1
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Baffetta F, Buonsanti C, Moraschini L, Aprea S, Canè M, Lombardi S, Contorni M, Rondini S, Arora AK, Bardelli M, Finco O, Serruto D, Paccani SR. Lung mucosal immunity to NTHi vaccine antigens: Antibodies in sputum of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2343544. [PMID: 38655676 PMCID: PMC11057560 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2343544] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common chronic respiratory illness in older adults. A major cause of COPD-related morbidity and mortality is acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD). Bacteria in the lungs play a role in exacerbation development, and the most common pathogen is non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi). A vaccine to prevent AECOPD containing NTHi surface antigens was tested in a clinical trial. This study measured IgG and IgA against NTHi vaccine antigens in sputum. Sputum samples from 40 COPD patients vaccinated with the NTHi vaccine were collected at baseline and 30 days after the second dose. IgG and IgA antibodies against the target antigens and albumin were analyzed in the sputum. We compared antibody signals before and after vaccination, analyzed correlation with disease severity and between sputum and serum samples, and assessed transudation. Antigen-specific IgG were absent before vaccination and present with high titers after vaccination. Antigen-specific IgA before and after vaccination were low but significantly different for two antigens. IgG correlated between sputum and serum, and between sputum and disease severity. Sputum albumin was higher in patients with severe COPD than in those with moderate COPD, suggesting changes in transudation played a role. We demonstrated that immunization with the NTHi vaccine induces antigen-specific antibodies in sputum. The correlation between IgG from sputum and serum and the presence of albumin in the sputum of severe COPD patients suggested transudation of antibodies from the serum to the lungs, although local IgG production could not be excluded.Clinical Trial Registration: NCT02075541.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Simona Rondini
- GSK Vaccines Institute for Global Health (GVGH), Siena, Italy
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2
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Mandelli AP, Magri G, Tortoli M, Torricelli S, Laera D, Bagnoli F, Finco O, Bensi G, Brazzoli M, Chiarot E. Vaccination with staphylococcal protein A protects mice against systemic complications of skin infection recurrences. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1355764. [PMID: 38529283 PMCID: PMC10961379 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1355764] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are the most common diseases caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), which can progress to threatening conditions due to recurrences and systemic complications. Staphylococcal protein A (SpA) is an immunomodulator antigen of S. aureus, which allows bacterial evasion from the immune system by interfering with different types of immune responses to pathogen antigens. Immunization with SpA could potentially unmask the pathogen to the immune system, leading to the production of antibodies that can protect from a second encounter with S. aureus, as it occurs in skin infection recurrences. Here, we describe a study in which mice are immunized with a mutated form of SpA mixed with the Adjuvant System 01 (SpAmut/AS01) before a primary S. aureus skin infection. Although mice are not protected from the infection under these conditions, they are able to mount a broader pathogen-specific functional immune response that results in protection against systemic dissemination of bacteria following an S. aureus second infection (recurrence). We show that this "hidden effect" of SpA can be partially explained by higher functionality of induced anti-SpA antibodies, which promotes better phagocytic activity. Moreover, a broader and stronger humoral response is elicited against several S. aureus antigens that during an infection are masked by SpA activity, which could prevent S. aureus spreading from the skin through the blood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Greta Magri
- Bacterial Vx Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Siena, Italy
| | - Marco Tortoli
- Animal Resource Center, GlaxoSmithKline, Siena, Italy
| | | | | | - Fabio Bagnoli
- Infectious Disease Research Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Upper Providence, PA, United States
| | - Oretta Finco
- Bacterial Vx Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Siena, Italy
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3
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Siena E, Schiavetti F, Borgogni E, Taccone M, Faenzi E, Brazzoli M, Aprea S, Bardelli M, Volpini G, Buricchi F, Sammicheli C, Tavarini S, Bechtold V, Blohmke CJ, Cardamone D, De Intinis C, Gonzalez-Lopez A, O'Hagan DT, Nuti S, Seidl C, Didierlaurent AM, Bertholet S, D'Oro U, Medini D, Finco O. Systems analysis of human responses to an aluminium hydroxide-adsorbed TLR7 agonist (AS37) adjuvanted vaccine reveals a dose-dependent and specific activation of the interferon-mediated antiviral response. Vaccine 2023; 41:724-734. [PMID: 36564274 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2022.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The candidate Adjuvant System AS37 contains a synthetic toll-like receptor agonist (TLR7a) adsorbed to alum. In a phase I study (NCT02639351), healthy adults were randomised to receive one dose of licensed alum-adjuvanted meningococcal serogroup C (MenC-CRM197) conjugate vaccine (control) or MenC-CRM197 conjugate vaccine adjuvanted with AS37 (TLR7a dose 12.5, 25, 50 or 100 µg). A subset of 66 participants consented to characterisation of peripheral whole blood transcriptomic responses, systemic cytokine/chemokine responses and multiple myeloid and lymphoid cell responses as exploratory study endpoints. Blood samples were collected pre-vaccination, 6 and 24 h post-vaccination, and 3, 7, 28 and 180 days post-vaccination. The gene expression profile in whole blood showed an early, AS37-specific transcriptome response that peaked at 24 h, increased with TLR7a dose up to 50 µg and generally resolved within one week. Five clusters of differentially expressed genes were identified, including those involved in the interferon-mediated antiviral response. Evaluation of 30 cytokines/chemokines by multiplex assay showed an increased level of interferon-induced chemokine CXCL10 (IP-10) at 24 h and 3 days post-vaccination in the AS37-adjuvanted vaccine groups. Increases in activated plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) and intermediate monocytes were detected 3 days post-vaccination in the AS37-adjuvanted vaccine groups. T follicular helper (Tfh) cells increased 7 days post-vaccination and were maintained at 28 days post-vaccination, particularly in the AS37-adjuvanted vaccine groups. Moreover, most of the subjects that received vaccine containing 25, 50 and 100 µg TLR7a showed an increased MenC-specific memory B cell responses versus baseline. These data show that the adsorption of TLR7a to alum promotes an immune signature consistent with TLR7 engagement, with up-regulation of interferon-inducible genes, cytokines and frequency of activated pDC, intermediate monocytes, MenC-specific memory B cells and Tfh cells. TLR7a 25-50 µg can be considered the optimal dose for AS37, particularly for the adjuvanted MenC-CRM197 conjugate vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Carlo De Intinis
- GSK, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy; University of Turin, Via Verdi 8, 10124 Torino, Italy.
| | | | | | - Sandra Nuti
- GSK, 14200 Shady Grove Rd, Rockville MD, USA.
| | | | | | | | - Ugo D'Oro
- GSK, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy.
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4
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Budroni S, Buricchi F, Cavallone A, Volpini G, Mariani A, Lo Surdo P, Blohmke CJ, Del Giudice G, Medini D, Finco O. Computational modeling of microfluidic data provides high-throughput affinity estimates for monoclonal antibodies. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:3664-3672. [PMID: 34257845 PMCID: PMC8255181 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.06.024] [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] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Affinity measurement is a fundamental step in the discovery of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and of antigens suitable for vaccine development. Innovative affinity assays are needed due to the low throughput and/or limited dynamic range of available technologies. We combined microfluidic technology with quantum-mechanical scattering theory, in order to develop a high-throughput, broad-range methodology to measure affinity. Fluorescence intensity profiles were generated for out-of-equilibrium solutions of labelled mAbs and their antigen-binding fragments migrating along micro-columns with immobilized cognate antigen. Affinity quantification was performed by computational data analysis based on the Landau probability distribution. Experiments using a wide array of human or murine antibodies against bacterial or viral, protein or polysaccharide antigens, showed that all the antibody-antigen capture profiles (n = 841) generated at different concentrations were accurately described by the Landau distribution. A scale parameter W, proportional to the full-width-at-half-maximum of the capture profile, was shown to be independent of the antibody concentration. The W parameter correlated significantly (Pearson's r [p-value]: 0.89 [3 × 10-8]) with the equilibrium dissociation constant KD, a gold-standard affinity measure. Our method showed good intermediate precision (median coefficient of variation: 5%) and a dynamic range corresponding to KD values spanning from ~10-7 to ~10-11 Molar. Relative to assays relying on antibody-antigen equilibrium in solution, even when they are microfluidic-based, the method's turnaround times were decreased from 2 days to 2 h. The described computational modelling of antibody capture profiles represents a fast, reproducible, high-throughput methodology to accurately measure a broad range of antibody affinities in very low volumes of solution.
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5
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Andreano E, Paciello I, Bardelli M, Tavarini S, Sammicheli C, Frigimelica E, Guidotti S, Torricelli G, Biancucci M, D’Oro U, Chandramouli S, Bottomley MJ, Rappuoli R, Finco O, Buricchi F. The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prefusion F-protein functional antibody repertoire in adult healthy donors. EMBO Mol Med 2021; 13:e14035. [PMID: 33998144 PMCID: PMC8185550 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202114035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of death from lower respiratory tract infection in infants and children, and is responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality in older adults. Vaccines for pregnant women and elderly which are in phase III clinical studies target people with pre-existing natural immunity against RSV. To investigate the background immunity which will be impacted by vaccination, we single cell-sorted human memory B cells and dissected functional and genetic features of neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) induced by natural infection. Most nAbs recognized both the prefusion and postfusion conformations of the RSV F-protein (cross-binders) while a smaller fraction bound exclusively to the prefusion conformation. Cross-binder nAbs used a wide array of gene rearrangements, while preF-binder nAbs derived mostly from the expansion of B-cell clonotypes from the IGHV1 germline. This latter class of nAbs recognizes an epitope located between Site Ø, Site II, and Site V on the F-protein, identifying an important site of pathogen vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Andreano
- Department of Life SciencesUniversity of SienaSienaItaly
- GSK VaccinesSienaItaly
- Present address:
Monoclonal Antibody Discovery (MAD) LabFondazione Toscana Life SciencesSienaItaly
| | - Ida Paciello
- GSK VaccinesSienaItaly
- Present address:
Monoclonal Antibody Discovery (MAD) LabFondazione Toscana Life SciencesSienaItaly
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sumana Chandramouli
- GSK VaccinesRockvilleMDUSA
- Present address:
Moderna Therapeutics IncCambridgeMAUSA
| | | | - Rino Rappuoli
- GSK VaccinesSienaItaly
- Faculty of MedicineImperial CollegeLondonUK
- Monoclonal Antibody Discovery (MAD) LabFondazione Toscana Life SciencesSienaItaly
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6
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Budroni S, Buricchi F, Cavallone A, Bourguignon P, Caubet M, Dewar V, D'Oro U, Finco O, Garçon N, El Idrissi M, Janssens M, Leroux-Roels G, Marchant A, Schwarz T, Van Damme P, Volpini G, van der Most R, Didierlaurent AM, Burny W. Antibody avidity, persistence, and response to antigen recall: comparison of vaccine adjuvants. NPJ Vaccines 2021; 6:78. [PMID: 34021167 PMCID: PMC8140094 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-021-00337-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [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: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Differences in innate immune ‘imprinting’ between vaccine adjuvants may mediate dissimilar effects on the quantity/quality of persisting adaptive responses. We compared antibody avidity maturation, antibody/memory B cell/CD4+ T cell response durability, and recall responses to non-adjuvanted fractional-dose antigen administered 1-year post-immunization (Day [D]360), between hepatitis B vaccines containing Adjuvant System (AS)01B, AS01E, AS03, AS04, or Alum (NCT00805389). Both the antibody and B cell levels ranked similarly (AS01B/E/AS03 > AS04 > Alum) at peak response, at D360, and following their increases post-antigen recall (D390). Proportions of high-avidity antibodies increased post-dose 2 across all groups and persisted at D360, but avidity maturation appeared to be more strongly promoted by AS vs. Alum. Post-antigen recall, frequencies of subjects with high-avidity antibodies increased only markedly in the AS groups. Among the AS, total antibody responses were lowest for AS04. However, proportions of high-avidity antibodies were similar between groups, suggesting that MPL in AS04 contributes to avidity maturation. Specific combinations of immunoenhancers in the AS, regardless of their individual nature, increase antibody persistence and avidity maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Arnaud Marchant
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tino Schwarz
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Vaccination Center, Klinikum Wuerzburg Mitte, Standort Juliusspital, Academic Teaching Hospital of the University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Pierre Van Damme
- Center for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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7
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Schneikart G, Tavarini S, Sammicheli C, Torricelli G, Guidotti S, D'Oro U, Finco O, Bardelli M. Dataset of antibody variable region sequence features inferred from a respiratory syncytial virus fusion protein-specific B cell receptor repertoire induced by natural infection of a healthy adult. Data Brief 2020; 33:106499. [PMID: 33225034 PMCID: PMC7666335 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2020.106499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the primary cause for acute lower respiratory syndrome in children younger than 5 years. Research on B cell repertoires and antibodies binding the RSV fusion protein (RSV F) is of major interest in the development of potential vaccine candidates and therapies. B cell receptors (BCRs) which have higher affinities for a specific antigen are preferentially selected for B cell clonal expansion in germinal center reactions. Consequently, antigen-specific BCR repertoires share common features, as for instance preferential variable gene usage, variable region mutation levels or lengths of the heavy chain complementarity-determining region 3. Since RSV repeatedly infects every person throughout life, memory B cells (MBC) expressing RSV F-binding BCRs circulate in the blood of healthy adults. This dataset of BCR variable region sequence features was derived from single cell-sorted RSV F-directed MBCs of a healthy adult blood donor [1]. The dataset was produced with publicly available data analysis software programs and scripts, which facilitates integration or comparison with antibody sequence repertoire data of different individuals derived with the same or comparable data analysis approaches and tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald Schneikart
- GSK, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Ugo D'Oro
- GSK, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | | | - Monia Bardelli
- GSK, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Corresponding author.
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8
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Pecetta S, Finco O, Seubert A. Quantum leap of monoclonal antibody (mAb) discovery and development in the COVID-19 era. Semin Immunol 2020; 50:101427. [PMID: 33277154 PMCID: PMC7670927 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2020.101427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In recent years the global market for monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) became a multi-billion-dollar business. This success is mainly driven by treatments in the oncology and autoimmune space. Instead, development of effective mAbs against infectious diseases has been lagging behind. For years the high production cost and limited efficacy have blocked broader application of mAbs in the infectious disease space, which instead has been dominated for almost a century by effective and cheap antibiotics and vaccines. Only very few mAbs against RSV, anthrax, Clostridium difficile or rabies have reached the market. This is about to change. The development of urgently needed and highly effective mAbs as preventive and therapeutic treatments against a variety of pathogens is gaining traction. Vast advances in mAb isolation, engineering and production have entirely shifted the cost-efficacy balance. MAbs against devastating diseases like Ebola, HIV and other complex pathogens are now within reach. This trend is further accelerated by ongoing or imminent health crises like COVID-19 and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), where antibodies could be the last resort. In this review we will retrace the history of antibodies from the times of serum therapy to modern mAbs and lay out how the current run for effective treatments against COVID-19 will lead to a quantum leap in scientific, technological and health care system innovation around mAb treatments for infectious diseases.
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9
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Bianchi F, Veggi D, Santini L, Buricchi F, Bartolini E, Lo Surdo P, Martinelli M, Finco O, Masignani V, Bottomley MJ, Maione D, Cozzi R. Cocrystal structure of meningococcal factor H binding protein variant 3 reveals a new crossprotective epitope recognized by human mAb 1E6. FASEB J 2019; 33:12099-12111. [PMID: 31442074 PMCID: PMC6902690 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201900374r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The 4 component meningococcus B vaccine (4CMenB) vaccine is the first vaccine containing recombinant proteins licensed for the prevention of invasive meningococcal disease caused by meningococcal serogroup B strains. 4CMenB contains 3 main recombinant proteins, including the Neisseria meningitidis factor H binding protein (fHbp), a lipoprotein able to bind the human factor H. To date, over 1000 aa sequences of fHbp have been identified, and they can be divided into variant groups 1, 2, and 3, which are usually not crossprotective. Nevertheless, previous characterizations of a small set (n = 10) of mAbs generated in humans after 4CMenB immunization revealed 2 human Fabs (huFabs) (1A12, 1G3) with some crossreactivity for variants 1, 2, and 3. This unexpected result prompted us to examine a much larger set of human mAbs (n = 110), with the aim of better understanding the extent and nature of crossreactive anti-fHbp antibodies. In this study, we report an analysis of the human antibody response to fHbp, by the characterization of 110 huFabs collected from 3 adult vaccinees during a 6-mo study. Although the 4CMenB vaccine contains fHbp variant 1, 13 huFabs were also found to be crossreactive with variants 2 and 3. The crystal structure of the crossreactive huFab 1E6 in complex with fHbp variant 3 was determined, revealing a novel, highly conserved epitope distinct from the epitopes recognized by 1A12 or 1G3. Further, functional characterization shows that human mAb 1E6 is able to elicit rabbit, but not human, complement-mediated bactericidal activity against meningococci displaying fHbp from any of the 3 different variant groups. This functional and structural information about the human antibody response upon 4CMenB immunization contributes to further unraveling the immunogenic properties of fHbp. Knowledge gained about the epitope profile recognized by the human antibody repertoire could guide future vaccine design.-Bianchi, F., Veggi, D., Santini, L., Buricchi, F., Bartolini, E., Lo Surdo, P., Martinelli, M., Finco, O., Masignani, V., Bottomley, M. J., Maione, D., Cozzi, R. Cocrystal structure of meningococcal factor H binding protein variant 3 reveals a new crossprotective epitope recognized by human mAb 1E6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Bianchi
- GlaxoSmithKline, Siena, Italy.,University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
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10
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Abstract
Before the development of the first vaccine, infectious diseases were a major cause of death around the globe with life expectancy estimated to be <50 years. Three measures have helped to drastically reduce the burden of infectious diseases but only vaccines have proven to be able to eradicate infectious agents. Herein, we describe new methodologies that have paved the way for what is currently known as modern vaccinology and the use of vaccines to tackle antimicrobial resistance, the biggest global threat of our time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Andreano
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,GlaxoSmithKline, Siena, Italy.,vAMRes Lab, Toscana Life Sciences, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Rino Rappuoli
- GlaxoSmithKline, Siena, Italy.,vAMRes Lab, Toscana Life Sciences, Siena, Italy.,Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
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11
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Rappuoli R, Siena E, Finco O. Will Systems Biology Deliver Its Promise and Contribute to the Development of New or Improved Vaccines? Systems Biology Views of Vaccine Innate and Adaptive Immunity. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2018; 10:a029256. [PMID: 29038117 PMCID: PMC6071491 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a029256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
During the last decade, several high-throughput technologies have been applied to gather deeper understanding on the biological events elicited by vaccination. The main goal of systems biology is to integrate different sources of data and extract biologically meaningful information. This holistic approach has provided new insights on the impact that the innate immune status has on vaccine responsiveness. Other factors like chronic infections, age, microbiome, and metabolism can influence the outcome of vaccination, and systems biology offers unique opportunities to expand our understanding of their role on the immune response. However, a few challenges that still need to be overcome will be discussed.
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12
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Giuliani M, Bartolini E, Galli B, Santini L, Lo Surdo P, Buricchi F, Bruttini M, Benucci B, Pacchiani N, Alleri L, Donnarumma D, Pansegrau W, Peschiera I, Ferlenghi I, Cozzi R, Norais N, Giuliani MM, Maione D, Pizza M, Rappuoli R, Finco O, Masignani V. Human protective response induced by meningococcus B vaccine is mediated by the synergy of multiple bactericidal epitopes. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3700. [PMID: 29487324 PMCID: PMC5829249 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22057-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [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: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
4CMenB is the first broad coverage vaccine for the prevention of invasive meningococcal disease caused by serogroup B strains. To gain a comprehensive picture of the antibody response induced upon 4CMenB vaccination and to obtain relevant translational information directly from human studies, we have isolated a panel of human monoclonal antibodies from adult vaccinees. Based on the Ig-gene sequence of the variable region, 37 antigen-specific monoclonal antibodies were identified and produced as recombinant Fab fragments, and a subset also produced as full length recombinant IgG1 and functionally characterized. We found that the monoclonal antibodies were cross-reactive against different antigen variants and recognized multiple epitopes on each of the antigens. Interestingly, synergy between antibodies targeting different epitopes enhanced the potency of the bactericidal response. This work represents the first extensive characterization of monoclonal antibodies generated in humans upon 4CMenB immunization and contributes to further unraveling the immunological and functional properties of the vaccine antigens. Moreover, understanding the mechanistic nature of protection induced by vaccination paves the way to more rational vaccine design and implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - M Bruttini
- GSK, Siena, Italy.,University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - B Benucci
- GSK, Siena, Italy.,University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - I Peschiera
- GSK, Siena, Italy.,University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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13
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Leroux-Roels G, Lattanzi M, Solis CD, Contorni M, Costantini M, Moraschini L, Bardelli M, Bertholet S, Borgogni E, Buricchi F, Cantisani R, Faenzi E, Finco O, Leuzzi R, Pizza M, Rosa D, Schiavetti F, Seubert A, Spensieri F, Volpini G, Zedda L, Giudice GD, Galgani I. A phase I, randomized, controlled, dose-ranging study of investigational acellular pertussis (aP) and reduced tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (TdaP) booster vaccines in adults. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2017; 14:45-58. [PMID: 29172945 PMCID: PMC5791588 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2017.1385686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite high vaccination coverage worldwide, pertussis has re-emerged in many countries. This randomized, controlled, observer-blind phase I study and extension study in Belgium (March 2012-June 2015) assessed safety and immunogenicity of investigational acellular pertussis vaccines containing genetically detoxified pertussis toxin (PT) (NCT01529645; NCT02382913). 420 healthy adults (average age: 26.8 ± 5.5 years, 60% female) were randomized to 1 of 10 vaccine groups: 3 investigational aP vaccines (containing pertussis antigens PT, filamentous hemagglutinin [FHA] and pertactin [PRN] at different dosages), 6 investigational TdaP (additionally containing tetanus toxoid [TT] and diphtheria toxoid [DT]), and 1 TdaP comparator containing chemically inactivated PT. Antibody responses were evaluated on days 1, 8, 30, 180, 365, and approximately 3 years post-booster vaccination. Cell-mediated immune responses and PT neutralization were evaluated in a subset of participants in pre-selected groups. Local and systemic adverse events (AEs), and unsolicited AEs were collected through day 7 and 30, respectively; serious AEs and AEs leading to study withdrawal were collected through day 365 post-vaccination. Antibody responses against pertussis antigens peaked at day 30 post-vaccination and then declined but remained above baseline level at approximately 3 years post-vaccination. Responses to FHA and PRN were correlated to antigen dose. Antibody responses specific to PT, toxin neutralization activity and persistence induced by investigational formulations were similar or significantly higher than the licensed vaccine, despite lower PT doses. Of 15 serious AEs, none were considered vaccination-related; 1 led to study withdrawal (premature labor, day 364; aP4 group). This study confirmed the potential benefits of genetically detoxified PT antigen. All investigational study formulations were well tolerated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geert Leroux-Roels
- a Centre for Vaccinology, Ghent University and University Hospital , Ghent , Belgium
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14
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Launay O, Lewis DJM, Anemona A, Loulergue P, Leahy J, Sciré AS, Maugard A, Marchetti E, Zancan S, Huo Z, Rondini S, Marhaba R, Finco O, Martin LB, Auerbach J, Cohen D, Saul A, Gerke C, Podda A. Safety Profile and Immunologic Responses of a Novel Vaccine Against Shigella sonnei Administered Intramuscularly, Intradermally and Intranasally: Results From Two Parallel Randomized Phase 1 Clinical Studies in Healthy Adult Volunteers in Europe. EBioMedicine 2017; 22:164-172. [PMID: 28735965 PMCID: PMC5552227 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2017.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [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: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Approximately 164,000 deaths yearly are due to shigellosis, primarily in developing countries. Thus, a safe and affordable Shigella vaccine is an important public health priority. The GSK Vaccines Institute for Global Health (GVGH) developed a candidate Shigella sonnei vaccine (1790GAHB) using the Generalized Modules for Membrane Antigens (GMMA) technology. The paper reports results of 1790GAHB Phase 1 studies in healthy European adults. Methods To evaluate the safety and immunogenicity profiles of 1790GAHB, we performed two parallel, phase 1, observer-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose escalation studies in France (“study 1”) and the United Kingdom (“study 2”) between February 2014 and April 2015 (ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02017899 and NCT02034500, respectively) in 18–45 years old subjects (50 in study 1, 52 in study 2). Increasing doses of Alhydrogel adsorbed 1790, expressed by both O Antigen (OAg) and protein quantity, or placebo were given either by intramuscular route (0.059/1, 0.29/5, 1.5/25, 2.9/50, 5.9/100 μg of OAg/μg of protein; study 1) or by intradermal (ID), intranasal (IN) or intramuscular (IM) route of immunization (0.0059/0.1, 0.059/1, 0.59/10 μg ID, 0.29/5, 1.2/20, 4.8/80 μg IN and 0.29/5 μg IM, respectively; study 2). In absence of serologic correlates of protection for Shigella sonnei, vaccine induced immunogenicity was compared to anti-LPS antibody in a population naturally exposed to S. sonnei. Findings Vaccines were well tolerated in both studies and no death or vaccine related serious adverse events were reported. In study 1, doses ≥ 1.5/25 μg elicited serum IgG median antibody greater than median level in convalescent subjects after the first dose. No vaccine group in study 2 achieved median antibody greater than the median convalescent antibody. Interpretation Intramuscularly administered Shigella sonnei GMMA vaccine is well tolerated, up to and including 5.9/100 μg and induces antibody to the OAg of at least the same magnitude of those observed following natural exposure to the pathogen. Vaccine administered by ID or IN, although well tolerated, is poorly immunogenic at the doses delivered. The data support the use of the GMMA technology for the development of intramuscular multivalent Shigella vaccines. GVGH GMMA vaccine against S. sonnei was well tolerated by IM, IN and ID routes of immunization in young European adults. Doses ≥ 1.5/25 μg elicited serum IgG median antibody greater than median level in convalescent subjects after the first dose. Clinical data support the use of the GMMA technology for the development of intramuscular Shigella multivalent vaccines.
Shigellosis is an important cause of diarrhoea especially in children of developing countries. No vaccine is available. Based on the 2015 Global Burden of Disease, Shigella caused approximately 164,000 deaths due to diarrhoea in 2015, supporting the public health relevance of the disease and the need for a vaccine. The GMMA (Generalized Modules for Membrane Antigens) technology was used for the development of a vaccine against Shigella sonnei which, tested in these trials for the first time, was shown to be well tolerated in young adults and induced specific antibody titres at least as high as after natural infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odile Launay
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris cité, Paris, France; Inserm CIC 1417, Paris, France; Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, CIC Cochin-Pasteur, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Pierre Loulergue
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris cité, Paris, France; Inserm CIC 1417, Paris, France; Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, CIC Cochin-Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Jo Leahy
- University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Anaïs Maugard
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris cité, Paris, France; Inserm CIC 1417, Paris, France; Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, CIC Cochin-Pasteur, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Zhiming Huo
- University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Daniel Cohen
- Tel Aviv University School of Public Health, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Allan Saul
- GSK Vaccines Institute for Global Health, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Audino Podda
- GSK Vaccines Institute for Global Health, Siena, Italy.
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15
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Rappuoli R, Bottomley MJ, D'Oro U, Finco O, De Gregorio E. Reverse vaccinology 2.0: Human immunology instructs vaccine antigen design. J Exp Med 2016; 213:469-81. [PMID: 27022144 PMCID: PMC4821650 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20151960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 239] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Rappuoli et al. illustrate how new breakthroughs in the field of human immunology can be combined with insights from structural and computational biology for the rational design of novel broadly protective immunogens, potentiating the development of new vaccines against infectious diseases that still present an important unmet medical need. Traditionally, vaccines have been developed by cultivating infectious agents and isolating the inactivated whole pathogen or some of its purified components. 20 years ago, reverse vaccinology enabled vaccine discovery and design based on information deriving from the sequence of microbial genomes rather than via the growth of pathogens. Today, the high throughput discovery of protective human antibodies, sequencing of the B cell repertoire, and the increasing structural characterization of protective antigens and epitopes provide the molecular and mechanistic understanding to drive the discovery of novel vaccines that were previously impossible. We are entering a “reverse vaccinology 2.0” era.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ugo D'Oro
- GlaxoSmithKline Vaccines S.r.l., 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Oretta Finco
- GlaxoSmithKline Vaccines S.r.l., 53100 Siena, Italy
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16
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Viciani E, Montagnani F, Tavarini S, Tordini G, Maccari S, Morandi M, Faenzi E, Biagini C, Romano A, Salerni L, Finco O, Lazzi S, Ruggiero P, De Luca A, Barocchi MA, Manetti AGO. Paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with tonsil colonisation by Streptococcus pyogenes. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20609. [PMID: 26860261 PMCID: PMC4748291 DOI: 10.1038/srep20609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The involvement of pathogenic bacteria in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) has yet to be elucidated. We investigated the possible role of group A streptococcus (GAS) in OSAS pathogenesis. In 40 tonsillectomized patients affected by OSAS and 80 healthy controls, significant (p < 0.0001) association of GAS with paediatric OSAS was found. Supernatant from streptolysin O (SLO)-producing GAS induced production of cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) in tonsil mononuclear cells (TMCs). CysLTs-treated TMCs showed significant (p < 0.05) proliferation of CD4+ T, CD19+ and CD19+CD27+CD38+ B lymphocytes. We discovered a SLO-dependent activation of CysLTs production through a pathway involving TOLL-like receptor 4 (TLR4), TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (TRIF), Myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88), and p38 MAP Kinase. In conclusion, we hypothesise that GAS may contribute to paediatric tonsillar hyperplasia through CysLTs production induced by SLO, and this might explain its association with OSAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Viciani
- GSK Vaccines S.r.l., Via Fiorentina, 1 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Francesca Montagnani
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 16, 53100 Siena, Italy.,University Division of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Department of Specialized and Internal Medicine, Viale Bracci 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | | | - Giacinta Tordini
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Silvia Maccari
- GSK Vaccines S.r.l., Via Fiorentina, 1 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Matteo Morandi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Elisa Faenzi
- GSK Vaccines S.r.l., Via Fiorentina, 1 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Cesare Biagini
- Clinica Otorinolaringoiatrica, Policlinico Universitario "Le Scotte", Viale Bracci 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Antonio Romano
- Clinica Otorinolaringoiatrica, Policlinico Universitario "Le Scotte", Viale Bracci 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Salerni
- Clinica Otorinolaringoiatrica, Policlinico Universitario "Le Scotte", Viale Bracci 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Oretta Finco
- GSK Vaccines S.r.l., Via Fiorentina, 1 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Lazzi
- Section of Pathology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Viale Bracci 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Paolo Ruggiero
- GSK Vaccines S.r.l., Via Fiorentina, 1 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Andrea De Luca
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Viale Bracci 16, 53100 Siena, Italy.,University Division of Infectious Diseases, Hospital Department of Specialized and Internal Medicine, Viale Bracci 16, 53100 Siena, Italy
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17
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Lofano G, Mancini F, Salvatore G, Cantisani R, Monaci E, Carrisi C, Tavarini S, Sammicheli C, Rossi Paccani S, Soldaini E, Laera D, Finco O, Nuti S, Rappuoli R, De Gregorio E, Bagnoli F, Bertholet S. Oil-in-Water Emulsion MF59 Increases Germinal Center B Cell Differentiation and Persistence in Response to Vaccination. J Immunol 2015; 195:1617-27. [PMID: 26170383 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1402604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Induction of persistent protective immune responses is a key attribute of a successful vaccine formulation. MF59 adjuvant, an oil-in-water emulsion used in human vaccines, is known to induce persistent high-affinity functional Ab titers and memory B cells, but how it really shapes the Ag-specific B cell compartment is poorly documented. In this study, we characterized the Ab- and Ag-specific B cell compartment in wild-type mice immunized with HlaH35L, a Staphylococcus aureus Ag known to induce measurable functional Ab responses, formulated with MF59 or aluminum salts, focusing on germinal centers (GC) in secondary lymphoid organs. Taking advantage of single-cell flow cytometry analyses, HlaH35L-specific B cells were characterized for the expression of CD38 and GL-7, markers of memory and GC, respectively, and for CD80 and CD73 activation markers. We demonstrated that immunization with MF59-, but not aluminum salt-adjuvanted HlaH35L, induced expanded Ag-specific CD73(+)CD80(-) GC B cells in proximal- and distal-draining lymph nodes, and promoted the persistence of GC B cells, detected up to 4 mo after immunization. In addition to increasing GC B cells, MF59-adjuvanted HlaH35L also increased the frequency of T follicular helper cells. This work extends previous knowledge regarding adaptive immune responses to MF59-adjuvanted vaccines, and, to our knowledge, for the first time an adjuvant used in human licensed products is shown to promote strong and persistent Ag-specific GC responses that might benefit the rational design of new vaccination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Lofano
- Research Center, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, 53100 Siena, Italy; and Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Charles Darwin," Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza," 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancini
- Research Center, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, 53100 Siena, Italy; and
| | - Giulia Salvatore
- Research Center, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, 53100 Siena, Italy; and
| | - Rocco Cantisani
- Research Center, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, 53100 Siena, Italy; and
| | - Elisabetta Monaci
- Research Center, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, 53100 Siena, Italy; and
| | - Corrado Carrisi
- Research Center, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, 53100 Siena, Italy; and
| | - Simona Tavarini
- Research Center, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, 53100 Siena, Italy; and
| | - Chiara Sammicheli
- Research Center, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, 53100 Siena, Italy; and
| | | | | | - Donatello Laera
- Research Center, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, 53100 Siena, Italy; and
| | - Oretta Finco
- Research Center, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, 53100 Siena, Italy; and
| | - Sandra Nuti
- Research Center, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, 53100 Siena, Italy; and
| | - Rino Rappuoli
- Research Center, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, 53100 Siena, Italy; and
| | - Ennio De Gregorio
- Research Center, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, 53100 Siena, Italy; and
| | - Fabio Bagnoli
- Research Center, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, 53100 Siena, Italy; and
| | - Sylvie Bertholet
- Research Center, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, 53100 Siena, Italy; and
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18
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Lofano G, Kumar A, Finco O, Del Giudice G, Bertholet S. B Cells and Functional Antibody Responses to Combat Influenza. Front Immunol 2015; 6:336. [PMID: 26175732 PMCID: PMC4485180 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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: 04/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccination against influenza is the most effective way to protect the population. Current vaccines provide protection by stimulating functional B- and T-cell responses; however, they are poorly immunogenic in particular segments of the population and need to be reformulated almost every year due to the genetic instability of the virus. Next-generation influenza vaccines should be designed to induce cross-reactivity, confer protection against pandemic outbreaks, and promote long-lasting immune responses among individuals at higher risk of infection. Multiple strategies are being developed for the induction of broad functional humoral immunity, including the use of adjuvants, heterologous prime-boost strategies, and epitope-based antigen design. The basic approach is to mimic natural responses to influenza virus infection by promoting cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies that directly prevent the infection. This review provides an overview of the mechanisms underlying humoral responses to influenza vaccination or natural infection, and discusses promising strategies to control influenza virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Lofano
- Research Center, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics S.r.l. (a GSK Company), Siena, Italy
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “Charles Darwin”, Università degli Studi di Roma “La Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Arun Kumar
- Research Center, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics S.r.l. (a GSK Company), Siena, Italy
| | - Oretta Finco
- Research Center, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics S.r.l. (a GSK Company), Siena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Del Giudice
- Research Center, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics S.r.l. (a GSK Company), Siena, Italy
| | - Sylvie Bertholet
- Research Center, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics S.r.l. (a GSK Company), Siena, Italy
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19
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Abstract
The history of vaccination clearly demonstrates that vaccines have been highly successful in preventing infectious diseases, reducing significantly the incidence of childhood diseases and mortality. However, many infections are still not preventable with the currently available vaccines and they represent a major cause of mortality worldwide. In the twenty-first century, the innovation brought by novel technologies in antigen discovery and formulation together with a deeper knowledge of the human immune responses are paving the way for the development of new vaccines. Final goal will be to rationally design effective vaccines where conventional approaches have failed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oretta Finco
- Research Center, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics , Siena , Italy
| | - Rino Rappuoli
- Research Center, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics , Siena , Italy
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20
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Faleri A, Santini L, Brier S, Pansegrau W, Lo Surdo P, Scarselli M, Buricchi F, Volpini G, Genovese A, van der Veen S, Lea S, Tang CM, Savino S, Pizza M, Finco O, Norais N, Masignani V. Two cross-reactive monoclonal antibodies recognize overlapping epitopes on Neisseria meningitidis factor H binding protein but have different functional properties. FASEB J 2013; 28:1644-53. [PMID: 24371123 DOI: 10.1096/fj.13-239012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Factor H binding protein (fHbp) is one of the main antigens of the 4-component meningococcus B (4CMenB) multicomponent vaccine against disease caused by serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis (MenB). fHbp binds the complement down-regulating protein human factor H (hfH), thus resulting in immune evasion. fHbp exists in 3 variant groups with limited cross-protective responses. Previous studies have described the generation of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting variant-specific regions of fHbp. Here we report for the first time the functional characterization of two mAbs that recognize a wide panel of fHbp variants and subvariants on the MenB surface and that are able to inhibit fHbp binding to hfH. The antigenic regions targeted by the two mAbs were accurately mapped by hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS), revealing partially overlapping epitopes on the N terminus of fHbp. Furthermore, while none of the mAbs had bactericidal activity on its own, a synergistic effect was observed for each of them when tested by the human complement serum bactericidal activity (hSBA) assay in combination with a second nonbactericidal mAb. The bases underlying fHbp variant cross-reactivity, as well as inhibition of hfH binding and cooperativity effect observed for the two mAbs, are discussed in light of the mapped epitopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnese Faleri
- 1Research Center, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Srl, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy.
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21
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Nair N, Buti L, Faenzi E, Buricchi F, Nuti S, Sammicheli C, Tavarini S, Popp MW, Ploegh H, Berti F, Pizza M, Castellino F, Finco O, Rappuoli R, Del Giudice G, Galli G, Bardelli M. Optimized fluorescent labeling to identify memory B cells specific for Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B vaccine antigens ex vivo. Immun Inflamm Dis 2013; 1:3-13. [PMID: 25400913 PMCID: PMC4217542 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Revised: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 06/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Antigen-specific memory B cells generate anamnestic responses and high affinity antibodies upon re-exposure to pathogens. Attempts to isolate rare antigen-specific memory B cells for in-depth functional analysis at the single-cell level have been hindered by the lack of tools with adequate sensitivity. We applied two independent methods of protein labeling to sensitive and specific ex vivo identification of antigen-specific memory B cells by flow cytometry: stringently controlled amine labeling, and sortagging, a novel method whereby a single nucleophilic fluorochrome molecule is added onto an LPETG motif carried by the target protein. We show that sortagged NadA, a major antigen in the meningococcal serogroup B vaccine, identifies NadA-specific memory B cells with high sensitivity and specificity, comparable to NadA amine-labeled under stringent reaction parameters in a mouse model of vaccination. We distinguish NadA-specific switched MBC induced by vaccination from the background signal contributed by splenic transitional and marginal zone B cells. In conclusion, we demonstrate that protein structural data coupled with sortag technology allows the development of engineered antigens that are as sensitive and specific as conventional chemically labeled antigens in detecting rare MBC, and minimize the possibility of disrupting conformational B cell epitopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitya Nair
- Novartis Vaccines & Diagnostics Siena, Italy
| | - Ludovico Buti
- Novartis Vaccines & Diagnostics Siena, Italy ; Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | | | - Sandra Nuti
- Novartis Vaccines & Diagnostics Siena, Italy
| | | | | | - Maximilian Wl Popp
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research Cambridge, Massachusetts ; University of Rochester, School of Medicine & Dentistry Rochester, New York ; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Hidde Ploegh
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research Cambridge, Massachusetts ; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Cambridge, Massachusetts
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22
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Bartolini E, Ianni E, Frigimelica E, Petracca R, Galli G, Berlanda Scorza F, Norais N, Laera D, Giusti F, Pierleoni A, Donati M, Cevenini R, Finco O, Grandi G, Grifantini R. Recombinant outer membrane vesicles carrying Chlamydia muridarum HtrA induce antibodies that neutralize chlamydial infection in vitro. J Extracell Vesicles 2013; 2:20181. [PMID: 24009891 PMCID: PMC3760637 DOI: 10.3402/jev.v2i0.20181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [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: 11/28/2012] [Revised: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 03/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are spheroid particles released by all Gram-negative bacteria as a result of the budding out of the outer membrane. Since they carry many of the bacterial surface-associated proteins and feature a potent built-in adjuvanticity, OMVs are being utilized as vaccines, some of which commercially available. Recently, methods for manipulating the protein content of OMVs have been proposed, thus making OMVs a promising platform for recombinant, multivalent vaccines development. METHODS Chlamydia muridarum DO serine protease HtrA, an antigen which stimulates strong humoral and cellular responses in mice and humans, was expressed in Escherichia coli fused to the OmpA leader sequence to deliver it to the OMV compartment. Purified OMVs carrying HtrA (CM rHtrA-OMV) were analyzed for their capacity to induce antibodies capable of neutralizing Chlamydia infection of LLC-MK2 cells in vitro. RESULTS CM rHtrA-OMV immunization in mice induced antibodies that neutralize Chlamydial invasion as judged by an in vitro infectivity assay. This was remarkably different from what observed with an enzymatically functional recombinant HtrA expressed in, and purified from the E. coli cytoplasm (CM rHtrA). The difference in functionality between anti-CM rHtrA and anti-CM rHtrA-OMV antibodies was associated to a different pattern of protein epitopes recognition. The epitope recognition profile of anti-CM HtrA-OMV antibodies was similar to that induced in mice during Chlamydial infection. CONCLUSIONS When expressed in OMVs HtrA appears to assume a conformation similar to the native one and this results in the elicitation of functional immune responses. These data further support the potentiality of OMVs as vaccine platform.
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23
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Buricchi F, Bardelli M, Malzone C, Capecchi B, Nicolay U, Fragapane E, Castellino F, Del Giudice G, Galli G, Finco O. Impact of preexisting memory to seasonal A/H1N1 influenza virus on the immune response following vaccination against avian A/H5N1 virus. Eur J Immunol 2013; 43:641-8. [DOI: 10.1002/eji.201242563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2012] [Revised: 11/12/2012] [Accepted: 12/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Monia Bardelli
- Research, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics; Siena; Italy
| | | | | | - Uwe Nicolay
- Biostatistics, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics; Marburg; Germany
| | - Elena Fragapane
- Clinical Development; Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics; Siena; Italy
| | | | | | - Grazia Galli
- Research, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics; Siena; Italy
| | - Oretta Finco
- Research, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics; Siena; Italy
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24
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Faenzi E, Zedda L, Bardelli M, Spensieri F, Borgogni E, Volpini G, Buricchi F, Pasini FL, Capecchi PL, Montanaro F, Belli R, Lattanzi M, Piccirella S, Montomoli E, Ahmed SS, Rappuoli R, Del Giudice G, Finco O, Castellino F, Galli G. One dose of an MF59-adjuvanted pandemic A/H1N1 vaccine recruits pre-existing immune memory and induces the rapid rise of neutralizing antibodies. Vaccine 2012; 30:4086-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2012.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2011] [Revised: 03/02/2012] [Accepted: 04/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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25
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26
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Galli G, Pittoni P, Tonti E, Malzone C, Uematsu Y, Tortoli M, Maione D, Volpini G, Finco O, Nuti S, Tavarini S, Dellabona P, Rappuoli R, Casorati G, Abrignani S. Invariant NKT cells sustain specific B cell responses and memory. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007; 104:3984-9. [PMID: 17360464 PMCID: PMC1805488 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0700191104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are innate-like lymphocytes recognizing CD1d-restricted glycolipid antigens, such as alpha-galactosylceramide (alphaGC). We assessed whether iNKT cells help B lymphocyte responses and found that mice immunized with proteins and alphaGC develop antibody titers 1-2 logs higher than those induced by proteins alone. Activation of iNKT cells enhances protection against infections such as influenza and elicits higher frequencies of memory B cells and higher antibody responses to booster immunizations. Protein vaccination with alphaGC, but not with conventional adjuvants, elicits IgG responses in mice lacking MHC class II molecules, demonstrating that iNKT cells can substitute for CD4(+) T cell help to B cells. Interestingly, the decay of circulating antibodies is faster in mice lacking iNKT cells. These findings point to a homeostatic role for iNKT cells on critical features of the antibody response such as immunity and B cell memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grazia Galli
- *Novartis Vaccines, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Paola Pittoni
- Cancer Immunotherapy and Gene Therapy Program, Oncology Unit, Department of Biology and Biotechnology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy; and
| | - Elena Tonti
- Cancer Immunotherapy and Gene Therapy Program, Oncology Unit, Department of Biology and Biotechnology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy; and
| | | | | | - Marco Tortoli
- *Novartis Vaccines, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | | | | | - Oretta Finco
- *Novartis Vaccines, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Sandra Nuti
- *Novartis Vaccines, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Dellabona
- Cancer Immunotherapy and Gene Therapy Program, Oncology Unit, Department of Biology and Biotechnology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy; and
| | - Rino Rappuoli
- *Novartis Vaccines, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
- To whom correspondence may be addressed. E-mail: , , or
| | - Giulia Casorati
- Cancer Immunotherapy and Gene Therapy Program, Oncology Unit, Department of Biology and Biotechnology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy; and
- To whom correspondence may be addressed. E-mail: , , or
| | - Sergio Abrignani
- *Novartis Vaccines, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare, Via Francesco Sforza, 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
- To whom correspondence may be addressed. E-mail: , , or
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27
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Thorpe C, Edwards L, Snelgrove R, Finco O, Rae A, Grandi G, Guilio R, Hussell T. Discovery of a vaccine antigen that protects mice from Chlamydia pneumoniae infection. Vaccine 2006; 25:2252-60. [PMID: 17275142 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2006.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 10/13/2005] [Revised: 06/20/2006] [Accepted: 12/04/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydiae are atypical intracellular bacteria that infect via mucosal surfaces causing, for example, trachoma, pneumonia, cervicitis, urethritis and infertility. Existing antibiotics are only partially effective and no vaccines are available. Using surface expressed or secreted proteins previously identified by genomics and proteomics we tested five as vaccines against intranasal challenge with Chlamydia pneumoniae. One antigen, LcrE, induced CD4+ and CD8+ T cell activation, type 1 cytokine secretion and neutralising antibodies and was completely effective in eliminating infection. Such antigens are highly conserved and essential to all Chlamydial species. The discovery of an effective vaccine for Chlamydiae pneumoniae has potential wide benefits for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callum Thorpe
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Imperial College London, Charing Cross Hospital Campus, 1 Aspenlea Rd., Hammersmith, London W8 8LH, UK
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28
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Baraldo K, Mori E, Bartoloni A, Norelli F, Grandi G, Rappuoli R, Finco O, Del Giudice G. Combined conjugate vaccines: enhanced immunogenicity with the N19 polyepitope as a carrier protein. Infect Immun 2005; 73:5835-41. [PMID: 16113302 PMCID: PMC1231108 DOI: 10.1128/iai.73.9.5835-5841.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The N19 polyepitope, consisting of a sequential string of universal human CD4(+)-T-cell epitopes, was tested as a carrier protein in a formulation of combined glycoconjugate vaccines containing the capsular polysaccharides (PSs) of Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, W-135, and Y. Good antibody responses to all four polysaccharides were induced by one single immunization of mice with N19-based conjugates. Two immunizations with N19 conjugates elicited anti-MenACWY antibody titers comparable to those induced after three doses of glycoconjugates containing CRM197 as carrier protein. Compared to cross-reacting material (CRM)-based constructs, lower amounts of N19-MenACWY conjugates still induced high bactericidal titers to all four PSs. Moreover, N19-MenACWY-conjugated constructs induced faster and higher antibody avidity maturation against meningococcal C PS than CRM-based conjugates. Very importantly, N19-specific antibodies did not cross-react with the parent protein from which N19 epitopes were derived, e.g., tetanus toxoid and influenza virus hemagglutinin. Finally, T helper epitopes of the N19 carrier protein were effectively generated both in vivo (after immunization with the N19 itself) and in vitro (after restimulation of epitope-specific spleen cells). Taken together, these data show that the N19 polyepitope represents a strong and valid option for the generation of improved or new combined glycoconjugate vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Baraldo
- Research Center, Chiron Vaccines, via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
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29
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Capo S, Nuti S, Scarselli M, Tavarini S, Montigiani S, Mori E, Finco O, Abrignani S, Grandi G, Bensi G. Chlamydia pneumoniae genome sequence analysis and identification of HLA-A2-restricted CD8+ T cell epitopes recognized by infection-primed T cells. Vaccine 2005; 23:5028-37. [PMID: 15982792 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2005.04.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2004] [Revised: 04/22/2005] [Accepted: 04/27/2005] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we performed in silico analysis of Chlamydia pneumoniae genome sequence to identify human HLA-A2-restricted T cell epitopes. Thirty-one Chlamydia-specific protein antigens were selected and peptides were derived thereof using an HLA-A2 epitope predictive algorithm. Firstly, we tested binding of 55 selected 9mer peptides to HLA-A2 in vitro. Next, infection of HLA-A2 transgenic mice with C. pneumoniae elementary bodies and assessment of effector CD8+ T cells allowed us to identify which of the epitopes binding to HLA-A2 in vitro were recognized by C. pneumoniae infection-primed CD8+ T cells. Finally, we could confirm that CD8+ T cells in association with HLA-A2 recognized the most reactive peptides when the corresponding full-length genes were used to DNA-immunize HLA-A2 transgenic mice. By using this approach, a novel HLA-A2-restricted epitope in the outer membrane protein A (OmpA) of C. pneumoniae was identified, which proved to mediate specific lysis of peptide-loaded target cells.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins/genetics
- Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Chlamydophila pneumoniae/genetics
- Chlamydophila pneumoniae/immunology
- Cytotoxicity Tests, Immunologic
- DNA, Bacterial
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/genetics
- Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Flow Cytometry
- Genome, Bacterial
- HLA-A2 Antigen/immunology
- Humans
- Interferon-gamma/analysis
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Models, Animal
- Peptides/immunology
- Protein Binding
- Vaccines, DNA/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, DNA/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Capo
- Chiron Vaccines, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
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30
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Finco O, Bonci A, Agnusdei M, Scarselli M, Petracca R, Norais N, Ferrari G, Garaguso I, Donati M, Sambri V, Cevenini R, Ratti G, Grandi G. Identification of new potential vaccine candidates against Chlamydia pneumoniae by multiple screenings. Vaccine 2005; 23:1178-88. [PMID: 15629361 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2004.07.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2004] [Accepted: 07/26/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Chlamydia are intracellular bacteria associated to serious human disease. A vaccine has proved difficult to obtain so far, and current opinions agree that multi-antigen combinations may be required to induce optimal protective responses. In order to identify new potential vaccine candidates, we recently screened the Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cpn) genome and described 53 recombinant proteins which elicited antibodies binding to purified Cpn cells. We now report that six proteins in this group can also induce in vitro neutralizing antibodies. Antibody specificity for the corresponding antigens was assessed by immunoblot analysis of 2DE Cpn protein maps. Furthermore, four of the six in vitro neutralizing antigens (Pmp2, Pmp10, OmpH-like and enolase) could inhibit Cpn dissemination in a hamster model. The results show that these Cpn proteins are immunoaccessible in infectious EBs, and recommend further investigation on their value as vaccine components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oretta Finco
- IRIS Research Centre, Chiron Vaccines, Via Fiorentina, Siena 153100, Italy
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31
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Sambri V, Donati M, Storni E, Di Leo K, Agnusdei M, Petracca R, Finco O, Grandi G, Ratti G, Cevenini R. Experimental infection by Chlamydia pneumoniae in the hamster. Vaccine 2004; 22:1131-7. [PMID: 15003640 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2003.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2003] [Accepted: 09/26/2003] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We report that intraperitoneal injection of Chlamydia pneumoniae purified elementary bodies (EBs) in the hamster causes a systemic infection allowing the isolation of viable chlamydiae from several organs for several days post-infection (p.i.). In particular, spleen infection occurred up to Day 7 p.i. in 100% of animals. Systemic infection probably occurs via macrophages as intraperitoneally injected chlamydiae which are taken up by the hamster macrophages remain viable and can infect in vitro cell cultures. Immunization of 18 hamsters with heat-inactivated purified EBs, completely protected the spleens of 16 animals and substantially reduced infection levels in the remaining two. This model, therefore, provides a robust screening tool for the assessment of the protective activity of potential vaccine candidates. In a pilot study on five recombinant antigens recently described as EB surface proteins, three gave results undistinguishable from non-immunized, or mock-immunized controls; however two antigens, derived, respectively, from the product of the lcrE gene (a component of the putative TTSS of C. pneumoniae) and the product of Cpn0498 open reading frame, proved to be capable of inducing protective immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Sambri
- Sezione di Microbiologia DMCSS, University of Bologna, Ospedale Policlinico S.Orsola, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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32
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Montigiani S, Falugi F, Scarselli M, Finco O, Petracca R, Galli G, Mariani M, Manetti R, Agnusdei M, Cevenini R, Donati M, Nogarotto R, Norais N, Garaguso I, Nuti S, Saletti G, Rosa D, Ratti G, Grandi G. Genomic approach for analysis of surface proteins in Chlamydia pneumoniae. Infect Immun 2002; 70:368-79. [PMID: 11748203 PMCID: PMC127649 DOI: 10.1128/iai.70.1.368-379.2002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia pneumoniae, a human pathogen causing respiratory infections and probably contributing to the development of atherosclerosis and heart disease, is an obligate intracellular parasite which for replication needs to productively interact with and enter human cells. Because of the intrinsic difficulty in working with C. pneumoniae and in the absence of reliable tools for its genetic manipulation, the molecular definition of the chlamydial cell surface is still limited, thus leaving the mechanisms of chlamydial entry largely unknown. In an effort to define the surface protein organization of C. pneumoniae, we have adopted a combined genomic-proteomic approach based on (i) in silico prediction from the available genome sequences of peripherally located proteins, (ii) heterologous expression and purification of selected proteins, (iii) production of mouse immune sera against the recombinant proteins to be used in Western blotting and fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS) analyses for the identification of surface antigens, and (iv) mass spectrometry analysis of two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) maps of chlamydial protein extracts to confirm the presence of the FACS-positive antigens in the chlamydial cell. Of the 53 FACS-positive sera, 41 recognized a protein species with the expected size on Western blots, and 28 of the 53 antigens shown to be surface-exposed by FACS were identified on 2DE maps of elementary-body extracts. This work represents the first systematic attempt to define surface protein organization in C. pneumoniae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Montigiani
- Chiron SpA, 53100 Siena. Sezione di Microbiologia DMCSS, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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33
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Falugi F, Petracca R, Mariani M, Luzzi E, Mancianti S, Carinci V, Melli ML, Finco O, Wack A, Di Tommaso A, De Magistris MT, Costantino P, Del Giudice G, Abrignani S, Rappuoli R, Grandi G. Rationally designed strings of promiscuous CD4(+) T cell epitopes provide help to Haemophilus influenzae type b oligosaccharide: a model for new conjugate vaccines. Eur J Immunol 2001; 31:3816-24. [PMID: 11745403 DOI: 10.1002/1521-4141(200112)31:12<3816::aid-immu3816>3.0.co;2-k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The age-related and T cell-independent immunological properties of most capsular polysaccharides limit their use as vaccines, especially in children under 2 years of age. To overcome these limitations, polysaccharide antigens have been successfully conjugated to a variety of carrier proteins, such as diphtheria toxoid or tetanus toxoid (TT) and the diphtheria mutant (CRM197) to produce very successful glycoconjugate vaccines. The increasing demand for new conjugate vaccines requires the availability of additional carriers providing high and long-lasting T helper cell immunity. Here we describe the design and construction of three recombinant carrier proteins (N6, N10, N19) constituted by strings of 6, 10 or 19 human CD4(+) T cell epitopes from various pathogen-derived antigens, including TT and proteins from Plasmodium falciparum, influenza virus and hepatitis B virus. Each of these epitopes is defined as universal in that it binds to many human MHC class II molecules. When conjugated to Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) oligosaccharide, these carriers elicit a potent anti-Hib antibody response in mice. In the case of the N19-Hib conjugate, this response is at least as good as that observed with CRM197-Hib, a conjugate vaccine currently used for mass immunization. We also show that some of the universal epitopes constituting the recombinant carriers are specifically recognized by two human in vitro systems, suggesting that T cell memory is provided by the selected epitopes. The data indicate that rationally designed recombinant polyepitope proteins represent excellent candidates for the development and clinical testing of new conjugate vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Falugi
- Chiron Research Center, Siena, Italy
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To verify whether HIV envelope protein gp120 changes the blood-brain barrier in vivo, as a fundamental mechanism of early central nervous system damage by HIV-1. DESIGN Analysis of the functional integrity and immune activation of the blood-brain barrier in brains of HIV-1 gp120 transgenic mice secreting circulating gp120 at levels similar to those detected in AIDS patients. METHODS Number of vessels/mm2 section area with perivascular albumin and percentage of vessels expressing adhesion molecules (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1) were determined by immunohistochemistry in frozen brains from autopsied transgenic and non-transgenic mice. The percentage of vessels showing substance P immunoreactivity was also calculated, as this neuropeptide is known to mediate the increase in permeability of the rat brain endothelium in vitro caused by HIV-1 gp120. RESULTS The number of vessels with albumin extravasation was significantly higher in transgenic than non-transgenic mice brains (P = 0.0003). A greater percentage of ICAM-1- and VCAM-1-positive brain vessels in transgenic than non-transgenic mice was shown (P = 0.0017 and P = 0.0008 respectively). Significant immunoreactivity for substance P was detected in brain vessels in transgenic mice and a significant correlation was found between the percentage of substance P-positive and ICAM-1-positive brain vessels (P < 0.0001) in transgenic mice. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that HIV-1 gp120 is capable of changing and activating in vivo the vascular component of the blood-brain barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Toneatto
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Italy
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35
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Grifantini R, Finco O, Bartolini E, Draghi M, Del Giudice G, Kocken C, Thomas A, Abrignani S, Grandi G. Multi-plasmid DNA vaccination avoids antigenic competition and enhances immunogenicity of a poorly immunogenic plasmid. Eur J Immunol 1998; 28:1225-32. [PMID: 9565362 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1521-4141(199804)28:04<1225::aid-immu1225>3.0.co;2-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
DNA immunization is a very promising approach to the formulation of multivalent vaccines. However, little information is currently available on the immunogenicity of multi-plasmid formulations. To address this issue, we immunized mice with a combination of four plasmids encoding malarial antigens and we compared antibody responses with those obtained with single-plasmid injections. We found that when four plasmids encoding Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein, thrombospondin-related anonymous protein, major merozoite surface protein (MSP)1 and Pfs25 are co-injected into mice, Ab responses against each antigen are elicited at levels at least as high as the level obtained with single-plasmid injection. The quality of antibody production, as determined by isotype analysis, was similar when single- and multi-plasmid administrations were compared, indicating the priming of the same cytokine profile for CD4+ T helper cells. The sera from mice immunized with the four-plasmid formulation specifically recognized sporozoites, blood stage schizonts and gametes, indicating that DNA immunization induced antibody responses relevant to the native conformation. Finally and of particular interest, in the case of MSP1, the antibody response appears to be strongly potentiated by the presence of additional plasmids, indicating an adjuvant effect of DNA.
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36
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Finco O, Nuti S, De Magistris MT, Mangiavacchi L, Aiuti A, Forte P, Fantoni A, van der Putten H, Abrignani S. Induction of CD4+ T cell depletion in mice doubly transgenic for HIV gp120 and human CD4. Eur J Immunol 1997; 27:1319-24. [PMID: 9209479 DOI: 10.1002/eji.1830270604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
It has been suggested that loss of uninfected T cells in HIV infection occurs because of lymphocyte activation resulting in cell death by apoptosis. To address the question of whether cross-linking of CD4/HIV gp120 complexes by antibodies were sufficient to induce T cell depletion in vivo, we developed an animal model of continuous interaction between human CD4 (hCD4), gp120 and anti-gp120 antibodies in the absence of other viral factors. Double-transgenic mice have been generated in which T cells express on their membrane hCD4 and secrete HIV gp120. Although these mice have hCD4/gp120 complexes present on the surface of T cells, they do not show gross immunological abnormalities, and they are able to produce anti-gp120 antibodies following immunization with denaturated gp120. However, double-transgenic mice with antibodies to gp120, when immunized with tetanus toxoid, mount an IgG response that is significantly lower than that of double-transgenic mice without antibodies to gp120. Furthermore, the presence of anti-gp120 antibodies leads to CD4+ T cell depletion and immunodeficiency in the absence of HIV infection. Thus, the antibody response to gp120 can lead to CD4+ T cell attrition in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Finco
- Chiron-Vaccines Immunobiology Research Institute, Siena, Italy
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37
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Fischer MB, Ma M, Goerg S, Zhou X, Xia J, Finco O, Han S, Kelsoe G, Howard RG, Rothstein TL, Kremmer E, Rosen FS, Carroll MC. Regulation of the B cell response to T-dependent antigens by classical pathway complement. J Immunol 1996; 157:549-56. [PMID: 8752901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Mice deficient in complement components C3 (C3 -/-) and C4 (C4 -/-) were found to have a profound defect in their Ab response to a T-dependent Ag (bacteriophage (phi X174). Characterization of the deficient mice demonstrated a diminished level of peanut agglutinin+ germinal centers and a failure in isotype switching despite normal B cell signaling in vitro. The nature of the defect was found to lie at the B cell level, as the T cells were primed in C3- and C4-deficient mice as well as those in wild-type mice. These results, and the finding that the defect could be partly reversed by a 10-fold increase in Ag dose, support the hypothesis that covalent attachment of complement ligands, i.e., C3b and C3d to the Ag-Ab complex, increases its immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M B Fischer
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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38
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Fischer MB, Ma M, Goerg S, Zhou X, Xia J, Finco O, Han S, Kelsoe G, Howard RG, Rothstein TL, Kremmer E, Rosen FS, Carroll MC. Regulation of the B cell response to T-dependent antigens by classical pathway complement. The Journal of Immunology 1996. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.157.2.549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Mice deficient in complement components C3 (C3 -/-) and C4 (C4 -/-) were found to have a profound defect in their Ab response to a T-dependent Ag (bacteriophage (phi X174). Characterization of the deficient mice demonstrated a diminished level of peanut agglutinin+ germinal centers and a failure in isotype switching despite normal B cell signaling in vitro. The nature of the defect was found to lie at the B cell level, as the T cells were primed in C3- and C4-deficient mice as well as those in wild-type mice. These results, and the finding that the defect could be partly reversed by a 10-fold increase in Ag dose, support the hypothesis that covalent attachment of complement ligands, i.e., C3b and C3d to the Ag-Ab complex, increases its immunogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M B Fischer
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - M Ma
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - S Goerg
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - X Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - J Xia
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - O Finco
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - S Han
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - G Kelsoe
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - R G Howard
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - T L Rothstein
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - E Kremmer
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - F S Rosen
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - M C Carroll
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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39
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Abstract
Neutral endopeptidase (NEP; EC 3.4.24.11) is a type-2 cell-surface metalloproteinase known by a variety of eponyms, including enkephalinase, common acute lymphoblastic leukemia antigen (CALLA), and CD10. Identified substrates are largely neural or humoral oligopeptide agonists, and the enzyme functions to terminate signaling by degrading the ligand, analogous to the acetylcholine/acetylcholinesterase system. Targeted disruption of the NEP locus in mice results in enhanced lethality to endotoxin shock with a pronounced gene-dosage effect. The site(s) of action appears downstream from release of TNF and IL-1, as NEP-deficient animals demonstrate increased sensitivity to these mediators as well. This unexpected finding indicates an important protective role for NEP in septic shock.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Lu
- The Ina Sue Perimutter Laboratory, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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40
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Abstract
Neutral endopeptidase (NEP; EC. 3.4.24.11) is a type 2 cell surface metalloprotease known by a variety of eponyms, including enkephalinase, common acute lymphoblastic leukemia antigen, and CD10. Identified substrates are largely neural or humoral oligopeptide agonists, and the enzyme functions to terminate signaling by degrading the ligand, analogously to acetylcholine/acetylcholinesterase. Targeted disruption of the NEP locus in mice results in enhanced lethality to endotoxin shock with a pronounced gene dosage effect. The site(s) of action appears downstream from release of tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1 since NEP-deficient animals demonstrate increased sensitivity to these mediators as well. This unexpected finding indicates an important protective role for NEP in septic shock.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Lu
- Ina Sue Perlmutter Laboratory, Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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41
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Abstract
An animal model has been used to address the question of the biological importance of the known structural difference between the two isotypes of human C4, i.e., C4A and C4B. Guinea pigs deficient in C4 were reconstituted transiently with either human C4A or C4B protein and immunized with the bacteriophage phi X174. Results from this study showed that C4A-reconstituted animals made a secondary response, i.e., switch from IgM to IgG; whereas the C4B-reconstituted animals did not.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Finco
- Department of Pathology Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
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42
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Abstract
HLA class III polymorphisms (BF, C4A, C4B) were studied in 55 patients of different age and sex suffering from allergic contact dermatitis, with sensitization to different substances. In the overall group of patients no significant correlation between the disease and HLA markers was found. BF F allele was present in 34% and BS S in 64% of patients suffering from allergic contact dermatitis to nickel only versus 16.45% (relative risk, RR = 2.61) and 80.76% (RR = 0.42), respectively, of the control population. The BF FB subtype frequency was 23.91% versus 7.57% in the control samples (RR = 3.88). We thus hypothesize that this polymorphic serum protein might be involved in the pathogenesis of allergic contact dermatitis to nickel.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Orecchia
- Clinica Dermatologica dell'Università di Pavia, Italia
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43
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Luisetti M, Martinetti M, Cuccia M, Pasturenzi L, Bulgheroni A, Finco O, Daielli C, Donnetta AM, Peona V. HLA markers in sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis 1991; 8:177. [PMID: 1669989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M Luisetti
- Istituto di Tisiologia e Malattie Respiratorie, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Università di Pavia, Italy
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44
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Abstract
HLA class I (A, B, C), class II (DR, DQ) histoglobulins and HLA class III (C4A, C4B and Bf) complement factors were analysed in 87 patients with vitiligo and in controls. Two HLA supratypes seem to mark different age of onset of vitiligo: HLA-BfS, C4A3, C4B1, DR5 (W11), DQW3 is characteristic of the pediatric form; while HLA-BfS, C4A3, C4B1, DR7, DQW2 marks the adult form of disease. The importance of defining HLA supratype, not single alleles, is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Finco
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Pavia, Italy
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45
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Finco O, Martinetti M, Dondi E, Luisetti M, Pasturenzi L, Cuccia M. Sarcoidosis and major histocompatibility complex genes with special emphasis on BF F subtypes. Complement Inflamm 1991; 8:80-5. [PMID: 2055011 DOI: 10.1159/000463183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Frequencies for HLA class I and II histoglobulins and C4A, C4B, BF complement proteins were performed for 59 sarcoidosis patients. The DR5 allele was present in 55.9% of patients as compared to 31.5% of controls. We noticed that its increase was more relevant in males and in those with a poor prognosis. BF F allele was significantly over-represented in patients (29.09% vs. 19.15% of control), especially in women. Special emphasis was given to BF F subtyping, to define an association between a particular BF F subtype and patient's sex or disease outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Finco
- Dipartimento di Genetica e Microbiologia, Università di Pavia, Italia
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46
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Cuccia M, Finco O, Conte R, Cirignotta F, Ruberto G. HLA complement markers in Italian narcoleptic patients with special emphasis on BfF subtyping. Complement Inflamm 1991; 8:86-91. [PMID: 2055012 DOI: 10.1159/000463184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Thirty narcoleptic patients (29 out of 30 of Mediterranean origin) were studied for HLA polymorphisms (only 24 were investigated for HLA class III). We found that these patients are characterized by DR2, DQW2 phenotype (p less than 0.0001) as those of Anglo-Saxon origin so far studied and by the complotype: BfS, C4A3, C4B1. Just 1 of 7 BfF patients has the Fb subtype detected by isoelectric focusing technique (p = 0.007). The only patient of Black origin (his mother is Eritrean) is completely different from other patients (DR3,5; DQW2,W3; C4A4,4; C4B1,2), supporting the hypothesis that it is not the DR2, DQW1 phenotype per se involved in this syndrome. Subdividing the subjects according to different clinical features, we cannot demonstrate genetic heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Cuccia
- Dipartimento di Genetica e Microbiologia, Università di Pavia, Italia
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47
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Orecchia G, Perfetti L, Cuccia M, Finco O. Can C4AQO decreased frequency be considered a genetic marker for vitiligo and familial melanoma? Dermatologica 1990; 181:77-8. [PMID: 2394312 DOI: 10.1159/000247873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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