Patent Application
20230310585
This invention pertains generally to vaccines and, more particularly vaccines for viral pathogens including influenza and coronavirus, including but not limited to SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19.
SARS-CoV-2, has spread across the world and become a global pandemic with more than 225 million confirmed cases and 4.6 million deaths worldwide.
One of the key antigen targets of vaccines which have been developed so far is the spike (S) protein (Le et al. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery 19, 305-306 (2020)). Enhancement of antigen presentation has been found to enhance vaccine performance. In particular, it has been found that specific CD4 and CD8 T-cell memory responses (a parameter of vaccine performance) by 50-fold when Influenza M1 protein is linked to CD74 transmembrane and cytoplasmic domain that delivers the recombinant protein to the endolysosome for antigen processing and loading on MHC I and II molecules. The data shows enhanced resistance to lethal Influenza A viral challenge using constructs containing the CD74 targeting signal.
A variety of platforms, including but not limited to nucleic acid, viral vectors, attenuated viruses and recombinant protein, are being examined for the development of the SARS-COV-2 vaccine. The use of nucleic acid-based vaccines allow for vaccines to be obtained in a short timeframe Furthermore, nucleic acid-based vaccine manufacturing is safe and time-saving, and bypasses the need to grow highly pathogenic organisms at a large scale, resulting in a lower risk of contamination with live infectious reagents and release of dangerous pathogens.
The Self-Amplifying mRNA (SAM) vaccine platform is composed of a non-viral, engineered replicon that drive high levels of expression of encoding antigens. Very low doses are required (mgs) as tens of thousands of copies are made by transfected cells. They may be delivered via intramuscular (i.m.), in the same manner as earlier mRNA vaccines, and can be encapsulated within a lipid nanoparticle to further boost performance. This manufacturing process makes GMP grade SAM a promising vaccine approach for filling the gap between emerging infectious disease and the desperate need for effective vaccines. SAMs are an innovative platform for vaccine development. Within an alphavirus backbone, the mRNA replicates through a double stranded RNA intermediate, and the antigen of interest replaces structural proteins, so no infectious virus is made. They may be delivered via intramuscular (i.m.), in the same manner as earlier mRNA vaccines, and may be delivered as naked RNA or encapsulated within a lipid nanoparticle. Comparatively, mRNA vaccines confer several advantages over vaccines introduced by virus vectors and DNA vaccines: the production procedure to generate mRNA vaccines is cell-free, simple and rapid if compared to production of whole microbe, or live attenuated or subunit vaccines.
This background information is provided for the purpose of making known information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present invention.
An object of the present invention is to provide a vaccine for viral pathogens. In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vaccine comprising or encoding a first fusion protein comprising a first targeting domain and a coronavirus spike protein or fragment thereof. In certain embodiments, coronavirus is a SARs-CoV virus, optionally a SARs-CoV2 virus. In certain embodiments, the first targeting domain is a lysosomal targeting domain. In certain embodiments, the first targeting domain comprises a HLA signal sequence and a HLA transmembrane domain. In certain embodiments, the first targeting domain comprises a HLA signal sequence and a HLA transmembrane domain and a HLA Cytoplasmic domain. In certain embodiments, the first targeting domain comprises CD74 Cytoplasmic domain and a HLA transmembrane domain. In certain embodiments, the first targeting domain comprises a HLA signal sequence. In certain embodiments, the vaccine further comprises or encodes a second fusion protein comprising a second targeting domain and an influenza immunogen. In certain embodiments, the first targeting domain and the second targeting domain are the same or are different.
In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vaccine encoding one or more polypeptides comprising the sequence as set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64 and 66 or comprising one or more sequences as set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 43; 45, 47, 49, 51, 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63 and 65. In certain embodiments, the vaccine is a viral expression vector-based vaccine, such as an adenoviral vector, a vesicular stomatitis virus vector or a vaccinia vector. In certain embodiments, the vaccine is a nucleic acid-based vaccine. In certain embodiments, the vaccine is a SAM RNA-based vaccine; optionally the SAM RNA-based vaccine is encapsulated in a lipid nanoparticle (LNP). Optionally, the LNP comprises a cationic lipid; optionally the LNP comprises phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol/PEG-lipid, C12-200, dimethyldioctadecylammonium (DDA), 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium propane (DOTAP) or 1,2-dilinoleyloxy-3-dimethylaminopropane (DLinDMA).
In certain embodiments the vaccine further comprises an adjuvant.
In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of treating, protecting against, and/or preventing COVID-19 in a subject in need thereof, said method comprising administering the vaccine of the invention to the subject.
In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of generating an immune response against one or more strains of SARS-CoV-2, said method comprising administering one or more of the vaccines of the invention to the subject. In certain embodiments, the vaccine is administered more than once. The subject may be a mammal including a human, from non-human primates, cats, dogs, equines, sheep, goats; bovine, pangolins and marsupials; reptile, amphibian or bird.
In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of treating, protecting against, and/or preventing COVID-19 and influenza in a subject in need thereof, said method comprising administering one or more of vaccines of targeting SARS-CoV2 and influenza to the subject.
In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of generating an immune response against SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus, said method comprising administering one or more of vaccines of targeting SARS-CoV2 and influenza to the subject.
In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vaccine comprising or encoding a targeting domain and an influenza immunogen. Optionally, the targeting domain comprises CD74 Cytoplasmic domain and a HLA transmembrane domain. Optionally the influenza immunogen is selected from the group consisting of one or more of M, N, HA, fragments thereof, variants thereof and combinations thereof.
In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of treating, protecting against, and/or preventing influenza in a subject in need thereof, said method comprising administering the vaccine targeting influenza to the subject.
In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of generating an immune response against influenza said method comprising administering the vaccine of the invention to the subject.
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent in the following detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings.
The present invention provides vaccines. In particular, vaccines against one or more viral pathogens including respiratory viruses are provided. Such respiratory viruses include but are not limited to influenza viruses and coronaviruses. In certain embodiments, the present invention provides vaccines against coronaviruses, including but not limited to SARS-associated coronaviruses (SARS-CoV). In specific embodiments, the invention provides vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Various strains of SARS-CoV-2 have now been identified. Accordingly, in certain embodiments there is provided vaccines against one or more coronaviruses, including one or more strains of SARS-CoV-2.
In certain embodiments, the present invention provides vaccines against influenza viruses, including but not limited to influenza A virus, influenza B virus, influenza C virus and influenza D virus. In certain embodiments, there is provided vaccines against one or more influenza viruses.
In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a vaccine against coronaviruses, including but not limited to SARS-CoV and influenza. In specific embodiments, the present invention provides a vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 and influenza.
Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the vaccines and methods of generating a protective immune response against the one or more viral pathogens.
The vaccines of the present invention comprise one or more viral immunogens alone or in combination with one or more targeting molecules and/or one/or more immune stimulating molecules or nucleic acids comprising sequences that encode one or more viral immunogens alone or in combination with one or more targeting molecules and/or one or more immune stimulating molecules.
Vaccine Platforms
A variety of platforms may be used to generate the vaccines of the present invention. Exemplary vaccine platforms which may be used include but are not limited to protein-based platforms, virus-like particle-based vaccines, viral vector-based platforms and nucleic acid-based vaccine platforms.
In certain embodiments, the vaccine platform is a viral vector-based platform. The viral vectors may be attenuated viruses, may be replicating or non-replicating. Exemplary viral vectors include not are not limited to adenovirus, vaccinia or adeno associated virus, lentivirus or vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). Accordingly, in certain embodiments the vaccine platform is an adenovirus, vaccinia or adeno associated virus, lentivirus or Vesicular stomatitis virus based vaccine.
In specific embodiments, the viral vector platform is an adenovirus vector platform. Various serotypes of adenoviruses have been used in vaccine development including Ad5, Ad26 and Ad35. In certain embodiments, the adenovirus vector is based on a simian adenovirus. Use of simian adenovirus vaccine vectors circumvent pre-existing human adenovirus immunity. Exemplary, simian adenovirus serotypes used in vaccine development include simian adenovirus type 23.
In certain embodiments, the vaccine platform is a nucleic acid-based platform. Nucleic acid-based vaccine platforms may be DNA or RNA-based. Optionally, the nucleic acids include one or more modified nucleosides.
In certain embodiments, the nucleic acid-based vaccine platform is a DNA-based vaccine platform. Appropriate DNA expression vectors for use as a DNA-based vaccine platform are known in the art. A worker skilled in the art would readily appreciate that such expression vectors include the necessary elements to allow for expression of the one or more immunogens. Such elements include a promoter, such as the CMV promoter which directs transcription of the mRNA encoded by the transgene, a polyadenylation signal which mediates mRNA cleavage and polyadenylation, and Kozak sequence which directs efficient transgene translation. In specific embodiments, the DNA-based vaccine is a plasmid-based vaccine.
In certain embodiments, the nucleic acid-based vaccine is a RNA-based vaccine platform. In specific embodiments, a mRNA platform. The mRNA-based vaccine platform may be non-replicating or self-amplifying. In certain embodiments, the nucleic acid-base vaccine platform is a self-amplifying (SAM) RNA platform. A variety of RNA based expression systems are known in the art and commercially available, including but not limited to expression systems based on either positive-sense and negative-sense RNA viruses. Positive-strand RNA viruses used in the development expression system include but are not limited to alphaviruses and flaviviruses. Exemplary alphaviruses used for expression systems include but are not limited to Semliki Forest virus, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus and Sindbis virus and poliovirus. Alphavirus replicon particle-based vaccine vectors derived from Sindbis virus (SIN), Semliki Forest virus (SFV), and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEE) have been shown to induce robust antigen-specific cellular, humoral, and mucosal immune responses in many animal models of infectious disease and cancer (Perri et al.; Journal of Virology September 2003, 77 (19) 10394-10403; DOI: 10.1128/JVI.77.19.10394-10403.2003; Karl Ljungberg & Peter Liljeström (2015) Self-replicating alphavirus RNA vaccines, Expert Review of Vaccines, 14:2, 177-194, DOI: 10.1586/14760584.2015.965690). Exemplary flavivirus used for expression systems include Kunjin flavivirus. Negative sense RNA virus systems include measles and rhabdoviruses.
In specific embodiments, the SAM RNA vaccine platform is derived from an alphavirus. In such embodiments, the mRNA replicates through a double stranded RNA intermediate, and the antigen of interest replaces structural proteins, so no infectious virus is made.
Immunogens:
The vaccines of the present invention comprise or encode one or more viral immunogens. The viral immunogens may be wild-type viral proteins, fragments and variants thereof. Non-limiting examples of protein fragments include but are not limited to fragments comprising an extracellular domain (ectodomain) only, fragments comprising a cytoplasmic domain and extracellular domain, or fragments comprising a transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic domain and an extracellular domain. The variants may comprise one or more substitutions, insertions and/or deletions of one or more amino acid residues as compared to the wild-type proteins. The variants may comprise a sequence having at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity as compared to a reference protein sequence. The reference sequence may be any of the viral immunogen sequences disclosed herein or known in the art. In certain embodiments, the variants are functionally inactive.
In certain embodiments, two or more immunogens are in the form of a polyprotein.
In certain embodiments, the one or more viral immunogens are coronavirus immunogens, such as SARS-CoV immunogens, including but not limited to SARS-CoV2 immunogens.
In certain embodiments, the one or more viral immunogens are influenza virus immunogens. In specific embodiments, the one or more influenza virus immunogens comprise one or more of influenza nucleoprotein (NP), polymerase basic 1 (PB1), and matrix 1 (M1), fragments and variants thereof.
In certain embodiments, the vaccines comprise or encode viral immunogens from two or more viruses. In certain embodiments, the vaccines comprise or encode viral immunogens from two or more strains of the same virus. In specific embodiments, the vaccines comprise or encode viral immunogens from two or more strains of SARs-CoV-2. In certain embodiments, the vaccines comprise or encode viral immunogens from one or more influenza viruses. In certain embodiments, the vaccines comprise or encode viral immunogens from one or more coronaviruses and one or more influenza viruses. In specific embodiments, the vaccines comprise or encode viral immunogens from one or more strains of SARs-CoV-2 and one or more influenza viruses.
The complete genome of SARs-CoV-2 is known in the art. The complete genome of the isolate Wuhan-Hu-1 of SARs-CoV-2 is published under GenBank Accession NC_045512.2 (Nature 579 (7798), 265-269 (2020)). Variants of this SARs-CoV-2 and their mutations have also been identified (Bull World Health Organ. 2020 Jul. 1; 98(7):495-504. doi: 10.2471/BLT.20.253591).
Accordingly, the one or more SARS-CoV2 immunogens may be from one or more strains of SARs-CoV2 or may be derived from one or more strains of SARs-CoV2.
In certain embodiments, the one or more SARS-CoV immunogens comprise one or more of SARS-CoV Spike proteins, fragments, derivatives and variants thereof.
In specific embodiments, the one or more SARS-CoV2 immunogens comprise one or more of SARS-CoV2 Spike proteins, fragments, derivatives and variants thereof.
In certain embodiments, the one or more viral immunogens are non-functional. In certain embodiments, the one or more SARS-CoV2 immunogens comprise wild type spike protein or immunogenic fragment thereof. In certain embodiments, the spike protein is full length.
In certain embodiments, the spike protein comprises the spike signal peptide, extracellular, transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains. The sequence of the SARS-COV2 spike protein from the Wuhan-Hu-1 isolate of SARs-CoV2 is known in the art and is published under GenBank Accession: YP_009724390 and is set forth below as SEQ ID NO:1:
In certain embodiments, the one or more SARS-CoV2 immunogens comprise a variant spike protein or immunogenic fragment thereof. Naturally occurring SARS-CoV2 variants having a substitutions and/or deletions in the spike protein are known in the art and include but are not limited to:
Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the one or more SARS-CoV2 immunogens comprise one or more spike proteins, fragments or derivatives thereof from one or more SARs-CoV2 strains or derivatives thereof. In certain embodiments, the one or more spike protein, or fragments thereof comprises one or more substitutions and/or deletions in comparison to a reference sequence. In certain embodiments, the one or more spike proteins comprises one or more substitutions and/or deletions as compared to the sequence of the spike protein of the Wuhan-Hu-1 isolate of SARs-CoV2. Exemplary substitutions and deletions are detailed in the above table. In certain embodiments, the one or more SARS-CoV2 immunogens comprise one or more proteins comprising or encoded by the sequence as set forth below, fragments, variants or derivatives thereof.
In certain embodiments, the spike protein comprises the sequence published under GenBank Accession: YP_009724390 (SEQ ID NO:1), fragments, variants or derivatives thereof.
In certain embodiments, the spike protein comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:2), fragments, variants or derivatives thereof:
In certain embodiments, the spike protein comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:3), fragments, variants or derivatives thereof:
In certain embodiments, the spike protein comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:4), fragments, variants or derivatives thereof:
In certain embodiments, the spike protein comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:5), fragments, variants or derivatives thereof:
In certain embodiments, the spike protein comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:6), fragments, variants or derivatives thereof:
In certain embodiments, the spike protein comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:7), fragments, variants or derivatives thereof:
In certain embodiments, the spike protein comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:8), fragments, variants or derivatives thereof:
In certain embodiments, the spike protein comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:76), fragments, variants or derivatives thereof.
In certain embodiments, the spike protein or fragments thereof is non-functional.
In certain embodiments, the one or more SARS-CoV2 immunogens comprise one or more spike proteins, or fragments thereof where the furin cleavage site is absent.
In certain embodiments, the spike proteins where the furin cleavage site is absent comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO: 9), fragments, variants or derivatives thereof:
In certain embodiments, the spike proteins where the furin cleavage site is absent comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO: 10), fragments, variants or derivatives thereof:
In certain embodiments, the one or more SARS-CoV2 immunogens comprise the extracellular domain(s) of one or more spike proteins or fragments, variants or derivatives thereof. In certain embodiments, the one or more SARS-CoV2 immunogens comprise the extracellular domain(s) and the cytoplasmic domain(s) from one or spike proteins.
In certain embodiments, the spike protein extracellular domain comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:11)
In certain embodiments, the spike protein extracellular domain comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:12)
In certain embodiments, the spike protein extracellular domain comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:13)
In certain embodiments, the spike protein extracellular domain comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:14)
In certain embodiments, the spike protein extracellular domain comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:15)
In certain embodiments, the spike protein extracellular domain comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:16)
In certain embodiments, the spike protein extracellular domain comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:17)
In certain embodiments, the spike protein extracellular domain comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:77)
In specific embodiments, the one or more SARS-CoV2 immunogens comprise the amino sequence as any one of SEQ ID NOs described herein or immunogenic fragments, variants or derivatives thereof. In specific embodiments, the one or more SARS-CoV2 immunogens are encoded by the nucleic acid sequences as set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs described herein or fragments thereof.
In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises one or more nucleic acids encoding one or more viral immunogens. The one or more nucleic acids may be DNA or RNA. A worker skilled in the art would readily appreciate that for coding sequences represented as DNA the thymine (T) is replaced with uracil (U) in the corresponding RNA sequences.
The vaccine comprising or encoding the one or more viral immunogens may be virus-like particle-based vaccines, viral vector-based vaccines or nucleic acid-based vaccines. In nucleic acid-based vaccines, the nucleic acids may optionally include modifications including for example one or more modified nucleosides. In certain embodiments, the nucleic acid sequences are codon optimized. In certain embodiments, the nucleic acid sequences are codon optimized for expression in mammalian cells, optionally human cells. Also provided are nucleic acids comprising sequences having at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to a reference nucleic acid sequence. The reference sequence may be any of the nucleic acid sequences disclosed herein or known in the art.
In specific embodiments, the nucleic acid encoding the one or more SARS-CoV2 immunogens comprise a sequence encoding one or more immunogens comprising a sequence as set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 17, immunogenic fragments, variants or derivatives thereof.
In specific embodiments, the nucleic acid encoding the one or more SARS-CoV2 immunogens comprise the sequence as set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 18 to 33, fragments or derivatives thereof.
In certain embodiments, the sequence encoding the spike protein comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:18):
In certain embodiments, the sequence encoding the spike protein comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:19)
In certain embodiments, the sequence encoding the spike protein comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:20)
In certain embodiments, the sequence encoding the spike protein comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:21)
In certain embodiments, the sequence encoding the spike protein comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:22)
In certain embodiments, the sequence encoding the spike protein comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:23)
In certain embodiments, the sequence encoding the spike protein comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:24)
In certain embodiments, the sequence encoding a spike protein comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:78)
In certain embodiments, the sequence encoding the spike protein without furin cleavage site comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:25):
In certain embodiments, the sequence encoding the spike protein extracellular domain comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:26)
In certain embodiments, the sequence encoding the spike protein extracellular domain comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:27)
In certain embodiments, the sequence encoding the spike protein extracellular domain comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:28)
In certain embodiments, the sequence encoding the spike protein extracellular domain comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:29)
In certain embodiments, the sequence encoding the spike protein extracellular domain comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:30)
In certain embodiments, the sequence encoding the spike protein extracellular domain comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:31)
In certain embodiments, the sequence encoding the spike protein extracellular domain comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:32)
In certain embodiments, the sequence encoding the spike protein extracellular domain without the furin sequence comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:33)
In certain embodiments, the sequence encoding a spike protein extracellular domain comprises the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:79)
Immune Response Enhancing Components:
In certain embodiments, the vaccines comprise or encode one or more additional components to enhance the immune response to the one or more viral immunogens. These components may include, for example, targeting molecules, elements which enhance antigen processing, immunostimulatory molecules such as cytokines and other adjuvants. In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises or encodes one or more fusion polypeptides comprising the one or more additional components and one or more viral immunogens. The additional components include but are not limited to one or more targeting molecules/motifs. Exemplary targeting motifs include but are not limited to endosome/lysosome (i.e. endolysosomal) motif. In certain embodiments where the vaccine comprises or encodes more than more immunogen, each immunogen may be fused to one or more targeting molecules. The targeting molecules may be the same for all immunogens in the vaccine or different.
In certain embodiments, the targeting molecule comprises a sequence or encoded by a sequence as set forth below. In other embodiments, the targeting molecule comprises or is encoded by a sequence having at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to a sequence set forth below.
It has been found that vaccine performance is enhanced when the immunogen is delivered to the endolysosomal compartment of dendritic cells for antigen processing and loading on MHC I and II molecules. Various endolysosomal targeting sequence molecules are known in the art. In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises or is capable of expressing one or more fusion proteins comprises one or more endolysosomal targeting molecules and one or more immunogens. Lysosomal targeting motifs typically have the consensus sequences YXXφ (tyrosine motif, where φ is a hydrophobic amino acid) or EXXXLL (dileucine motif; E may be replaced with D, and L with I or V).
In specific embodiments, the fusion protein comprises one or more CD74 or fragments thereof and one or more the immunogen or fragments thereof. In certain embodiments, the fusion protein comprises the CD74 transmembrane and/or CD74 cytoplasmic and the one or immunogen or fragment thereof.
In certain embodiments, the CD74 cytoplasmic domain comprises the sequence as set forth below:
In certain embodiments, the CD74 cytoplasmic domain is encoded by the sequence as set forth below:
In certain embodiments, the fusion protein comprises the CD74 transmembrane and cytoplasmic domain and the one or immunogen or fragment thereof. In certain embodiments, the CD74 transmembrane and cytoplasmic domain has the sequence set forth below:
In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises or encodes the CD74 Cytoplasmic domain with a spike protein, variant or fragment thereof. In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises or encodes the CD74 Cytoplasmic domain with an influenza immunogen, variant or fragment thereof.
In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises or encodes the CD74 Cytoplasmic domain and transmembrane domain with a spike protein, variant or fragment thereof. In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises or encodes the CD74 Cytoplasmic domain and transmembrane domain with an influenza immunogen, variant or fragment thereof.
In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises or encodes the CD74 Cytoplasmic domain and transmembrane domain with full length SARS-Cov-2 Spike Protein (without furin cleavage site).
In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises or encodes the CD74 Cytoplasmic domain and transmembrane domain with the extracellular domain of SARS-Cov-2 Spike Protein (without furin cleavage site).
In certain embodiments, the fusion protein comprises one or more human leukocyte antigen (HLA) sequences or fragment thereof and the one or more immunogen or fragment thereof.
In certain embodiments, the fusion protein comprises the HLA signal sequence with a spike protein, variant or fragment thereof. In certain embodiments, the fusion protein comprises the HLA signal sequence with an influenza immunogen, variant or fragment thereof.
In certain embodiments, the HLA signal sequence comprises the sequence as set forth below:
In certain embodiments, the HLA signal sequence is encoded by the sequence as set forth below:
In certain embodiments, the fusion protein comprises the HLA transmembrane domain. In certain embodiments, the HLA transmembrane domain comprises the sequence as set forth below:
In certain embodiments, the HLA transmembrane domain is encoded by the sequence as set forth below:
In certain embodiments, the fusion protein comprises the HLA cytoplasmic domain, fragment or fragment thereof. In certain embodiments, the HLA cytoplasmic domain comprises the sequence as set forth or fragment thereof below:
In certain embodiments, the fusion protein comprises the HLA cytoplasmic domain comprises
In certain embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a sequence from a HLA cytoplasmic domain comprising RRKSSDRKGGSYTQAAV (SEQ ID NO: 81)
In certain embodiments, the HLA cytoplasmic domain is encoded by the sequence as set forth below:
In specific embodiments, the fusion protein comprises the HLA transmembrane and cytoplasmic domain and immunogen or fragment thereof.
In specific embodiment, the HLA fragment comprises the following sequence:
In certain embodiments, the targeting moiety is a chimeric targeting moiety comprising portions of different molecules. For example, the targeting moiety may comprise the cytoplasmic domain from one molecule fused to the transmembrane domain of another molecule. In certain embodiments, the targeting moiety comprises the CD74 cytoplasmic domain fused to an HLA transmembrane sequence. In specific embodiments, the targeting moiety comprises the following sequence:
In specific embodiments, the targeting moiety comprises the following sequence:
Other Elements:
The proteins of the present invention may also include tags. Appropriate tags are known in the art and include but are not limited to HA-, FLAG®- or myc- or alpha tags.
Exemplary Vaccines
In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises or encodes one or more coronavirus immunogens including but not limited to SARS-CoV immunogens including but not limited to SARS-CoV2 immunogens. In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises or encodes a SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, fragments, variants or derivatives thereof. Non-limiting exemplary spike protein sequences are set forth in SEQ ID NOs:1 to 18. In alternate embodiments, the vaccine comprises or encodes SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with the carboxy-terminal transmembrane region deleted. In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises or encodes a fusion protein comprising a targeting molecule and a spike protein, fragment, variant or derivative thereof. Exemplary targeting molecules include for example, CD74 or fragments thereof, HLA or fragments there of or CD74-HLA chimeric molecules. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises or encodes a fusion protein comprising CD74 Cytoplasmic domain and HLA transmembrane domain with a SARS-Cov-2 Spike protein, fragment, variant or derivative thereof.
In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises or encodes a fusion protein CD74 Cytoplasmic domain and transmembrane domain with a SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with the carboxy-terminal transmembrane region deleted.
In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises or encodes a fusion protein comprising CD74 Cytoplasmic domain and HLA transmembrane domain with a SARS-Cov-2 spike protein, fragment, variant or derivative thereof. In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises or encodes CD74 Cytoplasmic domain and HLA transmembrane domain with a SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with the carboxy-terminal transmembrane region deleted.
In certain embodiments the vaccine comprises or encodes CD74 Cytoplasmic domain and transmembrane domain with a spike protein. In specific embodiments, the vaccine comprises or encodes the sequence set forth below (SEQ ID NO:37):
In certain embodiments the vaccine comprises or encodes CD74 cytoplasmic domain and transmembrane domain with the extracellular domain of a spike protein. In specific embodiments, the vaccine comprises or encodes the sequence set forth below (SEQ ID NO:38):
In certain embodiments the vaccine comprises or encodes CD74 Cytoplasmic domain and transmembrane domain with a full length SARS-Cov-2 Spike Protein without a furin cleavage site. In specific embodiments, the vaccine comprises or encodes comprising the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:39):
In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises the sequence encoding the CD74 Cytoplasmic domain and transmembrane domain with full length SARS-Cov-2 Spike Protein as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:40);
In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises the sequence encoding CD74 Cytoplasmic domain and transmembrane domain with the extracellular domain of SARS-Cov-2 Spike Protein as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:41):
In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises the sequence encoding CD74 Cytoplasmic domain and transmembrane domain with full length SARS-Cov-2 Spike Protein (without furin cleavage site) as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:42):
In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises the sequence encoding a Spike S1+S2 ECD_CD74+HLA as set forth below (SEQ ID NO: 43).
In certain embodiments the vaccine comprises or encodes Spike S1+S2 ECD_CD74+HLA. In specific embodiments the vaccine comprises or encodes the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:44).
In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises the sequence encoding Kent Spike S1+S2 ECD_CD74+HLA as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:45).
In certain embodiments the vaccine comprises or encodes Kent Spike S1+S2 ECD_CD74+HLA. In specific embodiments, the vaccine comprises or encodes the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:46):
In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises the sequence encoding South Africa Spike ECD_CD74+HLA as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:47).
In certain embodiments the vaccine comprises or encodes South Africa Spike S1+S2 ECD_CD74+HLA. In specific embodiments, the vaccine comprises or encodes the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:48).
In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises the sequence encoding California Spike S1+S2 ECD_CD74+HLA as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:49).
In certain embodiments the vaccine comprises or encodes California Spike S1+S2 ECD_CD74+HLA. In specific embodiments, the vaccine comprises or encodes the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:50).
In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises the sequence encoding Brazil Spike S1+S2 ECD_CD74+HLA as set for the below (SEQ ID NO:51):
In certain embodiments the vaccine comprises or encodes Brazil Spike S1+S2 ECD_CD74+HLA. In specific embodiments, the vaccine comprises or encodes the sequence as set for the below (SEQ ID NO:52):
In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises the sequence encoding Delta Spike S1+S2 ECD_CD74+HLA as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:53):
In certain embodiments the vaccine comprises or encodes Delta Spike S1+S2 ECD_CD74+HLA. In specific embodiments, the vaccine comprises or encodes the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:54).
In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises the sequence encoding Wuhan Spike S1+S2 ECD_HLA as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:55):
In certain embodiments the vaccine comprises or encodes Wuhan Spike S1+S2 ECD_HLA. In specific embodiments, the vaccine comprises or encodes the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:56):
In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises the sequence encoding Kent Spike S1+S2 ECD_HLA as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:57)
In certain embodiments the vaccine comprises or encodes Kent Spike S1+S2 ECD_HLA. In specific embodiments, the vaccine comprises or encodes the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:58).
In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises the sequence encoding South Africa Spike S1+S2 ECD_HLA as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:59).
In certain embodiments the vaccine comprises or encodes South Africa Spike S1+S2 ECD_HLA. In specific embodiments, the vaccine comprises or encodes the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:60).
In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises the sequence encoding California Spike S1+S2 ECD_HLA as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:61).
In certain embodiments the vaccine comprises or encodes California Spike S1+S2 ECD_HLA. In specific embodiments, the vaccine comprises or encodes the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:62).
In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises the sequence encoding Brazil Spike S1+S2 ECD_HLA as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:63).
In certain embodiments the vaccine comprises or encodes Brazil Spike S1+S2 ECD_HLA. In specific embodiments, the vaccine comprises or encodes the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:64).
In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises the sequence encoding Delta Spike S1+S2 ECD_HLA as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:65).
In certain embodiments the vaccine comprises or encodes Delta Spike S1+S2 ECD_HLA. In certain embodiments the vaccine comprises or encodes the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:66).
In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises the sequence encoding a Lambda Spike S1+S2ECD_CD74CD+HLATM (SEQ ID NO: #)
In certain embodiments the vaccine comprises or encodes Lambda Spike S1+S2ECD_CD74CD+HLATM. In specific embodiments the vaccine comprises or encodes the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:83).
In certain embodiments, the vaccine comprises the sequence encoding a Lambda Spike S1+S2ECD_HLA SS/TM/CD. In specific embodiments the vaccine comprises or encodes the sequence as set forth below (SEQ ID NO:84).
In certain embodiments the vaccine comprises or encodes Lambda Spike S1+S2ECD_HLA SS/TM/CD (SEQ ID NO:85)
In certain embodiments, the vaccines viral vector-based vaccines or nucleic acid-based vaccines.
In certain embodiments, the vaccines target more than one strain of SARs-CoV, including but not limited to SARs-CoV2. In certain embodiments, the vaccines encode spike proteins, fragments thereof or fusion proteins comprising spike proteins or fragments thereof from more than one strain of SARs-CoV2. In specific embodiments, the vaccines encode more than one polypeptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 44, 46, 48, 50, 52 and 54. In specific embodiments, the vaccines encode more than one polypeptide selected from the group consisting of 56, 58, 60, 62, 64 and 66.
In certain embodiments, vaccine target one or more influenza viruses. In certain embodiments the vaccine comprises or encodes an influenza immunogen. In certain embodiments the vaccine comprises or encodes a targeting domain and an influenza immunogen. Optionally, the targeting domain comprises CD74 Cytoplasmic domain and a HLA transmembrane domain. Optionally the influenza immunogen is selected from the group consisting of one or more of M, N, HA, fragments thereof, variants thereof and combinations thereof.
In specific embodiments, the vaccines are SAM RNA-based vaccines. Optionally, the SAM vaccines are in lipid nanoparticle formulations.
Vaccine Formulations
The vaccines formulations may also comprise pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients and/or adjuvants. Adjuvants and carriers suitable for administering genetic vaccines and immunogens are known in the art. Conventional carriers and adjuvants are for example reviewed in Kiyono et al. 1996.
A vaccine adjuvant is a component that potentiates the immune responses to an antigen and/or modulates it towards the desired immune responses. A vaccine may include one or more adjuvants. Exemplary adjuvants include mineral salts including but not limited to aluminium salts (such as amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate (AAHS), aluminum hydroxide, aluminum phosphate, potassium aluminum sulfate (Alum)) and calcium phosphate gels; Oil emulsions and surfactant based formulations, including but not limited to MF59 (microfluidised detergent stabilised oil-in-water emulsion), QS21 (purified saponin), AS02 [SBAS2] (oil-in-water emulsion+MPL+QS-21), Montanide ISA-51 and ISA-720 (stabilised water-in-oil emulsion); Particulate adjuvants, including but not limited to virosomes (unilamellar liposomal vehicles incorporating influenza haemagglutinin), AS04 ([SBAS4] Al salt with MPL), ISCOMS (structured complex of saponins and lipids), polylactide co-glycolide (PLG) and; microbial derivatives (natural and synthetic), including but not limited to monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL), Detox (MPL+M. Phlei cell wall skeleton), AGP [RC-529] (synthetic acylated monosaccharide), DC_Chol (lipoidal immunostimulators able to self organise into liposomes), OM-174 (lipid A derivative), CpG motifs (synthetic oligonucleotides containing immunostimulatory CpG motifs), modified LT and CT (genetically modified bacterial toxins to provide non-toxic adjuvant effects); endogenous human immunomodulators, including but not limited to hGM-CSF or hIL-12 (cytokines that can be administered either as protein or plasmid encoded), Immudaptin (C3d tandem array) and inert vehicles, such as gold particles.
The vaccine formulations may also comprise a stabilizer. Suitable stabilizer are known in the art and include but are not limited to amino acids, antioxidants, cyclodextrins, proteins, sugars/sugar alcohols, and surfactants. See for example Morefield, AAPS J. 2011 June; 13(2): 191-200; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3085699/).
The vaccine can be incorporated into liposomes, microspheres or other polymer matrices. Liposomes can consist of phospholipids or other lipids, and can be nontoxic, physiologically acceptable and metabolizable carriers that are relatively simple to make and administer.
Previously, it has been found that a SARS-CoV-2 SAM lipid nanoparticle (LNP) vaccine induced high neutralizing antibody titers in mice (McKay et al., Nat Commun 11, 3523 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-17409-9). Briefly, the LNP (described in US patent U.S. Pat. No. 10,221,127) contains an ionizable cationic lipid phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol/PEG-lipid. The SAM RNA were encapsulated in LNP using a self-assembly process in which an aqueous solution of SAM RNA at pH=4.0 is rapidly mixed with an ethanolic lipid mixture. LNP.
Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the vaccines formulations comprise lipid nanoparticle delivery formulations of nucleic acid-based vaccines. Optionally, the lipid is cationic. Appropriate cationic lipids are known in the art. Non-limiting examples include phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol/PEG-lipid, C12-200, dimethyldioctadecylammonium (DDA), 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium propane (DOTAP) or 1,2-dilinoleyloxy-3-dimethylaminopropane (DLinDMA). Also see for example, U.S. Pat. No. 10,221,127 (incorporated by reference) and Reichmuth A M et al. (Therapeutic Delivery. 2016; 7(5):319-334. DOI: 10.4155/tde-2016-0006). In specific embodiments, the vaccines formulations comprise lipid nanoparticle delivery formulations of SAM RNA vaccines. In specific embodiments, the LNPs comprise an ionizable cationic lipid (phosphatidylcholine:cholesterol/PEG-lipid (50:10:38.5:1.5 mol/mol). In certain embodiments, the RNA to total lipid ratio in the LNP is approximately 0.05 (wt/wt). In certain embodiments, the LNPs have a diameter of −80 nm
Method of Vaccination
Also provided herein is a method of treating, protecting against, and/or preventing disease associated with the one or more viral pathogens in a subject in need thereof by administering one or more vaccines to the subject. For example, a worker skilled in the art would readily appreciate that a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine may be used in treating, protecting against, and/or preventing disease associated with SARS-CoV-2 (i.e. COVID 19) and an influenza vaccine may be used in treating, protecting against and/or preventing disease associated with influenza. A combination vaccine targeting SARS-CoV-2 and influenza may be used in treating, protecting against and/or preventing COVID-19 and influenza. Administration of the vaccine to the subject can induce or elicit a specific immune response against the vaccine target in the subject.
The subject may be a human or other animals, including but not limited to other vertebrates including mammals, such as non-human primates (including but not limited to monkeys and apes), cats, dogs, equines (including but not limited to horses), sheep, goats; bovines (including but not limited to cows), pangolins and marsupials; birds; reptiles; amphibians and fish.
The induced immune response can be used to treat, prevent, and/or protect against disease related to the vaccine target. For example, a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine to the subject can induce or elicit a specific immune response against the SARS-CoV-2 in the subject. The induced immune response provides the subject administered the vaccine resistance to vaccine target, such as a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine provides resistance to SARS-CoV-2.
The induced immune response can include an induced humoral immune response and/or an induced cellular immune response. The induced humoral immune response can include IgG antibodies and/or neutralizing antibodies that are reactive to the antigen. The induced cellular immune response can include a CD8+ T cell response.
The number of vaccine doses for effective treatment can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10.
In certain embodiments, a single type of vaccine is used. In other embodiments, multiple types of vaccines are used. For example, in certain embodiments, a prime and boost strategy of vaccination is used. In such embodiments, one vaccine where the contigs expressing immunogens are linked to CD74/HLA targeting sequences is used (this may promote DC cross priming of T cells). A second vaccine where the contigs expressing immunogens lack all signal sequences and transmembrane domains and (this may promote endogenous antigen presentation). These may be administered together or in 2 separate immunization of priming and boosting to promote optimum T cell response.
The vaccine can be formulated in accordance with standard techniques well known to those skilled in the pharmaceutical art. Such compositions can be administered in dosages and by techniques well known to those skilled in the medical arts taking into consideration such factors as the age, sex, weight, and condition of the particular subject, and the route of administration. The subject may be a human or other animals, including but not limited to other vertebrates including mammals, such as non-human primates (including but not limited to monkeys and apes), cats, dogs, equines (including but not limited to horses), sheep, goats; bovines (including but not limited to cows), pangolins and marsupials; birds; reptiles; amphibians and fish.
The vaccine can be administered prophylactically or therapeutically. In prophylactic administration, the vaccines can be administered in an amount sufficient to induce an immune response. In therapeutic applications, the vaccines are administered to a subject in need thereof in an amount sufficient to elicit a therapeutic effect. An amount adequate to accomplish this is defined as “therapeutically effective dose.” Amounts effective for this use will depend on, e.g., the particular composition of the vaccine regimen administered, the manner of administration, the stage and severity of the disease, the general state of health of the patient, and the judgment of the prescribing physician.
The vaccine can be administered by methods well known in the art as described in Donnelly et al. (Ann. Rev. Immunol. 15:617-648 (1997)); Feigner et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,580,859, issued Dec. 3, 1996); Feigner (U.S. Pat. No. 5,703,055, issued Dec. 30, 1997); and Carson et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,679,647, issued Oct. 21, 1997). The nucleic acid of the vaccine can be complexed to particles or beads that can be administered to an individual, for example, using a vaccine gun. One skilled in the art would know that the choice of a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, including a physiologically acceptable compound, depends, for example, on the route of administration of the expression vector.
The vaccine can be delivered via a variety of routes. Typical delivery routes include parenteral administration, e.g., intradermal, intramuscular or subcutaneous delivery. Other routes include oral administration, intranasal, and intravaginal routes. The vaccine can be delivered to the interstitial spaces of tissues of an individual (Feigner et al., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,580,859 and 5,703,055. The vaccine can also be administered to muscle, or can be administered via intradermal or subcutaneous injections, or transdermally, such as by iontophoresis. Epidermal administration of the vaccine can also be employed. Epidermal administration can involve mechanically or chemically irritating the outermost layer of epidermis to stimulate an immune response to the irritant (Carson et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,679,647, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).
The vaccine can also be formulated for administration via the nasal passages. Formulations suitable for nasal administration, wherein the carrier is a solid, can include a coarse powder having a particle size, for example, in the range of about 10 to about 500 microns which is administered in the manner in which snuff is taken, i.e., by rapid inhalation through the nasal passage from a container of the powder held close up to the nose. The formulation can be a nasal spray, nasal drops, or by aerosol administration by nebulizer. The formulation can include aqueous or oily solutions of the vaccine.
The vaccine can be a liquid preparation such as a suspension, syrup or elixir. The vaccine can also be a preparation for parenteral, subcutaneous, intradermal, intramuscular or intravenous administration (e.g., injectable administration), such as a sterile suspension or emulsion.
The vaccine can be administered via electroporation, such as by a method described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,664,545. The electroporation can be by a method and/or apparatus described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,302,874; 5,676,646; 6,241,701; 6,233,482; 6,216,034; 6,208,893; 6,192,270; 6,181,964; 6,150,148; 6,120,493; 6,096,020; 6,068,650; and 5,702,359. The electroporation may be carried out via a minimally invasive device.
A method of inducing an antigen-specific immune response in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject the vaccine comprising at least one nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 1-51 or a mutated variant thereof capable of expressing a polypeptide in an amount effective to produce an antigen-specific immune response in the subject.
Mice vaccinated with CD74-M1 adenovirus vaccine display higher levels of HLA-A2 restricted M1 epitope in central memory T cells found in spleen (
A DNA plasmid expression vector containing a CMV promoter was utilized to express the various SARs-CoV2 immunogens.
The nomenclature of the DNA vaccine constructs is as follows:
Wuhan: Wuhan spike with Wuhan spike signal sequences and transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic domain.
D1: Delta spike variant (aka Indian) without signal sequences or transmembrane domain.
D2: Delta spike variant with CD74 cytoplasmic domain+HLA transmembrane fused at the N terminus.
D3: Delta spike variant with HLA signal sequences and transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic domain.
D4: Delta spike variant with Delta spike signal sequences or transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic domain.
Transfections: 1.7×105 HEK293 cells were plated in 10% FBS+DMEM one day prior to the transfection in a 24 well plate. 1 ug of DNA for each vaccine construct was transfected with Lipofectamine3000 according to the manufacturer's instructions in healthy 70 to 90% confluent HEK293 cells. Transfected cells were incubated for 2 days before harvesting for protein expression.
Western Blotting: Samples of transfected HEK293 cells were separated on 15% sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide precast gels (Bio-rad), transferred to nitrocellulose membranes (using 10% and not 20% methanol), blocked with 5% skim milk as the blocking buffer in TBST, probed with rabbit polyclonal alfa tag primary antibody (1:1000, Nanotag Technology) and goat anti rabbit secondary antibody conjugated with HRP (1:5000) (Thermofisher). 0.5% SDS was used in the transfer buffer to facilitate the transfer of large proteins. Bio-rad Bio-rad ECL XL was used for protein detection. Membranes were scanned with Bio-rad Chemidoc. Protein was quantified using ImageJ Software.
FACS Intracellular Staining: FACS intracellular staining was used to determine expression of constructs which express membrane bound proteins. Expression from the D1 construct cannot be measured with this method as the protein lacks a signal sequence and transmembrane domain. Briefly, Samples of transfected HEK293 cells were trypinised and washed three time in PBS, counted and transferred to 1.5 ml tubes to obtain 6×105 cells per sample. Cells were fixed and permeabilised using the Invitrogen/eBioscience intracellular fixation and permeabilization kit. Briefly, for each sample, 200 μl fixation buffer was added and cells incubated for 30 minutes in the dark at room temp. Samples were washed 2 times in 500 μl permeabilization buffer, resuspended in 100 μl of the same buffer containing anti-ALFA antibody (NanoTag Bio, rabbit anti-ALFA at 1:500 dilution) and incubated for 30 minutes in the dark at room temperature. Samples were washed as before then 100 μl secondary antibody (Alex 488 goat anti-rabbit at 1:5,000 dilution) in permeabilization buffer was added and samples incubated for 30 in the dark at room temp. Samples were again washed as before then resuspended in 200 μl FACS buffer (PBS+2% FBS) and analysed by flow cytometry.
Mice: C57BL/6-Mcph1Tg(HLA-A2.1)1Enge/J mice, stock #003475, were purchased from The Jackson Laboratory (Bar Harbor, ME). Seven to thirty week old male and female mice were used and mixed for treatment groups. Homozygous progeny were bred for experiments and confirmed by in-house SNP analysis. Mice were maintained in the Centre for Disease Modelling (Life Sciences Building, Vancouver, British Columbia) and kept in a pathogen-free environment. All animal work was performed under strict accordance with the recommendations of the Canadian Council for Animal Care. The protocol was approved by the Animal Care Committee (ACC) of the University of British Columbia.
Immunizations: C57BL/6-Mcph1Tg(HLA-A2.1)1Enge/J and C57BL/6 mice were inoculated intramuscularly with either 0 ug, 5 ug, or 50 ug of unencapsulated DNA vaccine immersed in saline. Mice received one of five different DNA vaccines (four vaccines carrying modifications of the Delta variant Spike protein and one vaccine carrying the Wuhan Spike). Mice were monitored for weight loss (end point at 20% weight loss) and general health every day following immunization and blood collection. Mice that experienced 20% weight loss were euthanized for necropsy.
MIA: Saphenous blood was obtained from 4 mice per vaccine group at Days 0, 7, 14, and 21 post-immunization. Antigen-specific responses following vaccination were measured using an MIA. The MIA was developed and performed by MSD and is described in Folegatti et al. 17. Briefly, dried plates coated with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and RBD were blocked, washed and incubated with samples, reference standards and controls. Internal quality controls (QCs) and reference standard reagents were developed from pooled human serum. Following incubation and washing steps, detection antibody was added (MSD SULFO-TAG anti-mouse IgG), incubated and plates washed again. MSD GOLD Read Buffer B was added and plates read using a MESO SECTOR S 600.
Proteomics: Cytokines pre- and post-immunization were measured by proteome array using the Proteome Profiler Mouse XL Cytokine Array according to the manufacturer's instructions (Cat #ARY028, Lot: P293326; bio-Techne).
Results
Protein Expression: Protein Expression was confirmed by Western Blotting (data not shown) and FACS Intracellular Staining. Briefly, with respect to FACS intracellular staining, expression (background control subtracted) in fluorescent units (FU) is as: follows: Wuhan: 448 FU; D2: 986 FU; D3: 852 FU; and D4: 864 FU.
Toxicity: No toxicity events were observed for any vaccinated group and the mice retained their respective body weights irrespective of age or sex (see
Immune Biomarkers: Proteome arrays were used to assess vaccine performance by measuring immune responses after vaccination. Densiphotometry measurements were used to quantitate immune biomarker proteins that are elevated at day 7 and 14. There is no difference in vaccine biomarker expression at day 0 in the prebleeds of either the low dose (5 ug) or high dose (50 ug) doses of any vaccine versus the saline injected control group of animals. There is also no difference in vaccine biomarker Day 7 Low dose (5 ug) for any vaccine versus the controls at day 0 or the saline injected control group of animals. Several vaccine biomarker proteins were elevated in vaccine biomarker Day 7 High dose (50 ug) in all vaccinated animals versus the prebleed controls at day 0 or versus the saline injected control group of animals (see
The biomarkers are specifically indicative of elevated humoral responses (B cell antibody) and elevated cellular responses (T cell) and elevated innate immune responses and indicate that all vaccines promote a robust immune response and occurred in in the High dose of all vaccines. These include: ANG-1—plasma levels of ANG-1 significantly correlated with the reconstitution of naive CD4+CD45RA+ and CD8+CD45RA+ T cell subsets, whereas plasma levels of VEGF displayed a positive correlation with CD4+CD45RO+ T cells https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27777141/; BAFF—BAFF is a B-cell-activating factor (BAFF)/B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS), known to be essential for B lymphocyte homeostasis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18155301/; Eotaxin—Eotaxin-1 regulates the chemiotaxis and activation of basophils, mast cells and T lymphocytes specificially on eosinophils, mast cells, Th2 type lymphocytes and even on keratinocytes https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14561178/; CCL21-CCL21 attract naive T cells as well as costimulate their proliferation and differentiation, and is a pivotal molecule for priming T cell. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15919372/; CCL22-CCL22 is secreted by Dendritic cells as a major source of macrophage-derived chemokine/CCL22 to prime B and T cell responses https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11241286/; Chitinase 3-like-1-Chitinase 3-like-1, a master regulator of Th1/CTL responses, as a therapeutic target for increasing immunity https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29699605/; CD26-CD26 is preferentially restricted to the CD4+ helper/memory population, and CD26 delivers a potent co-stimulatory T-cell activation signal. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9553764/; Interleukin 12 (IL-12)-Interleukin 12 (IL-12) is an interleukin that is naturally produced by dendritic cells,[1]macrophaqes, neutrophils, and human B-lymphoblastoid cells (NC-37) in response to antigenic stimulation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7825035/; LDL—LDL possesses both a Redox imbalance and immune functions https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11899429/; M-CSF—Macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) activates macrophages, and activates antigen-specific immune responses in vivo. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9543701/; MMP-2-Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) plays an important roles in inflammation and immunity. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19393189/; MMP-3-Matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) is involved in Macrophage Activation where it up-regulates several matrix metalloproteinases through mitogen activated protein kinases and nuclear factor KB https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0042507; Myeloperoxidase-Myeloperoxidase is a regulator of immune responses and a hereditary deficiency of the enzyme, predisposes to immune deficiency https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/41062; Resistin-Resistin, a Novel Host Defense Peptide of Innate Immunity https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8253364/; E-selectin—The Adhesion to E-selectin primes macrophages for activation through AKT and mTOR https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33565143/; L-Selectin—L-Selectin enhanced T cells activation and function and improves the efficacy of immunotherapy: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2019.01321/full; CD62P—CD62P aids in T cells migrate and activates dendritic cells for T cell and memory T cell responses: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18838544/; CD62L—L-selectin (CD62L) controls the capacity for naive and memory T cells to actively survey peripheral lymph nodes, whereas P- and E-selectin capture activated T cells on inflamed vascular endothelium to initiate extravasation into non-lymphoid tissues. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2017.00600/full; ICAM-1—ICAM-1 is master regulator of cellular immune responses: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7977775/
Quantitatively, the D2: Delta spike variant with CD74 cytoplasmic domain+HLA transmembrane fused at the N terminus and the D3: Delta spike variant with HLA signal sequences and transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic domain quantitatively outperformed the vaccine expressing the Wuhan spike with Wuhan spike signal sequences and transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic domain, the vaccine expressing the D1-Delta spike variant (aka Indian) without signal sequences or transmembrane domain and the vaccine expressing the D4: Delta spike variant with Delta spike signal sequences or transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic domain. Furthermore, the vaccine expressing the D3: Delta spike variant with HLA signal sequences and transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic domain outperformed the vaccine expressing the D2: Delta spike variant with CD74 cytoplasmic domain+HLA transmembrane fused at the N terminus.
Antibody Response: Day 14 specific antibody response against human coronavirus (HCoV-229E) spike protein (S1+S2 ECD) was determined. The following vaccines contain transmembrane regions and evoked a specific antibody response: Wuhan spike with Wuhan spike signal sequences and transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic domain; D2-Delta spike variant with CD74 cytoplasmic domain+HLA transmembrane fused at the N terminus; D3: Delta spike variant with HLA signal sequences and transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic domain; D4: Delta spike variant with spike signal sequences and transmembrane domain. While D1-Delta spike variant without signal sequences or transmembrane domain did not evoke an antibody response at day 14 likely due to its localization with the cytoplasm of cells expressing it.
Golden Syrian hamsters are a current disease model for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Disease progression following SARS-CoV-2 infection in hamsters resembles that in human patients in multiple ways. SARS-CoV-2 replicates in their pulmonary and gastrointestinal epithelia, and viral antigens are expressed in airways and duodena up to 7 days post-inoculation. Community transmission to co-housed naïve contact hamsters occurs. Inoculated and naturally-infected hamsters display similar symptoms and disease progression, and neutralizing antibodies are detectable in survivors within 14 days of infection.
The additional advantage of the hamster model is that after SARS-CoV-2 infection with 10e5 of plaque forming units (pfu) of virus, the animals of both sexes lose over 20% of their body weight 7 days after infections with humane endpoint (20% loss is humane endpoint) and this is a useful parameter for assessing vaccine performance in viral challenge models. Weight loss does not appear in non-human primate models (Rhesus Macaques or African Green Monkeys), ferrets, or hACE2-mouse models of SARS-CoV-2 infection (Kobasa, member of the WHO Steering group on models of COVID-19). Therefore, hamsters provide one the best current models to validate vaccines for COVID-19 prior to entering clinical trials and act as a screen to reduce the risk of failure in clinical trials.
Vaccine constructs will be tested for their performance in evoking immune responses and to elicit protection in a SARS-CoV-2 lethal viral challenge model in Syrian hamsters.
Hamster Vaccination: SAM-LNPs vaccine candidates will be diluted in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and injected into animals intramuscularly (i.m.) using a 3/10 cc 29½G insulin syringe. Four sites of injection (30 μl each) over the lower back will be used. For a dose response curve, hamsters will be vaccinated (Primed) on day 0 and receive a booster injection on day 14. Groups will consist of a minimum of 5 animals per group for each vaccine tested, and a minimum of 3 dose ranges (e.g. 0.005 mg/kg-0.250 mg/kg) will be used for each vaccine 76. Equal numbers of males and females (5 males and 5 females) will be tested, as initial reports in humans have indicated there may be a sex difference in response to SAR-CoV-2 where males are twice as likely to develop pathological symptoms than females. A control group of unimmunized hamsters will be included. Body weights will be determined every day.
Measuring Cellular Immune Responses: Peripheral blood monocytic cells (PBMCs) will be obtained on day 0, 7, 14 and 28 post vaccination. We will harvest PBMCs to compare lymphocyte populations (T cell: CD4+, CD8+; B cell) using hamster-specific antibodies available from the Monoclonal Antibody Center at Washington State University. Inflammatory cytokines profiling will be undertaken using ELISA kits (MBL Intl) in samples collected at day 0, 4, 7, 14, 28 after challenge Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) will also be used to verify cytokine production from isolated cells and tissues, as previously described. Using blood obtained from the vaccinated hamsters above, we will screen for the production of antibodies which bind to recombinant SARS-CoV-2 proteins, using screening assays, e.g. Western blot; ELISA assay; gamma interferon EliSpot. Sera from vaccinated animals will further be tested for their ability to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 infection of HEK-293 cells by microneutralization assay as described 80. The microneutralization titer of test antisera will be determined by assessing the highest dilution of test antibody that shows inhibition in triplicate wells. Antibody subclasses concentration of IgG2a and IgG1 to examine TH1 skewing of the immune response.
Single Cell Sequencing for Measuring Immune Responses: Since reagents for hamsters are somewhat more limited than for mouse or human, another method to effective way to assess immune response will be to undertake single cell sequencing on peripheral blood monocytic cells using the 10X Genomics platform and 10X Genomics main this applicable to analysis in hamsters. This will allow the assessment of immune cells including: T cells (e.g. helper, cytotoxic, regulatory, memory, exhausted), B cells (e.g. plasma cell, memory, regulatory), in addition to innate cells (e.g. innate lymphocytes types 1, 2, and 3; monocytes/macrophages; eosinophils; mast cells).
Viral Challenge: The optimal dose of vaccine to use will be determined from the dose response trial. Hamsters will be vaccinated (Primed) on day 0 and receive a booster injection on day 14. Groups will consist of a minimum of 15 animals per group for each vaccine tested, (15 males and 15 females). At 28 days post vaccination, hamsters will be challenged with SARS-CoV-2 at a dose of 10e5 pfu in roughly 30 μl PBS via intranasal administration. Hamsters will be monitored every day for temperature, weight, and survival. Losing over 20% of their body weight will be considered a humane endpoint, and animals will be sacrificed. Tissues and cells will be harvested and examined, as described above, and bronchoalveolar lavage cell suspension will also be obtained at time of mortality.
Viral Load: Viral load and plaques will be compared by harvest lungs, and intestine and measure viral shedding by anal swabs and perform plaque assay of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR and determine the pfu through incubation of serially diluted hamster samples with HEK-293 cells.
Although various embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein, many adaptations and modifications may be made within the scope of the invention in accordance with the common general knowledge of those skilled in this art. Such modifications include the substitution of known equivalents for any aspect of the invention in order to achieve the same result in substantially the same way. Numeric ranges are inclusive of the numbers defining the range. The word “comprising” is used herein as an open ended term, substantially equivalent to the phrase “including, but not limited to”, and the word “comprises” has a corresponding meaning. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a thing” includes more than one such thing. Citation of references herein is not an admission that such references are prior art to an embodiment of the present invention. The invention includes all embodiments and variations substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the examples and drawings. Titles, headings, or the like are provided to enhance the reader's comprehension of this document, and should not be read as limiting the scope of the present invention.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/CA2021/051265 | 9/13/2021 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63077107 | Sep 2020 | US |
