shedding light on the disparities faced compared to biologics produced in other systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergana Zahmanova
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (K.T.)
- Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Alaa A. A. Aljabali
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan;
| | - Katerina Takova
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (K.T.)
| | - George Minkov
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (K.T.)
| | - Murtaza M. Tambuwala
- Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool Campus, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK;
| | - Ivan Minkov
- Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnologies, 4108 Markovo, Bulgaria
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10
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Strasser R. Plant glycoengineering for designing next-generation vaccines and therapeutic proteins. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 67:108197. [PMID: 37315875 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Protein glycosylation has a huge impact on biological processes in all domains of life. The type of glycan present on a recombinant glycoprotein depends on protein intrinsic features and the glycosylation repertoire of the cell type used for expression. Glycoengineering approaches are used to eliminate unwanted glycan modifications and to facilitate the coordinated expression of glycosylation enzymes or whole metabolic pathways to furnish glycans with distinct modifications. The formation of tailored glycans enables structure-function studies and optimization of therapeutic proteins used in different applications. While recombinant proteins or proteins from natural sources can be in vitro glycoengineered using glycosyltransferases or chemoenzymatic synthesis, many approaches use genetic engineering involving the elimination of endogenous genes and introduction of heterologous genes to cell-based production systems. Plant glycoengineering enables the in planta production of recombinant glycoproteins with human or animal-type glycans that resemble natural glycosylation or contain novel glycan structures. This review summarizes key achievements in glycoengineering of plants and highlights current developments aiming to make plants more suitable for the production of a diverse range of recombinant glycoproteins for innovative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Strasser
- Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
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11
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Zak AJ, Hoang T, Yee CM, Rizvi SM, Prabhu P, Wen F. Pseudotyping Improves the Yield of Functional SARS-CoV-2 Virus-like Particles (VLPs) as Tools for Vaccine and Therapeutic Development. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14622. [PMID: 37834067 PMCID: PMC10572262 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914622] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Virus-like particles (VLPs) have been proposed as an attractive tool in SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development, both as (1) a vaccine candidate with high immunogenicity and low reactogenicity and (2) a substitute for live virus in functional and neutralization assays. Though multiple SARS-CoV-2 VLP designs have already been explored in Sf9 insect cells, a key parameter ensuring VLPs are a viable platform is the VLP spike yield (i.e., spike protein content in VLP), which has largely been unreported. In this study, we show that the common strategy of producing SARS-CoV-2 VLPs by expressing spike protein in combination with the native coronavirus membrane and/or envelope protein forms VLPs, but at a critically low spike yield (~0.04-0.08 mg/L). In contrast, fusing the spike ectodomain to the influenza HA transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic tail and co-expressing M1 increased VLP spike yield to ~0.4 mg/L. More importantly, this increased yield translated to a greater VLP spike antigen density (~96 spike monomers/VLP) that more closely resembles that of native SARS-CoV-2 virus (~72-144 Spike monomers/virion). Pseudotyping further allowed for production of functional alpha (B.1.1.7), beta (B.1.351), delta (B.1.617.2), and omicron (B.1.1.529) SARS-CoV-2 VLPs that bound to the target ACE2 receptor. Finally, we demonstrated the utility of pseudotyped VLPs to test neutralizing antibody activity using a simple, acellular ELISA-based assay performed at biosafety level 1 (BSL-1). Taken together, this study highlights the advantage of pseudotyping over native SARS-CoV-2 VLP designs in achieving higher VLP spike yield and demonstrates the usefulness of pseudotyped VLPs as a surrogate for live virus in vaccine and therapeutic development against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Fei Wen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA (P.P.)
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12
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Sepotokele KM, O'Kennedy MM, Wandrag DBR, Abolnik C. Optimization of infectious bronchitis virus-like particle expression in Nicotiana benthamiana as potential poultry vaccines. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288970. [PMID: 37471377 PMCID: PMC10358894 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Infectious bronchitis (IB) is a highly contagious, acute respiratory disease in chickens, with a severe economic impact on poultry production globally. The rapid emergence of regional variants of this Gammacoronavirus warrants new vaccine approaches that are more humane and rapid to produce than the current embryonated chicken egg-based method used for IB variant vaccine propagation (chemically-inactivated whole viruses). The production of virus-like particles (VLPs) expressing the Spike (S) glycoprotein, the major antigen which induces neutralizing antibodies, has not been achieved in planta up until now. In this study, using the Agrobacterium-mediated Nicotiana benthamiana (tobacco plant) transient expression system, the highest levels of VLPs displaying a modified S protein of a QX-like IB variant were obtained when the native transmembrane (TM) domain and cytoplasmic tail were substituted with that of the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) fusion glycoprotein, co-infiltrated with the NDV Matrix protein. In comparison, the native IB modified S co-infiltrated with IB virus membrane, envelope and nucleocapsid proteins, or substituted with the TM and CT of an H6-subtype influenza A virus hemagglutinin glycoprotein yielded lower VLP expression levels. Strong immunogenicity was confirmed in specific pathogen free chickens immunized intramuscularly with VLPs adjuvanted with Emulsigen®-P, where birds that received doses of 5 μg or 20 μg (S protein content) seroconverted after two weeks with mean hemaggluttination inhibition titres of 9.1 and 10 log2, respectively. Plant-produced IB VLP variant vaccines are safer, more rapid and cost effective to produce than VLPs produced in insect cell expression systems or the traditional egg-produced inactivated whole virus oil emulsion vaccines currently in use, with great potential for improved IB disease control in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamogelo M Sepotokele
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Martha M O'Kennedy
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Biosciences, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Daniel B R Wandrag
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Celia Abolnik
- Department of Production Animal Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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13
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Jung JW, Park PG, Lee WK, Shin JH, Jang MH, Seo EH, An T, Kim YB, Moon MH, Choi SK, Yun JS, Hong KJ, Kim SR. Production of Plant-Derived Japanese Encephalitis Virus Multi-Epitope Peptide in Nicotiana benthamiana and Immunological Response in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11643. [PMID: 37511402 PMCID: PMC10380836 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411643] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The current production of the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) vaccine is based on animal cells, where various risk factors for human health should be resolved. This study used a transient expression system to express the chimeric protein composed of antigenic epitopes from the JEV envelope (E) protein in Nicotiana benthamiana. JEV multi-epitope peptide (MEP) sequences fused with FLAG-tag or 6× His-tag at the C- or N-terminus for the purification were introduced into plant expression vectors and used for transient expression. Among the constructs, vector pSK480, which expresses MEP fused with a FLAG-tag at the C-terminus, showed the highest level of expression and yield in purification. Optimization of transient expression procedures further improved the target protein yield. The purified MEP protein was applied to an ICR mouse and successfully induced an antibody against JEV, which demonstrates the potential of the plant-produced JEV MEP as an alternative vaccine candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Wan Jung
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul 04107, Republic of Korea
- PhytoMab Co., Seoul 04107, Republic of Korea
| | - Pil-Gu Park
- Department of Microbiology, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Kyung Lee
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul 04107, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Hye Shin
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul 04107, Republic of Korea
- PhytoMab Co., Seoul 04107, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Hwa Jang
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul 04107, Republic of Korea
- PhytoMab Co., Seoul 04107, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Hye Seo
- Department of Microbiology, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Plus, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Timothy An
- Department of Microbiology, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Beom Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeong Hee Moon
- Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Jee Sun Yun
- Eubiologics Co., Seoul 06026, Republic of Korea
| | - Kee-Jong Hong
- Department of Microbiology, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Ryong Kim
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul 04107, Republic of Korea
- PhytoMab Co., Seoul 04107, Republic of Korea
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14
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Zahmanova G, Takova K, Tonova V, Koynarski T, Lukov LL, Minkov I, Pishmisheva M, Kotsev S, Tsachev I, Baymakova M, Andonov AP. The Re-Emergence of Hepatitis E Virus in Europe and Vaccine Development. Viruses 2023; 15:1558. [PMID: 37515244 PMCID: PMC10383931 DOI: 10.3390/v15071558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is one of the leading causes of acute viral hepatitis. Transmission of HEV mainly occurs via the fecal-oral route (ingesting contaminated water or food) or by contact with infected animals and their raw meat products. Some animals, such as pigs, wild boars, sheep, goats, rabbits, camels, rats, etc., are natural reservoirs of HEV, which places people in close contact with them at increased risk of HEV disease. Although hepatitis E is a self-limiting infection, it could also lead to severe illness, particularly among pregnant women, or chronic infection in immunocompromised people. A growing number of studies point out that HEV can be classified as a re-emerging virus in developed countries. Preventative efforts are needed to reduce the incidence of acute and chronic hepatitis E in non-endemic and endemic countries. There is a recombinant HEV vaccine, but it is approved for use and commercially available only in China and Pakistan. However, further studies are needed to demonstrate the necessity of applying a preventive vaccine and to create conditions for reducing the spread of HEV. This review emphasizes the hepatitis E virus and its importance for public health in Europe, the methods of virus transmission and treatment, and summarizes the latest studies on HEV vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergana Zahmanova
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Department of Technology Transfer and IP Management, Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Katerina Takova
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Valeria Tonova
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, University of Plovdiv, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Tsvetoslav Koynarski
- Department of Animal Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Laura L Lukov
- Faculty of Sciences, Brigham Young University-Hawaii, Laie, HI 96762, USA
| | - Ivan Minkov
- Department of Technology Transfer and IP Management, Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnologies, 4108 Markovo, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Pishmisheva
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Pazardzhik Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment, 4400 Pazardzhik, Bulgaria
| | - Stanislav Kotsev
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Pazardzhik Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment, 4400 Pazardzhik, Bulgaria
| | - Ilia Tsachev
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Magdalena Baymakova
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Military Medical Academy, 1606 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Anton P Andonov
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
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15
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Eidenberger L, Kogelmann B, Steinkellner H. Plant-based biopharmaceutical engineering. NATURE REVIEWS BIOENGINEERING 2023; 1:426-439. [PMID: 37317690 PMCID: PMC10030082 DOI: 10.1038/s44222-023-00044-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Plants can be engineered to recombinantly produce high-quality proteins such as therapeutic proteins and vaccines, also known as molecular farming. Molecular farming can be established in various settings with minimal cold-chain requirements and could thus ensure rapid and global-scale deployment of biopharmaceuticals, promoting equitable access to pharmaceuticals. State of the art plant-based engineering relies on rationally assembled genetic circuits, engineered to enable the high-throughput and rapid expression of multimeric proteins with complex post-translational modifications. In this Review, we discuss the design of expression hosts and vectors, including Nicotiana benthamiana, viral elements and transient expression vectors, for the production of biopharmaceuticals in plants. We examine engineering of post-translational modifications and highlight the plant-based expression of monoclonal antibodies and nanoparticles, such as virus-like particles and protein bodies. Techno-economic analyses suggest a cost advantage of molecular farming compared with mammalian cell-based protein production systems. However, regulatory challenges remain to be addressed to enable the widespread translation of plant-based biopharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Eidenberger
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benjamin Kogelmann
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- acib — Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Herta Steinkellner
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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16
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de Andrade IA, Franca LV, Kauffmann CM, Maeda MHK, Koyama LHH, Hamann PRV, Lopes-Luz L, Fogaça MBT, de Camargo BR, Ribeiro BM, Bührer-Sékula S, Nagata T. Practical use of tobravirus-based vector to produce SARS-CoV-2 antigens in plants. J Virol Methods 2023; 315:114710. [PMID: 36914098 PMCID: PMC10008036 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2023.114710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
A plant-based heterologous expression system is an attractive option for recombinant protein production because it is based on a eukaryotic system of high feasibility, and low biological risks. Frequently, binary vector systems are used for transient gene-expression in plants. However, plant virus vector-based systems offer advantages for higher protein yields due to their self-replicating machinery. In the present study, we show an efficient protocol using a plant virus vector based on a tobravirus, pepper ringspot virus, that was employed for transient expression of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 partial gene fragments of the spike (named S1-N) and the nucleocapsid (named N) proteins in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. Purified proteins yield of 40~60µg/g of fresh leaves were obtained. Both proteins, S1-N and N, showed high and specific reactivities against convalescent patients' sera by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay format. The advantages and critical points in using this plant virus vector are discussed. DATA AVAILABILITY: All data generated and analyzed during this study are included in this published article and supporting materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikaro Alves de Andrade
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil; Pós-graduação em Biologia Microbiana, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Luísa Valério Franca
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Caterynne Melo Kauffmann
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil; Pós-graduação em Fitopatologia, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Matheus Hideki Kihara Maeda
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Lucas Hideo Hataka Koyama
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Pedro Ricardo Vieira Hamann
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Lopes-Luz
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento e Produção de Testes Rápidos, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Matheus Bernardes Torres Fogaça
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento e Produção de Testes Rápidos, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Brenda Rabello de Camargo
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Bergmann Morais Ribeiro
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Samira Bührer-Sékula
- Laboratório de Desenvolvimento e Produção de Testes Rápidos, Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, 74690-900, Brazil
| | - Tatsuya Nagata
- Departamento de Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil; Pós-graduação em Biologia Microbiana, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil; Pós-graduação em Fitopatologia, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil.
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17
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Margolin E, Schäfer G, Allen JD, Gers S, Woodward J, Sutherland AD, Blumenthal M, Meyers A, Shaw ML, Preiser W, Strasser R, Crispin M, Williamson AL, Rybicki EP, Chapman R. A plant-produced SARS-CoV-2 spike protein elicits heterologous immunity in hamsters. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1146234. [PMID: 36959936 PMCID: PMC10028082 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1146234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Molecular farming of vaccines has been heralded as a cheap, safe and scalable production platform. In reality, however, differences in the plant biosynthetic machinery, compared to mammalian cells, can complicate the production of viral glycoproteins. Remodelling the secretory pathway presents an opportunity to support key post-translational modifications, and to tailor aspects of glycosylation and glycosylation-directed folding. In this study, we applied an integrated host and glyco-engineering approach, NXS/T Generation™, to produce a SARS-CoV-2 prefusion spike trimer in Nicotiana benthamiana as a model antigen from an emerging virus. The size exclusion-purified protein exhibited a characteristic prefusion structure when viewed by transmission electron microscopy, and this was indistinguishable from the equivalent mammalian cell-produced antigen. The plant-produced protein was decorated with under-processed oligomannose N-glycans and exhibited a site occupancy that was comparable to the equivalent protein produced in mammalian cell culture. Complex-type glycans were almost entirely absent from the plant-derived material, which contrasted against the predominantly mature, complex glycans that were observed on the mammalian cell culture-derived protein. The plant-derived antigen elicited neutralizing antibodies against both the matched Wuhan and heterologous Delta SARS-CoV-2 variants in immunized hamsters, although titres were lower than those induced by the comparator mammalian antigen. Animals vaccinated with the plant-derived antigen exhibited reduced viral loads following challenge, as well as significant protection from SARS-CoV-2 disease as evidenced by reduced lung pathology, lower viral loads and protection from weight loss. Nonetheless, animals immunized with the mammalian cell-culture-derived protein were better protected in this challenge model suggesting that more faithfully reproducing the native glycoprotein structure and associated glycosylation of the antigen may be desirable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Margolin
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Georgia Schäfer
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Africa, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Observatory, Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Joel D Allen
- School of Biological Sciences and Institute of Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jeremy Woodward
- Electron Microscope Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andrew D Sutherland
- Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University Tygerberg Campus, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Melissa Blumenthal
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Observatory, Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ann Meyers
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Megan L Shaw
- Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Wolfgang Preiser
- Division of Medical Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University Tygerberg Campus, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Richard Strasser
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Max Crispin
- School of Biological Sciences and Institute of Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Anna-Lise Williamson
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Edward P Rybicki
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Biopharming Research Unit, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ros Chapman
- Division of Medical Virology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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18
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England C, TrejoMartinez J, PerezSanchez P, Karki U, Xu J. Plants as Biofactories for Therapeutic Proteins and Antiviral Compounds to Combat COVID-19. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:617. [PMID: 36983772 PMCID: PMC10054913 DOI: 10.3390/life13030617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) had a profound impact on the world's health and economy. Although the end of the pandemic may come in 2023, it is generally believed that the virus will not be completely eradicated. Most likely, the disease will become an endemicity. The rapid development of vaccines of different types (mRNA, subunit protein, inactivated virus, etc.) and some other antiviral drugs (Remdesivir, Olumiant, Paxlovid, etc.) has provided effectiveness in reducing COVID-19's impact worldwide. However, the circulating SARS-CoV-2 virus has been constantly mutating with the emergence of multiple variants, which makes control of COVID-19 difficult. There is still a pressing need for developing more effective antiviral drugs to fight against the disease. Plants have provided a promising production platform for both bioactive chemical compounds (small molecules) and recombinant therapeutics (big molecules). Plants naturally produce a diverse range of bioactive compounds as secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, terpenoids/terpenes and polyphenols, which are a rich source of countless antiviral compounds. Plants can also be genetically engineered to produce valuable recombinant therapeutics. This molecular farming in plants has an unprecedented opportunity for developing vaccines, antibodies, and other biologics for pandemic diseases because of its potential advantages, such as low cost, safety, and high production volume. This review summarizes the latest advancements in plant-derived drugs used to combat COVID-19 and discusses the prospects and challenges of the plant-based production platform for antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corbin England
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
- Molecular Biosciences Program, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | | | - Paula PerezSanchez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | - Uddhab Karki
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
- Molecular Biosciences Program, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
| | - Jianfeng Xu
- Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
- College of Agriculture, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, AR 72401, USA
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19
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The Plant Viruses and Molecular Farming: How Beneficial They Might Be for Human and Animal Health? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021533. [PMID: 36675043 PMCID: PMC9863966 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Plant viruses have traditionally been studied as pathogens in the context of understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of a particular disease affecting crops. In recent years, viruses have emerged as a new alternative for producing biological nanomaterials and chimeric vaccines. Plant viruses were also used to generate highly efficient expression vectors, revolutionizing plant molecular farming (PMF). Several biological products, including recombinant vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, diagnostic reagents, and other pharmaceutical products produced in plants, have passed their clinical trials and are in their market implementation stage. PMF offers opportunities for fast, adaptive, and low-cost technology to meet ever-growing and critical global health needs. In this review, we summarized the advancements in the virus-like particles-based (VLPs-based) nanotechnologies and the role they played in the production of advanced vaccines, drugs, diagnostic bio-nanomaterials, and other bioactive cargos. We also highlighted various applications and advantages plant-produced vaccines have and their relevance for treating human and animal illnesses. Furthermore, we summarized the plant-based biologics that have passed through clinical trials, the unique challenges they faced, and the challenges they will face to qualify, become available, and succeed on the market.
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20
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Kim KR, Lee AS, Kim SM, Heo HR, Kim CS. Virus-like nanoparticles as a theranostic platform for cancer. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 10:1106767. [PMID: 36714624 PMCID: PMC9878189 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1106767] [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: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Virus-like nanoparticles (VLPs) are natural polymer-based nanomaterials that mimic viral structures through the hierarchical assembly of viral coat proteins, while lacking viral genomes. VLPs have received enormous attention in a wide range of nanotechnology-based medical diagnostics and therapies, including cancer therapy, imaging, and theranostics. VLPs are biocompatible and biodegradable and have a uniform structure and controllable assembly. They can encapsulate a wide range of therapeutic and diagnostic agents, and can be genetically or chemically modified. These properties have led to sophisticated multifunctional theranostic platforms. This article reviews the current progress in developing and applying engineered VLPs for molecular imaging, drug delivery, and multifunctional theranostics in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyeong Rok Kim
- Graduate School of Biochemistry, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
| | - Ae Sol Lee
- Graduate School of Biochemistry, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
| | - Su Min Kim
- Graduate School of Biochemistry, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
| | - Hye Ryoung Heo
- Senotherapy-Based Metabolic Disease Control Research Center, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea,*Correspondence: Chang Sup Kim, ; Hye Ryoung Heo,
| | - Chang Sup Kim
- Graduate School of Biochemistry, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea,School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea,*Correspondence: Chang Sup Kim, ; Hye Ryoung Heo,
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High-Yield Production of Chimeric Hepatitis E Virus-Like Particles Bearing the M2e Influenza Epitope and Receptor Binding Domain of SARS-CoV-2 in Plants Using Viral Vectors. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415684. [PMID: 36555326 PMCID: PMC9779006 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Capsid protein of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is capable of self-assembly into virus-like particles (VLPs) when expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. Such VLPs could be used as carriers of antigens for vaccine development. In this study, we obtained VLPs based on truncated coat protein of HEV bearing the M2e peptide of Influenza A virus or receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein (RBD). We optimized the immunogenic epitopes' presentation by inserting them into the protruding domain of HEV ORF2 at position Tyr485. The fusion proteins were expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana plants using self-replicating potato virus X (PVX)-based vector. The fusion protein HEV/M2, targeted to the cytosol, was expressed at the level of about 300-400 μg per gram of fresh leaf tissue and appeared to be soluble. The fusion protein was purified using metal affinity chromatography under native conditions with the final yield about 200 μg per gram of fresh leaf tissue. The fusion protein HEV/RBD, targeted to the endoplasmic reticulum, was expressed at about 80-100 μg per gram of fresh leaf tissue; the yield after purification was up to 20 μg per gram of fresh leaf tissue. The recombinant proteins HEV/M2 and HEV/RBD formed nanosized virus-like particles that could be recognized by antibodies against inserted epitopes. The ELISA assay showed that antibodies of COVID-19 patients can bind plant-produced HEV/RBD virus-like particles. This study shows that HEV capsid protein is a promising carrier for presentation of foreign antigen.
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Rebelo BA, Folgado A, Ferreira AC, Abranches R. Production of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein and its Receptor Binding Domain in plant cell suspension cultures. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:995429. [PMID: 36340353 PMCID: PMC9634662 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.995429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the worldwide spread of SARS-CoV-2, has prompted the scientific community to rapidly develop efficient and specific diagnostics and therapeutics. A number of avenues have been explored, including the manufacture of COVID-related proteins to be used as reagents for diagnostics or treatment. The production of RBD and Spike proteins was previously achieved in eukaryotic cells, mainly mammalian cell cultures, while the production in microbial systems has been unsuccessful until now. Here we report the effective production of SARS-CoV-2 proteins in two plant model systems. We established transgenic tobacco BY-2 and Medicago truncatula A17 cell suspension cultures stably producing the full-length Spike and RBD recombinant proteins. For both proteins, various glycoforms were obtained, with higher yields in Medicago cultures than BY-2. This work highlights that RBD and Spike can be secreted into the culture medium, which will impact subsequent purification and downstream processing costs. Analysis of the culture media indicated the presence of the high molecular weight Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Although the production yields still need improvement to compete with mammalian systems, this is the first report showing that plant cell suspension cultures are able to produce the high molecular weight Spike protein. This finding strengthens the potential of plant cell cultures as production platforms for large complex proteins.
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Investigation of the N-Glycosylation of the SARS-CoV-2 S Protein Contained in VLPs Produced in Nicotiana benthamiana. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27165119. [PMID: 36014368 PMCID: PMC9412417 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic in China in late 2019 led to the fast development of efficient therapeutics. Of the major structural proteins encoded by the SARS-CoV-2 genome, the SPIKE (S) protein has attracted considerable research interest because of the central role it plays in virus entry into host cells. Therefore, to date, most immunization strategies aim at inducing neutralizing antibodies against the surface viral S protein. The SARS-CoV-2 S protein is heavily glycosylated with 22 predicted N-glycosylation consensus sites as well as numerous mucin-type O-glycosylation sites. As a consequence, O- and N-glycosylations of this viral protein have received particular attention. Glycans N-linked to the S protein are mainly exposed at the surface and form a shield-masking specific epitope to escape the virus antigenic recognition. In this work, the N-glycosylation status of the S protein within virus-like particles (VLPs) produced in Nicotiana benthamiana (N. benthamiana) was investigated using a glycoproteomic approach. We show that 20 among the 22 predicted N-glycosylation sites are dominated by complex plant N-glycans and one carries oligomannoses. This suggests that the SARS-CoV-2 S protein produced in N. benthamiana adopts an overall 3D structure similar to that of recombinant homologues produced in mammalian cells.
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Ruocco V, Strasser R. Transient Expression of Glycosylated SARS-CoV-2 Antigens in Nicotiana benthamiana. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:1093. [PMID: 35448821 PMCID: PMC9033091 DOI: 10.3390/plants11081093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic very dramatically shows that the world lacks preparedness for novel viral diseases. In addition to newly emerging viruses, many known pathogenic viruses such as influenza are constantly evolving, leading to frequent outbreaks with severe diseases and deaths. Hence, infectious viruses are a recurrent burden to our daily life, and powerful strategies to stop the spread of human pathogens and disease progression are of utmost importance. Transient plant-based protein expression is a technology that allows fast and highly flexible manufacturing of recombinant viral proteins and, thus, can contribute to infectious disease detection and prevention. This review highlights recent progress in the transient production of viral glycoproteins in N. benthamiana with a focus on SARS-CoV-2-derived viral antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard Strasser
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Institute of Plant Biotechnology and Cell Biology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 18, A-1190 Vienna, Austria;
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