| 1. |
- Asghar, Naveed, 1983-, et al.
(författare)
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DNA launched suicidal flaviviruses as therapeutic vaccine candidates
- 2018
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Chronic liver disease, resulting from Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis D virus (HDV), or Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, contributes to a major health burden worldwide. The relativelyhigh cost of the HCV treatment brings concerns about the accessibility, especially in the developing countries. Hence, there exists a need for cost effect interventions with high efficiency. We aim to develop therapeutic vaccine candidates against HBV, HCV and HDV using DNA based subgenomic flavivirus replicons as a delivery system. Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), Langat virus (LGTV), West-Nile virus (WNV), or Kunjinvirus (KUNV) replicon with firefly luciferase geneas a reporter were expressed and characterized in cell culture studies. WNV and KUNV replicons showed significantly higher replication compared to their respective negative controls with unfunctional viral RNA dependent RNA polymerase. KUNV and WNV replicons were chosen for cloning the HCV or HB/DV vaccine candidate gene by replacing luciferasegene. Owing to the self-replicating trait of the flavivirus subgenomic replicons, Western blotting demonstrated that the antigen expression by KUNV and WNV replicons was several folds higher than the positive control. These results suggest that DNA based KUNV and WNV replicons may function as carriers for the hepatitis vaccine candidate genes, and these replicons are currently used for in vivostudies in animal models.
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| 2. |
- Asghar, Naveed, 1983-, et al.
(författare)
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Immunogenicity of DNA launched suicidal flavivirus replicons for protective vaccination against hepatitis viruses
- 2019
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Chronic liver disease, resulting from Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis D virus (HDV), or Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, contributes to a major health burden worldwide. Chronic infections with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be effectively cured by antivirals. However, as cured patients can be re-infected they lack protective immune responses. In addition, the relativelyhigh cost of the HCV treatment brings concerns about the accessibility, especially in the developing countries. Hence, there exists a need for cost effect vaccines with high efficiency to control and possibly eradicate Hepatitis viruses globally. The vaccine should induce either, or both, neutralizing antibodies and protective T cell responses. We therefore have developed DNA based flavivirus replicons as a potent delivery system that effectively prime HCV-specific T cell responses. We generated suicidal subgenomic DNA replicons of Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), Langat virus (LGTV), West-Nile virus (WNV), and Kunjinvirus (KUNV) expressing either a fusion protein between the HCV NS3/4A and a stork hepatitis B virus core or a vaccine candidate gene of HB/DV. Transfection experiments showed that the antigen expression by KUNV and WNV replicons was several folds higher than the antigen expression by standard DNA plasmid with CMV promoter. The immunogenicity of three suicidal flaviviral DNA replicons expressing HCV NS3/4A was tested in mice and compared to HCV NS3/4A expression by the standard DNA plasmid. The KUNV-HCV replicon was the best replicon-based immunogen with respect to priming of HCV NS3/4A-specific T cells as determined by ELISpot, dextramer staining, and polyfunctionality. Importantly, a mutant KUNV-HCV immunogen lacking replication failed to induce immune responses. Thus, the newly developed KUNV-based suicidal DNA launched replicon vaccine for HCV is a highly attractive candidate as a prophylactic vaccine against chronic hepatitis C. In addition, we are currently testing the immunogenicity of KUNV-HB/DV replicon in mice.
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| 3. |
- Brenndörfer, Erwin Daniel, et al.
(författare)
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Hepatitis C virus non-structural 3/4A protein interferes with intrahepatic interferon-γ production.
- 2012
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Ingår i: Gut. - : BMJ. - 1468-3288 .- 0017-5749. ; 61:4, s. 589-96
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The non-structural (NS) 3/4A protease/helicase of the hepatitis C virus is known to modulate signalling pathways in the infected hepatocyte by cleaving CARD adaptor inducing IFNβ (Cardif), T-cell protein tyrosine phosphatase (TC-PTP) and TIR domain-containing adaptor inducing IFNβ (TRIF), but the effects of NS3/4A in vivo still remain unclear.
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| 4. |
- Burm, Rani, et al.
(författare)
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Novel prime-boost immune-based therapy inhibiting both hepatitis B and D virus infections.
- 2023
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Ingår i: Gut. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 0017-5749 .- 1468-3288. ; 72:6, s. 1186-1195
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: Chronic HBV/HDV infections are a major cause of liver cancer. Current treatments can only rarely eliminate HBV and HDV. Our previously developed preS1-HDAg immunotherapy could induce neutralising antibodies to HBV in vivo and raise HBV/HDV-specific T-cells. Here, we further investigate if a heterologous prime-boost strategy can circumvent T-cell tolerance and preclude HDV superinfection in vivo.DESIGN: A DNA prime-protein boost strategy was evaluated for immunogenicity in mice and rabbits. Its ability to circumvent T-cell tolerance was assessed in immunocompetent hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-transgenic mice. Neutralisation of HBV and HDV was evaluated both in vitro and in immunodeficient human-liver chimeric mice upon adoptive transfer.RESULTS: The prime-boost strategy elicits robust HBV/HDV-specific T-cells and preS1-antibodies that can effectively prevent HBV and HDV (co-)infection in vitro and in vivo. In a mouse model representing the chronic HBsAg carrier state, active immunisation primes high levels of preS1-antibodies and HDAg-specific T-cells. Moreover, transfer of vaccine-induced antibodies completely protects HBV-infected human-liver chimeric mice from HDV superinfection.CONCLUSION: The herein described preS1-HDAg immunotherapy is shown to be immunogenic and vaccine-induced antibodies are highly effective at preventing HBV and HDV (super)infection both in vitro and in vivo. Our vaccine can complement current and future therapies for the control of chronic HBV and HDV infection.
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| 5. |
- Cardell, Kristina, et al.
(författare)
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Excellent response rate to a double dose of the combined hepatitis A and B vaccine in previous nonresponders to hepatitis B vaccine
- 2008
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Ingår i: Journal of Infectious Diseases. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0022-1899 .- 1537-6613. ; 198:3, s. 299-304
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B vaccine has been shown to be highly efficient in preventing hepatitis B. However, 5%-10% of individuals fail to develop protective levels (>or=10 mIU/mL) of antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) and are considered to be nonresponders. METHODS: A total of 48 nonresponders and 20 subjects naive to the HBV vaccine received a double dose of combined hepatitis A and B vaccine (Twinrix) at 0, 1, and 6 months. The levels of anti-HBs and antibodies to hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV) were determined before vaccination and 1 month after each dose. RESULTS: Among 44 nonresponders, protective anti-HBs levels were found in 26 (59%) after the first dose and in 42 (95%) after the third dose. Among the control subjects, the corresponding figures were 10% and 100%, respectively. All subjects seroconverted to anti-HAV. The titers of both anti-HBs and anti-HAV were lower in the previously nonresponsive subjects (P< .01). CONCLUSION: Revaccination of nonresponders to the standard hepatitis B vaccine regimen with a double dose of the combined hepatitis A and B vaccine was highly effective. This is most likely explained by the increased dose, a positive bystander effect conferred by the hepatitis A vaccine, or both.
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| 6. |
- Cardell, Kristina, 1964-
(författare)
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Studies on Hepatitis B Vaccination and Factors Associated with the Vaccine Response
- 2009
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Hepatitis B virus causes liver disease and up to 2 billion people have been in contact with the virus world wide. It can cause both acute and chronic disease. The routes for transmission are through blood, mother to infant at time of delivery and sexually. Chronic hepatitis B infection is a risk factor for development of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Prevention of hepatitis B virus infection is highly desirable. Since the early1980s hepatitis B vaccine has been available. It can effectively prevent the disease and has been found to be safe. The World Health Organisation, WHO, has recommended all countries to implement the vaccine in their children’s vaccination programmes and many countries have followed this recommendation. In Sweden so far the recommendation is vaccination of identified risk groups for hepatitis B. Health care workers who are at risk of having blood contact in their work is one such risk group.In a large study on health care workers who were intradermally vaccinated with the hepatitis B vaccine, 960/1406 (68.3%) developed protective levels of antibodies to HBsAg (anti-HBs; defined as >10 mIU/mL) after three doses. After administering of an additional fourth dose to non-responders the response rate was 1187/1335 (88.9%). Risk factors for non-response were smoking and age above 40 years. Also, the vaccine response rates improved during the study and a risk of giving a too small dose with intradermal administration was also identified. This suggests that intradermal administration is dependent on well trained personnel.A genetic factor which has been proposed to be associated with a non-responder status to HBV vaccination is the HLA haplotype of the host. In a study in on 69 responders and 53 non-responders the haplotypes were therefore determined. It was found that [DQB1*0602; DQA1*0102; DR15] and [DQB1*0603; DQA1*0103; DRB1*1301] were more likely to be found in responders (p<0.025 and p<0.05 respectively). In non-responders the haplotype [DQB1*0604; DQA1*0102; DRB1*1302] was found more frequently (p<0.005). This study supports that the HLA class II of the host is involved in the ability to respond to the HBV vaccination.To further test the genetic link between the HLA of the host and a non-responder status, relatives to known intradermal non-responders with known haplotypes for DQA1, DQB1 and DRB1 were vaccinated in the same way, intradermally. The response rate in the relatives was 15/26 (58%) which is lower than expected suggesting a genetic influence on the vaccine response. In this study 5/6 with the haplotype [DQB1*0604; DQA1*0102; DRB1*1302] were non-responders which is in line with the previous data that this haplotype is correlated to hepatitis B vaccine non-response.Finally, to test a strategy by which we could induce an effective anti-HBs seroconversion in non-responders we revaccinated these with the combined hepatitis A and B vaccine intramuscularly at a double dose. Already after the first revaccination dose 26/44 (60%) responded with protective antibodies compared to 2/20 (10%) in a vaccine naïve reference group, suggesting an anamnestic response. After three doses 42/44 (95%) responded in the non-responder group and 20/20 (100%) in the reference group. All participants in the study responded to the hepatitis A antigen.In conclusion these studies show that intradermal vaccine administration can be used and is effective, and that the ability to respond is influenced by several, including genetic, factors. Importantly a non-responder status to hepatitis B vaccination is not absolute, a double dose of the combined HAV and HBV vaccine effectively overcomes this non-response in most individuals.
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| 7. |
- Carlsson, Hanna, 1978-
(författare)
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Laboratory methods for investigation of the immunological orchestra in response to pathogens
- 2023
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Laboratory methods used for investigation of immune response often involve collection of whole blood and analysis of different biomarkers in blood components or generated from pathogen stimulation of whole blood or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Methods used to measure biomarkers are for example enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) which measures one biomarker at a time or multiplex assays for example x-unknown, multi-analyte profiling (xMAP) by Luminex or proximity extension assay (PEA), which can measure up to just over 3000 biomarkers at a time. Analysis of one biomarker at a time are time consuming, costly, and dependent of a large sample size to enable repeated measurements of different analytes. Therefore, multiplex assays that are time saving, more cost effective and measures multiple bi-omarkers at once in a small sample can be applied. The aim of this thesis was to evaluate multiplex laboratory methods for investigation of the immunological orchestra in response to Borrelia infection and influenza immunisation and if possible, further characterize individuals with different clinical outcomes or serological response, respectively. In our studies (paper I-III) we included 1113 blood donors of which 66 were found to previously have had a subclinical borreliosis (defined as presence of Borrelia-specific antibodies without recall of previous Lyme borreliosis), of the 66 individuals 60 were available for participation. We also included 22 patients previously diagnosed with Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB). In paper IV we included in total 73 individuals consisting of healthcare workers and patients attending seasonal influenza vaccination. We applied whole blood, PBMC and plasma stimulations and measured a range of cytokines, chemokines and complement factors with ELISA, nephelometry, xMAP and PEA. Our results show that subclinical Lyme borreliosis (SB) individuals display the following pattern, low age, male sex, low amount of secreted interleukin (IL)-17, CCL20 and higher secretion of IL-10 by PBMCs stimulated three days with Borrelia garinii compared to patients with previous Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB). The subclinical individuals also show higher activation of the complement system in response to Borrelia afzelii. We performed multiplex analysis of complement factors in attempt to further characterize our SB individuals and LNB patient but found the results to deviate largely from reference values retrieved with other standardized methods. This highlights the importance of critical review of generated results from all form of assays. To investigate immune responses after influenza immunisation and further characterize serological responders and nonresponders we included measurement of influenza-specific antibodies and total immunoglobulins (Ig) in blood serum, influenza-specific mucosal IgA (nasal-swabs) and cell-mediated immune response in supernatants from PBMCs stimulated with influenza vaccine using PEA. We found the serological responders to be characterised by lower levels of total IgM, Granzyme B (GZMB) and IL-12 together with higher levels of CXCL13 compared with nonresponders. To conclude, xMAP and PEA are two valuable methods that can be applied together with multivariate statistical methods in the investigation of both innate and adaptive immunity characteristics and association to clinical outcome or serological response after Borrelia infection and influenza immunisation, respectively.
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| 8. |
- Chen, Antony, et al.
(författare)
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Heterologous T cells can help restore function in dysfunctional hepatitis C virus nonstructural 3/4A-specific T cells during therapeutic vaccination.
- 2011
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Ingår i: Journal of immunology. - : The American Association of Immunologists. - 1550-6606 .- 0022-1767. ; 186:9, s. 5107-18
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The hepatitis C virus (HCV)-specific T cell response in patients with chronic HCV is dysfunctional. In this study, we aimed at restoring immunological function through therapeutic vaccination in a transgenic mouse model with impaired HCV-specific T cell responses due to a persistent presence of hepatic HCV nonstructural (NS)3/4A Ags. The HCV-specific T cells have an actively maintained dysfunction reflected in reduced frequency, impaired cytokine production, and impaired effector function in vivo, which can be partially restored by blocking regulatory T cells or programmed cell death ligand 1. We hypothesized that the impairment could be corrected by including sequences that created a normal priming environment by recruiting "healthy" heterologous T cells and by activating innate signaling. Endogenously expressed hepatitis B core Ag (HBcAg) can recruit heterologous T cells and activate TLR (TLR7) signaling. Hence, by combining HCV NS3/4A with different forms of HBcAg we found that heterologous sequences somewhat improved activation and expansion of NS3/4A-specific T cells in a wild-type host. Importantly, the signals provided by HBcAg effectively restored the activation of HCV-specific T cells in a tolerant NS3/4A-transgenic mouse model. The adjuvant effect could also be transferred to the priming of dysfunctional HLA-A2-restricted NS3-specific T cells in vivo. Thus, recruiting healthy heterologous T cells to the site of priming may also help restore HCV-specific responses present in a chronically infected host.
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| 9. |
- Davanian, Haleh, et al.
(författare)
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Ameloblastoma RNA profiling uncovers a distinct non-coding RNA signature
- 2017
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Ingår i: Oncotarget. - : Impact Journals, LLC. - 1949-2553. ; 8:3, s. 4530-4542
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Ameloblastoma of the jaws remains the top difficult to treat odontogenic tumour and has a high recurrence rate. New evidence suggests that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a critical role in tumourgenesis and prognosis of cancer. However, ameloblastoma ncRNA expression data is lacking. Here we present the first report of ameloblastoma ncRNA signatures. A total of 95 ameloblastoma cases and a global array transcriptome technology covering > 285.000 full-length transcripts were used in this two-step analysis. The analysis first identified in a test cohort 31 upregulated ameloblastoma-associated ncRNAs accompanied by signalling pathways of cancer, spliceosome, mRNA surveillance and Wnt. Further validation in an independent cohort points out the long non-coding (lncRNAs) and small nucleolar RNA (snoRNAs): LINC340, SNORD116-25, SNORA11, SNORA21, SNORA47 and SNORA65 as a distinct ncRNA signature of ameloblastoma. Importantly, the presence of these ncRNAs was independent of BRAFV600E and SMO-L412F mutations, histology type or tumour location, but was positively correlated with the tumour size. Taken together, this study shows a systematic investigation of ncRNA expression of ameloblastoma, and illuminates new diagnostic and therapeutic targets for this invasive odontogenic tumour.
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| 10. |
- Einberg, Afrodite Psaros, et al.
(författare)
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Lack of association between interleukin 28B polymorphism and vertical transmission of hepatitis C
- 2017
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Ingår i: Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition - JPGN. - : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. - 0277-2116 .- 1536-4801. ; 65:6, s. 608-612
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: Single genetic nucleotide polymorphism (rs12979860) near the gene for Interleukin 28B (IL28B), is known to be of importance for frequency of spontaneous clearance and treatment outcome in interferon based therapies in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The aim of this study was to investigate if IL28B polymorphism in children and/or their mothers plays a role in vertical transmission of HCV (HCV-VT).METHODS: Plasma samples from 59 infected women, 76 uninfected children born to infected mothers, and 47 children with known vertically transmitted HCV infection, were analysed for IL28B polymorphism and classified by the IL28B genotype (C/C, C/T and T/T) as well as by viral genotype.RESULTS: The proportion of children with genotype C/C was the same in the vertically infected (36%, 17/47) and the exposed uninfected children (38%, 29/76). No difference was seen when stratifying for viral genotype. There was no association between mothers' IL28B genotype and the risk of vertical transmission.CONCLUSION: Regardless of viral genotype we found no association between IL28B genotype and the risk of HCV-VT. The IL28B genotype CC, which has been shown to be favourable in other settings, was not protective of HCV-VT. Thus, other factors possibly associated with the risk of HCV-VT need to be explored.
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