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[Comparative trial of the immunogenic properties of commercial foot-and-mouth virus strains].

Comparative investigations on the antigenic relation and the immunogenic properties of the foot-and-mouth disease virus types O, A, and C. were carried out with the aid of the quantitative CFT and experiments with guinea pigs. It was established that the viruses of a given type were closely related antigenically and belonged to one and the same subtype group (R greater than of equal to 70 per cent). Immunogenicity studies revealed that strains O1Y A5f, C 564, and Cf were best in terms of immunogenic properties. It was also found that, generally, type O strains were weak in this respect, while all strains of type C tested had good immunogenic properties.

Animals↗

The roles of nonhuman primates in the preclinical evaluation of candidate AIDS vaccines.

Preclinical studies in nonhuman primates (NHP) play key roles in AIDS vaccine development efforts. In addition to their traditional utilization to gauge vaccine safety and immunogenicity, NHP models are currently employed to an unprecedented extent and in unprecedented ways in contemporary basic and applied vaccine development efforts. Current studies employ NHP models to probe fundamental mechanisms of primate immune system regulation, to investigate pathogenic mechanisms of AIDS, and to optimize immunization strategies involving novel vaccine vectors. The use of experimental challenges of immunized NHPs with either simian immunodeficiency virus or chimeric simian/human immunodeficiency virus to generate preclinical vaccine efficacy data has emerged as an important criterion for facilitating entry of a given vaccine candidate into early phase clinical evaluation in humans. However, for studies of the biology of AIDS virus transmission, AIDS virus disease pathogenesis and AIDS virus vaccine efficacy that are predicated on experimental viral challenge to be most valuable, additional efforts need to be devoted to generating challenge models that more closely recapitulate HIV-1 infection in humans. Towards this end, improved communication between clinical and preclinical investigators, to promote a bidirectional flow of information focusing on individual research needs and shared goals should enable the NHP models to most effectively expedite progress toward the development of a safe and effective AIDS vaccine.

AIDS Vaccines↗

Technology evaluation: C242-DM1, ImmunoGen Inc.

C242-DM1 is a tumor-activated immunotoxin under development by GlaxoSmithKline plc (formerly SmithKline Beecham plc), under licence from ImmunoGen Inc, as a potential treatment for colon tumor. It consists of a colon cancer-specific humanized antibody, C242, conjugated to the maytansine derivative DM1. In preclinical studies, C242-DM1 caused complete tumor regression in animal models of both human pancreatic and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at non-toxic doses. C242-DM1 has also been evaluated in an immunoconjugate combination with J-591 (Cornell University). The J591-DM1 immunoconjugate demonstrated effective, antigen-specific delivery of a highly cytotoxic drug to PSMA-positive Pca cells in vitro and in vivo with low systemic toxicity. Results from studies in monkeys showed that C242-DM1 had no significant toxicity or side effects, when administered at doses higher than those that were previously shown to completely eradicate human colon tumors in mice [271420]. ImmunoGen acquired the right to evaluate, and an option to license, technology related to maytansines from Takeda. In February 1999, ImmunoGen and SmithKline Beecham signed a US $45 million development and commercialization agreement for C242-DM1 [313493]. In August 1997, Immunogen received an SBIR grant to advance development of huC242-DM1 [258356]. EP-00425235, held by ImmunoGen, covers conjugated forms of ansamitocin (maytansine) derivatives. Takeda holds several patents for the production of ansamitocin and its analogs, the first one being JP-53124692.

Animals↗

Stimulation of HIV-1-neutralizing antibodies in simian HIV-IIIB-infected macaques.

Previously we have discovered a public idiotope, designated 1F7, that is expressed on antibodies against HIV type 1 (HIV-1) in human and nonhuman primates. To test the potential of mouse monoclonal antibody (mAb) 1F7 as a therapeutic anti-clonotypic antibody in HIV-1-infected patients, we used the simian HIV-IIIB macaque infection model, which mimics several immunological and pathological characteristics of HIV-1 infection in humans. Four healthy simian HIV-infected rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) expressing the 1F7 marker on anti-gp120 antibodies were selected for this study. Three monkeys of this group were immunized several times with the murine mAb 1F7 i.v., and one monkey received as control an isotype-matched antibody, TEPC183. No serious side effect or allergic reaction was encountered. Blood collected before and during the immunization and over several months afterward were analyzed for neutralizing antibodies. Significant increases in breadth and potency of HIV-1-neutralizing antibody titers to one or more virus strains were detected in all three of the 1F7-immunized monkeys, but not in the control monkey immunized with TEPC183. These results show that an antibody, recognizing a public idiotope associated with anti-HIV-1 antibodies can function in chronically infected primates as an anti-clonotypic immunogen to boost antibodies that neutralize homologous and heterologous virus strains. This study represents a first step toward the preclinical evaluation of 1F7 as a therapeutic AIDS vaccine.

AIDS Vaccines↗

Preclinical evaluation of group B streptococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccines prepared with a modified diphtheria toxin and a recombinant duck hepatitis B core antigen.

An effective vaccine against group B streptococcal (GBS) disease will undoubtedly include capsular polysaccharides (CPSs) from each of the five serotypes prevalent in the United States individually coupled to immunogenic proteins. This formulation may require the use of two or more different protein carriers. We preclinically examined the potential of two proteins to serve as effective carriers for GBS type III CPS. Recombinant duck hepatitis B core antigen (rdHBcAg), a particulate protein of viral origin, and a newly mutated form of diphtheria toxin (DTm) were covalently and directly coupled to purified type III CPS by reductive amination. Seventy-seven of 79 (97%) newborn pups born to mouse dams actively vaccinated with type III CPS-rdHBcAg conjugate survived GBS type III challenge, whereas none of the pups born to dams that received an uncoupled mixture of type III CPS and rdHBcAg or saline survived. Likewise, 64 (98%) of 65 pups born to dams vaccinated with type III CPS-DTm conjugate survived challenge, in sharp contrast to no survivors among the pups born to dams vaccinated with an uncoupled mixture of type III CPS and DTm. The presence of type III CPS-specific IgG in serum from dams correlated with pup survival in groups that received a conjugate vaccine, and this serum was opsonically active in vitro against GBS type III. In addition, carrier-specific IgG was also measured in serum from vaccinated mice. These data suggest that the rdHBcAg and DTm may be effective carriers for GBS CPSs.

Animals↗

Characterization of mouse MAGE-derived H-2Kb-restricted CTL epitopes.

Immunogenic peptide epitopes from tumor-associated antigens serve as targets for cellular immune responses in numerous clinical trials for therapeutic vaccinations. From these it became evident that prevailing questions can only be addressed in animal models. Hence, problems arise from the fact that while for human melanoma many different immunogenic peptide epitopes are known, for mouse melanoma the available selection is very restricted. To overcome this limitation, we applied reverse immunology to identify Kb-restricted epitopes derived of mouse MAGE. Two epitopes which bind strongly to Kb were selected to test for their immunogenicity in vivo. Spleen cells from mice vaccinated by intradermal injection of mature dendritic cells pulsed with these peptides displayed reactivity to the respective epitopes as measured by enzyme-linked immunospot assays and tetramer staining. The processing and presentation of these epitopes was evident by the killing of melanoma cells by the vaccination-induced T cells. Moreover, intravenous challenge with syngeneic melanoma cells demonstrated the protective immunity induced by this vaccination. In summary, we demonstrate the immunogenicity of two Kb-restricted peptide epitopes derived from mouse MAGE proteins which may serve as valuable tool for preclinical evaluation of vaccination strategies.

Animals↗

Codon optimized expression of HPV 16 E6 renders target cells susceptible to E6-specific CTL recognition.

The early proteins E6 and E7 of the cancer-related human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV 16) are constitutively expressed in cancer cells thus are targets for immune therapeutic approaches. Whereas previous studies have mainly focussed on the immunogenicity of E7 protein little is known about E6. In order to evaluate E6-specific DNA immunization strategies in a preclinical mouse model C57BL/6 mice were injected with plasmid pTHampE6 and analyzed for E6-specific CTL induction. CTL specific for the H2-K(b)-restricted E6-derived epitope E6 48-57, were readily detectable among splenocytes of immunized animals, however, these CTL showed a differential recognition pattern on various E6-expressing target cells. Using a newly generated E6-specific monoclonal antibody we found that most cell lines expressing E6 encoded by the natural gene showed undetectable protein amounts and were ignored by E6-specific CTL. However, transfection of a codon optimized version of the E6 gene (E6opt) strongly enhanced protein expression levels within these cells turning them into susceptible target cells. Surprisingly, we found that E6-positive TC-1 cells, although recognized by E6-specific CTL, were totally devoid of any detectable E6 protein. Inhibition of proteasomal function by lactacystin treatment diminished E6-specific CTL recognition of TC-1 cells and RMA/E6opt transfectants accompanied by intracellular accumulation of E6 protein as observed in RMA/E6opt transfectants, but not in TC-1 cells. These data suggest that in TC-1 cells rapid degradation processes might prevent stable expression of E6 protein yet generate precursor peptides in amounts sufficient for MHC class I restricted antigen presentation. Thus, the results presented in this paper show that: (i) use of optimized codons in transfection experiments can improve susceptibility of target cells to E6-specific CTL recognition and (ii) lack of detectable protein within a cell does not necessarily indicate the absence of epitope presentation. Both findings are of potential relevance for the design of tumor vaccines.

Animals↗

[Vaccination against the tumoral mammary epithelial cells expressing MUC1 mucin].

Polymorphic epithelial mucin (PEM), encoded by the MUC1 gene, is present at the apical surface of glandular epithelial cells. It is both overexpressed and aberrantly glycosylated in the majority of breast tumors, resulting in an antigenically distinct molecule and a potential target for immunotherapy trials. This transmembrane protein is cleaved into the circulation where it is detectable as a tumour marker (CA15.3) by a variety of antibodies, allowing for early detection of recurrences as well as evaluation of treatment efficacy. We shall review here the molecular structure of this protein at the basis for its immunogenicity and discuss preclinical and clinical trials in progress using immunogens based on MUC1. We shall also briefly review the altered immune reactivity in cancer patients.

Animals↗

Preclinical evaluation of microencapsulated CFA/II oral vaccine against enterotoxigenic E. coli.

Colonization Factor Antigen (CFA/II) from enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) prepared under good manufacturing practices (GMP) was successfully incorporated into biodegradable poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) polymer microspheres (BPM) under GMP and found to be safe and immunogenic when administered intraduodenally to rabbits. Following vaccination, Peyer's patch cells responded by lymphocyte proliferation to in vitro challenge with CFA/II. Also, B cells secreting specific anti-CFA/II antibodies were found in spleens following vaccination. No pathological changes were found following total necropsies of ten rabbits vaccinated with CFA/II BPM. Sixty-three per cent of the CFA/II BPM were between 5 and 10 microns diameter by volume particle size distribution; 1.17% protein content; 2.15% moisture; < 0.01% acetonitrile; 1.6% heptane; 22 non-pathogenic bacteria and three fungi per 1 mg protein dose; and passed the general safety test. We conclude that the CFA/II BPM oral vaccine is immunogenic and safe to begin a Phase I clinical safety study following Investigational New Drug approval.

Administration, Oral↗

Chimeric flaviviruses: novel vaccines against dengue fever, tick-borne encephalitis, and Japanese encephalitis.

Many arthropod-borne flaviviruses are important human pathogens responsible for diverse illnesses, including YF, JE, TBE, and dengue. Live, attenuated vaccines have afforded the most effective and economical means of prevention and control, as illustrated by YF 17D and JE SA14-14-2 vaccines. Recent advances in recombinant DNA technology have made it possible to explore a novel approach for developing live attenuated flavivirus vaccines against other flaviviruses. Full-length cDNA clones allow construction of infectious virus bearing attenuating mutations or deletions incorporated in the viral genome. It is also possible to create chimeric flaviviruses in which the structural protein genes for the target antigens of a flavivirus are replaced by the corresponding genes of another flavivirus. By combining these molecular techniques, the DNA sequences of DEN4 strain 814669, DEN2 PDK-53 candidate vaccine and YF 17D vaccine have been used as the genetic backbone to construct chimeric flaviviruses with the required attenuation phenotype and expression of the target antigens. Encouraging results from preclinical and clinical studies have shown that several chimeric flavivirus vaccines have the safety profile and satisfactory immunogenicity and protective efficacy to warrant further evaluation in humans. The chimeric flavivirus strategy has led to the rapid development of novel live-attenuated vaccines against dengue, TBE, JE, and West Nile viruses.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Plasmodium falciparum CS C-terminal fragment: preclinical evaluation and phase I clinical studies.

Preclinical evaluation of synthetic peptides corresponding to the C-terminal regions of the circumsporozoite (CS) protein in various Plasmodia showed that these preparations were immunogenic and safe upon injection in various animal models. Additionally, the corresponding peptide from Plasmodium falciparum was widely recognized by sera and PBL obtained from semi-immune adults living in malaria endemic areas. Moreover, the CS C-terminal peptide derived from P. berghei conferred protection upon challenge with live sporozoites in mice. A GLP preparation of the synthetic peptide corresponding to residues 282-383 of the Pf CS, NF-54 strain is currently evaluated in a open, non-randomized, Phase I human trial. Data obtained after the second antigen injection show that the malaria vaccine Pf CS 282-383 is safe, well tolerated and gives rise to high antibody titre, CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte responses.

Adult↗

Reflections on a novel therapeutic candidate.

Aptamers composed of L-nucleic acids, Spiegelmers, were selected to specifically bind GnRH. Spiegelmer inhibition of GnRH activity was demonstrated in both cellular and animal models. Rabbit studies showed minimal immunogenic response to the agents.

Animals↗

A phase I radioimmunotherapy trial evaluating 90yttrium-labeled anti-carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) chimeric T84.66 in patients with metastatic CEA-producing malignancies.

Chimeric T84.66 (cT84.66) is a genetically engineered human/murine chimeric IgG, with high affinity and specificity to carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The purpose of this Phase I dose escalation therapy trial was to evaluate the toxicities, biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, tumor targeting, immunogenicity, and organ and tumor absorbed dose estimates of cT84.66 labeled with 90Y. Patients with metastatic CEA-producing malignancies were first administered 5 mCi 111In-labeled DTPA-cT84.66 (5 mg), followed by administration of the therapy dose of 90Y-labeled DTPA-cT84.66 1 week later. The therapy infusion was immediately followed by a 72-h administration of DTPA at 250 mg/m2/24 h. Dose levels of administered activity ranged from 5 to 22 mCi/m2 with three to six patients per level. Serial nuclear scans, blood samples, and 24-h urine collections were performed out to 5 days after infusion. Human antichimeric antibody response was assayed out to 6 months. Patients were administered up to 3 cycles of therapy every 6 weeks. Radiation absorbed doses to organs were estimated using a five compartment model and MIRDOSE3. Twenty-two patients received at least one cycle of therapy, with one individual receiving two cycles and two receiving three cycles of therapy. All were heavily pretreated and had progressive disease prior to entry in this trial. Reversible leukopenia and thrombocytopenia were the primary dose-limiting toxicities observed. Maximum tolerated dose was reached at 22 mCi/ m2. In general, patients with liver metastases demonstrated more rapid blood clearance of the antibody. Thirteen patients developed an immune response to the antibody. Average radiation doses to marrow, liver, and whole body were 2.6, 29, and 1.9 cGy/mCi 90Y, respectively. Dose estimates to tumor ranged from 66 to 1670 cGy (8.7 to 52.2 cGy/mCi 90Y) for each cycle of therapy delivered. Although no major responses were observed, three patients demonstrated stable disease of 12-28 weeks duration and two demonstrated a mixed response. In addition, a 41-100% reduction in tumor size was observed with five tumor lesions. 90Y-labeled cT84.66 was well tolerated, with reversible thrombocytopenia and leukopenia being dose limiting. Patients with extensive hepatic involvement by tumor demonstrated unfavorable biodistribution for therapy with rapid blood clearance and poor tumor targeting. Average tumor doses when compared with red marrow doses indicated a favorable therapeutic ratio. Stable disease and mixed responses were observed in this heavily pretreated population with progressive disease. This trial represents an important step toward further improving the therapeutic potential of this agent through refinements in the characteristics of the antibody and the treatment strategies used. Future trials will focus on the use of peripheral stem cell support to allow for higher administered activities and the use of combined modality strategies with radiation-enhancing chemotherapy drugs. Further efforts to reduce immunogenicity through humanization of the antibody are also planned. Finally, novel engineered, lower molecular weight, faster clearing constructs derived from cT84.66 continue to be evaluated in preclinical models as potential agents for radioimmunotherapy.

Animals↗

Restricted epitope specificity of anti-FVIII antibodies that appeared during a recent outbreak of inhibitors.

We recently described an outbreak of anti-factor VIII (FVIII) antibodies in a population of haemophilia A patients non-responsive to FVIII (1). To find out what part of the FVIII molecule had been altered, we purified specific anti-FVIII antibodies from the plasma of the five patients showing high titres of inhibitors. An average of 100 micrograms antibodies per ml of initial plasma was recovered by immunoadsorption on insolubilised FVIII. The antibodies followed the normal isotypic distribution, including the presence of specific IgG2 antibodies; the relative increase in IgG4 that is usually observed in patients with long-standing inhibitors, was not present. The regions of FVIII to which human antibodies bound were determined by a competition assay using a panel of murine monoclonal antibodies: two major regions were identified, one located in the A2 heavy chain domain, and the other made of determinants of both the A3 and C2 light chain domains. Affinity-purified antibodies inhibited the function of FVIII as determined in a chromogenic assay. However, variations existed in the affinities with which antibodies bound to soluble FVIII. This study shows that the immunogenicity of two particular regions of FVIII has been altered. A screening for alterations located in these two regions should possibly be included in the preclinical evaluation of FVIII concentrates.

Animals↗

Preclinical evaluation of gene transfer products: safety and immunological aspects.

As any new drug in development, gene transfer products have to be tested for their potential toxicity in preclinical studies. Strategies for preclinical safety evaluation of gene transfer compounds are similar to those undertaken for biotechnology-derived pharmaceuticals with the added complexity of having to test additional components, such as the vector and genetic material. Some recommendations have been issued by regulatory agencies to provide assistance in the toxicological assessment of gene transfer products before administration to humans. However, the design of such studies is complicated and has to be approached case-by-case. Crucial aspects for safety evaluation are: (1) the choice of animal models with respect to the pharmacological activity of the gene transfer product, the susceptibility to infection in the case of viral vectors, and to the immunogenicity of all entities; (2) biodistribution of the vector after administration, avoiding germinal transmission. Immunological and immunotoxicity endpoints should also be assessed. This paper reviews some of the properties of gene transfer vectors with emphasis on their potential effects on the immune system, and also highlights some of the problems likely to be encountered during the preclinical safety evaluation.

Animals↗

[Protective activity of antigenic preparations isolated by different methods from Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 3].

The specific protective activity of antigenic preparations isolated from Str. pneumoniae culture by sedimentation with 96% ethanol or acetone was demonstrated in experiments with the active immunization of mice and their subsequent challenge with a virulent culture. The protective activity of antigenic preparations, expressed in micrograms, was shown to be directly related to the protein content of these preparations and inversely related to their carbohydrate content. The deproteinization of antigenic complexes isolated from Str. pneumoniae grown both in solid and in liquid culture media was accompanied by an increase in their immunogenicity.

Animals↗

The preliminary clinical evaluation of the safety and efficacy of a fertility regulating vaccine.

Since the mid 1970s, the World Health Organization's Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, through its Task Force on Vaccines for Fertility Regulation, has been supporting and coordinating the development of a birth control vaccine based on a synthetic peptide representing part of the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotrophin (beta-hCG). The majority of this work has been carried out in the laboratories of Dr V.C. Stevens at Ohio State University. This hCG vaccine has recently been tested for tolerability and immunogenicity in a phase I clinical trial, and a preliminary evaluation of the vaccine's efficacy in fertile women volunteers is currently being planned. This paper describes the preclinical and clinical testing of this vaccine and the problems and challenges presented by this novel preparation. These have included the need to carry out safety and efficacy studies in the baboon, and the difficulties of designing appropriate preclinical toxicity and immunosafety studies and clinical trial protocols in the absence of previous experience with vaccines of this type.

Animals↗