Production of Recombinant HIV-1 p24-Nef Protein in Two Forms as Potential Candidate Vaccines in Three Vehicles

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 387-395
Author(s):  
Mona Sadat Larijani ◽  
Mohammad Hassan Pouriayevali ◽  
Seyed Mehdi Sadat ◽  
Amitis Ramezani
Keyword(s):  
Fusion Protein ◽  
Western Blotting ◽  
Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Fusion Proteins ◽  
Therapeutic Vaccine ◽  
Potential Candidate ◽  
Conserved Regions ◽  
Bioinformatics Tools ◽  
Hiv 1

Background: Different approaches have been investigated to develop a preventive or therapeutic vaccine, although none of them has been fully practical. Therapeutic vaccines against HIV-1 have been studied with the aim of eliminating the virus from reservoir cells with or without HAART (Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy). Fusion proteins with the most immunogenic features among conserved regions can facilitate this achievement in such a variable virus. To achieve the most immunogenic and also conserved regions, bioinformatics tools are widely used to predict antigens’ features before applying them. Objective: This study aimed at the in vitro evaluation of p24 -Nef fusion protein based on the previous in silico design to achieve a potential therapeutic subunit vaccine against HIV-1. Methods: The truncated form of p24-Nef using AAY flexible linker and the full protein were expressed and evaluated in the prokaryotic system and confirmed by western blotting. We also used pcDNA3.1 to transfect Lenti-X 293T cells. Moreover, lentiviral vectors were applied to produce recombinant virions harboring the genes of interest and cell transduction. Results: Both fusion proteins in a truncated and a full form were expressed and confirmed by Anti Nef polyclonal antibody in western blotting. Recombinant virions were generated and transduced Lenti-X 293T cells confirming by immunofluorescence microscope and p24 ELISA assay kit. Transduced cells were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and western blotting, which resulted in approved protein expression. Conclusion: Fusion protein of p24 and Nef is well expressed in eukaryotic cell lines according to its pre-evaluated features by bioinformatics tools.

scholarly journals The therapeutic effect of a novel anti-TNF-α/IL-6R triple-specific fusion protein under experimental septic condition

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaole Chen ◽  
Shuangyu Tan ◽  
Mengru Yan ◽  
Kaimei Nie ◽  
Qingmei Zheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fusion Protein ◽  
Fusion Proteins ◽  
Expression System ◽  
Cecal Ligation ◽  
Mouse Fibroblast ◽  
Potential Candidate ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Prokaryotic Expression System

Abstract A novel anti-TNF-α/IL-6R triple-specific fusion protein, by linking 3 single domain chains, was designed and constructed in our lab. The high purity fusion proteins were obtained by our developed prokaryotic expression system process with high binding affinity with TNF-α (94.75 pM), Human Serum Albumin (1.83 nM) and IL-6R (2.29 nM). In this study, the anti-TNF-α/IL-6R triple-specific fusion protein protected the mouse fibroblast fibrosarcoma cell line (L929) from the apoptosis effects induced by TNF-α, establishing that the expressed fusion proteins can selectively combine with TNF-α in vitro. In vivo, the survival rate of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) was notably increased in the group with anti-TNF-α/IL-6R triple-specific fusion protein treatment, and meaningfully higher compared with the single-targeted IL-6R and TNF-α fusion protein at the same dose. After the treatment with anti-TNF-α/IL-6R triple-specific fusion protein, the level of serum TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly decreased, and sepsis-induced pathological injuries in the kidney were remarkably attenuated. The anti-TNF-α/IL-6R triple-specific fusion protein can be the potential candidate for the development of new drug design against sepsis.

In silico and in vitro analysis of a multiepitope L1-E7 fusion construct for vaccine development against human papillomaviruses

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elnaz Abbasifarid ◽  
Azam Bolhassani ◽  
Shiva Irani ◽  
Fattah Sotoodehnejadnematalahi
Keyword(s):  
Western Blotting ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Fluorescent Microscopy ◽  
Therapeutic Vaccine ◽  
Human Papillomaviruses ◽  
Mhc I ◽  
Fusion Construct ◽  
Mhc Ii ◽  
Hpv Types

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the major risk factor for cervical cancer. Current prophylactic HPV vaccines provide immunity against most genital and carcinogenic HPV types. However, these vaccines failed to produce immune responses against already established HPV infections. Methods: For the design of a therapeutic vaccine candidate, we utilized immunoinformatics tools to design a potential multiepitope fusion construct based on L1 and E7 genes from different high- and low-risk HPV types. After determination of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell epitopes, the allergenicity, toxicity, immunogenicity, conservancy, and population coverage were analyzed for epitope selection. Then, the hemolytic probability of the selected epitopes, and molecular docking between major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and the chosen epitopes were performed by different web servers. Next, a multiepitope peptide construct consisting of 12 epitopes linked by the AAY proteasomal sequence was designed. After that, physicochemical properties, solubility, secondary and tertiary structures of this construct were evaluated by bioinformatics tools. Finally, after amino acid reverse translation of the multiepitope peptide construct, expression of the L1-E7 DNA construct (pEGFP-L1-E7) was investigated in HEK-293T cells using fluorescent microscopy, flow cytometry, and western blotting. Results: Considering various parameters, the immunodominant peptides such as L1(MHC-I)-DLDQFPLGRKFLLQ, L1(MHC-II)-NQLFVTVVDTTRSTN, E7-HPV16(MHC-I)-AEPDRAHYNIVTF, E7-HPV18(MHC-I)-HGPKATVQDIVLHL, E7-HPV31(MHC-I)-KPDTSNYNIVTF, E7-HPV33(MHC-I)-RPDGQAQPATADYYI, E7-HPV45(MHC-I)- RTLQQLFLSFV, E7-HPV16(MHC-II)-TLHEYMLDLQPETTD, E7-HPV18(MHC-II)-LRAFQQLFLNTLSFV, E7-HPV31(MHC-II)-PTLQDYVLDLQPEAT, E7-HPV33(MHC-II)-LKEYVLDLYPEPTDL and E7-HPV45(MHC-II)-LQQLFLSTLSFVCPW were determined to design the vaccine construct. The results indicated efficient expression of the L1-E7 DNA construct (74 ± 2.19%) in vitro. Moreover, the polyepitope peptide generated in the cells was detected as a clear band of ~ 50 kDa in western blotting. Conclusion: Regarding the favorable transfection efficiency of the designed L1-E7 multiepitope construct, in vivo validation study on its therapeutic potential is underway.

scholarly journals In Vitro Antiviral Activity and Cross-Resistance Profile of PL-100, a Novel Protease Inhibitor of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1

2007 ◽  
Vol 51 (11) ◽  
pp. 4036-4043 ◽  
Author(s):  
Serge Dandache ◽  
Guy Sévigny ◽  
Jocelyn Yelle ◽  
Brent R. Stranix ◽  
Neil Parkin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Antiviral Activity ◽  
Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Cross Resistance ◽  
Drug Resistant ◽  
Resistance Profile ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Hiv 1

ABSTRACT Despite the success of highly active antiretroviral therapy, the current emergence and spread of drug-resistant variants of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) stress the need for new inhibitors with distinct properties. We designed, produced, and screened a library of compounds based on an original l-lysine scaffold for their potentials as HIV type 1 (HIV-1) protease inhibitors (PI). One candidate compound, PL-100, emerged as a specific and noncytotoxic PI that exhibited potent inhibition of HIV-1 protease and viral replication in vitro (Ki , ∼36 pM, and 50% effective concentration [EC50], ∼16 nM, respectively). To confirm that PL-100 possessed a favorable resistance profile, we performed a cross-resistance study using a panel of 63 viral strains from PI-experienced patients selected for the presence of primary PI mutations known to confer resistance to multiple PIs now in clinical use. The results showed that PL-100 retained excellent antiviral activity against almost all of these PI-resistant viruses and that its performance in this regard was superior to those of atazanavir, amprenavir, indinavir, lopinavir, nelfinavir, and saquinavir. In almost every case, the increase in the EC50 for PL-100 observed with viruses containing multiple mutations in protease was far less than that obtained with the other drugs tested. These data underscore the potential for PL-100 to be used in the treatment of drug-resistant HIV disease and argue for its further development.

Expression in Escherichia coli and in vitro processing of HIV-1 p24 fusion protein

1993 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 225-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilona Marczinovits ◽  
Imre Boros ◽  
Fouad El Jarrah ◽  
György Füst ◽  
János Molnár
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Fusion Protein ◽  
Expression In Escherichia Coli ◽  
In Vitro Processing ◽  
Hiv 1

scholarly journals Novel role of mortalin in attenuating HIV-1 Tat-mediated astrogliosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Priyanka ◽  
Renu Wadhwa ◽  
Rituparna Chaudhuri ◽  
Tapas Chandra Nag ◽  
Pankaj Seth
Keyword(s):  
Western Blotting ◽  
Neuronal Death ◽  
Neuronal Damage ◽  
Fetal Brain ◽  
Luciferase Assay ◽  
Expression Vectors ◽  
Neurocognitive Dysfunction ◽  
Hiv 1

Abstract Background In human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection, activation of astrocytes induces imbalance in physiological functions due to perturbed astrocytic functions that unleashes toxicity on neurons. This leads to inflammatory response finally culminating into neurocognitive dysfunction. In neuroAIDS, HIV-1 protein, transactivator of transcription (Tat) is detected in the cerebrospinal fluid of infected patients. Mortalin, a multifunctional protein, has anti-inflammatory role following its activation in various stress conditions. Recent studies demonstrate downregulation of mortalin in neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we explored the mechanisms of mortalin in modulating HIV-1 Tat-mediated neuroinflammation. Methods Expression of mortalin in autopsy section in normal and diseased individuals were examined using immunohistochemistry. To decipher the role of mortalin in HIV-1 Tat-induced activation, human fetal brain-derived astrocytes were transiently transfected with Tat and mortalin using expression vectors. HIV-1 Tat-mediated damage was analyzed using RT-PCR and western blotting. Modulatory role of mortalin was examined by coexpressing it with Tat, followed by examination of mitochondrial morphodynamics using biochemical assay and confocal and electron microscopy. Extracellular ATP release was monitored using luciferase assay. Neuroinflammation in astrocytes was examined using flow cytometry, dye based study, immunocytochemistry, immunoprecipitation, and western blotting. Indirect neuronal damage was also analyzed. Results HIV-1 Tat downregulates the expression of mortalin in astrocytes, and this is corroborated with autopsy sections of HIV-1 patients. We found that overexpression of mortalin with Tat reduced inflammation and also rescued astrocytic-mediated neuronal death. Using bioinformatics, we discovered that binding of mortalin with Tat leads to Tat degradation and rescues the cell from neuroinflammation. Blocking of proteosomal pathway rescued the Tat degradation and revealed the ubiquitination of Tat. Conclusion Overall, our data demonstrated the protective role of mortalin in combating HIV-1 Tat-mediated damage. We also showed that mortalin could degrade Tat through direct binding with HIV-1 Tat. Overexpression of mortalin in the presence of Tat could significantly reduce cytotoxic effects of Tat in astrocytes. Indirect neuronal death was also found to be rescued. Our in vitro findings were validated as we found attenuated expression of mortalin in the autopsy sections of HIV-1 patients.

scholarly journals The HEPT Analogue WPR-6 Is Active against a Broad Spectrum of Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Drug-Resistant HIV-1 Strains of Different Serotypes

2015 ◽  
Vol 59 (8) ◽  
pp. 4882-4888 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weisi Xu ◽  
Jianxiong Zhao ◽  
Jianping Sun ◽  
Qianqian Yin ◽  
Yan Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reverse Transcriptase ◽  
Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Therapeutic Index ◽  
Transcriptase Inhibitor ◽  
Resistance Mutations ◽  
Highly Active ◽  
Hiv Drugs ◽  
Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor ◽  
Hiv 1

ABSTRACTNonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are important components of the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) used to treat human immunodeficiency type 1 virus (HIV-1). However, because of the emergence of drug resistance and the adverse effects of current anti-HIV drugs, it is essential to develop novel NNRTIs with an excellent safety profile, improved activity against NNRTI-resistant viruses, and enhanced activity against clinical isolates of different subtypes. Here, we have identified 1-[(benzyloxy)methyl]-6-(3,5-dimethylbenzyl)-5-iodopyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione (WPR-6), a novel NNRTI with a 50% effective concentration (EC50) of 2 to 4 nM against laboratory-adapted HIV-1 strain SF33 and an EC50of 7 to 14 nM against nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-resistant HIV-1 strain 7391 with a therapeutic index of >1 × 104. A panel of five representative clinical virus isolates of different subtypes circulating predominantly in China was highly sensitive to WPR-6, with EC50s ranging from 1 to 6 nM. In addition, WPR-6 showed excellent antiviral potency against the most prevalent NNRTI-resistant viruses containing the K103N and Y181C mutations. To determine whether WPR-6 selects for novel resistant mutants,in vitroresistance selection was conducted with laboratory-adapted HIV-1 strain SF33 on MT-4 cells. The results demonstrated that V106I and Y188L were the two dominant NNRTI-associated resistance mutations detected in the breakthrough viruses. Taken together, thesein vitrodata indicate that WPR-6 has greater efficacy than the reference HEPT analogue TNK651 and the marketed drug nevirapine against HIV-1. However, to develop it as a new NNRTI, further improvement of its pharmacological properties is warranted.

scholarly journals The Roles of HIV-1 Proteins and Antiretroviral Drug Therapy in HIV-1-Associated Endothelial Dysfunction

2008 ◽  
Vol 56 (5) ◽  
pp. 752-769 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik R. Kline ◽  
Roy L. Sutliff
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Opportunistic Infections ◽  
Antiretroviral Drugs ◽  
Hiv 1

Since the emergence of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1)-infected patients have demonstrated dramatic decreases in viral burden and opportunistic infections, and an overall increase in life expectancy. Despite these positive HAART-associated outcomes, it has become increasingly clear that HIV-1 patients have an enhanced risk of developing cardiovascular disease over time. Clinical studies are instrumental in our understanding of vascular dysfunction in the context of HIV-1 infection. However, most clinical studies often do not distinguish whether HIV-1 proteins, HAART, or a combination of these 2 factors cause cardiovascular complications. This review seeks to address the roles of both HIV-1 proteins and antiretroviral drugs in the development of endothelial dysfunction because endothelial dysfunction is the hallmark initial step of many cardiovascular diseases. We analyze recentin vitroandin vivostudies examining endothelial toxicity in response to HIV-1 proteins or in response to the various classes of antiretroviral drugs. Furthermore, we discuss the multiple mechanisms by which HIV-1 proteins and HAART injure the vascular endothelium in HIV-1 patients. By understanding the molecular mechanisms of HIV-1 protein- and antiretroviral-induced cardiovascular disease, we may ultimately improve the quality of life of HIV-1 patients through better drug design and the discovery of new pharmacological targets.

scholarly journals Trim-Cyclophilin A Fusion Proteins Can Restrict Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection at Two Distinct Phases in the Viral Life Cycle

2006 ◽  
Vol 80 (8) ◽  
pp. 4061-4067 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melvyn W. Yap ◽  
Mark P. Dodding ◽  
Jonathan P. Stoye
Keyword(s):  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Fusion Protein ◽  
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type ◽  
Fusion Proteins ◽  
Cyclophilin A ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Hiv 1 ◽  
B30.2 Domain

ABSTRACT The Trim5α protein from several primates restricts retroviruses in a capsid (CA)-dependent manner. In owl monkeys, the B30.2 domain of Trim5 has been replaced by cyclophilin A (CypA) following a retrotransposition. Restriction of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) by the resulting Trim5-CypA fusion protein depends on CA binding to CypA, suggesting both that the B30.2 domain might be involved in CA binding and that the tripartite RING motif, B-BOX, and coiled coil (RBCC) motif domain can function independently of the B30.2 domain in restriction. To investigate the potential of RBCCs from other Trims to participate in restricting HIV-1, CypA was fused to the RBCC of Trim1, Trim18, and Trim19 and tested for restriction. Despite low identity within the RBCC domain, all fusion proteins were found to restrict HIV-1 but not the nonbinding G89V mutant, indicating that the overall structure of RBCC and not its primary sequence was important for the restriction function. The critical interaction between CA and Trim-CypA appears to take place soon after viral entry. Quantitative PCR analysis of viral reverse transcriptase products revealed that the different fusion proteins block HIV-1 at two distinct stages of its life cycle, either prior to reverse transcription or just before integration. With Trim1 and Trim18, this timing is dependent on the length of the Trim component of the fusion protein. These observations suggest that restriction factor binding can have different mechanistic consequences.

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