Measurement of hematological and serum biochemical normal values of captive housed Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus monkeys and correlation with the age.

BACKGROUND: Some factors such as sex, age, and captivity conditions have a direct influence on the normal hematological and serum biochemical parameters of African green monkeys. On the other hand, reliability in reported values is in many cases limited by studied animal number (<200) and there is not report on the correlation of these parameters with the age in each sex animal group. Thus, this study sought determining normal hematological (11) and serum biochemical parameters (9) of 400 captive housed African green monkeys and also correlate them with the age of the animals. METHODS: A total of 200 females and 200 males were grouped by the sex and age groups (1-2, 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8 years old) for measuring normal values of hematological and serum biochemical parameters and to study the correlation of these parameters with the age of the animals. RESULTS: As key outcome, the main hematological and serum biochemical reference values of African green monkeys were determined. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found among 95% of studied parameters between males and females. About 75% and 95% of the parameters were influenced by the age in the female and male groups, respectively. About 35% of hematological and serum biochemical parameters correlated positively (R(2) > 0.5) with the age in the female monkeys. On the contrary in the male monkeys, only 45% of parameters correlated positively with the age (R(2) > 0.5). CONCLUSIONS: Thus, authors believe that results of this study are important for assisting researchers in the assessment of health status of captive housed African green monkeys for preclinical studies.

Preliminary safety assessment of CIGB-210, an investigational peptide for HIV infection.

Current human immunodeficiency virus treatments need to be periodically administered lifelong. In this study we assess the effect of repeated doses of an anti-HIV peptide drug candidate in C57BL6 strain. Two schemes of up to 15 administrations and one of 30, daily dosing for 5 days per week, all by the subcutaneous route were evaluated. Different dose concentrations of the peptide were assayed. CIGB-210 treated animals showed no symptoms or abnormal behavior as compared with placebo. All the animals gained weight during the study. Macroscopic evaluation showed no alterations in any of the organs studied. Microscopic analysis of the tissues did not show morphological changes in thymus, stomach, small and large intestines, kidney, brain, or cerebellum. The proliferative response of splenocytes and their capacity to secrete gamma interferon were not compromised by the repeated administration of CIGB-210. There were not statistically significant differences for any of the parameters evaluated during the study among treated and non-treated groups. We can conclude that CIGB-210 is well tolerated in C57BL6 mice in the dose concentration range explored and merits subsequent toxicological studies.

Ratio of HCV structural antigens in protein-based vaccine formulations is critical for functional immune response induction.

HCV (hepatitis C virus) infection is among the leading causes of chronic liver disease, but currently there is no vaccine available. Data have accumulated about the importance of targeting different HCV antigens in vaccine candidate preparations. Here, a surface response study to select the optimal ratio of recombinant HCV structural antigens in a vaccine preparation, capable of generating in vivo functional cellular immune response in mice, was performed. The immunogenicity of the selected HCV structural protein mixture (Co-E1-E2) in mice and African green monkeys, after five doses of immunization, was also demonstrated. Specific T-cell proliferative response against HCV structural antigens was induced in vaccinated mice. Moreover, on challenge with recombinant HCV VV (vaccinia virus), all mice controlled the viraemia and 80% were protected. On the other hand, monkeys immunized with Co-E1-E2 developed antibodies, specifically directed to region 412-438 of E2 protein, that include an epitope implicated in HCV neutralization, in addition to a specific proliferative response against HCV Core and E2 proteins. These results indicated that the optimal amount and ratio of HCV recombinant proteins should be taken into account to elicit a successful immune response against HCV and therefore have important implications for vaccine design.

Safety and Therapeutic Profile of a GnRH-Based Vaccine Candidate Directed to Prostate Cancer. A 10-Year Follow-Up of Patients Vaccinated With Heberprovac.

Heberprovac is a GnRH based vaccine candidate containing 2.4 mg of the GnRHm1-TT peptide as the main active principle; 245 µg of the very small size proteoliposomes adjuvant (VSSP); and 350 µL of Montanide ISA 51 VG oil adjuvant. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and tolerance of the Heberprovac in advanced prostate cancer patients as well as its capacity to induce anti-GnRH antibodies, the subsequent effects on serum levels of testosterone and PSA and the patient overall survival. The study included eight patients with histologically-proven advanced prostate cancer with indication for hormonal therapy, who received seven intramuscular immunizations with Heberprovac within 18 weeks. Anti-GnRH antibody titers, testosterone and PSA levels, as well as clinical parameters were recorded and evaluated. The vaccine was well tolerated. Significant reductions in serum levels of testosterone and PSA were seen after four immunizations. Castrate levels of testosterone were observed in all patients at the end of the immunization schedule, which remained at the lowest level for at least 20 months. In a 10-year follow-up three out of six patients who completed the entire trial survived. In contrast only one out eight patients survived in the same period in a matched randomly selected group receiving standard anti-hormonal treatment. Heberprovac vaccination showed a good security profile, as well as immunological, biochemical and, most importantly, clinical benefit. The vaccinated group displayed survival advantage compared with the reference group that received standard treatment. These results warrant further clinical trials with Heberprovac involving a larger cohort.

Immunization with a recombinant fowlpox virus expressing a hepatitis C virus core-E1 polyprotein variant, protects mice and African green monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus) against challenge with a surrogate vaccinia virus.

HCV (hepatitis C virus) is a worldwide health problem nowadays. No preventive vaccine is available against this pathogen, and therapeutic treatments currently in use have important drawbacks, including limited efficacy. In the present work a recombinant fowlpox virus, FPCoE1, expressing a truncated HCV core-E1 polyprotein, was generated. FPCoE1 virus generally failed to elicit a humoral immune response against HCV antigens in BALB/c mice. By contrast, mice inoculated with FPCoE1 elicited a positive interferon-gamma secretion response against HCV core in ex-vivo ELISPOT (enzyme-linked immunospot) assays. Remarkably, mice inoculated with FPCoE1 significantly controlled viraemia in a surrogate challenge model with vvRE, a recombinant vaccinia virus expressing HCV structural antigens. In fact, 40% of the mice had no detectable levels of vvRE in their ovaries. Administration of FPCoE1 in vervet monkeys [Chlorocebus (formerly Cercophitecus) aethiops sabaeus] induced lymphoproliferative response against HCV core and E1 proteins in 50% of immunized animals. Monkeys immunized with FPCoE1 had no detectable levels of vvRE in their blood, whereas monkeys inoculated with FP9, the negative control virus, had detectable levels of vvRE in blood up to 7 days after challenge. In conclusion, recombinant fowlpox virus FPCoE1 is able to induce an anti-HCV immune response in mice and monkeys. This ability could be rationally employed to develop effective strategies against HCV infection by using FPCoE1 in combination with other vaccine candidates or antiviral treatments.

Vaccine CIGB 247 is potentially safe for use as a novel therapeutic vaccine against cancer in Chlorocebus aethiops monkeys.

CIGB 247 is a novel cancer therapeutic vaccine based on human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) variant molecule as antigen, in combination with a bacterial adjuvant. This vaccine candidate has previously demonstrated efficacy and safety in mice, rats, rabbits and non-human primates. In the present study we evaluated the effects on the clinical, hematological and biochemical parameters of CIGB 247 vaccine in Chlorocebus aethiops monkeys. Three groups of monkeys were immunized with three doses of vaccine formulation to measure physiological values of clinical, hematological and serum biochemical parameters. Monkeys' body weight and temperature were kept stable and close to standard values throughout the study. Variations in the levels of red blood cells and hemoglobin were observed among the different groups for all injected doses, but these hematological parameters recovered normal values at the end of the study. On the other hand, biochemical parameters such as the total bilirubin and total protein counts showed variations along the study, while they were not associated with the test substance. In summary, no negative effects on clinical, hematological and biochemical parameters were detected. Together, our results put forward the potential and support the safety of the CIGB 247 vaccine candidate for use in clinical applications. The data presented here can be used to estimate a human dosing regimen from preclinical data.

Olive baboons: a non-human primate model for testing dengue virus type 2 replication.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the use of a non-human primate, the olive baboon (Papio anubis), as a model of dengue infection. Olive baboons closely resemble humans genetically and physiologically and have been used extensively for assessing novel vaccine formulations. METHODS: Two doses of dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2) were tested in baboons: 10(3) and 10(4) pfu. Similarly, African green monkeys received the same quantity of virus and acted as positive controls. RESULTS: Following exposure, high levels of viremia were detected in both animal species. There was a trend to detect more days of viremia and more homogeneous viral titers in animals receiving the low viral dose. In addition, baboons infected with the virus generally exhibited positive virus isolation 1 day later than African green monkeys. Humoral responses consisting of antiviral and neutralizing antibodies were detected in all animals after infection. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that baboons provide an alternative non-human primate species for experimental DENV-2 infection and we recommend their use for further tests of vaccines, administering the lowest dose assayed: 10(3) pfu.

Antigen dose escalation study of a VEGF-based therapeutic cancer vaccine in non human primates.

CIGB-247 is a cancer therapeutic, based on recombinant modified human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as antigen, in combination with the oil free adjuvant VSSP (very small sized proteoliposomes of Neisseria meningitidis outer membrane). Our previous experimental studies in mice with CIGB-247 have shown that the vaccine has both anti-tumoral and anti-metastatic activity, and produces both antibodies that block VEGF-VEGF receptor interaction, and a specific T-cell cytotoxic response against tumor cells. CIGB-247, with an antigen dose of 100 µg, has been characterized by an excellent safety profile in mice, rats, rabbits, and non human primates. In this article we extend the immunogenicity and safety studies of CIGB-247 in non human primates, scaling the antigen dose from 100 µg to 200 and 400 µg/vaccination. Our results indicate that such dose escalation did not affect animal behavior, clinical status, and blood parameters and biochemistry. Also, vaccination did not interfere with skin deep skin wound healing. Anti-VEGF IgG antibodies and specific T-cell mediated responses were documented at all three studied doses. Antigen dose apparently did not determine differences in maximum antibody titer during the 8 weekly immunization induction phase, or the subsequent increase in antibodies seen for monthly boosters delivered afterwards. Higher antigen doses had a positive influence in antibody titer maintenance, after cessation of immunizations. Boosters were important to achieve maximum antibody VEGF blocking activity, and specific T-cell responses in all individuals. Purified IgG from CIGB-247 immunized monkey sera was able to impair proliferation and formation of capillary-like structures in Matrigel, for HMEC cells in culture. Altogether, these results support the further clinical development of the CIGB-247 therapeutic cancer vaccine, and inform on the potential mechanisms involved in its effect.

Immunogenicity and some safety features of a VEGF-based cancer therapeutic vaccine in rats, rabbits and non-human primates.

We have developed a cancer vaccine candidate (hereafter denominated CIGB-247), based on recombinant modified human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as antigen, and the adjuvant VSSP (very small sized proteoliposomes of Neisseria meningitidis outer membrane). In mice, previous work of our group had shown that vaccination with CIGB-247 extended tumor-take time, slowed tumor growth, and increased animal survival. Immunization elicited anti-human and murine VEGF-neutralizing antibodies, and spleen cells of vaccinated mice are cytotoxic in vitro to tumor cells that produce VEGF. We have now tested the immunogenicity of CIGB-247 in Wistar rats, New Zealand White rabbits and the non-human primate Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus. Using weekly, biweekly and biweekly plus montanide immunization schemes, all three species develop antigen-specific IgG antibodies that can block the interaction of VEGF and VEGF receptor 2 in an ELISA assay. Antibody titers decline after vaccination stops, but can be boosted with new immunizations. In monkeys, DTH and direct cell cytotoxicity experiments suggest that specific T-cell responses are elicited by vaccination. Immunization with CIGB-247 had no effect on normal behavior, hematology, blood biochemistry and histology of critical organs, in the tested animals. Skin deep wound healing was not affected in vaccinated rats and monkeys.

Viremia and antibody response in green monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus) infected with dengue virus type 2: a potential model for vaccine testing.

The increasingly limited availability and high cost of the hitherto most commonly used monkey species in dengue vaccine research has augmented the importance of identifying alternative suitable models for these studies. In this study we examined the capacity of green monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops sabaeus) to develop dengue viremia, and thus provide a potential model for dengue vaccine testing. Monkeys were inoculated with two different doses of dengue virus type 2. All animals in both groups became viremic after inoculation of the virus. In the lower dose group, mean viremia duration of 5.66 days was detected, whereas in the group that received the 106 PFU dose, viremia had a mean duration of only 1.66 days. Antibody titers were similar to those obtained in previous experiments with rhesus and cynomolgus macaques. We conclude that green monkeys develop viremia and antibody responses and therefore provide a potential model for the preclinical evaluation of novel candidates for dengue vaccines.

Toxicology and biodistribution study of CIGB-230, a DNA vaccine against hepatitis C virus.

CIGB-230, a mixture of a DNA plasmid expressing hepatitis C virus (HCV) structural antigens and a HCV recombinant capsid protein, has demonstrated to elicit strong immune responses in animals. The present study evaluated the plasmid biodistribution after the administration of CIGB-230 in mice, as well as toxicity of this vaccine candidate in rats. In the biodistribution study, mice received single or repeated intramuscular injections of CIGB-230, 50 microg of plasmid DNA mixed with 5 microg of Co.120 protein. Plasmid presence was assessed in ovaries, kidney, liver, pancreas, mesenteric ganglion, blood, and muscle of the injection site by a qualitative polymerase chain reaction. The toxicology evaluation included treatment groups receiving doses 5, 15, or 50 times higher, according to the body weight, than the expected therapeutic clinical dose. During the first hour after repeated inoculation, a promiscuous distribution was observed. However, 3 months later, plasmid could not be detected in any tissue. There was an absence of detectable adverse effects on key toxicology parameters and no damage evidenced in inspected organs and tissues. These results indicate that CIGB-230 is nontoxic at local and systemic levels and no concerns about persistence are observed, which support clinical testing of this vaccine candidate against HCV.

CIGB-300, a novel proapoptotic peptide that impairs the CK2 phosphorylation and exhibits anticancer properties both in vitro and in vivo.

Protein Kinase CK2 is a serine-threonine kinase frequently deregulated in many human tumors. Here, we hypothesized that a peptide binder to the CK2 phosphoacceptor site could exhibit anticancer properties in vitro, in tumor animal models, and in cancer patients. By screening a random cyclic peptide phage display library, we identified the CIGB-300 (formerly P15-Tat), a cyclic peptide which abrogates the CK2 phosphorylation by blocking recombinant substrates in vitro. Interestingly, synthetic CIGB-300 led to a dose-dependent antiproliferative effect in a variety of tumor cell lines and induced apoptosis as evidenced by rapid caspase activation. Importantly, CIGB-300 elicited significant antitumor effect both by local and systemic administration in murine syngenic tumors and human tumors xenografted in nude mice. Finally, we performed a First-in-Man trial with CIGB 300 in patients with cervical malignancies. The peptide was found to be safe and well tolerated in the dose range studied. Likewise, signs of clinical benefit were clearly identified after the CIGB-300 treatment as evidenced by significant decrease of the tumor lesion area and histological examination. Our results provide an early proof-of-principle of clinical benefit by using an anti-CK2 approach in cancer. Furthermore, this is the first clinical trial where an investigational drug has been used to target the CK2 phosphorylation domain.

Antigenicity and immunogenicity of a synthetic oligosaccharide-protein conjugate vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae type b.

Polysaccharide-protein conjugates as vaccines have proven to be very effective in preventing Haemophilus influenzae type b infections in industrialized countries. However, cost-effective technologies need to be developed for increasing the availability of anti-H. influenzae type b vaccines in countries from the developing world. Consequently, vaccine production with partially synthetic antigens is a desirable goal for many reasons. They may be rigidly controlled for purity and effectiveness while at the same time being cheap enough that they may be made universally available. We describe here the antigenicity and immunogenicity of several H. influenzae type b synthetic oligosaccharide-protein conjugates in laboratory animals. The serum of H. influenzae type b-immunized animals recognized our synthetic H. influenzae type b antigens to the same extent as the native bacterial capsular polysaccharide. Compared to the anti-H. influenzae type b vaccine employed, these synthetic versions induced similar antibody response patterns in terms of titer, specificity, and functional capacity. The further development of synthetic vaccines will meet urgent needs in the less prosperous parts of the world and remains our major goal.

A synthetic conjugate polysaccharide vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae type b.

Glycoconjugate vaccines provide effective prophylaxis against bacterial infections. To date, however, no commercial vaccine has been available in which the key carbohydrate antigens are produced synthetically. We describe the large-scale synthesis, pharmaceutical development, and clinical evaluation of a conjugate vaccine composed of a synthetic capsular polysaccharide antigen of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). The vaccine was evaluated in clinical trials in Cuba and showed long-term protective antibody titers that compared favorably to licensed products prepared with the Hib polysaccharide extracted from bacteria. This demonstrates that access to synthetic complex carbohydrate-based vaccines is feasible and provides a basis for further development of similar approaches for other human pathogens.