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Tursi NJ, Weiner DB. Modified messenger-RNA components alter the encoded protein. Nature 2024; 625:37-38. [PMID: 38093050 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-023-03787-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
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2
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Tursi NJ, Xu Z, Kulp DW, Weiner DB. Gene-encoded nanoparticle vaccine platforms for in vivo assembly of multimeric antigen to promote adaptive immunity. Wiley Interdiscip Rev Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2023; 15:e1880. [PMID: 36807845 PMCID: PMC10665986 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1880] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticle vaccines are a diverse category of vaccines for the prophylaxis or treatment of various diseases. Several strategies have been employed for their optimization, especially to enhance vaccine immunogenicity and generate potent B-cell responses. Two major modalities utilized for particulate antigen vaccines include using nanoscale structures for antigen delivery and nanoparticles that are themselves vaccines due to antigen display or scaffolding-the latter of which we will define as "nanovaccines." Multimeric antigen display has a variety of immunological benefits compared to monomeric vaccines mediated through potentiating antigen-presenting cell presentation and enhancing antigen-specific B-cell responses through B-cell activation. The majority of nanovaccine assembly is done in vitro using cell lines. However, in vivo assembly of scaffolded vaccines potentiated using nucleic acids or viral vectors is a burgeoning modality of nanovaccine delivery. Several advantages to in vivo assembly exist, including lower costs of production, fewer production barriers, as well as more rapid development of novel vaccine candidates for emerging diseases such as SARS-CoV-2. This review will characterize the methods for de novo assembly of nanovaccines in the host using methods of gene delivery including nucleic acid and viral vectored vaccines. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Nucleic Acid-Based Structures Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus-Based Structures Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J. Tursi
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ziyang Xu
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniel W. Kulp
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David B. Weiner
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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3
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Gary EN, Tursi NJ, Warner BM, Cuismano G, Connors J, Parzych EM, Griffin BD, Bell MR, Ali AR, Frase D, Hojecki CE, Canziani GA, Chaiken I, Kannan T, Moffat E, Embury-Hyatt C, Wooton SK, Kossenkov A, Patel A, Kobasa D, Kutzler MA, Haddad EK, Weiner DB. Adenosine deaminase augments SARS-CoV-2 specific cellular and humoral responses in aged mouse models of immunization and challenge. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1138609. [PMID: 36999023 PMCID: PMC10043169 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1138609] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite numerous clinically available vaccines and therapeutics, aged patients remain at increased risk for COVID-19 morbidity. Furthermore, various patient populations, including the aged can have suboptimal responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccine antigens. Here, we characterized vaccine-induced responses to SARS-CoV-2 synthetic DNA vaccine antigens in aged mice. Aged mice exhibited altered cellular responses, including decreased IFNγ secretion and increased TNFα and IL-4 secretion suggestive of TH2-skewed responses. Aged mice exhibited decreased total binding and neutralizing antibodies in their serum but significantly increased TH2-type antigen-specific IgG1 antibody compared to their young counterparts. Strategies to enhance vaccine-induced immune responses are important, especially in aged patient populations. We observed that co-immunization with plasmid-encoded adenosine deaminase (pADA)enhanced immune responses in young animals. Ageing is associated with decreases in ADA function and expression. Here, we report that co-immunization with pADA enhanced IFNγ secretion while decreasing TNFα and IL-4 secretion. pADA expanded the breadth and affinity SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific antibodies while supporting TH1-type humoral responses in aged mice. scRNAseq analysis of aged lymph nodes revealed that pADA co-immunization supported a TH1 gene profile and decreased FoxP3 gene expression. Upon challenge, pADA co-immunization decreased viral loads in aged mice. These data support the use of mice as a model for age-associated decreased vaccine immunogenicity and infection-mediated morbidity and mortality in the context of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and provide support for the use of adenosine deaminase as a molecular adjuvant in immune-challenged populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebony N. Gary
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Nicholas J. Tursi
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Bryce M. Warner
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Gina Cuismano
- The Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- The Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jennifer Connors
- The Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- The Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Elizabeth M. Parzych
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Bryan D. Griffin
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Matthew R. Bell
- The Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- The Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ali R. Ali
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Drew Frase
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Casey E. Hojecki
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Gabriela A. Canziani
- The Department of Biochemistry, Drexel University college of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Irwin Chaiken
- The Department of Biochemistry, Drexel University college of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Toshitha Kannan
- The Genomics Core, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Estella Moffat
- National Center for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Carissa Embury-Hyatt
- National Center for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Sarah K. Wooton
- Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew Kossenkov
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- The Genomics Core, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ami Patel
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Darwyn Kobasa
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Michele A. Kutzler
- The Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- The Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Elias K. Haddad
- The Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- The Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - David B. Weiner
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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4
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Tursi NJ, Xu Z, Helble M, Walker S, Liaw K, Chokkalingam N, Kannan T, Wu Y, Tello-Ruiz E, Park DH, Zhu X, Wise MC, Smith TRF, Majumdar S, Kossenkov A, Kulp DW, Weiner DB. Engineered antibody cytokine chimera synergizes with DNA-launched nanoparticle vaccines to potentiate melanoma suppression in vivo. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1072810. [PMID: 36911698 PMCID: PMC9997082 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1072810] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has demonstrated great promise with several checkpoint inhibitors being approved as the first-line therapy for some types of cancer, and new engineered cytokines such as Neo2/15 now being evaluated in many studies. In this work, we designed antibody-cytokine chimera (ACC) scaffolding cytokine mimetics on a full-length tumor-specific antibody. We characterized the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) properties of first-generation ACC TA99-Neo2/15, which synergized with DLnano-vaccines to suppress in vivo melanoma proliferation and induced significant systemic cytokine activation. A novel second-generation ACC TA99-HL2-KOA1, with retained IL-2Rβ/γ binding and attenuated but preserved IL-2Rα binding, induced lower systemic cytokine activation with non-inferior protection in murine tumor studies. Transcriptomic analyses demonstrated an upregulation of Type I interferon responsive genes, particularly ISG15, in dendritic cells, macrophages and monocytes following TA99-HL2-KOA1 treatment. Characterization of additional ACCs in combination with cancer vaccines will likely be an important area of research for treating melanoma and other types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Tursi
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ziyang Xu
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michaela Helble
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Susanne Walker
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kevin Liaw
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Neethu Chokkalingam
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Toshitha Kannan
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Yuanhan Wu
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Edgar Tello-Ruiz
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Daniel H Park
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Xizhou Zhu
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Megan C Wise
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Bluebell, PA, United States
| | | | - Sonali Majumdar
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Andrew Kossenkov
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Daniel W Kulp
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - David B Weiner
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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5
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Tursi NJ, Reeder SM, Flores-Garcia Y, Bah MA, Mathis-Torres S, Salgado-Jimenez B, Esquivel R, Xu Z, Chu JD, Humeau L, Patel A, Zavala F, Weiner DB. Engineered DNA-encoded monoclonal antibodies targeting Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein confer single dose protection in a murine malaria challenge model. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14313. [PMID: 35995959 PMCID: PMC9395511 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18375-6] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel approaches for malaria prophylaxis remain important. Synthetic DNA-encoded monoclonal antibodies (DMAbs) are a promising approach to generate rapid, direct in vivo host-generated mAbs with potential benefits in production simplicity and distribution coupled with genetic engineering. Here, we explore this approach in a malaria challenge model. We engineered germline-reverted DMAbs based on human mAb clones CIS43, 317, and L9 which target a junctional epitope, major repeat, and minor repeat of the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein (CSP) respectively. DMAb variants were encoded into a plasmid vector backbone and their expression and binding profiles were characterized. We demonstrate long-term serological expression of DMAb constructs resulting in in vivo efficacy of CIS43 GL and 317 GL in a rigorous mosquito bite mouse challenge model. Additionally, we engineered an Fc modified variant of CIS43 and L9-based DMAbs to ablate binding to C1q to test the impact of complement-dependent Fc function on challenge outcomes. Complement knockout variant DMAbs demonstrated similar protection to that of WT Fc DMAbs supporting the notion that direct binding to the parasite is sufficient for the protection observed. Further investigation of DMAbs for malaria prophylaxis appears of importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Tursi
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Sophia M Reeder
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Yevel Flores-Garcia
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Mamadou A Bah
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Shamika Mathis-Torres
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Berenice Salgado-Jimenez
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Rianne Esquivel
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ziyang Xu
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jacqueline D Chu
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Laurent Humeau
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, PA, 19462, USA
| | - Ami Patel
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Fidel Zavala
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - David B Weiner
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Gary EN, Tursi NJ, Warner B, Parzych EM, Ali AR, Frase D, Moffat E, Embury-Hyatt C, Smith TRF, Broderick KE, Humeau L, Kobasa D, Patel A, Kulp DW, Weiner DB. Mucosal chemokine adjuvant enhances synDNA vaccine-mediated responses to SARS-CoV-2 and provides heterologous protection in vivo. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100693. [PMID: 35839767 PMCID: PMC9237025 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100693] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has claimed more than 5 million lives. Emerging variants of concern (VOCs) continually challenge viral control. Directing vaccine-induced humoral and cell-mediated responses to mucosal surfaces may enhance vaccine efficacy. Here we investigate the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of optimized synthetic DNA plasmids encoding wild-type severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein (pS) co-formulated with the plasmid-encoded mucosal chemokine cutaneous T cell-attracting chemokine (pCTACK; CCL27). pCTACK-co-immunized animals exhibit increased spike-specific antibodies at the mucosal surface and increased frequencies of interferon gamma (IFNγ)+ CD8+ T cells in the respiratory mucosa. pCTACK co-immunization confers 100% protection from heterologous Delta VOC challenge. This study shows that mucosal chemokine adjuvants can direct vaccine-induced responses to specific immunological sites and have significant effects on heterologous challenge. Further study of this unique chemokine-adjuvanted vaccine approach in the context of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines is likely important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebony N Gary
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nicholas J Tursi
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Bryce Warner
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Elizabeth M Parzych
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ali R Ali
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Drew Frase
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Estella Moffat
- National Center for Foreign Animal Disease (NCFAD), Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Carissa Embury-Hyatt
- National Center for Foreign Animal Disease (NCFAD), Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Darwyn Kobasa
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Ami Patel
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel W Kulp
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David B Weiner
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Cusimano GM, Gary EN, Bell MR, Warner BM, Connors J, Tursi NJ, Ali AR, Zhang S, Canziani G, Taramangalam B, Gordon EA, Chaiken IM, Wootton SK, Smith T, Ramos S, Kobasa D, Weiner DB, Kutzler MA, Haddad EK. Improved Durability to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Immunity following Coimmunization with Molecular Adjuvant Adenosine Deaminase-1. J Immunol 2022; 209:118-127. [PMID: 35750334 PMCID: PMC9246991 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2200056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Although severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines have demonstrated strong immunogenicity and protection against severe disease, concerns about the duration and breadth of these responses remain. In this study, we show that codelivery of plasmid-encoded adenosine deaminase-1 (pADA) with SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein DNA enhances immune memory and durability in vivo. Coimmunized mice displayed increased spike-specific IgG of higher affinity and neutralizing capacity as compared with plasmid-encoded spike-only-immunized animals. Importantly, pADA significantly improved the longevity of these enhanced responses in vivo. This coincided with durable increases in frequencies of plasmablasts, receptor-binding domain-specific memory B cells, and SARS-CoV-2-specific T follicular helper cells. Increased spike-specific T cell polyfunctionality was also observed. Notably, animals coimmunized with pADA had significantly reduced viral loads compared with their nonadjuvanted counterparts in a SARS-CoV-2 infection model. These data suggest that pADA enhances immune memory and durability and supports further translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina M Cusimano
- Department of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Ebony N Gary
- The Vaccine & Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Matthew R Bell
- Department of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Bryce M Warner
- Special Pathogens, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jennifer Connors
- Department of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Nicholas J Tursi
- The Vaccine & Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Ali R Ali
- The Vaccine & Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Shiyu Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Gabriela Canziani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Emma A Gordon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Irwin M Chaiken
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Sarah K Wootton
- Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Darwyn Kobasa
- Special Pathogens, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - David B Weiner
- The Vaccine & Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Michele A Kutzler
- Department of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA;
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Elias K Haddad
- Department of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA;
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
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8
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Gary EN, Tursi NJ, Warner B, Parzych E, Ali A, Kobasa D, Patel A, Kulp D, Weiner DB. Peripheral co-immunization with CCL27 drives robust mucosal responses to SARS-CoV-2 synDNA antigens and provides heterologous protection against Delta variant challenge. The Journal of Immunology 2022. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.208.supp.65.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19 has caused a global pandemic which has claimed over 5 million lives to date. Emerging variants of concern and waning vaccine-induced immunity continually challenge viral control measures. We previously reported on the immunogenicity of a DNA vaccine encoding the spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2, however directing vaccine-induced humoral and cell-mediated responses to mucosal surfaces such as the respiratory mucosa remains a challenge. We immunized mice with synthetic DNA (synDNA) plasmids expressing the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (pS) alone, or with the DNA-encoded molecular adjuvant cutaneous T cell-attracting chemokine (pCTACK) Mice co-immunized with pS and pCTACK had increased spike-specific IFNy T cell responses compared to those receiving pS alone. While groups had similar levels of spike receptor binding domain (RBD)-specific IgG in their serum, in the mucosa, co-immunization with pCTACK enhanced RBD-specific IgA and only the cecal extract from pCTACK co-immunized animals neutralized pseudotyped viruses. When ACE2 transgenic mice were immunized, rested, and challenged with the heterologous SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant, co-immunization with pCTACK supported 100% survival while immunization with wild-type spike DNA antigens supported 60% survival. Importantly 100% of pCTACK co-immunized animals were protected from infection-induced weight loss. These studies demonstrate that chemokine adjuvants can direct vaccine-induced responses to specific immunological sites and that such responses can have significant impact on heterologous challenge outcomes and support the continued study of molecular chemokine adjuvants in the context of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.
We would like to thank the Animal Facility staff at the Wistar Institute and the Public Health agency of Canada for providing care to the animals used in these studies and for additional financial support. We would also like to thank the flow cytometry core facility at the Wistar Institute. This work was supported by NIH NCI award T32 CA09171 (ENG) and NIH NIAID award T32-AI-055400 (EMP) with additional support from CEPI/Inovio Pharmaceuticals.
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9
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Xu Z, Walker S, Wise MC, Chokkalingam N, Purwar M, Moore A, Tello-Ruiz E, Wu Y, Majumdar S, Konrath KM, Kulkarni A, Tursi NJ, Zaidi FI, Reuschel EL, Patel I, Obeirne A, Du J, Schultheis K, Gites L, Smith T, Mendoza J, Broderick KE, Humeau L, Pallesen J, Weiner DB, Kulp DW. Induction of tier-2 neutralizing antibodies in mice with a DNA-encoded HIV envelope native like trimer. Nat Commun 2022; 13:695. [PMID: 35121758 PMCID: PMC8816947 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28363-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV Envelope (Env) is the main vaccine target for induction of neutralizing antibodies. Stabilizing Env into native-like trimer (NLT) conformations is required for recombinant protein immunogens to induce autologous neutralizing antibodies(nAbs) against difficult to neutralize HIV strains (tier-2) in rabbits and non-human primates. Immunizations of mice with NLTs have generally failed to induce tier-2 nAbs. Here, we show that DNA-encoded NLTs fold properly in vivo and induce autologous tier-2 nAbs in mice. DNA-encoded NLTs also uniquely induce both CD4 + and CD8 + T-cell responses as compared to corresponding protein immunizations. Murine neutralizing antibodies are identified with an advanced sequencing technology. The structure of an Env-Ab (C05) complex, as determined by cryo-EM, identifies a previously undescribed neutralizing Env C3/V5 epitope. Beyond potential functional immunity gains, DNA vaccines permit in vivo folding of structured antigens and provide significant cost and speed advantages for enabling rapid evaluation of new HIV vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyang Xu
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Susanne Walker
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Megan C Wise
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, PA, 19462, USA
| | - Neethu Chokkalingam
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Mansi Purwar
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Alan Moore
- Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Edgar Tello-Ruiz
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Yuanhan Wu
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Sonali Majumdar
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Kylie M Konrath
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Abhijeet Kulkarni
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Nicholas J Tursi
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Faraz I Zaidi
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Emma L Reuschel
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ishaan Patel
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - April Obeirne
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jianqiu Du
- Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | | | - Lauren Gites
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, PA, 19462, USA
| | - Trevor Smith
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, PA, 19462, USA
| | - Janess Mendoza
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, PA, 19462, USA
| | | | - Laurent Humeau
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, PA, 19462, USA
| | - Jesper Pallesen
- Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - David B Weiner
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Daniel W Kulp
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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10
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Reeder SM, Bah MA, Tursi NJ, Brooks RC, Patel A, Esquivel R, Eaton A, Jhun H, Chu J, Kim K, Xu Z, Zavala F, Weiner DB. Strategic Variants of CSP Delivered as SynDNA Vaccines Demonstrate Heterogeneity of Immunogenicity and Protection from Plasmodium Infection in a Murine Model. Infect Immun 2021; 89:e0072820. [PMID: 34152830 PMCID: PMC8445182 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00728-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria infects millions of people every year, and despite recent advances in controlling disease spread, such as vaccination, it remains a global health concern. The circumsporozoite protein (CSP) has long been acknowledged as a key target in antimalarial immunity. Leveraging the DNA vaccine platform against this formidable pathogen, the following five synthetic DNA vaccines encoding variations of CSP were designed and studied: 3D7, GPI1, ΔGPI, TM, and DD2. Among the single CSP antigen constructs, a range of immunogenicity was observed with ΔGPI generating the most robust immunity. In an intravenous (i.v.) sporozoite challenge, the best protection among vaccinated mice was achieved by ΔGPI, which performed almost as well as the monoclonal antibody 311 (MAb 311) antibody control. Further analyses revealed that ΔGPI develops high-molecular-weight multimers in addition to monomeric CSP. We then compared the immunity generated by ΔGPI versus synDNA mimics for the antimalaria vaccines RTS,S and R21. The anti-CSP antibody responses induced were similar among these three immunogens. T cell responses demonstrated that ΔGPI induced a more focused anti-CSP response. In an infectious mosquito challenge, all three of these constructs generated inhibition of liver-stage infection as well as immunity from blood-stage parasitemia. This study demonstrates that synDNA mimics of complex malaria immunogens can provide substantial protection as can a novel synDNA vaccine ΔGPI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia M. Reeder
- The Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- The Vaccine Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mamadou A. Bah
- The Vaccine Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nicholas J. Tursi
- The Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- The Vaccine Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rebekah C. Brooks
- The Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- The Vaccine Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ami Patel
- The Vaccine Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rianne Esquivel
- The Vaccine Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alison Eaton
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hugo Jhun
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jacqueline Chu
- The Vaccine Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kevin Kim
- The Vaccine Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ziyang Xu
- The Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- The Vaccine Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Fidel Zavala
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Malaria Research Institute, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - David B. Weiner
- The Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- The Vaccine Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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11
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Gary EN, Warner BM, Parzych EM, Griffin BD, Zhu X, Tailor N, Tursi NJ, Chan M, Purwar M, Vendramelli R, Choi J, Frost KL, Reeder S, Liaw K, Tello E, Ali AR, Yun K, Pei Y, Thomas SP, Rghei AD, Guilleman MM, Muthumani K, Smith T, Wootton SK, Patel A, Weiner DB, Kobasa D. A novel mouse AAV6 hACE2 transduction model of wild-type SARS-CoV-2 infection studied using synDNA immunogens. iScience 2021; 24:102699. [PMID: 34124612 PMCID: PMC8186956 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 100 million people have been infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Common laboratory mice are not susceptible to wild-type SARS-CoV-2 infection, challenging the development and testing of effective interventions. Here, we describe the development and testing of a mouse model for SARS-CoV-2 infection based on transduction of the respiratory tract of laboratory mice with an adeno-associated virus vector (AAV6) expressing human ACE-2 (AAV6.2FF-hACE2). We validated this model using a previously described synthetic DNA vaccine plasmid, INO-4800 (pS). Intranasal instillation of AAV6.2FF-hACE2 resulted in robust hACE2 expression in the respiratory tract. pS induced robust cellular and humoral responses. Vaccinated animals were challenged with 105 TCID50 SARS-CoV-2 (hCoV-19/Canada/ON-VIDO-01/2020) and euthanized four days post-challenge to assess viral load. One immunization resulted in 50% protection and two immunizations were completely protective. Overall, the AAV6.2FF-hACE2 mouse transduction model represents an easily accessible, genetically diverse mouse model for wild-type SARS-CoV-2 infection and preclinical evaluation of potential interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebony N Gary
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth M Parzych
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Xizhou Zhu
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nikesh Tailor
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Nicholas J Tursi
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mable Chan
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Mansi Purwar
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Jihae Choi
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kathy L Frost
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Sophia Reeder
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kevin Liaw
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Edgar Tello
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ali R Ali
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kun Yun
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yanlong Pei
- Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Sylvia P Thomas
- Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Amira D Rghei
- Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | | | - Kar Muthumani
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Sarah K Wootton
- Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Ami Patel
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David B Weiner
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Darwyn Kobasa
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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12
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Gary EN, Connors J, Tursi NJ, Warner B, Bell M, Cuismano G, Taramangalam B, Zhang S, Canziani G, Chaiken IC, Wootton S, Weiner D, Kutzler MA, Haddad E, Kobasa D. Co-immunization with adenosine deaminase rescues age-associated impairment of SARS-COV-2 synDNA vaccine-induced responses. The Journal of Immunology 2021. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.206.supp.30.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for a global pandemic claiming over 2 million lives and infecting over 100 million people. Elderly patients display increased COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Vaccine candidates have been studied and deployed in the clinic. However, age-associated immune deficits are known to cause sub-optimal responses, and the longevity of vaccine-induced responses is under investigation. Germinal center follicular helper T cells (TFH) promote affinity maturation of B cell receptors and memory B cell differentiation and are defined by expression of adenosine deaminase-1 (ADA-1). We investigated the adjuvant properties of plasmid-encoded adenosine deaminase (pADA) in the context of a SARS-CoV-2 spike synDNA antigens. Young and aged mice were immunized with plasmid-encoded spike (pS) alone or co-immunized with pS and pADA and cellular and humoral responses were evaluated. When immunized with pS alone, aged mice had decreased spike-binding IgG and neutralization titers. However, young and aged animals co-immunized with pADA had similar humoral responses. We observed similar trends in serum antibody affinity as measured by SPR. pADA co-immunization also rescued age-associated decreases in spike-specific IFNy secretion in the spleens and lungs of co-immunized aged mice as measured by ELISpot. Finally, preliminary data analysis indicates that co-immunization with pADA significantly impacts viral load in a model of SARS-CoV-2 infection. These data suggest that pADA enhances antigen-specific cellular and humoral immunity in aged mice and supports further study of this molecule as an immunoadjuvant for vaccines targeting elderly populations.
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13
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Cusimano G, Gary EN, Bell M, Connors JR, Tursi NJ, Zhang S, Canziani G, Warner B, Ali AR, Taramangalam B, Chaiken IC, Wootton S, Weiner D, Kobasa D, Kutzler MA, Haddad EK. Determining Adenosine Deaminase 1 (ADA-1) Impact on Immune Memory and Durability as a Molecular Adjuvant in a SARS-CoV-2 DNA Vaccine Formulation. The Journal of Immunology 2021. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.206.supp.30.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), has infected millions of people causing a global pandemic. SARS-CoV-2 vaccines candidates have demonstrated acute immunogenicity and protection however, it has yet to be demonstrated whether natural or vaccine induced immunity against SARS-CoV-2 induces long term, protective immunity. In this study we sought to understand if adenosine deaminase (ADA), as a molecular adjuvant, can enhance immune memory and durability in the context of a SARS-CoV-2 DNA vaccine. Mice were immunized with a plasmid encoding for SARS-CoV-2 spike alone or in combination with plasmid encoded ADA. Subsequent B and T cell responses were measured until d60pi. In mice co-immunized with ADA, there were increased concentrations of spike receptor binding domain (RBD)-specific IgG in the sera which were found to bind RBD at an increased affinity as well as exhibit increased neutralization capability against SARS-CoV-2 pseudotyped viruses. Additionally, ADA co-immunized mice exhibited increased frequency of RBD specific memory B cells. In regard to T cell responses, mice co-immunized with ADA exhibited increased spike-specific IFN-γ, TNF-a and IL-2 as measured by flow cytometry and ELISpot. The ADA-enhanced anti-spike antibody durability over time was associated with increased frequencies of T follicular helper cells (TFH). Preliminary analysis supports that co-immunization with pADA impacts viral load in a SARS-CoV-2 infection model. These data suggest that ADA enhances immune memory and durability and supports further study with translational focus for enhancement of vaccines.
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14
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Lu Y, Liu M, Tursi NJ, Yan B, Cao X, Che Q, Yang N, Dong X. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection Compromises the Blood-Testis Barrier by Disturbing mTORC1-mTORC2 Balance. Front Immunol 2021; 12:582858. [PMID: 33679734 PMCID: PMC7933507 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.582858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The structural and functional destruction of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) following uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) infection may be a critical component of the pathologic progress of orchitis. Recent findings indicate that the mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR)-signaling pathway is implicated in the regulation of BTB assembly and restructuring. To explore the mechanisms underlying BTB damage induced by UPEC infection, we analyzed BTB integrity and the involvement of the mTOR-signaling pathway using in vivo and in vitro UPEC-infection models. We initially confirmed that soluble virulent factors secreted from UPEC trigger a stress response in Sertoli cells and disturb adjacent cell junctions via down-regulation of junctional proteins, including occludin, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), F-actin, connexin-43 (CX-43), β-catenin, and N-cadherin. The BTB was ultimately disrupted in UPEC-infected rat testes, and blood samples from UPEC-induced orchitis in these animals were positive for anti-sperm antibodies. Furthermore, we herein also demonstrated that mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) over-activation and mTORC2 suppression contributed to the disturbance in the balance between BTB "opening" and "closing." More importantly, rapamycin (a specific mTORC1 inhibitor) significantly restored the expression of cell-junction proteins and exerted a protective effect on the BTB during UPEC infection. We further confirmed that short-term treatment with rapamycin did not aggravate spermatogenic degeneration in infected rats. Collectively, this study showed an association between abnormal activation of the mTOR-signaling pathway and BTB impairment during UPEC-induced orchitis, which may provide new insights into a potential treatment strategy for testicular infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongning Lu
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Miao Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nicholas J. Tursi
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Bin Yan
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Che
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nianqin Yang
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Dong
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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15
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Xu Z, Patel A, Tursi NJ, Zhu X, Muthumani K, Kulp DW, Weiner DB. Harnessing Recent Advances in Synthetic DNA and Electroporation Technologies for Rapid Vaccine Development Against COVID-19 and Other Emerging Infectious Diseases. Front Med Technol 2020; 2:571030. [PMID: 35047878 PMCID: PMC8757735 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2020.571030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA vaccines are considered as a third-generation vaccination approach in which antigenic materials are encoded as DNA plasmids for direct in vivo production to elicit adaptive immunity. As compared to other platforms, DNA vaccination is considered to have a strong safety profile, as DNA plasmids neither replicate nor elicit vector-directed immune responses in hosts. While earlier work found the immune responses induced by DNA vaccines to be sub-optimal in larger mammals and humans, recent developments in key synthetic DNA and electroporation delivery technologies have now allowed DNA vaccines to elicit significantly more potent and consistent responses in several clinical studies. This paper will review findings from the recent clinical and preclinical studies on DNA vaccines targeting emerging infectious diseases (EID) including COVID-19 caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and the technological advancements pivotal to the improved responses-including the use of the advanced delivery technology, DNA-encoded cytokine/mucosal adjuvants, and innovative concepts in immunogen design. With continuous advancement over the past three decades, the DNA approach is now poised to develop vaccines against COVID-19, as well as other EIDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyang Xu
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ami Patel
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Nicholas J Tursi
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Xizhou Zhu
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kar Muthumani
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Daniel W Kulp
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - David B Weiner
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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16
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Xu Z, Chokkalingam N, Tello-Ruiz E, Wise MC, Bah MA, Walker S, Tursi NJ, Fisher PD, Schultheis K, Broderick KE, Humeau L, Kulp DW, Weiner DB. A DNA-Launched Nanoparticle Vaccine Elicits CD8 + T-cell Immunity to Promote In Vivo Tumor Control. Cancer Immunol Res 2020; 8:1354-1364. [PMID: 32913042 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-20-0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Cytolytic T cells (CTL) play a pivotal role in surveillance against tumors. Induction of CTL responses by vaccination may be challenging, as it requires direct transduction of target cells or special adjuvants to promote cross-presentation. Here, we observed induction of robust CTL responses through electroporation-facilitated, DNA-launched nanoparticle vaccination (DLnano-vaccines). Electroporation was observed to mediate transient tissue apoptosis and macrophage infiltration, which were deemed essential to the induction of CTLs by DLnano-vaccines through a systemic macrophage depletion study. Bolus delivery of protein nano-vaccines followed by electroporation, however, failed to induce CTLs, suggesting direct in vivo production of nano-vaccines may be required. Following these observations, new DLnano-vaccines scaffolding immunodominant melanoma Gp100 and Trp2 epitopes were designed and shown to induce more potent and consistent epitope-specific CTL responses than the corresponding DNA monomeric vaccines or CpG-adjuvanted peptide vaccines. DNA, but not recombinant protein, nano-vaccinations induced CTL responses to these epitopes and suppressed melanoma tumor growth in mouse models in a CD8+ T-cell-dependent fashion. Further studies to explore the use of DLnano-vaccines against other cancer targets and the biology with which they induce CTLs are important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyang Xu
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Pennsylvania
| | - Neethu Chokkalingam
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Edgar Tello-Ruiz
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Megan C Wise
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania
| | - Mamadou A Bah
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Susanne Walker
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Nicholas J Tursi
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Paul D Fisher
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | | | - Daniel W Kulp
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - David B Weiner
- The Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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17
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Reeder SM, Reuschel EL, Bah MA, Yun K, Tursi NJ, Kim KY, Chu J, Zaidi FI, Yilmaz I, Hart RJ, Perrin B, Xu Z, Humeau L, Weiner DB, Aly ASI. Synthetic DNA Vaccines Adjuvanted with pIL-33 Drive Liver-Localized T Cells and Provide Protection from Plasmodium Challenge in a Mouse Model. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8010021. [PMID: 31936739 PMCID: PMC7157753 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 11/21/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The need for a malaria vaccine is indisputable. A single vaccine for Plasmodium pre-erythrocytic stages targeting the major sporozoite antigen circumsporozoite protein (CSP) has had partial success. Additionally, CD8+ T cells targeting liver-stage (LS) antigens induced by live attenuated sporozoite vaccines were associated with protection in human challenge experiments. To further evaluate protection mediated by LS antigens, we focused on exported pre-erythrocytic proteins (exported protein 1 (EXP1), profilin (PFN), exported protein 2 (EXP2), inhibitor of cysteine proteases (ICP), transmembrane protein 21 (TMP21), and upregulated in infective sporozoites-3 (UIS3)) expressed in all Plasmodium species and designed optimized, synthetic DNA (synDNA) immunogens. SynDNA antigen cocktails were tested with and without the molecular adjuvant plasmid IL-33. Immunized animals developed robust T cell responses including induction of antigen-specific liver-localized CD8+ T cells, which were enhanced by the co-delivery of plasmid IL-33. In total, 100% of mice in adjuvanted groups and 71%–88% in non-adjuvanted groups were protected from blood-stage disease following Plasmodium yoelii sporozoite challenge. This study supports the potential of synDNA LS antigens as vaccine components for malaria parasite infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia M. Reeder
- The Vaccine Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Emma L. Reuschel
- The Vaccine Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Mamadou A. Bah
- The Vaccine Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kun Yun
- The Vaccine Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Kevin Y. Kim
- The Vaccine Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jacqueline Chu
- The Vaccine Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Faraz I. Zaidi
- The Vaccine Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ilknur Yilmaz
- Beykoz Institute of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul 34820, Turkey
| | - Robert J. Hart
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Benjamin Perrin
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Ziyang Xu
- The Vaccine Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Laurent Humeau
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462, USA
| | - David B. Weiner
- The Vaccine Center, Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Correspondence: (D.B.W.); (A.S.I.A.)
| | - Ahmed S. I. Aly
- Beykoz Institute of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul 34820, Turkey
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Correspondence: (D.B.W.); (A.S.I.A.)
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