Patent Application
20230146932
The present invention relates to vaccines, for example viral vaccines, such as those directed to coronaviruses, e.g., universal pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccines.
Over the last two decades, there have been three deadly human outbreaks of Coronaviruses (CoVs) caused by emerging zoonotic CoVs: SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and the latest highly transmissible and deadly SARS-CoV-2, which has caused the current COVID-19 global pandemic. All three deadly CoVs originated from bats, the natural hosts, and transmitted to humans via various intermediate animal reservoirs (e.g., pangolins, civet cats and camels). Because there is currently no universal pan-Coronavirus vaccine available, it remains highly possible that other global COVID-like pandemics will emerge in the coming years, caused by yet another spillover of an unknown zoonotic bat-derived SARS-like Coronavirus (SL-CoV) into an unvaccinated human population.
Neutralizing antibodies and antiviral effector CD4+ and CD8+ T cells appear to be crucial in reducing viral load in the majority of infected asymptomatic and convalescent patients. However, very little information exists on the antigenic landscape and the repertoire of B-cell and CD4+ and CD8+ T cell epitopes that are conserved among human, bat Coronavirus strains, and other animals Coronavirus strains.
Determining the antigen and epitope landscapes that are conserved among human and animal Coronaviruses as well as the repertoire, phenotype and function of B cells and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells that correlate with resistance seen in asymptomatic COVID-19 patients may inform in the development of future pan-Coronavirus vaccines. The present invention describes using several immuno-informatics and sequence alignment approaches to identify several human B cell, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell epitopes that are highly conserved, e.g., highly conserved in: (i) greater than 81,000 SARS-CoV-2 human strains identified in 190 countries on six continents; (ii) six circulating CoVs that caused previous human outbreaks of the “Common Cold”; (iii) nine SL-CoVs isolated from bats; (iv) nine SL-CoV isolated from pangolins; (v) three SL-CoVs isolated from civet cats; and (vi) four MERS strains isolated from camels. Furthermore, the present invention describes the identification of cross-reactive epitopes that: recalled B cell, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from both COVID-19 patients and healthy individuals who were never exposed to SARS-CoV-2; and induced strong B cell and T cell responses in “humanized” Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-DR/HLA-A*02:01 double transgenic mice.
The present invention is not limited to vaccine compositions for use in humans. The present invention includes vaccine compositions for use in other pet animals such as dogs, cats, etc. Therefore, the present invention can be extended to include T cell epitopes that are restricted to other human HLA class 1 and HLA class II, besides (HLA)-DR/HLA-A*02:01 that covers 73%, so that a full coverage of the 100% human population can be ascertained, regardless of race and ethnicity. It also can be extended to include pets, such as cats and dogs T cell epitopes that are restricted to other human MHC class 1 and MHC class II.
The vaccine compositions herein have the potential to provide long-lasting B and T cell immunity regardless of Coronaviruses mutations. This may be due at least partly because the vaccine compositions target highly conserved structural Coronavirus antigens, such as Coronavirus nucleoprotein (also known as nucleocapsid), and non-structural Coronavirus antigens, such as one of 16 NSPs encoded by the ORF1a/b, in combination with other Coronavirus structural and non-structural antigens with a low mutation rate found in perhaps every human and animal Coronaviruses variants and strains.
The present invention is also related to selecting highly conserved structural (e.g., spike protein) and non-structural Coronavirus antigens inside the virus (e.g., a non-spike protein such as nucleocapsid, envelope and membrane proteins), which may be viral proteins that are normally not necessarily under mutation pressure by the immune system.
The present invention provides multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine compositions.
In certain embodiments, the vaccine compositions are for use in humans. In certain embodiments, the vaccine compositions are for use in animals, such as but not limited to mice, cats, dogs, non-human primates, other animals susceptible to coronavirus infection, other animals that may function as preclinical animal models for coronavirus infections, etc.
As used herein, the term “multi-epitope” refers to a composition comprising more than one B and T cell epitope wherein at least: one CD4 and/or CD8 T cell epitope is MHC-restricted and recognized by a TCR, and at least one epitope is a B cell epitope.
As used herein, the term “recombinant vaccine composition” may refer to one or more proteins or peptides encoded by one or more recombinant genes, e.g., genes that have been cloned into one or more systems that support the expression of said gene(s). The term “recombinant vaccine composition” may refer to the recombinant genes or the system that supports the expression of said recombinant genes.
For example, the present invention provides a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising at least two of: one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell target epitopes; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and/or one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes. At least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In some embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of a single antigen, e.g., the composition comprises an antigen that comprises at least two of: one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell target epitopes; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and/or one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes, wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and wherein the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In certain embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of two or more antigens.
Likewise, the present invention provides a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell target epitopes; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes. At least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In some embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of a single antigen, e.g., the composition comprises an antigen that comprises: one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell target epitopes; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes; wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and wherein the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In certain embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of two or more antigens.
The present invention also provides a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising at least two of: whole spike protein; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and/or one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes. At least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In some embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of a single antigen, e.g., the composition comprises an antigen that comprises at least two of: whole spike protein; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and/or one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes; wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and wherein the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In certain embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of two or more antigens.
Likewise, the present invention provides a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising whole spike protein; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes. At least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In some embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of a single antigen, e.g., the composition comprises an antigen that comprises: whole spike protein; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes; wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and wherein the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In certain embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of two or more antigens.
The present invention also provides a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising at least two of: at least a portion of spike protein, the portion of spike protein comprising a trimerized SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD); one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and/or one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes. At least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In some embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of a single antigen, e.g., the composition comprises an antigen that comprises at least two of: at least a portion of spike protein, the portion of spike protein comprising a trimerized SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD); one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and/or one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes; wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and wherein the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In certain embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of two or more antigens.
Likewise, the present invention provides a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising: at least a portion of spike protein, the portion of spike protein comprising a trimerized SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD); one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes. At least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In some embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of a single antigen, e.g., the composition comprises an antigen that comprises: at least a portion of spike protein, the portion of spike protein comprising a trimerized SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD); one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes; wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and wherein the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In certain embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of two or more antigens.
Likewise, the present invention includes a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell target epitopes; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes, wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In some embodiments, a conserved target epitope is one that is one of the 5 most conserved epitopes (for its epitope type, e.g., B cell, CD4 T cell, CD8 T cell) identified in a sequence alignment and analysis. In some embodiments, a conserved target epitope is one that is one of the 10 most conserved epitopes (for its epitope type, e.g., B cell, CD4 T cell, CD8 T cell) identified in a sequence alignment and analysis. In some embodiments, a conserved target epitope is one that is one of the 15 most conserved epitopes (for its epitope type, e.g., B cell, CD4 T cell, CD8 T cell) identified in a sequence alignment and analysis. In some embodiments, a conserved target epitope is one that is one of the 20 most conserved epitopes (for its epitope type, e.g., B cell, CD4 T cell, CD8 T cell) identified in a sequence alignment and analysis. In some embodiments, a conserved target epitope is one that is one of the 25 most conserved epitopes (for its epitope type, e.g., B cell, CD4 T cell, CD8 T cell) identified in a sequence alignment and analysis. In some embodiments, a conserved target epitope is one that is one of the 30 most conserved epitopes (for its epitope type, e.g., B cell, CD4 T cell, CD8 T cell) identified in a sequence alignment and analysis. In some embodiments, a conserved target epitope is one that is one of the 35 most conserved epitopes (for its epitope type, e.g., B cell, CD4 T cell, CD8 T cell) identified in a sequence alignment and analysis. In some embodiments, a conserved target epitope is one that is one of the 40 most conserved epitopes (for its epitope type, e.g., B cell, CD4 T cell, CD8 T cell) identified in a sequence alignment and analysis. In some embodiments, a conserved target epitope is one that is one of the 50 most conserved epitopes (for its epitope type, e.g., B cell. CD4 T cell, CD8 T cell) identified in a sequence alignment and analysis. Examples of sequence alignments and analyses. Are described herein. For example, steps or methods for selecting or identifying conserved epitopes may first include performing a sequence alignment and analysis of a particular number of coronavirus sequences to determine sequence similarity or identity amongst the group of analyzed sequences. In some embodiments, the sequences used for alignments may include human and animal sequences. In certain embodiments, the sequences used for alignments include one or more SARS-CoV-2 human strains or variants in current circulation; one or more coronaviruses that has caused a previous human outbreak; one or more coronaviruses isolated from animals selected from a group consisting of bats, pangolins, civet cats, minks, camels, and other animal receptive to coronaviruses; and/or one or more coronaviruses that cause the common cold.
Likewise, the present invention includes a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell target epitopes; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes, wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes, and wherein the conserved epitopes are identified by: performing a sequence alignment and analysis of a particular number of coronavirus sequences to determine sequence similarity or identity amongst the group of analyzed sequences. The conserved epitopes are those that are among the most highly conserved epitopes identified in the analysis (for the particular type of epitope, e.g., B cell, CD4 T cell, CD8 T cell). For example, the conserved epitopes may be the 5 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 10 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 15 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 20 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 25 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 30 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 40 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 50 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned thresholds.
Likewise, the present invention includes a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition, the composition comprising: one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell target epitopes and one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes, or one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes and one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes, wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein; wherein the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes.
In some embodiments, the alignment and analysis for 50 or more sequences, 100 or more sequences, 200 or more sequences, 300 or more sequences, 400 or more sequences, 500 or more sequences, 1000 or more sequences, 2000 or more sequences, 3000 or more sequences, 4000 or more sequences, 5000 or more sequences, 10,000 or more sequences, 15,000 or more sequences, more than 15,000 sequences, etc., In some embodiments, the sequences used for alignments may include human and animal sequences. In certain embodiments, the sequences used for alignments include one or more SARS-CoV-2 human strains or variants in current circulation; one or more coronaviruses that has caused a previous human outbreak; one or more coronaviruses isolated from animals selected from a group consisting of bats, pangolins, civet cats, minks, camels, and other animal receptive to coronaviruses; and/or one or more coronaviruses that cause the common cold. In some embodiments, the one or more SARS-CoV-2 human strains or variants in current circulation are selected from: variant B.1.177; variant B.1.160, variant B.1.1.7 (UK), variant P.1 (Japan/Brazil), variant B.1.351 (South Africa), variant B.1.427 (California), variant B.1.429 (California), variant B.1.258; variant B.1.221; variant B.1.367; variant B.1.1.277; variant B.1.1.302; variant B.1.525; variant B.1.526, variant S:677H; variant S:677P; B.1.617.2-Delta, variant B.1.1.529-Omicron (BA.1); sub-variant Omicron (BA.1); sub-variant Omicron (BA.2); sub-variant Omicron (BA.3); sub-variant Omicron (BA.4); sub-variant Omicron (BA.5) In some embodiments, the one or more coronaviruses that cause the common cold are selected from: 229E alpha coronavirus, NL63 alpha coronavirus, OC43 beta coronavirus, and HKU1 beta coronavirus
The present invention provides a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising an antigen delivery system encoding at least two of: one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell target epitopes; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and/or one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes. At least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In some embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of a single antigen, e.g, the composition comprises an antigen that comprises at least two of: one or more conserved coronavirus B-celltarget epitopes; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and/or one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes, wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and wherein the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In certain embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of two or more antigens.
Likewise, the present invention provides a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising an antigen delivery system encoding one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell target epitopes; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes. At least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In some embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of a single antigen, e.g., the composition comprises an antigen that comprises: one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell target epitopes; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes; wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and wherein the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In certain embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of two or more antigens.
The present invention also provides a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising an antigen delivery system encoding at least two of: whole spike protein; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and/or one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes. At least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In some embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of a single antigen, e.g., the composition comprises an antigen that comprises at least two of: whole spike protein; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and/or one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes; wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and wherein the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In certain embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of two or more antigens.
Likewise, the present invention provides a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising an antigen delivery system encoding whole spike protein; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes. At least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In some embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of a single antigen, e.g., the composition comprises an antigen that comprises: whole spike protein; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes; wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and wherein the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In certain embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of two or more antigens.
The present invention also provides a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising an antigen delivery system encoding at least two of: at least a portion of spike protein, the portion of spike protein comprising a trimerized SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD); one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and/or one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes. At least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In some embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of a single antigen, e.g., the composition comprises an antigen that comprises at least two of: at least a portion of spike protein, the portion of spike protein comprising a trimerized SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD); one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and/or one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes; wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and wherein the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In certain embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of two or more antigens.
Likewise, the present invention provides a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising an antigen delivery system encoding: at least a portion of spike protein, the portion of spike protein comprising a trimerized SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD); one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes. At least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In some embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of a single antigen, e.g., the composition comprises an antigen that comprises: at least a portion of spike protein, the portion of spike protein comprising a trimerized SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD); one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes; wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and wherein the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In certain embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of two or more antigens.
Likewise, the present invention includes a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising an antigen delivery system encoding one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell target epitopes; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes: and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes, wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes, and wherein a conserved target epitope is one that is among the most highly conserved epitopes identified in a sequence alignment and analysis of a particular number of coronavirus sequences (for the particular type of epitope, e.g., B cell. CD4 T cell, CD8 T cell). For example, the conserved epitopes may be the 5 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 10 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 15 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 20 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 25 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 30 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 40 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 50 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned thresholds.
Likewise, the present invention includes a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising an antigen delivery system encoding one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell target epitopes; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes, wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes, and wherein the conserved epitopes are identified by performing a sequence alignment and analysis of a particular number of coronavirus sequences to determine sequence similarity or identity amongst the group of analyzed sequences. The conserved epitopes are those that are among the most highly conserved epitopes identified in the analysis (for the particular type of epitope, e.g., B cell, CD4 T cell, CD8 T cell).
The present invention provides a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising an antigen delivery system encoding (i) at least two of: one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell target epitopes; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and/or one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes; (ii) a T cell attracting chemokine; and (iii) a composition that promotes T cell proliferation. At least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In some embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of a single antigen, e.g., the composition comprises an antigen that comprises at least two of: one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell target epitopes; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and/or one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes, wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and wherein the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In certain embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of two or more antigens.
Likewise, the present invention provides a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising an antigen delivery system encoding (i) one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell target epitopes; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes (ii) a T cell attracting chemokine; and (iii) a composition that promotes T cell proliferation. At least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In some embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of a single antigen, e.g., the composition comprises an antigen that comprises: one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell target epitopes; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes; wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and wherein the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In certain embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of two or more antigens.
The present invention also provides a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising an antigen delivery system encoding (i) at least two of: whole spike protein; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and/or one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes (ii) a T cell attracting chemokine; and (iii) a composition that promotes T cell proliferation. At least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In some embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of a single antigen, e.g., the composition comprises an antigen that comprises at least two of: whole spike protein; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and/or one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes; wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and wherein the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In certain embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of two or more antigens.
Likewise, the present invention provides a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising an antigen delivery system encoding (i) whole spike protein; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes (ii) a T cell attracting chemokine; and (iii) a composition that promotes T cell proliferation. At least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In some embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of a single antigen, e.g., the composition comprises an antigen that comprises: whole spike protein; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes; wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and wherein the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In certain embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of two or more antigens.
The present invention also provides a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising an antigen delivery system encoding (i) at least two of: at least a portion of spike protein, the portion of spike protein comprising a trimerized SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD); one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and/or one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes (ii) a T cell attracting chemokine; and (iii) a composition that promotes T cell proliferation. At least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In some embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of a single antigen, e.g., the composition comprises an antigen that comprises at least two of: at least a portion of spike protein, the portion of spike protein comprising a trimerized SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD); one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and/or one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes; wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and wherein the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In certain embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of two or more antigens.
Likewise, the present invention provides a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising an antigen delivery system encoding: (i) at least a portion of spike protein, the portion of spike protein comprising a trimerized SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD); one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes (ii) a T cell attracting chemokine; and (iii) a composition that promotes T cell proliferation. At least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In some embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of a single antigen, e.g., the composition comprises an antigen that comprises: at least a portion of spike protein, the portion of spike protein comprising a trimerized SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD); one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes; wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and wherein the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. In certain embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of two or more antigens.
Likewise, the present invention includes a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising an antigen delivery system encoding (i) one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell target epitopes; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes(ii) a T cell attracting chemokine; and (iii) a composition that promotes T cell proliferation, wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes, and wherein a conserved target epitope is one that is among the most highly conserved epitopes identified in a sequence alignment and analysis of a particular number of coronavirus sequences (for the particular type of epitope, e.g., B cell, CD4 T cell, CD8 T cell). For example, the conserved epitopes may be the 5 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 10 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 15 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 20 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 25 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 30 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 40 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 50 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned thresholds.
Likewise, the present invention includes a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising an antigen delivery system encoding (i) one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell target epitopes; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes (ii) a T cell attracting chemokine; and (iii) a composition that promotes T cell proliferation, wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes, and wherein the conserved epitopes are identified by performing a sequence alignment and analysis of a particular number of coronavirus sequences to determine sequence similarity or identity amongst the group of analyzed sequences. The conserved epitopes are those that are among the most highly conserved epitopes identified in the analysis (for the particular type of epitope, eg., B cell, CD4 T cell, CD8 T cell). For example, the conserved epitopes may be the 5 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 10 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 15 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 20 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 25 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 30 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 40 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 50 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned thresholds. In some embodiments, the alignment and analysis for 50 or more sequences, 100 or more sequences, 200 or more sequences, 300 or more sequences, 400 or more sequences, 500 or more sequences, 1000 or more sequences, 2000 or more sequences, 3000 or more sequences, 4000 or more sequences, 5000 or more sequences, 10,000 or more sequences, 15,000 or more sequences, more than 15,000 sequences, etc., In some embodiments, the sequences used for alignments may include human and animal sequences. In certain embodiments, the sequences used for alignments include one or more SARS-CoV-2 human strains or variants in current circulation; one or more coronaviruses that has caused a previous human outbreak; one or more coronaviruses isolated from animals selected from a group consisting of bats, pangolins, civet cats, minks, camels, and other animal receptive to coronaviruses; and/or one or more coronaviruses that cause the common cold.
Non-spike proteins include any of the coronavirus proteins otherthan spike, such as but not limited to Envelope protein, Membrane protein, Nucleocapsid protein, ORF1a protein, ORF1ab protein, ORF6 protein, ORF7a protein, ORF7b protein, ORF8 protein, etc.
For the vaccine compositions herein, in certain embodiments, the epitopes are each asymptomatic epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition lacks symptomatic epitopes.
As discussed herein, the one or more conserved epitopes, e.g., one or more conserved B cell target epitopes, one or more conserved CD4+ T cell target epitopes, one or more CD8+ T cell target epitopes, are highly conserved among human and animal coronaviruses.
For any of the embodiments herein, the epitopes that are selected may be those that achieve a particular score in a binding assay (for binding to an HLA molecule, for example.)
In certain embodiments, one or more conserved epitopes, e.g., one or more conserved B cell target epitopes, one or more conserved CD4+ T cell target epitopes, one or more CD8+ T cell target epitopes, are derived from at least one of SARS-CoV-2 protein.
In certain embodiments, one or more conserved epitopes, e.g., one or more conserved B cell target epitopes, one or more conserved CD4+ T cell target epitopes, one or more CD8+ T cell target epitopes, are derived from one or more of: one or more SARS-CoV-2 human strains or variants in current circulation; one or more coronaviruses that has caused a previous human outbreak; one or more coronaviruses isolated from animals selected from a group consisting of bats, pangolins, civet cats, minks, camels, and other animal receptive to coronaviruses; and/or one or more coronaviruses that cause the common cold.
Examples of SARS-CoV-2 human strains or variants in current circulation include but are not limited to variant B.1.177; variant B.1.160, variant B.1.1.7 (UK), variant P.1 (Japan/Brazil), variant B.1.351 (South Africa), variant B.1.427 (California), variant B.1.429 (California), variant B.1.258; variant B.1.221; variant B.1.367; variant B.1.1.277; variant B.1.1.302; variant B.1.525; variant B.1.526, variant S:677H; variant S:677P; B.1.617.2-Delta, variant B.1.1.529-Omicron (BA.1); sub-variant Omicron (BA.1); sub-variant Omicron (BA.2); sub-variant Omicron (BA.3); sub-variant Omicron (BA.4); sub-variant Omicron (BA.5). Examples of coronaviruses that cause the common cold include 229E alpha coronavirus, NL63 alpha coronavirus, OC43 beta coronavirus, and HKU1 beta coronavirus.
In certain embodiments, one or more conserved epitopes, e.g., one or more conserved B cell target epitopes, one or more conserved CD4+ T cell target epitopes, one or more CD8+ T cell target epitopes, are derived from Variants Of Concern or Variants Of Interest.
The target epitopes, e.g., the one or more conserved B cell target epitopes, one or more conserved CD4+ T cell target epitopes, one or more CD8+ T cell target epitopes, may be derived from structural proteins, non-structural proteins, or a combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more conserved B cell target epitopes, one or more conserved CD4+ T cell target epitopes, one or more CD8+ T cell target epitopes, may be derived from a SARS-CoV-2 protein selected from: ORF1ab protein. Spike glycoprotein, ORF3a protein, Envelope protein, Membrane glycoprotein, ORF6 protein, ORF7a protein, ORF7b protein, ORF8 protein. Nucleocapsid protein and ORF10 protein. The ORF1ab protein comprises nonstructural protein (Nsp) 1, Nsp2, Nsp3, Nsp4, Nsp5, Nsp6, Nsp7, Nsp8, Nsp9, Nsp10, Nsp11, Nsp12, Nsp13, Nsp14, Nsp15 and Nsp16.
In some embodiments, the target epitopes, e.g., the one or more conserved B cell target epitopes, one or more conserved CD4+ T cell target epitopes, one or more CD8+ T cell target epitopes, are restricted to human HLA class 1 and 2 haplotypes In some embodiments, the target epitopes, eg, the one or more conserved B cell target epitopes, one or more conserved CD4+ T cell target epitopes, one or more CD8+ T cell target epitopes, are derived from SARS-CoV-2 and restricted to human HLA class 1 and 2 haplotypes. In some embodiments, the target epitopes, e.g., the one or more conserved B cell target epitopes, one or more conserved CD4+ T cell target epitopes, one or more CD8+ T cell target epitopes, are restricted to cat or dog MHC class 1 and 2 haplotypes. In some embodiments, the target epitopes, e.g., the one or more conserved B cell target epitopes, one or more conserved CD4+ T cell target epitopes, one or more CD8+ T cell target epitopes, are derived from SARS-CoV-2 and restricted to cat or dog MHC class 1 and 2 haplotypes.
In some embodiments, a portion of the target epitopes, e.g., the one or more conserved B cell target epitopes, one or more conserved CD4+ T cell target epitopes, one or more CD8+ T cell target epitopes, are restricted to human HLA class 1 and 2 haplotypes. In some embodiments, a portion of the target epitopes, e.g., the one or more conserved B cell target epitopes, one or more conserved CD4+ T cell target epitopes, one or more CD8+ T cell target epitopes, are derived from SARS-CoV-2 and restricted to human HLA class 1 and 2 haplotypes.
In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 2-20 CD8+ T cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 2-20 CD4+ T cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 2-20 B cell target epitopes.
In certain embodiments, the one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes are selected from: spike glycoprotein, Envelope protein, ORF1ab protein, ORF7a protein, ORF8a protein, ORF10 protein, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes are selected from: S2-10, S1220-1228, S1000-1008, S958-966, E20-28, ORF1ab1675-1683, ORF1ab2363-2371, ORF1ab3013-3021, ORF1ab3183-3191, ORF1ab5470-5478, ORF1ab6749-6757, ORF7b26-34, ORF8a73-81, ORF103-11, and ORF105-13. In certain embodiments, the one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes are selected from SEQ ID NO: 2-29 or SEQ ID NO: 184-203. In certain embodiments, the one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes are selected from SEQ ID NO: 30-57 or SEQ ID NO: 204-224.
In certain embodiments, the one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes are selected from: spike glycoprotein, Envelope protein, Membrane protein, Nucleocapsid protein, ORF1a protein, ORF1ab protein, ORF6 protein, ORF7a protein, ORF7b protein, ORF8 protein, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes are selected from: ORF1a1350-1365, ORF1ab5019-5033, ORF612-26, ORF1ab6088-6102. ORF1ab6420-6434, ORF1a1801-1815, S1-13, E26-40, E20-34. M176-190, N388-403, ORF7a3-17, ORF7a1-15, ORF7b8-22, ORF7a98-112, and ORF81-15. In certain embodiments, the one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes are selected from SEQ ID NO: 58-73 or SEQ ID NO: 225-243. In certain embodiments, the one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes are selected from SEQ ID NO: 74-105 or SEQ ID NO: 244-262.
In certain embodiments, the one or more conserved coronavirus B cell target epitopes are selected from Spike glycoprotein. In certain embodiments, the one or more conserved coronavirus B cell target epitopes are selected from: S287-317, S524-598, S601-640, S802-819, S888-909, S369-393, S440-501, S1133-1172, S329-363, and S13-37. In certain embodiments, the one or more coronavirus B cell target epitopes are selected from SEQ ID NO: 106-116 or SEQ ID NO: 263-270. In certain embodiments, the one or more coronavirus B cell target epitopes are selected from SEQ ID NO: 117-138 or SEQ ID NO: 271-284.
As previously discussed, in certain embodiments, the one or more conserved coronavirus B cell target epitopes are in the form of a large sequence, e.g., whole spike protein or partial spike protein (eg., a portion of whole spike protein). In some embodiments, the whole spike protein or portion thereof is in its stabilized conformation In certain embodiments, the transmembrane anchor of the spike protein (or portion thereof) has an intact S1-S2 cleavage site. In certain embodiments, the spike glycoprotein has two consecutive proline substitutions at amino acid positions 986 and 987, e.g., for stabilization. In certain embodiments, the spike protein or portion thereof has an amino acid substitution at amino acid position Tyr-83. In certain embodiments, the spike protein or portion thereof has an amino acid substitution at amino acid position Tyr-489. In certain embodiments, the spike protein or portion thereof has an amino acid substitution at amino acid position Gln-24. In certain embodiments, the spike protein or portion thereof has an amino acid substitution at amino acid position Asn-487. In certain embodiments, the spike protein or portion thereof has an amino acid substitution at one or more of: Tyr-83, Tyr-489, Gln-24, Gln-493, and Asn-487, e.g., the spike protein or portion thereof may comprise Tyr-489 and Asn-487, the spike protein or portion thereof may comprise Gln-493, the spike protein or portion thereof may comprise Tyr-505, etc. Tyr-489 and Asn-487may help with interaction with Tyr 83 and Gln-24 on ACE-2. Gln-493 may help with interaction with Glu-35 and Lys-31 on ACE-2. Tyr-505 may help with interaction with Glu-37 and Arg-393 on ACE-2.
In certain embodiments, the composition comprises a mutation 682-RRAR-685 → 682-QQAQ-685 in the S1-S2 cleavage site. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises at least one proline substitution. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises at least two proline substitutions, e.g., at position K986 and V987.
In certain embodiments, a target epitope derived from the spike glycoprotein is RBD. In certain embodiments, a target epitope derived from the spike glycoprotein is NTD. In certain embodiments, a target epitope derived from the spike glycoprotein is one or more epitopes, e.g., comprising both the RBD and NTD regions. In certain embodiments, a target epitope derived from the spike glycoprotein is recognized by neutralizing and blocking antibodies. In certain embodiments, a target epitope derived from the spike glycoprotein induces neutralizing and blocking antibodies. In certain embodiments, a target epitope derived from the spike glycoprotein induces neutralizing and blocking antibodies that recognize and neutralize the virus. In certain embodiments, a target epitope derived from the spike glycoprotein induces neutralizing and blocking antibodies that recognize the spike protein.
In certain embodiments, each of the target epitopes are separated by a linker. In certain embodiments, a portion of the target epitopes are separated by a linker. In certain embodiments, the linker is from 2-10 amino acids in length In certain embodiments, the linker is from 3-12 amino acids in length. In certain embodiments, the linker is from 5-15 amino acids in length. In certain embodiments, the linker is 10 or more amino acids in length. Non-limiting examples of linkers include AAY, KK, and GPGPG.
In some embodiments, the composition comprises the addition of a T4 fibritin-derived foldon trimerization domain. In some embodiments, the addition of a T4 fibritin-derived foldon trimerization domain increases immunogenicity by multivalent display.
In certain embodiments, the composition further comprises a T cell attracting chemokine. For example, the composition may further comprise one or a combination of CCL5, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, or a combination thereof.
In certain embodiments, the composition further comprises a composition that promotes T cell proliferation. For example, the composition may further comprise IL-7, IL-15, IL-2, or a combination thereof.
In certain embodiments, the composition further comprises a molecular adjuvant. For example, the composition may further comprise one or a combination of CpG (e.g., CpG polymer) or flagellin.
In certain embodiments, the composition comprises a tag. For example, the epitopes may be in the form of a single antigen, wherein the composition comprises a tag. In certain embodiments, the epitopes are in the form of two or more antigens, wherein one or more of the antigens comprise a tag. Non-limiting examples of tags include a His tag.
In certain embodiments, the “antigen delivery system” may refer to two delivery systems, e.g., a portion of the epitopes (or other components such as chemokines, etc.) may be encoded by one delivery system and a portion of the epitopes (or other components) may be encoded by a second delivery system (or a third delivery system, etc.).
Referring to the antigen delivery system, in certain embodiments the antigen delivery system is an adeno-associated viral vector-based antigen delivery system. Non-limiting examples include an adeno-associated virus vector type 8 (AAV8 serotype) or an adeno-associated virus vector type 9 (AAV9 serotype). In certain embodiments, the antigen delivery system is a vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) vector. In certain embodiments, the antigen delivery system is an adenovirus (e.g., Ad26, Ad5, Ad35, etc.)
The target epitopes are operatively linked to a promoter. In certain embodiments, the promoter is a generic promoter (e.g., CMV, CAG, etc.). In certain embodiments, the promoter is a lung-specific promoter (e.g., SpB, CD144). In certain embodiments, all of the target epitopes are operatively linked to the same promoter. In certain embodiments, a portion of the target epitopes are operatively linked to a first promoter and a portion of the target epitopes are operatively linked to a second promoter. In certain embodiments, the target epitopes are operatively linked to two or more promoters, e.g., a portion are operatively linked to a first promoter, a portion are operatively linked to a second promoter, etc. In certain embodiments, the target epitopes are operatively linked to three or more promoters, e.g., a portion is operatively linked to a first promoter, a portion is operatively linked to a second promoter, a portion is operatively linked to a third promoter, etc. In certain embodiments, the first promoter is the same as the second promoter. In certain embodiments the second promoter is different from the first promoter. In certain embodiments, the promoter is a generic promoter (eg., CMV, CAG, etc) In certain embodiments, the promoter is a lung-specific promoter (e.g., SpB, CD144) promoter.
In certain embodiments, the antigen delivery system encodes a T cell attracting chemokine. In certain embodiments, the antigen delivery system encodes a composition that promotes T cell proliferation. In certain embodiments, the antigen delivery system encodes both a T cell attracting chemokine and a composition that promotes T cell proliferation. In certain embodiments, the antigen delivery system encodes a molecular adjuvant. In certain embodiments, the antigen delivery system encodes a T cell attracting chemokine, a composition that promotes T cell proliferation and a molecular adjuvant. In certain embodiments, the antigen delivery system encodes a T cell attracting chemokine and a molecular adjuvant. In some embodiments, the antigen delivery system encodes a composition that promotes T cell proliferation and a molecular adjuvant.
In certain embodiments, the T cell attracting chemokine is CCL5, CXCL9, CXCL10. CXCL11, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the composition that promotes T cell proliferation is IL-7 or IL-15 or IL-2. In some embodiments, the molecular adjuvant is CpG (e.g., CpG polymer), flagellin, etc.).
In certain embodiments, the T cell attracting chemokine is operatively linked to a lung-specific promoter (eg, SpB, CD144). In certain embodiments, the T cell attracting chemokine is operatively linked to a generic promoter (e.g, CMV, CAG, etc.). In certain embodiments, the composition that promotes T cell proliferation is operatively linked to a lung-specific promoter (e.g., SpB, CD144). In certain embodiments, the composition that promotes T cell proliferation is operatively linked to a generic promoter (e.g., CMV, CAG, etc.). In certain embodiments, the molecular adjuvant is operatively linked to a lung-specific promoter (e.g., SpB, CD144). In certain embodiments, the molecular adjuvant is operatively linked to a generic promoter (e.g., CMV, CAG, etc.). In certain embodiments, the T cell attracting chemokine and the composition that promotes T cell proliferation are driven by the same promoter. In certain embodiments, the T cell attracting chemokine and the composition that promotes T cell proliferation are driven by different promoters. In certain embodiments, the molecular adjuvant, the T cell attracting chemokine, and the composition that promotes T cell proliferation are driven by the same promoter. In certain embodiments, the molecular adjuvant, the T cell attracting chemokine, and the composition that promotes T cell proliferation are driven by different promoters. In certain embodiments, the molecular adjuvant and the composition that promotes T cell proliferation are driven by different promoters. In certain embodiments, the molecular adjuvant and the T cell attracting chemokine are driven by different promoters.
In certain embodiments, the T cell attracting chemokine and the composition promoting T cell proliferation are separated by a linker. In certain embodiments, the linker comprises T2A. In certain embodiments, the linker comprises E2A. In certain embodiments, the linker comprises P2A. In certain embodiments, the linker is selected from T2A, E2A, and P2A.
Referring to the antigen delivery system, in certain embodiments, a linker is disposed between each open reading frame. In certain embodiments, a different linker is disposed between each open reading from. In certain embodiments, the same linker may be used between particular open reading frames and a different linker may be used between other open reading frames.
In some embodiments, the vaccine composition is administered using modified RNA, adeno-associated virus, or an adenovirus.
The composition herein may be used to prevent a coronavirus disease in a subject. The composition herein may be used to prevent a coronavirus infection prophylactically in a subject. The composition herein may be used to elicit an immune response in a subject The term “subject” herein may refer to a human, a non-human primate, an animal such as a mouse, rat, cat, dog, other animal that is susceptible to coronavirus infection, or other animal used for preclinical modeling. The composition herein may prolong an immune response induced by the multi-epitope pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition and increase T-cell migration to the lungs. In certain embodiments, the composition induces resident memory T cells (Trm). In some embodiments, the vaccine composition induces efficient and powerful protection against the coronavirus disease or infection. In some embodiments, the vaccine composition induces production of antibodies (Abs), CD4+ T helper (Th1) cells, and CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells (CTL). In some embodiments, the composition that promotes T cell proliferation helps to promote long term immunity. In some embodiments, the T-cell attracting chemokine helps pull T-cells from circulation into the lungs.
In certain embodiments, the composition further comprises a pharmaceutical carrier.
The present invention includes any of the vaccine compositions described herein, e.g., the aforementioned vaccine compositions for delivery with nanoparticles, e.g., lipid nanoparticles. For example, the present invention includes the vaccine compositions herein encapsulated in a lipid nanoparticle.
In some embodiments, the vaccine composition comprises a nucleoside-modified mRNA vaccine composition comprising a vaccine composition as described herein.
The present invention includes the compositions described herein comprising and/or encoding a trimerized SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) and one or more highly conserved SARS-CoV-2 sequences selected from structural proteins (e.g., nucleoprotein, etc.) and non-structural protein (e.g., Nsp4, etc.). In some embodiments, the trimerized SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) sequence is modified by the addition of a T4 fibritin-derived foldon trimerization domain. In some embodiments, the addition of a T4 fibritin-derived foldon trimerization domain increases immunogenicity by multivalent display.
In certain embodiments, the composition incorporates a good manufacturing practice-grade mRNA drug substance that encodes the trimerized SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein RBD antigen together with the one or more highly conserved structural and non-structural SARS-CoV-2 antigens. In certain embodiments, the sequence for an antigen is GenBank accession number, MN908947.3.
The present invention also features methods of producing multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine compositions of the present invention.
For example, in some embodiments, the method comprises selecting at least two of: one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell epitopes; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell epitopes; one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell epitopes. At least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. The method further comprises synthesizing an antigen or antigens comprising the selected epitopes (or a combination of antigens that collectively comprise the selected epitopes). In some embodiments, the method comprises selecting: one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell epitopes; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell epitopes; and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell epitopes. At least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. The method further comprises synthesizing an antigen comprising the selected epitopes (or a combination of antigens that collectively comprise the selected epitopes). In some embodiments, the method further comprises introducing the vaccine composition to a pharmaceutical carrier. The steps for selecting the one or more conserved epitopes are disclosed herein. Methods for synthesizing recombinant proteins are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The vaccine compositions are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the vaccine composition is in the form of DNA, RNA, modified RNA, protein (or peptide), or a combination thereof.
In some embodiments, the method comprises selecting: one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell epitopes; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell epitopes; and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell epitopes. At least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein, and the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. The method further comprises synthesizing an antigen delivery system encoding the selected epitopes. In some embodiments, the method further comprises introducing the vaccine composition to a pharmaceutical carrier. The steps for selecting the one or more conserved epitopes are disclosed herein. Methods for synthesizing antigen delivery systems are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The vaccine compositions are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the vaccine composition is in the form of DNA, RNA, modified RNA, protein (or peptide), or a combination thereof.
As an example, steps or methods for selecting or identifying conserved epitopes may first include performing a sequence alignment and analysis of a particular number of coronavirus sequences, e.g.. 50 or more sequences, 100 or more sequences, 200 or more sequences, 300 or more sequences, 400 or more sequences, 500 or more sequences, 1000 or more sequences, 2000 or more sequences, 3000 or more sequences, 4000 or more sequences, 5000 or more sequences, 10,000 or more sequences, 15,000 or more sequences, more than 15,000 sequences, etc., to determine sequence similarity or identity amongst the group of analyzed sequences. In some embodiments, the sequences used for alignments may include human and animal sequences. In certain embodiments, the sequences used for alignments include one or more SARS-CoV-2 human strains or variants in current circulation; one or more coronaviruses that has caused a previous human outbreak; one or more coronaviruses isolated from animals selected from a group consisting of bats, pangolins, civet cats, minks, camels, and other animal receptive to coronaviruses; and/or one or more coronaviruses that cause the common cold. In some embodiments, the one or more SARS-CoV-2 human strains or variants in current circulation are selected from: variant B.1.177; variant B.1.160, variant B.1.1.7 (UK), variant P.1 (Japan/Brazil), variant B.1.351 (South Africa), variant B.1.427 (California), variant B.1.429 (California), variant B.1.258; variant B.1.221; variant B.1.367; variant B.1.1.277; variant B.1.1.302; variant B.1.525; variant B.1.526, variant S:677H; variant S:677P; B.1.6172-Delta, variant B.1.1.529-Omicron (BA.1); sub-variant Omicron (BA.1); sub-variant Omicron (BA.2); sub-variant Omicron (BA.3); sub-variant Omicron (BA.4); sub-variant Omicron (BA.5). In some embodiments, the one or more coronaviruses that cause the common cold are selected from: 229E alpha coronavirus, NL63 alpha coronavirus, OC43 beta coronavirus, and HKU1 beta coronavirus. In some embodiments, the conserved CD4+ T cell epitopes may be considered the 5 most highly conserved CD4+ T cell epitopes of the identified epitopes in the alignment. In some embodiments, the conserved CD4+ T cell epitopes may be considered the 10 most highly conserved CD4+ T cell epitopes of the identified epitopes in the alignment. In some embodiments, the conserved CD4+ T cell epitopes may be considered the 15 most highly conserved CD4+ T cell epitopes of the identified epitopes in the alignment. In some embodiments, the conserved CD4+ T cell epitopes may be considered the 20 most highly conserved CD4+ T cell epitopes of the identified epitopes in the alignment. In some embodiments, the conserved CD4+ T cell epitopes may be considered the 25 most highly conserved CD4+ T cell epitopes of the identified epitopes in the alignment. In some embodiments, the conserved CD4+ T cell epitopes may be considered the 30 most highly conserved CD4+ T cell epitopes of the identified epitopes in the alignment. In some embodiments, the conserved CD8+ T cell epitopes may be considered the 5 most highly conserved CD8+ T cell epitopes of the identified epitopes in the alignment. In some embodiments, the conserved CD8+ T cell epitopes may be considered the 10 most highly conserved CD8+ T cell epitopes of the identified epitopes in the alignment. In some embodiments, the conserved CD8+ T cell epitopes may be considered the 15 most highly conserved CD8+ T cell epitopes of the identified epitopes in the alignment. In some embodiments, the conserved CD8+ T cell epitopes may be considered the 20 most highly conserved CD8+ T cell epitopes of the identified epitopes in the alignment. In some embodiments, the conserved CD8+ T cell epitopes may be considered the 25 most highly conserved CD8+ T cell epitopes of the identified epitopes in the alignment. In some embodiments, the conserved CD8+ T cell epitopes may be considered the 30 most highly conserved CD8+ T cell epitopes of the identified epitopes in the alignment. In some embodiments, the conserved B cell epitopes may be considered the 5 most highly conserved B cell epitopes of the identified epitopes in the alignment. In some embodiments, the conserved B cell epitopes may be considered the 10 most highly conserved B cell epitopes of the identified epitopes in the alignment. In some embodiments, the conserved B cell epitopes may be considered the 15 most highly conserved B cell epitopes of the identified epitopes in the alignment. In some embodiments, the conserved B cell epitopes may be considered the 20 most highly conserved B cell epitopes of the identified epitopes in the alignment In some embodiments, the conserved B cell epitopes may be considered the 25 most highly conserved B cell epitopes of the identified epitopes in the alignment. In some embodiments, the conserved B cell epitopes may be considered the 30 most highly conserved B cell epitopes of the identified epitopes in the alignment.
The present invention also features methods for preventing coronavirus disease. The method comprises administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition according to the present invention, wherein the composition elicits an immune response in the subject and helps prevent coronavirus disease.
The present invention also features methods for preventing a coronavirus infection prophylactically in a subject. In some embodiments, the method comprises administering to the subject a prophylactically effective amount of a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition according to the present invention, wherein the vaccine composition prevents coronavirus infection.
The present invention also features methods for eliciting an immune response in a subject, including administering to the subject a composition according to the present invention, wherein the vaccine composition elicits an immune response in the subject. The present invention also features methods comprising: administering to a subject a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition according to the present invention, wherein the composition prevents virus replication in the lungs, the brain, and other compartments where the virus replicates. The present invention also features methods comprising: administering to the subject a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition according to the present invention, wherein the composition prevents cytokine storm in the lungs, the brain, and other compartments where the virus replicates. The present invention also features methods comprising: administering to the subject a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition according to the present invention, wherein the composition prevents inflammation or inflammatory response in the lungs, the brain, and other compartments where the virus replicates. The present invention also features methods comprising: administering to the subject a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition according to the present invention, wherein the composition improves homing and retention of T cells in the lungs, the brain, and other compartments where the virus replicates. The present invention also features methods for preventing coronavirus disease in a subject; the method comprising: administering to the subject a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition according to the present invention, wherein the composition induces memory B and T cells. The present invention also features methods for prolonging an immune response induced by a pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine and increasing T-cell migration to the lungs, the method comprising: co-expressing a T-cell attracting chemokine, a composition that promotes T cell proliferation, and a pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine according to the present invention. The present invention also features methods for prolonging the retention of memory T-cell into the lungs induced by a pan coronavirus vaccine and increasing virus-specific tissue resident memory T-cells (TRM cells), the method comprising: co-expressing a T-cell attracting chemokine, a composition that promotes T cell proliferation, and a pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine according to the present invention. The present invention also features methods comprising: administering to the subject a pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition according to the present invention, wherein the composition prevents the development of mutation and variants of a coronavirus.
For the sake of brevity, it is noted that the vaccine compositions referred to in the aforementioned methods include the vaccine compositions previously discussed, the embodiments described below, and the embodiments in the figures.
In some embodiments, the vaccine composition is administered through an intravenous route (i.v.), an intranasal route (i.n.), or a sublingual route (s.l.) route. In some embodiments, the vaccine composition is administered using modified RNA, adeno-associated virus, or an adenovirus.
As previously discussed, the composition herein may be used to prevent a coronavirus disease in a subject. The composition herein may be used to prevent a coronavirus infection prophylactically in a subject. The composition herein may be used to elicit an immune response in a subject. The term “subject” herein may refer to a human, a non-human primate, an animal such as a mouse, rat, cat, dog, other animal that is susceptible to coronavirus infection, or other animal used for preclinical modeling. The composition herein may prolong an immune response induced by the multi-epitope pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition and increase T-cell migration to the lungs. In certain embodiments, the composition induces resident memory T cells (Trm). In some embodiments, the vaccine composition induces efficient and powerful protection against the coronavirus disease or infection. In some embodiments, the vaccine composition induces production of antibodies (Abs), CD4+ T helper (Th1) cells, and CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells (CTL). In some embodiments, the composition that promotes T cell proliferation helps to promote long term immunity. In some embodiments, the T-cell attracting chemokine helps pull T-cells from circulation into the lungs.
The present invention also features oligonucleotide compositions. For example, the present invention includes oligonucleotides disclosed in the sequence listings The present invention also includes oligonucleotides in the form of antigen delivery systems. The present invention also includes oligonucleotides encoding the conserved epitopes disclosed herein. The present invention also includes oligonucleotide compositions comprising one or more oligonucleotides encoding any of the vaccine compositions according to the present invention. In some embodiments, the oligonucleotide comprises DNA. In some embodiments, the oligonucleotide comprises modified DNA. In some embodiments, the oligonucleotide comprises RNA. In some embodiments, the oligonucleotide comprises modified RNA. In some embodiments, the oligonucleotide comprises mRNA. In some embodiments, the oligonucleotide comprises modified mRNA.
The present invention also features peptide compositions. For example, the present invention includes peptides disclosed in the sequence listings. The present invention also includes peptide compositions comprising any of the vaccine compositions according to the present invention. The present invention also includes peptide compositions comprising any of the conserved epitopes according to the present invention.
For the sake of brevity, it is noted that the vaccine compositions referred to in the aforementioned oligonucleotide and peptide compositions include the vaccine compositions previously discussed, the embodiments described below, and the embodiments in the figures.
The present invention features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising SEQ ID NO: 139. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising SEQ ID NO: 140. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising SEQ ID NO: 141. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising SEQ ID NO: 142. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising SEQ ID NO: 143. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising SEQ ID NO: 144. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising SEQ ID NO: 145. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising SEQ ID NO: 146. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising SEQ ID NO: 147. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising SEQ ID NO: 148. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising SEQ ID NO: 149 The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising SEQ ID NO: 150. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising SEQ ID NO: 151. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising SEQ ID NO: 152. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising SEQ ID NO: 153. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising SEQ ID NO: 154. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising SEQ ID NO: 155.
The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising a sequence at least 99% identical to SEQ ID NO: 139. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising a sequence at least 99% identical to SEQ ID NO: 140. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising a sequence at least 99% identical to SEQ ID NO: 141. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising a sequence at least 99% identical to SEQ ID NO: 142. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising a sequence at least 99% identical to SEQ ID NO: 143. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising a sequence at least 99% identical to SEQ ID NO: 144. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising a sequence at least 99% identical to SEQ ID NO: 145. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising a sequence at least 99% identical to SEQ ID NO: 146. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising a sequence at least 99% identical to SEQ ID NO: 147. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising a sequence at least 99% identical to SEQ ID NO: 148. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising a sequence at least 99% identical to SEQ ID NO: 149. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising a sequence at least 99% identical to SEQ ID NO: 150. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising a sequence at least 99% identical to SEQ ID NO: 151. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising a sequence at least 99% identical to SEQ ID NO: 152. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising a sequence at least 99% identical to SEQ ID NO: 153 The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising a sequence at least 99% identical to SEQ ID NO: 154. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising a sequence at least 99% identical to SEQ ID NO: 155.
The present invention also features a method comprising: administering a first pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine dose using a first delivery system, and administering a second vaccine dose using a second delivery system, wherein the first and second delivery system are different. In some embodiments, the first delivery system may comprise a RNA, a modified mRNA, or a peptide delivery system. In some embodiments, the second delivery system may comprise a RNA, a modified mRNA, or a peptide delivery system. In some embodiments, the peptide delivery system is an adenovirus or an adeno-associated virus. In some embodiments, the adenovirus delivery system is Ad26, Ad5. Ad35, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the adeno-associated delivery system is AAV8 or AAV9. In some embodiments, the peptide delivery system is a vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) vector. In some embodiments, the second vaccine dose is administered 14 days after the first vaccine dose.
The present invention also features a method comprising: administering a pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition according to the present invention; and administering at least one T-cell attracting chemokine after administering the pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition In some embodiments, the vaccine composition is administered via a RNA, a modified mRNA, or a peptide delivery system. In some embodiments, the T-cell attracting chemokine is administered via a RNA, a modified mRNA, or a peptide delivery system. In some embodiments, the peptide delivery system is an adenovirus or an adeno-associated virus. In some embodiments, the adenovirus delivery system is Ad26, Ad5. Ad35, or a combination thereof.
In some embodiments, the adeno-associated delivery system is AAV8 or AAV9. In some embodiments, the peptide delivery system is a vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) vector. In some embodiments, the T-cell attracting chemokine is administered 8 days after administering days after the vaccine composition. In some embodiments, the T-cell attracting chemokine is administered 14 days after administering days after the vaccine composition. In some embodiments, the T-cell attracting chemokine is administered 30 days after administering days after the vaccine composition. In some embodiments, the T-cell attracting chemokine is CCL5, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, or a combination thereof. The present invention also features a method comprising: administering a pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition according to the present invention; administering at least one T-cell attracting chemokine after administering the pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition; and administering at least one cytokine after administering the T-cell attracting chemokine. In some embodiments, the vaccine composition is administered via a RNA, a modified mRNA, or a peptide delivery system. In some embodiments, the T-cell attracting chemokine is administered via a RNA, a modified mRNA, or a peptide delivery system. In some embodiments, the cytokine is administered via a RNA, a modified mRNA, or a peptide delivery system. In some embodiments, the peptide delivery system is an adenovirus or an adeno-associated virus. In some embodiments, the adenovirus delivery system is Ad26, Ad5, Ad35, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the adeno-associated delivery system is AAV8 or AAV9. In some embodiments, the peptide delivery system is a vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) vector. In some embodiments, the T-cell attracting chemokine is administered 14 days after administering the vaccine composition. In some embodiments, the T-cell attracting chemokine is CCL5, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the cytokine is administered 10 days after administering the T-cell attracting chemokine. In some embodiments, the cytokine is IL-7, IL-15, IL2 or a combination thereof.
The present invention also features a method comprising: administering a pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition according to the present invention; administering one or more T-cell attracting chemokine after administering the pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition; and administering one or more mucosal chemokine(s). In some embodiments, the vaccine composition is administered using modified RNA, adeno-associated virus, or an adenovirus. In some embodiments, the T-cell attracting chemokine is administered via a RNA, a modified mRNA, or a peptide delivery system. In some embodiments, the mucosal chemokine is administered via a RNA, a modified mRNA, or a peptide delivery system. In some embodiments, the adeno-associated virus is AAV8 or AAV9. In some embodiments, the adenovirus is Ad26, Ad5. Ad35, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the T-cell attracting chemokine is administered 14 days after administering the vaccine composition. In some embodiments, the T-cell attracting chemokine is CCL5, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the mucosal chemokine is administered 10 days after administering the T-cell attracting chemokine In some embodiments, the mucosal chemokine is CCL25, CCL28, CXCL14, or CXCL17, or a combination thereof.
For the sake of brevity, it is noted that the vaccine compositions referred to in the aforementioned methods include the vaccine compositions previously discussed, the embodiments described below, and the embodiments in the figures.
As previously discussed, in some embodiments, the vaccine compositions are for use in humans. In some embodiments, the vaccine compositions are for use in animals, e.g., cats, dogs, etc. In some embodiments, the vaccine comprises human CXCL-11 and/or human IL-7 (or IL-15, IL-2). In some embodiments, the vaccine composition comprises animal CLCL-11 and/or animal IL-7 (or IL-15, IL-2).
The present invention includes vaccine compositions in the form of a rVSV-panCoV vaccine composition. The present invention includes vaccine compositions in the form of a rAdV-panCoV vaccine composition.
The present invention also includes nucleic acids for use in the vaccine compositions herein. The present invention also includes vectors for use in the vaccine compositions herein. The present invention also includes fusion proteins for use in the vaccine compositions herein. The present invention also includes immunogenic compositions for use in the vaccine compositions herein.
The vaccine compositions herein may be designed to elicit both high levels of virus-blocking and virus-neutralizing antibodies as well as CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells in adults 18 to 55 years. The vaccine compositions herein may be designed to elicit both high levels of virus-blocking and virus-neutralizing antibodies as well as CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells in adults 55 to 65 years of age. The vaccine compositions herein may be designed to elicit both high levels of virus-blocking and virus-neutralizing antibodies as well as CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells in adults 65 to 85 years of age. The vaccine compositions herein may be designed to elicit both high levels of virus-blocking and virus-neutralizing antibodies as well as CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells in adults 85 to 100 years of age. The vaccine compositions herein may be designed to elicit both high levels of virus-blocking and virus-neutralizing antibodies as well as CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells in children 12 to 18 years of age. The vaccine compositions herein may be designed to elicit both high levels of virus-blocking and virus-neutralizing antibodies as well as CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells in children under 12 years of age.
The present invention is not limited to vaccine compositions. For example, in certain embodiments, one or more of the conserved epitopes are used for detecting coronavirus and/or diagnosing coronavirus infection.
The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition, the composition comprising at least two of: one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell target epitopes selected from SEQ ID NO: 2-57 (S2-10, S1220-1228, S1000-1008, S958-966, E20-28, ORF1ab1675-1683, ORF1ab2363-2371, ORF1ab3013-3021, ORF1ab3183-3191, ORF1ab5470-5478, ORF1ab6749-6757, ORF7b26-34. ORF8a73-81, ORF103-11, and ORF105-13) or SEQ ID NO: 184-224; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes selected from SEQ ID NO: 58-105 (ORF1a1350-1365, ORF1ab5019-5033, ORF612-26, ORF1ab6088-6102, ORF1ab8420-8434, ORF1a1801-1815, S1-13, E26-40, E20-34, M176-190, N388-403, ORF7a3-17, ORF7a1-15, ORF7b8-22, ORF7a98-112, and ORF81-15), or SEQ ID NO: 225-262; and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes selected from SEQ ID NO: 106-138 (S287-317, S524-598, S601-640, S802-819. S888-909, S369-393, S440-501, S1133-1172, S329-363, and S13-37), or SEQ ID NO: 263-284; wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein; wherein the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition, the composition comprising: one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell target epitopes selected from SEQ ID NO: 2-57 (S2-10, S1220-1228, S1000-1008, S958-966, E20-28, ORF1ab1675-1683, ORF1ab2363-2371, ORF1ab3013-3021, ORF1ab3183-3191, ORF1ab5470-5478, ORF1ab6749-6757, ORF7b26-34, ORF8a73-81, ORF103-11, and ORF105-13), or SEQ ID NO: 184-224; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes selected from SEQ ID NO: 58-105 (ORF1a1350-1365, ORF1ab5019-5033, ORF612-26, ORF1ab6088-6102, ORF1ab6420-6434, ORF1a1801-1815, S1-13, E26-40, E20-34, M176-190, N388-403, ORF7a3-17, ORF7a1-15, ORF7b8-22, ORF7a98-112, and ORF81-15), or SEQ ID NO: 225-262; and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes selected from SEQ ID NO: 106-138 (S287-317, S524-598, S601-640, S802-819, S888-909, S369-393, S440-501, S1133-1172, S329-363, and S13-37), or SEQ ID NO: 263-284; wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein; wherein the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes.
The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition, the composition comprising: one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell target epitopes and one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes, or one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes and one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes, wherein: the one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell target epitopes selected from SEQ ID NO: 2-57 (S2-10, S1220-1228, S1000-1008, S958-966, E20-28, ORF1ab1675-1683, ORF1ab2363-2371, ORF1ab3013-3021. ORF1ab3183-3191, ORF1ab5470-5478, ORF1ab6749-6757, ORF7b26-34, ORF8a73-81, ORF103-11, and ORF105-13), or SEQ ID NO: 184-224; the one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes selected from SEQ ID NO: 58-105 (ORF1a1350-1365, ORF1ab5019-5033, ORF612-26, ORF1ab6088-6102, ORF1ab6420-6434, ORF1a1801-1815, S1-13, E26-40, E20-34, M176-190, N388-403, ORF7a3-17, ORF7a1-15, ORF7b8-22, ORF7a98-112, and ORF81-15.), or SEQ ID NO: 225-262; and the one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes selected from SEQ ID NO: 106-138 (S287-317, S524-598, S601-640, S802-819, S888-909, S369-393, S440-501, S1133-1172, S329-363, and S13-37) or SEQ ID NO: 263-284; wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein: wherein the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes.
In some embodiments, the composition comprises 2-20 CD8+ T cell target epitopes. In some embodiments, the composition comprises 2-20 CD4+ T cell target epitopes. In some embodiments, the composition comprises 2-20 B cell target epitopes. In some embodiments, one or more of the epitopes is in the form of a large sequence. In some embodiments, the one or more coronavirus B cell target epitopes is in the form of whole spike protein or partial spike protein In some embodiments, the partial spike protein comprises a trimerized SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) In some embodiments, the whole spike protein or partial spike protein has an intact S1-S2 cleavage site. In some embodiments, the spike protein or portion thereof is stabilized with proline substitutions at amino acid positions 986 and 987. In some embodiments, the vaccine composition is for humans. In some embodiments, the vaccine composition is for animals.
The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition, the composition comprising at least two of: one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell target epitopes; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and/or one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes; wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein; wherein the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition, the composition comprising: one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell target epitopes; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and/or one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes; wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein; wherein the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes.
In some embodiments, the one or more conserved epitopes are highly conserved among human and animal coronaviruses. In some embodiments, the conserved epitope is one that is among the most highly conserved epitopes identified in a sequence alignment and analysis of a particular number of coronavirus sequences (for the particular type of epitope, e.g., B cell, CD4 T cell, CD8 T cell). For example, the conserved epitopes may be the 5 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 10 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 15 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 20 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 25 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 30 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 40 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 50 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned thresholds. In some embodiments, the one or more conserved epitopes are derived from at least one of SARS-CoV-2 protein. In some embodiments, the one or more conserved epitopes are derived from one or more of: one or more SARS-CoV-2 human strains or variants in current circulation; one or more coronaviruses that has caused a previous human outbreak; one or more coronaviruses isolated from animals selected from a group consisting of bats, pangolins, civet cats, minks, camels, and other animal receptive to coronaviruses; or one or more coronaviruses that cause the common cold. In some embodiments, the one or more SARS-CoV-2 human strains or variants in current circulation are selected from: variant B.1.177; variant B.1.160, variant B.1.1.7 (UK), variant P.1 (Japan/Brazil), variant B.1.351 (South Africa), variant B.1.427 (California), variant B.1.429 (California), variant B.1.258; variant B.1.221; variant B.1.367; variant B.1.1.277; variant B.1.1.302; variant B.1.525; variant B 1.526, variant S:677H; variant S:677P; B.1.617.2-Delta, variant B1.1.529-Omicron (BA1); sub-variant Omicron (BA.1); sub-variant Omicron (BA.2); sub-variant Omicron (BA.3): sub-variant Omicron (BA.4); sub-variant Omicron (BA.5). In some embodiments, the one or more coronaviruses that cause the common cold are selected from: 229E alpha coronavirus, NL63 alpha coronavirus, OC43 beta coronavirus, and HKU1 beta coronavirus. In some embodiments, the vaccine composition is for humans. In some embodiments, the vaccine composition is for animals.
The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition, the composition comprising an antigen delivery system encoding at least two of: one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell target epitopes selected from SEQ ID NO: 2-57 (S2-10, S1220-1228, S1000-1008, S958-966, E20-28, ORF1ab1675-1683, ORF1ab2363-2371, ORF1ab3013-3021, ORF1ab3183-3191, ORF1ab5470-5478, ORF1ab6749-6757, ORF7b26-34, ORF8a73-81, ORF103-11, and ORF105-13), or SEQ ID NO: 184-224: one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes selected from SEQ ID NO: 58-105 (ORF1a1350-1365, ORF1ab5019-5033, ORF612-26, ORF1ab6088-6102, ORF1ab6420-6434, ORF1a1801-1815, S1-13, E26-40, E20-34, M176-190, N388-403, ORF7a3-17, ORF7a1-15, ORF7b8-22, ORF7a98-112, and ORF81-15), or SEQ ID NO: 225-262; and/or one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes selected from SEQ ID NO: 106-138 (S287-317, S524-598, S601-640, S802-819, S888-909, S369-393, S440-501, S1133-1172, S329-363, and S13-37), or SEQ ID NO: 263-284; wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein; wherein the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes. The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition, the composition comprising an antigen delivery system encoding: one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell target epitopes selected from SEQ ID NO: 2-57 (S2-10, S1220-1228, S1000-1008, S958-966, E20-28, ORF1ab1675-1683, ORF1ab2363-2371, ORF1ab3013-3021, ORF1ab3183-3191, ORF1ab5470-5478, ORF1ab6749-6757, ORF7b26-34, ORF8a73-81, ORF103-11, and ORF105-13), or SEQ ID NO: 184-224; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes selected from SEQ ID NO: 58-105 (ORF1a1350-1365, ORF1ab5019-5033. ORF612-26, ORF1ab6088-6102. ORF1ab6420-6434, ORF1a1801-1815, S1-13, E26-40, E20-34, M176-190, N388-403, ORF7a3-17, ORF7a1-15, ORF7b8-22, ORF7a98-112, and ORF81-15), SEQ ID NO: 225-262; and/or one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes selected from SEQ ID NO: 106-138 (S287-317, S524-598, S601-640, S802-819, S888-909, S369-393, S440-501, S1133-1172, S329-363, and S13-37), or SEQ ID NO: 263-284; wherein at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein; wherein the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes.
In some embodiments, the antigen delivery system is an adeno-associated viral vector-based antigen delivery system. In some embodiments, the adeno-associated viral vector is an adeno-associated virus vector type 8 (AAV8 serotype) or an adeno-associated virus vector type 9 (AAV9 serotype). In some embodiments, the antigen delivery system is an mRNA delivery system. In some embodiments, the antigen delivery system further encodes a T cell attracting chemokine. In some embodiments, the antigen delivery system further encodes a composition that promotes T cell proliferation. In some embodiments, the antigen delivery system further encodes a molecular adjuvant. In some embodiments, the epitopes are operatively linked to a lung-specific promoter
The present invention also features a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition comprising one of SEQ ID NO: 139-155.
The present invention also includes the corresponding nucleic acid sequences for any of the protein sequences herein. The present invention also includes the corresponding protein sequences for any of the nucleic acid sequences herein.
Embodiments herein may comprise whole spike protein or a portion of spike protein. Whole spike protein and a portion thereof is not limited to a wild type or original sequence and may include spike protein or a portion thereof with one or more modifications and/or mutations, such as point mutations, deletions, etc., including the mutations described herein such as those for improving stability.
Embodiments of the present invention can be freely combined with each other if they are not mutually exclusive.
Any feature or combination of features described herein are included within the scope of the present invention provided that the features included in any such combination are not mutually inconsistent as will be apparent from the context, this specification, and the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art. Additional advantages and aspects of the present invention are apparent in the following detailed description and claims.
The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description presented in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
Unless otherwise explained, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which a disclosed invention belongs. The singular terms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “comprising” means that other elements can also be present in addition to the defined elements presented. The use of “comprising” indicates inclusion rather than limitation. Stated another way, the term “comprising” means “including principally, but not necessary solely”. Furthermore, variation of the word “comprising”, such as “comprise” and “comprises”, have correspondingly the same meanings. In one respect, the technology described herein related to the herein described compositions, methods, and respective component(s) thereof, as essential to the invention, yet open to the inclusion of unspecified elements, essential or not (“comprising”).
Suitable methods and materials for the practice and/or testing of embodiments of the disclosure are described below. Such methods and materials are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting. Other methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used. For example, conventional methods well known in the art to which the disclosure pertains are described in various general and more specific references, including, for example. Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2d ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1989; Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 3d ed., Cold Spring Harbor Press, 2001; Ausubel et al., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Greene Publishing Associates, 1992 (and Supplements to 2000); Ausubel et al., Short Protocols in Molecular Biology: A Compendium of Methods from Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, 4th ed., Wiley & Sons, 1999; Harlow and Lane, Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1990; and Harlow and Lane, Using Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1999, Gene Expression Technology (Methods in Enzymology, Vol. 185, edited by D Goeddel, 1991. Academic Press, San Diego, Calif.), “Guide to Protein Purification” in Methods in Enzymology (M. P. Deutshcer, ed., (1990) Academic Press, Inc.); PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications (Innis, et al. 1990. Academic Press, San Diego, Calif.), Culture of Animal Cells: A Manual of Basic Technique, 2nd Ed. (R. I. Freshney. 1987. Liss, Inc. New York, N.Y.), Gene Transfer and Expression Protocols, pp. 109-128, ed. E. J. Murray, The Humana Press Inc., Clifton, N.J.), and the Ambion 1998 Catalog (Ambion, Austin, Tex.), the disclosures of which are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference.
Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practice or test the disclosed technology, suitable methods and materials are described below. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
As used herein, the terms “immunogenic protein, polypeptide, or peptide” or “antigen” refer to polypeptides or other molecules (or combinations of polypeptides and other molecules) that are immunologically active in the sense that once administered to the host, it is able to evoke an immune response of the humoral and/or cellular type directed against the protein. In embodiments, the protein fragment has substantially the same immunological activity as the total protein. Thus, a protein fragment according to the disclosure can comprise or consist essentially of or consist of at least one epitope or antigenic determinant. An “immunogenic” protein or polypeptide, as used herein, may include the full-length sequence of the protein, analogs thereof, or immunogenic fragments thereof. “Immunogenic fragment” refers to a fragment of a protein which includes one or more epitopes and thus elicits the immunological response described above.
Synthetic antigens are also included within the definition, for example, poly-epitopes, flanking epitopes, and other recombinant or synthetically derived antigens. Immunogenic fragments for purposes of the disclosure may feature at least about 1 amino acid, at least about 3 amino acids, at least about 5 amino acids, at least about 10-15 amino acids, or about 15-25 amino acids or more amino acids, of the molecule. There is no critical upper limit to the length of the fragment, which could comprise nearly the full-length of the protein sequence, or the full-length of the protein sequence, or even a fusion protein comprising at least one epitope of the protein.
As used herein, the term “epitope” refers to the site on an antigen or hapten to which specific B cells and/or T cells respond. The term is also used interchangeably with “antigenic determinant” or “antigenic determinant site”. Antibodies that recognize the same epitope can be identified in a simple immunoassay showing the ability of one antibody to block the binding of another antibody to a target antigen.
As used herein, the term “immunological response” to a composition or vaccine refers to the development in the host of a cellular and/or antibody-mediated immune response to a composition or vaccine of interest. Usually, an “immunological response” includes but is not limited to one or more of the following effects: the production of antibodies, B cells, helper T cells, and/or cytotoxic T cells, directed specifically to an antigen or antigens included in the composition or vaccine of interest. The host may display either a therapeutic or protective immunological response so resistance to new infection will be enhanced and/or the clinical severity of the disease reduced. Such protection will be demonstrated by either a reduction or lack of symptoms normally displayed by an infected host, a quicker recovery time and/or a lowered viral titer in the infected host.
As used herein, the term “variant” refers to a substantially similar sequence. For polynucleotides, a variant comprises a deletion and/or addition and/or change of one or more nucleotides at one or more sites within the native polynucleotide and/or a substitution of one or more nucleotides at one or more sites in the native polynucleotide. As used herein, a “native” polynucleotide or polypeptide comprises a naturally occurring nucleotide sequence or an amino acid sequence, respectively. Variants of a particular polynucleotide of the disclosure (e.g., the reference polynucleotide) can also be evaluated by comparison of the percent sequence identity between the polypeptide encoded by a variant polynucleotide and the polypeptide encoded by the reference polynucleotide “Variant” protein is intended to mean a protein derived from the native protein by deletion or addition of one or more amino acids at one or more sites in the native protein and/or substitution of one or more amino acids at one or more sites in the native protein. Variant proteins encompassed by the present disclosure are biologically active, that is they have the ability to elicit an immune response.
The HLA-DR/HLA-A*0201/hACE2 triple transgenic mouse model referred to herein is a novel susceptible animal model for pre-clinical testing of human COVID-19 vaccine candidates derived from crossing ACE2 transgenic mice with the unique HLA-DR/HLA-A*0201 double transgenic mice. ACE2 transgenic mice are a hACE2 transgenic mouse model expressing human ACE2 receptors in the lung, heart, kidney and intestine (Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME). The HLA-DR/HLA-A*0201 double transgenic mice are “humanized” HLA double transgenic mice expressing Human Leukocyte Antigen HLA-A*0201 class I and HLA DR*0101 class II in place of the corresponding mouse MHC molecules (which are knocked out). The HLA-A*0201 haplotype was chosen because it is highly represented (> 50%) in the human population, regardless of race or ethnicity. The HLA-DR/HLA-A*0201/hACE2 triple transgenic mouse model is a “humanized” transgenic mouse model and has three advantages: (1) it is susceptible to human SARS-CoV2 infection; (2) it develops symptoms similar to those seen in COVID-19 in humans; and (3) it develops CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells response to human epitopes. The novel HLA-DR/HLA-A*0201/hACE2 triple transgenic mouse model of the present invention may be used in the pre-clinical testing of safety, immunogenicity and protective efficacy of the human multi-epitope COVID-19 vaccine candidates of the present invention.
As used herein, the terms “treat” or “treatment” or “treating” refers to both therapeutic treatment and prophylactic or preventative measures, wherein the object is to prevent or slow the development of the disease, such as slow down the development of a disorder, or reducing at least one adverse effect or symptom of a condition, disease or disorder, e.g., any disorder characterized by insufficient or undesired organ or tissue function. Treatment is generally “effective” if one or more symptoms or clinical markers are reduced as that term is defined herein. Alternatively, a treatment is “effective” if the progression of a disease is reduced or halted. That is, “treatment” includes not just the improvement of symptoms or decrease of markers of the disease, but also a cessation or slowing of progress or worsening of a symptom that would be expected in absence of treatment. Beneficial or desired clinical results include, but are not limited to, alleviation of one or more symptom(s), diminishment of extent of disease, stabilized (e.g., not worsening) state of disease, delay or slowing of disease progression, amelioration or palliation of the disease state, and remission (whether partial or total), whether detectable or undetectable. “Treatment” can also mean prolonging survival as compared to expected survival if not receiving treatment. “Treatment” also includes ameliorating a disease, lessening the severity of its complications, preventing it from manifesting, preventing it from recurring, merely preventing it from worsening, mitigating an inflammatory response included therein, or a therapeutic effort to affect any of the aforementioned, even if such therapeutic effort is ultimately unsuccessful.
As used herein, the term “carrier” or “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” or “pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle” refers to any appropriate or useful carrier or vehicle for introducing a composition to a subject. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or vehicles may be conventional but are not limited to conventional vehicles For example, E. W. Martin, Remington’s Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Co., Easton, PA, 15th Edition (1975) and D. B. Troy, ed. Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore MD and Philadelphia, PA, 21st Edition (2006) describe compositions and formulations suitable for pharmaceutical delivery of one or more therapeutic compounds or molecules. Carriers (e.g., pharmaceutical carriers, pharmaceutical vehicles, pharmaceutical compositions, pharmaceutical molecules, etc.) are materials generally known to deliver molecules, proteins, cells and/or drugs and/or other appropriate material into the body. In general, the nature of the carrier will depend on the nature of the composition being delivered as well as the particular mode of administration being employed. In addition to biologically-neutral carriers, pharmaceutical compositions administered may contain minor amounts of non- toxic auxiliary substances, such as wetting or emulsifying agents, preservatives, and pH buffering agents and the like. Patents that describe pharmaceutical carriers include, but are not limited to: U.S. Pat. No. 6,667,371; U.S. Patent No. 6,613,355; U.S. Pat. No. 6,596,296; U.S. Pat. No. 6,413,536; U.S. Pat. No. 5,968,543; U.S. Pat. No. 4,079,038; U.S. Pat. No. 4,093,709; U.S. Pat. No. 4,131,648; U.S. Pat. No. 4,138,344; U.S. Pat. No. 4,180,646; U.S. Pat. No. 4,304,767; U.S. Pat. No. 4,946,931, the disclosures of which are incorporated in their entirety by reference herein. The carrier may, for example, be solid, liquid (e.g., a solution), foam, a gel, the like, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the carrier comprises a biological matrix (e.g., biological fibers, etc.). In some embodiments, the carrier comprises a synthetic matrix (e.g., synthetic fibers, etc.). In certain embodiments, a portion of the carrier may comprise a biological matrix and a portion may comprise synthetic matrix.
As used herein “coronavirus” may refer to a group of related viruses such as but not limited to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). All the coronaviruses cause respiratory tract infection that range from mild to lethal in mammals. Several non-limiting examples of Coronavirus strains are described herein. In some embodiments, the compositions may protect against any Sarbecoviruses including but not limited to SARS-CoV1 or SARS-CoV2.
As used herein, “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2)” is a betacoronavirus that causes Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19).
A “subject” is an individual and includes, but is not limited to, a mammal (e.g., a human, horse, pig, rabbit, dog, sheep, goat, non-human primate, cow, cat, guinea pig, or rodent), a fish, a bird, a reptile or an amphibian. The term does not denote a particular age or sex. Thus, adult and newborn subjects, as well as fetuses, whether male or female, are intended to be included. A “patient” is a subject afflicted with a disease or disorder. The term “patient” includes human and veterinary subjects.
The terms “administering*, and “administration” refer to methods of providing a pharmaceutical preparation to a subject. Such methods are well known to those skilled in the art and include, but are not limited to, administering the compositions orally, parenterally (e.g., intravenously and subcutaneously), by intramuscular injection, by intraperitoneal injection, intrathecally, transdermally, extracorporeally, topically or the like.
A composition can also be administered by topical intranasal administration (intranasally) or administration by inhalant. As used herein, “topical intranasal administration” means delivery of the compositions into the nose and nasal passages through one or both of the nares and can comprise delivery by a spraying mechanism (device) or droplet mechanism (device), or through aerosolization of the composition. Administration of the compositions by inhalant can be through the nose or mouth via delivery by a spraying or droplet mechanism. As used herein. “an inhaler” can be a spraying device or a droplet device for delivering a composition comprising the vaccine composition, in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, to the nasal passages and the upper and/or lower respiratory tracts of a subject. Delivery can also be directly to any area of the respiratory system (e.g., lungs) via intratracheal intubation. The exact amount of the compositions required will vary from subject to subject, depending on the species, age, weight and general condition of the subject, the severity of the disorder being treated, the particular composition used, its mode of administration and the like. Thus, it is not possible to specify an exact amount for every composition. However, an appropriate amount can be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art using only routine experimentation given the teachings herein.
A composition can also be administered by buccal delivery or by sublingual delivery. As used herein “buccal delivery” may refer to a method of administration in which the compound is delivered through the mucosal membranes lining the cheeks. In some embodiment, for a buccal delivery the vaccine composition is placed between the gum and the cheek of a patient. As used herein “sublingual delivery” may refer to a method of administration in which the compound is delivered through the mucosal membrane under the tongue. In some embodiments, for a sublingual delivery the vaccine composition is administered under the tongue of a patient.
Parenteral administration of the composition, if used, is generally characterized by injection. Injectables can be prepared in conventional forms, either as liquid solutions or suspensions, solid forms suitable for solution of suspension in liquid prior to injection, or as emulsions. A more recently revised approach for parenteral administration involves use of a slow release or sustained release system such that a constant dosage is maintained. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,610,795, which is incorporated by reference herein.
Before the present compounds, compositions, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to specific synthetic methods or to specific compositions, as such may, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting Embodiments of the present invention can be freely combined with each other if they are not mutually exclusive.
The present invention features preemptive multi-epitope pan-Coronavirus vaccines, methods of use, and methods of producing said vaccines, methods of preventing coronavirus infections, etc. The present invention also provides methods of testing said vaccines, e.g., using particular animal models and clinical trials. The vaccine compositions herein can induce efficient and powerful protection against the coronavirus disease or infection, e.g., by inducing the production of antibodies (Abs), CD4+ T helper (Th1) cells, and CD+8 cytotoxic T-cells (CTL).
The vaccine compositions, e.g., the antigens, herein feature multiple epitopes, which helps provide multiple opportunities for the body to develop an immune response for preventing an infection.
In certain embodiments, the epitopes are conserved epitopes, e.g., epitopes that are highly conserved among human coronaviruses and/or animal coronaviruses (e.g., coronaviruses isolated from animals susceptible to coronavirus infections). The vaccines herein may be designed to be effective against past, current, and future coronavirus outbreaks.
The present invention describes the identification of conserved B cell, CD4+ T cell, and CD8+ T cell epitopes. For example,
Coronaviruses used for determining conserved epitopes may include human SARS-CoVs as well as animal CoVs (e.g., bats, pangolins, civet cats, minks, camels, etc.) as described herein. As an example,
Additionally, other coronaviruses may be used for determining conserved epitopes (including human SARS-CoVs as well as animal CoVs (e.g., bats, pangolins, civet cats, minks, camels, etc.)) that meet the criteria to be classified as “variants of concern” or “variants of interest.” Coronavirus variants that appear to meet one or more of the undermentioned criteria may be labeled “variants of interest” or “variants under investigation” pending verification and validation of these properties. In some embodiments, the criteria may include increased transmissibility, increased morbidity, increased mortality, increased risk of “long COVID”, ability to evade detection by diagnostic tests, decreased susceptibility to antiviral drugs (if and when such drugs are available), decreased susceptibility to neutralizing antibodies, either therapeutic (e.g., convalescent plasma or monoclonal antibodies) or in laboratory experiments, ability to evade natural immunity (e.g., causing reinfections), ability to infect vaccinated individuals, Increased risk of particular conditions such as multisystem inflammatory syndrome or long-haul COVID or Increased affinity for particular demographic or clinical groups, such as children or immunocompromised individuals. Once validated, variants of interest are renamed “variant of concern” by monitoring organizations, such as the CDC.
The conserved epitopes may be derived from structural (e.g., spike glycoprotein, envelope protein, membrane protein, nucleoprotein) or non-structural proteins of the coronaviruses (e.g., any of the 16 NSPs encoded by ORF1a/b).
In some embodiments, the target epitopes are each highly conserved among one or a combination of: SARS-CoV-2 human strains, SL-CoVs isolated from bats, SL-CoVs isolated from pangolin, SL-CoVs isolated from civet cats, and MERS strains isolated from camels. For example, in certain embodiments, the target epitopes are each highly conserved among one or a combination of: at least 50,000 SARS-CoV-2 human strains, five SL-CoVs isolated from bats, five SL-CoVs isolated from pangolin, three SL-CoVs isolated from civet cats, and four MERS strains isolated from camels. In certain embodiments, the target epitopes are each highly conserved among one or a combination of: at least 80,000 SARS-CoV-2 human strains, five SL-CoVs isolated from bats, five SL-CoVs isolated from pangolin, three SL-CoVs isolated from civet cats, and four MERS strains isolated from camels. In certain embodiments, the target epitopes are each highly conserved among one or a combination of: at least 50,000 SARS-CoV-2 human strains in circulation during the COVI-19 pandemic, at least one CoV that caused a previous human outbreak, five SL-CoVs isolated from bats, five SL-CoVs isolated from pangolin, three SL-CoVs isolated from civet cats, and four MERS strains isolated from camels. In certain embodiments, the target epitopes are each highly conserved among at least 1 SARS-CoV-2 human strain in current circulation, at least one CoV that has caused a previous human outbreak, at least one SL-CoV isolated from bats, at least one SL-CoV isolated from pangolin, at least one SL-CoV isolated from civet cats, and at least one MERS strain isolated from camels. In certain embodiments, the target epitopes are each highly conserved among at least 1,000 SARS-CoV-2 human strains in current circulation, at least two CoVs that has caused a previous human outbreak, at least two SL-CoVs isolated from bats, at least two SL-CoVs isolated from pangolin, at least two SL-CoVs isolated from civet cats, and at least two MERS strains isolated from camels. In certain embodiments, the target epitopes are each highly conserved among one or a combination of: at least one SARS-CoV-2 human strain in current circulation, at least one CoV that has caused a previous human outbreak, at least one SL-CoV isolated from bats, at least one SL-CoV isolated from pangolin, at least one SL-CoV isolated from civet cats, and at least one MERS strain isolated from camels. The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned coronavirus strains that may be used to identify conserved epitopes.
In certain embodiments, one or more of the conserved epitopes are derived from one or more SARS-CoV-2 human strains or variants in current circulation; one or more coronaviruses that has caused a previous human outbreak; one or more coronaviruses isolated from animals selected from a group consisting of bats, pangolins, civet cats, minks, camels, and other animal receptive to coronaviruses; and/or one or more coronaviruses that cause the common cold. SARS-CoV-2 human strains and variants in current circulation may include the original SARS-CoV-2 strain (SARS-CoV-2 isolate Wuhan-Hu-1), and several variants of SARS-CoV-2 including but not limited to Spain variant B.1.177; Australia variant B.1.160, England variant B.1.1.7; South Africa variant B.1.351; Brazil variant P.1; California variant B.1.427/B 1.429; Scotland variant B.1.258; Belgium/Netherlands variant B.1.221: Norway/France variant B.1.367; Norway/Denmark.UK variant B.1.1.277: Sweden variant B.1.1.302; North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia variant B.1.525; a New York variant B.1.526; variant B.1.525; variant B.1.526, variant S:677H; variant S:677P; B.1.617.2-Delta, variant B.1.1.529-Omicron (BA.1); sub-variant Omicron (BA.1); sub-variant Omicron (BA.2); sub-variant Omicron (BA.3); sub-variant Omicron (BA.4); sub-variant Omicron (BA.5). The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned variants of SARS-CoV-2 and encompasses variants identified in the future. The one or more coronaviruses that cause the common cold may include but are not limited to strains 229E (alpha coronavirus), NL63 (alpha coronavirus), OC43 (beta coronavirus), HKU1 (beta coronavirus).
As used herein, the term “conserved” refers to an epitope that is among the most highly conserved epitopes identified in a sequence alignment and analysis for its particular epitopes type (e.g., B cell, CD4 T cell, CD8 T cell). For example, the conserved epitopes may be the 5 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 10 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 15 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 20 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 25 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 30 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 40 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 50 most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 50% most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 60% most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 70% most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 80% most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 90% most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 95% most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes may be the 99% most highly conserved epitopes identified (for the particular type of epitope). The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned thresholds.
In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell target epitopes; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes. In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell target epitopes and one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes. In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell target epitopes and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes. In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ target epitopes and one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes. In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ target epitopes. In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ target epitopes. In some embodiments, the composition comprises one or more conserved coronavirus B cell target epitopes
As will be discussed herein, in certain embodiments, the composition comprises whole spike protein, one or more coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and one or more coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises at least a portion of the spike protein (e.g., wherein the portion comprises a trimerized SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD)), one or more coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and one or more coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes.
In certain embodiments, the composition comprises one or more coronavirus B cell target epitopes, one or more coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes; and one or more coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes. For example, in certain embodiments, the composition comprises 4 B cell target epitopes, 15 CD8+ T cell target epitopes, and 6 CD4+ T cell target epitopes. The present invention is not limited to said combination of epitopes.
In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 1-10 B cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 2-10 B cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 2-15 B cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 2-20 B cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 2-30 B cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 2-15 B cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 2-5 B cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 5-10 B cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 5-15 B cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 5-20 B cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 5-25 B cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 5-30 B cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 10-20 B cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 10-30 B cell target epitopes.
In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 1-10 CD8+ T cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 2-10 CD8+ T cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 2-15 CD8+ T cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 2-20 CD8+ T cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 2-30 CD8+ T cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 2-15 CD8+ T cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 2-5 CD8+ T cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 5-10 CD8+ T cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 5-15 CD8+ T cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 5-20 CD8+ T cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 5-25 CD8+ T cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 5-30 CD8+ T cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 10-20 CD8+ T cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 10-30 CD8+ T cell target epitopes.
In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 1-10 CD4+ T cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 2-10 CD4+ T cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 2-15 CD4+ T cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 2-20 CD4+ T cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 2-30 CD4+ T cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 2-15 CD4+ T cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 2-5 CD4+ T cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 5-10 CD4+ T cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 5-15 CD4+ T cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 5-20 CD4+ T cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 5-25 CD4+ T cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 5-30 CD4+ T cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 10-20 CD4+ T cell target epitopes. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises 10-30 CD4+ T cell target epitopes.
Table 1 below further describes various non-limiting combinations of numbers of CD4+ T cell target epitopes, CD8+ T cell target epitopes, and B cell target epitopes. The present invention is not limited to the examples described herein.
The epitopes may be each separated by a linker. In certain embodiments, the linker allows for an enzyme to cleave between the target epitopes. The present invention is not limited to particular linkers or particular lengths of linkers. As an example, in certain embodiments, one or more epitopes may be separated by a linker 2 amino acids in length. In certain embodiments, one or more epitopes may be separated by a linker 3 amino acids in length. In certain embodiments, one or more epitopes may be separated by a linker 4 amino acids in length. In certain embodiments, one or more epitopes may be separated by a linker 5 amino acids in length. In certain embodiments, one or more epitopes may be separated by a linker 6 amino acids in length. In certain embodiments, one or more epitopes may be separated by a linker 7 amino acids in length. In certain embodiments, one or more epitopes may be separated by a linker 8 amino acids in length. In certain embodiments, one or more epitopes may be separated by a linker 9 amino acids in length. In certain embodiments, one or more epitopes may be separated by a linker 10 amino acids in length In certain embodiments, one or more epitopes may be separated by a linker from 2 to 10 amino acids in length.
Linkers are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Non-limiting examples of linkers include AAY, KK, and GPGPG. For example, in certain embodiments, one or more CD8+ T cell epitopes are separated by AAY. In some embodiments, one or more CD4+ T cell epitopes are separated by GPGPG. In certain embodiments, one or more B cell epitopes are separated by KK. In certain embodiments, KK is a linker between a CD4+ T cell epitope and a B cell epitope. In certain embodiments, KK is a linker between a CD8+ T cell epitope and a B cell epitope. In certain embodiments, KK is a linker between a CD8+ T cell epitope and a CD4+ T cell epitope. In certain embodiments, AAY is a linker between a CD4 T cell epitope and a B cell epitope. In certain embodiments, AAY is a linker between a CD8+ T cell epitope and a B cell epitope. In certain embodiments, AAY is a linker between a CD8+ T cell epitope and a CD4+ T cell epitope. In certain embodiments, GPGPG is a linker between a CD4+ T cell epitope and a B cell epitope. In certain embodiments, GPGPG is a linker between a CD8+ T cell epitope and a B cell epitope. In certain embodiments, GPGPG is a linker between a CD8+ T cell epitope and a CD4 T cell epitope.
The target epitopes may be derived from structural proteins, non-structural proteins, or a combination thereof. For example, structural proteins may include spike proteins (S), envelope proteins (E), membrane proteins (M), or nucleoproteins (N).
In some embodiments, the target epitopes are derived from at least one SARS-CoV-2 protein. The SARS-CoV-2 proteins may include ORF1ab protein. Spike glycoprotein, ORF3a protein, Envelope protein, Membrane glycoprotein, ORF6 protein, ORF7a protein, ORF7b protein, ORF8 protein, Nucleocapsid protein, and ORF10 protein. The ORF1ab protein provides nonstructural proteins (Nsp) such as Nsp1, Nsp2, Nsp3 (Papain-like protease), Nsp4, Nsp5 (3C-like protease), Nsp6, Nsp7, Nsp8, Nsp9, Nsp10, Nsp11, Nsp12 (RNA polymerase), Nsp13 (5′ RNA triphosphatase enzyme), Nsp14 (guanosineN7-methyltransferase), Nsp15 (endoribonuclease), and Nsp16 (2′-O-ribose-methyltransferase).
The SARS-CoV-2 has a genome length of 29,903 or more base pairs (bps) ssRNA (SEQ ID NO: 1). Generally, the region between 266-21555 bps codes for ORF1ab polypeptide; the region between 21563-25384 bps codes for one of the structural proteins (spike protein or surface glycoprotein); the region between 25393-26220 bps codes for the ORF3a gene; the region between 26245-26472 bps codes for the envelope protein; the region between 26523-27191 codes for the membrane glycoprotein (or membrane protein); the region between 27202-27387 bps codes for the ORF6 gene; the region between 27394-27759 bps codes for the ORF7a gene; the region between 27894-28259 bps codes for the ORF8 gene; the region between 28274-29533 bps codes for the nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (or the nucleocapsid protein); and the region between 29558-29674 bps codes for the ORF10 gene.
The one or more CD8+ T cell target epitopes may be derived from a protein selected from: spike glycoprotein. Envelope protein, ORF1ab protein, ORF7a protein, ORF8a protein, ORF10 protein, or a combination thereof. The one or more CD4+ T cell target epitopes may be derived from a protein selected from: spike glycoprotein, Envelope protein, Membrane protein, Nucleocapsid protein, ORF1a protein. ORF1ab protein, ORF6 protein, ORF7a protein, ORF7b protein, ORF8 protein, or a combination thereof. The one or more B cell target epitopes may be derived from wherein the spike protein or portion thereof.
The conserved epitopes may be restricted to human HLA class 1 and 2 haplotypes. In some embodiments, the conserved epitopes are restricted to cat and dog MHC class 1 and 2 haplotypes.
For any of the embodiments herein, the epitopes that are selected may be those that achieve a particular score in a binding assay (for binding to an HLA molecule, for example.) For example, in some embodiments, the epitopes selected have an IC50 score of 250 or less in an ELISA binding assay (e.g., an ELISA binding assay specific for HLA-DR/peptide combination, HLA-A*0201/peptide combination, etc), or the equivalent of the IC50 score of 250 or less in a different binding assay. Binding assays are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
Examples of methods for identifying potential CD8+ T cell epitopes and screening conservancy of potential CD8+ T cell epitopes are described herein. The present invention is not limited to the particular software systems disclosed, and other software systems are accessible to one of ordinary skill in the art for such methods. The present invention is not limited to the specific haplotypes used herein. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art may select alternative molecules (e.g., HLA molecules) for molecular docking studies.
From the analysis, 27 CD8+ T cell epitopes were selected as being highly conserved.
The CD8+ T cell target epitopes discussed above include S2-10, S1220-1228, S1000-1008, S958-966, E20-28, ORF1ab1675-1683, ORF1ab2363-2371, ORF1ab3013-3021, ORF1ab3183-3191, ORF1ab5470-5478, ORF1ab6749-6757, ORF7b26-34, ORF8a73-81, ORF103-11, and ORF105-13
The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned CD8* T cell epitopes. For example, the present invention also includes variants of the aforementioned CD8+ T cell epitopes, for example sequences wherein the aforementioned CD8+ T cell epitopes are truncated by one amino acid (examples shown below in Table 3).
The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned CD8+ T cell epitopes.
Examples of methods for identifying potential CD4+ T cell epitopes and screening conservancy of potential CD4+ T cell epitopes are described herein. The present invention is not limited to the particular software systems disclosed, and other software systems are accessible to one of ordinary skill in the art for such methods. The present invention is not limited to the specific haplotypes used herein. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art may select alternative molecules (e.g., HLA molecules) for molecular docking studies.
From the analysis, 16 CD4+ T cell epitopes were selected as being highly conserved.
The CD4+ T cell target epitopes discussed above include ORF1a1350-1365, ORF1ab5019-5033. ORF612-26, ORF1ab6088-6102, ORF1ab6420-6434, ORF1a1801-1815, S1-13, E26-40, E20-34, M176-190, N388-403, ORF7a3-17, ORF7a1-15, ORF7b8-22, ORF7a98-112, and ORF81-15.
The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned CD4* T cell epitopes. For example, the present invention also includes variants of the aforementioned CD4+ T cell epitopes, for example sequences wherein the aforementioned CD4+ T cell epitopes are truncated by one or more amino acids or extended by one or more amino acids (examples shown below in Table 5).
The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned CD4+ T cell epitopes.
Examples of methods for identifying potential B cell epitopes and screening conservancy of potential B cell epitopes are described herein. The present invention is not limited to the particular software systems disclosed, and other software systems are accessible to one of ordinary skill in the art for such methods.
From the analysis, 22 B cell epitopes were selected as being highly conserved.
The B cell target epitopes discussed above include S287-317, S524-598, S601-640, S802-819, S888-909, S369-393, S440-501, S1133-1172, S329-363, S59-81, and S13-37.
The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned B cell epitopes. For example, the present invention also includes variants of the aforementioned B cell epitopes, for example sequences wherein the aforementioned B cell epitopes are truncated by one or more amino acids or extended by one or more amino acids (examples shown below in Table 7).
As previously discussed, in some embodiments, the B cell epitope is in the form of whole spike protein. In some embodiments, the B cell epitope is in the form of a portion of spike protein. In some embodiments, the transmembrane anchor of wherein the spike protein or portion thereof has an intact S1-S2 cleavage site. In some embodiments, wherein the spike protein or portion thereof is in its stabilized conformation. In some embodiments, the spike protein or portion thereof is stabilized with proline substitutions at amino acid positions 986 and 987 at the top of the central helix in the S2 subunit. In some embodiments, the composition comprises a trimerized SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD). In some embodiments, the trimerized SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) sequence is modified by the addition of a T4 fibritin-derived foldon trimerization domain. In some embodiments, the addition of a T4 fibritin-derived foldon trimerization domain increases immunogenicity by multivalent display.
In some embodiments, wherein the spike protein or portion thereof comprises Tyr-489 and Asn-487 (e.g., Tyr-489 and Asn-487 help with interaction with Tyr 83 and Gln-24 on ACE-2). In some embodiments, wherein the spike protein or portion thereof comprises Gin-493 (e.g., Gln-493 helps with interaction with Glu-35 and Lys-31 on ACE-2). In some embodiments, wherein the spike protein or portion thereof comprises Tyr-505 (e.g., Tyr-505 helps with interaction with Glu-37 and Arg-393 on ACE-2). In some embodiments, the composition comprises a mutation 682-RRAR-685 → 682-QQAQ-685 in the S1-S2 cleavage site.
In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least one proline substitution. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least two proline substitutions. For example, the proline substitution may be at position K986 and V987.
As previously discussed, in some embodiments, the composition comprises spike protein or portion thereof. Non-limiting examples of spike proteins are listed in Table 8.
As previously discussed, the present invention provides vaccine compositions comprising: at least one B cell epitope and at least one CD4+ T cell epitope, at least one B cell epitope and at least one CD8+ T cell epitope, at least one CD4+ T cell epitope and at least one CD8+ T cell epitope, or at least one B cell epitope, at least one CD4+ T cell epitope, and at least one CD8+ T cell epitope.
In certain embodiments, at least one epitope is derived from a non-spike protein. In certain embodiments, the composition induces immunity to only the epitopes.
Table 9 and
The vaccine compositions described herein protects against disease caused by one or more coronavirus variants or coronavirus subvariants. In some embodiments, the coronavirus variants or coronavirus subvariants comprise past or currently circulating coronavirus variants or coronavirus subvariants including but not limited to alpha, beta, gamma, delta, and omicron. In other embodiments, the coronavirus variants or coronavirus subvariants comprise future variants or future subvariants of human and animal coronavirus.
The vaccine compositions described herein may also protect against infection and reinfection of coronavirus variants or coronavirus subvariants. In some embodiments, the coronavirus variants or coronavirus subvariants comprise past or currently circulating coronavirus variants or coronavirus subvariants including but not limited to alpha, beta, gamma, delta, and omicron. In other embodiments, the coronavirus variants or coronavirus subvariants comprise future variants or future subvariants of human and animal coronavirus.
The vaccine compositions described herein protects against infection or reinfection of one or more coronavirus variant or coronavirus subvariant. In some embodiments, the vaccine composition described herein against infection or reinfection of multiple coronavirus variants or coronavirus subvariants. In other embodiments, the vaccine composition described herein composition protects against infection or re-infection caused by one coronavirus variants or coronavirus subvariants.
In some embodiments, the vaccine composition induces strong and long-lasting protection mediated by antibodies (Abs), CD4+ T helper (Th1) cells, and/or CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells (CTL).
In certain embodiments, the vaccine composition comprises a molecular adjuvant and/or one or more T Cell enhancement compositions (see
In some embodiments, the vaccine composition comprises a T cell attracting chemokine The T cell attracting chemokine helps pull the T cells from the circulation to the appropriate tissues, e.g., the lungs, heart, kidney, and brain. Non-limiting examples of T cell attracting chemokines include CCL5, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, CCL25, CCL28, CXCL14, CXCL17, or a combination thereof.
In some embodiments, the vaccine composition comprises a composition that promotes T cell proliferation. Non-limiting examples of compositions that promote T cell proliferation include IL-7, IL-15, IL-2, or a combination thereof.
In some embodiments, the vaccine composition comprises a composition that promotes T cell homing in the lungs. Non-limiting examples of compositions that promote T cell homing include CCL25, CCL28, CXCL14, CXCL17 or a combination thereof.
Table 10 shows non-limiting examples of T-cell enhancements that may be used to create a vaccine composition described herein.
In some embodiments, the T-cell enhancement compositions described herein (e.g. CXCL9, CXCL10, IL-7, IL-2) may be integrated into a separate delivery system from the vaccine compositions. In other embodiments, the T-cell enhancement compositions described herein (e.g. CXCL9, CXCL10, IL-7, IL-2) may be integrated into the same delivery system as the vaccine compositions.
In certain embodiments, the composition comprises a tag. For example, in some embodiments, the composition comprises a His tag. The present invention is not limited to a His tag and includes other tags such as those known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such as a fluorescent tag (e.g., GFP, YFP, etc.), etc.
The present invention also features vaccine compositions in the form of an antigen delivery system. Any appropriate antigen delivery system may be considered for delivery of the antigens described herein. The present invention is not limited to the antigen delivery systems described herein.
In certain embodiments, the antigen delivery system is for targeted delivery of the vaccine composition, e.g., for targeting to the tissues of the body where the virus replicates.
In certain embodiments, the antigen delivery system comprises an adeno-associated virus vector-based antigen delivery system, such as but not limited to the adeno-associated virus vector type 9 (AAV9 serotype), AAV type 8 (AAV8 serotype), etc. (see, for example,
The present invention is not limited to adeno-associated virus vector-based antigen delivery systems. Examples of other antigen delivery systems include adenoviruses such as but not limited to Ad5, Ad26, Ad35, etc., as well as carriers such as lipid nanoparticles, polymers, peptides, etc. In other embodiments, the antigen delivery system comprises a vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) vector.
In the antigen delivery system, the antigen or antigens (e.g., epitopes) are operatively linked to a promoter. In certain embodiments, the antigen or antigens (e.g., epitopes) are operatively linked to a generic promoter. For example, in certain embodiments, the antigen or antigens (e.g., epitopes) are operatively linked to a CMV promoter. In certain embodiments, the antigen or antigens (e.g., epitopes) are operatively linked to a CAG, EFIA, EFS, CBh, SFFV, MSCV, mPGK, hPGK, SV40, UBC, or other appropriate promoter.
In some embodiments, the antigen or antigens (e.g., epitopes) are operatively linked to a tissue-specific promoter (e.g., a lung-specific promoter). For example, the antigen or antigens (e.g, epitopes) may be operatively linked to a SpB promoter or a CD144 promoter.
As discussed, in certain embodiments, the vaccine composition comprises a molecular adjuvant. In certain embodiments, the molecular adjuvant is operatively linked to a generic promoter, e.g., as described above. In certain embodiments, the molecular adjuvant is operatively linked to a tissue-specific promoter, e.g., a lung-specific promoter, e.g., SpB or CD144 (see
As discussed, in certain embodiments, the vaccine composition comprises a T cell attracting chemokine. In certain embodiments, the T cell attracting chemokine is operatively linked to a generic promoter, e.g., as described above. In certain embodiments, the T cell attracting chemokine is operatively linked to a tissue-specific promoter, e.g., a lung-specific promoter, e.g., SpB or CD144 (eg, see
As discussed, in certain embodiments, the vaccine composition comprises a composition for promoting T cell proliferation. In certain embodiments, the composition for promoting T cell proliferation is operatively linked to a generic promoter, e.g., as described above. In certain embodiments, the composition for promoting T cell proliferation is operatively linked to a tissue-specific promoter, e.g., a lung-specific promoter, e.g., SpB or CD144 (e.g., see
Table 11 shows non-limiting examples of promoters that may be used to create a vaccine composition described herein.
In certain embodiments, the T cell attracting chemokine and the composition that promotes T cell proliferation are driven by the same promoter (e.g., the T cell attracting chemokine and the composition that promotes T cell proliferation are synthesized as a peptide). In certain embodiments, the T cell attracting chemokine and the composition that promotes T cell proliferation are driven by different promoters. In certain embodiments, the antigen, the T cell attracting chemokine, and the composition that promotes T cell proliferation are driven by the same promoter. In certain embodiments, the antigen or antigens, the T cell attracting chemokine, and the composition that promotes T cell proliferation are driven by the different promoters. In certain embodiments, the T cell attracting chemokine and the composition that promotes T cell proliferation are driven by the same promoter, and the antigen or antigens are driven by a different promoter.
In some embodiments, the antigen delivery system comprises one or more linkers between the T cell attracting chemokine and the composition that promotes T cell proliferation. In certain embodiments, linkers are used between one or more of the epitopes. The linkers may allow for cleavage of the separate molecules (e.g.,. chemokine). For example, in some embodiments, a linker is positioned between IL-7 (or IL-2) and CCL5, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, CCL25, CCL28, CXCL14, CXCL17, etc. In some embodiments, a linker is positioned between IL-15 (or IL-2) and CCL5, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, CCL25, CCL28, CXCL14, CXCL17, etc. In some embodiments, a linker is positioned between the antigen and another composition, e.g., IL-15, IL-7, IL-2, CCL5, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, CCL25, CCL28, CXCL14, CXCL17, etc. A non-limiting example of a linker is T2A, E2A, P2A (see Table 12), or the like (e.g., see
The present invention includes mRNA sequences encoding any of the vaccine compositions or portions thereof herein. The present invention also includes modified mRNA sequences encoding any of the vaccine compositions or portions thereof herein. The present invention also includes DNA sequence encoding any of the vaccine compositions or portions thereof herein.
In certain embodiments, nucleic acids of a vaccine composition herein are chemically modified. In some embodiments, the nucleic acids of a vaccine composition therein are unmodified In some embodiments, all or a portion of the uracil in the open reading frame has a chemical modification. In some embodiments, a chemical modification is in the 5-position of the uracil. In some embodiments, a chemical modification is a N1-methyl pseudouridine. In some embodiments, all or a portion of the uracil in the open reading frame has a N1-methyl pseudouridine in the 5-position of the uracil.
In certain embodiments, an open reading frame of a vaccine composition herein encodes one antigen or epitopes. In some embodiments, an open reading frame of a vaccine composition herein encodes two or more antigens or epitopes. In some embodiments, an open reading frame of a vaccine composition herein encodes five or more antigens or epitopes. In some embodiments, an open reading frame of a vaccine composition herein encodes ten or more antigens or epitopes. In some embodiments, an open reading frame of a vaccine composition herein encodes 50 or more antigens or epitopes.
The target epitopes of the compositions described may be arranged in various configurations (see, for example,
In some embodiments, the target epitopes may be arranged such that one or more pairs of CD4+-CD8+ T cell epitopes are followed by one or more pairs of CD4+ T cell -B cell epitopes. In other embodiments, the target epitopes may be arranged such that CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, and B cell epitopes are repeated one or more times.
In other embodiments, the target epitopes may be arranged such that one or more CD4+ T cell epitopes are followed by one or more CD8+ T cell epitopes. In embodiments, the target epitopes may be arranged such that one or more CD8+ T cell epitopes are followed by one or more CD4+ T cell epitopes. In some embodiments, the target epitopes may be arranged such that one or more CD4+ T cell epitopes are followed by one or more B cell target epitopes. In some embodiments, the target epitopes may be arranged such that one or more CD8+ T cell epitopes are followed by one or more B cell target epitopes. In other embodiments, the target epitopes may be arranged such that one or more B cell epitopes are followed by one or more CD4+ T cell target epitopes. In some embodiments, the target epitopes may be arranged such that one or more B cell epitopes are followed by one or more CD8+ T cell target epitopes.
Likewise, the other components of the vaccine composition may be arranged in various configurations. For example, in certain embodiments, the T cell attracting chemokine is followed by the composition for promoting T cell proliferation. In certain embodiments, the composition for promoting T cell proliferation is followed by the T cell attracting chemokine.
The present invention also features methods for designing and/or producing a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus composition Briefly, the method may comprise determining target epitopes, selecting desired target epitopes (e.g, two or more, etc.), and synthesizing an antigen comprising the selected target epitopes. The method may comprise determining target epitopes, selecting desired target epitopes, and synthesizing a nucleotide composition (e.g., DNA, modified DNA, mRNA, modified mRNA, antigen delivery system, etc.) encoding the antigen comprising the selected target epitopes. In some embodiments, the method further comprises creating a vaccine composition comprising the antigen, nucleotide compositions, and/or antigen delivery system and a pharmaceutical carrier.
The methods herein may also include the steps of designing the antigen delivery system. For example, the methods may comprise inserting molecular adjuvants, chemokines, linkers, tags, etc. into the antigen delivery system. In some embodiments, one or more components is inserted into a different antigen delivery system from the antigen or antigens (e.g., the epitopes). For example, the present invention provides embodiments wherein the antigen or antigens (e.g., the epitopes) are within a first antigen delivery system and one or more additional components (e.g., chemokine, etc.) are within a second delivery system. In some embodiments, the antigen or antigens (e.g., the epitopes) and one or more additional components are within a first delivery system, and one or more additional components are within a second delivery system. In some embodiments, the antigen or antigens (e.g., the epitopes) and one or more additional components are within a first delivery system, and the antigen or antigens (e.g., the epitopes) and one or more additional components are within a second delivery system.
In some embodiments, the method comprises determining target epitopes from at least two of the following 1. coronavirus B-cell epitopes, 2. coronavirus CD4+ T cell epitopes, and/or 3. coronavirus CD8+ T cell epitopes. In some embodiments, each of the target epitopes are conserved epitopes, e.g., as described herein. For example, the target epitopes may be conserved among two or a combination of: at least one SARS-CoV-2 human strains in current circulation, at least one coronavirus that has caused a previous human outbreak, at least one coronavirus isolated from bats, at least one coronavirus isolated from pangolin, at least one coronavirus isolated from civet cats, at least one coronavirus strain isolated from mink, and at least one coronavirus strain isolated from camels or any other animal that is receptive to coronavirus. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least two of the following: one or more coronavirus B-cell target epitopes, one or more coronavirus CD4+ T cell target epitopes, and/or one or more coronavirus CD8+ T cell target epitopes.
In certain embodiments, the method comprises selecting at least one epitope from at least two of: one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell epitopes; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell epitopes; and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell epitopes; and synthesizing an antigen comprising the selected epitopes. In certain embodiments, the method comprises selecting at least one epitope from at least two of: one or more conserved coronavirus B-cell epitopes; one or more conserved coronavirus CD4+ T cell epitopes; and one or more conserved coronavirus CD8+ T cell epitopes; and synthesizing an antigen delivery system that encodes an antigen comprising the selected epitopes.
In some embodiments, the method comprises determining one or more conserved large sequences that are derived from coronavirus sequences (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, variants, common cold coronaviruses, previously known coronavirus strains, animal coronaviruses, etc.). The method may comprise selecting at least one large conserved sequence and synthesizing an antigen comprising the selected large conserved sequence(s). The method may comprise synthesizing a nucleotide composition (e.g., DNA, modified DNA, mRNA, modified mRNA, antigen delivery system, etc.) encoding the antigen comprising the selected large conserved sequence(s). In some embodiments, the method further comprises creating a vaccine composition comprising the antigen, nucleotide compositions, and/or antigen delivery system and a pharmaceutical carrier. In some embodiments, the large sequences comprise one or more conserved epitopes described herein, e.g., one or more conserved B-cell target epitopes and/or one or more conservedCD4+ T cell target epitopes and/or one or more conservedCD8+ T cell target epitopes.
In some embodiments, each of the large sequences are conserved among two or a combination of: at least two SARS-CoV-2 human strains in current circulation, at least one coronavirus that has caused a previous human outbreak, at least one coronavirus isolated from bats, at least one coronavirus isolated from pangolin, at least one coronavirus isolated from civet cats, at least one coronavirus strain isolated from mink, and at least one coronavirus strain isolated from camels or any other animal that is receptive to coronavirus.
As previously discussed, the compositions described herein, e.g., the epitopes, the vaccine compositions, the antigen delivery systems, the chemokines, the adjuvants, etc. may be used to prevent a coronavirus disease in a subject. In some embodiments, the compositions described herein, e.g., the epitopes, the vaccine compositions, the antigen delivery systems, the chemokines, the adjuvants, etc. may be used to prevent a coronavirus infection prophylactically in a subject. In some embodiments, the compositions described herein, e.g., the epitopes, the vaccine compositions, the antigen delivery systems, the chemokines, the adjuvants, etc. may elicit an immune response in a subject. In some embodiments, the compositions described herein, e.g., the epitopes, the vaccine compositions, the antigen delivery systems, the chemokines, the adjuvants, etc. may prolong an immune response induced by the multi-epitope pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition and increases T-cell migration to the lungs.
Methods for preventing a coronavirus disease in a subject may comprise administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition according to the present invention. In some embodiments, the composition elicits an immune response in the subject. In some embodiments, the composition induces memory B and T cells. In some embodiments, the composition induces resident memory T cells (Trm) In some embodiments, the composition prevents virus replication, e.g., in the areas where the virus normally replicates such as lungs, brain, heart, and kidney. In some embodiments, the composition prevents a cytokine storm, e.g., in the areas where the virus normally replicates such as lungs, brain, heart, and kidney. In some embodiments, the composition prevents inflammation or an inflammatory response, e.g., in the areas where the virus normally replicates such as lungs, brain, heart, and kidney. In some embodiments, the composition improves homing and retention of T cells, e.g., in the areas where the virus normally replicates such as lungs, brain, heart, and kidney.
Methods for preventing a coronavirus infection prophylactically in a subject may comprise administering to the subject a prophylactically effective amount of a multi-epitope, pan-coronavirus recombinant vaccine composition according to the present invention. In some embodiments, the composition elicits an immune response in the subject. In some embodiments, the composition induces memory B and T cells. In some embodiments, the composition induces resident memory T cells (Trm). In some embodiments, the composition prevents virus replication, e.g., in the areas where the virus normally replicates such as lungs, brain, heart, and kidney. In some embodiments, the composition prevents a cytokine storm, e.g., in the areas where the virus normally replicates such as lungs, brain, heart, and kidney. In some embodiments, the composition prevents inflammation or an inflammatory response, e.g., in the areas where the virus normally replicates such as lungs, brain, heart, and kidney. In some embodiments, the composition improves homing and retention of T cells, e.g., in the areas where the virus normally replicates such as lungs, brain, heart, and kidney.
Methods for eliciting an immune response in a subject may comprise administering to the subject a vaccine composition according to the present invention, wherein the composition elicits an immune response in the subject. In some embodiments, the composition induces memory B and T cells. In some embodiments, the composition induces resident memory T cells (Trm). In some embodiments, the composition prevents virus replication, e.g., in the areas where the virus normally replicates such as lungs, brain, heart, and kidney. In some embodiments, the composition prevents a cytokine storm, e.g., in the areas where the virus normally replicates such as lungs, brain, heart, and kidney. In some embodiments, the composition prevents inflammation or an inflammatory response, e.g., in the areas where the virus normally replicates such as lungs, brain, heart, and kidney. In some embodiments, the composition improves homing and retention of T cells, e.g., in the areas where the virus normally replicates such as lungs, brain, heart, and kidney.
Methods for prolonging an immune response induced by a vaccine composition of the present invention and increasing T cell migration to particular tissues (e.g., lung, brain, heart, kidney, etc.) may comprise co-expressing a T-cell attracting chemokine, a composition that promotes T cell proliferation, and a vaccine composition (e.g., antigen) according to the present invention.
Methods for prolonging the retention of memory T-cell into the lungs induced by a vaccine composition of the present invention and increasing virus-specific tissue resident memory T-cells (TRM cells) may comprise co-expressing a T-cell attracting chemokine, a composition that promotes T cell proliferation, and a vaccine composition (e.g., antigen) according to the present invention.
The vaccine composition may be administered through standard means, e.g., through an intravenous route (i.v.), an intranasal route (i.n.), or a sublingual route (s.l.) route.
In certain embodiments, the method comprises administering to the subject a second (e.g., booster) dose. The second dose may comprise the same vaccine composition or a different vaccine composition. Additional doses of one or more vaccine compositions may be administered.
The vaccine composition (SEQ ID NO: 139) of the present invention has been tested in pre-clinical trials using “humanized” HLA double transgenic mice (
The vaccine compositions of the present invention decrease inflammation and increase T cells lining alveoli epithelial cells. For example,
In some embodiments, the present invention features a method of delivering the vaccine to induce heterologous immunity in a subject (e.g., prime/boost, see
In some embodiments, the first delivery system or the second delivery system comprises an mRNA, a modified mRNA or a peptide vector In other embodiments, the peptide vector comprises adenovirus or an adeno-associated virus vector.
In some embodiments, the present invention features a method of delivering the vaccine to induce heterologous immunity in a subject (e.g., prime/pull, see
The present invention also features a novel “prime, pull, and boost” strategy. In other embodiments, the present invention features a method to increase the size and maintenance of lung-resident B-cells, CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells to protect against SARS-CoV-2 (
The present invention further features a novel “prime, pull, and keep” strategy (
In some embodiments, the mucosal chemokines may comprise CCL25, CCL28,CXCL14, CXCL17, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the T-cell attracting chemokines may comprise CCL5, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the cytokines may comprise IL-15, IL-7, IL-2, or a combination thereof.
In some embodiments, the efficacy (or effectiveness) of a vaccine composition herein is greater than 60%. In some embodiments, the efficacy (or effectiveness) of a vaccine composition herein is greater than 70%. In some embodiments, the efficacy (or effectiveness) of a vaccine composition herein is greater than 80%. In some embodiments, the efficacy (or effectiveness) of a vaccine composition herein is greater than 90%. In some embodiments, the efficacy (or effectiveness) of a vaccine composition herein is greater than 95%.
Vaccine efficacy may be assessed using standard analyses (see, e.g., Weinberg et al, J Infect Dis. 2010 Jun. 1; 201(11):1607-10). For example, vaccine efficacy may be measured by double-blind, randomized, clinical controlled trials. Vaccine efficacy may be expressed as a proportionate reduction in disease attack rate (AR) between the unvaccinated (ARU) and vaccinated (ARV) study cohorts and can be calculated from the relative risk (RR) of disease among the vaccinated group with use of the following formulas: Efficacy=(ARU-ARV)/ARU×100; and Efficacy=(1-RR)×100
Likewise, vaccine effectiveness may be assessed using standard analyses (see, e.g., Weinberg et al., J Infect Dis. 2010 Jun. 1; 201(11):1607-10). Vaccine effectiveness is an assessment of how a vaccine (which may have already proven to have high vaccine efficacy) reduces disease in a population. This measure can assess the net balance of benefits and adverse effects of a vaccination program, not just the vaccine itself, under natural field conditions rather than in a controlled clinical trial. Vaccine effectiveness is proportional to vaccine efficacy (potency) but is also affected by how well target groups in the population are immunized, as well as by other non-vaccine-related factors that influence the ‘real-world’ outcomes of hospitalizations, ambulatory visits, or costs. For example, a retrospective case control analysis may be used, in which the rates of vaccination among a set of infected cases and appropriate controls are compared. Vaccine effectiveness may be expressed as a rate difference, with use of the odds ratio (OR) for developing infection despite vaccination: Effectiveness=(1-OR)×100.
In some embodiments, the vaccine immunizes the subject against a coronavirus for up to 1 year. In some embodiments, the vaccine immunizes the subject against a coronavirus for up to 2 years. In some embodiments, the vaccine immunizes the subject against a coronavirus for more than 1 year, more than 2 years, more than 3 years, more than 4 years, or for 5-10 years.
In some embodiments, the subject is a young adult between the ages of about 20 years and about 50 years (e.g., about 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 or 50 years old).
In some embodiments, the subject is an elderly subject about 60 years old, about 70 years old, or older (e.g., about 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85 or 90 years old).
In some embodiments, the subject is about 5 years old or younger. For example, the subject may be between the ages of about 1 year and about 5 years (e.g., about 1, 2, 3, 5 or 5 years), or between the ages of about 6 months and about 1 year (e.g., about 6. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 months). In some embodiments, the subject is about 12 months or younger (e.g., 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 months or 1 month). In some embodiments, the subject is about 6 months or younger.
In some embodiments, the subject was bom full term (e.g., about 37-42 weeks). In some embodiments, the subject was bom prematurely, for example, at about 36 weeks of gestation or earlier (e.g., about 36, 35, 34, 33, 32, 31, 30, 29, 28, 27, 26 or 25 weeks). For example, the subject may have been bom at about 32 weeks of gestation or earlier. In some embodiments, the subject was born prematurely between about 32 weeks and about 36 weeks of gestation. In such subjects, a vaccine may be administered later in life, for example, at the age of about 6 months to about 5 years, or older.
In some embodiments, the subject is pregnant (e.g., in the first, second or third trimester) when administered a vaccine.
In some embodiments, the subject has a chronic pulmonary disease (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma) or is at risk thereof. Two forms of COPD include chronic bronchitis, which involves a long-term cough with mucus, and emphysema, which involves damage to the lungs over time. Thus, a subject administered a vaccine may have chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
In some embodiments, the subject has been exposed to a coronavirus.. In some embodiments, the subject is infected with a coronavirus. In some embodiments, the subject is at risk of infection by a coronavirus.
In some embodiments, the subject is immunocompromised (has an impaired immune system, e.g., has an immune disorder or autoimmune disorder).
In certain embodiments, the vaccine composition further comprises a pharmaceutical carrier. Pharmaceutical carriers are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, in certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical carrier is selected from the group consisting of water, an alcohol, a natural or hardened oil, a natural or hardened wax, a calcium carbonate, a sodium carbonate, a calcium phosphate, kaolin, talc, lactose and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical carrier may comprise a lipid nanoparticle, an adenovirus vector, or an adeno-associated virus vector. In some embodiments, the vaccine composition is constructed using an adeno-associated virus vectors-based antigen delivery system.
Also provided herein is vaccine of any one of the foregoing paragraphs, formulated in a nanoparticle (e.g., a lipid nanoparticle). In some embodiments, the nanoparticle has a mean diameter of 50-200 nm In some embodiments, the nanoparticle is a lipid nanoparticle. In some embodiments, the lipid nanoparticle comprises a cationic lipid, a PEG-modified lipid, a sterol and a non-cationic lipid. In some embodiments, the lipid nanoparticle comprises a molar ratio of about 20-60% cationic lipid, 0.5-15% PEG-modified lipid, 25-55% sterol, and 25% non-cationic lipid. In some embodiments, the cationic lipid is an ionizable cationic lipid, and the non-cationic lipid is a neutral lipid, and the sterol is a cholesterol. In some embodiments, the cationic lipid is selected from 2,2-dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminoethyl-[1,3]-dioxolane (DLin-KC2-DMA), dilinoleyl-methyl-4-dimethylaminobutyrate (DLin-MC3-DMA), and di((Z)-non-2-en-1-yl) 9-((4-(dimethylamino)butanoyl)oxy)heptadecanedioate (L319).
Referring now to
In some embodiments, the portion of an influenza hemagglutinin (HA) protein is highly conserved among human influenza viruses. The portion of an influenza hemagglutinin (HA) protein may be derived from one or more of: H1N1 virus strain, H3N2 virus strain, influenza B virus strains, or variants thereof.
In some embodiments, the H1N1 virus strains or variants are selected from 28566 available complete genome sequences in NCBI for hemagglutinin (HA) gene. Some of the prominent strains are: OK384178.1, OM642156.1. OM654386.1, OL840606.1, OK625377.1, OM865246.1, OM935941.1, OM642158.1, OM935953.1, MW840068.1, MW839847.1, MW839825.1, MW930730.1, MT227010.1, LC638096.1, LC638077.1, LC637999.1, and LC645067.1. In some embodiments, the H3N2 virus strains or variants are selected from 33620 available complete genome sequences in NCBI for hemagglutinin (HA) gene. Some of the prominent strains are: MZ005227.1, MW849238.1, MZ203409.1, MZ198318.1, MZ198312.1, MZ198295.1, MZ198289.1, MZ198265.1, MW789449.1, MW798370.1, MW790182.1, MW789645.1, MW789778.1, MW789685.1, MW789659.1, and MW790001.1. In some embodiments, the influenza B virus strains or variants are selected from 16596 available complete genome sequences in NCBI for hemagglutinin (HA) gene. Some of the prominent strains are: M10298.1, MT738525.1, MT808088.1, MT056751.1, MT314641.1, MT874090.1, MT242979.1, MT315665.1, MT1055640.1, MT057563.1, MT056955.1, MT243019.1, MT306916.1, MT057571.1, MT314793.1, MT343026.1, MT874109.1, MT243795.1, MT315769.1, and KX885875.1.
The following is a non-limiting example of the present invention. It is to be understood that said example is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Equivalents or substitutes are within the scope of the present invention.
Sequence comparison among SARS-CoV-2 and previous Coronavirus strains: We retrieved 81,963 human SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences from GISAID database representing countries from North America, South America, Central America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and Africa. Furthermore, the full-length sequences of SARS-CoV strains (SARS-CoV-2-Wuhan-Hu-1 (MN908947.3), SARS-CoV-Urbani (AY278741.1), HKU1-Genotype B (AY884001), CoV-OC43 (KF923903), CoV-NL63 (NC_005831), CoV-229E (KY983587)) and MERS (NC_019843)) found in the human host were obtained from the NCBI GenBank SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences from bat (RATG13 (MN996532.2), ZXC21 (MG772934.1), YN01 (EPI_ISL_412976), YN02(EPI_ISL_412977)), and pangolin (GX-P2V (MT072864.1), GX-P5E (MT040336.1), GX-P5L (MT0403351), GX-P1E (MT040334.1), GX-P4L (MT040333.1), GX-P3B (MT072865.1), MP789 (MT121216.1), Guangdong-P2S (EPI_ISL_410544)) were obtained from NCBI (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nuccore) and GSAID (www.gisaid.org). More so, the SARS-CoV strains from bat (WIV16 (KT444582.1), WIV1 (KF367457.1), YNLF_31C (KP886808.1), Rs672 (FJ588686.1), recombinant strain (FJ211859.1), camel (KT368891.1, MN514967.1, KF917527.1, NC_028752.1), and civet (Civet007, A022, B039)) were also retrieved from the NCBI GenBank. The sequences were aligned using the ClustalW algorithm in MEGA X.
Sequence conservation analysis of SARS-CoV-2: The SARS-CoV-2-Wuhan-Hu-1 (MN908947.3) protein sequence was compared with SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV specific protein sequences obtained from human, bat, pangolin, civet and camel. The Sequence Variation Analysis was performed on the consensus aligned protein sequences from each virus strain. This Sequence Homology Analysis identified consensus protein sequences from the SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV and predicted the Epitope Sequence Analysis.
First, the present invention screened for an evolutionary relationship among human SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV/MERS-CoV strains from previous outbreaks (i.e., Urbani, MERS-CoV, OC43, NL63, 229E, HKU1-genotype-B) along with 25 SARS-like Coronaviruses genome sequence (SL-CoVs) obtained from different animal species: Bats (Rhinolophus affinis and Rhinolophus malayanus), civet cats (Paguma larvata) and pangolins (Manis javanica), and MERS-CoVs from camels (Camelus dromedarius and Camelus bactrianus). These sequence alignments revealed similarity of the original human-SARS-CoV-2 strain found in Wuhan, China to four bat SL-CoV strains: hCoV-19-bat-Yunnan-RmYN02, bat-CoV-19-ZXC21, and hCoV-19-bat-Yunnan-RaTG13 obtained from the Yunnan and Zhejiang provinces of China (
Altogether, the phylogenetic analysis and genetic distance suggest that the highly contagious and deadly human-SARS-CoV-2 strain originated from bats, most likely from either the Bat-CoV-19-ZXC21 or Bat-CoV-RaTG13 strains, that spilled over into humans after further mutations and/or recombination. These mutations and/or recombination(s) possibly contributed to the rapid global expansion of the highly contagious and deadly SARS-CoV-2.
SARS-CoV-2 CD8 and CD4 T Cell Epitope Prediction: Epitope prediction was carried out using the twelve proteins predicted for the reference SARS-CoV-2 isolate, Wuhan-Hu-1. The corresponding SARS-CoV-2 protein accession identification numbers are: YP_009724389.1 (ORF1ab), YP_009725295.1 (ORF1a), YP_009724390.1 (surface glycoprotein), YP_009724391.1 (ORF3a), YP_009724392.1 (envelope protein), YP_009724393.1 (membrane glycoprotein), YP_009724394.1 (ORF6), YP_009724395.1 (ORF7a), YP_009725318.1 (ORF7b), YP_009724396.1 (ORF8), YP_009724397.2 (nucleocapsid phosphoprotein), YP_009725255.1 (ORF10). The tools used for CD8+ T cell-based epitope prediction were SYFPEITHI, MHC-I binding predictions, and Class I Immunogenicity. Of these, the latter two were hosted on the IEDB platform. For the prediction of CD4+ T cell epitopes, we used multiple databases and algorithms, namely SYFPEITHI, MHC-II Binding Predictions, Tepitool, and TEPITOPEpan. For CD8+ T cell epitope prediction, we selected the 5 most frequent HLA-A class I alleles (HLA-A*01:01, HLA-A*02:01, HLA-A*03:01, HLA-A*11:01, HLA-A*23:01) with large coverage of the world population, regardless of race and ethnicity (
Potential CD8+ T cell epitopes were first predicted from the entire genome sequence of the first SARS-CoV-2-Wuhan-Hu-1 strain (NCBI GenBank accession number MN908947.3). For this, multiple databases and algorithms were used including the SYFPEITHI, MHC-I processing predictions, MHC-I binding predictions, MHC-I immunogenicity and Immune Epitope Database (IEDB). Epitopes restricted to the five most frequent human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I alleles with large coverage in worldwide human populations, regardless of race and ethnicity (i.e., HLA-A*01:01, HLA-A*02:01, HLA-A*03:01, HLA-A*11:01. HLA-A*23:01) were focused on (
Using the aforementioned criteria, a total of 9,660 potential CD8+ T cell epitopes were originally identified derived from 12 structural proteins (surface glycoprotein, membrane glycoprotein, nucleocapsid phosphoprotein) and open-reading-frames (ORFs) of SARS-CoV-2-Wuhan-Hu-1 strain. Subsequently, this large pool of epitopes was narrowed down to 91 epitopes, that are highly conserved among: (i) over 81,000 SARS-CoV-2 strains (that currently circulate in 190 countries on 6 continents); (ii) the 4 major “common cold” Coronaviruses that caused previous outbreaks (i.e., hCoV-OC43, hCoV-229E, hCoV-HKU1 genotype B, and hCoV-NL63); and (iii) the SL-CoVs that are isolated from bats, civet cats, pangolins and camels (
Twenty-seven SARS-CoV-2 human CD8+ T cell epitopes were further identified, out of the 91 epitopes, that bound with high affinity with HLA-A*02:01 molecules, using in vitro peptide-HLA binding assay. Four epitopes were found to be very high affinity binders. The 27 epitopes with high binding affinity were later confirmed in silico using molecular docking models across 5 major HLA-A*01:01, HLA-A*02:01, HLA-A*03:01, HLA-A*1 1:01, HLA-A*23:01 haplotypes (
Altogether, these results identified 27 highly conserved potential human CD8+ T cell epitopes from the sequence of SARS-CoV-2 that are highly conserved among 81,963 SARS-CoV-2 strains, the 4 major “common cold” Coronaviruses (i.e., hCoV-OC43, hCoV-229E, hCoV-HKU1 genotype B, and hCoV-NL63), newly found highly transmissible variants and several SL-CoV strains that are isolated from bats and pangolins. These results suggest that both the structural and the non-structural proteins are immunodominant antigens that are targeted by human CD8+ T cells from both COVID-19 patients and “common cold” Coronaviruses infected healthy individuals.
Subsequently a total of 9,594 potential HLA-DR-restricted CD4+ T cell epitopes were identified from the whole genome sequence of SARS-CoV-2-Wuhan-Hu-1 strain (MN908947.3) using multiple databases and algorithms including the SYFPEITHI, MHC-II Binding Predictions, Tepitool and TEPITOPEpan). These potential promiscuous CD4+ T cell epitopes were screened in silico against the five most frequent HLA-DR alleles with large coverage in the human population, regardless of race or ethnicity: HLA-DRB1*01:01, HLA-DRB1*11:01, HLA-DRB1*15:01, HLA-DRB1*03:01, HLA-DRB1*04:01. The number of potential CD4+ T cell epitopes was later narrowed down to 16 epitopes based on: (i) the epitope sequences that are highly conserved among 81,963 SARS-CoV-2 strains, the 4 major “common cold” and 25 SL-CoV strains isolated from bats, civet cats, pangolins and camels (
The 16 highly conserved CD4+ T cell epitopes are distributed within 9 out of the 12 structural and non-structural ORFs (i.e., ORF1ab, S, E, M, ORF6, ORF7a, ORF7b, ORF8 and N). The highest numbers of epitopes were localized in the replicase polyprotein ORF1ab/1a (5 epitopes) followed by ORF7a (3 epitopes). Unlike the human CD8* T cell epitopes, the human CD4+ T cell epitopes are found to be expressed in each of the structural S, E, M. and N proteins. Two epitopes are from the envelope protein (E), 1 epitope from the membrane protein (M), 1 epitope from the nucleoprotein (N) protein, and 1 epitope from the spike protein (S). The remaining CD4+ T cell epitopes are distributed among the ORF6, ORF7a, ORF7b and ORF8 proteins.
Altogether, these results identified 16 potential CD4+ T cell epitopes from the whole sequence of SARS-CoV-2 that cross-react and have high sequence similarity among 81,963 SARS-CoV-2 strains, the main 4 major “common cold” Coronaviruses and the SL-CoV strains isolated from bats and pangolins. Similar to CD8+ T cell epitopes, the replicase polyprotein ORF1ab appeared to be the most immunodominant antigen with a high number of conserved epitopes that may possibly be targeted by human CD4+ T cells.
Human study population: Sixty-three COVID-19 patients and ten unexposed healthy individuals, who had never been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 patients, were enrolled in this study. Seventy-eight percent were non-White (African, Asian, Hispanic and others) and 22% were white. Forty-four percent were females, and 56% were males with an age range of 26-95 (median 62). None of the symptomatic patients were on antiviral or anti-inflammatory drug treatments at the time of blood sample collections. The COVID-19 patients (n = 63) were divided into 4 groups depending on the severity of the symptoms: Group 1 that comprised of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients that never developed any symptoms or any viral diseases (i.e., asymptomatic patients) (n = 11); Group 2 with mild symptoms (i.e., Inpatient only, n = 32); Group 3 with moderate symptoms (i.e., ICU admission, n = 11) and Group 4 with severe symptoms (i.e., ICU admission +/- Intubation or death, n = 9). As expected, compared to the asymptomatic group, all of the 3 symptomatic groups (i.e., mild, moderate and severe) had higher percentages of comorbidities, including diabetes (22% to 64%), hypertension (64% to 78%),cardiovascular disease (11% to 18%) and obesity (9% to 50%). The final Group 5 was comprised of unexposed healthy individuals (controls), with no history of COVID-19 or contact with COVID-19 patients (n = 10) collected prior to 2019. All subjects were enrolled at the University of California Irvine under Institutional Review Board-approved protocols (IRB # 2020-5779). A written informed consent was received from all participants prior to inclusion in this study.
Whether the potential SARS-CoV-2 CD4+ and CD8+ T cell epitopes that are highly conserved between human and animal Coronaviruses would recall memory CDS+ T cells from COVID-19 patients as well as from healthy individuals, who have never been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 or to COVID-19 patients were assessed (i.e., from healthy individuals blood samples that were collected from 2014 to 2018)
Blood-derived peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from COVID-19 patients and healthy individuals were analyzed by ELISpot for frequencies in SARS-CoV-2 epitopes-specific IFN-Y-producing CD8+ T cells. As shown in
Moreover, among the 27 SARS-CoV-2 epitopes, 7 epitopes recalled a strong memory CD8+ T cells response (mean SFCs > 50) from unexposed healthy individuals (i.e., ORF1ab1675-1683, ORF1ab3732-3740, ORF1ab4283-4290, ORF1ab5470-5478, ORF1ab6749-8757, S976-984 and S1000-1008, S1220-1228) and 5 epitopes recalled a memory CD8+ T cells response that was intermediate (ORF1ab6419-6427, S2-10, E26-34, ORF103-11 and ORF105-13) (
Similar to SARS-CoV-2 memory CD8+ T cells, memory CD4+ T cells specific to several highly conserved SARS-CoV-2 epitopes were detected in both COVID-19-recovered patients and unexposed healthy individuals (
Besides, among the 16 SARS-CoV-2 epitopes, 2 epitopes recalled a strong memory CD4+ T cells response (mean SFCs > 50) from unexposed healthy individuals with no history of COVID-19 (i.e., ORF1a1350-1365 and ORF612-26) (
The immunogenicity of the identified SARS-CoV-2 human CD4+ and CD8+ T cell epitopes was assessed in “humanized” HLA-DR1/HLA-A*02:01 double transgenic mice (
Altogether, these results indicate that pre-existing memory CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells specific to both structural and non-structural protein antigens and epitopes are present in COVID-19 patients and unexposed healthy individuals. While SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in COVID-19 patients and healthy donors target epitopes from the whole virus proteome, most T cell epitopes are concentrated in the non-structural proteins, with ORF1a/b being the most targeted antigens. These memory T cells recognized highly conserved SARS-CoV-2 epitopes that cross-react with the human and animal Coronaviruses. It is likely that infection with a “common cold” Coronavirus and/or human exposition with animal and pet related coronaviruses induced long-lasting memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells specific to the structural and non-structural SARS-CoV-2 epitopes in healthy unexposed individuals. Heterologous immunity and heterologous immunopathology orchestrated by these cross-reactive epitope-specific memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, following previous multiple exposures to “common cold” Coronaviruses, may have shaped protection versus susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease, with a yet-to-be determined mechanism(s).
SARS-CoV-2 B Cell Epitope Prediction: Linear B cell epitope predictions were carried out on the surface glycoprotein (S), the primary target of B cell immune responses for SARS-CoV. We used the BepiPred 2.0 algorithm embedded in the B cell prediction analysis tool hosted on the IEDB platform. For each protein, the epitope probability score for each amino acid and the probability of exposure was retrieved. Potential B cell epitopes were predicted using a cutoff of 0.55 (corresponding to a specificity greater than 0.81 and sensitivity below 0.3) and considering sequences having more than 5 amino acid residues. This screening process resulted in 28 B-cell peptides. From this pool, we selected 10 B-cell epitopes with 19 to 62 amino acid lengths. Three B-cell epitopes were observed to possess receptor binding domain (RBD) region specific amino acids. Structure-based antibody prediction was performed by using Discotope 2.0, and a positivity cutoff greater than -2.5 was applied (corresponding to specificity greater than or equal to 0.80 and sensitivity below 0.39), using the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein structure (PDB ID: 6M1D).
Protein-peptide molecular docking: Computational peptide docking of B cell peptides into the ACE2 Complex (binding protein) was performed using the GalaxyPepDock under GalaxyWEB. To retrieve the ACE2 structure, we used the X-ray crystallographic structure ACE2-B0AT1 complex-6M1D available on the Protein Data Bank. The 6M1D with a structural weight of 334.09 kDa, possesses 2 unique protein chains, 2,706 residues, and 21,776 atoms. In this study, flexible target docking based on an energy-optimization algorithm was carried out on the ligand-binding domain containing ACE2 within the 4GBX structure. Similarity scores were calculated for protein-peptide interaction pairs for each residue. The prediction accuracy is estimated from a linear model as the relationship between the fraction of correctly predicted binding site residues and the template-target similarity measured by the protein structure similarity score and interaction similarity score (SInter) obtained by linear regression. SInter shows the similarity of amino acids of the B-cell peptides aligned to the contacting residues in the amino acids of the ACE2 template structure. Higher SInter score represents a more significant binding affinity among the ACE2 molecule and B-cell peptides. Subsequently, molecular docking models were built based on distance restraints for protein-peptide pairs using GalaxyPepDock. Based on the optimized energy scores, docking models were ranked. While performing the protein-peptide docking analysis for CD8+ T cell epitope peptides, we used the X-ray Crystal structure of HLA-A*02:01 in complex-4UQ3 available on the Protein Data Bank and for CD4 peptides X-ray crystallographic structure HLA-DM-HLA-DRB1 Complex-4GBX.
Next, potential linear B-cell (antibody) epitopes were predicted on Spike protein sequence of the first SARS-CoV-2-Wuhan-Hu-1 strain (NCBI GenBank accession number MN908947.3) using BepiPred 2.0, with a cutoff of 0.55 (corresponding to a specificity greater than 0.81 and sensitivity below 0.30) and considering sequences having more than 5 amino acid residues. This stringent screening process initially resulted in the identification of 15 linear B-cell epitopes. From this pool of 28 potential epitopes, 15 B-cell epitopes were later selected, (19 to 62 amino acids in length), based on: (i) their sequences being highly conserved between SARS-CoV-2, the main 4 major “common cold” Coronaviruses (CoV-OC43 (KF923903), CoV-229E (KY983587), CoV-HKU1 (AY884001), and CoV-NL63 (NC_005831)) (68), and the SARS-like SL-CoVs that are isolated from bats, civet cats, pangolins and camels; and (ii) the probability of exposure each linear epitope to the surface of infected target cells (
The ability of each of the 15 B-cell epitopes selected from the Spike protein, that showed a high conservancy between human and animal Coronaviruses, to induce SARS-CoV-2 epitope-specific antibody-producing plasma B cells and IgG antibodies in B6 mice was later determined (
Epitope conservancy analysis: The Epitope Conservancy Analysis tool was used to compute the degree of the conservancy of CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, and B-cell epitopes within a given protein sequence of SARS-CoV-2 set at 100% identity level. The fraction of protein sequences that contain the regions similar to epitopes were evaluated on the degree of similarity or correspondence among two sequences. The CD8+ T cell, and CD4+ T cell epitopes were screened against all the twelve structural and non-structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2 namely YP_009724389.1 (ORF1ab), YP_009725295.1 (ORF1a), YP_009724390.1 (surface glycoprotein), YP_009724391.1 (ORF3a). YP_009724392.1 (envelope protein), YP_009724393.1 (membrane glycoprotein), YP_009724394.1 (ORF6), YP_009724395.1 (ORF7a), YP_009725318.1 (ORF7b), YP_009724396.1 (ORF8), YP_009724397.2 (nucleocapsid phosphoprotein), YP_009725255.1 (ORF10). B-cell epitopes were screened for their conservancy against surface glycoprotein (YP_009724390.1) of SARS-CoV-2. Epitope linear sequence conservancy approach was used for linear epitope sequences with a sequence identity threshold set at ≥ 50%. This analysis resulted in (i) the calculated degree of conservancy (percent of protein sequence matches a specified identity level) and (ii) the matching minimum/maximum identity levels within the protein sequence set. The CD8+ and CD4+ T cell epitopes that showed ≥ 50% conservancy in at-least two human SARS-CoV strains, and two SARS-CoV strains (from bat/civet/pangolin/camel) were selected as candidate epitopes. N and O glycosylation sites were screened using NetNGlyc 1.0 and NetOGlyc 4.0 prediction servers, respectively.
Population-Coverage-Based T Cell Epitope Selection: For a robust epitope screening, we evaluated the conservancy of CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, and B cell epitopes within Human-SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences representing North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. As of August 27th, 2020, the NextStrain database recorded 81,963 human-SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences and the number of genome sequences continues growing daily. In the present analysis, 81,963 human-SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences were extrapolated from the GISAID and NCBI GenBank databases. We therefore considered all the 81,963 SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences representing six continents for subsequent conservancy analysis. We set a threshold for a candidate CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, and B-cell epitope if the epitope showed 100% sequence conservancy in ≥ 95 human-SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences. Furthermore, population coverage calculation (PPC) was carried out using the Population Coverage software hosted on IEDB platform (47). PPC was performed to evaluate the distribution of screened CD8+ and CD4+ T cell epitopes in world population at large in combination with HLA-I (HLA-A*01:01,HLA-A*02:01,HLA-A*03:01,HLA-A*11:01,HLA-A*23:01), and HLA-II (HLA-DRB1*01:01, HLA-DRB1*11:01, HLA-DRB1*15:01, HLA-DRB1*03:01, HLA-DRB1*04:01) alleles.
Peptide synthesis: Potential peptide epitopes (9-mer long for CD8* T cell epitopes and 15-mer long for CD4+ T cell epitopes) identified from twelve human-SARS-CoV-2 proteins namely ORF1ab. ORF1a, surface glycoprotein, ORF3a, envelope protein, membrane glycoprotein. ORF6, ORF7a, ORF7b, ORF8, nucleocapsid phosphoprotein, and ORF10 were synthesized using solid-phase peptide synthesis and standard 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl technology (21st Century Biochemicals, Inc. Marlborough, MA). The purity of peptides was over 90%, as determined by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (Vydac C18) and mass spectroscopy (VOYAGER MALDI-TOF System). Stock solutions were made at 1 mg/mL in 10% DMSO in PBS. Similar method of synthesis was used for B cell peptide epitopes from the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2.
Cell Lines: T2 (174 × CEM.T2) mutant hybrid cell line derived from the T-lymphoblast cell line CEM was obtained from the ATCC (www.atcc.org). The T2 cell line was maintained in IMDM (ATCC, Manassas, VA) supplemented with 10% heat-inactivated fetal calf serum (FCS) and 100 U of penicillin/mL, 100 U of streptomycin/mL (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO). T2 cells lack the functional transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) heterodimer and failed to express normal amounts of HLA-A*02:01 on the cell surface. HLA-A*02:01 surface expression is stabilized following the binding of exogenous peptides to these MHC class I molecules.
Stabilization of HLA-A*02:01 on class-I-HLA-transfected B × T hybrid cell lines: To determine whether synthetic peptides could stabilize HLA-A*02:01 molecule expression on the T2 cell surface, peptide-inducing HLA-A*02:01 up-regulation on T2 cells was examined according to a previously described protocol). T2 cells (3 × 105/well) were incubated with different concentrations (30, 10 and 3 µM) of 91 individual CD8+ T cell specific peptides in 48-well plates for 18 hours at 26° C. Cells were then incubated at 37° C. for 3 hours in the presence of 0.7 µL/mL BD GolgiStop™ to block cell surface expression of newly synthesized HLA-A*02:01 molecules, and human β-2 microglobulin (1 µg/mL). The cells were subsequently washed with FACS buffer (1% BSA and 0.1% sodium azide in phosphate-buffered saline) and stained with anti-HLA-A2 specific monoclonal antibody (clone BB7.2) (BD-Pharmingen, San Diego, CA) at 4° C. for 30 minutes. After incubation, the cells were washed with FACS buffer, fixed with 2% paraformaldehyde in phosphate-buffered saline, and analyzed by flow cytometry using a Fortessa (Becton Dickinson) flow cytometer equipped with a BD High Throughput Sampler for rapid analysis of samples prepared in plate format. The acquired data were analyzed with FlowJo software (BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA) and expression was measured by mean fluorescence intensity (MFI). Percent MFI increase was calculated as follows: Percent MFI increase = (MFI with the given peptide - MFI without peptide) / (MFI without peptide) × 100. Each experiment was performed 3 times, and means + SD values were calculated.
HLA-A*02:01 and HLA-DR1 double transgenic mice: A colony of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) class I and class II double transgenic (Tg) mice was maintained at the University of California Irvine (50) vivarium and treated in accordance with the AAALAC (Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care) according to Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee-approved animal protocols (IACUC # 2020-19-111), and NIH (National Institutes of Health) guidelines. The HLA Tg mice retain their endogenous mouse major histocompatibility complex (MHC) locus and express human HLA-A*02:01 and HLA-DRB*01 under the control of its normal promoter. Prior to this study, the expression of HLA-A*02:01 and DR1 molecules on the PBMCs of each HLA-Tg mouse were confirmed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS).
Immunization of mice: Groups of age-matched HLA transgenic mice/B6 mice (n = 3) were immunized subcutaneously, on days 0 and 14, with a mixture of four SARS-CoV-2-derived human CD4+ T/ CD8+ T /B cell peptide epitopes delivered in alum and CpG1826 adjuvants. As a negative control, mice received adjuvants alone (mock-immunized).
Splenocytes isolation: Spleens were harvested from mice in two weeks post second immunization. Spleens were placed in 10 ml of cold PBS with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 2X antibiotic-antimycotic (Life Technologies, Carlsbad, CA). Spleens were minced finely and sequentially passed through a 100 µm screen and a 70 µm screen (BD Biosciences, San Jose. CA). Cells were then pelleted by centrifugation at 400 × g for 10 minutes at 4° C. Red blood cells were lysed using a lysis buffer (ammonium chloride) and washed again. Isolated splenocytes were diluted to 1 × 106 viable cells per ml in RPMI media with 10% (v/v) FBS and 2 × antibiotic-antimycotic. Viability was determined by trypan blue staining.
Flow cytometry analysis: PBMCs/Splenocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry. The following antibodies were used: CD8, CD4. CD62L, CD107a/b, CD44, CD69, TNF-α and IFN-β). For surface staining, mAbs against various cell markers were added to a total of 1×106 cells in phosphate-buffered saline containing 1% FBS and 0.1% sodium azide (fluorescence-activated cell sorter [FACS] buffer) and left for 45 minutes at 4° C. At the end of the incubation period, the cells were washed twice with FACS buffer. A total of 100,000 events were acquired by LSRII (Becton Dickinson, Mountain View, CA) followed by analysis using FlowJo software (TreeStar, Ashland, OR).
ELISpot assay: All reagents used were filtered through a 0.22 µm filter. Wells of 96-well Multiscreen HTS Plates (Millipore, Billerica, MA) were pre-wet with 30% ethanol and then coated with 100 µl primary anti-IFN-gamma antibody solution (10 µg/ml of 1-D1K coating antibody from Mabtech in PBS, pH 7.4, V-E4) OVN at 4° C. After washing, nonspecific binding was blocked with 200 µl of RPMI media with 10% (v/v) FBS for 2 hours at room temperature. Following the blockade, 0.5 × 106 cells from patients PBMCs (or from mouse splenocytes) in 100 µl of RPMI were mixed with 10 µg individual peptides (with DMSO for no stimulation or with individual peptide at a final concentration of 10 µg/ml). After incubation in humidified 5% CO2 at 37° C. for 72 hours (samples from COVID-19 patients) or 5 days (for healthy donor samples, to recall their T-cell memory), cells were removed by washing (using PBS and PBS-Tween 0.02% solution) and 100 µl of biotinylated secondary anti-IFN-y antibody (clone 7-B6-1. Mabtech) in blocking buffer (PBS 0.5% FBS) was added to each well. Following a 2-hour incubation and washing, HRP-conjugated streptavidin was diluted 1:1000, and wells were incubated with 100 µl for 1 hour at room temperature. Following washing, wells were incubated for 1 hour at room temperature with 100 µl of TMB detection reagent and spots counted with an automated EliSpot Reader System (ImmunoSpot reader, Cellular Technology, Shaker Heights, OH).
ELISA based assay to access the efficacy of receptor-binding domain region towards inducing specific antibodies against B-cell epitopes in HLA-A2 treated mice: The efficacy of our B-cell peptide-epitopes towards inducing specific antibodies was measured in the HLADR1/A*02:01 immunized mice by ELISA. ELISA plates (Cat. M5785, Sigma Aldrich) were first coated overnight at 4° C. with 10 µg/ml of each B cell peptide epitope. Subsequently, plates were washed five times with PBS-Tween 0.01% before starting the blocking by adding PBS 1% BSA for 3 hours at room temperature, followed by a second wash. Sera of C57BL/6 mice immunized either with pool B cell peptides alum/CpG or adjuvant alone (control) were added into the wells at various dilutions (⅕, 1/25, 1/125, and 1/625 or PBS only, in triplicates). Plates were incubated at 4° C. overnight with the sera, then washed with PBS-Tween 0.01% before adding anti-mouse IgG antibody (Mabtech - 1/500 dilution). After the last washing, Streptavidin-HRP (Mabtech - 1/1000 dilution) was added for 30 minutes at room temperature. Finally, we added 100µl of filtered TMB substrate for 15 minutes and blocked the reaction with H2S04 before the read-out (OD measurement was done at 450 nm on the Bio-Rad iMark microplate reader). The same procedure was followed to measure the titers of antibodies specific against our 15 screened B-cell epitopes in the sera of COVID-19 patients (n = 40) and healthy donors (n = 10), using anti-human IgG antibody as the secondary antibody (Mabtech - 1/500 dilution).
Constructing the Phylogenetic Tree: Phylogenetic analyses were conducted in MEGA X. The evolutionary history was performed, and phylogenetic tree was constructed using the Maximum Likelihood method and Tamura-Nei model. The Maximum Likelihood method assumes that each locus evolves independently by pure genetic drift. The tree with the highest log likelihood was selected. Initial tree(s) for the heuristic search were obtained by applying Neighbor-Join and BioNJ algorithms to a matrix of pairwise genetic distances estimated using the Tamura-Nei model, and then selecting the topology with superior log likelihood value. This analysis involved available nucleotide sequences of SARS-CoV-2 from humans (Homo Sapiens), bat (Rhinolophus affinis, Rhinolophus malayanus), and pangolin (Manis javanica). In addition, genome sequences from previous outbreaks of SARS-CoV in human, bat, civet, and camel were taken into consideration while performing the evolutionary analyses.
Data and Code Availability: The human specific SARS-CoV-2 complete genome sequences were retrieved from the GISAID database, whereas the SARS-CoV-2 sequences for pangolin (Manis javanica), and bat (Rhinolophus affinis, Rhinolophus malayanus) were retrieved from NCBI Genome sequences of previous strains of SARS-CoV for human, bat, civet, and camel were retrieved from the NCBI GenBank.
Statistical analyses: Data for each differentially expressed marker among blockade-treated, and mock-treated groups of HLA Tg mice were compared by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student’s t-test using GraphPad Prism version 6 (La Jolla, CA). Statistical differences observed in the measured CD8-, CD4- T cells and antibody responses between healthy donors and COVID-19 patients were calculated using ANOVA and multiple t-test comparison procedures in GraphPad Prism. Data are expressed as the mean ± SD. Results were considered statistically significant at P ≤ 0.05.
Although there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made thereto which do not exceed the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention is only to be limited by the following claims. In some embodiments, the figures presented in this patent application are drawn to scale, including the angles, ratios of dimensions, etc. In some embodiments, the figures are representative only and the claims are not limited by the dimensions of the figures. In some embodiments, descriptions of the inventions described herein using the phrase “comprising” includes embodiments that could be described as “consisting essentially of or “consisting of”, and as such the written description requirement for claiming one or more embodiments of the present invention using the phrase “consisting essentially of or “consisting of” is met.
This application is a continuation in part and claims benefit of PCT Application No. PCT/US2021/027341 filed Apr. 14, 2021, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/084,421 filed Sep. 28, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/009,907 filed Apr. 14, 2020, the specifications of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. This application is a non-provisional and claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/349,799 filed Jun. 7, 2022, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/349,904 filed Jun. 7, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/302,454 filed Jan. 24, 2022, the specifications of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. The contents of the electronic sequence listing (UCI 20 06A PCT CIP Sequence Listingg.xml: Size: 291,000 bytes: and Date of Creation: Oct. 14, 2022) is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
This invention was made with government support under Grant No. Al158060, Al150091, Al143348, Al147499, Al143326, Al138764, A;124911 and Al110902 awarded by National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The government has certain rights in the invention.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63084421 | Sep 2020 | US | |
| 63009907 | Apr 2020 | US | |
| 63349799 | Jun 2022 | US | |
| 63349904 | Jun 2022 | US | |
| 63302454 | Jan 2022 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/US21/27341 | Apr 2021 | WO |
| Child | 18046862 | US |
