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Mohsen MO, Heath M, Kramer MF, Velazquez TC, Bullimore A, Skinner MA, Speiser DE, Bachmann MF. In situ delivery of nanoparticles formulated with micron-sized crystals protects from murine melanoma. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-004643. [PMID: 36100311 PMCID: PMC9472128 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-004643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Intratumoral injections of novel therapeutics can activate tumor antigen-specific T cells for locoregional tumor control and may even induce durable systemic protection (against distant metastases) via recirculating T cells. Here we explored the possibility of a universal immunotherapy that promotes T-cell responses in situ and beyond, upon intratumoral injection of nanoparticles formulated with micron-sized crystals. Methods Cucumber mosaic virus-like particles containing a tetanus toxin peptide (CuMVTT) were formulated with microcrystalline tyrosine (MCT) adjuvant and injected directly in B16F10 melanoma tumors. To further enhance immunogenicity, we loaded the nanoparticles with a TLR7/8 ligand and incorporated a universal tetanus toxin T-helper cell peptide. We assessed therapeutic efficacy and induction of local and systemic immune responses, including RNA sequencing, providing broad insight into the tumor microenvironment and correlates of protection. Results MCT crystals were successfully decorated with CuMVTT nanoparticles. This ‘immune-enhancer’ formed immunogenic depots in injected tumors, enhanced polyfunctional CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, and inhibited B16F10 tumor growth locally and systemically. Local inflammation and immune responses were associated with upregulation of genes involved in complement activation and collagen formation. Conclusions Our new immune-enhancer turned immunologically cold tumors into hot ones and inhibited local and distant tumor growth. This type of immunotherapy does not require the identification of (patient–individual) relevant tumor antigens. It is well tolerated, non-infectious, and affordable, and can readily be upscaled for future clinical testing and broad application in melanoma and likely other solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona O Mohsen
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Daniel E Speiser
- Department of Oncology UNIL CHUV, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Martin F Bachmann
- Department of BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Gimenez AM, Salman AM, Marques RF, López-Camacho C, Harrison K, Kim YC, Janse CJ, Soares IS, Reyes-Sandoval A. A universal vaccine candidate against Plasmodium vivax malaria confers protective immunity against the three PvCSP alleles. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17928. [PMID: 34504134 PMCID: PMC8429696 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96986-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a highly prevalent parasitic disease in regions with tropical and subtropical climates worldwide. Among the species of Plasmodium causing human malaria, P. vivax is the second most prevalent and the most geographically widespread species. A major target of a pre-erythrocytic vaccine is the P. vivax circumsporozoite protein (PvCSP). In previous studies, we fused two recombinant proteins representing three allelic variants of PvCSP (VK210, VK247 and P. vivax-like) to the mumps virus nucleocapsid protein to enhance immune responses against PvCSP. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the protective efficacy of these recombinants in mice challenged with transgenic P. berghei parasites expressing PvCSP allelic variants. Formulations containing Poly (I:C) or Montanide ISA720 as adjuvants elicited high and long-lasting IgG antibody titers specific to each PvCSP allelic variant. Immunized mice were challenged with two existing chimeric P. berghei parasite lines expressing PvCSP-VK210 and PvCSP-VK247. We also developed a novel chimeric line expressing the third allelic variant, PvCSP-P. vivax-like, as a new murine immunization-challenge model. Our formulations conferred partial protection (significant delay in the time to reach 1% parasitemia) against challenge with the three chimeric parasites. Our results provide insights into the development of a vaccine targeting multiple strains of P. vivax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Marina Gimenez
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, The Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK.,Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ahmed M Salman
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, The Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Rodolfo F Marques
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - César López-Camacho
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, The Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Kate Harrison
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, The Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Young Chan Kim
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, The Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Chris J Janse
- Department of Parasitology, Leiden Malaria Research Group, Center of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, (LUMC, L4-Q), Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Irene S Soares
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Arturo Reyes-Sandoval
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, The Jenner Institute, University of Oxford, The Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK. .,Instituto Politécnico Nacional, IPN, Av. Luis Enrique Erro S/N. Unidad Adolfo López Mateos, Zacatenco, CP 07738, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Abstract
The field of vaccinology underwent massive advances over the past decades with the introduction of virus-like particles (VLPs), a supra-molecular nanoparticle vaccine platform that resembles viral structures without the ability to replicate in hosts. This innovative approach has been remarkably effective, as evidenced by its profound immunogenicity and safety. These highly desirable intrinsic properties enabled their further development as vaccines against a multitude of diseases. To date, several VLP-based vaccines have already been commercialized and many more are undergoing clinical evaluation prior to FDA approval. However, efficacious vaccines against a plethora of pathogens are still lacking, which imposes a tremendous socioeconomic burden and continues to threaten public health throughout the globe. This is especially the case for several respiratory pathogens and protozoan parasites. In this review, we briefly describe the fundamentals of VLP vaccines and the unique properties that enable these to be such valuable vaccine candidates and summarize current advances in VLP-based vaccines targeting respiratory and parasitic diseases of global importance.
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Mohsen MO, Augusto G, Bachmann MF. The 3Ds in virus-like particle based-vaccines: "Design, Delivery and Dynamics". Immunol Rev 2020; 296:155-168. [PMID: 32472710 PMCID: PMC7496916 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Vaccines need to be rationally designed in order be delivered to the immune system for maximizing induction of dynamic immune responses. Virus‐like particles (VLPs) are ideal platforms for such 3D vaccines, as they allow the display of complex and native antigens in a highly repetitive form on their surface and can easily reach lymphoid organs in intact form for optimal activation of B and T cells. Adjusting size and zeta potential may allow investigators to further fine‐tune delivery to lymphoid organs. An additional way to alter vaccine transfer to lymph nodes and spleen may be the formulation with micron‐sized adjuvants that creates a local depot and results in a slow release of antigen and adjuvant. Ideally, the adjuvant in addition stimulates the innate immune system. The dynamics of the immune response may be further enhanced by inclusion of Toll‐like receptor ligands, which many VLPs naturally package. Hence, considering the 3Ds in vaccine development may allow for enhancement of their attributes to tackle complex diseases, not usually amenable to conventional vaccine strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona O Mohsen
- Interim Translational Research Institute "iTRI", National Center for Cancer Care & Research (NCCCR), Doha, Qatar.,Department of BioMedical Research, Immunology RIA, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gilles Augusto
- Department of BioMedical Research, Immunology RIA, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Martin F Bachmann
- Department of BioMedical Research, Immunology RIA, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Roesti ES, Boyle CN, Zeman DT, Sande-Melon M, Storni F, Cabral-Miranda G, Knuth A, Lutz TA, Vogel M, Bachmann MF. Vaccination Against Amyloidogenic Aggregates in Pancreatic Islets Prevents Development of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E116. [PMID: 32131431 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8010116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic progressive disease characterized by insulin resistance and insufficient insulin secretion to maintain normoglycemia. The majority of T2DM patients bear amyloid deposits mainly composed of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) in their pancreatic islets. These-originally β-cell secretory products-extracellular aggregates are cytotoxic for insulin-producing β-cells and are associated with β-cell loss and inflammation in T2DM advanced stages. Due to the absence of T2DM preventive medicaments and the presence of only symptomatic drugs acting towards increasing hormone secretion and action, we aimed at establishing a novel disease-modifying therapy targeting the cytotoxic IAPP deposits in order to prevent the development of T2DM. We generated a vaccine based on virus-like particles (VLPs), devoid of genomic material, coupled to IAPP peptides inducing specific antibodies against aggregated, but not monomeric IAPP. Using a mouse model of islet amyloidosis, we demonstrate in vivo that our vaccine induced a potent antibody response against aggregated, but not soluble IAPP, strikingly preventing IAPP depositions, delaying onset of hyperglycemia and the induction of the associated pro-inflammatory cytokine Interleukin 1β (IL-1β). We offer the first cost-effective and safe disease-modifying approach targeting islet dysfunction in T2DM, preventing pathogenic aggregates without disturbing physiological IAPP function.
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Cabral-Miranda G, Lim SM, Mohsen MO, Pobelov IV, Roesti ES, Heath MD, Skinner MA, Kramer MF, Martina BEE, Bachmann MF. Zika Virus-Derived E-DIII Protein Displayed on Immunologically Optimized VLPs Induces Neutralizing Antibodies without Causing Enhancement of Dengue Virus Infection. Vaccines (Basel) 2019; 7:vaccines7030072. [PMID: 31340594 PMCID: PMC6789886 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines7030072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is a flavivirus similar to Dengue virus (DENV) in terms of transmission and clinical manifestations, and usually both viruses are found to co-circulate. ZIKV is usually transmitted by mosquitoes bites, but may also be transmitted by blood transfusion, via the maternal–foetal route, and sexually. After 2015, when the most extensive outbreak of ZIKV had occurred in Brazil and subsequently spread throughout the rest of South America, it became evident that ZIKV infection during the first trimester of pregnancy was associated with microcephaly and other neurological complications in newborns. As a result, the development of a vaccine against ZIKV became an urgent goal. A major issue with DENV vaccines, and therefore likely also with ZIKV vaccines, is the induction of antibodies that fail to neutralize the virus properly and cause antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of the infection instead. It has previously been shown that antibodies against the third domain of the envelope protein (EDIII) induces optimally neutralizing antibodies with no evidence for ADE for other viral strains. Therefore, we generated a ZIKV vaccine based on the EDIII domain displayed on the immunologically optimized Cucumber mosaic virus (CuMVtt) derived virus-like particles (VLPs) formulated in dioleoyl phosphatidylserine (DOPS) as adjuvant. The vaccine induced high levels of specific IgG after a single injection. The antibodies were able to neutralise ZIKV without enhancing infection by DENV in vitro. Thus, the here described vaccine based on EDIII displayed on VLPs was able to stimulate production of antibodies specifically neutralizing ZIKV without potentially enhancing disease caused by DENV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Cabral-Miranda
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Physiology (CCMP), University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, UK.
- Immunology, RIA, Inselspital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Stephanie M Lim
- Artemis Bio-Support, Molengraaffsingel, 2629 Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Mona O Mohsen
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Physiology (CCMP), University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, UK
- Immunology, RIA, Inselspital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ilya V Pobelov
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Elisa S Roesti
- Immunology, RIA, Inselspital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Byron E E Martina
- Artemis Bio-Support, Molengraaffsingel, 2629 Delft, The Netherlands
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martin F Bachmann
- The Jenner Institute, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Physiology (CCMP), University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, UK.
- Immunology, RIA, Inselspital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland.
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