1
|
Laurie C, El-Zein M, Franco E. Safety of carrageenan-based gels as preventive microbicides: a narrative review. Sex Transm Infect 2024:sextrans-2024-056176. [PMID: 38849206 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2024-056176] [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: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carrageenan-containing gels researched for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have shown promising results for human papillomavirus prevention in women, but not in men. We conducted a narrative review to assess the safety of these gels for genital use. METHODS We searched PubMed using MeSH terms and keywords on 5 November 2023. Title/abstract of articles were screened to identify relevant ones. Full-text screening determined eligibility: empirical study evaluating safety of carrageenan-containing gel(s) for genital use. RESULTS Of the 125 identified records, 15 were eligible, comprising 14 (10 randomised controlled trials and 4 cohorts) unique study populations. Studies included women only (n=11), men only (n=1) or both (n=3); number of participants ranged from 4 to 6202. Safety was assessed for vaginal (n=13), penile (n=3) and anal use (n=2). Most studies assessed safety of Carraguard (53%), followed by Divine9 (14%), and one each of iota-carrageenan gel, lambda-carrageenan gel, Carvir, PC-6500 (griffithsin and carrageenan) and PC-1005 (MIV-150/zinc acetate/carrageenan). Safety assessment relied on self-report (80.0%), testing for STIs (53.3%), investigator-identified genital findings (93.3%) and/or testing for changes in genital flora (60.0%). Adverse events (AEs) were described by investigators as mostly mild, (mostly) comparable between groups, not observed and/or not significant for vaginal and penile use. Only one study, assessing anal use of carrageenan, reported a significantly higher proportion of AEs in the carrageenan compared with placebo group. CONCLUSIONS Carrageenan-based gels are generally well tolerated for vaginal and penile, but not anal use. Studies on carrageenan gel's safety for anal use are scarce.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Laurie
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mariam El-Zein
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Eduardo Franco
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Santisteban Celis IC, Matoba N. Lectibodies as antivirals. Antiviral Res 2024; 227:105901. [PMID: 38734211 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105901] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Growing concerns regarding the emergence of highly transmissible viral diseases highlight the urgent need to expand the repertoire of antiviral therapeutics. For this reason, new strategies for neutralizing and inhibiting these viruses are necessary. A promising approach involves targeting the glycans present on the surfaces of enveloped viruses. Lectins, known for their ability to recognize specific carbohydrate molecules, offer the potential for glycan-targeted antiviral strategies. Indeed, numerous studies have reported the antiviral effects of various lectins of both endogenous and exogenous origins. However, many lectins in their natural forms, are not suitable for use as antiviral therapeutics due to toxicity, other unfavorable pharmacological effects, and/or unreliable manufacturing sources. Therefore, improvements are crucial for employing lectins as effective antiviral therapeutics. A novel approach to enhance lectins' suitability as pharmaceuticals could be the generation of recombinant lectin-Fc fusion proteins, termed "lectibodies." In this review, we discuss the scientific rationale behind lectin-based antiviral strategies and explore how lectibodies could facilitate the development of new antiviral therapeutics. We will also share our perspective on the potential of these molecules to transcend their potential use as antiviral agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian Carlosalberto Santisteban Celis
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA; Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Nobuyuki Matoba
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA; Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA; UofL Health - Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Guillaumin S, Gurdal M, Zeugolis DI. Gums as Macromolecular Crowding Agents in Human Skin Fibroblast Cultures. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:435. [PMID: 38672707 PMCID: PMC11051389 DOI: 10.3390/life14040435] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Even though tissue-engineered medicines are under intense academic, clinical, and commercial investigation, only a handful of products have been commercialised, primarily due to the costs associated with their prolonged manufacturing. While macromolecular crowding has been shown to enhance and accelerate extracellular matrix deposition in eukaryotic cell culture, possibly offering a solution in this procrastinating tissue-engineered medicine development, there is still no widely accepted macromolecular crowding agent. With these in mind, we herein assessed the potential of gum Arabic, gum gellan, gum karaya, and gum xanthan as macromolecular crowding agents in WS1 skin fibroblast cultures (no macromolecular crowding and carrageenan were used as a control). Dynamic light scattering analysis revealed that all macromolecules had negative charge and were polydispersed. None of the macromolecules affected basic cellular function. At day 7 (the longest time point assessed), gel electrophoresis analysis revealed that all macromolecules significantly increased collagen type I deposition in comparison to the non-macromolecular crowding group. Also at day 7, immunofluorescence analysis revealed that carrageenan; the 50 µg/mL, 75 µg/mL, and 100 µg/mL gum gellan; and the 500 µg/mL and 1000 µg/mL gum xanthan significantly increased both collagen type I and collagen type III deposition and only carrageenan significantly increased collagen type V deposition, all in comparison to the non-macromolecular crowding group at the respective time point. This preliminary study demonstrates the potential of gums as macromolecular crowding agents, but more detailed biological studies are needed to fully exploit their potential in the development of tissue-engineered medicines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salome Guillaumin
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL) and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland; (S.G.); (M.G.)
| | - Mehmet Gurdal
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL) and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland; (S.G.); (M.G.)
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Charles Institute of Dermatology, Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research and School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Dimitrios I. Zeugolis
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL) and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland; (S.G.); (M.G.)
- Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Charles Institute of Dermatology, Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research and School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Heindel DW, Figueroa Acosta DM, Goff M, Yengo CK, Jan M, Liu X, Wang XH, Petrova MI, Zhang M, Sagar M, Barnette P, Pandey S, Hessell AJ, Chan KW, Kong XP, Chen BK, Mahal LK, Bensing BA, Hioe CE. HIV-1 interaction with an O-glycan-specific bacterial lectin enhances virus infectivity and resistance to neutralization by antibodies. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-2596269. [PMID: 36824869 PMCID: PMC9949255 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2596269/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria dysbiosis has been associated with an increased risk of HIV-1 transmission and acquisition. The prevalent idea is that bacteria dysbiosis compromises mucosal integrity and promotes inflammatory conditions to cause recruitment and activation of immune cells that harbor or are targeted by HIV-1. However, it is also possible that HIV-1 directly binds bacteria or bacterial products to impact virus infectivity and transmissibility. This study evaluated HIV-1 interactions with bacteria through glycan-binding lectins. The Streptococcal Siglec-like lectin SLBR-N, which is part of the fimbriae shrouding the bacteria surface and recognizes α2,3 sialyated O-linked glycans, was noted for its ability to enhance HIV-1 infectivity in the context of cell-free infection and cell-to-cell transfer. Enhancing effects were recapitulated with O-glycan-binding plant lectins, signifying the importance of O-glycans. Conversely, N-glycan-binding bacterial lectins FimH and Msl had no effect. SLBR-N was demonstrated to capture and transfer infectious HIV-1 virions, bind to O-glycans on HIV-1 Env, and increase HIV-1 resistance to broadly neutralizing antibodies targeting different regions of Env. Hence, this study highlights the potential contribution of O-glycans in promoting HIV-1 infection through the exploitation of O-glycan-binding lectins from commensal bacteria at the mucosa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Heindel
- Divison of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dania M Figueroa Acosta
- Divison of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marisa Goff
- Divison of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Clauvis Kunkeng Yengo
- Divison of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Muzafar Jan
- Divison of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Present address: Department of Biochemistry, Government Degree College Handwara, University of Kashmir, Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Xiaomei Liu
- Divison of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiao-Hong Wang
- VA New York Harbor Healthcare System-Manhattan, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Mariya I Petrova
- Department of Bioscience Engineering, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Present address: Microbiome Insights and Probiotics Consultancy, Karlovo, Bulgaria
| | - Mo Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Manish Sagar
- Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Virology, Immunology and Microbiology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Phillip Barnette
- Division of Pathobiology and Immunology, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Shilpi Pandey
- Division of Pathobiology and Immunology, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Ann J Hessell
- Division of Pathobiology and Immunology, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Kun-Wei Chan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiang-Peng Kong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin K Chen
- Divison of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lara K Mahal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Barbara A Bensing
- Department of Medicine, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Catarina E Hioe
- Divison of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bains A, Fischer K, Guan W, LiWang PJ. The Antiviral Activity of the Lectin Griffithsin against SARS-CoV-2 Is Enhanced by the Presence of Structural Proteins. Viruses 2023; 15:2452. [PMID: 38140693 PMCID: PMC10747160 DOI: 10.3390/v15122452] [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: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Although COVID-19 transmission has been reduced by the advent of vaccinations and a variety of rapid monitoring techniques, the SARS-CoV-2 virus itself has shown a remarkable ability to mutate and persist. With this long track record of immune escape, researchers are still exploring prophylactic treatments to curtail future SARS-CoV-2 variants. Specifically, much focus has been placed on the antiviral lectin Griffithsin in preventing spike protein-mediated infection via the hACE2 receptor (direct infection). However, an oft-overlooked aspect of SARS-CoV-2 infection is viral capture by attachment receptors such as DC-SIGN, which is thought to facilitate the initial stages of COVID-19 infection in the lung tissue (called trans-infection). In addition, while immune escape is dictated by mutations in the spike protein, coronaviral virions also incorporate M, N, and E structural proteins within the particle. In this paper, we explored how several structural facets of both the SARS-CoV-2 virion and the antiviral lectin Griffithsin can affect and attenuate the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus. We found that Griffithsin was a better inhibitor of hACE2-mediated direct infection when the coronaviral M protein is present compared to when it is absent (possibly providing an explanation regarding why Griffithsin shows better inhibition against authentic SARS-CoV-2 as opposed to pseudotyped viruses, which generally do not contain M) and that Griffithsin was not an effective inhibitor of DC-SIGN-mediated trans-infection. Furthermore, we found that DC-SIGN appeared to mediate trans-infection exclusively via binding to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, with no significant effect observed when other viral proteins (M, N, and/or E) were present. These results provide etiological data that may help to direct the development of novel antiviral treatments, either by leveraging Griffithsin binding to the M protein as a novel strategy to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection or by narrowing efforts to inhibit trans-infection to focus on DC-SIGN binding to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arjan Bains
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Merced, 5200 North Lake Rd., Merced, CA 95343, USA;
| | - Kathryn Fischer
- Quantitative and Systems Biology, University of California Merced, 5200 North Lake Rd., Merced, CA 95343, USA;
| | - Wenyan Guan
- Materials and Biomaterials Science and Engineering, University of California Merced, 5200 North Lake Rd., Merced, CA 95343, USA;
| | - Patricia J. LiWang
- Molecular Cell Biology, Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California Merced, 5200 North Lake Rd., Merced, CA 95343, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Du S, Elliman SJ, Zeugolis DI, O'Brien T. Carrageenan as a macromolecular crowding agent in human umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stromal cell culture. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 251:126353. [PMID: 37591431 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Cell sheet tissue engineering requires prolonged in vitro culture for the development of implantable devices. Unfortunately, lengthy in vitro culture is associated with cell phenotype loss and substantially higher cost of goods, which collectively hinder clinical translation and commercialisation of tissue engineered medicines. Although macromolecular crowding has been shown to enhance and accelerate extracellular matrix deposition, whilst maintaining cellular phenotype, the optimal macromolecular crowding agent still remains elusive. Herein, we evaluated the biophysical properties of seven different carrageenan molecules at five different concentrations and their effect on human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cell morphology, viability, metabolic activity, proliferation, extracellular matrix deposition and surface marker expression. All types of carrageenan (CR) assessed demonstrated a hydrodynamic radius increase as a function of increasing concentration; high polydispersity; and negative charge. Two iota CRs were excluded from further analysis due to poor solubility in cell culture. Among the remaining five carrageenans, the lambda medium viscosity type at concentrations of 10 and 50 μg/ml did not affect cell morphology, viability, metabolic activity, proliferation and expression of surface markers and significantly increased the deposition of collagen types I, III and IV, fibronectin and laminin. Our data highlight the potential of lambda medium viscosity carrageenan as a macromolecular crowding agent for the accelerated development of functional tissue engineered medicines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Du
- Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | | | - Dimitrios I Zeugolis
- Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Regenerative, Modular & Developmental Engineering Laboratory (REMODEL), Charles Institute of Dermatology, Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, School of Mechanical & Materials Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Timothy O'Brien
- Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Centre for Research in Medical Devices (CÚRAM), Biomedical Sciences Building, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland; Orbsen Therapeutics Ltd, IDA Business Park, Dangan, Galway, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kulchar RJ, Singh R, Ding S, Alexander E, Leong KW, Daniell H. Delivery of biologics: Topical administration. Biomaterials 2023; 302:122312. [PMID: 37690380 PMCID: PMC10840840 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Biologics are unaffordable to a large majority of the global population because of prohibitively expensive fermentation systems, purification and the requirement for cold chain for storage and transportation. Limitations of current production and delivery systems of biologics were evident during the recent pandemic when <2.5% of vaccines produced were available to low-income countries and ∼19 million doses were discarded in Africa due to lack of cold-chain infrastructure. Among FDA-approved biologics since 2015, >90% are delivered using invasive methods. While oral or topical drugs are highly preferred by patients because of their affordability and convenience, only two oral drugs have been approved by FDA since 2015. A newly launched oral biologic costs only ∼3% of the average cost of injectable biologics because of the simplified regulatory approval process by elimination of prohibitively expensive fermentation, purification, cold storage/transportation. In addition, the cost of developing a new biologic injectable product (∼$2.5 billion) has been dramatically reduced through oral or topical delivery. Topical delivery has the unique advantage of targeted delivery of high concentration protein drugs, without getting diluted in circulating blood. However, only very few topical drugs have been approved by the FDA. Therefore, this review highlights recent advances in oral or topical delivery of proteins at early or advanced stages of human clinical trials using chewing gums, patches or sprays, or nucleic acid drugs directly, or in combination with, nanoparticles and offers future directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel J. Kulchar
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| | - Rahul Singh
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| | - Suwan Ding
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York City NY 10032, USA
| | - Elena Alexander
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York City NY 10032, USA
| | - Kam W Leong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York City NY 10032, USA
| | - Henry Daniell
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Borhani SG, Levine MZ, Krumpe LH, Wilson J, Henrich CJ, O'Keefe BR, Lo DC, Sittampalam GS, Godfrey AG, Lunsford RD, Mangalampalli V, Tao D, LeClair CA, Thole AP, Frey D, Swartz J, Rao G. An approach to rapid distributed manufacturing of broad spectrum anti-viral griffithsin using cell-free systems to mitigate pandemics. N Biotechnol 2023; 76:13-22. [PMID: 37054948 PMCID: PMC10330340 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
This study describes the cell-free biomanufacturing of a broad-spectrum antiviral protein, griffithsin (GRFT) such that it can be produced in microgram quantities with consistent purity and potency in less than 24 h. We demonstrate GRFT production using two independent cell-free systems, one plant and one microbial. Griffithsin purity and quality were verified using standard regulatory metrics. Efficacy was demonstrated in vitro against SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1 and was nearly identical to that of GRFT expressed in vivo. The proposed production process is efficient and can be readily scaled up and deployed wherever a viral pathogen might emerge. The current emergence of viral variants of SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in frequent updating of existing vaccines and loss of efficacy for front-line monoclonal antibody therapies. Proteins such as GRFT with its efficacious and broad virus neutralizing capability provide a compelling pandemic mitigation strategy to promptly suppress viral emergence at the source of an outbreak.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shayan G Borhani
- Center for Advanced Sensor Technology, Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA; Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
| | - Max Z Levine
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5025, USA
| | - Lauren H Krumpe
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, NCI-Frederick, NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Jennifer Wilson
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, NCI-Frederick, NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Curtis J Henrich
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, NCI-Frederick, NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Barry R O'Keefe
- Molecular Targets Program, Center for Cancer Research, NCI-Frederick, NIH, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Natural Products Branch, Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Donald C Lo
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - G Sitta Sittampalam
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Alexander G Godfrey
- Basic Science Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - R Dwayne Lunsford
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Venkata Mangalampalli
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Dingyin Tao
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Christopher A LeClair
- National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, 9800 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Aaron P Thole
- Center for Advanced Sensor Technology, Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA; Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
| | - Douglas Frey
- Center for Advanced Sensor Technology, Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA; Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
| | - James Swartz
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-5025, USA
| | - Govind Rao
- Center for Advanced Sensor Technology, Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA; Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Guan W, Zhang N, Bains A, Martinez A, LiWang PJ. Sustained Delivery of the Antiviral Protein Griffithsin and Its Adhesion to a Biological Surface by a Silk Fibroin Scaffold. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:5547. [PMID: 37629837 PMCID: PMC10456748 DOI: 10.3390/ma16165547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
The protein Griffithsin (Grft) is a lectin that tightly binds to high-mannose glycosylation sites on viral surfaces. This property allows Grft to potently inhibit many viruses, including HIV-1. The major route of HIV infection is through sexual activity, so an important tool for reducing the risk of infection would be a film that could be inserted vaginally or rectally to inhibit transmission of the virus. We have previously shown that silk fibroin can encapsulate, stabilize, and release various antiviral proteins, including Grft. However, for broad utility as a prevention method, it would be useful for an insertable film to adhere to the mucosal surface so that it remains for several days or weeks to provide longer-term protection from infection. We show here that silk fibroin can be formulated with adhesive properties using the nontoxic polymer hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and glycerol, and that the resulting silk scaffold can both adhere to biological surfaces and release Grft over the course of at least one week. This work advances the possible use of silk fibroin as an anti-viral insertable device to prevent infection by sexually transmitted viruses, including HIV-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenyan Guan
- Materials and Biomaterials Science and Engineering, University of California Merced, 5200 North Lake Rd., Merced, CA 95343, USA;
| | - Ning Zhang
- Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266101, China;
| | - Arjan Bains
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Merced, 5200 North Lake Rd., Merced, CA 95343, USA;
| | - Airam Martinez
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Merced, 5200 North Lake Rd., Merced, CA 95343, USA;
| | - Patricia J. LiWang
- Molecular Cell Biology, Health Sciences Research Institute, University of California Merced, 5200 North Lake Rd., Merced, CA 95343, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cech NB, Oberlies NH. From plant to cancer drug: lessons learned from the discovery of taxol. Nat Prod Rep 2023; 40:1153-1157. [PMID: 37449327 PMCID: PMC10354831 DOI: 10.1039/d3np00017f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Many researchers in the natural product sciences dream of discovering a successful drug. For almost all of us, this dream will never be realized. Among the heroes of our past, though, there is a team whose efforts led to the discovery of not one but two new drugs. Dr Monroe Wall and Dr Mansukh Wani isolated and solved the structures for taxol and camptothecin, plant-based compounds that continue to play a critical role in cancer therapy today. Since the 1960s and 1970s when Wall, Wani and collaborators did their seminal work, there have been tremendous technological advances in the natural product sciences. With access to most sophisticated technology, it might be expected that the rate of discovery of new drugs from plants and other sources would have sped up. However, this has not come to pass. Why is this? Is it that the promise of new drug candidates from plant-based sources has been exhausted? Has our fascination with new technologies and with the promise of the genomics revolution caused us to stop investing effort and resources in the practices that are proven to yield success? With this Viewpoint, we share the story of taxol's discovery, highlighting critical challenges that were overcome and considering their relevance to botanical natural products drug discovery today. We hope that consideration of lessons learned from the past will help fuel success by researchers currently studying plants with the goal of discovering promising therapeutic leads.
Collapse
|
11
|
Laurie C, El-Zein M, Botting-Provost S, Tota JE, Tellier PP, Coutlée F, Burchell AN, Franco EL. Efficacy and safety of a self-applied carrageenan-based gel to prevent human papillomavirus infection in sexually active young women (CATCH study): an exploratory phase IIB randomised, placebo-controlled trial. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 60:102038. [PMID: 37396806 PMCID: PMC10314142 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Carrageenan demonstrated potent anti-HPV (human papillomavirus) activity in vitro and in animal models. The Carrageenan-gel Against Transmission of Cervical Human papillomavirus trial's interim analysis (n = 277) demonstrated a 36% protective effect of carrageenan against incident HPV infections. Herein, we report the trial's final results. Methods In this exploratory phase IIB randomised, placebo-controlled trial, we recruited healthy women aged ≥18 years primarily from health service clinics at two Canadian Universities in Montreal. Participants were randomised (1:1) by the study coordinator (using computer-assisted block randomisation with randomly variable block sizes up to a block size of eight) to a carrageenan-based or placebo gel to be self-applied every other day for the first month and before/after intercourse. Participants, study nurses, and laboratory technicians (HPV testing and genotyping) were blinded to group assignment. At each visit (months 0, 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12), participants provided questionnaire data and a self-collected vaginal sample (tested for 36 HPV types, Linear Array). The primary outcome was type-specific HPV incidence (occurring at any follow-up visit). Intention-to-treat analyses for incidence were conducted using Cox proportional hazards regression models, including participants with ≥2 visits. Safety analyses included all participants randomised. This trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN96104919. Findings Between Jan 16, 2013 and Sept 30, 2020, 461 participants (enrolled) were randomly assigned to the carrageenan (n = 227) or placebo (n = 234) groups. Incidence and safety analyses included 429 and 461 participants, respectively. We found 51.9% (108/208) of participants in carrageenan and 66.5% (147/221) in placebo arm acquired ≥1 HPV type (hazard ratio 0.63 [95% CI: 0.49-0.81], p = 0.0003). Adverse events were reported by 34.8% (79/227) and 39.7% (93/234) of participants in carrageenan and placebo arm (p = 0.27), respectively. Interpretation Consistent with the interim analysis, use of a carrageenan-based gel compared to placebo resulted in a 37% reduction in risk of incident genital HPV infections in women with no increase in adverse events. A carrageenan-based gel may complement HPV vaccination. Funding Canadian Institutes of Health Research, CarraShield Labs Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Laurie
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Mariam El-Zein
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Joseph E. Tota
- Epidemiology Department, Merck & Co. Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA
| | | | - François Coutlée
- Laboratoire de Virologie Moléculaire, Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), et Département de Microbiologie, Infectiologie et Immunologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Ann N. Burchell
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, and MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Eduardo L. Franco
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Franzén Boger M, Benhach N, Hasselrot T, Brand RM, Rohan LC, Wang L, McGowan I, Edick S, Ho K, Meyn L, Matoba N, Palmer KE, Broliden K, Tjernlund A. A topical rectal douche product containing Q-Griffithsin does not disrupt the epithelial border or alter CD4 + cell distribution in the human rectal mucosa. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7547. [PMID: 37161022 PMCID: PMC10169179 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34107-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
To reduce HIV transmission, locally applied pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) products for anorectal use will be important complements to oral and injectable PrEP products already available. It is critical to preserve an intact rectal epithelium and avoid an influx of mucosal HIV target cells with such product use. In this phase 1 clinical trial, we evaluated application of a topical rectal douche product containing Q-Griffithsin (Q-GRFT). Colorectal tissue samples were obtained via sigmoidoscopy at baseline, 1 and 24 h after single-dose exposure in 15 healthy volunteers. In situ staining for epithelial junction markers and CD4+ cells were assessed as an exploratory endpoint. A high-throughput, digitalized in situ imaging analysis workflow was developed to visualize and quantify these HIV susceptibility markers. We observed no significant differences in epithelial distribution of E-cadherin, desmocollin-2, occludin, claudin-1, or zonula occludens-1 when comparing the three timepoints or Q-GRFT versus placebo. There were also no differences in %CD4+ cells within the epithelium or lamina propria in any of these comparisons. In conclusion, the rectal epithelium and CD4+ cell distribution remained unchanged following topical application of Q-GRFT. In situ visualization of HIV susceptibility markers at mucosal sites could be useful to complement standard product safety assessments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Franzén Boger
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Bioclinicum J7:20, 171 64, Solna, Sweden.
| | - Nora Benhach
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Bioclinicum J7:20, 171 64, Solna, Sweden
| | - Tyra Hasselrot
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Bioclinicum J7:20, 171 64, Solna, Sweden
| | - Rhonda M Brand
- Magee Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lisa C Rohan
- Magee Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lin Wang
- Magee Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ian McGowan
- Magee Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Orion Biotechnology, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Stacey Edick
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ken Ho
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Leslie Meyn
- Magee Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nobuyuki Matoba
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- UofL Health-Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Kenneth E Palmer
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- UofL Health-Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Kristina Broliden
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Bioclinicum J7:20, 171 64, Solna, Sweden
| | - Annelie Tjernlund
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Bioclinicum J7:20, 171 64, Solna, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Liu F, Duan G, Yang H. Recent advances in exploiting carrageenans as a versatile functional material for promising biomedical applications. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 235:123787. [PMID: 36858089 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Carrageenans are a group of biopolymers widely found in red seaweeds. Commercial carrageenans have been traditionally used as emulsifiers, stabilizers, and thickening and gelling agents in food products. Carrageenans are regarded as bioactive polysaccharides with disease-modifying and microbiota-modulating activities. Novel biomedical applications of carrageenans as biocompatible functional materials for fabricating hydrogels and nanostructures, including carbon dots, nanoparticles, and nanofibers, have been increasingly exploited. In this review, we describe the unique structural characteristics of carrageenans and their functional relevance. We summarize salient physicochemical features, including thixotropic and shear-thinning properties, of carrageenans. Recent results from clinical trials in which carrageenans were applied as both antiviral and antitumor agents and functional materials are discussed. We also highlight the most recent advances in the development of carrageenan-based targeted drug delivery systems with various pharmaceutical formulations. Promising applications of carrageenans as a bioink material for 3D printing in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are systematically evaluated. We envisage some key hurdles and challenges in the commercialization of carrageenans as a versatile material for clinical practice. This comprehensive review of the intimate relationships among the structural features, unique rheological properties, and biofunctionality of carrageenans will provide novel insights into their biomedicine application potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China.
| | - Guangcai Duan
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China
| | - Haiyan Yang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Borhani SG, Levine MZ, Krumpe LH, Wilson J, Henrich CJ, O’Keefe BR, Lo D, Sittampalam GS, Godfrey AG, Lunsford RD, Mangalampalli V, Tao D, LeClair CA, Thole A, Frey D, Swartz J, Rao G. An approach to rapid distributed manufacturing of broad spectrum anti-viral griffithsin using cell-free systems to mitigate pandemics. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.12.19.521044. [PMID: 36597541 PMCID: PMC9810220 DOI: 10.1101/2022.12.19.521044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This study describes the cell-free biomanufacturing of a broad-spectrum antiviral protein, griffithsin (GRFT) such that it can be produced with consistent purity and potency in less than 24 hours. We demonstrate GRFT production using two independent cell-free systems, one plant and one microbial. Griffithsin purity and quality were verified using standard regulatory metrics. Efficacy was demonstrated in vitro against SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1 and was nearly identical to that of GRFT expressed in vivo . The proposed production process is efficient and can be readily scaled up and deployed anywhere in the world where a viral pathogen might emerge. The current emergence of viral variants has resulted in frequent updating of existing vaccines and loss of efficacy for front-line monoclonal antibody therapies. Proteins such as GRFT with its efficacious and broad virus neutralizing capability provide a compelling pandemic mitigation strategy to promptly suppress viral emergence at the source of an outbreak.
Collapse
|
15
|
Karim QA, Archary D, Barré-Sinoussi F, Broliden K, Cabrera C, Chiodi F, Fidler SJ, Gengiah TN, Herrera C, Kharsany ABM, Liebenberg LJP, Mahomed S, Menu E, Moog C, Scarlatti G, Seddiki N, Sivro A, Cavarelli M. Women for science and science for women: Gaps, challenges and opportunities towards optimizing pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV-1 prevention. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1055042. [PMID: 36561760 PMCID: PMC9763292 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1055042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Preventing new HIV infections remains a global challenge. Young women continue to bear a disproportionate burden of infection. Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), offers a novel women-initiated prevention technology and PrEP trials completed to date underscore the importance of their inclusion early in trials evaluating new HIV PrEP technologies. Data from completed topical and systemic PrEP trials highlight the role of gender specific physiological and social factors that impact PrEP uptake, adherence and efficacy. Here we review the past and current developments of HIV-1 prevention options for women with special focus on PrEP considering the diverse factors that can impact PrEP efficacy. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of inclusion of female scientists, clinicians, and community advocates in scientific efforts to further improve HIV prevention strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quarraisha Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute (2Floor), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Derseree Archary
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute (2Floor), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Kristina Broliden
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Cabrera
- AIDS Research Institute IrsiCaixa, Institut de Recerca en Ciències de la Salut Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesca Chiodi
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sarah J. Fidler
- Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London UK and Imperial College NIHR BRC, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tanuja N. Gengiah
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute (2Floor), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Carolina Herrera
- Department of Infectious Disease, Section of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Carolina Herrera,
| | - Ayesha B. M. Kharsany
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute (2Floor), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lenine J. P. Liebenberg
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute (2Floor), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sharana Mahomed
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute (2Floor), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Elisabeth Menu
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CEA, Center for Immunology of Viral, Auto-immune, Hematological and Bacterial diseases (IMVA-HB/IDMIT), Fontenay-aux-Roses & Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France,MISTIC Group, Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Christiane Moog
- Laboratoire d’ImmunoRhumatologie Moléculaire, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM) UMR_S 1109, Institut thématique interdisciplinaire (ITI) de Médecine de Précision de Strasbourg, Transplantex NG, Faculté de Médecine, Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire OMICARE, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Gabriella Scarlatti
- Viral Evolution and Transmission Unit, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Nabila Seddiki
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CEA, Center for Immunology of Viral, Auto-immune, Hematological and Bacterial diseases (IMVA-HB/IDMIT), Fontenay-aux-Roses & Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Aida Sivro
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Doris Duke Medical Research Institute (2Floor), Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa,JC Wilt Infectious Disease Research Centre, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Mariangela Cavarelli
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CEA, Center for Immunology of Viral, Auto-immune, Hematological and Bacterial diseases (IMVA-HB/IDMIT), Fontenay-aux-Roses & Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Nabeta HW, Lasnik AB, Fuqua JL, Wang L, Rohan LC, Palmer KE. Antiviral lectin Q-Griffithsin suppresses fungal infection in murine models of vaginal candidiasis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:976033. [PMID: 36329822 PMCID: PMC9623022 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.976033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance to antifungal agents in vulvovaginal candidiasis has resulted in increasing morbidity among women globally. It is therefore crucial that new antimycotic agents are developed to counter this rising challenge. Q-Griffithsin (Q-GRFT) is a red algal lectin, manufactured in Nicotiana benthamiana. Griffithsin has well characterized broad spectrum antiviral activity and has demonstrated potent in vitro activity against multiple strains of Candida, including C. albicans. We have been working to incorporate Q-GRFT into topical microbicide products to prevent HIV-1 and HSV-2 transmission. The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a prototype Q-GRFT dosage form in prophylactic and therapeutic murine models of vaginal candidiasis, through microbiologic, histopathologic, and immune studies. In a preventive model, in comparison with infected controls, Q-GRFT treatment resulted in a lower fungal burden but did not alter the number of vaginal neutrophils and monocytes. In a therapeutic model, Q-GRFT enhanced fungal clearance when compared with infected untreated controls. Finally, histopathology demonstrated lower vaginal colonization with C. albicans following Q-GRFT treatment. Our results demonstrate that Q-GRFT has significant preventive and therapeutic activity in vaginal candidiasis offering additional benefit as a topical microbicide for prevention of HIV-1 and HSV-2 transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henry W. Nabeta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville KY, United States
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville KY, United States
- *Correspondence: Henry W. Nabeta, ; Kenneth E. Palmer,
| | - Amanda B. Lasnik
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville KY, United States
| | - Joshua L. Fuqua
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville KY, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville KY, United States
| | - Lin Wang
- Infectious Diseases, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Lisa C. Rohan
- Infectious Diseases, Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Kenneth E. Palmer
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville KY, United States
- Center for Predictive Medicine for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases, University of Louisville, Louisville KY, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville KY, United States
- *Correspondence: Henry W. Nabeta, ; Kenneth E. Palmer,
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Miller NL, Raman R, Clark T, Sasisekharan R. Complexity of Viral Epitope Surfaces as Evasive Targets for Vaccines and Therapeutic Antibodies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:904609. [PMID: 35784339 PMCID: PMC9247215 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.904609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The dynamic interplay between virus and host plays out across many interacting surfaces as virus and host evolve continually in response to one another. In particular, epitope-paratope interactions (EPIs) between viral antigen and host antibodies drive much of this evolutionary race. In this review, we describe a series of recent studies examining aspects of epitope complexity that go beyond two interacting protein surfaces as EPIs are typically understood. To structure our discussion, we present a framework for understanding epitope complexity as a spectrum along a series of axes, focusing primarily on 1) epitope biochemical complexity (e.g., epitopes involving N-glycans) and 2) antigen conformational/dynamic complexity (e.g., epitopes with differential properties depending on antigen state or fold-axis). We highlight additional epitope complexity factors including epitope tertiary/quaternary structure, which contribute to epistatic relationships between epitope residues within- or adjacent-to a given epitope, as well as epitope overlap resulting from polyclonal antibody responses, which is relevant when assessing antigenic pressure against a given epitope. Finally, we discuss how these different forms of epitope complexity can limit EPI analyses and therapeutic antibody development, as well as recent efforts to overcome these limitations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel L. Miller
- Harvard Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Rahul Raman
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Thomas Clark
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Ram Sasisekharan
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ahan RE, Hanifehnezhad A, Kehribar EŞ, Oguzoglu TC, Földes K, Özçelik CE, Filazi N, Öztop S, Palaz F, Önder S, Bozkurt EU, Ergünay K, Özkul A, Şeker UÖŞ. A Highly Potent SARS-CoV-2 Blocking Lectin Protein. ACS Infect Dis 2022; 8:1253-1264. [PMID: 35426678 PMCID: PMC9017247 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.2c00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
![]()
The COVID-19 (coronavirus
disease-19) pandemic affected more than
180 million people around the globe, causing more than five million
deaths as of January 2022. SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome
coronavirus 2), the new coronavirus, has been identified as the primary
cause of the infection. The number of vaccinated people is increasing;
however, prophylactic drugs are highly demanded to ensure secure social
contact. A number of drug molecules have been repurposed to fight
against SARS-CoV-2, and some of them have been proven to be effective
in preventing hospitalization or ICU admissions. Here, we demonstrated
griffithsin (GRFT), a lectin protein, to block the entry of SARS-CoV-2
and its variants, Delta and Omicron, into the Vero E6 cell lines and
IFNAR–/– mouse models by attaching to the
spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Given the current mutation frequency
of SARS-CoV-2, we believe that GRFT protein-based drugs will have
a high impact in preventing the transmission of both the Wuhan strain
as well as any other emerging variants, including Delta and Omicron
variants, causing the high-speed spread of COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Recep E. Ahan
- UNAM-Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Bilkent University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Alireza Hanifehnezhad
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Virology, Ankara University, Ankara 06110, Turkey
| | - Ebru Ş. Kehribar
- UNAM-Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Bilkent University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Tuba C. Oguzoglu
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Virology, Ankara University, Ankara 06110, Turkey
| | - Katalin Földes
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Virology, Ankara University, Ankara 06110, Turkey
| | - Cemile E. Özçelik
- UNAM-Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Bilkent University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Nazlican Filazi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Virology, Ankara University, Ankara 06110, Turkey
| | - Sıdıka Öztop
- Adana Dr. Turgut Noyan Medical and Research Center, Department of Immunology, Baskent University, Adana 01250, Turkey
| | - Fahreddin Palaz
- Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06230, Turkey
| | - Sevgen Önder
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Pathology, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06230, Turkey
| | - Eray U. Bozkurt
- UNAM-Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Bilkent University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Koray Ergünay
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Microbiology, Virology Unit, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06230, Turkey
| | - Aykut Özkul
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Virology, Ankara University, Ankara 06110, Turkey
- Biotechnology Institute, Ankara University, Ankara 06135, Turkey
| | - Urartu Özgür Şafak Şeker
- UNAM-Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Bilkent University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Verma N, Mukhopadhyay S, Barnable P, Plagianos MG, Teleshova N. Estradiol inhibits HIV-1 BaL infection and induces CFL1 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and endocervical mucosa. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6165. [PMID: 35418661 PMCID: PMC9008051 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10163-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
An inhibitory effect of estradiol (E2) on HIV-1 infection was suggested by several reports. We previously identified increased gene expression of actin-binding protein cofilin 1 (CFL1) in endocervix in the E2-dominated proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle. Actin cytoskeleton has an integral role in establishing and spreading HIV-1 infection. Herein, we studied in vitro effects of E2 on HIV-1 infection and on CFL1 expression to gain insight into the mechanism of HIV-1 inhibition by E2. E2 dose-dependently inhibited HIV-1BaL infection in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and endocervix. In PBMCs and endocervix, E2 increased protein expression of total CFL1 and phosphorylated CFL1 (pCFL1) and pCFL1/CFL1 ratios. LIMKi3, a LIM kinase 1 and 2 inhibitor, abrogated the phenotype and restored infection in both PBMCs and endocervix; inhibited E2-induced expression of total CFL1, pCFL1; and decreased pCFL1/CFL1 ratios. Knockdown of CFL1 in PBMCs also abrogated the phenotype and partially restored infection. Additional analysis of soluble mediators revealed decreased concentrations of pro-inflammatory chemokines CXCL10 and CCL5 in infected tissues incubated with E2. Our results suggest a link between E2-mediated anti-HIV-1 activity and expression of CFL1 in PBMCs and endocervical mucosa. The data support exploration of cytoskeletal signaling pathway targets for the development of prevention strategies against HIV-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Verma
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave., New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - S Mukhopadhyay
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave., New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - P Barnable
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave., New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - M G Plagianos
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave., New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - N Teleshova
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, 1230 York Ave., New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| |
Collapse
|