Maternal immunization with RSV fusion glycoprotein vaccine and substantial protection of neonatal baboons against respiratory syncytial virus pulmonary challenge

Globally, human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of severe lower respiratory infection in infants and young children. There are no licensed vaccines despite the high worldwide disease burden. RSV fusion (F) glycoprotein vaccine is the most advanced candidate for maternal immunization. In this report, a baboon maternal immunization model was used to assess the immunogenicity and protection of infants against pulmonary challenge with human RSV/A. Vaccination in the third trimester produced high anti-RSV F IgG titers and virus-neutralizing antibodies. Infants born to immunized females had high levels of serum RSV antibodies that were comparable to maternal levels at birth and persisted for over 50 days with a half-life of 14-24 days. Furthermore, infants from immunized females and challenged with RSV/A were healthy, developed less severe disease, and had only mild pulmonary inflammatory changes whereas infants born to non-vaccinated females developed more severe disease with marked to moderate interstitial pneumonia, pulmonary edema, and bronchiolar obstruction. These results support the further development of the RSV F vaccine for maternal immunization.

Boosting subdominant neutralizing antibody responses with a computationally designed epitope-focused immunogen

Throughout the last several decades, vaccination has been key to prevent and eradicate infectious diseases. However, many pathogens (e.g., respiratory syncytial virus [RSV], influenza, dengue, and others) have resisted vaccine development efforts, largely because of the failure to induce potent antibody responses targeting conserved epitopes. Deep profiling of human B cells often reveals potent neutralizing antibodies that emerge from natural infection, but these specificities are generally subdominant (i.e., are present in low titers). A major challenge for next-generation vaccines is to overcome established immunodominance hierarchies and focus antibody responses on crucial neutralization epitopes. Here, we show that a computationally designed epitope-focused immunogen presenting a single RSV neutralization epitope elicits superior epitope-specific responses compared to the viral fusion protein. In addition, the epitope-focused immunogen efficiently boosts antibodies targeting the palivizumab epitope, resulting in enhanced neutralization. Overall, we show that epitope-focused immunogens can boost subdominant neutralizing antibody responses in vivo and reshape established antibody hierarchies.

A computationally designed epitope-focused immunogen presenting a single neutralization epitope from Respiratory Syncytial Virus elicits superior epitope-specific responses compared to the viral fusion protein. Furthermore, epitope-focused immunogens can reshape established antibody hierarchies.

Vaccines are one of the most valuable instruments to prevent and control infectious diseases. Their primary correlate of protection is the level of induction of neutralizing antibodies that target critical antigenic sites and thereby block infection. Natural infections with pathogens such as the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or influenza induce a broad repertoire of antibodies that target multiple epitopes. Among those, functional antibodies with key specificities are often subdominant (present in low titers). Thus, a central goal for vaccine development is to focus antibody responses on such neutralization epitopes. Here, we show that a computationally designed, epitope-focused immunogen mimicking an important RSV neutralization epitope (site II) can focus antibodies onto this well-defined epitope. In a scenario of preexisting immunity, in which site II–specific antibodies were subdominant, the epitope-focused immunogen selectively boosted site II–specific antibodies, resulting in an increased viral neutralization through this epitope. We propose that rationally designed immunogens spotlighting defined epitopes have a unique potential to focus antibody responses on functionally conserved sites in cases of preexisting immunity. Our results have broad implications for vaccine design as a strategy to steer preexisting antibody responses away from immunodominant, variable epitopes and toward subdominant epitopes that confer broad and potent neutralization.

Time-course study of the protection induced by an interferon-inducible DNA vaccine against viral haemorrhagic septicaemia in rainbow trout

The highly effective DNA vaccines against diseases caused by fish rhabdoviruses in farmed fish consist of a DNA plasmid vector encoding the viral glycoprotein under the control of a constitutive cytomegalovirus promoter (CMV). Among others, attempts to improve efficacy and safety of these DNA vaccines have focused on regulatory elements of plasmid vectors, which play a major role in controlling expression levels of vaccine antigens. Depending on the context, use of a fish-derived promoter with minimal activity in mammalian cells could be preferable. Another aspect related to the CMV promoter is that constitutive expression of the vaccine antigen may lead to rapid elimination of antigen expressing cells in the fish and thereby potentially reduce the long-term effects of the vaccine. In this study, we compared DNA vaccines with the interferon-inducible Mx promoter from rainbow trout and the CMV promoter, respectively. Plasmid constructs encoding the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) were used for the in vitro analysis, whereas DNA vaccines encoding the glycoprotein (G) of the viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) were applied for the in vivo examination. The in vitro analysis showed that while the DNA vaccine with the CMV promoter constitutively drove the expression of EGFP in both fish and human cell lines, the DNA vaccine with the Mx promoter inducibly enhanced the expression of EGFP in the fish cell line. To address the impact on protection, a time-course model was followed as suggested by Kurath et al. (2006), where vaccinated fish were challenged with VHSV at 2, 8 and 78 weeks post-vaccination (wpv). The DNA vaccine with the CMV promoter protected at all times, while vaccination with the DNA vaccine containing the Mx promoter only protected the fish at 8 wpv. However, following induction with Poly (I:C) one week before the challenge, high protection was also evident at 2 wpv. In conclusion, the results revealed a more fish host dependent activity of the trout Mx promoter compared to the traditionally used cross species-active CMV promoter, but improvements will be needed for its application in DNA vaccines to ensure long term protection.

Needle-free delivery of DNA: Targeting of hemagglutinin to MHC class II molecules protects rhesus macaques against H1N1 influenza

Conventional influenza vaccines are hampered by slow and limited production capabilities, whereas DNA vaccines can be rapidly produced for global coverage in the event of an emerging pandemic. However, a drawback of DNA vaccines is their generally low immunogenicity in non-human primates and humans. We have previously demonstrated that targeting of influenza hemagglutinin to human HLA class II molecules can increase antibody responses in larger animals such as ferrets and pigs. Here, we extend these observations by immunizing non-human primates (rhesus macaques) with a DNA vaccine encoding a bivalent fusion protein that targets influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) to Mamu class II molecules. Such immunization induced neutralizing antibodies and antigen-specific T cells. The DNA was delivered by pain- and needle-free jet injections intradermally. No adverse effects were observed. Most importantly, the immunized rhesus macaques were protected against a challenge with influenza virus.

Removal of the N-Glycosylation Sequon at Position N116 Located in p27 of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus Fusion Protein Elicits Enhanced Antibody Responses after DNA Immunization

Prevention of severe lower respiratory tract infections in infants caused by the human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) remains a major public health priority. Currently, the major focus of vaccine development relies on the RSV fusion (F) protein since it is the main target protein for neutralizing antibodies induced by natural infection. The protein conserves 5 N-glycosylation sites, two of which are located in the F2 subunit (N27 and N70), one in the F1 subunit (N500) and two in the p27 peptide (N116 and N126). To study the influence of the loss of one or more N-glycosylation sites on RSV F immunogenicity, BALB/c mice were immunized with plasmids encoding RSV F glycomutants. In comparison with F WT DNA immunized mice, higher neutralizing titres were observed following immunization with F N116Q. Moreover, RSV A2-K-line19F challenge of mice that had been immunized with mutant F N116Q DNA was associated with lower RSV RNA levels compared with those in challenged WT F DNA immunized animals. Since p27 is assumed to be post-translationally released after cleavage and thus not present on the mature RSV F protein, it remains to be elucidated how deletion of this glycan can contribute to enhanced antibody responses and protection upon challenge. These findings provide new insights to improve the immunogenicity of RSV F in potential vaccine candidates.

A novel genotype VII Newcastle disease virus vaccine candidate generated by mutation in the L and F genes confers improved protection in chickens

Administration of vaccines combined with the good management and strict biosecurity is an effective way for Newcastle disease (ND) control. However, vaccine failure is continuously reported in some countries mainly because the antigenic difference between the used vaccine and field strains even they are of one serotype. Therefore, development of antigen-matched ND vaccines is needed to improve the vaccine efficacy in birds. In this study, we introduced four site mutations, K1756A, D1881A, K1917A and E1954Q, respectively, into the large protein gene of the virulent genotype VII Newcastle disease virus (NDV) G7 strain using reverse genetics technology. Four rescued NDVs were sharply attenuated for the pathogenicity in chickens. One of these mutants, E1954Q, was further manipulated by replacing the F cleavage site sequence of typical velogenic strains with that of the LaSota vaccine, resulting in a new mutant, G7M. Biological characterization showed that G7M was safe and genetically stable after serial passages in embryos and chickens. Vaccination of chickens with G7M induced a progressive elevation of the homologous antibodies and markedly higher CD8⁺ T cell percentage, T cell proliferation and IFN-γ than LaSota. G7M conferred full protection against genotype VII NDV challenge, and more importantly, it effectively reduced the challenge virus replication and shedding in chickens. Together, our data suggest that G7M is a promising genotype VII vaccine candidate, and the novel attenuation approach designed in this study could be used to develop new antigen-matched NDV vaccines.

A Phase 2 randomized, observer-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging trial of aluminum-adjuvanted respiratory syncytial virus F particle vaccine formulations in healthy women of childbearing age

OBJECTIVE

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes significant morbidity and mortality in infants. We are developing an RSV fusion (F) protein nanoparticle vaccine for immunization of third trimester pregnant women to passively protect infants through transfer of RSV-specific maternal antibodies. The present trial was performed to assess the immunogenicity and safety of several formulations of RSV F vaccine in 1-dose or 2-dose schedules.

METHODS

Placebo, or vaccine with 60μg or 120μg RSV F protein and 0.2, 0.4, or 0.8mg aluminum, were administered intramuscularly on Days 0 and 28 to healthy women 18-35years old. Immunogenicity was assessed from Days 0 through 91 based on anti-F IgG and palivizumab-competitive antibody (PCA) by ELISA, and RSV A and B neutralizing antibodies by microneutralization (MN) assay. Solicited adverse events were collected through Day 7 and unsolicited adverse events through Day 91.

RESULTS

All formulations were well-tolerated, with no treatment-related serious adverse events. Anti-F IgG and PCA responses were correlated and increased after both doses, while MN increased significantly only after the first dose, then plateaued. The timeliest and most robust antibody responses followed one dose of 120μg RSV F protein and 0.4mg aluminum, but persistence through 91days was modestly (∼25%) superior following two doses of 60μg RSV F protein and 0.8mg aluminum. Western blot analysis showed RSV infections in active vaccinees were reduced by 52% overall (p=0.009 overall) over the Day 0 through 90 period.

CONCLUSIONS

RSV F nanoparticle vaccine formulations were well tolerated and immunogenic. The optimal combination of convenience and rapid response for immunization in the third trimester occurred with 120μg RSV F and 0.4mg aluminum, which achieved peak immune responses in 14days and sufficient persistence through 91days to allow for passive transfer of IgG antibodies to the fetus. NCT01960686.

Thermoresponsive Polymer Nanoparticles Co-deliver RSV F Trimers with a TLR-7/8 Adjuvant

Structure-based vaccine design has been used to develop immunogens that display conserved neutralization sites on pathogens such as HIV-1, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza. Improving the immunogenicity of these designed immunogens with adjuvants will require formulations that do not alter protein antigenicity. Here, we show that nanoparticle-forming thermoresponsive polymers (TRP) allow for co-delivery of RSV fusion (F) protein trimers with Toll-like receptor 7 and 8 agonists (TLR-7/8a) to enhance protective immunity. Although primary amine conjugation of TLR-7/8a to F trimers severely disrupted the recognition of critical neutralizing epitopes, F trimers site-selectively coupled to TRP nanoparticles retained appropriate antigenicity and elicited high titers of prefusion-specific, TH1 isotype anti-RSV F antibodies following vaccination. Moreover, coupling F trimers to TRP delivering TLR-7/8a resulted in ∼3-fold higher binding and neutralizing antibody titers than soluble F trimers admixed with TLR-7/8a and conferred protection from intranasal RSV challenge. Overall, these data show that TRP nanoparticles may provide a broadly applicable platform for eliciting neutralizing antibodies to structure-dependent epitopes on RSV, influenza, HIV-1, or other pathogens.

Vaccination with human papillomavirus pseudovirus-encapsidated plasmids targeted to skin using microneedles

Human papilloma virus-like particles (HPV VLP) serve as the basis of the current licensed vaccines for HPV. We have previously shown that encapsidation of DNA expressing the model antigen M/M2 from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in HPV pseudovirions (PsV) is immunogenic when delivered intravaginally. Because the HPV capsids confer tropism for basal epithelium, they represent attractive carriers for vaccination targeted to the skin using microneedles. In this study we asked: 1) whether HPV16 VLP administered by microneedles could induce protective immune responses to HPV16 and 2) whether HPV16 PsV-encapsidated plasmids delivered by microneedles could elicit immune responses to both HPV and the antigen delivered by the transgene. Mice immunized with HPV16 VLP coated microneedles generated robust neutralizing antibody responses and were protected from HPV16 challenge. Microneedle arrays coated with HPV16-M/M2 or HPV16-F protein (genes of RSV) were then tested and dose-dependent HPV and F-specific antibody responses were detected post-immunization, and M/M2-specific T-cell responses were detected post RSV challenge, respectively. HPV16 PsV-F immunized mice were fully protected from challenge with HPV16 PsV and had reduced RSV viral load in lung and nose upon intranasal RSV challenge. In summary, HPV16 PsV-encapsidated DNA delivered by microneedles induced neutralizing antibody responses against HPV and primed for antibody and T-cell responses to RSV antigens encoded by the encapsidated plasmids. Although the immunogenicity of the DNA component was just above the dose response threshold, the HPV-specific immunity was robust. Taken together, these data suggest microneedle delivery of lyophilized HPV PsV could provide a practical, thermostable combined vaccine approach that could be developed for clinical evaluation.

Shuttle-mediated nanoparticle delivery to the blood-brain barrier

Many therapeutic drugs are excluded from entering the brain due to their lack of transport through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The development of new strategies for enhancing drug delivery to the brain is of great importance in diagnostics and therapeutics of central nervous diseases. To overcome this problem, a viral fusion peptide (gH625) derived from the glycoprotein gH of Herpes simplex virus type 1 is developed, which possesses several advantages including high cell translocation potency, absence of toxicity of the peptide itself, and the feasibility as an efficient carrier for delivering therapeutics. Therefore, it is hypothesized that brain delivery of nanoparticles conjugated with gH625 should be efficiently enhanced. The surface of fluorescent aminated polystyrene nanoparticles (NPs) is functionalized with gH625 via a covalent binding procedure, and the NP uptake mechanism and permeation across in vitro BBB models are studied. At early incubation times, the uptake of NPs with gH625 by brain endothelial cells is greater than that of the NPs without the peptide, and their intracellular motion is mainly characterized by a random walk behavior. Most importantly, gH625 peptide decreases NP intracellular accumulation as large aggregates and enhances the NP BBB crossing. In summary, these results establish that surface functionalization with gH625 may change NP fate by providing a good strategy for the design of promising carriers to deliver drugs across the BBB for the treatment of brain diseases.

The serogroup A capsular polysaccharide from Neisseria meningitidis enhances the cell-mediated immunity and the protective capacity induced by a dengue fusion protein in mice

We previously tested in monkeys the P64k-DomIII fusion protein of DEN-2 (PD5), combined with the serogroup A capsular polysaccharide (CPS-A) from N. meningitidis as an immunopotentiator. The results revealed the induction of neutralizing antibodies and partial protection after DEN-2 challenge. Since one formulation of the CPS-A was only evaluated in monkeys, in the present study, we evaluated two CPS-A-based formulations in mice. Animals immunized with PD5 in alum with the highest dose of CPS-A produced the highest levels of INF-γ secretion upon viral stimulation, and accordingly, 100% protection. This is the first report that describes the dose effect of CPS-A and its capacity to potentiate the cell-mediated immunity induced by a heterologous antigen in mice.

[Construction of DNA vaccines containing C3d-P29 against Newcastle disease]

After cloning the C3d cDNA of AA broilers using the liver mRNA source, a pair of primers were designed to subclone the P29 gene to the pUC19 plasmid. Several tandems of P29 were constructed in the pUC19 plasmid using a pair of isoschizomers-BamH I and Bgl II. The pUC- P29.n was igested to get the gene of P29.n that was then cloned to pCDNA3.1 (+) plasmid. After this, the F Gene of Newcastle Disease Virus was cloned through RT-PCR and inserted into the upstream of the P29.n that was in the pCDNA-P29.n, and the DNA vaccines containing F gene against NDV with C3d-P29 as molecular adjuvant were constructed. Several groups of Specefic Pathogen Free chickens were injected with these recombinant plasmids. The pCDNA-F-P29.4 and pCDNA-F-P29.6 group had higher HI antibody titers than the pCDNA-F group. The pCDNA-F-P29.4 and pCDNA-F-P29.6 group's HI antibody titers did not achieve titers as high as the inactive vaccine group. However, they all provided protection against the lethal F48E9 virus challenge.

Peptide vaccines of the HER-2/neu dimerization loop are effective in inhibiting mammary tumor growth in vivo

Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2)/neu (ErbB2), a member of the epidermal growth factor family of receptors, is overexpressed in 20-30% of breast cancers. It is an attractive target for receptor-directed antitumor therapy using mAbs. Unlike other epidermal growth factor receptor family members, HER-2/neu does not bind a high-affinity ligand, but rather functions as the preferred dimerization partner. Pertuzumab (Omnitarg) is a humanized mAb directed against the HER-2/neu dimerization domain that inhibits receptor signaling. The recent definition of the crystal structure of the HER-2/neu-pertuzumab complex demonstrated that the receptor dimerization region encompassed residues 266-333. Based on the three-dimensional structure of the complex, we have designed three conformational peptide constructs (sequences 266-296, 298-333, and 315-333) to mimic regions of the dimerization loop of the receptor and to characterize their in vitro and in vivo antitumor efficacy. All the constructs elicited high-affinity peptide Abs that inhibited multiple signaling pathways including HER-2/neu-specific inhibition of cellular proliferation and cytoplasmic receptor domain phosphorylation. All the peptide Abs showed Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity to varying degrees with the 266-296 constructs being equally effective as compared with Herceptin. The 266-296 peptide vaccine had statistically reduced tumor onset in both transplantable tumor models (FVB/n and BALB/c) and significant reduction in tumor development in two transgenic mouse tumor models (BALB-neuT and VEGF(+/-)Neu2-5(+/-)). The 266-296 construct represents the most promising candidate for antitumor vaccination and could also be used to treat a variety of cancers with either normal or elevated expression of HER-2 including breast, lung, ovarian, and prostate.

Human metapneumovirus fusion protein vaccines that are immunogenic and protective in cotton rats

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a recently described paramyxovirus that is a major cause of upper and lower respiratory infection in children and adults worldwide. A safe and effective vaccine could decrease the burden of disease associated with this novel pathogen. We previously reported the development of the cotton rat model of hMPV infection and pathogenesis (J. V. Williams et al., J. Virol. 79:10944-10951, 2005). We report here the immunogenicity of an hMPV fusion (F) protein in this model. We constructed DNA plasmids that exhibited high levels of expression of hMPV F in mammalian cells (DNA-F). These constructs were used to develop a novel strategy to produce highly pure, soluble hMPV F protein lacking the transmembrane domain (FDeltaTM). We then immunized cotton rats at 0 and 14 days with either control vector, DNA-F alone, DNA-F followed by FDeltaTM protein, or FDeltaTM alone. All groups were challenged intranasally at 28 days with live hMPV. All three groups that received some form of hMPV F immunization mounted neutralizing antibody responses and exhibited partial protection against virus shedding in the lungs compared to controls. The FDeltaTM-immunized animals showed the greatest degree of protection (>1,500-fold reduction in lung virus titer). All three immunized groups showed a modest reduction of nasal virus shedding. Neither evidence of a Th2-type response nor increased lung pathology were present in the immunized animals. We conclude that sequence-optimized hMPV F protein protects against hMPV infection when delivered as either a DNA or a protein vaccine in cotton rats.

Synergy between expression of fusogenic membrane proteins, chemotherapy and facultative virotherapy in colorectal cancer

Using Chou-Talalay median effect analysis, we demonstrated in permanent and short-term cultures of colorectal cancer cells that the expression of measles virus fusogenic membrane glycoproteins (FMGs) in combination with chemotherapy often causes over most of the cytotoxic dose range synergistic cell killing. In this combined treatment, we observed strongly enhanced annexin V binding and caspase-3/7 activity when compared to single-agent treatment. Furthermore, we showed increased expression of heat-shock protein (Hsp)70 and Hsp90alpha, but not of Hsp60. In a subcutaneous HT-29 colorectal xenograft model, we demonstrated that the administration of a replication-defective adenoviral or herpes simplex virus (HSV) amplicon vector (Ad.H/F or HSV.H/F) encoding tumor-restricted FMG in combination with FOLFOX significantly enhanced treatment outcome when compared to treatment with each compound individually. To increase the fraction of tumor cells expressing the FMG, we trans-complemented the Ad.H/F and HSV.H/F vector with the respective oncolytic replication-restricted adenovirus Ad.COXDeltaMK or HSV-1 G47Delta vector. At the end of the observation period (day 100), eight out of 10 animals that received G47Delta, HSV.H/F and FOLFOX were alive and tumor free. Administration of the analogous adenovirus-based regimen resulted in four out of 10 long-term survivors. We demonstrated that the expression of FMG in combination with chemotherapy can significantly enhance treatment outcome, which is further enhanced by combination with trans-complementing oncolytic vectors.

Modification of the trypsin-dependent cleavage activation site of the human metapneumovirus fusion protein to be trypsin independent does not increase replication or spread in rodents or nonhuman primates

The contribution of cleavage activation of the fusion F protein of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) to replication and pathogenicity in rodents and nonhuman primates was investigated. Recombinant HMPVs were generated in which the naturally occurring trypsin-dependent cleavage sequence (R-Q-S-R downward arrow) was replaced by each of three sequences whose cleavage in vitro does not depend upon added trypsin. Two of these were multibasic sequences derived from avian metapneumovirus type A (R-R-R-R) or type C (R-K-A-R), with the former containing the consensus furin protease cleavage motif (R-X-R/K-R downward arrow). The third one (R-Q-P-R) was derived from a recently described trypsin independent HMPV isolate (J. H. Schickli, J. Kaur, N. Ulbrandt, R. R. Spaete, and R. S. Tang, J. Virol. 79:10678-10689, 2005). To preclude the possibility of conferring even greater virulence to this significant human pathogen, the modifications were done in an HMPV variant that was attenuated by the deletion of two of the three envelope glycoproteins, SH and G. Each of the introduced cleavage sequences conferred trypsin independent F cleavage and growth to HMPV in vitro. However, they differed in the efficiency of trypsin independent growth and plaque formation in vitro: R-R-R-R > R-K-A-R > R-Q-P-R > R-Q-S-R. The R-R-R-R mutant was the only one whose growth in vitro was not augmented by added trypsin, indicative of highly efficient trypsin independent cleavage. When inoculated intranasally into hamsters, there was essentially no difference in the magnitude of replication in the upper or lower respiratory tract between the mutants, and virus was not detected in organs outside of the respiratory tract. Evaluation of the most cleavage-efficient mutant, R-R-R-R, in African green monkeys showed that there was no detectable change in the magnitude of replication in the upper and lower respiratory tract or in immunogenicity and protective efficacy against HMPV challenge. These results suggest that cleavage activation is not a major determinant of HMPV virulence.

Carriers for the delivery of a vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in young children and the elderly. Despite its clinical importance, there is no licensed vaccine available at present. Vaccine development has been hampered by observations of increased pathology after RSV infection in infants vaccinated with formalin-inactivated RSV; incomplete immunity following natural infection; and the need to be effective during the neonatal period when levels of maternal antibody are high. Four categories of RSV vaccine carriers--live-attenuated RSVs, recombinant vectors expressing the protective antigens of RSV, DNA vaccines and subunit vaccines--have been evaluated in animal models and/or clinical trials. So far, studies with live-attenuated virus vaccines highlight the need to improve immunogenicity whilst maintaining a suitable level of attenuation. Studies with recombinant vectors, DNA and subunit vaccines illustrate the pivotal nature of the vaccine carrier in determining the balance between immune-mediated protection against infection and the induction of immune-mediated pulmonary pathology.

Oral immunization with a shiga toxin B subunit::rotavirus NSP490 fusion protein protects mice against gastroenteritis

A fusion protein containing the shiga toxin-1 B subunit (STB) linked to a 90 amino acid peptide (aa residues 86--175) from simian rotavirus (SA--11) nonstructural protein NSP4 was synthesized in Escherichia coli. Mice orally inoculated with 60 microg of STB::NSP4(90) fusion protein per dose generated higher humoral and intestinal antibody titers than mice inoculated with 30 microg of NSP4 alone. Serum anti-NSP4 IgG2a isotype titers were substantially greater than IgG1 titers, suggesting a dominant Th1 immune response. ELISA measurement of cytokines secreted from splenocytes isolated from immunized mice confirmed the STB::NSP4(90) fusion protein stimulation of a strong Th1 cell mediated immune response. Diarrhea in SA-11 rotavirus challenged neonates suckling from STB::NSP4 immunized dams was significantly reduced in severity and duration in comparison with virus challenged neonates from unimmunized mice. Together, our experiments demonstrate for the first time that the shiga toxin B subunit provides ligand mediated delivery of virus antigens to the gut-associated lymphoid tissues for enhanced stimulation of humoral and cellular responses against rotavirus gastroenteritis.

Retroviral recombination in vivo: viral replication patterns and genetic structure of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) populations in rhesus macaques after simultaneous or sequential intravaginal inoculation with SIVmac239Deltavpx/Deltavpr and SIVmac239Deltanef

To characterize the occurrence, frequency, and kinetics of retroviral recombination in vivo, we intravaginally inoculated rhesus macaques, either simultaneously or sequentially, with attenuated simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) strains having complementary deletions in their accessory genes and various degrees of replication impairment. In monkeys inoculated simultaneously with SIVmac239Deltavpx/Deltavpr and SIVmac239Deltanef, recombinant wild-type (wt) virus and wild-type levels of plasma viral RNA (vRNA) were detected in blood by 2 weeks postinoculation. In monkeys inoculated first with SIVmac239Deltavpx/Deltavpr and then with SIVmac239Deltanef, recombination occurred but was associated with lower plasma vRNA levels than plasma vRNA levels seen for monkeys inoculated intravaginally with wt SIVmac239. In one monkey, recombination occurred 6 weeks after the challenge with SIVmac239Deltanef when plasma SIVmac239Deltavpx/Deltavpr RNA levels were undetectable. In monkeys inoculated first with the more highly replicating strain, SIVmac239Deltanef, and then with SIVmac239Deltavpx/Deltavpr, wild-type recombinant virus was not detected in blood or tissues. Instead, a virus that had repaired the deletion in the nef gene by a compensatory mutation was found in one animal. Overall, recombinant SIV was eventually found in four of six animals intravaginally inoculated with the two SIVmac239 deletion mutants. These findings show that recombination can occur readily in vivo after mucosal SIV exposure and thus contributes to the generation of viral genetic diversity and enhancement of viral fitness.

Effective magnetic labeling of transplanted cells with HVJ-E for magnetic resonance imaging

Magnetic labeling of transplanted cells permits us to monitor their localization non-invasively using MRI. Since most transfection agents for magnetic labeling have the same cationic charge as Fe(3+), the efficiency may be reduced. The hemagglutinating virus-envelope has no charge and utilizes membrane fusion activity to deliver internalized materials. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of using the envelope to incorporate paramagnetic Fe(3+) particles into PC12 cells and astrocytes. The envelope effectively labeled both cells with Fe(3+), which showed significant decreases of signal intensity in T2-weighted MRI. Labeled cells transplanted into the rat striatum were clearly visualized by T2*-weighted MRI at a magnetic field of 2 T. The results indicate that the hemagglutinating virus-envelope is a powerful tool for magnetic labeling.

[Study on the potential use of baculoviruses to eradicate insects in pest control]

The biological activity of baculovirus AcMNPV and its recombinant SPX were determined on cockroaches Blattella germanica, pharaoh's ants Monomorium pharaonis and flies Musca domestica--species very difficult to eradicate. Baculovirus AcMNPV is one of the best known viruses of wide host range. Its recombinant SPX contained the gene for natural toxin. It is known that this toxin paralyses nervous system of insects by blocking sodium channels. The studies on the influences of baculoviruses showed in the case of cockroaches Blattella germanica L. the disturbances of development. The result of using high concentration baculoviruses SPX 2 x 10(7) pfu/ml for a long time of exposition 8 weeks it was.

Characteristics of immunity induced by viral antigen or conferred by antibody via different administration routes

The characteristics of the immunity induced by viral antigens or conferred by antiviral antibody via different routes of administration were evaluated comparatively. C57BL/6 mice were immunized via intranasal, intradermal or enteric routes with a live recombinant vaccinia virus expressing the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) F glycoprotein (F.rVV) or RSV, and then challenged intranasally with RSV. Inhibition of RSV replication was observed in the lungs of all the mice; however, only intranasal immunization hindered virus replication in the nose. Lung inflammation, characterized by infiltration of neutrophils and of mononuclear cells was strongest in the intradermally immunized mice, but was observed in all F.rVV immunized mice to various degrees. Intranasal administration of a potently neutralizing human anti-RSV antibody Fab fragment to infected mice inhibited RSV replication in the nose and, when combined with intraperitoneal administration, protected both the lung and the nose in the absence of deleterious lung pathology. These data suggest that intranasal immunization with F.rVV reduces RSV replication in the respiratory tract, but still induces pathological lung inflammation, even though this is milder than that observed following intradermal immunization. Local neutralizing antibody is indispensable for protection in the nose.

Vaccination with recombinant alphavirus or immune-stimulating complex antigen against respiratory syncytial virus

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes severe respiratory diseases in infants and young children. Inappropriate immunity to the virus can lead to disease enhancement upon subsequent infection. In this study, we have characterized the antiviral immunity elicited by the recombinant Semliki Forest virus (SFV) encoding the RSV fusion (F) and attachment (G) protein, and compared with that induced by the immune-stimulating complex (ISCOM)-incorporated FG proteins. Antiviral immunity against RSV elicited nasally or parentally by either of the immunogen having divergent profiles could reduce lung RSV titers upon challenge. However, resistance to RSV without disease enhancement was only observed in those vaccinated with SFV recombinants via nasal route. Presence of postvaccination pulmonary IFN-gamma response to the H-2K(d)-restricted T cell epitope (F(85-93); KYKNAVTEL) was found to be associated with absence of enhanced pulmonary disease and goblet cell hyperplasia as well as reduced Th2-cytokine expression. This result demonstrates that the SFV recombinants can result in enhanced clearance of RSV without enhancing the RSV-associated disease, and underlines the importance in priming pulmonary MHC class I-restricted T cells when RSV FG-based vaccines are used.

Targeted cytosolic delivery of hydrogel nanoparticles into HepG2 cells through engineered Sendai viral envelopes

Hydrogel nanoparticles of cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP-NP) (35-50 nm in diameter) containing fluoresceinated dextran (FITC-Dx) were encapsulated in reconstituted Sendai viral envelopes containing only the fusion (F) protein (F-virosomes(1)). Incubation of these loaded F-virosomes with human hepatoblastoma cells (HepG2) in culture resulted in membrane-fusion-mediated delivery of NPs to the cell cytoplasm, as inferred from the ability of cells to internalize FITC-Dx loaded PVP-NP (PVP(f)-NP) in the presence of azide (an inhibitor of the endocytotic process). Introduction of PVP(f)-NP into the HepG2 cells was assured by selective accumulation of FITC fluorescence in the cytosolic compartment. The structural integrity of the internalized PVP(f)-NP was also confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and ultracentrifugation analysis. The potential usefulness of PVP-NP-mediated cytosolic release of water soluble drugs both in vitro and in vivo has been established for the first time.

Microencapsulation of a synthetic peptide epitope for HTLV-1 in biodegradable poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres using a novel encapsulation technique

A novel procedure has been developed for the encapsulation of peptide antigens in poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres, which employs trifluoro-acetic acid (TFA) as a carrier solvent for both the polymer and antigen. The antigen/polymer solution is emulsified in mineral oil containing sorbitan trioleate (Span 85) as an emulsifier and a low level of cottonseed oil to extract the TFA. Fluoresceinisothiocyanate-labelled bovine serum albumin (FITC-BSA) was used as a model antigen to characterize the microencapsulation. Microspheres were of the desired size (<10 microm) for targeting to antigen-presenting cells, and released the model antigen slowly after an initial burst release (11%) in PBS/0.02% Tween 80 at 37 degrees C. Subsequently, a potential peptide vaccine, designated MVFMF2, for the human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1 ) was encapsulated at 4.7% loading using the novel oil-in-oil method. In vivo immune responses were examined in rabbits immunized with (i) encapsulated MVFMF2 together with encapsulated adjuvant (N-acetyl-glucosamine-3yl-acetyl-L-alanyl-D-isoglutamine, nor-MDP, (ii) encapsulated MVFMF2 without adjuvant, and (iii) free peptide with adjuvant. Inoculation of the encapsulated peptide produced an antibody response similar to that of the free peptide emulsified in adjuvant. Moreover, the elevated immune response elicited by the encapsulated peptide was observed without multiple booster immunizations and irrespective of whether an adjuvant was used. Additionally, the antibodies raised against both free and encapsulated MVFMF2 had similar affinities, as judged by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA), indicating that the encapsulated peptide retained a significant fraction of its epitopes. Hence, these results demonstrate that peptide vaccines can be encapsulated in PLGA microspheres using a common carrier solvent for both the peptide and polymer, which produces a desirable immune response in the absence of an adjuvant.

Sendai virus fusion protein mediates simultaneous induction of MHC class I/II-dependent mucosal and systemic immune responses via the nasopharyngeal-associated lymphoreticular tissue immune system

Nasal administration of Ags using a novel hybrid Ag delivery vehicle composed of envelope glycoproteins of Sendai virus on the surface of liposome membranes (fusogenic liposome) efficiently delivered Ags to Ag-sampling M cells in nasopharyngeal-associated lymphoreticular tissue. Additionally, fusogenic liposomes also effectively delivered the Ags into epithelial cells and macrophages in nasopharyngeal-associated lymphoreticular tissue and nasal passages. In vitro Ag presentation assays clearly showed that fusogenic liposomes effectively presented encapsulated Ags via the MHC class II-dependent pathway of epithelial cells as well as macrophages. Fusogenic liposomes also have an adjuvant activity against mucosal epithelial cells to enhance MHC class II expression. According to these high delivery and adjuvant activities of fusogenic liposomes, nasal immunization with OVA-encapsulated fusogenic liposomes induced high levels of OVA-specific CD4(+) Th1 and Th2 cell responses. Furthermore, Ag-specific CTL responses and Ab productions were also elicited at both mucosal and systemic sites by nasal immunization with Ag-encapsulated fusogenic liposomes. These results indicate that fusogenic liposome is a versatile and effective system for the stimulation of Ag-specific immune responses at both mucosal and systemic compartments.

Membrane-associated respiratory syncytial virus F protein expressed from a human rhinovirus type 14 vector is immunogenic

Human rhinovirus (HRV) replicons have the potential to serve as respiratory vaccine vectors for mucosal immunization in humans. However, since many vaccine immunogens of interest are glycosylated, an important concern is whether HRV replicons are capable of expressing glycosylated proteins. The human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) fusion (F) protein was chosen as a model glycoprotein and the HRV replicon DeltaP1FVP3 was generated by inserting the F protein-coding sequence in frame and in lieu of the 5' proximal 1489 nucleotides of the capsid-coding segment in the HRV-14 genome. When transfected into H1-HeLa cells, DeltaP1FVP3 replicated and led to the expression of the F protein. Inhibition with guanidine demonstrated that F-protein expression was dependent on DeltaP1FVP3 replication and did not result from translation of input RNA. Although most of the F protein remained as an immature, glycosylated precursor (F0), a readily detectable fraction of the protein was processed into the mature glycosylated subunit F1, an event known to occur within the Golgi apparatus. Packaged DeltaP1FVP3 replicons were generated in transfected HeLa cells by coexpression of homologous HRV capsid proteins using the vaccinia virus/T7 RNA polymerase hybrid system. Packaged replicon RNAs were capable of infecting fresh cells, leading to accumulation of the F protein as in RNA-transfected cells. Mice immunized with HeLa cell lysates containing F protein expressed from DeltaP1FVP3 produced neutralizing antibodies against RSV. These results indicate that an HRV-14 replicon can express a foreign glycosylated protein, providing further support for the potential of HRV replicons as a vaccine delivery system.

The pulmonary immune response of Balb/c mice vaccinated with the fusion protein of respiratory syncytial virus

We have investigated the efficacy of vaccination with the purified fusion (F) protein of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on aluminium hydroxide adjuvant in Balb/c mice. The purpose of the study was to define the role of the local pulmonary mononuclear cell (PMC) infiltrate in the clearance of virus from the lower respiratory tract. Balb/c mice immunized with F protein were able to inhibit the replication of virus in the lungs as early as 4 days after intranasal challenge. In contrast, unimmunized mice required 8 days. Examination of humoral immune mechanisms demonstrated that vaccination with the purified protein induced moderate titres of serum neutralizing antibody. In addition, immunization induced low to moderate levels of antigen-dependent killer cell activity. To examine the immunological events responsible for virus clearance in vivo, PMC infiltrates were isolated after virus challenge and tested directly for protective capacity. After virus challenge, the F protein-immune mice were able to recall the cytolytic cells to the pulmonary tissues. The results further suggested that the local antigen-dependent killer activity was mediated by cytolytic T cells of the CD8 phenotype. Adoptive transfer studies were also conducted to identify further the role the PMC infiltrate had in protective immunity. Adoptive transfer of F protein-educated PMC into naive syngeneic recipients suggested that the pulmonary infiltrates contained the cellular constituents necessary for protective immunity. Both humoral and cellular immune elements were present.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Reconstituted Sendai virus envelopes as biological carriers: dual role of F protein in binding and fusion with liver cells

We have assessed the potential of reconstituted Sendai viral envelopes containing only the fusion protein (F-virosomes) as biological carriers for the delivery of drugs and macromolecules. [125I]lysozyme entrapped in F-virosome is used to study its distribution in various organs of Balb/c mouse in vivo as a function of dose and time. F-virosomes injected intravenously are rapidly cleared from circulation. A major percentage (55-60%) of vesicle contents is delivered to liver at 15 min after injection, showing thereby the liver to be the major site for the accumulation of vesicles. Uptake of virosomes by liver is found to reach a near saturation level at a dose of 0.5 mg F-protein associated with virosomes. In competition studies, the inhibitory effect of asialofetuin on the uptake of F-virosomes suggests the involvement of asialoglycoprotein receptor in its recognition by hepatic parenchymal cells. Incorporation of asialoganglioside-GM1 in the F-virosomes enhanced the uptake by about 1.6-fold. The observed specific interaction of hepatic receptor with F-protein containing a terminal galactose moiety is further supported by degalactosylation of F-virosomes with hard-shelled clam exoglycosidase. The uptake of degalactosylated F-virosomes by liver is found to be significantly reduced. The subcellular radioactivity profile in liver cells exhibits a considerable decrease in cytosolic localisation of the degalactosylated F-virosomal contents with a concomitant increase in their accumulation in lysosomal/mitochondrial fraction as compared to the untreated virosomes. Trypsinized and heat-treated F-virosomes also reflect similar subcellular distribution profile as that of degalactosylated virosomes. Moreover, F-virosomes are able to interact and deliver [125I]lysozyme to the HepG2 cells in culture in the presence of a potent inhibitor of endocytotic process. These results indicate the involvement of specific binding of F-proteins with hepatic receptors followed by their fusion with the membrane of liver cells in the delivery of [125I]lysozyme. The findings reported here open up the possibility of using F-virosomes with defined specificity as fusogenic vehicles for efficient delivery of drugs and biologically active macromolecules both in vivo and in vitro.

Immunogenicity of recombinant adenovirus-respiratory syncytial virus vaccines with adenovirus types 4, 5, and 7 vectors in dogs and a chimpanzee

Recombinant adenovirus type 4, 5, and 7 expressing the fusion glycoprotein (F) gene, the attachment glycoprotein (G) gene, or both F and G genes of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was constructed. Intratracheal immunization of dogs with Ad7F induced moderate titers of RSV-neutralizing antibodies. After booster immunization with Ad4F, the dogs developed high titers of RSV-specific antibody. Subsequently, three two-dose vaccination regimens, Ad4F/Ad5F, Ad7G/Ad4G, and Ad7FG/Ad4FG, were compared with Ad7F/Ad4F for immunogenicity and protective efficacy. The results indicated that Ad4F/Ad5F was equal or greater in immunogenicity to Ad7F/Ad4F, but Ad7G/Ad4G and Ad7FG/Ad4FG were less effective than Ad7F/Ad4F in inducing RSV-neutralizing antibody. All vaccination regimens completely protected the lungs of dogs from RSV infection. A chimpanzee was sequentially immunized orally with Ad7F, Ad4F, and Ad5F. A low-level antibody response to RSV was induced after the primary immunization, but no significant increases were observed after booster immunizations.

Measles virus fusion protein presented in an immune-stimulating complex (iscom) induces haemolysis-inhibiting and fusion-inhibiting antibodies, virus-specific T cells and protection in mice

Immune-stimulating complexes (iscoms), which have recently been shown to be highly effective for the antigenic presentation of membrane proteins of viruses, were prepared with affinity-purified fusion (F) protein of measles virus (MV), using an adaptation of the standard method for iscom preparation. Immunization of monkeys with the F iscom preparation induced biologically active anti-F protein antibodies as was shown in haemolysis inhibition and cell-cell fusion inhibition tests. A whole MV iscom preparation, which also contained the haemagglutinin protein, induced not only also haemolysis-inhibiting antibodies, but, in contrast to the F iscom preparation, also haemagglutination-inhibiting and virus-neutralizing antibodies. In addition the F iscom preparation was shown to activate measles virus-specific T cells in mice. This was demonstrated by the generation of an MV-specific delayed type hypersensitivity response in F iscom-immunized animals and by the isolation of T cell clones specific for MV F protein with the T helper phenotype. Vaccination of mice with MV iscom or F iscom protected them from MV-induced fatal encephalopathy. The data concerning the immunogenicity of MV proteins presented in iscoms are discussed in relation to their potential for the development of an inactivated measles vaccine.