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Vaccine Apr 2024Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells, employed primarily for manufacturing monoclonal antibodies and other recombinant protein (r-protein) therapeutics, are emerging as a... (Review)
Review
Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells, employed primarily for manufacturing monoclonal antibodies and other recombinant protein (r-protein) therapeutics, are emerging as a promising host for vaccine antigen production. This is exemplified by the recently approved CHO cell-derived subunit vaccines (SUV) against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV), as well as the enveloped virus-like particle (eVLP) vaccine against hepatitis B virus (HBV). Here, we summarize the design, production, and immunogenicity features of these vaccine and review the most recent progress of other CHO-derived vaccines in pre-clinical and clinical development. We also discuss the challenges associated with vaccine production in CHO cells, with a focus on ensuring viral clearance for eVLP products.
Topics: Cricetinae; Animals; Humans; CHO Cells; Cricetulus; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections; Antibodies, Neutralizing; Antibodies, Viral; Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human; Vaccines, Virus-Like Particle; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Vaccines, Subunit; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccines
PubMed: 38503664
DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.03.034 -
Journal of Experimental & Clinical... Oct 2023Oncolytic viruses are now well recognized as potential immunotherapeutic agents against cancer. However, the first FDA-approved oncolytic herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1),...
BACKGROUND
Oncolytic viruses are now well recognized as potential immunotherapeutic agents against cancer. However, the first FDA-approved oncolytic herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), T-VEC, showed limited benefits in some patients in clinical trials. Thus, the identification of novel oncolytic viruses that can strengthen oncolytic virus therapy is warranted. Here, we identified a live-attenuated swine pseudorabies virus (PRV-LAV) as a promising oncolytic agent with broad-spectrum antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo.
METHODS
PRV cytotoxicity against tumor cells and normal cells was tested in vitro using a CCK8 cell viability assay. A cell kinase inhibitor library was used to screen for key targets that affect the proliferation of PRV-LAV. The potential therapeutic efficacy of PRV-LAV was tested against syngeneic tumors in immunocompetent mice, and against subcutaneous xenografts of human cancer cell lines in nude mice. Cytometry by time of flight (CyTOF) and flow cytometry were used to uncover the immunological mechanism of PRV-LAV treatment in regulating the tumor immune microenvironment.
RESULTS
Through various tumor-specific analyses, we show that PRV-LAV infects cancer cells via the NRP1/EGFR signaling pathway, which is commonly overexpressed in cancer. Further, we show that PRV-LAV kills cancer cells by inducing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Moreover, PRV-LAV is responsible for reprogramming the tumor microenvironment from immunologically naïve ("cold") to inflamed ("hot"), thereby increasing immune cell infiltration and restoring CD8 T cell function against cancer. When delivered in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), the anti-tumor response is augmented, suggestive of synergistic activity.
CONCLUSIONS
PRV-LAV can infect cancer cells via NRP1/EGFR signaling and induce cancer cells apoptosis via ER stress. PRV-LAV treatment also restores CD8 T cell function against cancer. The combination of PRV-LAV and immune checkpoint inhibitors has a significant synergistic effect. Overall, these findings point to PRV-LAV as a serious potential candidate for the treatment of NRP1/EGFR pathway-associated tumors.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Swine; Mice; Herpesvirus 1, Suid; Vaccines, Attenuated; Mice, Nude; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Oncolytic Virotherapy; Oncolytic Viruses; Neoplasms; ErbB Receptors; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 37891570
DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02848-1 -
American Journal of Obstetrics and... Aug 2023
Topics: Female; Humans; Herpes Zoster; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Vulva
PubMed: 36828295
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.02.013 -
MBio Oct 2023Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) is a human pathogen known to cause cold sores and genital herpes. HSV-1 establishes lifelong infections in our sensory neurons, with no...
Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) is a human pathogen known to cause cold sores and genital herpes. HSV-1 establishes lifelong infections in our sensory neurons, with no cure or vaccine available. HSV-1 can reactivate sporadically and travel back along sensory nerves, where it can form lesions in the oral and genital mucosa, eye, and skin, or be shed asymptomatically. New treatment options are needed as resistance is emerging to current antiviral therapies. Here, we show that interferons (IFNs) are capable of blocking virus release from nerve endings, potentially stopping HSV-1 transmission into the skin. Furthermore, we show that IFNγ has the potential to have widespread antiviral effects in the neuron and may have additional effects on HSV-1 reactivation. Together, this study identifies new targets for the development of immunotherapies to stop the spread of HSV-1 from the nerves into the skin.
Topics: Humans; Herpesvirus 1, Human; Interferons; Sensory Receptor Cells; Axons; Antiviral Agents; Herpes Simplex
PubMed: 37655893
DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01818-23 -
Skin Therapy Letter Jul 2023The lifetime risk for herpes zoster (HZ) of approximately 1 in 3 is increased with advancing age, a family history of HZ, diseases with altered immune function,...
The lifetime risk for herpes zoster (HZ) of approximately 1 in 3 is increased with advancing age, a family history of HZ, diseases with altered immune function, immunosuppression, physical trauma and psychological stress. In dermatology, monotherapy with current biologics does not increase risk, however systemic steroids, Janus kinase inhibitors and combination biologic/conventional disease-modifying antirheumatics do. The recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV, Shingrix®), an adjuvanted non-live subunit vaccine against the glycoprotein E subunit of varicella zoster virus, is approved for prevention of HZ in adults ≥50 years of age, and adults ≥18 years of age who are or will be at increased risk of HZ due to immunodeficiency or immunosuppression due to disease or treatment. It is administered as two 0.5 ml intramuscular injections 2-6 months apart. In immunocompromised individuals, the spacing between injections may be reduced to 1-2 months. Where possible, the first dose should be administered at least 14 days before onset of immunosuppressive treatment. Studies in immunocompetent individuals have shown high efficacy including prevention of HZ, postherpetic neuralgia and other complications, with persistence of effect 10 years after vaccination. The acceptable safety profile and efficacy in five different immunocompromised populations support its use in at-risk adult dermatologic patients.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Dermatology; Herpes Zoster; Herpes Zoster Vaccine; Neuralgia, Postherpetic; Herpesvirus 3, Human
PubMed: 37440693
DOI: No ID Found -
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Dec 2023Herpes zoster (HZ) results from waning immunity following childhood infection with varicella zoster virus (VZV) but is preventable by vaccination with recombinant HZ...
Herpes zoster (HZ) results from waning immunity following childhood infection with varicella zoster virus (VZV) but is preventable by vaccination with recombinant HZ vaccine or live HZ vaccine (two doses or one dose, respectively). Vaccine efficacy declines with age, live HZ vaccine is contraindicated in immunosuppressed individuals, and severe local reactogenicity of recombinant HZ vaccine is seen in up to 20% of older adults, indicating a potential need for new vaccines. Nonreplicating chimpanzee adenovirus (ChAd) vectors combine potent immunogenicity with well-established reactogenicity and safety profiles. We evaluated the cellular and humoral immunogenicity of ChAdOx1 encoding VZV envelope glycoprotein E (ChAdOx1-VZVgE) in mice using IFN-γ ELISpot, flow cytometry with intracellular cytokine staining, and ELISA. In outbred CD-1 mice, one dose of ChAdOx1-VZVgE (1 × 10 infectious units) elicited higher gE-specific T cell responses than two doses of recombinant HZ vaccine (1 µg) or one dose of live HZ vaccine (1.3 × 10 plaque-forming units). Antibody responses were higher with two doses of recombinant HZ vaccine than with two doses of ChAdOx1-VZVgE or one dose of live HZ vaccine. ChAdOx1-VZVgE boosted T cell and antibody responses following live HZ vaccine priming. The frequencies of polyfunctional CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing more than one cytokine (IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-2) were higher with ChAdOx1-VZVgE than with the conventional vaccines. Results were similar in young and aged BALB/c mice. These findings support the clinical development of ChAdOx1-VZVgE for prevention of HZ in adults aged 50 years or over, including those who have already received conventional vaccines.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Adenovirus Vaccines; Adenoviridae; Antibodies, Viral; Herpes Zoster; Herpes Zoster Vaccine; Vaccination; Cytokines; Immunogenicity, Vaccine
PubMed: 36785938
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2175558 -
Viruses Sep 2023(1) Background: Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has been recognized as a flavonoid showing antiviral activity against various types of DNA and RNA viruses. In this work,...
(1) Background: Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has been recognized as a flavonoid showing antiviral activity against various types of DNA and RNA viruses. In this work, we tested if EGCG-modified silver nanoparticles (EGCG-AgNPs) can become novel microbicides with additional adjuvant properties to treat herpes infections. (2) Methods: The anti-HSV and cytotoxic activities of EGCG-AgNPs were tested in human HaCaT and VK-2-E6/E7 keratinocytes. HSV-1/2 titers and immune responses after treatment with EGCG-AgNPs were tested in murine models of intranasal HSV-1 infection and genital HSV-2 infection. (3) Results: EGCG-AgNPs inhibited attachment and entry of HSV-1 and HSV-2 in human HaCaT and VK-2-E6/E7 keratinocytes much better than EGCG at the same concentration. Infected mice treated intranasally (HSV-1) or intravaginally (HSV-2) with EGCG-AgNPs showed lower virus titers in comparison to treatment with EGCG alone. After EGCG-AgNPs treatment, mucosal tissues showed a significant infiltration in dendritic cells and monocytes in comparison to NaCl-treated group, followed by significantly better infiltration of CD8+ T cells, NK cells and increased expression of IFN-α, IFN-γ, CXCL9 and CXCL10. (4) Conclusions: Our findings show that EGCG-AgNPs can become an effective novel antiviral microbicide with adjuvant properties to be applied upon the mucosal tissues.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Mice; Silver; Metal Nanoparticles; Herpes Simplex; Herpes Genitalis; Herpesvirus 2, Human; Herpesvirus 1, Human; Antiviral Agents
PubMed: 37896801
DOI: 10.3390/v15102024 -
Brain : a Journal of Neurology Apr 2024Herpes simplex virus encephalitis (HSE) is the leading cause of non-epidemic encephalitis in the developed world and, despite antiviral therapy, mortality and morbidity... (Review)
Review
Herpes simplex virus encephalitis (HSE) is the leading cause of non-epidemic encephalitis in the developed world and, despite antiviral therapy, mortality and morbidity is high. The emergence of post-HSE autoimmune encephalitis reveals a new immunological paradigm in autoantibody-mediated disease. A reductionist evaluation of the immunobiological mechanisms in HSE is crucial to dissect the origins of post-viral autoimmunity and supply rational approaches to the selection of immunotherapeutics. Herein, we review the latest evidence behind the phenotypic progression and underlying immunobiology of HSE including the cytokine/chemokine environment, the role of pathogen-recognition receptors, T- and B-cell immunity and relevant inborn errors of immunity. Second, we provide a contemporary review of published patients with post-HSE autoimmune encephalitis from a combined cohort of 110 patients. Third, we integrate novel mechanisms of autoimmunization in deep cervical lymph nodes to explore hypotheses around post-HSE autoimmune encephalitis and challenge these against mechanisms of molecular mimicry and others. Finally, we explore translational concepts where neuroglial surface autoantibodies have been observed with other neuroinfectious diseases and those that generate brain damage including traumatic brain injury, ischaemic stroke and neurodegenerative disease. Overall, the clinical and immunological landscape of HSE is an important and evolving field, from which precision immunotherapeutics could soon emerge.
Topics: Humans; Autoimmunity; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Brain Ischemia; Stroke; Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex; Autoantibodies; Simplexvirus; Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System
PubMed: 38092513
DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad419 -
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Dec 2023The growing burden of herpes zoster (HZ) in Hong Kong, due to an aging population with increasing life expectancy, may be reduced by vaccination. This study aimed to...
The growing burden of herpes zoster (HZ) in Hong Kong, due to an aging population with increasing life expectancy, may be reduced by vaccination. This study aimed to estimate public health impact of HZ vaccination in Hong Kong. The ZOster ecoNomic Analysis (ZONA) model was adapted with Hong Kong-specific key model inputs/assumptions, where available. Base case analysis involved adults ≥50 years of age (YOA), exploring three vaccination strategies (no vaccination/recombinant zoster vaccine [RZV]/zoster vaccine live [ZVL]) under private market (5% coverage) and mass vaccination (40% coverage) settings. Scenario and sensitivity analyses were performed. In the base case population (3.13 million), without vaccination, 891,024 HZ (28.4%), 156,097 post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) (5.0%), and 38,755 (1.2%) HZ ophthalmicus (HZO) were projected over their remaining lifetime. Mass RZV vaccination reduced HZ, PHN, and HZO cases by 204,875 (-23.0%), 31,949 (-20.5%), and 8,471 (-21.9%), respectively, which was 4-5 times that reduced with ZVL. RZV was more efficient than ZVL, with lower number needed to vaccinate to prevent one HZ/PHN/HZO case (RZV: 7/40/148; ZVL: 27/163/709). Among all age cohorts, the greatest reduction in cases was projected for RZV (versus no vaccination/ZVL) in the youngest cohort, 50-59 YOA. Results were robust under scenario and sensitivity analyses. HZ burden in Hong Kong is substantial. Mass RZV vaccination is expected to considerably reduce public health burden of HZ among individuals ≥50 YOA, compared with no vaccination/ZVL. Results may support value assessment and decision-making regarding vaccination strategies for HZ prevention in Hong Kong.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Herpes Zoster Vaccine; Public Health; Hong Kong; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Herpes Zoster; Neuralgia, Postherpetic; Vaccination; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Vaccines, Synthetic
PubMed: 36854447
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2176065 -
International Journal of Molecular... Nov 2023Herpesviruses are large DNA viruses that have long been used as powerful gene therapy tools. In recent years, the ability of herpesviruses to stimulate both innate and... (Review)
Review
Herpesviruses are large DNA viruses that have long been used as powerful gene therapy tools. In recent years, the ability of herpesviruses to stimulate both innate and adaptive immune responses has led to their transition to various applications as vaccine vectors. This vaccinology branch is growing at an unprecedented and accelerated rate. To date, human herpesvirus-based vectors have been used in vaccines to combat a variety of infectious agents, including the Ebola virus, foot and mouth disease virus, and human immunodeficiency viruses. Additionally, these vectors are being tested as potential vaccines for cancer-associated antigens. Thanks to advances in recombinant DNA technology, immunology, and genomics, numerous steps in vaccine development have been greatly improved. A better understanding of herpesvirus biology and the interactions between these viruses and the host cells will undoubtedly foster the use of herpesvirus-based vaccine vectors in clinical settings. To overcome the existing drawbacks of these vectors, ongoing research is needed to further advance our knowledge of herpesvirus biology and to develop safer and more effective vaccine vectors. Advanced molecular virology and cell biology techniques must be used to better understand the mechanisms by which herpesviruses manipulate host cells and how viral gene expression is regulated during infection. In this review, we cover the underlying molecular structure of herpesviruses and the strategies used to engineer their genomes to optimize capacity and efficacy as vaccine vectors. Also, we assess the available data on the successful application of herpesvirus-based vaccines for combating diseases such as viral infections and the potential drawbacks and alternative approaches to surmount them.
Topics: Humans; Herpesviridae; Simplexvirus; Virus Diseases; Viral Vaccines; Genetic Vectors
PubMed: 38003300
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216112