scholarly journals Protective Efficacy of Nucleic Acid Vaccines Against Transmission of Zika Virus During Pregnancy in Mice

2019 ◽  
Vol 220 (10) ◽  
pp. 1577-1588 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brett W Jagger ◽  
Kimberly A Dowd ◽  
Rita E Chen ◽  
Pritesh Desai ◽  
Bryant Foreman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Zika Virus ◽  
Messenger Rna ◽  
Plasma Cells ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Protective Efficacy ◽  
Congenital Infection ◽  
Comparable Efficacy ◽  
Small Subset ◽  
Type I ◽  
Fetal Head

Abstract Zika virus (ZIKV) caused an epidemic of congenital malformations in 2015–2016. Although many vaccine candidates have been generated, few have demonstrated efficacy against congenital ZIKV infection. Here, we evaluated lipid-encapsulated messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines and a DNA plasmid vaccine encoding the prM-E genes of ZIKV in mouse models of congenital infection. Although the DNA vaccine provided comparable efficacy against vertical transmission of ZIKV, the mRNA vaccines, including one that minimizes antibody-dependent enhancement of infection, elicited higher levels of antigen-specific long-lived plasma cells and memory B cells. Despite the induction of robust neutralizing antibody titers by all vaccines, breakthrough seeding of the placenta and fetal head was observed in a small subset of type I interferon signaling–deficient immunocompromised dams. In comparison, evaluation of one of the mRNA vaccines in a human STAT2-knockin transgenic immunocompetent mouse showed complete protection against congenital ZIKV transmission. These data will inform ongoing human ZIKV vaccine development efforts and enhance our understanding of the correlates of vaccine-induced protection.

scholarly journals A yeast expressed RBD-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine formulated with 3M-052-alum adjuvant promotes protective efficacy in non-human primates

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (61) ◽  
pp. eabh3634
Author(s):  
Maria Pino ◽  
Talha Abid ◽  
Susan Pereira Ribeiro ◽  
Venkata Viswanadh Edara ◽  
Katharine Floyd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Plasma Cells ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Protective Efficacy ◽  
Rhesus Macaques ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Blood Monocytes ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Adjuvanted Vaccine

Ongoing SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development is focused on identifying stable, cost-effective, and accessible candidates for global use, specifically in low and middle-income countries. Here, we report the efficacy of a rapidly scalable, novel yeast expressed SARS-CoV-2 specific receptor-binding domain (RBD) based vaccine in rhesus macaques. We formulated the RBD immunogen in alum, a licensed and an emerging alum adsorbed TLR-7/8 targeted, 3M-052-alum adjuvants. The RBD+3M-052-alum adjuvanted vaccine promoted better RBD binding and effector antibodies, higher CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies, improved Th1 biased CD4+T cell reactions, and increased CD8+ T cell responses when compared to the alum-alone adjuvanted vaccine. RBD+3M-052-alum induced a significant reduction of SARS-CoV-2 virus in respiratory tract upon challenge, accompanied by reduced lung inflammation when compared with unvaccinated controls. Anti-RBD antibody responses in vaccinated animals inversely correlated with viral load in nasal secretions and BAL. RBD+3M-052-alum blocked a post SARS-CoV-2 challenge increase in CD14+CD16++ intermediate blood monocytes, and Fractalkine, MCP-1, and TRAIL in the plasma. Decreased plasma analytes and intermediate monocyte frequencies correlated with reduced nasal and BAL viral loads. Lastly, RBD-specific plasma cells accumulated in the draining lymph nodes and not in the bone marrow, contrary to previous findings. Together, these data show that a yeast expressed, RBD-based vaccine+3M-052-alum provides robust immune responses and protection against SARS-CoV-2, making it a strong and scalable vaccine candidate.

scholarly journals Passive immunisation of convalescent human anti-Zika plasma protects against challenge with New World Zika virus in cynomolgus macaques

npj Vaccines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil Berry ◽  
Sarah Kempster ◽  
Claire Ham ◽  
Adrian Jenkins ◽  
Jo Hall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Zika Virus ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Protective Efficacy ◽  
Lymphoid Tissues ◽  
Passive Immunisation ◽  
Post Challenge ◽  
Virus Challenge ◽  
Immune Correlates ◽  
Cynomolgus Macaques

Abstract Zika virus (ZIKV) causes neurological complications in susceptible individuals, highlighted in the recent South American epidemic. Natural ZIKV infection elicits host responses capable of preventing subsequent re-infection, raising expectations for effective vaccination. Defining protective immune correlates will inform viral intervention strategies, particularly vaccine development. Non-human primate (NHP) species are susceptible to ZIKV and represent models for vaccine development. The protective efficacy of a human anti-ZIKV convalescent plasma pool (16/320-14) developed as a candidate reference material for a WHO International Standard was evaluated in macaques. Convalescent plasma administered to four cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) intra-peritoneally 24 hrs prior to sub-cutaneous challenge with 103 pfu ZIKVPRVABC59 protected against detectable infection, with absence of detectable ZIKV RNA in blood and lymphoid tissues. Passively immunised anti-ZIKV immunoglobulin administered prior to time of challenge remained present only at very low levels 42 days post-challenge. Absence of de novo antibody responses in passively immunised macaques indicate sterilising immunity compared with naïve challenge controls that exhibited active ZIKV-specific IgM and IgG responses post-challenge. Demonstration that the presence of convalescent anti-ZIKV at levels of 400 IU/mL neutralising antibody protects against virus challenge provides a scientific framework for development of anti-ZIKV vaccines and facilitates regulatory approval.

scholarly journals Chikungunya Virus Strains Show Lineage-Specific Variations in Virulence and Cross-Protective Ability in Murine and Nonhuman Primate Models

mBio ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. e02449-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rose M. Langsjoen ◽  
Sherry L. Haller ◽  
Chad J. Roy ◽  
Heather Vinet-Oliphant ◽  
Nicholas A. Bergren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Indian Ocean ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
Asian American ◽  
Nonhuman Primate ◽  
Chikungunya Virus ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Protective Efficacy ◽  
Type I ◽  
Genetic Lineages ◽  
The Cross

ABSTRACT Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a reemerging arbovirus capable of causing explosive outbreaks of febrile illness, polyarthritis, and polyarthralgia, inflicting severe morbidity on affected populations. CHIKV can be genetically classified into 3 major lineages: West African (WA); East, Central, and South African (ECSA); Indian Ocean (IOL); and Asian. Additionally, the Indian Ocean (IOL) sublineage emerged within the ECSA clade and the Asian/American sublineage emerged within the Asian clade. While differences in epidemiological and pathological characteristics among outbreaks involving different CHIKV lineages and sublineages have been suggested, few targeted investigations comparing lineage virulence levels have been reported. We compared the virulence levels of CHIKV isolates representing all major lineages and sublineages in the type I interferon receptor-knockout A129 mouse model and found lineage-specific differences in virulence. We also evaluated the cross-protective efficacy of the IOL-derived, live-attenuated vaccine strain CHIKV/IRESv1 against the Asian/American CHIKV isolate YO123223 in both murine and nonhuman primate models, as well as the WA strain SH2830 in a murine model. The CHIKV/IRES vaccine provided protection both in mice and in nonhuman primate cohorts against Caribbean strain challenge and protected mice against WA challenge. Taken together, our data suggest that Asian/American CHIKV strains are less virulent than those in the Asian, ECSA, and WA lineages and that despite differences in virulence, IOL-based vaccine strains offer robust cross-protection against strains from other lineages. Further research is needed to elucidate the genetic basis for variation in CHIKV virulence in the A129 mouse model and to corroborate this variation with human pathogenicity. IMPORTANCE Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a reemerging human pathogen capable of causing debilitating and disfiguring polyarthritis, which can last for months to years after initial fever has resolved. There are four major genetic lineages of CHIKV, as well as two recently emerged sublineages, none of which have been evaluated for differences in virulence. Moreover, the ability of chikungunya vaccines to cross-protect against heterologous CHIKV lineages has not been explored. Therefore, we sought to compare the virulence levels among CHIKV lineages, as well as to evaluate the cross-protective efficacy of the CHIKV/IRESv1 vaccine candidate, in two different models of CHIKV infection. Our results suggest that, although significant differences in virulence were observed among CHIKV lineages, the CHIKV/IRESv1 vaccine elicits cross-lineage protective immunity. These findings provide valuable information for predicting the severity of CHIKV-associated morbidity in future outbreaks, as well as vaccine development considerations.

Colloidal manganese salt improves the efficacy of rabies vaccines in mice, cats, and dogs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zongmei Wang ◽  
Yueming Yuan ◽  
Chen Chen ◽  
Chengguang Zhang ◽  
Fei Huang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
B Cells ◽  
Humoral Immune Response ◽  
Plasma Cells ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Type I ◽  
Humoral Immune ◽  
Tfh Cells

Rabies, caused by rabies virus (RABV), remains a serious threat to public health in most countries worldwide. At present, the administration of rabies vaccines has been the most effective strategy to control rabies. Herein, we evaluate the effect of colloidal manganese salt (Mn jelly, MnJ) as an adjuvant of rabies vaccine in mice, cats, and dogs. The results showed that MnJ promoted type I interferon (IFN-I) and cytokine production in vitro and the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro and in vivo . Besides, MnJ serving as an adjuvant for rabies vaccines could significantly facilitate the generation of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, germinal center (GC) B cells, plasma cells (PCs), and RABV-specific antibody-secreting-cells (ASCs), consequently improved the immunogenicity of rabies vaccines and provide better protection against virulent RABV challenge. Similarly, MnJ enhanced the humoral immune response in cats and dogs as well. Collectively, our results suggest that MnJ can facilitate the maturation of DCs during rabies vaccination, which can be a promising adjuvant candidate for rabies vaccines. IMPORTANCE Extending humoral immune response by using adjuvants is an important strategy for vaccine development. In this study, a novel adjuvant MnJ supplemented in rabies vaccines was evaluated in mice, cats, and dogs. Our results in the mouse model revealed that MnJ increased the numbers of mature DCs, Tfh cells, GC B cells, PCs, and RABV-specific ASCs, resulting in enhanced immunogenicity and protection rate of rabies vaccines. We further found MnJ had the same stimulative effect in cats and dogs. Our study provides the first evidence that MnJ serving as a novel adjuvant of rabies vaccines can boost immune response both in a mouse and pet model.

scholarly journals A genetically stable Zika virus vaccine candidate protects mice against virus infection and vertical transmission

npj Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Awadalkareem Adam ◽  
Camila R. Fontes-Garfias ◽  
Vanessa V. Sarathy ◽  
Yang Liu ◽  
Huanle Luo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
T Cell ◽  
Vertical Transmission ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Type I ◽  
Post Vaccination ◽  
Vaccine Trials ◽  
Specific Memory ◽  
Cell Immunity ◽  
Cell Antibody ◽  
And Control

AbstractAlthough live attenuated vaccines (LAVs) have been effective in the control of flavivirus infections, to date they have been excluded from Zika virus (ZIKV) vaccine trials due to safety concerns. We have previously reported two ZIKV mutants, each of which has a single substitution in either envelope (E) glycosylation or nonstructural (NS) 4B P36 and displays a modest reduction in mouse neurovirulence and neuroinvasiveness, respectively. Here, we generated a ZIKV mutant, ZE4B-36, which combines mutations in both E glycosylation and NS4B P36. The ZE4B-36 mutant is stable and attenuated in viral replication. Next-generation sequence analysis showed that the attenuating mutations in the E and NS4B proteins are retained during serial cell culture passages. The mutant exhibits a significant reduction in neuroinvasiveness and neurovirulence and low infectivity in mosquitoes. It induces robust ZIKV-specific memory B cell, antibody, and T cell-mediated immune responses in type I interferon receptor (IFNR) deficient mice. ZIKV-specific T cell immunity remains strong months post-vaccination in wild-type C57BL/6 (B6) mice. Vaccination with ZE4B-36 protects mice from ZIKV-induced diseases and vertical transmission. Our results suggest that combination mutations in E glycosylation and NS4B P36 contribute to a candidate LAV with significantly increased safety but retain strong immunogenicity for prevention and control of ZIKV infection.

Expression of Cannabinoid Receptors in Myometrium and its Correlation With Dysmenorrhea in Adenomyosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (12) ◽  
pp. 1618-1625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xue Shen ◽  
Hua Duan ◽  
Sha Wang ◽  
Wei Hong ◽  
Yu-Yan Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Messenger Rna ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptors ◽  
Pain Perception ◽  
Cannabinoid Receptor ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Premenopausal Women ◽  
Type I ◽  
Junctional Zone ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Expression Levels

The myometrium, especially the junctional zone (JZ), is now well documented to have a role in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis. Cannabinoid receptors have been shown to participate in the establishment of endometriosis and its pain perception. However, its relation to adenomyosis has not been identified yet. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of cannabinoid receptor type I (CB1) and type II (CB2) in myometrium of uteri with and without adenomyosis and determine the correlation between their levels and clinical parameters of adenomyosis. We collected tissue samples of JZ and the outer myometrium from 45 premenopausal women with adenomyosis and 34 women without adenomyosis. CB1 and CB2 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression levels were evaluated by the use of Western blotting and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction from all samples. Clinical information on the severity of dysmenorrhea and other data were collected. We found both CB1 and CB2 mRNA and protein levels in women with adenomyosis were significantly higher than those of controls, and CB1 expression levels in JZ were positively correlated with the severity of dysmenorrhea. These data suggest that cannabinoid receptor CB1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of dysmenorrhea in adenomyosis and may be a potential therapeutic target.

Design of the Recombinant Influenza Neuraminidase Antigen is Crucial for its Biochemical Properties and Protective Efficacy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin Gao ◽  
Laura Klenow ◽  
Lisa Parsons ◽  
Tahir Malik ◽  
Je-Nie Phue ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Dose ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Protective Efficacy ◽  
Biochemical Properties ◽  
Cell System ◽  
Influenza Vaccines ◽  
H1n1 Vaccine ◽  
Protective Properties ◽  
Head Domain ◽  
Tetramerization Domain

Supplementing influenza vaccines with recombinant neuraminidase (rNA) antigens remains a promising approach for improving the suboptimal vaccine efficacy. However, correlations among rNA designs, properties, and protection have not been systematically investigated. Here, we performed a comparative analysis of several rNAs produced using the baculovirus/insect cell system. The rNAs were designed with different tetramerization motifs and NA domains from a recent H1N1 vaccine strain (A/Brisbane/02/2018) and were compared for enzymatic property, antigenicity, stability, and protection in mice. We found that distinct enzymatic properties are associated with rNAs containing the NA head-domain versus the full-ectodomain, formation of higher order rNA oligomers is tetramerization domain-dependent, whereas protective efficacy is more contingent on the combination of the tetramerization and NA domains. Following single-dose immunizations, a rNA possessing the full-ectodomain and the tetramerization motif from the human vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein provided much better protection than a rNA with ∼10-fold more enzymatically active molecules that is comprised of the head-domain and the same tetramerization motif. In contrast, these two rNA designs provided comparable protection when the tetramerization motif from the tetrabrachion protein was used instead. These findings demonstrate that individual rNAs should be thoroughly evaluated for vaccine development, as the heterologous domain combination can result in rNAs with similar key attributes but vastly differ in protection. IMPORTANCE For several decades it has been proposed that influenza vaccines could be supplemented with recombinant neuraminidase (rNA) to improve the efficacy. However, some key questions for manufacturing stable and immunogenic rNA remain to be answered. We show here that the tetramerization motifs and NA domains included in the rNA construct design can have a profound impact on the biochemical, immunogenic and protective properties. We also show that the single-dose immunization regimen is more informative for assessing the rNA immune response and protective efficacy, which is surprisingly more dependent on the specific combination of NA and tetramerization domains than common attributes for evaluating NA. Our findings may help to optimize the design of rNAs that can be used to improve or develop influenza vaccines.

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