Protective efficacy of an RBD-based Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) particle vaccine in llamas.

Ongoing outbreaks of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) continue posing a global health threat. Vaccination of livestock reservoir species is a recommended strategy to prevent spread of MERS-CoV among animals and potential spillover to humans. Using a direct-contact llama challenge model that mimics naturally occurring viral transmission, we tested the efficacy of a multimeric receptor binding domain (RBD) particle-display based vaccine candidate. While MERS-CoV was transmitted to naïve animals exposed to virus-inoculated llamas, immunization induced robust virus-neutralizing antibody responses and prevented transmission in 1/3 vaccinated, in-contact animals. Our exploratory study supports further improvement of the RBD-based vaccine to prevent zoonotic spillover of MERS-CoV.

Zoonoses Anticipation and Preparedness Initiative, stakeholders conference, February 4 & 5, 2021.

The Zoonoses Anticipation and Preparedness Initiative (ZAPI) was set up to prepare for future outbreaks and to develop and implement new technologies to accelerate development and manufacturing of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies. To be able to achieve surge capacity, an easy deployment and production at multiple sites is needed. This requires a straightforward manufacturing system with a limited number of steps in upstream and downstream processes, a minimum number of in vitro Quality Control assays, and robust and consistent platforms. Three viruses were selected as prototypes: Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) coronavirus, Rift Valley fever virus, and Schmallenberg virus. Selected antibodies against the viral surface antigens were manufactured by transient gene expression in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells, scaling up to 200 L. For vaccine production, viral antigens were fused to multimeric protein scaffold particles using the SpyCatcher/SpyTag system. In vivo models demonstrated the efficacy of both antibodies and vaccines. The final step in speeding up vaccine (and antibody) development is the regulatory appraisal of new platform technologies. Towards this end, within ZAPI, a Platform Master File (PfMF) was developed, as part of a licensing dossier, to facilitate and accelerate the scientific assessment by avoiding repeated discussion of already accepted platforms. The veterinary PfMF was accepted, whereas the human PfMF is currently under review by the European Medicines Agency, aiming for publication of the guideline by January 2022.

Vaccine Efficacy of Self-Assembled Multimeric Protein Scaffold Particles Displaying the Glycoprotein Gn Head Domain of Rift Valley Fever Virus.

Compared to free antigens, antigens immobilized on scaffolds, such as nanoparticles, generally show improved immunogenicity. Conventionally, antigens are conjugated to scaffolds through genetic fusion or chemical conjugation, which may result in impaired assembly or heterogeneous binding and orientation of the antigens. By combining two emerging technologies-i.e., self-assembling multimeric protein scaffold particles (MPSPs) and bacterial superglue-these shortcomings can be overcome and antigens can be bound on particles in their native conformation. In the present work, we assessed whether this technology could improve the immunogenicity of a candidate subunit vaccine against the zoonotic Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV). For this, the head domain of glycoprotein Gn, a known target of neutralizing antibodies, was coupled on various MPSPs to further assess immunogenicity and efficacy in vivo. The results showed that the Gn head domain, when bound to the lumazine synthase-based MPSP, reduced mortality in a lethal mouse model and protected lambs, the most susceptible RVFV target animals, from viremia and clinical signs after immunization. Furthermore, the same subunit coupled to two other MPSPs (Geobacillus stearothermophilus E2 or a modified KDPG Aldolase) provided full protection in lambs as well.

Optimization of insect cell based protein production processes - online monitoring, expression systems, scale up.

Due to the increasing use of insect cell based expression systems in research and industrial recombinant protein production, the development of efficient and reproducible production processes remains a challenging task. In this context, the application of online monitoring techniques is intended to ensure high and reproducible product qualities already during the early phases of process development. In the following chapter, the most common transient and stable insect cell based expression systems are briefly introduced. Novel applications of insect cell based expression systems for the production of insect derived antimicrobial peptides/proteins (AMPs) are discussed using the example of G. mellonella derived gloverin. Suitable in situ sensor techniques for insect cell culture monitoring in disposable and common bioreactor systems are outlined with respect to optical and capacitive sensor concepts. Since scale up of production processes is one of the most critical steps in process development, a conclusive overview is given about scale up aspects for industrial insect cell culture processes.