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Del Moral-Sánchez I, Wee EG, Xian Y, Lee WH, Allen JD, Torrents de la Peña A, Fróes Rocha R, Ferguson J, León AN, Koekkoek S, Schermer EE, Burger JA, Kumar S, Zwolsman R, Brinkkemper M, Aartse A, Eggink D, Han J, Yuan M, Crispin M, Ozorowski G, Ward AB, Wilson IA, Hanke T, Sliepen K, Sanders RW. Triple tandem trimer immunogens for HIV-1 and influenza nucleic acid-based vaccines. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:74. [PMID: 38582771 PMCID: PMC10998906 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00862-8] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Recombinant native-like HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) trimers are used in candidate vaccines aimed at inducing broadly neutralizing antibodies. While state-of-the-art SOSIP or single-chain Env designs can be expressed as native-like trimers, undesired monomers, dimers and malformed trimers that elicit non-neutralizing antibodies are also formed, implying that these designs could benefit from further modifications for gene-based vaccination approaches. Here, we describe the triple tandem trimer (TTT) design, in which three Env protomers are genetically linked in a single open reading frame and express as native-like trimers. Viral vectored Env TTT induced similar neutralization titers but with a higher proportion of trimer-specific responses. The TTT design was also applied to generate influenza hemagglutinin (HA) trimers without the need for trimerization domains. Additionally, we used TTT to generate well-folded chimeric Env and HA trimers that harbor protomers from three different strains. In summary, the TTT design is a useful platform for the design of HIV-1 Env and influenza HA immunogens for a multitude of vaccination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Del Moral-Sánchez
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Edmund G Wee
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Yuejiao Xian
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Wen-Hsin Lee
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Joel D Allen
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Alba Torrents de la Peña
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Rebeca Fróes Rocha
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - James Ferguson
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - André N León
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sylvie Koekkoek
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Edith E Schermer
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Judith A Burger
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sanjeev Kumar
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Robby Zwolsman
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mitch Brinkkemper
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Aafke Aartse
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Virology, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, Netherlands
| | - Dirk Eggink
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Julianna Han
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Meng Yuan
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Max Crispin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Gabriel Ozorowski
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Andrew B Ward
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ian A Wilson
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tomáš Hanke
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kwinten Sliepen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rogier W Sanders
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
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Tan JS, Jaffar Ali MNB, Gan BK, Tan WS. Next-generation viral nanoparticles for targeted delivery of therapeutics: Fundamentals, methods, biomedical applications, and challenges. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:955-978. [PMID: 37339432 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2228202] [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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Viral nanoparticles (VNPs) are virus-based nanocarriers that have been studied extensively and intensively for biomedical applications. However, their clinical translation is relatively low compared to the predominating lipid-based nanoparticles. Therefore, this article describes the fundamentals, challenges, and solutions of the VNP-based platform, which will leverage the development of next-generation VNPs. AREAS COVERED Different types of VNPs and their biomedical applications are reviewed comprehensively. Strategies and approaches for cargo loading and targeted delivery of VNPs are examined thoroughly. The latest developments in controlled release of cargoes from VNPs and their mechanisms are highlighted too. The challenges faced by VNPs in biomedical applications are identified, and solutions are provided to overcome them. EXPERT OPINION In the development of next-generation VNPs for gene therapy, bioimaging and therapeutic deliveries, focus must be given to reduce their immunogenicity, and increase their stability in the circulatory system. Modular virus-like particles (VLPs) which are produced separately from their cargoes or ligands before all the components are coupled can speed up clinical trials and commercialization. In addition, removal of contaminants from VNPs, cargo delivery across the blood brain barrier (BBB), and targeting of VNPs to organelles intracellularly are challenges that will preoccupy researchers in this decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Sen Tan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muhamad Norizwan Bin Jaffar Ali
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Bee Koon Gan
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wen Siang Tan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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3
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O’Donnell JS, Isaacs A, Jakob V, Lebas C, Barnes JB, Reading PC, Young PR, Watterson D, Dubois PM, Collin N, Chappell KJ. Characterization and comparison of novel adjuvants for a prefusion clamped MERS vaccine. Front Immunol 2022; 13:976968. [PMID: 36119058 PMCID: PMC9478912 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.976968] [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: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Various chemical adjuvants are available to augment immune responses to non-replicative, subunit vaccines. Optimized adjuvant selection can ensure that vaccine-induced immune responses protect against the diversity of pathogen-associated infection routes, mechanisms of infectious spread, and pathways of immune evasion. In this study, we compare the immune response of mice to a subunit vaccine of Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) spike protein, stabilized in its prefusion conformation by a proprietary molecular clamp (MERS SClamp) alone or formulated with one of six adjuvants: either (i) aluminium hydroxide, (ii) SWE, a squalene-in-water emulsion, (iii) SQ, a squalene-in-water emulsion containing QS21 saponin, (iv) SMQ, a squalene-in-water emulsion containing QS21 and a synthetic toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) agonist 3D-6-acyl Phosphorylated HexaAcyl Disaccharide (3D6AP); (v) LQ, neutral liposomes containing cholesterol, 1.2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) and QS21, (vi) or LMQ, neutral liposomes containing cholesterol, DOPC, QS21, and 3D6AP. All adjuvanted formulations induced elevated antibody titers which where greatest for QS21-containing formulations. These had elevated neutralization capacity and induced higher frequencies of IFNƔ and IL-2-producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Additionally, LMQ-containing formulations skewed the antibody response towards IgG2b/c isotypes, allowing for antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. This study highlights the utility of side-by-side adjuvant comparisons in vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake S. O’Donnell
- The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- The School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ariel Isaacs
- The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- The School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Celia Lebas
- Vaccine Formulation Institute, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - James B. Barnes
- The WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Patrick C. Reading
- The WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Paul R. Young
- The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- The School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Daniel Watterson
- The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- The School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Nicolas Collin
- Vaccine Formulation Institute, Geneva, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Keith J. Chappell, ; Nicolas Collin,
| | - Keith J. Chappell
- The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- The School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- *Correspondence: Keith J. Chappell, ; Nicolas Collin,
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4
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Hsieh CL, McLellan JS. Protein engineering responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2022; 74:102385. [PMID: 35533563 PMCID: PMC9075828 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2022.102385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Antigen design guided by high-resolution viral glycoprotein structures has successfully generated diverse vaccine candidates for COVID-19. Using conjugation systems to combine antigen design with computationally optimized nanoparticles, researchers have been able to display multivalent antigens with beneficial substitutions that elicited robust humoral immunity with enhanced neutralization potency and breadth. Here, we discuss strategies that have been used for structure-based design and nanoparticle display to develop COVID-19 vaccine candidates as well as potential next-generation vaccine candidates to protect against SARS-CoV-2 variants and other coronaviruses that emerge into the human population.
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5
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Young A, Isaacs A, Scott CAP, Modhiran N, McMillan CLD, Cheung STM, Barr J, Marsh G, Thakur N, Bailey D, Li KSM, Luk HKH, Kok KH, Lau SKP, Woo PCY, Furuyama W, Marzi A, Young PR, Chappell KJ, Watterson D. A platform technology for generating subunit vaccines against diverse viral pathogens. Front Immunol 2022; 13:963023. [PMID: 36059532 PMCID: PMC9436389 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.963023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic response has shown how vaccine platform technologies can be used to rapidly and effectively counteract a novel emerging infectious disease. The speed of development for mRNA and vector-based vaccines outpaced those of subunit vaccines, however, subunit vaccines can offer advantages in terms of safety and stability. Here we describe a subunit vaccine platform technology, the molecular clamp, in application to four viruses from divergent taxonomic families: Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), Ebola virus (EBOV), Lassa virus (LASV) and Nipah virus (NiV). The clamp streamlines subunit antigen production by both stabilising the immunologically important prefusion epitopes of trimeric viral fusion proteins while enabling purification without target-specific reagents by acting as an affinity tag. Conformations for each viral antigen were confirmed by monoclonal antibody binding, size exclusion chromatography and electron microscopy. Notably, all four antigens tested remained stable over four weeks of incubation at 40°C. Of the four vaccines tested, a neutralising immune response was stimulated by clamp stabilised MERS-CoV spike, EBOV glycoprotein and NiV fusion protein. Only the clamp stabilised LASV glycoprotein precursor failed to elicit virus neutralising antibodies. MERS-CoV and EBOV vaccine candidates were both tested in animal models and found to provide protection against viral challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Young
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ariel Isaacs
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Connor A P Scott
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Naphak Modhiran
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Christopher L D McMillan
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Stacey T M Cheung
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jennifer Barr
- CSIRO, Health and Biosecurity, Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Glenn Marsh
- CSIRO, Health and Biosecurity, Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Nazia Thakur
- The Pirbright Institute, Woking, United Kingdom.,Oxford Vaccine Group, Department of Paediatrics, Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kenneth S M Li
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hayes K H Luk
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kin-Hang Kok
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Susanna K P Lau
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Patrick C Y Woo
- Department of Microbiology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wakako Furuyama
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, United States
| | - Andrea Marzi
- Laboratory of Virology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, United States
| | - Paul R Young
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Keith J Chappell
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Daniel Watterson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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6
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McMillan CLD, Cheung STM, Modhiran N, Barnes J, Amarilla AA, Bielefeldt-Ohmann H, Lee LYY, Guilfoyle K, van Amerongen G, Stittelaar K, Jakon V, Lebas C, Reading P, Short KR, Young PR, Watterson D, Chappell KJ. Development of molecular clamp stabilized hemagglutinin vaccines for Influenza A viruses. NPJ Vaccines 2021; 6:135. [PMID: 34750396 PMCID: PMC8575991 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-021-00395-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza viruses cause a significant number of infections and deaths annually. In addition to seasonal infections, the risk of an influenza virus pandemic emerging is extremely high owing to the large reservoir of diverse influenza viruses found in animals and the co-circulation of many influenza subtypes which can reassort into novel strains. Development of a universal influenza vaccine has proven extremely challenging. In the absence of such a vaccine, rapid response technologies provide the best potential to counter a novel influenza outbreak. Here, we demonstrate that a modular trimerization domain known as the molecular clamp allows the efficient production and purification of conformationally stabilised prefusion hemagglutinin (HA) from a diverse range of influenza A subtypes. These clamp-stabilised HA proteins provided robust protection from homologous virus challenge in mouse and ferret models and some cross protection against heterologous virus challenge. This work provides a proof-of-concept for clamp-stabilised HA vaccines as a tool for rapid response vaccine development against future influenza A virus pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L D McMillan
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Stacey T M Cheung
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Naphak Modhiran
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - James Barnes
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Alberto A Amarilla
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Helle Bielefeldt-Ohmann
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.,Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Global Virus Network Centre of Excellence, Brisbane, QLD, 4072 and 4029, Australia.,School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland Gatton Campus, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
| | - Leo Yi Yang Lee
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Kate Guilfoyle
- Viroclinics Xplore, Landerd Campus, Nistelrooise Baan 3, 5374 RE, Schaijk, The Netherlands
| | - Geert van Amerongen
- Viroclinics Xplore, Landerd Campus, Nistelrooise Baan 3, 5374 RE, Schaijk, The Netherlands
| | - Koert Stittelaar
- Viroclinics Xplore, Landerd Campus, Nistelrooise Baan 3, 5374 RE, Schaijk, The Netherlands
| | - Virginie Jakon
- Vaccine Formulation Institute, Chemin des Aulx 14, 1228 Plan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Celia Lebas
- Vaccine Formulation Institute, Chemin des Aulx 14, 1228 Plan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Reading
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Kirsty R Short
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.,Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Global Virus Network Centre of Excellence, Brisbane, QLD, 4072 and 4029, Australia
| | - Paul R Young
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia. .,Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Global Virus Network Centre of Excellence, Brisbane, QLD, 4072 and 4029, Australia. .,The Australian Institute of Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Daniel Watterson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia. .,Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Global Virus Network Centre of Excellence, Brisbane, QLD, 4072 and 4029, Australia. .,The Australian Institute of Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Keith J Chappell
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia. .,Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Global Virus Network Centre of Excellence, Brisbane, QLD, 4072 and 4029, Australia. .,The Australian Institute of Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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7
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Combinatorial F-G Immunogens as Nipah and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine Candidates. Viruses 2021; 13:v13101942. [PMID: 34696372 PMCID: PMC8537613 DOI: 10.3390/v13101942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Nipah virus (NiV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) possess two surface glycoproteins involved in cellular attachment and membrane fusion, both of which are potential targets for vaccines. The majority of vaccine development is focused on the attachment (G) protein of NiV, which is the immunodominant target. In contrast, the fusion (F) protein of RSV is the main target in vaccine development. Despite this, neutralising epitopes have been described in NiV F and RSV G, making them alternate targets for vaccine design. Through rational design, we have developed a vaccine strategy applicable to phylogenetically divergent NiV and RSV that comprises both the F and G proteins (FxG). In a mouse immunization model, we found that NiV FxG elicited an improved immune response capable of neutralising pseudotyped NiV and a NiV mutant that is able to escape neutralisation by two known F-specific antibodies. RSV FxG elicited an immune response against both F and G and was able to neutralise RSV; however, this was inferior to the immune response of F alone. Despite this, RSV FxG elicited a response against a known protective epitope within G that is conserved across RSV A and B subgroups, which may provide additional protection in vivo. We conclude that inclusion of F and G antigens within a single design provides a streamlined subunit vaccine strategy against both emerging and established pathogens, with the potential for broader protection against NiV.
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8
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Watterson D, Wijesundara DK, Modhiran N, Mordant FL, Li Z, Avumegah MS, McMillan CL, Lackenby J, Guilfoyle K, van Amerongen G, Stittelaar K, Cheung ST, Bibby S, Daleris M, Hoger K, Gillard M, Radunz E, Jones ML, Hughes K, Hughes B, Goh J, Edwards D, Scoble J, Pearce L, Kowalczyk L, Phan T, La M, Lu L, Pham T, Zhou Q, Brockman DA, Morgan SJ, Lau C, Tran MH, Tapley P, Villalón-Letelier F, Barnes J, Young A, Jaberolansar N, Scott CA, Isaacs A, Amarilla AA, Khromykh AA, van den Brand JM, Reading PC, Ranasinghe C, Subbarao K, Munro TP, Young PR, Chappell KJ. Preclinical development of a molecular clamp-stabilised subunit vaccine for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Clin Transl Immunology 2021; 10:e1269. [PMID: 33841880 PMCID: PMC8021130 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Efforts to develop and deploy effective vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) continue at pace. Here, we describe rational antigen design through to manufacturability and vaccine efficacy of a prefusion‐stabilised spike (S) protein, Sclamp, in combination with the licensed adjuvant MF59 ‘MF59C.1’ (Seqirus, Parkville, Australia). Methods A panel recombinant Sclamp proteins were produced in Chinese hamster ovary and screened in vitro to select a lead vaccine candidate. The structure of this antigen was determined by cryo‐electron microscopy and assessed in mouse immunogenicity studies, hamster challenge studies and safety and toxicology studies in rat. Results In mice, the Sclamp vaccine elicits high levels of neutralising antibodies, as well as broadly reactive and polyfunctional S‐specific CD4+ and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells in vivo. In the Syrian hamster challenge model (n = 70), vaccination results in reduced viral load within the lung, protection from pulmonary disease and decreased viral shedding in daily throat swabs which correlated strongly with the neutralising antibody level. Conclusion The SARS‐CoV‐2 Sclamp vaccine candidate is compatible with large‐scale commercial manufacture, stable at 2–8°C. When formulated with MF59 adjuvant, it elicits neutralising antibodies and T‐cell responses and provides protection in animal challenge models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Watterson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia.,The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia.,Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, Global Virus Network Centre of Excellence The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD Australia
| | - Danushka K Wijesundara
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia.,The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Naphak Modhiran
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia.,The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Francesca L Mordant
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology The University of Melbourne Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne VIC Australia
| | - Zheyi Li
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Michael S Avumegah
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia.,The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Christopher Ld McMillan
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia.,The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Julia Lackenby
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia.,The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
| | | | | | | | - Stacey Tm Cheung
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Summa Bibby
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Mallory Daleris
- The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Kym Hoger
- The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Marianne Gillard
- The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Eve Radunz
- The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Martina L Jones
- The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Karen Hughes
- The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Ben Hughes
- The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Justin Goh
- The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - David Edwards
- The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
| | | | | | | | - Tram Phan
- CSIRO Manufacturing Parkville VIC Australia
| | - Mylinh La
- CSIRO Manufacturing Parkville VIC Australia
| | - Louis Lu
- CSIRO Manufacturing Parkville VIC Australia
| | - Tam Pham
- CSIRO Manufacturing Parkville VIC Australia
| | - Qi Zhou
- CSIRO Manufacturing Parkville VIC Australia
| | | | | | - Cora Lau
- University of Queensland Biological Resources The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Mai H Tran
- TetraQ The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Peter Tapley
- TetraQ The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Fernando Villalón-Letelier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology The University of Melbourne Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne VIC Australia
| | - James Barnes
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne VIC Australia
| | - Andrew Young
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia.,The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Noushin Jaberolansar
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia.,The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Connor Ap Scott
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Ariel Isaacs
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Alberto A Amarilla
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Alexander A Khromykh
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia.,Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, Global Virus Network Centre of Excellence The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD Australia
| | - Judith Ma van den Brand
- Division of Pathology Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Utrecht University Utrecht The Netherlands
| | - Patrick C Reading
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology The University of Melbourne Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne VIC Australia.,WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne VIC Australia
| | - Charani Ranasinghe
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Kanta Subbarao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology The University of Melbourne Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne VIC Australia.,WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity Melbourne VIC Australia
| | - Trent P Munro
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia.,The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia
| | - Paul R Young
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia.,The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia.,Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, Global Virus Network Centre of Excellence The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD Australia
| | - Keith J Chappell
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia.,The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology The University of Queensland St Lucia QLD Australia.,Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, Global Virus Network Centre of Excellence The University of Queensland Brisbane QLD Australia
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9
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Isaacs A, Li Z, Cheung STM, Wijesundara DK, McMillan CLD, Modhiran N, Young PR, Ranasinghe C, Watterson D, Chappell KJ. Adjuvant Selection for Influenza and RSV Prefusion Subunit Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9020071. [PMID: 33498370 PMCID: PMC7909420 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9020071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Subunit vaccines exhibit favorable safety and immunogenicity profiles and can be designed to mimic native antigen structures. However, pairing with an appropriate adjuvant is imperative in order to elicit effective humoral and cellular immune responses. In this study, we aimed to determine an optimal adjuvant pairing with the prefusion form of influenza haemagglutinin (HA) or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) fusion (F) subunit vaccines in BALB/c mice in order to inform future subunit vaccine adjuvant selection. We tested a panel of adjuvants, including aluminum hydroxide (alhydrogel), QS21, Addavax, Addavax with QS21 (AdQS21), and Army Liposome Formulation 55 with monophosphoryl lipid A and QS21 (ALF55). We found that all adjuvants elicited robust humoral responses in comparison to placebo, with the induction of potent neutralizing antibodies observed in all adjuvanted groups against influenza and in AdQS21, alhydrogel, and ALF55 against RSV. Upon HA vaccination, we observed that none of the adjuvants were able to significantly increase the frequency of CD4+ and CD8+ IFN-γ+ cells when compared to unadjuvanted antigen. The varying responses to antigens with each adjuvant highlights that those adjuvants most suited for pairing purposes can vary depending on the antigen used and/or the desired immune response. We therefore suggest that an adjuvant trial for different subunit vaccines in development would likely be necessary in preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Isaacs
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (A.I.); (S.T.M.C.); (C.L.D.M.); (N.M.); (P.R.Y.); (D.W.)
| | - Zheyi Li
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (Z.L.); (C.R.)
| | - Stacey T. M. Cheung
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (A.I.); (S.T.M.C.); (C.L.D.M.); (N.M.); (P.R.Y.); (D.W.)
| | - Danushka K. Wijesundara
- The Australian Institute for Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
| | - Christopher L. D. McMillan
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (A.I.); (S.T.M.C.); (C.L.D.M.); (N.M.); (P.R.Y.); (D.W.)
| | - Naphak Modhiran
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (A.I.); (S.T.M.C.); (C.L.D.M.); (N.M.); (P.R.Y.); (D.W.)
| | - Paul R. Young
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (A.I.); (S.T.M.C.); (C.L.D.M.); (N.M.); (P.R.Y.); (D.W.)
- The Australian Institute for Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
- Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Charani Ranasinghe
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia; (Z.L.); (C.R.)
| | - Daniel Watterson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (A.I.); (S.T.M.C.); (C.L.D.M.); (N.M.); (P.R.Y.); (D.W.)
- Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Keith J. Chappell
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; (A.I.); (S.T.M.C.); (C.L.D.M.); (N.M.); (P.R.Y.); (D.W.)
- The Australian Institute for Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia;
- Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Correspondence:
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