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Wang Y, Mukherjee I, Venkatasubramaniam A, Dikeman D, Orlando N, Zhang J, Ortines R, Mednikov M, Sherchand SP, Kanipakala T, Le T, Shukla S, Ketner M, Adhikari RP, Karauzum H, Aman MJ, Archer NK. Dry and liquid formulations of IBT-V02, a novel multi-component toxoid vaccine, are effective against Staphylococcus aureus isolates from low-to-middle income countries. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1373367. [PMID: 38633244 PMCID: PMC11022162 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1373367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is the leading cause of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) in the U.S. as well as more serious invasive diseases, including bacteremia, sepsis, endocarditis, surgical site infections, osteomyelitis, and pneumonia. These infections are exacerbated by the emergence of antibiotic-resistant clinical isolates such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), highlighting the need for alternatives to antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. We have previously developed a multi-component toxoid vaccine (IBT-V02) in a liquid formulation with efficacy against multiple strains of Staphylococcus aureus prevalent in the industrialized world. However, liquid vaccine formulations are not compatible with the paucity of cold chain storage infrastructure in many low-to-middle income countries (LMICs). Furthermore, whether our IBT-V02 vaccine formulations are protective against S. aureus isolates from LMICs is unknown. To overcome these limitations, we developed lyophilized and spray freeze-dried formulations of IBT-V02 vaccine and demonstrated that both formulations had comparable biophysical attributes as the liquid formulation, including similar levels of toxin neutralizing antibodies and protective efficacy against MRSA infections in murine and rabbit models. To enhance the relevancy of our findings, we then performed a multi-dimensional screen of 83 S. aureus clinical isolates from LMICs (e.g., Democratic Republic of Congo, Palestine, and Cambodia) to rationally down-select strains to test in our in vivo models based on broad expression of IBT-V02 targets (i.e., pore-forming toxins and superantigens). IBT-V02 polyclonal antisera effectively neutralized toxins produced by the S. aureus clinical isolates from LMICs. Notably, the lyophilized IBT-V02 formulation exhibited significant in vivo efficacy in various preclinical infection models against the S. aureus clinical isolates from LMICs, which was comparable to our liquid formulation. Collectively, our findings suggested that lyophilization is an effective alternative to liquid vaccine formulations of our IBT-V02 vaccine against S. aureus infections, which has important implications for protection from S. aureus isolates from LMICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | | | | | - Dustin Dikeman
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nicholas Orlando
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Roger Ortines
- Integrated Biotherapeutics Inc., Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Mark Mednikov
- Integrated Biotherapeutics Inc., Rockville, MD, United States
| | | | | | - Thao Le
- Center for Precision Medicine Research, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield, WI, United States
| | - Sanjay Shukla
- Center for Precision Medicine Research, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield, WI, United States
| | - Mark Ketner
- Engineered Biopharmaceuticals, Danville, VA, United States
| | | | - Hatice Karauzum
- Integrated Biotherapeutics Inc., Rockville, MD, United States
| | - M. Javad Aman
- Integrated Biotherapeutics Inc., Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Nathan K. Archer
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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2
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Francis D, Bhairaddy A, Joy A, Hari GV, Francis A. Secretory proteins in the orchestration of microbial virulence: The curious case of Staphylococcus aureus. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2023; 133:271-350. [PMID: 36707204 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Microbial virulence showcases an excellent model for adaptive changes that enable an organism to survive and proliferate in a hostile environment and exploit host resources to its own benefit. In Staphylococcus aureus, an opportunistic pathogen of the human host, known for the diversity of the disease conditions it inflicts and the rapid evolution of antibiotic resistance, virulence is a consequence of having a highly plastic genome that is amenable to quick reprogramming and the ability to express a diverse arsenal of virulence factors. Virulence factors that are secreted to the host milieu effectively manipulate the host conditions to favor bacterial survival and growth. They assist in colonization, nutrient acquisition, immune evasion, and systemic spread. The structural and functional characteristics of the secreted virulence proteins have been shaped to assist S. aureus in thriving and disseminating effectively within the host environment and exploiting the host resources to its best benefit. With the aim of highlighting the importance of secreted virulence proteins in bacterial virulence, the present chapter provides a comprehensive account of the role of the major secreted proteins of S. aureus in orchestrating its virulence in the human host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dileep Francis
- Department of Life Sciences, Kristu Jayanti College, Autonomous, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
| | - Anusha Bhairaddy
- Department of Life Sciences, Kristu Jayanti College, Autonomous, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Atheene Joy
- Department of Life Sciences, Kristu Jayanti College, Autonomous, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Ashik Francis
- Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
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3
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Wall Teichoic Acids Facilitate the Release of Toxins from the Surface of Staphylococcus aureus. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0101122. [PMID: 35863033 PMCID: PMC9430763 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01011-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A major feature of the pathogenicity of Staphylococcus aureus is its ability to secrete cytolytic toxins. This process involves the translocation of the toxins from the cytoplasm through the bacterial membrane and the cell wall to the external environment. The process of their movement through the membrane is relatively well defined, involving both general and toxin-specific secretory systems. Movement of the toxins through the cell wall was considered to involve the passive diffusion of the proteins through the porous cell wall structures; however, recent work suggests that this is more complex, and here we demonstrate a role for the wall teichoic acids (WTA) in this process. Utilizing a genome-wide association approach, we identified a polymorphism in the locus encoding the WTA biosynthetic machinery as associated with the cytolytic activity of the bacteria. We verified this association using an isogenic mutant set and found that WTA are required for the release of several cytolytic toxins from the bacterial cells. We show that this effect is mediated by a change in the electrostatic charge across the cell envelope that results from the loss of WTA. As a major target for the development of novel therapeutics, it is important that we fully understand the entire process of cytolytic toxin production and release. These findings open up a new aspect to the process of toxin release by a major human pathogen while also demonstrating that clinical isolates can utilize WTA production to vary their cytotoxicity, thereby altering their pathogenic capabilities. IMPORTANCE The production and release of cytolytic toxins is a critical aspect for the pathogenicity of many bacterial pathogens. In this study, we demonstrate a role for wall teichoic acids, molecules that are anchored to the peptidoglycan of the bacterial cell wall, in the release of toxins from S. aureus cells into the extracellular environment. Our findings suggest that this effect is mediated by a gradient of electrostatic charge which the presence of the negatively charged WTA molecules create across the cell envelope. This work brings an entirely new aspect to our understanding of the cytotoxicity of S. aureus and demonstrates a further means by which this major human pathogen can adapt its pathogenic capabilities.
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Han X, Ortines R, Mukherjee I, Kanipakala T, Kort T, Sherchand SP, Liao G, Mednikov M, Chenine AL, Aman MJ, Nykiforuk CL, Adhikari RP. Hyperimmune Targeting Staphylococcal Toxins Effectively Protect Against USA 300 MRSA Infection in Mouse Bacteremia and Pneumonia Models. Front Immunol 2022; 13:893921. [PMID: 35655774 PMCID: PMC9152286 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.893921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus has been acquiring multiple drug resistance and has evolved into superbugs such as Methicillin/Vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA/VRSA) and, consequently, is a major cause of nosocomial and community infections associated with high morbidity and mortality for which no FDA-approved vaccines or biotherapeutics are available. Previous efforts targeting the surface-associated antigens have failed in clinical testing. Here, we generated hyperimmune products from sera in rabbits against six major S. aureus toxins targeted by an experimental vaccine (IBT-V02) and demonstrated significant efficacy for an anti-virulence passive immunization strategy. Extensive in vitro binding and neutralizing titers were analyzed against six extracellular toxins from individual animal sera. All IBT-V02 immunized animals elicited the maximum immune response upon the first boost dose against all pore-forming vaccine components, while for superantigen (SAgs) components of the vaccine, second and third doses of a boost were needed to reach a plateau in binding and toxin neutralizing titers. Importantly, both anti-staphylococcus hyperimmune products consisting of full-length IgG (IBT-V02-IgG) purified from the pooled sera and de-speciated F(ab')2 (IBT-V02-F(ab')2) retained the binding and neutralizing titers against IBT-V02 target toxins. F(ab')2 also exhibited cross-neutralization titers against three leukotoxins (HlgAB, HlgCB, and LukED) and four SAgs (SEC1, SED, SEK, and SEQ) which were not part of IBT-V02. F(ab')2 also neutralized toxins in bacterial culture supernatant from major clinical strains of S. aureus. In vivo efficacy data generated in bacteremia and pneumonia models using USA300 S. aureus strain demonstrated dose-dependent protection by F(ab')2. These efficacy data confirmed the staphylococcal toxins as viable targets and support the further development effort of hyperimmune products as a potential adjunctive therapy for emergency uses against life-threatening S. aureus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobing Han
- Research and Development, Emergent BioSolutions Canada Inc., Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Immunology, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Roger Ortines
- Integrated Biotherapeutics Inc. (IBT), Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Ipsita Mukherjee
- Integrated Biotherapeutics Inc. (IBT), Rockville, MD, United States
| | | | - Thomas Kort
- Integrated Biotherapeutics Inc. (IBT), Rockville, MD, United States
| | | | - Grant Liao
- Integrated Biotherapeutics Inc. (IBT), Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Mark Mednikov
- Integrated Biotherapeutics Inc. (IBT), Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Agnes L Chenine
- Integrated Biotherapeutics Inc. (IBT), Rockville, MD, United States
| | - M Javad Aman
- Integrated Biotherapeutics Inc. (IBT), Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Cory L Nykiforuk
- Research and Development, Emergent BioSolutions Canada Inc., Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Rajan P Adhikari
- Integrated Biotherapeutics Inc. (IBT), Rockville, MD, United States
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Abstract
The immune response elicited by vaccines against microorganisms makes it the most successful medical interventions against infectious diseases. Conventional vaccines have limitations in inducing immunity against many types of pathogenic microorganism. The genetic diversity of microorganisms, coupled with the high degree of sequence variability in antigenic proteins, presents a challenge to developing broadly effective conventional vaccines. Atomic-resolution structure determination is crucial for understanding antigenic protein function. Cryo-electron microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy coupled with bioinformatics provide three-dimensional structure of the antigenic proteins and provide a wealth of information about the organization of individual atoms and their chemical makeup. The atomic detail information of proteins offers enormous potential to rationally engineer proteins to enhance their properties and act as effective immunogens to induce immunity. The observation that whole protein antigens are not necessarily essential for inducing immunity has led to the emergence "structural vaccinology." Structure-based vaccines are designed on the rationale that protective epitopes should be sufficient to induce immune responses and provide protection against pathogens. In 2013 we published a review on structure-based vaccines (Thomas and Luxon. Expert Rev Vaccines 12 1301-11, 2013). This review states the progress in development of structure-based vaccines since the first review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Thomas
- Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, Wynnewood, PA, USA.
| | - Ann Abraham
- Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, Wynnewood, PA, USA
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Immunoinformatics analysis and evaluation of recombinant chimeric triple antigen toxoid (r-HAB) against Staphylococcus aureus toxaemia in mouse model. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2021; 105:8297-8311. [PMID: 34609523 PMCID: PMC8490849 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-021-11609-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a serious pathogen unleashing its virulence through several classes of exotoxins such as hemolysins and enterotoxins. In this study, we designed a novel multi-antigen subunit vaccine which can induce innate, humoral and cellular immune responses. Alpha hemolysin, enterotoxins A and B were selected as protective antigens for combining into a triple antigen chimeric protein (HAB). Immunoinformatics analysis predicted HAB protein as a suitable vaccine candidate for inducing both humoral and cellular immune responses. Tertiary structure of the HAB protein was predicted and validated through computational approaches. Docking studies were performed between the HAB protein and mice TLR2 receptor. Furthermore, we constructed and generated recombinant HAB (r-HAB) protein in E. coli and studied its toxicity, immunogenicity and protective efficacy in a mouse model. Triple antigen chimeric protein (r-HAB) was found to be highly immunogenic in mouse as the anti-r-HAB hyperimmune serum was strongly reactive to all three native exotoxins on Western blot. In vitro toxin neutralization assay using anti-r-HAB antibodies demonstrated > 75% neutralization of toxins on RAW 264.7 cell line. Active immunization with r-HAB toxoid gave ~ 83% protection against 2 × lethal dosage of secreted exotoxins. The protection was mediated by induction of strong antibody responses that neutralized the toxins. Passive immunization with anti-r-HAB antibodies gave ~ 50% protection from lethal challenge. In conclusion, in vitro and in vivo testing of r-HAB found the molecule to be nontoxic, highly immunogenic and induced excellent protection towards native toxins in actively immunized and partial protection to passively immunized mice groups. Key points • HAB protein was computationally designed to induce humoral and cellular responses. • r-HAB protein was found to be nontoxic, immunogenic and protective in mouse model. • r-HAB conferred protection against lethal challenge in active and passive immunization.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Staphylococcus aureus is the most common invasive bacterial pathogen infecting children in the U.S. and many parts of the world. This major human pathogen continues to evolve, and recognition of recent trends in epidemiology, therapeutics and future horizons is of high importance. RECENT FINDINGS Over the past decade, a relative rise of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) has occurred, such that methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) no longer dominates the landscape of invasive disease. Antimicrobial resistance continues to develop, however, and novel therapeutics or preventive modalities are urgently needed. Unfortunately, several recent vaccine attempts proved unsuccessful in humans. SUMMARY Recent scientific breakthroughs highlight the opportunity for novel interventions against S. aureus by interfering with virulence rather than by traditional antimicrobial mechanisms. A S. aureus vaccine remains elusive; the reasons for this are multifactorial, and lessons learned from prior unsuccessful attempts may create a path toward an effective preventive. Finally, new diagnostic modalities have the potential to greatly enhance clinical care for invasive S. aureus disease in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E. Cassat
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation (VI4), Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Isaac Thomsen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation (VI4), Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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8
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Staphylococcal Infections: Host and Pathogenic Factors. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9051080. [PMID: 34069873 PMCID: PMC8157358 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9051080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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Fernandez J, Sanders H, Henn J, Wilson JM, Malone D, Buoninfante A, Willms M, Chan R, DuMont AL, McLahan C, Grubb K, Romanello A, van den Dobbelsteen G, Torres VJ, Poolman JT. Vaccination with Detoxified Leukocidin AB Reduces Bacterial Load in a Staphylococcus aureus Minipig Deep Surgical Wound Infection Model. J Infect Dis 2021; 225:1460-1470. [PMID: 33895843 PMCID: PMC9016470 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines against Staphylococcus aureus have eluded researchers for >3 decades while the burden of staphylococcal diseases has increased. Early vaccine attempts mainly used rodents to characterize preclinical efficacy, and all subsequently failed in human clinical efficacy trials. More recently, leukocidin AB (LukAB) has gained interest as a vaccine antigen. We developed a minipig deep surgical wound infection model offering 3 independent efficacy readouts: bacterial load at the superficial and at the deep-seated surgical site, and dissemination of bacteria. Due to similarities with humans, minipigs are an attractive option to study novel vaccine candidates. With this model, we characterized the efficacy of a LukAB toxoid as vaccine candidate. Compared to control animals, a 3-log reduction of bacteria at the deep-seated surgical site was observed in LukAB-treated minipigs and dissemination of bacteria was dramatically reduced. Therefore, LukAB toxoids may be a useful addition to S. aureus vaccines and warrant further study.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - H Sanders
- Janssen Vaccines & Prevention B.V., Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - J Henn
- Bacterial Vaccines, Spring House, PA, USA
| | | | - D Malone
- Bacterial Vaccines, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - A Buoninfante
- Janssen Vaccines & Prevention B.V., Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - M Willms
- Bacterial Vaccines, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - R Chan
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - A L DuMont
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - C McLahan
- In Vivo Sciences, Spring House, PA, USA
| | - K Grubb
- Bacterial Vaccines, Spring House, PA, USA
| | | | | | - V J Torres
- Department of Microbiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - J T Poolman
- Janssen Vaccines & Prevention B.V., Leiden, The Netherlands
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Karauzum H, Venkatasubramaniam A, Adhikari RP, Kort T, Holtsberg FW, Mukherjee I, Mednikov M, Ortines R, Nguyen NTQ, Doan TMN, Diep BA, Lee JC, Aman MJ. IBT-V02: A Multicomponent Toxoid Vaccine Protects Against Primary and Secondary Skin Infections Caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Front Immunol 2021; 12:624310. [PMID: 33777005 PMCID: PMC7987673 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.624310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus causes a wide range of diseases from skin infections to life threatening invasive diseases such as bacteremia, endocarditis, pneumonia, surgical site infections, and osteomyelitis. Skin infections such as furuncles, carbuncles, folliculitis, erysipelas, and cellulitis constitute a large majority of infections caused by S. aureus (SA). These infections cause significant morbidity, healthcare costs, and represent a breeding ground for antimicrobial resistance. Furthermore, skin infection with SA is a major risk factor for invasive disease. Here we describe the pre-clinical efficacy of a multicomponent toxoid vaccine (IBT-V02) for prevention of S. aureus acute skin infections and recurrence. IBT-V02 targets six SA toxins including the pore-forming toxins alpha hemolysin (Hla), Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL), leukocidin AB (LukAB), and the superantigens toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 and staphylococcal enterotoxins A and B. Immunization of mice and rabbits with IBT-V02 generated antibodies with strong neutralizing activity against toxins included in the vaccine, as well as cross-neutralizing activity against multiple related toxins, and protected against skin infections by several clinically relevant SA strains of USA100, USA300, and USA1000 clones. Efficacy of the vaccine was also shown in non-naïve mice pre-exposed to S. aureus. Furthermore, vaccination with IBT-V02 not only protected mice from a primary infection but also demonstrated lasting efficacy against a secondary infection, while prior challenge with the bacteria alone was unable to protect against recurrence. Serum transfer studies in a primary infection model showed that antibodies are primarily responsible for the protective response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tom Kort
- Integrated BioTherapeutics, Rockville, MD, United States
| | | | | | - Mark Mednikov
- Integrated BioTherapeutics, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Roger Ortines
- Integrated BioTherapeutics, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Nhu T. Q. Nguyen
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Thien M. N. Doan
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Binh An Diep
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Jean C. Lee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - M. Javad Aman
- Integrated BioTherapeutics, Rockville, MD, United States
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11
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Venkatasubramaniam A, Liao G, Cho E, Adhikari RP, Kort T, Holtsberg FW, Elsass KE, Kobs DJ, Rudge TL, Kauffman KD, Lora NE, Barber DL, Aman MJ, Karauzum H. Safety and Immunogenicity of a 4-Component Toxoid-Based Staphylococcus aureus Vaccine in Rhesus Macaques. Front Immunol 2021; 12:621754. [PMID: 33717122 PMCID: PMC7947289 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.621754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of significant morbidity and mortality and an enormous economic burden to public health worldwide. Infections caused by methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) pose a major threat as MRSA strains are becoming increasingly prevalent and multi-drug resistant. To this date, vaccines targeting surface-bound antigens demonstrated promising results in preclinical testing but have failed in clinical trials. S. aureus pathogenesis is in large part driven by immune destructive and immune modulating toxins and thus represent promising vaccine targets. Hence, the objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of a staphylococcal 4-component vaccine targeting secreted bi-component pore-forming toxins (BCPFTs) and superantigens (SAgs) in non-human primates (NHPs). The 4-component vaccine proved to be safe, even when repeated vaccinations were given at a dose that is 5 to 10- fold higher than the proposed human dose. Vaccinated rhesus macaques did not exhibit clinical signs, weight loss, or changes in hematology or serum chemistry parameters related to the administration of the vaccine. No acute, vaccine-related elevation of serum cytokine levels was observed after vaccine administration, confirming the toxoid components lacked superantigenicity. Immunized animals demonstrated high level of toxin-specific total and neutralizing antibodies toward target antigens of the 4-component vaccine as well as cross-neutralizing activity toward staphylococcal BCPFTs and SAgs that are not direct targets of the vaccine. Cross-neutralization was also observed toward the heterologous streptococcal pyogenic exotoxin B. Ex vivo stimulation of PBMCs with individual vaccine components demonstrated an overall increase in several T cell cytokines measured in supernatants. Immunophenotyping of CD4 T cells ex vivo showed an increase in Ag-specific polyfunctional CD4 T cells in response to antigen stimulation. Taken together, we demonstrate that the 4-component vaccine is well-tolerated and immunogenic in NHPs generating both humoral and cellular immune responses. Targeting secreted toxin antigens could be the next-generation vaccine approach for staphylococcal vaccines if also proven to provide efficacy in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Grant Liao
- Integrated BioTherapeutics, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Eunice Cho
- Integrated BioTherapeutics, Rockville, MD, United States
| | | | - Tom Kort
- Integrated BioTherapeutics, Rockville, MD, United States
| | | | | | - Dean J. Kobs
- Batelle - West Jefferson, West Jefferson, OH, United States
| | | | - Keith D. Kauffman
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, T Lymphocyte Biology Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Nickiana E. Lora
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, T Lymphocyte Biology Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Daniel L. Barber
- Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, T Lymphocyte Biology Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - M. Javad Aman
- Integrated BioTherapeutics, Rockville, MD, United States
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12
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Vlaeminck J, Raafat D, Surmann K, Timbermont L, Normann N, Sellman B, van Wamel WJB, Malhotra-Kumar S. Exploring Virulence Factors and Alternative Therapies against Staphylococcus aureus Pneumonia. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12110721. [PMID: 33218049 PMCID: PMC7698915 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12110721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pneumonia is an acute pulmonary infection associated with high mortality and an immense financial burden on healthcare systems. Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen capable of inducing S. aureus pneumonia (SAP), with some lineages also showing multidrug resistance. Given the high level of antibiotic resistance, much research has been focused on targeting S. aureus virulence factors, including toxins and biofilm-associated proteins, in an attempt to develop effective SAP therapeutics. Despite several promising leads, many hurdles still remain for S. aureus vaccine research. Here, we review the state-of-the-art SAP therapeutics, highlight their pitfalls, and discuss alternative approaches of potential significance and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelle Vlaeminck
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Institute, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (J.V.); (L.T.)
| | - Dina Raafat
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (D.R.); (N.N.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21521, Egypt
| | - Kristin Surmann
- Department of Functional Genomics, Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany;
| | - Leen Timbermont
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Institute, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (J.V.); (L.T.)
| | - Nicole Normann
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany; (D.R.); (N.N.)
| | - Bret Sellman
- Microbiome Discovery, Microbial Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R & D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA;
| | - Willem J. B. van Wamel
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, 3015 Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Surbhi Malhotra-Kumar
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Institute, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium; (J.V.); (L.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-3-265-27-52
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13
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Miller LS, Fowler VG, Shukla SK, Rose WE, Proctor RA. Development of a vaccine against Staphylococcus aureus invasive infections: Evidence based on human immunity, genetics and bacterial evasion mechanisms. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2020; 44:123-153. [PMID: 31841134 PMCID: PMC7053580 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuz030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive Staphylococcus aureus infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in both hospital and community settings, especially with the widespread emergence of virulent and multi-drug resistant methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains. There is an urgent and unmet clinical need for non-antibiotic immune-based approaches to treat these infections as the increasing antibiotic resistance is creating a serious threat to public health. However, all vaccination attempts aimed at preventing S. aureus invasive infections have failed in human trials, especially all vaccines aimed at generating high titers of opsonic antibodies against S. aureus surface antigens to facilitate antibody-mediated bacterial clearance. In this review, we summarize the data from humans regarding the immune responses that protect against invasive S. aureus infections as well as host genetic factors and bacterial evasion mechanisms, which are important to consider for the future development of effective and successful vaccines and immunotherapies against invasive S. aureus infections in humans. The evidence presented form the basis for a hypothesis that staphylococcal toxins (including superantigens and pore-forming toxins) are important virulence factors, and targeting the neutralization of these toxins are more likely to provide a therapeutic benefit in contrast to prior vaccine attempts to generate antibodies to facilitate opsonophagocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lloyd S Miller
- Immunology, Janssen Research and Development, 1400 McKean Road, Spring House, PA, 19477, USA.,Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1550 Orleans Street, Cancer Research Building 2, Suite 209, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA.,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 East Monument Street, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 601 North Caroline Street, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Vance G Fowler
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, 315 Trent Drive, Hanes House, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.,Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University Medical Center, 40 Duke Medicine Circle, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Sanjay K Shukla
- Center for Precision Medicine Research, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, 1000 North Oak Avenue, Marshfield, WI, 54449, USA.,Computation and Informatics in Biology and Medicine, University of Wisconsin, 425 Henry Mall, Room 3445, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Warren E Rose
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, 1685 Highland Avenue, 5158 Medical Foundation Centennial Building, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.,Pharmacy Practice Division, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 777 Highland Avenue, 4123 Rennebohm Hall, Madison, WI, 53705 USA
| | - Richard A Proctor
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, 1685 Highland Avenue, 5158 Medical Foundation Centennial Building, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, 1550 Linden Drive, Microbial Sciences Building, Room 1334, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
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14
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Sunita, Sajid A, Singh Y, Shukla P. Computational tools for modern vaccine development. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2020; 16:723-735. [PMID: 31545127 PMCID: PMC7227725 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2019.1670035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines play an essential role in controlling the rates of fatality and morbidity. Vaccines not only arrest the beginning of different diseases but also assign a gateway for its elimination and reduce toxicity. This review gives an overview of the possible uses of computational tools for vaccine design. Moreover, we have described the initiatives of utilizing the diverse computational resources by exploring the immunological databases for developing epitope-based vaccines, peptide-based drugs, and other resources of immunotherapeutics. Finally, the applications of multi-graft and multivalent scaffolding, codon optimization and antibodyomics tools in identifying and designing in silico vaccine candidates are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunita
- Enzyme Technology and Protein Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
- Bacterial Pathogenesis Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi
| | - Andaleeb Sajid
- National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yogendra Singh
- Bacterial Pathogenesis Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Delhi, Delhi
| | - Pratyoosh Shukla
- Enzyme Technology and Protein Bioinformatics Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, India
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15
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Schwan WR. Staphylococcus aureus Toxins: Armaments for a Significant Pathogen. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11080457. [PMID: 31382602 PMCID: PMC6724065 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11080457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus species are common inhabitants of humans and other animals [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- William R Schwan
- Department of Microbiology, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, 1725 State St., La Crosse, WI 54601, USA.
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