Persistence of Immunogenicity of a Purified Inactivated Zika Virus Vaccine Candidate in Healthy Adults: 2 Years of Follow-up Compared With Natural Infection.

BACKGROUND: We report 2-year persistence of immune response to Takeda's prophylactic purified formalin-inactivated whole Zika virus vaccine candidate (TAK-426) compared with that observed after natural infection. METHODS: A randomized, observer-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-selection, phase 1 trial was conducted in 18-49-year-old adults at 9 centers (7 in the United States, 2 in Puerto Rico) from 13 November 2017 to 24 November 2020. Primary objectives were safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of 3 increasing doses of TAK-426 administered as 2 doses 28 days apart to flavivirus (FV)-naive and FV-primed adults. Here, we report on safety and persistence of immunity up to 2 years after primary vaccination with 10-µg TAK-426, the highest dose, and compare neutralizing antibody responses with those observed after natural infection. RESULTS: TAK-426 at 10-µg had an acceptable safety profile in FV-naive and FV-primed adults up to 24 months after dose 2. Seropositivity for neutralizing antibodies was 100% at 1 year, and 93.8% and 76.2% at 2 years in FV-naive and FV-primed groups, respectively. TAK-426 responses were comparable in magnitude and kinetics with those elicited by natural Zika virus infection. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the further clinical development of TAK-426 for both FV-naive and FV-primed populations. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT03343626.

Phagocytosis of poly(L-lysine)-graft-poly(ethylene glycol) coated microspheres by antigen presenting cells: Impact of grafting ratio and poly(ethylene glycol) chain length on cellular recognition.

Microparticulate carrier systems have significant potential for antigen delivery. The authors studied how microspheres coated with the polycationic copolymer poly(L-lysine)-graft-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLL-g-PEG) can be protected against unspecific phagocytosis by antigen presenting cells, a prerequisite for selective targeting of phagocytic receptors. For this aim the authors explored the influence of PLL-g-PEG architecture on recognition of coated microspheres by antigen presenting cells with regard to both grafting ratio and molecular weight of the grafted PEG chains. Carboxylated polystyrene microspheres (5 microm) were coated with a small library of PLL-g-PEG polymers with PLL backbones of 20 kDa, grafting ratios from 2 to 20, and PEG side chains of 1-5 kDa. The coated microspheres were characterized by their zeta-potential and resistance to IgG adsorption. Phagocytosis of these microspheres by human monocyte derived dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages (MPhi) was quantified by phase contrast microscopy and by analysis of the cells' side scattering in a flow cytometer. Generally, increasing grafting ratios impaired the protein resistance of coated microspheres, leading to higher phagocytosis rates. For DC, long PEG chains of 5 kDa decreased the phagocytosis of coated microspheres even in the case of considerable IgG adsorption. In addition, preferential adsorption of dysopsonins is discussed as another factor for decreased phagocytosis rates. For comparison, the authors studied the cellular adhesion of DC and MPhi to PLL-g-PEG coated microscopy slides. Remarkably, DC and MPhi were found to adhere to relatively protein-resistant PLL-g-PEG adlayers, whereas phagocytosis of microspheres coated with the same copolymers was inefficient. Overall, PLL(20)-[3.5]-PEG(2) was identified as the optimal copolymer to ensure resistance to both phagocytosis and cell adhesion. Finally, the authors studied coatings made from binary mixtures of PLL-g-PEG type copolymers that led to microspheres with combined properties. This enables future studies on cell targeting with ligand modified copolymers.

DNA-loaded biodegradable microparticles as vaccine delivery systems and their interaction with dendritic cells.

This paper provides a review of the role of dendritic cells (DC) in microparticle-mediated immune response and the advantages of associating DNA to microparticles in order to increase the potency of DNA vaccination in vivo. To begin with, different methods for the preparation of DNA-loaded microparticle with poly(lactide) (PLA)/poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) polymers are presented. Further, the effects of DNA-loaded microparticles on DC in vitro are extensively examined including transfection and stimulation of DC, a key feature of the immune response. Finally, in vivo tracking of DNA-loaded microparticles and induction of immune responses upon DNA-loaded microparticle administration in different animal models and with various routes of administration are reviewed.

Modulation of allergic responses in mice by using biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres.

BACKGROUND: Biodegradable poly(lactide- co -glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres are a promising carrier for vaccine delivery capable of maturing antigen-presenting cells to stimulate T-cell-mediated immune responses. However, the potential of microspheres to downregulate an allergic response in vivo is unknown. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether microspheres could potentiate DNA vaccination against allergy and to evaluate the immunomodulatory properties of microspheres alone. METHODS: Mice were treated prophylactically with DNA-loaded plain PLGA microspheres before sensitization with phospholipase A2 (PLA2), the major allergen of bee venom. PLA2-specific IgG1, IgG2a, IgE in serum were measured for 8.5 months, and splenocyte proliferative responses and cytokine profiles were determined. Protection against anaphylaxis was evaluated after injection of an otherwise lethal dose of PLA2. RESULTS: Phospholipase A2-specific IgG1 and IgG2a production turned out to be 2 times higher using cationic microspheres compared with anionic microspheres, but was not influenced by the presence of DNA. In contrast, reduction in IgE production and T-cell hyporesponsiveness were observed with all microsphere formulations. Recall challenge with PLA2 triggered combined expression of both IL-4 and IFN-gamma, together with sustained expression of IL-10 that can explain the protective effect against anaphylaxis. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest a dual mechanism that does initially rely on a TH2 to TH1 immune deviation and then on IL-10-mediated suppression. This is the first physiological demonstration that plain PLGA microspheres can induce tolerance in mice for as long as 6 months postsensitization.

Transfection of a mouse dendritic cell line by plasmid DNA-loaded PLGA microparticles in vitro.

Targeting of DC for DNA vaccination may be achieved by DNA-loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) biodegradable microparticles, since DC efficiently capture these microparticles in vitro and in vivo. DNA was encapsulated in PLGA microparticles by spray-drying. Various additives were tested and process parameters adjusted in order to prevent degradation of the DNA during encapsulation. The highest degree of supercoiled DNA was maintained by adding a strong buffering agent, such as PBS or NaHCO(3), whereas the cryoprotective lactose did not show a significant protective effect. DNA-containing PLGA microparticles were administered to a mouse DC line. Transfection efficacy was compared with commonly employed cationic transfectants and was visually assessed by green fluorescent protein expression. Transfection rate was very low in DC for all microparticle formulations and was comparable with commonly used cationic transfectants. It is concluded that the transfection of DC using PLGA microparticles is feasible, but efforts need to be undertaken to improve transfection efficiency in vitro, which may in addition lead to improved immune responses in vivo.

Composition and surface charge of DNA-loaded microparticles determine maturation and cytokine secretion in human dendritic cells.

PURPOSE: Biodegradable microparticles prepared from poly(lactide) (PLA) and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) have been shown to be promising carrier systems for vaccine delivery. Here, we have investigated the capacity of different PLA and PLGA microparticle formulations to induce stimulation of human blood monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs). METHODS: Stimulation of human derived dendritic cells by plain microparticles were compared with microparticles loaded with plasmid DNA or double-stranded salmon DNA either by encapsulation or adsorption to the surface of cationic microparticles. Stimulation of DCs was monitored by the up-regulation of surface maturation markers CD83 and CD86 and the secretion of IL-12 and TNF-alpha. RESULTS: Slowly degrading PLA microparticles did not induce any detectable stimulation or activation of DCs. In contrast, fast degrading PLGA microparticles were able to influence DC maturation and cytokine secretion dependent on their surface charge. Anionic PLGA microparticles induced an up-regulation of CD83 and high TNF-alpha secretion, which was further enhanced up to the level of the potent stimulator lipopolysaccharide (LPS) when plasmid DNA was encapsulated. Moreover, the secretion of significant amounts of IL-12 was observed. Cationic PLGA microparticles induced an up-regulation of CD86 and moderate TNF-alpha secretion, but no IL-12 secretion, with no additional effects in the presence of plasmid DNA. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that the composition and charge of biodegradable DNA-loaded microparticles profoundly influences maturation and cytokine secretion in DCs. Thus, the individual formulation of microparticles used as a vaccine carrier system might considerably influence the profile of the immune response.

Immobilisation of GM-CSF onto particulate vaccine carrier systems.

Physical connection of vaccine carriers with immunostimulating cytokines may provide an interesting possibility to enhance the immune response of protective or therapeutic vaccines. As a first evaluation, various aluminium hydroxide adjuvants and poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microparticulates with modified positively and negatively charged surfaces were prepared to adsorb granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) under different pH conditions. Negatively charged surfaces were chosen to resemble physiological binding of GM-CSF to extracellular glycosaminoglycans, while modified positively charged surfaces may enhance GM-CSF adsorption due to electrostatic interaction. Release of GM-CSF was checked in vitro in a simulated interstitial environment. Anionic and cationic surfaces efficiently attracted GM-CSF to the carrier surface independently of the pH, while the composition of the carrier largely influenced the release of GM-CSF over time. Thus, the adsorption of GM-CSF to aluminium hydroxide adjuvants and PLGA microparticulates provides a simple and efficient possibility to physically connect the cytokine with these commonly used and potential vaccine carriers and may enable its localised delivery to the side of action.

Evaluation of pH-dependent membrane-disruptive properties of poly(acrylic acid) derived polymers.

Anionic pH-sensitive membrane-disruptive polymers have evolved as a new class of bioactive excipients for the cytosolic delivery of therapeutic macromolecules. A large variety of anionic copolymers and analogues of poly(acrylic acid) (PA) was investigated and compared to a cationic PA copolymer. The pH-responsive membrane-disruptive properties were characterized by employing three in vitro models, such as pH dependent shift of pyrene fluorescence, liposome leakage and lysis of red blood cells. The pH-dependent increase of polarity and membrane disruption in the different model systems was in good agreement for all tested PA polymers. The efficacy of polymer-induced membrane disruption was concentration-dependent and significantly affected by the composition of the membrane. The sensitivity of relatively complex membranes of mammalian cells can be ranked between plain diphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) liposomal membranes and the more rigid cholesterol-containing DPPC membranes. Among the various studied PA polymers, medium and low molecular poly(ethacrylic acid) (PEA) and poly(propacrylic acid) (PPA) were identified as displaying significant pH-dependent disruptive activity. Relative to the disruptive cationic PA polymer (PDMAEM) the ranking is PEA < PPA < PDMAEM. The fine tuning of the pH-responsive hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance is likely to be responsible for the superior effect of PEA and PPA compared to other anionic PA polymers. This thorough investigation of a large variety of different anionic PA polymers and the comparison with an efficient, although rather toxic cationic PA polymer provides a good assessment for further therapeutic applications.

Improved stimulation of human dendritic cells by receptor engagement with surface-modified microparticles.

Dendritic cells (DC) need to be stimulated before they can function to initiate immune responses. This study investigates whether microparticles loaded with antibodies specific for selected receptors expressed by DC can induce stimulation of these cells. Plain microparticles were compared with microparticles which were surface-loaded with specific antibodies for human CD40, Fc(gamma), alpha(v)beta3 and alpha(v)beta5 integrin receptors. The antibodies were either physically adsorbed or covalently linked to the microparticle surface. Anti-CD40 antibody and human IgG immobilised on the surface of microparticles induced enhanced DC maturation and activation as expressed by CD83 and CD86 upregulation. IL-12 secretion was induced at a detectable but relatively low level. Both anti-integrin antibodies (anti-alpha(v)beta3 and anti-alpha(v)beta5) induced comparable and considerable maturation of DC, but only anti-alpha(v)beta3 antibody induced significant activation of DC, whereas anti-alpha(v)beta5 did not. The stimulatory effects were most pronounced by employing microparticles with covalently linked antibodies, but were also observed to a minor extent when the antibodies were physically adsorbed to polystyrene and biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles. Engineering of microparticles by surface conjugation of specific ligands to stimulate DC may increase the effectiveness of microparticulate vaccine delivery systems.

Phagocytosis and phagosomal fate of surface-modified microparticles in dendritic cells and macrophages.

PURPOSE: We compared cationic, polyamine-coated microparticles (MPs) and anionic, protein-coated MPs with respect to their phagocytosis and phagosomal fate in dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages (Mphi). METHODS: Polystyrene MPs were surface modified by covalent coupling with fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled polyamines or proteins. Phagocytosis of MP and the pH of their intracellular microenvironment was assessed in human-derived DCs and Mphi in a fluorescence plate reader. Visualization of MP phagocytosis in DCs was performed by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Phagocytosis of bovine serum albumin-coated MPs was low with significant differences between DC and Mphi, whereas phagocytosis of IgG-coated MPs was significantly enhanced in both cell types. Phagocytosis of both particle types resulted in an acidified phagosomal microenvironment (pH 4.6-5.1). In contrast, cationic, polyamine-coated MPs were equally phagocytosed by DCs and Mphi to a high extent and showed lower degrees of acidification (pH 6.0-6.8) in the phagosomal microenvironment. Transmission electron microscopy examination demonstrated all phagocytosed particles to be surrounded by a phagosomal membrane, which was more tightly apposed to the surface of cationic MPs and more loosely to bovine serum albumin-coated MPs. CONCLUSION: Phagocytosis of cationic, polyamine-coated MPs is suggested to lead to diminished phagosomal acidification. Thus, cationic MP are potential carriers that may display beneficial features for the intracellular delivery of immunomodulating therapeutics and their protection against lysosomal degradation.

Ligand-specific targeting of microspheres to phagocytes by surface modification with poly(L-lysine)-grafted poly(ethylene glycol) conjugate.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate specific receptor-mediated targeting of phagocytes by functional surface coatings of microparticles, shielding from nonspecific phagocytosis and allowing ligand-specific interactions via molecular recognition. METHODS: Coatings of the comb polymer poly(L-lysine)-g-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLL-g-PEG) were investigated for potential to inhibit 1) nonspecific spreading of human blood-derived macrophages (MOs) and dendritic cells (DCs) on glass and 2) nonspecific phagocytosis of PLL-g-PEG-coated, carboxylated polystyrene (PS) or biodegradable poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres. Coating was performed by adsorption of positively charged PLL-g-PEG on negatively charged microparticles or plasma-cleaned glass through electrostatic interaction. The feasibility of ligand-specific interactions was tested with a model ligand, RGD, conjugated to PEG chains of PLL-g-PEG to form PLL-g-PEG-RGD and compared with inactive ligand conjugate, PLL-g-PEG-RDG. RESULTS: Coatings with PLL-g-PEG largely impaired the adherence and spreading of MOs and DCs on glass. The repellent character of PLL-g-PEG coatings drastically reduced phagocytosis of coated PS and PLGA microparticles to 10% in presence of serum. With both MOs and DCs, we observed ligand-specific interactions with PLL-g-PEG-RGD coatings on glass and PS and PLGA microspheres. Ligand specificity was abolished when using inactive ligand conjugate PLL-g-PEG-RDG, whereas repellency of coating was maintained. CONCLUSIONS: Coatings of PLL-g-PEG-ligand conjugates provide a novel technology for ligand specific targeting of microspheres to MOs and DCs while reducing nonspecific phagocytosis.

Competitive adsorption of serum proteins at microparticles affects phagocytosis by dendritic cells.

Serum protein adsorption to the surface of particulate synthetic drug carrier systems has a major influence on their uptake by phagocytes. The influence of alpha2-human serum glycoprotein (alpha2GP) on the phagocytosis of various surface modified microparticles was studied in dendritic cells (DC) and was compared with a potent opsonin, IgG, and a dysopsonin, human serum albumin (HSA). The microparticles were administered to DC before and after the incubation with alpha2GP, IgG and HSA in single, binary or ternary protein systems and in whole blood serum. Phagocytosis of microparticles was vastly affected by the surface character of the microparticles themselves and by the adsorption of the proteins. Poly-L-lysine (PLL)-modified microparticles were under all conditions internalized with highest efficiency which is suggested to be mediated by their positive surface charge. The adsorption of commonly phagocytosis promoting proteins reduced the uptake of PLL-modified particles and is explained by compensation of the positive surface charge by the adsorbed negatively charged proteins. In all other particle types tested, freshly adsorbed alpha2GP was found to exhibit a strong phagocytosis promoting activity which was comparable to that of adsorbed IgG. Interestingly, this opsonic activity was lost already 2 h after adsorption to the particle surface. Protein adsorption from binary and ternary protein systems and from whole blood serum occurred in a competitive manner. Significant inhibition of phagocytosis was observed, even when HSA was combined with strong opsonins such as alpha2GP or IgG or in mixtures of all three proteins, indicating the importance of studying the influence of protein adsorption in protein mixtures.

Evaluation of cationic solid lipid microparticles as synthetic carriers for the targeted delivery of macromolecules to phagocytic antigen-presenting cells.

Biodegradable microparticles represent a promising carrier system for the efficient delivery of therapeutic macromolecules to phagocytic professional antigen-presenting cells (APC). Solid lipid microparticles (SLM) consisting of a tripalmitin matrix were prepared using a novel micromixer-based solvent extraction process. A positive surface charge was introduced by the incorporation of cationic lipids into the formulation. All obtained SLM were efficiently phagocytosed by primary macrophages in vitro. Complete intracellular degradation was observed already within 24 h, making SLM a suitable carrier for the immediate delivery of therapeutics to APC. Cationic SLM adsorbed plasmid DNA and bovine serum albumin (BSA) used as a model protein, and triggered the cellular internalization of the macromolecules by phagocytic macrophages. Surprisingly, the cationic SLM also triggered the internalization of these molecules by non-phagocytic 293 cells. This was probably due to the detachment of nanocomplexes formed of cationic lipid and DNA or BSA, respectively, from the surface of DNA- or BSA-loaded SLM and their subsequent uptake into the cells. Transfection efficiency of the DNA-loaded SLM was most pronounced in non-phagocytic cells and was not detected in the macrophage cell line or in primary macrophages. Our further studies revealed that cytotoxic effects of cationic SLM were more pronounced in the phagocytic cells, which could be explained by the very rapid uptake and degradation of the cationic SLM in these cells. In conclusion, SLM may provide a new, efficient means for the immediate intracellular delivery of therapeutic macromolecules into APC. Caution is warranted for cationic carriers, which may accentuate cytotoxic effects in the phagocytic cells.

Transfer of lipophilic markers from PLGA and polystyrene nanoparticles to caco-2 monolayers mimics particle uptake.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate nanoparticle uptake by the Caco-2 monolayer model in vitro. Special emphasis was placed on the localization and the quantification of the uptake of fluorescently labeled polystyrene and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles. METHODS: Intracellular fluorescence was localized by fluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Particle uptake was quantified either directly, by counting internalized nanoparticles after separation from the Caco-2 monolayers, or indirectly, by extraction of the lipophilic fluorescence marker. In vitro release studies of lipophilic markers from nanoparticles were performed in standard buffer systems and buffer systems supplemented with liposomes. RESULTS: Instead of uptake of polystyrene and PLGA nanoparticles by Caco-2 monolayers an efficient transfer of lipophilic fluorescence markers from nanoparticles into Caco-2 cells with subsequent staining of intracellular lipophilic compartments was observed. Whereas in standard buffer no release of fluorescent marker from polystyrene and PLGA nanoparticles was observed, the release studies using liposome dispersions as receiver revealed an efficient transfer of fluorescent marker into the liposome dispersion. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the deceptive particle uptake is caused by a collision-induced process facilitating the transfer of lipophilic fluorescent marker by formation of a complex between the nanoparticles and the biomembranes. Diffusion of the marker within this complex into lipophilic compartments of the cell strongly affects quantitative evaluation of particle uptake.

Microparticle-mediated transfection of non-phagocytic cells in vitro.

DNA-loaded microparticles represent an attractive delivery system to target professional antigen presenting cells (APC) for the delivery of DNA vaccines. Microparticles exhibiting a positively charged surface were prepared by the incorporation of two selected cationic polymers into a poly(D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) polymer (PLGA) core. The toxicity of the different formulations was checked in two cell lines and was found to be comparable to plain PLGA particles. Increased toxicity of some formulations was observed in primary macrophages (Mphi) with high phagocytosis activity. Plasmid DNA was efficiently adsorbed to the microparticle surfaces, and the different formulations were checked for their transfection efficiency in phagocytic and non-phagocytic cells. Interestingly, the most pronounced gene transfer efficiency was observed in a non-phagocytic 293 cell line when compared to a macrophage cell line and primary Mphi. Possible mechanisms include the dissociation of DNA-polymer complex and subsequent transfection of the cells. Microscopic observation of fluorescent-labeled DNA in primary Mphi revealed large amounts of DNA entering the cells, but no detectable DNA inside the nuclei. We conclude that phagocytic professional APC represent a group of cells, which is especially difficult to transfect when compared to other cell types. The administration of DNA in vivo is likely to predominantly result in the transfection of non-lymphoid cells unless there is a possibility to provide efficient targeting and trafficking of the DNA to the nucleus of professional APC. Although DNA-loaded PEI and DAEM microparticles resulted in significant transfection of cells, toxicity and transfection efficiency was not superior to that of DNA complexed with soluble PEI and DAEM.

Compromised integrity of excised porcine intestinal epithelium obtained from the abattoir affects the outcome of in vitro particle uptake studies.

Excised porcine intestinal tissue obtained from the local abattoir was studied for its suitability to examine the uptake and transport of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles in Peyer's (PP) and non-Peyer's patch (NPP) tissue in vitro. Incubation of such tissue with fluorescent PLGA and polystyrene particles revealed negligible uptake into the intercellular space with no noticeable difference between PP and NPP tissue. Similarly, yeast cells, which were used as a positive control for selective uptake into PP tissue, were found in the subepithelial area of both PP and NPP tissue. Therefore we examined the morphological integrity of the tissue for the duration of the experiments. For this purpose, excised intestinal tissue from the abattoir transported to the laboratory was examined for morphological changes by light microscopy and compared to intestinal tissue from freshly slaughtered piglets. Already after 25 min postmortem, we observed lysis and defoliation of the epithelial cell layer followed by a complete loss of villus architecture and, consequently, resulting in a complete loss of the integrity of the intestinal tissue. This may explain the limited and non-selective particle uptake when using excised intestinal tissue from the abattoir. It is suggested to avoid small intestine obtained from the abattoir and to use tissue from freshly sacrificed animals within a few minutes postmortem. Experiments should then be performed under adequate oxygenation of the excised intestinal tissue.

Phagocytosis of synthetic particulate vaccine delivery systems to program dendritic cells.

Therapeutic prospects of particulates are increasingly recognized for vaccination purposes. Compared with biologic particulates, such as live or attenuated bacterial vectors and viral vectors, synthetic particulates may be expected to ease the hurdles of quality assurance and validation in vaccine development and production and shorten the time for approval and to the market. The ability of synthetic antigen-loaded particulates to elicit strong immune responses, even with low amounts of antigen and to weakly immunogenic epitopes, is suggested to be due to their efficient cross-talk with the most potent antigen-presenting cells, such as dendritic cells. Moreover, the potential of particulates for intracellular delivery and directing intracellular trafficking of antigens has evolved as a promising opportunity to target the major histocompatibility complex I pathway. In summary, synthetic particulate vaccine delivery systems are likely to play an increasingly active role in enhancing or even enabling the immunostimulating effect of antigens upon direct interaction with the target cells.