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Kim NY, Son WR, Lee MH, Choi HS, Choi JY, Song YJ, Yu CH, Song DH, Hur GH, Jeong ST, Hong SY, Shin YK, Shin S. A multipathogen DNA vaccine elicits protective immune responses against two class A bioterrorism agents, anthrax and botulism. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:1531-1542. [PMID: 35141866 PMCID: PMC8979915 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-11812-6] [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: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The potential use of biological agents has become a major public health concern worldwide. According to the CDC classification, Bacillus anthracis and Clostridium botulinum, the bacterial pathogens that cause anthrax and botulism, respectively, are considered to be the most dangerous potential biological agents. Currently, there is no licensed vaccine that is well suited for mass immunization in the event of an anthrax or botulism epidemic. In the present study, we developed a dual-expression system-based multipathogen DNA vaccine that encodes the PA-D4 gene of B. anthracis and the HCt gene of C. botulinum. When the multipathogen DNA vaccine was administered to mice and guinea pigs, high level antibody responses were elicited against both PA-D4 and HCt. Analysis of the serum IgG subtype implied a combined Th1/Th2 response to both antigens, but one that was Th2 skewed. In addition, immunization with the multipathogen DNA vaccine induced effective neutralizing antibody activity against both PA-D4 and HCt. Finally, the protection efficiency of the multipathogen DNA vaccine was determined by sequential challenge with 10 LD50 of B. anthracis spores and 10 LD50 of botulinum toxin, or vice versa, and the multipathogen DNA vaccine provided higher than 50% protection against lethal challenge with both high-risk biothreat agents. Our studies suggest the strategy used for this anthrax-botulinum multipathogen DNA vaccine as a prospective approach for developing emergency vaccines that can be immediately distributed on a massive scale in response to a biothreat emergency or infectious disease outbreak.
Key points • A novel multipathogen DNA vaccine was constructed against anthrax and botulism. • Robust immune responses were induced following vaccination. • Suggests a potential vaccine development strategy against biothreat agents. |
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Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00253-022-11812-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Young Kim
- R&D Center, ABION Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Rak Son
- R&D Center, ABION Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Hoon Lee
- R&D Center, ABION Inc., Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | - Young Jo Song
- The 4th R&D Institute, Agency for Defense Development, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chi Ho Yu
- The 4th R&D Institute, Agency for Defense Development, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Song
- The 4th R&D Institute, Agency for Defense Development, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyeung Haeng Hur
- The 4th R&D Institute, Agency for Defense Development, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Tae Jeong
- The 4th R&D Institute, Agency for Defense Development, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Youl Hong
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Kee Shin
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungho Shin
- Bio-MAX/N-Bio, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Kim NY, Son WR, Choi JY, Yu CH, Hur GH, Jeong ST, Shin YK, Hong SY, Shin S. Immunogenicity and Biodistribution of Anthrax DNA Vaccine Delivered by Intradermal Electroporation. Curr Drug Deliv 2020; 17:414-421. [PMID: 32286944 DOI: 10.2174/1567201817666200414144550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Anthrax is a lethal bacterial disease caused by gram-positive bacterium Bacillus anthracis and vaccination is a desirable method to prevent anthrax infections. In the present study, DNA vaccine encoding a protective antigen of Bacillus anthracis was prepared and we investigated the influence of DNA electrotransfer in the skin on the induced immune response and biodistribution. METHODS AND RESULTS The tdTomato reporter gene for the whole animal in vivo imaging was used to assess gene transfer efficiency into the skin as a function of electrical parameters. Compared to that with 25 V, the transgene expression of red fluorescent protein increased significantly when a voltage of 90 V was used. Delivery of DNA vaccines expressing Bacillus anthracis protective antigen domain 4 (PAD4) with an applied voltage of 90 V induced robust PA-D4-specific antibody responses. In addition, the in vivo fate of anthrax DNA vaccine was studied after intradermal administration into the mouse. DNA plasmids remained at the skin injection site for an appropriate period of time after immunization. Intradermal administration of DNA vaccine resulted in detection in various organs (viz., lung, heart, kidney, spleen, brain, and liver), although the levels were significantly reduced. CONCLUSION Our results offer important insights into how anthrax DNA vaccine delivery by intradermal electroporation affects the immune response and biodistribution of DNA vaccine. Therefore, it may provide valuable information for the development of effective DNA vaccines against anthrax infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Chi Ho Yu
- The 4th R & D Institute Directorate, Agency for Defense Development, Daejon, Korea
| | - Gyeung Haeng Hur
- The 4th R & D Institute Directorate, Agency for Defense Development, Daejon, Korea
| | - Seong Tae Jeong
- The 4th R & D Institute Directorate, Agency for Defense Development, Daejon, Korea
| | - Young Kee Shin
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Youl Hong
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sungho Shin
- Bio-MAX/N-Bio, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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Kim NY, Park KE, Lee YJ, Kim YM, Hong SH, Son WR, Hong S, Lee S, Ahn HB, Yang J, Seo JP, Lim YK, Yu CH, Hur GH, Jeong ST, Lee HS, Song K, Kang TJ, Shin YK, Choi JS, Choi JY. Development of an Equine Antitoxin by Immunizing the Halla Horse with the Receptor-Binding Domain of Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A1. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2019; 29:1165-1176. [PMID: 31280529 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.1904.04027] [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] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs), produced by Clostridium botulinum, are the most toxic substances known. However, the number of currently approved medical countermeasures for these toxins is very limited. Therefore, studies on therapeutic antitoxins are essential to prepare for toxin-related emergencies. Currently, more than 10,000 Halla horses, a crossbreed between the native Jeju and Thoroughbred horses, are being raised in Jeju Island of Korea. They can be used for equine antitoxin experiments and production of hyperimmune serum against BoNT/A1. Instead of the inactivated BoNT/A1 toxoid, Halla horse was immunized with the receptor-binding domain present in the C-terminus of heavy chain of BoNT/A1 (BoNT/A1-HCR) expressed in Escherichia coli. The anti-BoNT/A1-HCR antibody titer increased rapidly by week 4, and this level was maintained for several weeks after boosting immunization. Notably, 20 μL of the week 24 BoNT/A1-HCR(-immunized) equine serum showed an in vitro neutralizing activity of over 8 international unit (IU) of a reference equine antitoxin. Furthermore, 20 μL of equine serum and 100 μg of purified equine F(ab')2 showed 100% neutralization of 10,000 LD50 in vivo. The results of this study shall contribute towards optimizing antitoxin production for BoNT/A1, which is essential for emergency preparedness and response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Young Kim
- ABION Inc., R&D Center, Seoul 08394, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Yong Jin Lee
- ABION Inc., R&D Center, Seoul 08394, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeong Mun Kim
- ABION Inc., R&D Center, Seoul 08394, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Won Rak Son
- ABION Inc., R&D Center, Seoul 08394, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungyoul Hong
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Saehyung Lee
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Bin Ahn
- Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehyuk Yang
- Korea National College of Agriculture and Fisheries, Jeonju 54874, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Pil Seo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju 63309, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon-Kyu Lim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju 63309, Republic of Korea
| | - Chi Ho Yu
- Agency for Defense Development, Daejeon 34186, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyeung Haeng Hur
- Agency for Defense Development, Daejeon 34186, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Tae Jeong
- Agency for Defense Development, Daejeon 34186, Republic of Korea
| | - Hun Seok Lee
- LOGONE Bio Convergence Research Foundation, CRO Center, Seoul 08826, Republic Korea
| | - Kyoung Song
- LOGONE Bio Convergence Research Foundation, The Center for Companion Diagnostics, Seoul 08826, Republic Korea
| | - Tae Jin Kang
- College of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Kee Shin
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.,Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon-Seok Choi
- College of Pharmacy, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu 38430, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Young Choi
- ABION Inc., R&D Center, Seoul 08394, Republic of Korea.,Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
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